A change of pace

Heather says I should add a story because people might get the wrong idea.

A shadow heard of a treasure that would let any who claimed it gaze upon their greatest desire. He climbed the endless staircase of ice and mountains, and reached the summit of the abyss. Upon opening the chest, he saw it was full of water; his reflection turned into his greatest desire. Her hand reached out from the chest, but upon touching it, it collapsed back into water. Enraged, he threw the chest aside, and the shadows grew long before the magic faded. As he gazed at the water that pooled, he came to the realization that the chest was meant to inspire, and not to replace. He could only gaze. There was no easy way to claim the heart's fondest desires. It began to rain. He understood now. He put the chest back in its place and left the summit.