The Song of Forgotten Times
Long, long ago, an old hermit, named Fionn, lived atop the Emerald peak. His only company was the eternal dance of the ocean waves, swirling under the lullaby of shimmering stars. For years, Fionn treaded the path of solitude, safeguarding an ancient secret - The Song of the Forgotten Times.
Within the heart of the quaint village nestled at the base of Emerald Peak, there was a charming maiden named Eilin. Blessed with pitch-black hair, resembling the darkest night, Eilin was unique. She often found solace in instruments, weaving songs that lingered in one's heart infinitely.
One day, a formidable tale found its way into the otherwise silent village. The tale of the Song of Forgotten Times. Eilin, bewitched by the enchanting tale, decided to seek the song. Braving the stiff mountain winds, she embarked on her quest to meet Fionn.
Fionn, who had been dreading this day for years, reluctantly decided to show her the path to the song, but not without a warning. 'Child, remember, the song carries the burden of forgotten times. One wrong note, and those forgotten times will rise again.'
Eilin agreed, undeterred. Over the course of weeks, Fionn revealed to her the notes that were the last remnants of an ancient era. A chilling lullaby, the tune hummed of sorrow, cheer, love, and war. Fionn's cave echoed of the forgotten times, brought back to life by Eilin's graceful touch on her harp.
Entranced by the song, one night, Eilin decided to play it in the village. The villagers, awed by the mesmerizing music, cheered for her. But, as the last note was struck, everyone fell into a deep silence. The forgotten times had returned to claim what was once theirs.
Men and women once admired for their strength and beauty turned into frail beings, their faces wrinkled with time. Vibrant trees, full of life and splendour, withered away as buildings of glass and concrete rose from the ground, the skies clouded with smoke. The serene village transformed into an unfamiliar place within the blink of an eye.
Some villagers accused Eilin of witchcraft, others labeled her a curse, but Eilin knew what she must do. Guilt-ridden, she climbed the Emerald peak. When Fionn saw her, his heart filled with sorrow, 'I had warned you, child. Each note tells a story, stories that should have been forgotten.'
Heartbroken, Eilin begged Fionn to help her restore the village to its former glory. He told her there was one chance - she must recreate the song in reverse.
For days, Eilin practiced, learning a new, contrary rhythm that felt alien. Meanwhile, the village was grasped in the clutches of desolation, its spirit fading away with each passing minute.
But, as Eilin played the last note, the aura of forgotten times began to retract. Soon, time reversed, replaying each tale drawn by Eilin’s reversed song. Trees bloomed, securing their roots firmly in the earth; intricate glass buildings reverted to simple wooden houses, the sky letting out a sigh of relief. Wrinkled faces were once again smooth as their owners breathed a sigh of relief.
The villagers looked around, bewilderment vivid in their eyes. They turned towards Eilin as they began to applaud, unaware of what had transpired. And although Eilin could never tell the villagers what happened, she found her redemption.
From then, Eilin was known as the Maiden of Time, her tunes resonating in the hearts' chambers, a silent testimony of the day when time took a backward leap. From then, she refrained from weaving songs of lost times, dedicating her melody and rhythm to create songs of nature and peace.
The Song of Forgotten Times became a myth again, buried deep into the memory of Emerald Peak and the heart of Fionn, forever to be remembered as a tale of curiosity, courage, and redemption.