The Journey of A Dream Weaver
In a small town named Morrie, ruled by a mighty king, lived a young lad named Elden. Elden was unlike any of the townsfolk. He had a special gift - he was a dream weaver, possessing the ability to control dreams and create vivid illusions in people's minds while they slept.
Elden realized his unusual ability when he was just ten. It first struck him when he dreamt about a grand feast. To his amazement, the same exact feast was described by his younger siblings the following morning. Subsequently, similar incidents happened too frequently to be mere coincidences - Elden concluded he could indeed weave dreams. However, he decided to keep his uncommon gift a secret.
Years passed, Elden had now mastered his power. He continued to use his power only in secrecy, often to quell his siblings' nightmares or to give the sleepy town folk a rich and enlivened dream.
However, word about Elden’s gift reached the king. Intrigued, he summoned Elden and asked him to prove his power. Elden, cautiously, fed the king with a dream about his long-gone queen - a dream of happiness, love, and serenity. Overwhelmed by the intense emotions, the king was convinced and named Elden his personal dream weaver; a role Elden never wished for, but was too afraid to decline.
Elden's life became quite different. He had to paint dreams for the king, where the canvas was the king's mind, and the hues were reflection of his thoughts. Simultaneously, his public profile incited curiosity among the townsfolk, and they began to fear him. The once amicable and approachable Elden was now viewed as the king’s mesmerizingly mysterious magician.
Despite the recognition, Elden felt ensnared. He missed days when he could freely roam the town, talk to the people without them getting skeptical or apprehensive. He longed for the old times when he could weave dreams for his siblings without such heavy expectations. He started to feel unease with his own gift.
One night, the king demanded a dream that would predict the town's future. But, Elden knew well, his dream-weaving abilities didn't include foreseeing. Consumed by guilt of not being able to fulfill the king's wish and fed up of hiding the truth, Elden decided to confront the king.
The next day, Elden requested a private audience with the king and confessed, 'Your Majesty, I can weave any dream, but I cannot foresee the future. My abilities have been mistaken, and I've erred by not rectifying it.' The king was taken aback. He was silent.
Finally, the king asked Elden if there was a dream he wished to weave for himself. Elden replied, 'I wish for a dream where I’m just a common lad again, adored and loved by my town folk, free from the pressures and expectations of royalty.' The king’s stern face softened. He released Elden from his duties, ensuring him that he would forever be remembered not only as the Dream Weaver but also as the bearer of truth, honesty, and bravery.
Once again, Elden was a normal lad who could freely walk through the paths of the town, greeted warmly by the townsfolk. And when night came, he wove magical dreams filled with joy, peace, and camaraderie for them. The townsfolk started to respect and love Elden anew, not out of fear or wonder of his unusual gift, but because of his authenticity, benevolence, and humility.
Elden's story teaches us that it's never too late to remove the mask of pretense. To own one's truth and live authentically can sometimes require a brave heart and a strong conviction, but it rewards in the form of imperturbable peace and immense joy.