Far beyond the forest, word spread of a woman whose pond defied time. Among those who heard was a nameless thief whose body aged faster than his soul could bear. Guided by greed and wonder, he followed the glowing trails through the dark until he found Ophelia singing beside the water. For days he watched, hidden in the shadows, learning her kindness. When she turned her gaze toward him, she smiled without fear. “You may drink,” she said gently, “but remember the youth is borrowed light.” He thank her as Ophelia invited him to return. He visited again and again until his greed began to mimic affection.