The Adventure of The Crystal Lake
Once upon a time, in a kingdom far far away, named Andoria, hidden deep amidst vast mountains and dense forests, there was a lake named the Crystal Lake. Legend had it that the lake had healing properties, and the first ray of moonlight would reveal a passage to an untouched world, a land filled with magic and miracles, the Elarion. The story of this lake was passed from generation to generation among the folks but no one had heard or seen anyone who had actually ventured into the land of Elarion.
One day, the kingdom's beloved Queen, Edelweiss, fell ill, her skin losing color, her energy dissipating gradually, and no medicines seemed to be of any help. In desperation, King Rodrik summoned the wise hermit, Dr. Falor who suggested the only cure lay in the magical waters of Elarion. It was then decided that a fleet of the bravest soldiers was to journey to the Crystal Lake.
Among the soldiers was an unassuming but brave young soldier, Eryndor. He wasn't extraordinary or highly skilled, he was a poet at heart, his weapon being his words. As the group embarked on this arduous journey, they faced many challenges. There were fights with wild beasts, surviving harsh weathers, climbing gigantic mountains. Each hurdle tested their bravery, strength, and spirit.
One day, one of the beasts ambushed them and in a brave attempt, Eryndor, who was standing behind, chose to hold the beast while others can run. However, his attempt resulted in a deep wound on his shoulder, making him unable to continue.
Defeated and alone, Eryndor was on the verge of giving up when he remembered the love, the hope of people towards their queen, which sparked a fire within him. He picked himself up, ignoring the throbbing pain in his shoulder, and continued to trudge towards the lake.
Upon reaching the Crystal Lake under the full moon, he witnessed the most beautiful sight of his life, the Lake shimmering under the moonlight, radiating an array of colors. He waited for the first moonbeam to hit the lake and as it did, a magical pathway appeared.
With his failing strength, Eryndor managed to collect some of the magical water and return to Andoria. Back in the Kingdom, the news of the soldiers returning without Eryndor stirred a wave of grief till a painfully slow horse carrying the frail Eryndor arrived.
Under the anxious eyes of the whole kingdom, the elixir was administered to Queen Edelweiss. Her pale skin turned rosy, her charming self restored, and the Kingdom rejoiced.
Eryndor was hailed as a hero, and his life took a 360-degree turn. King Rodrik, in gratitude, offered him a high military rank. But untempted by power and privilege, Eryndor still remained a man of the people, a poet at heart, and his tales of the Enchanted Lake and the magical world of Elarion formed the bed time stories for generations to come.