The Lantern of Life
Once in a mystical land, nestled within an emerald-green valley and shielded by colossal mountain peaks, there lived a tribe of people known as the 'Lumier'. They were known throughout the neighbouring realms for their enchanted, illuminating lanterns, which were rumoured to be harboured from the life force itself.
The Lumier tribe lived in harmony with nature, their lanterns glowing vibrant hues of gold, turquoise, and mystical ambers that lit up the dusky nights. Each infant born to a Lumier family was given a lantern on birth. The bright essence of life from these lanterns was deemed the reflection of one’s inner self, rippling with purity, love, and honesty. It was believed that with every act of kindness and goodwill, the lantern glowed brighter.
Among them lived a young boy named Elio. Unlike most Lumier, Elio’s lantern was always dimming. As he grew into adolescence, he felt a deep despair take hold of him. His mother, tender and kind-hearted, would often console him, 'Elio, fear not. It's our deeds that make the lanterns glow, not the other way around.'
But Elio had a hard time comprehending his mother's heartfelt wisdom. He found himself alone and estranged while others his age had lanterns that sparkled like the stars in the night sky.
Lost in his melancholy, one evening, Elio decided to do something extraordinary. He decided to venture out into the daring wilderness and seek out the legendary 'Oracle of Eldur,' an ancient entity renowned to hold answers to life's most profound puzzles.
With a knapsack on his back, Elio embarked on his daunting journey across perilous paths, snowy caps, and weather-beaten trails. The journey was wearisome, but every step brought him closer to his truth. His lantern remained dim but steady as he ventured further from home. After several gruelling days, he reached the Oracle’s cavern.
Elio's heart raced, as he approached the cave, deep-set into the mountainside, its entrance adorned with crisscrossing vines. A humbling silhouette, draped in robes, manifested from the shadows, 'Welcome, Elio, seeker of light,' the Oracle greeted him, in a tone that echoed ancient wisdom.
Startled, Elio managed to stammer, 'Oracle, how do I make my lantern glow brighter?'
The Oracle, her gaze as old as time, peered into his lantern, bathed in feeble light. She softly uttered, 'The lantern reflects your life force. To brighten it, spread warmth and light into the lives of others.'
Elio thanked the Oracle and returned home with a newfound determination. He spent his days aiding his fellow Lumier, cheering those in distress, assisting in labours, sharing tales with tiny tots, comforting the elderly, and spreading smiles. With every passing day, he noticed a change. His lantern started shimmering with a celestial glow never seen before.
The Lumier tribe marvelled at his lantern’s extraordinary glow. Rumours spread across valleys and over mountain tops that a Lumier among them had a lantern glowing brighter than the evening star.
Decades later, Elio was recognised not just for his radiant lantern but for his extraordinary life filled with compassion, kindness, and warmth. He spent his life spreading light, and as he laid on his bed, old and weary, surrounded by those who loved him, his lantern glowed the brightest it ever had.
Elio’s journey taught the Lumier tribe an invaluable lesson. The glow of their lanterns was not just a reflection of their life force but a measure of the light, warmth, and happiness they brought to others. Elio, the boy with the dim lantern, turned into a beacon of hope and love for every Lumier, leaving behind a legend of the Lantern of Life.