It was a curse to be a women…at least that’s what Jeb believed.

His wife had died of a mysterious illness that caused her limbs to lock, making her immobile. She couldn’t speak or cry, yet her pain was so severely shown on her pale face each and everyday until she finally died, leaving Jeb with a broken heart and a young daughter.

Jeb’s daughter, Isabelle, had also died from the mysterious illness, but it was even worse, seeing his daughter suffer, knowing she’ll have the same fate as his wife.

When Isabelle died, she left Jeb his granddaughter, Felicity, but now she was showing the same symptoms.

After her 21st birthday, Felicity couldn’t get out of bed. Her limbs had frozen.

Despairing, Jeb locked himself in his library, studying medicines and strange illness to cure his poor Felicity. He could not let his granddaughter endure the same fate as his wife and daughter.

Jeb’s heart was already close to death itself. Everyday, the grief slowed his heart.

Before his dying breath, he wished to save his Felicity.

And so, to save his granddaughter, Jeb made the sacrifice of leaving her bedside to seek a cure said to be in the mountains of Winde, where monsters lured and fairies sung wicked songs. Jeb wasn’t scared to travel, he was desperate.

He would save Felicity.

On the third day of his journey, Jeb faced no monsters, but could see signs of their presence. Often times, he’d hear quiet hums and songs of fairies, but he ignored them, focusing on reaching the mountains and grabbing a vial of the moonwater that sparkled on the Winde’s top.

“_Beastly, violent, teeth of steel, this old man will be its meal…”_ high pitched voices sang.

Jeb ignored them.

“_Blackened, cruel, claws of zeal, this old man will not heal…”_ the voices sang once more.

Jeb finally listened…his heartbeat increased with fear.

A low growling thundered form the bushes, scaring the singing fairies afar.

The beast had a coat of pure black, its eyes were golden brown, and its teeth were razor sharp, ready to bite Jeb.

Jeb had only brought a knife, it was foolish of him.

The beast pounced upon Jeb, but before its claws could dig into Jeb’s heart, an arrow hit it in the eye.

It screamed in agony and ran in fear.

Jeb turned, looking for his savior.

From the shadows, a tall elf, large in muscle, and great in beauty, stepped out.

His hair was moonlight silver, his skin a gleaming tan.

“Jeb Fawne, a faithful heart you hold,” the elf man said, his voice smooth like water running through a brook.

“I only seek to heal my granddaughter,” Jeb responded. “Thank you for your kindness, for saving me.”

The elf smiled, warmth in his eyes. “I am Ciro Pine, an elf at your service.” He bowed his head.

Jeb stared in confusion. “But what have I done to gain such an ally?”

“Your heart is pure, Jeb. Us elves value such pureness, especially from humans.”

The two traveled to the mountains and Jeb obtained the vial of moonwater.

Ciro traveled with him back to Felicity, and at the sight of her, he nearly feel to his knees.

“Papa…” she whispered, barely audible. Tears streamed down her face.

Jeb gave her the moonwater and watched in anticipation for any signs of healing.

And in an instant, Felicity could move her limbs and speak clearly without pain.

“Papa, I am healed!”

She ran and hugged her grandfather, joy overflowing.

Jeb cried in happiness, but the joy was too much, his heart was beating too fast and he fell.

That night Jeb died, but not from pain, but from joy and completion.

He competed his task.

From his dying lips, he made Ciro promise to protect his Felicity.

The illness was no more.