Journey to Sapphire City🔊

Once, in a small village named Krem lived an eccentric old man named Eben. Eben was known far and wide for his tales. Stories about gargantuan dragons, hidden treasures, mystical lands, and heroic deeds that he claimed to have accomplished. One particular tale caught the imagination of many - 'The Sapphire City'. A city that was all blue, with structures made of sapphires shining in a realm beyond reality. The tale was deemed fiction by cynics, but for an 11-year old inquisitive boy named Tristan, it was a reality that he was determined to explore.

Tristan had grown up listening to Eben's tales, but the 'Sapphire City' fascinated him most. Eben described it to be in the realm of Veil, which anyone can access only once they've lived a century. The challenge left Tristan undeterred; he knew magic existed and could help him reach the city. Seeking assistance, he approached Eben who, flattered by the boy's belief in his tales, gifted him a map with cryptic symbols.

For Tristan, the journey started. He deciphered Eben's map and trod through dense forests, crossed raging rivers filled with crocodiles and even climbed mountains that reached the clouds. The voyage was perilous, yet Tristan bravely overpowered every obstacle, his invincible spirit fuelling his hope.

During his journey, Tristan encountered magical creatures. He met Aetherion, the giant eagle who showed him the path when he was lost in the forest. Then there was Naiad, the beautiful water nymph who saved him from the deadly waterfall. Not to forget the mysterious shape-shifter dwarf, Orik, who helped him battle the mountain trolls. Each encounter made Tristan realize the power of friendship and kindness.

Meanwhile at Krem, villagers were anxious about the young boy's whereabouts, and word spread about Tristan's bold quest. Eben was filled with remorse for unintentionally influencing the boy's dangerous expedition. He decided to make amends by following Tristan.

Few months had passed, Tristan was finally standing in front of the mythical 'Veil'. However, it was guarded by Eos and Selene, the twin dragon sisters. The sheer sight of them was enough to imbue terror, but Tristan was bold enough to approach them. To his surprise, they demanded a sacrifice – a century worth of memories in exchange for passage. Tristan was stuck; he wasn't a century old nor had that many memories. Just when all hope seemed lost, Eben arrived. Understanding the dragon's demand, he offered his own memories to let Tristan through.

Eben's selfless act left everyone, including the dragons, in awe. Honoring Eben’s sacrifice, Eos and Selene permitted Tristan into Veil. Stepping through, Tristan was welcomed to a world where sapphire structures sparkled in all their glory, just like Eben’s stories. However, his joy was short-lived when he realized Eben had paid a huge price. He decided to return, not wanting Eben's century of experiences to have been sacrificed in vain.

Back in Krem, Tristan returned as a hero. His stories were met with the same skepticism that Eben's tales had once received. However, that didn't dishearten him because he knew the truth. He continued to narrate the tales of the 'Sapphire City', just like Eben once did. After all, for him, it was all about keeping the spirit of imagination alive.

Years went by, the tale of the 'Sapphire City' became a tale of bravery, friendship, sacrifices, and the power of belief. As for Tristan, he grew old but his spirit remained young, and he spent his days in laughter, cherishing his once-in-a-lifetime experience – his own tale to tell.