Cathedral of Dreams
Once upon a time, in the valley of Veritas, nestled beneath a blanket of celestial comfort, was a quaint little hamlet. Amidst the lush landscapes and cascading hills that embraced it lay a mysterious artifact of primeval artistry, known as the 'Cathedral of Dreams'.
The cathedral was believed to house an enigmatic entity, one that could turn one's deepest desires into reality. Irrespective of kings, peasants, saints or sinners, all were invited to embrace this phenomenal shrine, whisper their dreams into an ancient alabaster chalice stationed at the altar, and voila, they would see their wildest dreams come alive.
Our protagonists, a pair of ambitious young masons, Cedric and Gilbert, had grown tired of their monotonous lives. With the aspiration for glory and prosperity embedded in their hearts, they packed the essentials and set off towards the Cathedral. Their journey snaked through thick forests, expansive plains, and treacherous mountains, a potpourri of adventures.
On one starless night, Cedric and Gilbert finally arrived at the hallowed grounds of the ancient cathedral. Strands of silvery moonlight pierced through the delicate stained glasswork of the cathedral, painting kafkaesque strokes of spectacle and spectacle on the stone pavement. The majesty of the Cathedral stirred an unprecedented vigor in their hearts. Trembling with anticipation, they stepped forth, chalice in hand.
As tradition dictated, Cedric went first. He cupped his hands around the chalice and whispered, 'I wish to be the wealthiest man in all of Veritas.' As silence enveloped the cathedral, a soft, ethereal hum resonated, followed by an uncanny flutter of the cathedral's flame, signifying the acceptance of his wish.
Next, Gilbert carefully cradled the chalice in his calloused palms, his heart pounding in his chest. His dreams were of a different kind. He desired not for wealth but knowledge, wisdom, and the infinite possibilities they promised. With every ounce of sincerity, he whispered, 'I wish to be the wisest man if Veritas.' The hum of acquiescence echoed once more, the flickering of the flame, confirming the acceptance.
As dawn broke, rays of hope touched their faces, and they left for their hamlet, core full of untapped expectations and dreams. Cedric found himself stumbling upon a buried treasure. As days passed, he reveled in his materialistic success, losing himself in the labyrinth of lavish indulgence and growing blind to the humbleness he once knew.
Gilbert, on the other hand, began viewing the world differently. His mind was now open to unseen perspectives, thirsting to learn, to understand. He began to revere the beauty in simplicity, the power of an open mind, and the preciousness of experiences.
In time, it became evident that the promise of the cathedral was true. Cedric, his life a string of banquets and boisterous laughter, was identified as the wealthiest man in Veritas, while Gilbert, nurturing his wisdom, writing scrolls, solving disputes, and guiding many, was declared the wisest.
Near the end of their lives, the two friends sat reflecting, juxtaposing their wishes and their consequential lives. Cedric held the wealth of the world but was unfamiliar with happiness and satisfaction. Gilbert, in contrast, had no coins to fill his purse but had the richness of knowledge, the wealth of an enlightened mind, and most importantly, the happiness inherited from simple living and profound thinking.
In the end, they understood that the Cathedral of Dreams indeed became their conduit to a new life, a life that they asked for. The abstract architecture became the catalyst in defining their destinies, and the friends understood the famous adage: 'watch what you wish for.'
Perhaps, the omnipresent entity in the cathedral was not just a wish-granting deity but a profound teacher sheltered within the embellished old stoney walls, teaching every visitor the subtle nuances of their desires and dreams.