A Promise to the Moon🔊

In a small village nestled between the dense woods and the quiet splashing of a river, lived a pure-hearted young boy named Zephyr. Outspoken and free-willed, Zephyr had a unique connection with the moon. He believed that the moon had magical powers and held all the wisdom in the world. He shared all of his dreams, secrets, and fears with the moon, which shone brightly upon him, illuminating his path through life.

One evening, under the glowing moonlight, a weary old traveler passed through their village. As the village tradition went, the traveler was hosted by Zephyr's family. Over a shared meal, the old man captivated Zephyr with his tales from far and wide, especially one about the enchanting Emerald Crystal, a legendary gem hidden in the belly of the daunting Mt. Proteus. As the story goes, whoever possessed the crystal could have a single wish granted.

Eager to prove his bravery and driven by the endless possibilities of a wish, Zephyr decided to embark on the journey to retrieve the Emerald Crystal. Secretly, he promised the moon that he would bring the crystal back and use the wish to benefit his village. The moon, standing as a silent spectator in the dark night sky, seemed to shimmer slightly at his sincere vow.

The following morning, with his bag packed with some food, a blanket, and a handmade wooden sword, Zephyr began his quest. The path to Mt. Proteus included traversing dense forests, vast deserts, roaring rivers, and treacherous cliffs. Every night as he journeyed, he shared his day's experiences with his companion, the moon.

Several weeks passed, Zephyr weathered many storms, fought wild beasts, and overcame each obstacle bravely. His courage never faltered because he believed the moon was watching over him. The mountain finally stood grandly in front of him, its peak lost in the clouds.

Inside the mountain’s ominous caves, he encountered the guardian of the Emerald Crystal - a mighty dragon. Zephyr knew he couldn’t defeat the dragon with his wooden sword, so he spoke to the beast, expressing his sincere intentions about the crystal, and how he desired to use it for the welfare of his village. The dragon, moved by his innocence and pure intentions, allowed him to take the crystal.

With the Emerald Crystal in his possession, he returned home victorious. His village welcomed him back with cheers and tears of joy. Mustering everyone in the center of the village, he held up the crystal and made his wish, 'I wish for the well-being and prosperity of my village until the end of time.' As soon as his words echoed in the night, a green light engulfed the village, and everything was quiet for a moment before the village burst into celebration.

Over the years, their village flourished, and it was said that no villager ever fell sick or suffered any misfortune. Zephyr, having kept his promise to the moon, would sit under the night sky each night sharing stories of his village's growth and prosperity with the glowing celestial being that had been his confidante.

Meanwhile, the moon kept watching over Zephyr and his village, casting its beautiful silver shine over them, just as it did several years ago when a young boy named Zephyr made a promise to the moon that changed his life and the fate of his village. No matter where the villagers traveled or how much time passed, they never forgot the tale of their beloved Zephyr and his promise to the moon.