The Legend of the Forbidden Forest
In a distant time, much unlike our own, was the vibrant kingdom of Eldraine, a place where all formidable species coexisted. Humans, elves, dwarves, and other mystical beings all living under the benevolent rule of King Eldred.
King Eldred's most treasured asset wasn't his crown or his subjects, but his only son, Prince Leydan. But Leydan wasn't an ordinary prince. He was born with unusual powers, the ability to converse with animals, a talent unseen among the natives of Eldraine. This gift made him loved by his people, and more so by the beasts across the kingdom.
Unfolding alongside this harmonious existence was the forbidden forest of Fayspire. The forest was home to an ancient prophecy stating that 'the one possessing knowledge of all tongues, the mortal, and beast kin alike, would awake an ancient evil that could shatter the existence of Eldraine'.
Embracing his curiosity, and dismissive of the prophecy, Prince Leydan started venturing into the dense woods of Fayspire. On one of his wanderings, he encountered Vern, a wise old fox, who was always thrilled to share his wisdom and tales of yore with the Prince.
One day, Vern told Leydan about a beautiful phoenix named Zaya that was trapped in the heart of the forest. Guided by Vern's tales and his heart's compassion, without a second thought, Leydan decided to free Zaya from her chains, unaware of what his actions might unleash.
Days turned into weeks, and Leydan finally succeeded in deciphering the magical lock that confined Zaya. In her gratitude, Zaya promised to serve Leydan, and in return, she only asked for friendship. Leydan, the kind heart that he was, accepted.
However, Zaya was not just any ordinary phoenix. She was the ancient evil spoken of in the prophecy. Through Leydan's innocence, she had been freed and immediately started on her path of chaos and destruction, laying Eldraine in ruins.
Summons sent from Eldraine reached the surrounding kingdoms, pleading for help. But the onslaught was relentless and devasted every incoming aid. The entire kingdom watched in horror as their world crumbled, laid to waste by an entity unleashed by their beloved Prince.
Leydan's heart shattered as he saw the destruction Zaya had caused. Overwhelmed by guilt, he decided to put an end to the turmoil once and for all. He returned to Vern, his old mentor, and sought a way to imprison Zaya once again.
Vern stated that the only way to overcome Zaya was with the 'Power of True Loyalty', a potent spell that could only be evoked by an undying promise of eternal loyalty, something Leydan and Zaya had once exchanged. But invoking the spell would require immense courage, for it also meant that Leyadan would sacrifice his own powers of language, never to communicate with his animal friends again.
The people of Eldraine watched as Leydan confronted Zaya at the kingdom’s square. Teardrops left trails on his face as he bound Zaya back into her chains using the Power of True Loyalty, succumbing to the painful void of losing his powers.
The kingdom slowly began to rebuild from the ruins, the tale of the Forbidden Forest became an unforgettable legend, and Leydan ruled Eldraine with a much more profound wisdom and understanding. He was named Leydan the Brave, his story serving as a poignant reminder that power and curiosity, without wisdom and discretion, could lead to unpredictable consequences.