29/09/2024
The beautiful lady
Part 2
Curious, the prince approached her, and they began to talk. Elara spoke of the world around them—the stars, the flowers, the dreams of the land. Idris, used to the pomp and noise of the court, found himself mesmerized by her simplicity and wisdom. Over the next few days, Idris stayed in the village, returning to the lake each day to spend time with Elara. They laughed, shared stories, and marveled at the wonders of nature. In her presence, the prince found a sense of calm he had never known before.
As days turned into weeks, Idris realized he had fallen deeply in love with Elara, not for her outward beauty, but for the soul she carried within. He asked her to return to his kingdom with him, to become his queen. But Elara, with her gentle smile, shook her head. "I belong here," she said softly. "In the quiet of the hills, by the waters of the lake. My heart is part of this land."
Though his heart ached, Idris understood. He knew that to love Elara meant to love her for who she was, not for what she could be by his side. So, with a heavy heart but a soul full of gratitude, Idris left the village, carrying with him the memory of a woman who had shown him the beauty in simplicity and the strength in following one's heart.
Years passed, and Idris became king of his realm. He ruled wisely and fairly, with a heart full of compassion that had been kindled by his time with Elara. And though he never saw her again, he would often think of the lady by the lake, whose beauty was not in her face but in the way she saw the world, in her kindness, and in the peace she brought to those around her.
And so, the legend of Elara, the beautiful lady of the lake, spread far and wide, a story of love, beauty, and the magic of a soul that was truly free.