It was now night, and the moon was hanging low in the blackened sky. It was quiet, aside from the soft rustling of leaves and the crackling of embers in the now expiring campfire. Yet, even amidst such tranquility, Gromar could not find solace, for an insidious whisper had once more infiltrated his dreams. Indeed, even within sanctuary of his own imagination he wasn’t safe, as the spirit of evil was determined once more to remind the young Goblin of what had befell his people.

In this instance, on this particular night, he had been condemned to relive the massacre in its entirety. Once more, he was cowering inside a hut, as screams and terrified pleas echoed from every angle. The smell of blood was so strong that the metallic scent could be tasted upon the tongue. Subsequently, Gromar distressingly writhed in his makeshift bedroll, attempting desperately to escape the vivid memories.

Suddenly, as if a relief provided by the Heavens, Gromar was awoken from his torment by the sound of a cracking twig. With his pointed ears twitching in response to the subtle sound, he next opened his eyes to find the origin of the sound. Presumably, the origin was Avi, who Gromar observed was not asleep but instead seated cross-legged in deep meditation. Barring the string of prayer beads cradled in his aged hands, the monk was otherwise in a state of serene stillness. However, Gromar’s presence had not gone unnoticed, for with a smirk forming upon his face, Avi slowly opened his eyes and turned to face the distraught figure standing behind him.

“My small friend, I see that peaceful sleep eludes you … your heart ever burdened by nightmares” spoke the monk with an expression of compassion and understanding. After all, although yet to elaborate on the circumstances, Avi had broadly outlined previously that he himself had once been in similar circumstances to the heartbroken Goblin.

“Monk… how is it that you, who claims to have once been in my position, is now unburdened and absent of any anguish” replied Gromar candidly, seeking nothing more in this moment but direct guidance.

“If you so wish, you may call me Avi… and if you seek my wisdom, I implore you to take a seat beside me so that I may bestow a teaching”.

This monk really does have an eloquent way with words….

Desiring greatly to diminish his torment, he did not hesitate to heed the command. Approaching Avi, he seated himself in a position akin to that of the monk; that is, he sat cross-legged with his hands rested upon his lap.

“You may recall that, upon our initial meeting, I referred to the Inner Light that guided me to thee”.

“Yes, I do” Replied Gromar, though he could only vaguely recall the term, and even then, knew nothing regarding what it meant. Accordingly, with this confused response, the content of his first teaching was solidified; he was to learn of the Inner Light.

“The Inner Light, you must know, is a central belief exclusive to our Brotherhood, originating from the earliest amongst our ranks who departed from the ornate temples across Pharo. This intangible force, our forefathers argued, exists within the souls of all living beings; its purpose being to bequeath guidance and the will of the Divine Creator unto us” the wise monk highlighted, before elaborating, “indeed, the Light I herein refer to is an essence, or a spark, of the Divine Creator existing within us… the presence of which can only be apprehended through silence, stillness and contemplation”.

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The studious Gromar was intrigued, and as the wise monk continued his lesson, he could not help but feel the weight of countless questions pressing upon him. In hoping to clarify the queries that lingered on the young Goblin’s lips but were yet to be beckoned, Avi continued speaking without interruption:

“Truly, you need not speak aloud to be heard, nor console with an intermediary, for the Light of the Divine Creator dwells everlastingly within… And in stillness, not only does He incline His ear, but He also speaks…And so, my small friend, in closing I implore thee, whenever inward distress burdens your soul, find thy companion – the Inner Light that forever shines and never fades”.

I’ve meditated before, but never in a manner as meaningful as this….

Finishing his lecture, the teacher then closed his eyes and resumed delicately manipulating his prayer beads. His student, partly confused by the abrupt end of the lesson and the presumed silent dismissal, considered arising and going back to his bedroll. But, after hesitating for a moment, he proceeded to instead mimic the wise monk sat aside him. Noticing that the figure next to him was yet to move, and inferring that he was likewise meditating, another smirk arose across Avi’s face.

“Be still… be quiet… and listen intently”.

Be still… be quiet… listen intently. Be still… be quiet… listen intently…

Employing his afore acquired knowledge of meditation, and intertwining it with what he had just learnt, Gromar closed his eyes and attempted to connect with his Inner Light. And initially, as he delved into the deepest recesses of his consciousness, he was able to attain a fleeting moment of peace. Indeed, in this singular moment, he was able to attain the much-needed respite. But it did not last long, for the gruesome memories once again loomed ominously, before then outright crawling themselves to the forefront of his attention. And once they reached the forefront, his concentration was shattered.

But once more, although rendered sightless by his deep meditation, Avi was nonetheless aware of the torment descending upon his pupil. In mitigating the resurgent feeling of anguish, he placed a comforting hand upon Gromar’s back. But the pain was too recent, and the Goblin could not recenter his attention. With his meditation faltering, he let out a sigh before relenting and opening his eyes.

“Maybe another time, once the memories are less vivid, as I cannot bear it yet… whenever I shut my eyes, I see them still… and hear them… please, just tell me for surely this Divine Creator has spoken to you, what even is my purpose anymore?” Gromar lamented, his voice betraying a feeling of great sorrow.

I really am a cowardly mess… I mean look at me…

“Fear not the stumble on the path, for even the most experienced traveler will have his missteps… So, rest for now, and be confident that though the time is not yet ripe, His voice will call to you and your purpose will therein be unearthed, for it is not my authority to do so… only He can unveil thy design”.

With that, the monk arose, gave Gromar a caring pat on his head, and went to lie down upon the barren soil and earth. Closing his eyes, he then proceeded to instantaneously fall asleep. Observing the scene, Gromar could not help but feel guilty, for the bedroll that provided him with comfort and warmth had been lent by the monk, who, in intending to travel alone, had not been prepared for a companion. Nonetheless, resolving not to idle any longer under the cold nights breeze, the cold Goblin relented and sought shelter under the light quilt. Then, after thinking over all he had just learnt, he shut his eyes and likewise fell asleep.