The Forgotten Wisp of the Willow🔊

Once upon a time, in a mystical land filled with enchanting creatures, nestled a great forest named 'Veridion'. In the heart of this lush and serene forest lay a venerable old Willow tree, whose tale was deeply interwoven with the history of the forest itself, dating back to the era of the ancients.

The Willow was an old soul, fulgent with wisdom, whose long drooping branches adorned numerous delicate buds of luminescent wisps, whispering tales of forgotten eras. Each wisp was a living spark of the past, expected to grow and glow until they would detach from the tree and take on their form, taking a new life with tales of their own.

Amongst them, was a tiny wisp, often tucked away behind stronger, brighter comrades. This little one was christened 'Niteo', signifying the ever radiant. However, unlike his name, Niteo was dim and small, his glow seemed never to grow, becoming the subject of whispers amongst his wisp brethren.

Days turned into seasons, and seasons into fleeting years, the luminous buds came to life and disbanded from the Willow, beginning their journey, leaving Niteo behind. Worried, the ancient Willow counselled the tiny wisp, 'Niteo, fear not your pace, for you're not meant to race. Endurance is the courage of staying, not of rushing.'

As centuries passed, Niteo, who was once surrounded by many, was now left alone. His loneliness could have sparked resentment, but instead it sparked curiosity, a thirst for knowledge. He started asking the Willow endless questions about the forest, the creatures, the sun, the moon, the stars - everything that the Willow had seen throughout the centuries. The Willow, ensnared by the wisp's thirst for learning, narrated tales of forgotten ages, of love and despair, courage and fear, deceived kings and truthful beggars; the old tree unravelled worlds within worlds to the patient listener.

Engaged in the grandeur of the past, Niteo started to radiate stronger. Word of the little glowing ball of light tucked within the branches of the Willow spread in the forest. Creatures started venturing towards Veridion to hear the tales, their hearts filled with awe and curiosity. Night after night, they'd look at Niteo interpret the forest's history through the Willow's wisdom, their eyes wide with wonder, their hearts resonating with tales of old.

One midnight, when the moon was veiled behind the cloud, a loud roar echoed in the serene Veridion. The red dragon - an ancient nemesis of the forest, fuelled by resentment and rage, set the Veridion ablaze. The forest animals as well as their small fairy-like protector, Niteo, saw these flames feed on their home.

Suddenly, centuries worth of knowledge, wisdom, and bravery ignited within Niteo. He left his place at the Willow with the tree's blessing. Hovering over the blazing forest, Niteo glowed brighter than ever, his light diffusing into a protective shield that enveloped the whole forest. The radiance turned the dragon's rage into revelation, reflecting his past, his actions and making him realise the doom his rage caused.

Ashamed and remorseful, the dragon withdrew his flames, and flew away, disappearing into the night, leaving behind a forest draped in Niteo's radiant shield. The fire was silenced, the night regaining its peacefulness. Niteo, his energy spent, dimmed down and returned to his beloved willow friend. He had consumed most of his energy, but he was content, for he had protected the forest who had given him so much.

Niteo's tale then became a beacon of endurance, wisdom and courage in the face of adversity. Throughout the realms, his name was known for his devotion and bravery. People realised, sometimes the ones deemed weak and slow turn out to be the most enduring and strongest. Niteo, the dimmest wisp, became the protector light of the Veridion forest, illuminating endless tales, embodying the undying spirit of wisdom and courage.

As for Niteo, he continued his existence in the heart of Veridion, in the fulfilling company of the ancient Willow, whispering forgotten lore into the ears of Veridion's children - forever known as the 'Forgotten Wisp of the Willow'.