You continue talking all the way to the Council hall. When you get there, it's flanked by 2 armed guards. One of them, a somewhat handsome-looking man in his late teens/early twenties steps forwards and says, You're here for the job, right? After you voice your assent, he begins leading you into the council hall. As I'm sure you know, the town Elder is sick. We's been healthy for the last 80 years, and hasn't shown even the slightest traces of illness until yesterday. Then, he became violently ill. This morning, we sent out messengers who asked people who were willing to brave the mountains to go to the Council hall. What you didn't know was the reason. As you round the corner, he continues. We needed to have adventurers willing to brave the mountains, not only because that place is the most dangerous around, and where only the most powerful here would dare tread, but because that seems to be the source of his illness. He continues to lead you down the maze-like hallways for several more second before he continues. That is to say, whenever he faces the mountains, he suddenly gets worse, and turns away, as if to shield his eyes from it. We believe that the mountain is related to the illness in some way. That's why we asked you to come. He finishes right as you approach a large double door made of intricately carved oak. Inside, you hear the moaning of an old man in pain. Here is the Elder's room. The mayor is with him; he will discuss the terms of your mission with you.

As you enter the room, you notice that it's painted completely white, with some places accented with a gold trim. It's a large room, but it doesn't have an empty feeling to it. A large wooded dresser takes up part of one wall, and a desk the parts opposite. Strange alchemical beakers on oak benches outline the room, and in the corner, away from the two windows, is an old man in a bed. His face is badly wrinkled, with deep creases running down his face. His eyes are marked with years of laughter and joy, but he seems drained and empty now. He still has a head of hair, and a flowing white beard and mustache. He's wearing a white robe with gold trim, similar to the rest of the room, and by his side is a sad looking man in his mid-thirties. He's somewhat plump, and who normally is accompanied by a spring in his step and a smile on his face. Not this time. His face is grave, as if the Elder already had a death sentence prescribed to him. He turns to face you, and you see that his normally boyish, smiling face is empty now, sad and numb. He smiles a bit when he sees you, but it only flickers for a second, and his face is again creased with a frown. The doctor came here yesterday. He said that the Elder wasn't ill at all. No illness, no injuries, no nothing. It just seems like the strength is flowing out of him. Please. The doctor says there is no cure, but it seems like the mountain has some effect on his health. At the very least, there was an old hermit living up in the mountains that might be able to help you. Please, he doesn't have much time. If you find a way to cure him, I'll personally give you 200 gold apiece. Will you help this old man? he asks you, pain written clearly across his face. It's clear that he was crying recently, and his eyes are still bloodshot. You can't help but feel pity for him.