The Enigma of the Forgotten Land
The world, for as long as anyone could remember, had been divided into two halves: East and West. The stories of the Forgotten Land in the Middle formed a part of every childhood's lore in both divisions yet nobody tried to confirm its existence. This is until a young, audacious explorer from the East named Elias decided to take the initiative.
Elias was a child of the mountains. He had an insatiable curiosity about exploring the unexplored. Despite the warnings and stories of travellers never returning, he decided to set on a journey to uncover the truth behind the Forgotten Land.
Elias set sail alone, armed with only a compass, his father's old map, and the determination. The westerly winds led him to the uncharted waters, allowing him to embark on the journey towards the truth. Months passed, with lonely nights under the starlight sky and mornings greeted by the brisk breeze of the sea. His only companions were the tales of the sea and his unwavering spirit.
One morning, Elias saw a silhouette in the distance that appeared like a gigantic shadow breaking through the sea’s horizon, something quite much unlike a ship. His heart thumped in his chest. Could this be the Forgotten Land?
As his ship approached the island, the sight that met Elias's eyes was incredibly mesmerising. Tall cliffs blanketed in lush greenery, cascading waterfalls, golden beaches and a vibrant display of flora and fauna, the island indeed seemed forgotten, untouched by the hands of man. Dubious tales had painted pictures of inhospitable environments and terrifying beasts, but the truth was a stark contrast. The Forgotten Land was a paradise.
Elias decided to explore further. Dressed in his explorer's gear, map and compass in hand, he set foot on the forgotten land. With every step he took, a new wonder awaited him. Strange flowers bloomed, brightly colored little creatures appeared to dance and chirp welcoming songs, and magnificent trees swayed as if to whisper ancient stories of lore.
As days turned into weeks, Elias unraveled more secrets of the Forgotten Land, filling pages of his journal. He learned about the various species of animals and plants that only existed here and deciphered surprising elements of the island’s history hidden within the landscape. The Forgotten Land wasn't a dangerous abyss but rather had been a sanctuary for a thriving civilization lost in time.
Months went by as Elias lived in harmony with his surroundings, understanding the Forgotten Land's secrets. But, he also longed for his homeland, the fresh snow of the mountains, and the familiar faces of his village. With a heavy heart, he decided to return to share the tales of his discoveries.
When Elias returned to the East, he was greeted with disbelief and awe. The boy who had voluntarily sailed into the abyss was returned as a man bearing tales of a forgotten paradise. His journals were revered, and his tales etched in official records.
However, as time passed, the young explorer decided that the Forgotten Land must remain untouched. He burned the maps he drafted of the area and locked away his diary, choosing not to reveal the path to the island. For a place that grew in isolation and thrived in its solitude did not need to be touched by civilization. It was beautiful, untouched.
And thus, the true essence of the Forgotten Land lived on, unveiled only in the heart and mind of the brave explorer who dared to venture where no one else did. The young Elias from the East, who found and left the Forgotten Land as it was meant to be, untouched and forgotten by the reaches of civilization, for it to live on in its true splendor for an eternity!