The Forgotten Reflection🔊

Once upon a time, in an ancient Kingdom of Domitiar, lived a humble blacksmith named Alden. His reputation for creating magnificent weapons and armors of unmatched quality had garnered substantial admiration throughout the kingdom. While Alden toiled away day and night, he cherished a secret dream, a unique ambition envisaged only by his heart.

One day, a mysterious stranger arrived at his humble blacksmithing quarters. Cloaked in an enigmatic aura, he carried an antiquated mirror with silver engravings. With piercing green eyes full of wisdom, the stranger said, 'With this mirror you will glimpse images unseen, mysteries unraveled. But beware Alden, to peer into this looking glass is to confront your deepest self.' The stranger's cryptic words intrigued Alden, his curiosity piqued, accepted this peculiar gift.

Night fell over the kingdom of Domitiar. His heart pounding, Alden took one deep breath and leaned into the mirror. Suddenly, a brilliant light enveloped him, transporting him to a world unseen. He found himself in a grand castle with high turrets and huge halls filled with gold and precious gems. He saw himself, not a humble blacksmith, but a mighty king ruling the kingdom with grace and wisdom. This was the secret dream he had cherished for years. The pleasure of power and respect brought a smile to his face, but the mirror's magic was not finished.

Next, he saw himself not in grandeur, but in despair and sorrow. Alden was still a king, but cruel, ruthless, losing all he held dear. He saw his people suffering, his reputation tarnished in his mad quest for power. Striking fear and chaos, his reign was a dark period in Domitiar's history. The realization hit Alden hard, causing his heart to ache.

The mirror then showed Alden a third image. He saw himself not as blacksmith or king, but as a great warrior. Decoder of justice, a symbol of courage fighting not for power, but for his people. He navigated through countless wars, persevered, and emerged victorious every single time. Yet, these victories were salted with utter loneliness. He had the respect and admiration of his subjects but no one to share the solitude.

Then came the final vision. Alden, not as a King or warrior, but as an ordinary man. He had a beautiful family, loving children, a humble home filled with laughter and joy. Living a life without any grandeur, he was bereft of riches and power, yet he was content and lived a life of tranquility. The sight of this tranquility reflected peace that Alden had never known at his forge.

At the break of dawn, Alden returned from his surreal journey and found himself standing in front of the antiquated mirror in his smithy. His heart was heavy with the reflections he had seen and the lessons each one had taught him. He fell asleep right there, and in his dreams, he embraced the tranquility he had witnessed in his final vision.

Days turned into weeks and weeks into months, Alden continued his work as the blacksmith. It was the same mundane life, but something was different. It was Alden. His eyes were more peaceful, his smile more genuine. He continued to mold weapons and armors but his heart had been shaped anew.

Alden used the strength of a king, the courage of a warrior, and the tranquility of a common man to shape his life and those around him. He became known not for his magnificent creations, but for his wisdom and wholesome demeanor. His life, though ordinary, became a tale to tell. It was no king's saga, no warrior's epic, but the humble and fulfilling story of The Forgotten Reflection. The story of a simple blacksmith who learned to live not as a king but a man content with his life, carrying the tranquility of a simple life resonating in the clinking and clanking of the hammer against steel.