The Magic of the Rowan Tree
Once upon a time, a tiny hamlet named Rosewell was nestled in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. The village comprised of close-knit families, mainly shepherds and farmers, living harmoniously amidst verdant fields and cascading waterfalls.
In the center of the village was the oldest house known as 'Rowan Manor', ancestral home of the Rowan family. The Manor was widely known for the mystical Rowan tree in the backyard. Legends echoed that the tree was magic, it was said to grant one deepest wish once every decade. However, no one ever saw it happening, it was lost in stories.
The Rowan family's only son, Alaric, was a curious and adventurous boy. Stories of the magical Rowan tree had always fascinated him. However, his father and grandfather warned him not to meddle with the magic, as it was often unpredictable. Alaric respected their words, but his fascination never waned.
Soon, the tenth year since the last magical awakening of the Rowan tree dawned. The villagers held their breath in anticipation. Alaric, filled with curiosity, snuck into the backyard at midnight. The tree glowed with a soft, beckoning light under the shrouded moonlight. He stepped closer, his heart pounding. 'Is it real?' He thought.
Driven by impulse, he touched the tree and whispered his deepest wish - to see his deceased mother again. A blast of cool air rushed past, swirling up the fallen leaves. And then, silence.
Days went by, but nothing happened. Everyone laughed it off as just a children's tale. Alaric felt embarrassed, but he was more disappointed.
One quiet night, Alaric was in his terrace staring at the moon, when he saw a silhouette approaching the house. It was a woman, her face hidden behind a shroud. His heart skipped a beat as the woman lifted the shroud revealing a face identical to his mother's. Overwhelmed with joy and disbelief, he raced downstairs to meet her.
Reunion of Alaric with his mother was euphoric, she seemed the same, her laughter, her warmth, everything. The village was astounded by the turn of events, and overnight the legendary magic of the Rowan tree rekindled.
But the joy was short-lived. Even though his mother's mannerisms were the same, her eyes seemed vacant, and she appeared oblivious to emotional ties and episodes from her past life. She was like a body with no soul.
Distraught, Alaric rushed to the tree. Tearful and angry, he asked, 'Why? Why is she like this?' The only response he got was the rustling of the leaves.
Alaric realized he hadn't specified while wishing to bring back his mother as she was, filled with memories and love. He was left with an empty shadow of his mother. Overwhelmed with guilt and sorrow, he did the unthinkable. He touched the tree and asked for his mother to return to her peaceful rest.
With a gust of chilling wind, his mother vanished. Alaric cried till dawn, mourning her second departure. He learned a painful lesson that night. Magic has its rules, and those who meddle with it must be ready for the consequences.
Years later, Alaric continued living in the Rowan Manor, often sharing his experience as a cautionary tale. He welcomed the magical tenth-year silently, ensuring no one suffered the pain he had endured.
Though sorrow shadowed his being forever, Alaric's love and respect for magic only grew. He spent his life safeguarding the mystical Rowan tree, ensuring no one else experienced the torment of an ill-conveyed wish.