Fernville's Guardian
Once upon a time, in a land where wildlife roamed free and the forests were tenderly green, nestled a small town called Fernville. It was inhabited by hardworking men and women who valued life's simplicity and tranquility.
Fernville was located against the backdrop of a colossal, mysterious mountain, known as Mount Vellano. An old tale prevailed among the town folks, claiming that a majestic dragon, Eroloth, resided atop Mount Vellano's peak.
Though a dragon's existence was considered merely a folklore, an unprecedented incident jostled Fernville into an uncertain frenzy. Livestock started disappearing, followed by ruined crops, and unusually bright lights shining from the mountain peak, illuminating the dark twilights.
Tranquility was transformed into a constant state of apprehension. A brave blacksmith named Aleck, decided to ascend the mountain. Being a blacksmith, he was considerably strong, confident in his ability to face Eroloth if the tales proved true.
As he rose along the rugged mountain terrain, the atmosphere became progressively stranger. Strong and peculiar gusts of wind rushed past him with rising intensity, as he reached the peak. There, under the effulgent glow of an opulent crystal, he saw the sleeping Eroloth; grand universal beauty radiated from his golden scales and magnificent wings.
Aleck gulped down his fear, cautiously stepping towards the resting dragon. 'I seek peace for Fernville,' he whispered. Eroloth opened his bright, emerald eyes, slowly stretching his colossal form. Aleck stated his intentions, telling the dragon about the town's plight.
Instantly, a stream of realization ran through Eroloth. He apologized, revealing his unintentional role in the chaos ensuing in Fernville. The dragon admitted his nocturnal flights had sparked fears and uncertainties, and his diet, unfortunately, was the town's missing livestock.
A pact was made between Aleck and Eroloth. The dragon would cease flying over Fernville and find his meals elsewhere; in exchange, the townsfolk would let Eroloth live peacefully. As a token of goodwill, Eroloth tempered Aleck's iron sword with the breath of dragon, making it stronger and lighter.
Aleck descended Mount Vellano, and peace was restored to Fernville. The dragon remained a recluse but the town no longer feared the mountain. The once dreaded dragon of mountain folklore became a secret protector of Fernville, a beloved entity respected and adored in their legends. The tranquillity of the town returned, though forever imbued with a shared secret that strengthened their bond with the mountain, their home, and Eroloth, Fernville's Guardian.