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#HeartsAcrossTimeContest
About this story:
I am compelled to share the following narrative below as it resonates with the concept of love that is tempered by boundaries and judgement. While boundaries can indeed enhance the respect and harmony within a relationship by adhering to established rules, religions or cultural traditions. But judging much will only make enemies, not lovers. Because love stands with respect and care, not a face to judge at. So here's my story,
Happy reading! <3
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In the bustling heart of the Goblin Kingdom, where the air had the scent of roasting meats and the cobblestone streets echoed with the laughter of creatures great and small, there lived a goblin named Grom. He was not your typical, mischievous troublemaker. Grom was tall for his kind, with a muscular arms that spoke of his prowess in battle. His eyes, though beady, held a sharp intelligence, and his grin revealed a set of teeth that had been both feared and admired by those who knew him.
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Grom was the leader of his clan, a position earned through years of strategy and strength. His people looked up to him, for his wisdom and fairness. The goblins had long been misunderstood by the humans, elves, and dwarfs that surrounded them, often vilified for their unorthodox ways. Yet, under Grom's rule, they had thrived, building a society that was as organized as it was fierce.
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The sun had dipped below the horizon, casting the sky in a warm embrace of pinks and oranges, as Grom sat on his throne made from the bones of his enemies. His mind was miles away from the celebrations happening outside his chamber doors. The neighboring kingdom, known as the Kingdom of the Golden Spire, had always been a thorn in his side. Their wealth and power grew unchecked, while his own people struggled to find enough food and resources to survive the harsh winters. A quest for destruction had been forged in his heart, a fiery need to ensure the survival of his people.
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One evening, as he plotted his imminent invasion, Grom found himself lost in the forest that bordered the two realms. The stars above twinkled like the gleaming gold he dreamed of taking from the humans. It was there that he first saw her—Princess Elara, the crown jewel of the Golden Spire. Her gown was a cascade of gold that matched the gleaming towers of her home, and her eyes were the color of the purest sapphires. She was unlike any creature he had ever laid eyes on, and she had come to the forest in search of something—peace, perhaps, or adventure.
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Grom watched her from afar, his heart beating a rhythm that was unfamiliar to him. He had felt anger, hunger, and pride before, but never this peculiar warmth that seemed to spread through his chest. He knew he should approach her, take her hostage, or perhaps even kill her to send a message to her people. Yet, he found himself incapable of harming her. Instead, he began to leave her gifts, small tokens of his affection, hidden in the nooks and crannies of the forest where only she would find them. He took care to leave them in places that reflected her kind nature, such as beside a gentle stream or nestled in the branches of a weeping willow tree.
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The princess grew curious about her secret admirer, and she would often spend hours in the woods, hoping to catch a glimpse of the mysterious creature that had captured her heart. Her curiosity was piqued by the signs left just for her, signs that whispered of a love she had never felt before. The soft hum of the night creatures seemed to carry the sweet nothings of her unseen suitor, and she found herself looking forward to her nightly escapades into the unknown.
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Elara's father, the king, grew suspicious of her sudden love for the woods and the late nights she spent there. He sent his best trackers to follow her, fearing that she had fallen prey to some dark sorcery or perhaps had been bewitched by an elf. Yet, when they returned, they spoke of a creature that left no footprints, only the faint scent of blooming flowers in its wake. The king, ever the pragmatist, decided to use his daughter's newfound obsession to his advantage, setting a trap for the mysterious being that had stolen her attention.
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The night of the trap, Grom waited with bated breath, his heart racing as he placed a necklace of gleaming moonstones on a mossy rock beside the stream, a clear message of his intentions. As the moon climbed higher in the sky, he heard the sound of hooves and armor approaching. His instincts screamed for battle, but he held back, knowing that this was no ordinary patrol. The moment Elara stepped into the clearing, her eyes shimmering with excitement and anticipation, his heart felt as if it would burst from his chest.
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Before he could reveal himself, a net fell from the trees, ensnaring her in its cruel embrace. Grom roared with fury, leaping into the fray to save her. The guards, startled by his sudden appearance, scrambled to free their princess, not expecting the creature they sought to be so fierce and protective. In the chaos, Elara's eyes met Grom's, and she saw not a monster, but a being filled with passion and love. She felt a strange kinship with him, a bond that transcended the boundaries of their species.
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The battle was swift and fierce, with Grom's superior strength and speed easily overpowering the clumsy human guards. Yet, he took care not to harm them, driven by the need to protect Elara. With the last guard fleeing into the night, he approached her, his eyes filled with hope and fear. Would she recoil from his ugly visage, or would she see the tender soul that lay beneath? He reached out a trembling hand, the same hand that had crafted the delicate gifts she cherished, and gently brushed the hair from her face.
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Her touch was like a cool breeze on a hot summer's day, soothing the fires of war that raged within him. He knew then that he could no longer bear the thought of destroying her kingdom. Love had taken root in his heart, and it grew stronger with each passing moment. As Elara looked into his eyes, she saw the conflict within him, the struggle between duty and love. And without a word, she reached up and took his hand, a silent declaration that she too felt the pull of this impossible bond.
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Their connection grew stronger with each secret meeting, and soon, Grom found himself torn between his duty to his people and his love for the princess. He knew that if their relationship were discovered, it could mean war between their kingdoms. Yet, the warmth of her smile and the softness of her touch made him want to cast aside his fears and proclaim his love to the world.
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One night, under the silvery glow of a full moon, Grom made a decision that would alter the course of their lives forever. He would approach the king, lay down his weapons, and offer a proposal that could change the fate of both their lands. A union of peace, sealed with the love of their children. It was a risk, one that could lead to either a new era of prosperity or to his own destruction. But for Elara, he was willing to gamble it all.
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The journey to the Golden Spire was fraught with danger, but Grom's determination never wavered. Each step brought him closer to the woman who had unwittingly become the center of his world. As he approached the castle gates, he could feel his heart hammering in his chest, a mix of excitement and terror. What awaited him on the other side? Would the king see the change in his heart, or would he see only a monster?
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The guards at the gate were not expecting a goblin seeking audience with the king, and their shock was palpable as Grom announced his intention. They took him to the throne room, where the king and his court sat in stunned silence. The sight of the goblin leader, unarmed and dressed in his finest armor, was a stark contrast to the creature they had painted in their minds.
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Kneeling before the throne, Grom offered his proposal, his voice strong and clear. The room was still as a grave, the only sound the soft rustle of Elara's gown as she made her way to stand beside him. The king, a man of honor, took a moment to consider the words of his daughter's unlikely protector. He knew that alliances had been forged in stranger ways, and that perhaps, love could indeed conquer all.
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The tension grew thick as the king's gaze shifted from Grom to Elara and back again. Her eyes, filled with hope and love, seemed to be pleading for understanding. Grom held his breath, his rough hands clenched into fists at his sides. He knew that the decision made in this very moment could either lead to peace or plunge both their worlds into chaos.
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"Your proposal is... unexpected, Grom of the Goblin Kingdom," the king said finally, his voice measured and calm. "But not unwelcome. We have long known that our survival is intertwined with that of our neighbors." He gestured to Elara, who stepped forward, her hand still entwined with Grom's. "If my daughter sees a future with you, then I must consider it."
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Elara's heart swelled with hope as she looked at her father. The king had always been a just and wise ruler, but she had never dared to hope that he would accept a goblin as a son-in-law. Yet, as she searched his eyes, she saw something that she had never seen before—understanding.
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The court murmured, their whispers a symphony of shock and disbelief. But amidst the tumult, Grom felt a sense of peace wash over him. For the first time in his life, he knew what it was to truly hope for a future that didn't involve bloodshed and fear. He took a deep breath, the weight of his decision lifting from his shoulders.
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The king called for a feast to be prepared, inviting Grom to stay as his guest. As the hours passed, the goblin leader found himself seated at the high table, sharing stories and laughter with the very people he had once planned to conquer. The food was rich and flavorful, a stark contrast to the meager meals he was used to, but it was the company that truly filled his heart.
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Throughout the evening, Elara never left his side, her hand resting gently on his arm. The warmth of her touch was a constant reminder of the love that had grown between them. As they danced together under the flickering candlelight, Grom knew that he had made the right choice.
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The whispers grew quieter as the night went on, replaced by the gentle strains of music and the clinking of glasses. The humans were beginning to see the leader of the goblins not as a monster, but as a man capable of love and peace. And for the first time in their history, the two kingdoms looked upon each other not with suspicion, but with the possibility of friendship.
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The days turned into weeks as negotiations began, and the whispers grew into discussions of unity and alliance. Grom and Elara's love became a symbol of hope, a beacon that could lead their people out of the shadows of fear and into a new dawn. The goblins watched from afar, their curiosity piqued by the sudden friendship between their leader and the humans.
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Yet, even as the seeds of peace were sown, there were those who harbored resentment and anger. In the shadows of the Golden Spire, whispers of treachery grew louder, and the specter of war loomed closer than ever. For not everyone in the court saw the beauty in this unorthodox union, and some would stop at nothing to tear it apart.
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But Grom and Elara remained steadfast, their bond growing stronger with each whispered promise and shared smile. They knew that their love was not just for themselves, but for their people, a bridge over the chasm that had long divided them.
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As the first snowflakes of winter began to fall, the two stood hand in hand on the battlements, watching as their combined armies trained together. The sight was unprecedented, a testament to the power of love and understanding. Yet, even as they watched their soldiers become comrades, they could not shake the feeling that their greatest battle was still to come.
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The whispers of dissent grew into shouts, and the castle walls grew thick with tension. An assassination attempt on Grom's life sent shockwaves through the kingdom, forcing the couple to confront the reality of their situation. They had enemies, both seen and unseen, who would do anything to prevent their union and the peace it represented.
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Elara's eyes searched Grom's, looking for reassurance. He squeezed her hand tightly, his expression resolute. "We will face this together," he said, his voice low and steady. "Our love is stronger than their fear."
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And so, they waited, their hearts beating in time with the ticking clock of fate. In the quiet moments between battles and whispers, Grom and Elara sought solace in each other's arms, their love a bastion against the storm that brewed around them. One fateful day, as they strolled through the now-familiar forest, hand in hand, they stumbled upon an ancient artifact, half-buried in the soft earth beneath a mighty oak.
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The object was unlike anything they had ever seen—a crystal orb that seemed to pulse with the lifeblood of the earth itself. As Grom carefully extracted it from its earthen cradle, the forest grew still, as if holding its breath. The animals of the woods, creatures great and small, drew closer, their eyes filled with a knowing that seemed to transcend the barriers of language and species.
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The orb grew warm in their joined hands, and suddenly, they could hear the whispers of the forest, the ancient tongues of the animals that had long ago lost the ability to speak with humans. The creatures spoke of a time when goblins and humans had once been allies, before greed and fear had driven them apart. They spoke of a prophecy, one that foretold the return of harmony under the reign of two hearts bound by a love as pure as moonlight.
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Inspired by this revelation, Grom and Elara knew what they had to do. They called upon the creatures of the forest, using the power of the artifact to forge a pact of protection. The animals, sensing the purity of their intentions, agreed to stand with them, to fight alongside their newfound friends against the forces that threatened their peace.
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With the forest's might at their backs, the couple returned to the Golden Spire, their steps lighter and their hearts hopeful. They knew that the path ahead was fraught with danger and uncertainty, but they also knew that together, they could conquer any obstacle. The whispers of dissent grew fainter as the roars of the forest's protectors grew louder, and the people of the kingdom began to see their goblin leader not as a threat, but as a champion of peace.
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The wedding day arrived, a celebration that transcended the boundaries of race and species. The air was alive with the buzz of excitement as humans and goblins mingled freely, sharing food, laughter, and stories. The castle gleamed with gold and silver, and the scent of exotic flowers filled the air, a gift from the enchanted forest that now watched over them.
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As they exchanged their vows, Grom and Elara knew that their union was not just a symbol of their love, but a declaration of peace and unity. The power of the artifact resonated through them, a force that bound them not just to each other, but to the very land they had sworn to protect.
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Months passed, and Elara's belly grew round with the promise of new life. The whispers of the forest had been true; she was carrying not one, but two hearts within her. The news of twins brought joy to the kingdom, a sign of the fertility that peace would bring. Yet, amidst the preparations for the new arrivals, whispers of unrest grew louder.
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Elara felt the weight of her pregnancy and the burden of the kingdom's hope upon her shoulders. Her nights were filled with dreams of a future where goblin and human children played together, their laughter echoing through the hallowed halls of the Golden Spire. But the days grew heavier, as the tension between the two races began to show cracks in the facade of their newfound friendship.
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Grom, ever vigilant, patrolled the borders with his goblin warriors, ensuring that no harm would come to his wife or his unborn children. The forest creatures watched over Elara, their eyes and ears attuned to any danger that might threaten the fragile peace. Yet, the whispers grew louder, and the shadows stretched further into the light. It was clear that the test of their union was far from over.
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The day of the twins' birth was a celebration like none other. The castle was adorned with the colors of both the goblin and human flags, a symbol of unity that had never been seen before. The skies were clear, and the sun shone brightly, as if the gods themselves were smiling down upon the new family.
Elara, her hair sweat-soaked and matted, pushed with all her might, her body a testament to the strength of her love for Grom. With a final, triumphant cry, she gave birth to two perfect beings, Princess Elena and Princess Gloria. One with skin as pale as the moon, the other as green as the forest leaf. The room fell silent, the only sounds the newborns' cries and the heavy breaths of their mother.
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The moment Grom laid eyes on his children, his heart swelled with a love so fierce it could have brought down the very walls of the castle. He knew then that he would do anything to protect them, to ensure that they grew up in a world where they could be proud of their heritage and the legacy of their parents' love.
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But as the twins were presented to the court, the whispers grew to a crescendo. For in the eyes of the humans, the green-skinned babe was a harbinger of their doom, a sign that their precious bloodline had been tainted by the very creature they had once feared. The courtiers looked upon the children with suspicion, their whispers of dissent growing into shouts of anger.
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The tension in the room was palpable, and Grom could feel the delicate threads of peace begin to unravel. He knew that the true battle was only beginning, and that the fate of his family and his kingdom rested on his ability to navigate the treacherous waters of courtly intrigue.
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With the birth of the twins, the stakes had been raised higher than ever before. The love between Grom and Elara had become more than just a beacon of hope; it was now the very foundation upon which the future of two worlds would be built.
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And so, the tale of the goblin king and the human princess grew more complex, their hearts entwined with the fate of their people. The whispers grew into a storm, and the shadows lengthened, but in the eye of the hurricane, the love between them remained unshaken. The saga of their lives was far from over, and the pages of history were yet to be written.
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The End.
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