The Lost City of Niena
In times immemorial, beyond the distant edges of civilization, deep in the heart of a lush forest there lay the city of Niena. Legend told stories of this city, a gem nestled amidst the sea of green, its heart pulsating with the divine powers of Mother Nature herself. Unseen by human eyes for centuries, the city became a myth, a folklore, a fairy tale.
The tale begins, centuries back with a prince named Ishaan, who governed Niena. A young, mercurial man, he was well-liked and revered by his people. His eyes sparkled with the ethos of his land - courage, honor, and wisdom. However, an insatiable desire had taken root within his heart. A desire to venture beyond his realm, beyond the known. For all its pastoral charm, prosperity, and peace, the confines of Niena felt restricting.
On a warm, summer day, Ishaan decided to travel beyond his kingdom. He climbed up the highest mountain peak and looked across the horizon. He drank in the stunning panorama, the sun-dappled valleys, the twinkling rivers; everything filled his heart with a dreamy longing. Embarking on a journey, he left his beloved city, promising to return.
The unknown called out to him, promising adventure, excitement, wisdom. He crossed vast deserts, raging rivers, towering mountains, and deep forests. On his journey, he stumbled upon an enchantress, Yara. Her beauty was both alluring and terrifying, her eyes concealed an old, unspoken sorrow. They bonded over their shared love for adventure and soon fell in love. Yara, however, warned him of an ancient prophecy that led to her curse. She was destined to bring doom to his homeland.
Love can make men blind. Blinded by his affection for Yara, Ishaan dismissed the prophecy as a mere hushed rumor. He brought her back to his homeland, introducing her as his queen. Their love story became a legend, invoking happiness and admiration amongst the dwellers of Niena.
However, euphoria was ephemeral. The city started experiencing severe drought shortly after Yara's arrival. Plants wilted, rivers dried up, the sky refused to weep. Panic-stricken, the people turned to their prince, who, racked with guilt, confronted Yara. She, in turn, revealed that though she loved him, she knew their love would bring disaster. The prophecy stated that if she were to step foot in Niena, the city would suffer an everlasting drought that would eventually lead to its end.
Desperate, they sought the help of the city's eldest sage. He advised the only solution was for Yara to leave. Though her love for Ishaan was genuine, the weight of the curse was far from lenient. With heavy hearts, the lovers agreed. Sacrificing their love for the sake of their people, they decided to part ways, hoping that this would break the curse.
Yara left, never to return, and the heavens finally opened their floodgates, letting out torrents of rain. The city of Niena began to heal, but its prince’s heart remained irrevocably shattered. Ishaan, ridden with guilt and longing, disappeared one night and was never seen again.
Centuries passed; vegetation swallowed Niena, hiding it away from human sight. The story traveled, diffusing like the perfume of mythical flowers. Timelines crossed, civilizations grew, and the city of Niena faded into an anecdote, a fable that echoed heartbreak, sacrifice, and love. The story served as a reminder that our choices have consequences, and love often means sacrifice.
Today, amongst ruins, whispers of Ishaan and Yara's tragic love story continue to hang heavy. The lush foliage, the ancient remains, the rustling of leaves echo with their tale. And maybe on some days, if you listen carefully, you might hear the soft whispers of a prince still longing for his long-lost love.