Once upon a time, in a small village at the end of the valley, lived a young man named Bren. Born with crossed eyes, he was mocked as soon as his peers could speak. To survive, he learned to laugh at himself louder than anyone else, making cruel jeers for a pitiful applause.
Folk liked that plenty and sought Bren's company, for it made them feel better about themselves. But when the girl he adored spurned him, calling him a "fool fit only for goats", his heart shattered.
In despair, he went into the night and called upon a spirit dwelling in the fog. The spirit gifted him a flute, saying it would make all who heard it laugh without another cruel word tossed at Bren.
Hopeful, Bren returned home and played the tune. The villagers howled as promised, but they could not stop. They laughed until their ribs broke and their final breaths wheezed out.
