In The Painting

Chapter 3

Zeldania. That was the first thing that popped into my mind, bringing with it a powerful past memory. I was eight years old, sitting in bed screaming and crying from one of the night terrors which I had had since I started attending primary school. My mum was by my side in an instant, and she could calm me down almost immediately, as only she could. Instead of the lullaby that she would sing to me when I was younger, she told me a story. The story of the painting. I still remember it as if it was yesterday.

*Flashback*

"Once upon a time, in a far-off land, there was an enchanted castle..."

I remember interrupting my mum to ask her where the castle was. She told me that since it was my story, I could decide where it is. At the time, I loved to play on the Wii, and my favorite game was 'Super Smash Bros Brawl'. There was one character that I always played with.

"Zelda!"

I said to my mum. She then said to be more imaginative and not to take words from video games.

"Okay ummmm.... how does 'Zeldania' sound?"

I said to mum, and she said it sounded great.

"Now, back to the story. Once upon a time, in a far-off land called Zeldania, there stood an enchanted castle. This city was the home of lost people. Many people have tried – and failed – to find this land but will never be able to, as the land can only be found by those who seek it with their hearts. 

Many people who have suffered a loss, or happen to be immensely upset about something have often stumbled across it. They found it because their heart was seeking for that safe feeling, the one that makes you feel whole again, and makes all your sorrows vanish like yesterday's tears. 

The existence and magic of Zeldania was brought by a young, kind – hearted soul, who was overcome by grief at the loss of her best friend. They were like sisters, and people hardly ever saw one without the other. The girl was adopted and un-loved by her parents, so her best friend was all she had. She found herself all alone in a world she realized she hardly knew. Her heart wanted a home, and the city heard her call. 

She found herself suddenly airborne, then got up in an unknown place – Zeldania. There was nothing magical about this young girl at the time. It was the magic of peace, harmony, and happiness that she brought to the citizens of Zeldania, which came purely from within. Five years later, she was crowned by the villagers, as she had brought them so much – even when she was simply in their presence. 

The people wanted a leader, so why not the one who united them and made them happy even at the worst of times? She was given the title 'The Princess of Love and Light', for it was the pure goodness within her – that bright light – that everyone loved."

I remember asking my mum where 'Love' came into the title, but she replied that it was a story for another time. I had no trouble sleeping after that, as I fell asleep wrapped in my mum's arms.

*Present Time*

I then had that strange feeling that you get when you had unconsciously zoned out but are once again aware of everything around you. I thought that if this was my mother's painting I am trapped in, then there was a chance her story could help. I figured this sounds totally crazy, but reality check - I'm IN a painting, like physically INSIDE it. I don't think anything sounds too crazy to be true anymore, so I may as well see where this story takes me.