Ian and Timber: The Miracle of Folktale
Once upon a time, in the quaint village of Folktale nestled by the serene flowing river Fluer, there lived a humble carpenter named Ian. Ian was renowned in the whole village for his intricate craftsmanship and exceptional woodworking skills.
Ian lived alone in a small yet entrancing cottage, which he had skillfully carved out of a giant tree trunk that was struck by a lightning bolt many years ago. Ian was loved by everyone, not just because of his admirable craft but also for his innate humility and kindness. Despite these seemingly good fortunes, there lived a profound sadness within him, a hollow space untouched by the love and admiration of his fellow villagers. In his heart, he craved to have a family of his own, the warmth of a loving wife, and the joyous laughter of a child.
On a breezy afternoon, while Ian was immersed in crafting yet another masterpiece, he found a piece of mystical wood that he had never seen before. The wood was unlike any he had ever seen - it was as strong as a diamond yet as light as a feather, and in it resided an alluring glow. Curious and entranced, Ian decided to carve a figurine of a little boy from this peculiar wood. With his ingenious craftsmanship, he sculpted a realistic figurine whose beauty was beyond human comprehension. To his awe and surprise, as soon as he was done sculpting, the figurine sprung to life. It was a miracle beyond Ian's wildest dreams.
The wooden boy had the demeanor of a regular child, albeit a tad bit extra agile and robust due to his unique composition. He was filled with childlike wonder and innocence, asking Ian endless questions about the world that intrigued him. Ian named him Timber. Timber became the son Ian had always yearned for and Ian, the father Timber never had.
The word of Ian's sentient wooden son spread like wildfire across the village, bringing joy and wonder into the lives of the folk. Despite his popularity, Timber yearned to be a real boy. He wished to feel the touch of a mother, the warmth of a hug, the rhythm of a beating heart.
One fateful night, when Timber's desire was overwhelming, Ian saw a falling star. He urged Timber to make a wish. Timber closed his eyes and whispered his wish under his breath. When he opened his eyes, he found himself transformed into a real boy. His wooden skin replaced by soft flesh and a heartbeat echoing in his chest. His joy knew no boundaries, and Ian could hardly believe what he was seeing.
However, their joy was short-lived. The transformation caused Timber's strength to diminish significantly, making him vulnerable like any other human boy. One day, while he was playing by the banks of the river Fluer, he slipped and fell into the raging river. With his diminished strength, he was unable to fight the river's current.
Ian, who always watched over his son from a distance, saw the incident. Without a second thought, he dove into the river and swam against the overwhelming current. With great difficulty, he managed to reach Timber and pull him to the shore. The villagers, who had gathered to see the spectacle, cheered as Ian saved his son.
Ian’s act of courage made him the village hero. But most importantly, it showed the depth of a father's love for his child. From that day on, every villager understood that real strength didn't come from superhuman abilities, but from the unwavering will to protect loved ones. And Timber, who learned the power of love over physical supremacy, eventually became a legendary figure in Folktale, loved and remembered by every generation to come.