Forgotten Mask

Original drawing from line art in an old sketchbook enhanced using Adobe Photoshop.
© O. Douglas Jennings. All rights reserved.

On a wall surrounded by trees and shrubs, in an untraveled corner of an rarely visited forest, grows a leafy but gnarled branch from a crack between the bricks. And on that branch rests, as if caught as it fell discarded, an iron mask. Or it could be made of beaten bronze. At some point in the afternoon, every day, the sunlight filters through the forest canopy and causes the mask to gleam faintly through the rusty tarnish that pocks and blights it's once-smooth surface. At that moment, a passerby, if ever one could even care to notice, might discern the loosened screws on the mask and be unnerved by the dark empty eye holes.


The mask belonged to a prisoner; a captive who fell prey to fear and doubt. The question remains, however: When the captive became free of the mask of metal and bolts, was he truly free or did he merely exchange the discarded face covering for another?

 

Note: Creative writing based on drawing I made randomly in my sketchbook. See below for updated illustration of mask using A.I. as a tool.

 

Update: Custom A.I. Assisted Illustration --

Using the WOMBO Dream app, I typed in the prompt
"bronze face mask hanging on a garden wall"
to have the A.I. create a base image which I modified
using Adobe Photoshop. See the non-modified art
below.

Otis & The Iron Mask

Once upon a time, in a small village nestled amidst lush greenery, lived a curious boy named Otis. Otis was known for his thoughtful spirit and love for learning. One sunny morning, while playing in his family's garden, he noticed something peculiar caught in the branches along the garden wall. It was a mysterious iron mask, weathered and covered in moss.

Intrigued by this unexpected discovery, Otis carefully plucked the mask from the branches, cradling it in his hands. Its weight and ancient aura fascinated him. With an unquenchable curiosity burning within him, Otis decided to find out more about this enigmatic artifact.

Seeking answers, Otis embarked on a quest to uncover the mask's origins and purpose. He visited the village elder, a wise and knowledgeable man named Mr. Elrich. Otis shared his find and described every detail he could recall about the iron mask. Mr. Elrich examined it closely, his eyes filled with both intrigue and caution.

"My dear Otis," Mr. Elrich began, "this mask holds a great tale from the past. Legends say it was forged by an ancient civilization, long forgotten. It is said to possess extraordinary powers that can only be unlocked by someone pure of heart and noble in spirit."

Eager to unravel the mask's mysteries, Otis dove into ancient texts, stories, and legends. He learned of a legendary figure known as the Guardian, who was believed to have worn a similar mask. It was said that the Guardian used the mask's powers to protect the village and its people from harm.

Driven by a sense of responsibility, Otis resolved to carry on the legacy of the Guardian. He spent countless hours experimenting with the mask, trying to uncover its hidden abilities. Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months, but progress eluded him.

Discouraged but undeterred, Otis sought guidance from the depths of his heart. He realized that the power of the mask lay not in its physical attributes but within the depths of his own character. He understood that true strength came from kindness, compassion, and the courage to do what was right.

Armed with this newfound understanding, Otis discovered that the mask responded to his emotions and intentions. Whenever he approached a situation with genuine empathy, the mask would shimmer with a warm golden glow. It enhanced his senses, allowing him to perceive the world around him in extraordinary ways.

Otis's life transformed as he embraced his role as the new Guardian. He dedicated himself to protecting his village, using the mask's powers for the greater good. With his heightened senses and unwavering determination, Otis foiled thieves, helped those in need, and became a symbol of hope for his community.

As time passed, Otis grew into a wise and respected young man, upholding the principles of justice and compassion. The iron mask became a reminder that true strength lies within, and it is our actions that define us, not the artifacts we possess.

And so, the tale of Otis, the boy who discovered the mysterious iron mask, became a legend in its own right, inspiring future generations to embrace their own inner strength and become the guardians of their own destinies.

Note: I used ChatGPT to help me come up with the above story based on my prompts and parameters.