The Blooming Love of Herzog
In a land painted in shades of greens and blues, nestled between towering mountains and a placid sea, existed a small Kingdom, Herzog. It was known across continents for its beautiful gardens filled with flowers that bloomed all year round and stunning crystal clear lakes. They held an annual heartwarming festival for the arrival of spring, and what made it unique was its lasting love story.
Once in Herzog, there lived a beautiful Princess named Isolde, whose beauty was surpassed only by her kindness. Equally captivating was the Prince of the neighbouring kingdom, Lycia, named Tristian. He was admired for his bravery, wisdom, and compassionate heart. Their fathers, being good friends, had arranged a marriage between them when they were merely children. Growing up together, they fostered a deep bond and love blossomed between the two hearts.
However, fate had a cruel twist in store for them. During a hunting trip, Prince Tristian had an accident and was left with a grave injury causing him to lose his eyesight. The news shook Isolde to her core. But the heartbreaking incident only strengthened Isolde’s love for him. Tristian, worried about the quality of life he could give Isolde, decided to call off the wedding. Heartbroken, yet determined, Isolde refused to accept it.
Tristian decided to isolate himself in the palace, declining to see anyone, including Isolde. To communicate with him, she started sending him a flower daily from her private garden with a message attached to it. Each flower was accompanied by a heart-touching note describing the flower's color, fragrance, and shape. She beautifully articulated her thoughts and perceptions, providing comfort to the disheartened Tristian. The daily flower became the highlight of his day, something that re-kindled hope and reconnected him with the world outside his dark chamber.
Despite not able to see, with Isolde’s letters, Tristian felt each flower blooming, he saw the colors in his mind and felt the fragrance in his heart and most importantly, he could see Isolde's unwavering love for him. Touched and moved by her steady devotion, he finally relented. He realized being loved wasn't about what you could give but what you truly felt in your heart. And so, he invited Isolde, who eagerly rushed through the garden to see him.
The whole kingdom held its breath as Isolde knocked on Tristian’s door. He recognized her knock and opened the door. She saw him standing there, his eyes vacant yet filled with longing. They embraced each other as tears streamed down their faces. Tristian knew it was Isolde standing before him, not by her vision but through her comforting presence and the love he felt for her. They confessed their love, deciding to fight against all odds and to remain together.
Their story became a symbol of true and lasting love, and to celebrate their unwavering devotion, the kingdom of Herzog began the annual festival of spring. Each spring, the people of Herzog exchanged beautiful flowers accompanied by heart-warming notes to express their sentiments, mirroring the old lovers' practice.
Today, travelling storytellers share the tale of the love between Princess Isolde and Prince Tristian. Despite being marked by tragedy, the story is a testament to the depth and power of love. It is a tale that will continue to inspire and live through the ages, just like the mythical blooms of Herzog.