Crowning Fables 4: A collection of one short stories

Holyer then thou

In the quiet village of Greenfield, there lived a young girl named Emily. She was known as Holyer the thou by the villagers because of her pious nature and unwavering devotion to her faith. Emily's parents had passed away when she was very young, and she was raised by her grandmother, who taught her the values of kindness, compassion, and humility.

Every morning, Emily would visit the village chapel to pray and seek guidance from the village priest, Father Thomas. She spent her days helping the elderly, tending to the sick, and lending a hand to those in need. Her selflessness and devoutness earned her the respect of everyone in the village.

One day, a travelling circus arrived in Greenfield, bringing with it a group of performers from different lands. Among them was a charismatic and boastful acrobat named Adrian. He dazzled the villagers with his daring stunts and captivating charm, but beneath his confident facade, Adrian carried a deep sense of emptiness and loneliness.

Intrigued by Emily's reputation, Adrian sought her out to learn more about her devout life. He found her sitting in the chapel, her hands clasped in prayer. Despite his worldly experiences, Adrian couldn't help but be drawn to the serenity that surrounded Emily.

"Tell me about your faith, Holyer the thou," Adrian said, his tone tinged with curiosity.

Emily smiled warmly and welcomed Adrian's questions. She shared stories of her upbringing, the love she received from her grandmother, and how her faith had guided her through life's challenges.

As days turned into weeks, Emily and Adrian spent more time together. He was captivated by her humility and compassion, while she found solace in his willingness to listen and understand. A bond grew between them, unlike anything either of them had experienced before.

But soon, Emily noticed a subtle change in Adrian. He became restless, and his performances lacked the same spark that once enchanted the villagers. One evening, as they strolled by the village pond, Adrian opened up about his troubled past and the feeling of emptiness that haunted him.

"I envy your unwavering faith, Emily. I feel lost and uncertain," he confessed.

Emily gently placed her hand on his shoulder. "Adrian, you don't need to be perfect or have all the answers. You are a kind and talented person, and your journey to find meaning is just as valuable as mine."

Over time, Emily's compassionate words and presence began to mend Adrian's wounded soul. He started attending the chapel with her, seeking solace in prayer and finding comfort in the sense of community.

As the seasons changed, so did their hearts. Emily's unwavering faith and Adrian's newfound sense of purpose complemented each other, creating a beautiful harmony that touched the hearts of the villagers.

When the circus eventually left Greenfield, Adrian faced a difficult decision. His heart had found a home in the village, and he couldn't bear the thought of leaving Emily behind. In a heartfelt declaration, he revealed his love for her, willing to stay and build a life together.

With a smile, Emily gently cupped his face in her hands. "Our paths might have been different, Adrian, but they led us to each other. We have learned and grown together, and for that, I am grateful."

And so, Holyer the thou and Adrian the acrobat chose to embark on a new chapter together. They became a living testament to the power of compassion, faith, and love, showing the world that sometimes the most unexpected connections can lead to the most profound transformations. Their love story became a cherished tale passed down through generations, a reminder that in the embrace of acceptance and understanding, hearts could find the truest form of happiness.