elyksteven

[elyksteven]

[elyksteven]

[elyksteven]

I can still remember the time when I begged for love. I lost my colors. I settled for the "maybe", the "I'll see if I can" and the "I'm tired". I endured the pain of every no, and over time I started to believe that maybe, just maybe, that's what I deserve. That I should just be grateful for the rare "yes" and just sit in the corner waiting.

It took some time, but when I finally realized that I'm slowly turning into this broken soul I always feared to be, I tried my best to get up and walk away. Step by step, I dragged my feet, and that's when I learned that one of the most difficult things to do in life is to walk away from things that you've always wanted. But I did it.

I did it because every day seemed like it's raining and I wanted to see the sun again. I did it for the days when I would laugh so hard my stomach would hurt. I did it because I wanted to believe that despite the messed up person that I am, despite all the scars and the holes in my chest, I deserve another shot at happiness.

I know it took a while, but I couldn't be prouder.

I did it.

- Jun Mark Patilan

- Artwork : Henn Kim

[elyksteven]

[elyksteven]

[elyksteven]

[elyksteven]

[elyksteven]

[elyksteven]

[elyksteven]

[elyksteven]

[elyksteven]

[elyksteven]

Title: Forged in Another Realm

Chapter 1: The Portal's Call

In the bustling town of Forgehaven, lived a skilled blacksmith named Eamon. His strong hands had crafted countless weapons and tools, making him an indispensable part of the community. One fateful night, as Eamon worked at his forge, a shimmering portal appeared before him, its swirling colors reflecting in his eyes. Drawn by an unseen force, he stepped through, leaving behind everything he knew.

Chapter 2: A World Unveiled

Eamon found himself in a realm unlike any he'd ever seen. Vibrant forests stretched as far as the eye could see, and creatures of myth and legend roamed freely. Startled and bewildered, he soon encountered a group of locals who explained that he had crossed into the realm of Eldoria, a land where magic and nature were intricately woven.

Chapter 3: A Blacksmith's Gift

Eamon's blacksmithing skills quickly earned him respect among the Eldorians. However, their weapons were unlike any he'd forged before—enchanted with elemental powers and crafted from mystical metals. Guided by his determination to learn, Eamon began to master the art of magical blacksmithing, blending his expertise with the realm's unique materials and enchantments.

Chapter 4: The Quest for Balance

Eldoria was not without its problems. An ancient imbalance threatened to plunge the realm into chaos, and a malevolent sorceress sought to exploit it. With his newfound friends—a resourceful archer named Elara and a wise mage named Thorne—Eamon embarked on a journey to restore equilibrium to the land.

Chapter 5: Trials and Tribulations

Their quest led them through treacherous landscapes, enchanted forests, and forgotten ruins. Along the way, Eamon faced challenges that tested his resolve and creativity. As he forged weapons to combat the sorceress's minions, he discovered the true potential of melding his blacksmithing prowess with Eldoria's magic.

Chapter 6: The Final Forging

In a climactic showdown, Eamon, Elara, and Thorne confronted the sorceress. As magic clashed and swords gleamed, Eamon realized that only a weapon of extraordinary power could defeat her. Drawing upon his experiences, he set to work, channeling the essence of Eldoria into his creation.

Chapter 7: Legacy of Two Worlds

With a resounding strike, Eamon's enchanted blade shattered the sorceress's defenses, and the realm of Eldoria was saved. Grateful for his bravery, the Eldorians bid him farewell as he stepped back through the portal to Forgehaven. Eamon returned with newfound wisdom and a heart forever linked to two worlds—one of steel and fire, the other of magic and wonder.

Epilogue: The Eternal Craftsman

Eamon's tale became a legend passed down through generations. His legacy inspired blacksmiths in both realms to bridge the gap between craftsmanship and magic. And as the years turned to centuries, a singular truth emerged: the bond between worlds was forged not only in the fires of the forge but also in the hearts of those who dared to dream beyond the boundaries of their reality.

[elyksteven]

The Magical Blacksmith

In the heart of a quaint village nestled between rolling hills, there lived an enigmatic figure known as Eldric, the Magical Blacksmith. His forge was unlike any other, emitting an ethereal blue glow that could be seen even from a distance. It was said that Eldric's creations possessed extraordinary properties, woven with the essence of magic itself.

Eldric had always been an outsider, drawn to the arcane arts from a young age. He was apprenticed to the village blacksmith, but his fascination with magical symbols and ancient texts set him on a unique path. He spent years studying in solitude, merging traditional blacksmithing with mystical craftsmanship.

One day, a group of villagers approached Eldric, seeking his help. A nefarious sorcerer had cast a dark spell upon their land, causing crops to wither and the once-clear waters to turn foul. Eldric listened to their plight and agreed to forge a weapon that could counter the sorcerer's magic.

For weeks, the forge burned brighter than ever as Eldric poured his heart and soul into the creation. He hammered and shaped a blade from a rare meteorite that fell centuries ago, its metal said to hold ancient energies. With intricate runes etched into the blade, he bound the power of the elements themselves.

At last, the blade was complete, its surface shimmering like liquid starlight. The villagers named it "Aethralis," meaning "Starlight" in the old tongue. Eldric presented the weapon to a brave young warrior named Lorna, who volunteered to face the sorcerer.

Armed with Aethralis, Lorna ventured into the sorcerer's lair. The battle was fierce, with bolts of dark magic clashing against the radiant power of the blade. As the clash of magic intensified, the runes on Aethralis began to glow, amplifying its energy. With a final, mighty swing, Lorna shattered the sorcerer's defenses and banished the darkness from the land.

Eldric's reputation as a magical blacksmith spread far and wide. People from distant kingdoms came seeking his craftsmanship, hoping to obtain weapons, tools, and artifacts that held the touch of magic. Eldric remained humble, never forgetting the village that had once sought his aid.

As years passed, Eldric continued to forge wonders that bridged the realms of magic and craftsmanship. He passed down his knowledge to a new generation of blacksmiths, ensuring that his legacy would live on. And so, the tale of Eldric, the Magical Blacksmith, became a cherished legend, reminding all who heard it of the extraordinary power that can arise from the fusion of skill and magic.