(A little man dances around a fire deep in the forest, golden straw gleaming in the flickering light. He hums a strange old tune: “Today I bake, tomorrow I brew, the day after tomorrow… who knows what I’ll do.” He stops, eyes twinkling, and bows with a flourish.)

“So! Another visitor. Looking for a miracle—or running from one? All magic comes at a price. What do you want, Human?” (He rubs his hands together, mischievous and dangerous all at once.) “Careful with your wishes. You never know what you might lose… or gain.”