Mara's Grace

    By Raj Gartaula

    Mara's Grace cover image

    05 Jul, 2024

    a painting of an elephant in a jungle with other elephants in the background and a river running through the middle, sumatraism, a digital painting, Chris LaBrooy, highly detailed digital painting

    In this lively jungle, Matriarch Mara, a wise old elephant, led her herd with grace. She was a symbol of wisdom and peace in these parts.

    a painting of elephants walking in the water at sunset with trees and bushes around them and a sun setting in the background, naturalism, a detailed matte painting, Chris LaBrooy, jungle

    One day, under the golden light of the setting sun, Mara was leading her herd to the watering hole. She moved with a sense of purpose and calm.

    a group of elephants standing next to a body of water at sunset with trees in the background and a baby elephant laying on the ground, fantastic realism, a storybook illustration, Dan Mumford, highly detailed digital painting

    As they reached the watering hole, Mara noticed a frightened baby elephant near the edge of the jungle. The little one was lost and scared, its eyes wide with fear.

    an elephant is standing in the water near trees and a sunset with a bird flying above it and a bird flying above it, sumatraism, a comic book panel, Dan Mumford, highly detailed digital art

    Mara's heart ached at the sight. She knew she had to help. 'Don't be scared, little one,' she said gently, 'I'll help you find your way.'

    a painting of two elephants in a field with trees and birds in the background, with a sunset in the background, sumatraism, a storybook illustration, Amédée Ozenfant, highly detailed digital painting

    With the baby elephant in tow, Mara began their journey. They moved through the tall grass, the chirping of crickets accompanying them.

    a painting of an elephant and its baby in a jungle setting with a sunset in the background and trees, sumatraism, a storybook illustration, Chris LaBrooy, highly detailed digital painting

    Under Mara's guidance, the little elephant started to relax. They crossed rivers and climbed hills, the baby elephant learning from Mara's wisdom and grace.

    a couple of elephants standing in a forest under a full moon sky with trees and bushes around them,, sumatraism, a storybook illustration, Dan Mumford, detailed illustration

    After what felt like ages, they reached the heart of the jungle. Mara recognized the familiar sounds and scents. They were close.

    a painting of a family of elephants in a forest with a full moon in the background and trees and bushes, sumatraism, a storybook illustration, Chris LaBrooy, highly detailed digital painting

    Soon, they spotted the baby elephant's herd. The herd broke into a joyous trumpet at the sight of their lost little one.

    a group of elephants walking in the dirt near trees and a full moon in the sky above them is a full moon, fantastic realism, a storybook illustration, Chris LaBrooy, highly detailed digital painting

    The reunion was heartwarming. The baby elephant ran to its family, trumpeting in delight. The herd surrounded the baby, their joy filling the night air.

    a mother elephant and her baby are standing in the grass under the moonlit sky with clouds and stars, magical realism, a storybook illustration, Chris LaBrooy, detailed illustration

    Mara watched the reunion with a gentle smile. She had done her part, and it was time to return to her own herd.

    an elephant is walking through the jungle under the moonlit sky with trees and bushes around it, with a full moon in the background, sumatraism, a storybook illustration, Chris LaBrooy, detailed illustration

    As Mara made her way back, the jungle seemed more peaceful. The moonlight danced on her skin, the night alive with the sounds of the wild.

    a large elephant and a small elephant are walking through the jungle under a full moon sky with trees and bushes, sumatraism, a storybook illustration, Chris LaBrooy, detailed illustration

    Back with her own family, Mara looked up at the moon. The jungle was once again at peace, and so was she, her heart full of contentment.