The Silent Chime of Old Henrí's
Once upon a time, in the heart of the Thuringia Forest, nestled between the majestic old trees and the fragrant wildflower meadows, lay the charming hamlet of Fernhollow. Its beauty was far from typical, reminding many of a scene from an old, romantic painting. At the hub of the hamlet was a quaint, little inn known as 'Old Henrí's.' The inn known for its hospitality thrived on a legend known to draw travellers from the four corners of the kingdom. The legend was about an enchanted, silent bell fondly referred to as 'Henrí’s Silent Chime'.
Going down the annals of folklore, it was said that when the church bell at Old Henrí's chimed, it would not let out cacophonous, metallic sounds. Instead, it tenured the gentlest melody, heard only by the soul truly in love. The Silent Chime was said to be a gift from the fairy queen herself to the first innkeeper, the eponymous Old Henrí, in return for his goodwill.
One chilly winter's eve, a weary traveller arrived at the inn. John, a young man, carrying the burden of a broken heart, sought refuge in this enchanting hamlet. He had heard tales of the Silent Chime and was desperate to hear its soothing tones, hoping that it would heal his heart. Knowing the legend, Old Henrí dismissed John’s hopes of hearing the bell, explaining only true love could unlock the magical melody.
Feeling downtrodden, John spent his days exploring the beautiful hamlet and its surroundings and in the process, he met Marie. She was the hamlet's healer, with eyes resembling the forest's deepest jade and a heart as kind as a summer breezes. Marie showed John hidden corners of the forest, cascading waterfalls shimmering with rainbows, picturesque meadows carpeted with the rarest wildflowers and slowly, his heart, unknowingly to John, began to mend.
One cool evening, back at the inn, as John was engrossed in a book near the roaring fireplace, a soft, magical melody filled the room. It was akin to a dreamy serenade, unravelling the blooming spectrum of his feelings. The Silent Chime, heard only by John, echoed through his being, immersing him in emotions so profound, that he felt overwhelmed. He looked at Marie, her eyes reflecting the fire's warmth, her smile, the picture of tranquillity, and it dawned on him. He was in love - with life, with Fernhollow, and most importantly, with Marie.
Old Henrí, watching the scene unfold, exchanged knowing glances with the regulars of the inn. A silent cheer arose amongst them as they saw John’s dawning understanding – their beloved Silent Chime had chimed yet again.
John confessed his love to Marie that same night, under the sparkling canopy of the star-studded sky. Marie, with a heart that already harboured love for John, accepted his proposal with a beaming smile. The magical bell worked its enchantment, not just soothing a broken heart but also gestating a tender love story within its comforting notes, thus adding another beautiful chapter to the legend of the Silent Chime in the Old Henrí's Inn.
Years later, their tale, like many others before them, made its way into the folklore of the Fernhollow hamlet. They retold their story to their children and grandchildren, lengthening the legend of the Old Henrí’s Silent Chime. At any given time, the silent bell's ready to chime harmoniously, waiting for another heart to find love, just as John's did on that fated winter night.