Fairy tales for young and old ~ English version

Frost Phoenix

(Storytober - Day 11 - Phoenix)

 In a realm where winter reigned supreme, where the sun seldom peeked through the thick, swirling clouds of snow, there existed a legend whispered among the villagers of Frostvale. It was said that deep within the heart of the icy mountains, a phoenix of unparalleled beauty soared—a creature made entirely of ice and snow, known as Soleil. But this phoenix bore a heavy burden: it had yet to ignite its first flame.

Soleil glided gracefully through the crystalline skies, its wings shimmering like the finest diamonds. Yet, every flap of its wings sent a flurry of snowflakes spiraling down to the ground below. The people of Frostvale, though enchanted by the phoenix's beauty, lamented the eternal winter that held their land in its frigid grasp. The rivers froze solid, and the once-blooming fields lay buried beneath thick blankets of snow.

One day, while soaring above the frostbitten landscape, Soleil spotted a tiny village nestled within the valley, its rooftops capped with glistening snow. Curious, the phoenix descended, landing delicately upon a frost-covered tree branch. There, it observed a young girl named Laurette, her cheeks rosy from the cold, but her spirit as bright as the sun.

"Why do you look so sad, little one?" Soleil asked, its voice soft and melodic, like the tinkling of icicles in the wind.

Laurette glanced up, her eyes widening with wonder. "Oh, majestic Soleil! It is because our land is trapped in winter's embrace. We long for the warmth of spring, for the flowers to bloom and the sun to shine once more."

Soleil's heart, though made of ice, felt a flicker of warmth for the girl's plight. "But I am a phoenix of frost. I have yet to ignite my flame. Without it, the seasons cannot change."

"Then you must find your flame!" Laurette exclaimed, determination sparking in her eyes. "You are meant to bring life back to our kingdom."

The phoenix pondered her words, contemplating the journey ahead. "But how does one made of ice ignite a flame?" Soleil asked, doubt creeping into its voice.

"Perhaps you must seek the heart of the mountain, where the ancient fire lies dormant," she suggested, her voice filled with hope. "There, you may find the spark you seek."

Emboldened by Laurette's encouragement, Soleil took to the skies once more, soaring toward the towering peaks that loomed in the distance. The air grew colder and the winds howled fiercely, but the phoenix pressed on, determined to find the flame that would awaken spring.

As Soleil approached the heart of the mountain, it discovered a cavern, dark and foreboding. With each beat of its icy wings, the darkness seemed to pulse. Inside, the ancient fire flickered, glowing faintly, buried beneath layers of frost.

"Come forth, brave phoenix," a voice echoed through the cavern, deep and resonant. It was the spirit of the mountain, a great being of warmth and light. "To ignite your flame, you must confront your fears."

With a deep breath, Soleil stepped forward, feeling the weight of its icy exterior. "I fear that I may never ignite my flame, that I am destined to remain a creature of winter forever."

"Remember, dear Soleil," the spirit intoned, "the essence of fire lies not just in warmth, but in the passion that burns within. You must embrace who you are, both the ice and the flame."

In that moment, Soleil realized that its icy form was not a curse but a part of its identity. It felt the warmth of the ancient fire beckoning, and deep within its core, a flicker began to grow.

With a cry that echoed through the mountains, Soleil spread its wings wide, allowing the flame to rise from within. The frost melted away, revealing a brilliant blaze of colors—fiery reds, oranges, and yellows—each hue dancing like sunlight upon the snow.

As the flames ignited, they soared into the sky, painting the heavens with warmth and light. The winter winds began to shift, giving way to the gentle caress of spring. The once-frozen landscape transformed, flowers bursting forth from the earth, and the sun breaking through the clouds, warming the hearts of the villagers below.

Laurette watched in awe as Soleil, now a magnificent phoenix of fire and ice, descended back to the valley. "You have done it!" she shouted, joy radiating from her. "You have brought spring back to our land!"

Soleil landed gracefully before her, its form radiant and alive. "Together, we embraced my truth, dear Laurette. I am both frost and flame, and it is that balance which brings life to our kingdom."

From that day on, the phoenix soared through the skies, a symbol of hope and renewal. The people of Frostvale celebrated the return of spring, and Laurette's laughter filled the air, a melody that mingled with the songs of blooming flowers.

And so, in a land that once knew only winter, the Frost Phoenix ignited its flame, teaching all that true beauty lies in embracing one's true self.