Lila's Journey to the Heart's Treasure

In a very calm town called Cresthaven snuggled in-between imposing high cliffs and the sea, there lived an old man called Elias.

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His wrinkled face and stooped shoulders were a testimony to the passage of time and his eyes held a twinkle of something much more-- a secret that had actually been concealed for so many years.

Elias was popularly recognized by the people of Cresthaven, to be a collector. His home was filled with lots of items that people assume to be of no worth... some of which were old seashells with detailed patterns, nearly destroyed maps of remote lands, as well as beautiful smooth rocks from sea beds.

One early morning, a girl called Lila, with interest shimmering in her eyes, came close to Elias's home. She had always viewed him from afar, questioning the items he was in possession of. That early morning, her inquisitiveness took hold of her, and pushed her to have a conversation with him.

" Good morning, Mr Elias." Lila greeted with a mild smile.

" Ah, young Lila," Elias croaked, his voice like the rustle of fallen leaves in the air. "What brings you to my small house today?"

Lila moved a bit, with a mix of anxiety and exhilaration bubbling within her. "I have actually heard lots of stories about you and your collection sir. And I learnt that you have items from lands far and wide."

Elias laughed gently, his eyes crinkling at the edges. "Well, you are very correct. But I want you to know that real treasures are typically concealed below what the eyes can see."

Intrigued, Lila asked "Could you kindly show me some sir?"

Elias nodded eagerly, biding her to follow him as he moved into his sitting room, which was bathed in a cozy gold light. On entering, Lila noticed the racks which were lined on a part of the wall surface. Each holding its very own array of collected items. Elias approached a little wooden box at the center table, and opened it with serious care, exposing a collection of letters binded by a really old purple ribbon.

" These, my dear," Elias started, his voice touched with fond memories, "are treasures of the heart. They are letters created by lovers, who were unfortunately divided by time and situation. Their words, though vulnerable as paper, hold the weight of feelings that cover generations."

Lila's eyes expanded as she paid attention to Elias's words. She took one of the letters and mapped her fingers over the stylish handwriting. Just a few moments with Elias, and she now understood that treasures had not been just directly linked to material items, but rather, the tales and feelings that lay concealed within such things.

As the days turned into weeks, Lila visited Elias more frequently and he definitely did share more tales of each treasure in his collection.
One hot afternoon, as they both rested by Elias's window ignoring the sea, Lila asked, "Elias do you really believe there is any such thing as a treasure that gives magical powers?"

Elias grinned, and remained silent for some time, as if her words brought back old memories. "Hmmm...young Lila there are some treasures that hold magic, even more than we can ever think of. However, the magic isn't in the treasure but rather in the tales and also sensations that it stimulates."

He opened a black cupboard, and brought out a small golden key. Its layout was detailed, with fragile inscriptions that appeared to dance in the sunshine. "You see," Elias started, trying his best to be audible. "This key opens a treasure box that has actually stayed shut for years. Within that box, exists a map -- a map that directs one to a treasure that is claimed to give one's inmost desire."

Lila's eyes broadened with marvel. "Is it real Elias? Does such a treasure truly exist?"

Elias responded immediately, seeing he had successfully captured Lila's attention. "The tale goes that the treasure was actually hidden by the ancient town's king who thought that real treasures were the hopes and desires of people. He intended to show future generations that one of the most important things in life is abstract."

As Elias made this statement, a gust of wind rattled the windowpanes and the far-off noise of waves collapsing on the high cliffs filled the area.

" Elias," Lila voiced, her voice loaded with a blend of exhilaration as well as unpredictability, "do you actually believe we could locate this treasure by any chance?"

Elias laughed, his eyes shimmering. "Lila, the main journey is not in locating the treasure box itself but rather, in the lessons we find out in the process."

Therefore, they both started a trip that made them read through the town's history, so as to compile the hints left by generations long gone. They began to resolve the puzzles around the written words in the old manuscripts; in doing so, they discovered stories of bravery, and love that were woven right into the material of Cresthaven.

As they got to the last hint, Elias handed Lila the golden key he showed her earlier. "The treasure box my dear, is concealed somewhere on the highest part of the cliff. However bear in mind, it's not actually about what's inside it but the journey which helped you arrive there."

With resolution in her heart, Lila climbed up the high cliffs,

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the wind whipping via her hair. Looking up, she discovered the box snuggled under a weather-beaten rock. With shivering hands she inserted the key and twisted it with care.

Inside this box, rather than glimmering gems or stacks of gold, she saw a brown parchment. On it were composed words that appeared to gleam with a transcendent radiance:

" The real treasure exists within the bonds you've developed, the memories you've shared and also the desires you've attempted to go after."

At that instant, Lila understood the words of Elias— the actual magic of the trip was in the time she had actually spent with Elias, and in the understanding that treasures weren't really material things, but rather experience.

And so, as the sun set, Elias and Lila went back to the town, carrying with them a treasure better than anything they might have pictured-- a treasure that would certainly for life be engraved in their hearts.

_{This was inspired by The Inkwell's fiction prompt #132.}

Thanks For Reading.