The Legend of the Silent Lake
Once upon a time, in the verdant valleys of Gwyneth, sprawled an omnipotent kingdom named Ephedra. The kingdom was known for its breathtaking beauty and the quiet, serene lake, Cordelia. The lake had earned its fame not merely for its tranquility and crystal clear water but it had a peculiar characteristic - it lacked a single ripple, earning it the name 'Silent Lake'.
King Orion, the ruler of Ephedra, was a wise and benevolent man. Despite having power and riches at his disposal, he led a simple life. King Orion had a son, Prince Altair, a valiant warrior embodying courage and humility. Prince Altair was loved by all in the kingdom. Aside from his royalty, he had a fascinating inclination toward the Silent Lake that had been the focal point of many legends and mysteries.
During his regular exploration to the mesmerizing Lake, Prince Altair often noticed a strange occurrence. Every night, he was awakened by a melodious song enveloping the air, emanating from the heart of the Silent Lake. Completely intrigued by this unusual phenomenon, the Prince sought an expedition to uncover the mystery behind the magical melody.
Accompanied by a team of skilled and brave soldiers, and equipped with swords and torches, Prince Altair edged toward the lake under the cloak of the moonlit night. As usual, the enigmatic song waved through the air, serenading the atmosphere with its enchanting notes. However, this time around, the Prince was determined to find its source.
They sailed through the noiseless water, with eyes peering into the still lake for an answer. As the melodious song grew louder, a light sparkled from the depths of the Lake. It was faint at first, then grew brighter and warmer with each passing second.
Suddenly, a remarkable sight unfolded before their eyes. A beautiful nymph emerged from the lake, her aqua-blue gown glimmering under the moonlight. She held a harp, resonating the ethereal melody that filled the night.
The nymph introduced herself as Cordelia, the guardian of the Silent Lake. It was her song that whispered through Ephedra every night. Cordelia explained she'd been cursed by an envious witch, forcing her to live as a water nymph during the day and only return to her true form at night.
From that mysterious night onward, Prince Altair visited Cordelia every night, listening to her magical melody, captivated by her beauty, and drawn by her purity. Their friendship started blooming, transforming into intense love.
News of the Prince's frequent visit to the Silent Lake pervaded through the kingdom, eventually reaching King Orion. He was worried about the unusual behavior of his son and decided to confront him. Prince Altair confessed his love for Cordelia, expressing his desire to break her curse.
Touched by the genuine love of Prince Altair, King Orion consulted the kingdom’s wisest sorcerer, Elara. After days of leafing through ancient scrolls and performing intricate magical rituals, Elara discovered a prophecy promising a solution to the curse.
On the night of the autumn equinox, the prince had to sail to the heart of the lake and share a genuine kiss of true love with Cordelia. This act of love would break the curse, restoring Cordelia back to her human form.
Eager to free his love, Prince Altair waited anxiously for the autumn equinox, performing all necessary rituals Elara prescribed. As the day arrived, silhouetted by the silver radiance of the moon, Prince Altair and Cordelia shared a passionate kiss, shattering the curse that bound Cordelia to the Silence Lake.
Cordelia transformed back into a human, her stunning beauty magnified tenfold. She became the princess of Ephedra, and together with the prince, they spread the tale of their love far and wide.
Their love story became a legend, transcending across generations. From then on, the Silent Lake had ripples. Every wave seemed to echo their magical love story and the empowering victory of true love over a devious curse. To this date, the legend of the Silent Lake lives on, narrating the power and beauty of innocent, profound love.