Edric the Joyful Stonemason
Once upon a time, in a small village on the outskirts of a massive kingdom, there resided a poor but kind-hearted stonemason named Edric. Edric was renowned not just for his craft of shaping monolithic stones but also for his heart of gold. Even though he barely had enough for himself, he always shared whatever he had with those less fortunate.
One day, a frail old woman approached him, seeking shelter. She was disheveled, her eyes had the glimpse of untold stories, and her voice was as feeble as a whispering wind. Edric, without giving her condition a second thought, welcomed her into his humble abode. He shared his meal and gave her the comfort of his own bed while he slept on the floor.
Little did Edric know, the old woman was the mythical Sorceress, Maevra, testing the kindness in the hearts of men. Touched by his generosity and selflessness, she decided to reward him. As the break of dawn painted the sky with hues of orange, Maevra revealed her true identity.
Edric was astonished and fell to his knees out of respect. Maevra, with a gentle smile, granted him a single wish. A confused Edric made no immediate request, but after pondering, he asked for the ability to bring joy to those around him. Maevra, intrigued by his selfless desire, bestowed him with a mystical ability. "From now on, every stone you touch will be instilled with a spark of joy", she chimed in her ethereal voice before she disappeared.
Edric woke up the next day questioning if it was just a dream. But he was quickly reminded of the reality when he picked up his tools to chisel a stone. The cold, grey stone suddenly glittered with vibrant colors, literally radiating warmth and joy. Puzzled villagers gathered around him, admiring the magical stone. An aura of happiness washed over anyone who touched them.
Word of Edric's magic started to spread throughout the kingdom. People from far and wide visited the village to witness the magic and take a piece of happiness home in the form of the stones. Edric obligingly worked day and night, transforming ordinary stones into magical ones, spreading joy far and wide.
The King, learning about this extraordinary marvel, invited Edric to the royal court. He was fascinated by the enchanted stones and asked Edric to transform the stones in his castle. Overwhelmed but committed, Edric began his work. The once mundane royal castle turned into a mesmerizing spectacle. The King, filled with gratitude, offered Edric half of his kingdom.
Edric humbly declined, explaining that his joy lies in his craft and in lighting up others' lives. But on the King's insistence, Edric asked for enough wealth to ensure his village never suffered from poverty. The King agreed, and true to his word, the King's coffers ensured the prosperity of Edric's village.
Edric lived a long, fulfilling life as the 'Bringer of Joy,' and stories of his kindness, humility, and the magic he brought into people's lives echoed throughout the kingdom for generations. His magical stones, in all corners of the kingdom, continued to bring joy, a testament to his selfless nature.
Thus, this tale reminds us that real magic resides in kind hearts, the beacons that bring joy into others' lives, even with their simple, humane acts.