The Forgotten Fairytale
Once upon a time in the heart of a vast and enchanted forest lived a humble toy maker named Alden. He was a loner, bereft of family or friends, preferring the company of his creations over human interaction. His dolls were not just toys; they were masterpieces, beautifully crafted with remarkable detail, each doll having a hint of Alden's spirit.
Near Alden's modest dwelling was the majestic palace of the enchantress Galadia. Known for her capricious nature, Galadia had great power but little patience. Alden, being a solitary man, spared little thought for her, focusing instead on his craft. That was until one day, Galadia, who was used to admiration, felt a sting in her heart. She realised that Alden was the only one in the realm who did not acknowledge her presence.
One evening, Galadia decided to visit the toymaker. Intrigued by his creativity, she commanded Alden to fashion her likeness in doll form. Alden, respectful yet unafraid, agreed but on one condition – he would need her to model for him. Galadia agreed, seeing it as another opportunity to allure Alden.
Days turned into weeks. Oblivious to Galadia's ulterior motives, Alden absorbed himself in his work, not realizing Galadia was falling for his simplicity and absolute dedication towards his craft. The enchantress found herself trapped in unusual feelings, something she’d never felt before — love.
The day came when Alden unveiled the doll. Galadia was taken aback, not just the doll's uncanny similarity to her, but by the warmth and kindness mirrored through its tiny eyes - a side of her that Alden had perceived and captured. Alden had not only crafted a doll but also unknowingly mended Galadia's fickle heart.
Seeing her true self through Alden's eyes, Galadia fell in love with her own reflection. But the enchantress, unfamiliar with the sentiment of love, knew not how to express it. In her desperation, Galadia confessed her love for Alden, proposing to transform him into a prince to rule by her side. Alden, taken aback by this sudden confession, kindly refused, expressing how his genuine joy lies in his artistry and solitude.
Unable to accept Alden's refusal, Galadia's wounded heart reverted to her capricious nature. She turned Alden into a doll, damning him to a lonely existence. The creative spark in Alden's eyes was replaced with a resin tear, a symbol of his tragic fate.
Galadia, filled with regret, wish she could undo her rash action, but her powers did not permit a reversal of her own enchantments. In constant guilt and sorrow, Galadia locked herself in her palace, along with the Alden doll. Her once buzzing court was now silent.
As fate had it, the woodland creatures, who loved the humble toymaker, plotted to break the spell. An old fox had seen a foolish young Galadia spilling her secret to a waterfall. If love and consistent kindness were to touch the cursed one, the spell would shatter.
Over years, animals, big and small, expressed their love and companionship towards the Alden doll, thanking him for the joy he had brought with his wonderful dolls. As legends promised, the strength of pure, unwavering love finally shattered the curse one day. Alden was human again!
Galadia, witnessing this miracle, came running from her palace. She fell into Alden’s arms, tears streaming down her face, apologizing profusely. Alden, kind as ever, forgave the repentant enchantress.
The story of Alden and Galadia resonated with all; humans horrific actions and regret fuelling a desperate search for redemption. That there was no darkness love couldn’t pierce through, no wound it couldn't heal.
Galadia, once the capricious enchantress, was now a wise queen, experiencing love and kindness. Alden, once a humble toy maker, was now a living hero, his story immortal. His dolls, now cherished more than ever, became a symbol of inspiration, encouraging love, kindness and patience in all.
And thus, they continued living, shaping a world where love moulded the law, kindness influenced actions, and patience dictated time. A world fuelled by the power of the once Forgotten Fairytale.