The Sapphire Tears
Once upon a time in the far-off land of Evlantis, there stood an enormous, grand castle known as Mirakolo. In Mirakolo Castle lived a wonderful and kind hearted king named Arven. King Arven was not just loved for his kindness but his wisdom was widely acknowledged. But he had a deep sorrow, his precious daughter, Princess Elara was cursed.
A wicked witch, driven by jealousy, had cursed baby Elara. According to the curse, Elara would fall into an eternal slumber on her 18th birthday, only to be awakened by true love's first kiss. The king, desperate to prevent this, ordered his guards to burn every spindle in the kingdom.
On Elara's 18th birthday, despite the King's efforts to protect her, the witch lured Elara to her tower, where a single enchanted spindle lay. Unable to resist the magic, Elara touched the spindle and fell into a deep slumber, just as the prophecy had foretold.
Upon learning this, King Arven was stricken with grief. He ordered his royal sorcerers to protect the castle with a powerful barrier, only allowing true love to breach it. His voice echoed through the halls, extending an open challenge, 'Whosoever loves my daughter truly shall have my blessing and her hand.' The news spread throughout the seven kingdoms, reaching princes, knights, and brave men, all eager to prove their love for Princess Elara and wake her from her endless sleep.
Meanwhile, in a remote village named Aria, there lived a humble, soft-spoken shepherd named Finn. Finn had heard stories of Princess Elara's beauty, kindness, and grace circulating in the villages, and despite never having met her, found himself deeply drawn to her.
Motivated by this profound feeling, Finn embarked on a journey towards Mirakolo Castle. People laughed and made fun of him, openly ridiculing his commoner status and audacity to think he could awaken the princess. But, Finn remained unbothered, his journey fuelled by a quiet love for the princess he had only known in tales.
As he reached the enchanted castle and tried to penetrate the barrier, he found he could pass through unharms. Overwhelmed but undeterred, he approached princess Elara's chamber. On the bed, under layers of velvet and lace, lay the enchantingly beautiful princess, just as the tales had described. He hesitated, hoping his feeling was true love, and with a silent prayer, leaned in and kissed her.
Instantly, the castle seemed to shudder and shake, light illuminating from the princess onto the ceiling above. As the light began to dim, Elara's eyes fluttered open, looking confused but unharmed. The curse was lifted, and the princess was awake!
Word reached King Arven, who rushed to the princess's chambers, only to find a common shepherd boy by her side. The king was surprised, but witnessing the undeniable bond and affection between Elara and Finn, he realized that true love wasn't bound by status or wealth. Like promised, he blessed their union and arranged a grand celebration.
Their story echoed throughout the seven kingdoms, reiterating the power of true love and courage, and henceforth was known as the Tale of the Sapphire Tears - for it was said that the tears shed by Elara on waking up, turned into sapphires. These sapphires are said to still exist, tokens of a true love story between a shepherd and a princess.