From the records of Gawin of Greystone.

Here I have transcribed the earliest known text containing the story of The Laughing Lion, as requested, Lord Tenebri.

I will note, of course, that reading the text without a proper Translation spell overlay may be a bit taxing.

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And it was so in a land of rivers and mists, that there lived a Lion, whose mane shone like gold and whose gaze was as steady as a mountain. This Lion, unlike the beasts of the forest and the birds of the air, knew not fear, for his heart was as pure as the waters that danced through the valleys.

One evening, as the sun laid its last golden rays upon the earth, the Lion stumbled upon a Serpent. This Serpent bore scales that glittered with the hidden secrets of the earth, a creature both feared and esteemed. Yet the Lion, in his boldness and innocence, laughed at the Serpent, for the shadow of danger stirred not a tremor in his heart.

Beholding the Lion’s bravery, the Serpent’s cold gaze glittered in approval, and it spoke unto him, saying: "Chase the star of Rìn for three days and four nights. Upon the dawn of the fourth day, ascend the great Mountain that reaches unto the heavens. There, speak unto the Keepers, and face the gate where the Emerald Flame burns. If thou art found worthy, the Oracle Tree shalt reveal itself unto thee, and thou may yet pluck the seed of thy destiny."

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Moved by the Serpent’s words and filled with a thirst for glory and adventure that burned within his noble heart, the Lion set forth. Then did he journey through shadowed forests, where trees whispered ancient secrets, across vast plains bathed in starlight, and over streams that sang songs of ancient sorrows and joys.

For three days and four nights, he followed the star of Rìn. On the dawn of the fourth day, as the sun ascended to its throne in the sky, the Lion began his climb upon the great Mountain, its summit veiled in clouds.

At the peak, the Lion found the Keepers, eternal guardians, unwearied and steadfast in their sacred charge. They spoke unto him with voices that echoed the deep rumblings of the earth and the gentle whispers of the wind. The Lion, his heart open and pure, did share the tale of his quest and his yearning to behold the Oracle Tree.

The Keepers, moved by his valor and purity, led him to the final gate. There, the Emerald Flame did dance with wild fury, its fire alive with ancient magic, casting a tapestry of shadows and light. The Lion approached, his spirit in harmony with the silent hymn of the Mountain.

As he did stand before the flame, the blaze calmed, parting to reveal the path to the Oracle Tree. This tree, magnificent and resplendent, stood sovereign, its branches laden with the weight of terrible power. With respect for the sacred, the Lion plucked a single seed from its limbs—a seed aglow with the promise of magnified destiny.

With the seed of his fate secured, the Lion descended the Mountain, bearing the strength of the ages in his mighty heart. He returned to his land, where the tales of his journey were whispered by the wind and sung by the streams.

Thus, this memory of the Lion and the Serpent teaches us to walk with courage and temperance, for the righteous shall grasp the threads of their destinies, and so guide the hand of fate.