On the verdant slopes of the Vardousia Mountains, in the small village of mid-nineteenth-century Artotina, Phocis, the wide-eyed sheep-herder, Mitros, experiences the intoxicating effect of first love, and with it, the despair of rejection. As the years swiftly pass by, a now wealthy, and self-assured Mitros returns to his hometown, and by a twist of fate, saves from certain death the inexperienced herder, Liakos, the secret beau of fair Kroustallo. Before long, a precious golden cross--an innocent token of Mitros' appreciation to the young lady--will set the stage for blind jealousy, bitter confrontation, and piteous heartbreak, as a wine-addled Liakos, and the gleaming blade in his hand, drive Kroustallo into the arms of the prosperous antagonist. Will this regretful incident separate forever the star-crossed lovers, or is this the prelude to true love?