Far, away, in the elven palace's royal garden, the guards stationed to watch over the dying Yggdrasil rushed into the Hall of Elders.

"Sir Thorstein," one said, the youngest of the two, "I have great news!"

"What is it?" asked Thorstein, lines of worry creased along his brow. It had been a week since his King, and friend, Ulfron, set off to defeat the evil dark she-elf, Swanunn, and find a cure for the Tree of Life. 

"It's a miracle, Sir Thorstein, Yggdrasil has grown a flower!" the guard said happily. 

"Does this mean...?"

"Yes, Sir! Our wonderful, honorable, King has cured Yggdrasil," chirped the guard, smiling. The other, much older looking, guard had a frown, however, and wasn't sharing in on the younger guard's joy.

"If it be allowed of me, Elder, I would like to ask you a question."

Thorstein looked at the guard.

"Yes?"

"Before Yggdrasil began dying, all flowers it bore were white. White Lilies, the flower of serenity and good fortune. Now it bears a single, crimson red Hibiscus. Is the Tree of Life truly healed?" asked the old guard.

Thorstein thought for a while before replying, "I believe so. Dead trees grow no flowers. Yet there is an issue. Ulfron has not returned. Perhaps you should gather some elves and search for the King, Aldersson."

"Of course, Elder. Thank you," mumbled the old guard, Aldersson. He signalled the young guard and they exited the Hall of Elders together.

***

It was seven hours before the bodies of Ulfron and Swanunn were discovered. If it weren't for the power of Yggdrasil, their bodies would have begun to decay. Thorstein met with the remaining Elders and withdrew the immortality of light elves. The dark elves went back to the Realm of the Dead, and the elves of Faeheim returned to the natural cycle of life and death. 

To this day, however, no-one was quite sure how Ulfron had healed Yggdrasil and defeated Swanunn, yet died as well. 

The truth is, his sacrifice and her love was a cure so strong it healed death itself.