The Forgotten Vale
Once upon a time, in a far-flung corner of the realm, lay a delicate cleft known as the Forgotten Vale. Barely touched by man, this vale was nourished by a petite brook, its lapping waters the only sound within the shroud of silence that draped over the unspoiled haven.
The solitary residents of the vale were the obscenely bright, youthful trees that formed an emerald canopy over the serene vale, their roots ambling over the fertile land, greedily absorbing the richness offered beneath. Amongst them, dotted over the panorama, were the vivid outbursts of vibrant wildflowers, the blaze of their colors basking in the muted sunlight.
Camped out on the edge of this vale was a lonely shepherd, Elian, and his flock of wooly sheep. Elian was a well-built man, with the sun baking his skin a dark hue, his beard rough, and his mercuric eyes reflected a world inundated with wisdom. Elian had dwelt by the vale for as long as he had drawn breath.
One sunny morning, a prolonged rustle unfurled from the heart of the vale. This was a sound alien to the realm of the vale, a sound that brought along a shapeless fear that hung heavy in the moist air of the vale. Despite the unease, Elian decided to glimpse the mysterious entity that disrupted the tranquil harmony.
As Elian ventured farther into the lush labyrinth, he felt the nipped air take on an unusual warmth. He arched his brow but shrugged it off and trudged on. The moment he approached the center of the vale, he found himself before a gigantic stone.
Gloomy, moss-laden, and ancient, the stone was an arena to countless forgotten tales. A misshapen opening was visible in the side of this impressive formation. From this opening, spilled out the golden, fervent light that filled the vale. Elian was wrenched between curiosity and dread but ultimately decided to enter the stone.
Inside was a cavern, sparkling with veins of precious gems. At the center, encased in a golden throne, was a creature whose brilliance matched the cavern itself. It was a dragon, a large, reptilian creature with scales that shone brighter than any gem present there. His eyes were a piercing azure, and his serpentine tail lashed out, reflecting the awe-inspiring light from his golden lair.
Elian found his heart pounding and his legs wobbly. However, the dragon spoke with a harmonious voice saying he meant no harm. He introduced himself as Saphira and shared his tale of how he had been cast away by his kind for choosing peace over conflict.
Touched by Saphira's story, Elian promised to keep his secret hidden. As a token of their newfound camaraderie, Saphira offered Elian a gem that was engraved with the symbol of their friendship - a shepherded sheep and a serpentine dragon intertwined.
From that day forward, Elian and Saphira became the best of friends. Saphira would often share stories of his majestic kind, flying far and wide, where the leaves danced and the wind sung. In return, Elian would bring Saphira news of the outer world, the kingdoms, the people, and their tales, while also teaching the latter the soft joy of tranquility.
Their relationship shaped the tale of the Forgotten Vale, no longer just a Vale, but a place of friendship, peace, and a secret between a man and a dragon. The magical bond between Elian and Saphira reminded all who learned about their story that peace was a choice, and friendship sometimes blooms in the most unexpected places.
And so, the tale of the Forgotten Vale carried on, from generation to generation, turning from whispered words to grand narrative. The vale never remained 'forgotten' but received its respect, admiration, and serenity it ever deserved. Lastly, if one looked close enough, they could still see the engraving of a shepherded sheep and the serpentine dragon on the ancient stone, narrating the sweet tale of an unusual friendship and tranquility.