The Forgotten Seed
Once upon a time, in the valley of Einondale, lived a couple as old as the hoary hills themselves. Every sunrise saw the couple, Mary and Thomas, tending to their expansive garden; a vibrant sanctuary bustling with life and colors. The garden was their family, their pride, and their solace, yet they yearned for a wish they believed was forever lost to them: to nurture a child of their own.
On one of the days, while cleaning the old barn, Thomas found an ancient chest, layered with dust and time. With a heart filled with curiosity, he opened it to reveal a single, shimmering golden seed. Allured and confused by its peculiar appearance, Thomas decided to plant the seed in his beloved garden, hoping it would grow, little guessing how that seed would change their lives.
Days turned into weeks, changing weather hues but the golden seed showed no signs of life. Mary, knowing Thomas's disappointment, decided to share with him an old wisdom told by her grandma, 'Sometimes, Nature needs more than water and sunshine. It needs a little touch of love.'
With a smile of understanding, they both started talking to the seed, whispering words of encouragement, care, and love. Admittedly, the villagers thought them mad, whispering amused and bewildering tales among themselves. However, Mary and Thomas, oblivious to the world's derision, continued their daily communion with the seed.
One morning, to their wonder and joy, a tiny sprout had risen from the ground where the golden seed was planted. It wasn't just any plant but one with leaves of silver and a stem of gold. Bewildered, they watched as the plant grew faster than any they had ever observed, maturing into a beautiful, glistening tree within no time.
As months rolled by, a unique event occurred. The tree bore a single fruit, unlike any they had ever seen: an iridescent, pulsating object. With a bit of hesitance and a lot of excitement, they picked the fruit. As Thomas slit open the fruit with careful precision, their cottage was filled with an ethereal light. To their surprise, nestled inside was a baby girl, glowing just as ethereally.
Overwhelmed with joy, they named her Auroria, after the Aurora Borealis. Auroria, as they soon discovered, was a special child. She could speak to animals, make plants grow by touching them, and most astonishingly, manipulate light. Fearing the world's reaction, they shielded Auroria from outside contacts, ensconcing her within the warmth and safety of their little world.
The villagers, who had forgotten about the couple, soon started hearing stories of strange, glowing phenomenons from the couple's house. Suspicion and curiosity spiraled, leading them to pay a surprise visit to Mary and Thomas. Having no choice but to introduce Auroria, they met her with expressions ranging from awe to fear.
Much to the couple's fear, word about Auroria spread, reaching the royal castle. The king, intrigued and covetous of her abilities, ordered Auroria to be seized. Mary and Thomas resisted, but their age and lack of strength did not stand a chance against the king's guards.
Having been brought to the castle, Auroria was forced to use her powers for the King's greed. She was sad but could not risk her parents' life. Back in the valley, Mary and Thomas, drowned in worry, could no longer bear the sight of their empty home. In their grief, exhausted, they kneeled down near the golden tree and begged for their daughter's return.
The golden tree, feeling their heartfelt pleas, shimmered and the old couple was transported to the castle gates. Shocked, but compelled by their love for Auroria, they sneaked into the castle. They found Auroria held captive, her radiance dimming with her increasing sorrow.
Devising a plan, they managed to reach Auroria. Upon seeing them, she broke into tears, her radiance returning stronger than ever as if fueled by her parents' love. Her powerful glow alerted the guards and in the chaos that ensued, Auroria, extending her hands towards her parents, transported them back to their home, away from the castle, away from the clutches of the power-hungry king.
The experience left Auroria changed; she had come to understand the real worth of her powers. She decided to use them for the greater good, helping villagers with her extraordinary abilities, thus transforming Einondale from a modest valley to a thriving community, filled with happiness.
She would always be seen with her parents, now filled with contentment and pride; their dream had not just been met but blossomed into a reality more beautiful than they expected. This tale of 'The Forgotten Seed' passed from generation to generation would always echo in the valley of Einondale, reminding everyone about love, courage and the magic that kindled from it.