The Question

What is it that you Seek?

I fall into the darkness. The air around me is crisp. With my eyes closed, I wait for the landing. Despite how long I fall, the ground does not break me. I rise to my knees while glancing into the darkness. My heart does not panic. I feel a familiar presence. A smile crosses upon my lips as I notice five dazzling silver stars in the distance.

Once they appear in front of my face, a figure comes into view. The darkness dissipates and I can see the white goat. To those who are unaware, they would find him as monstrous as any fiend. Yet, I understand that the Star Goat is benevolent.

"Thank you for coming." I greet him while holding out my hand.

"The pleasure is mine," he replies. The Star Goat shakes my hand. "Are you ready?"

I nod my head. The curious creature guides me along a grassy knoll. The land is painted in violet and shadow. My feet rejoice at the grass's cool touch. Below the hill runs a large river. My heart skips a beat. The crystal waters are such a beautiful sight! As though the Star Goat can hear my thoughts, he begins to laugh. 

"You never change," he says.

"Oh, that's not the case," I retort. "I'm always changing."

"Such is your dream?" He asks.

"Indeed." I nod in response. 

We walk down towards the riverside. I dip my hand into the water's cold current. Quickly, I retract. 

"Why is it much colder now than it was when we arrived last?" I wonder out-loud.

"Well, because winter is coming," he answers. The Star Goat proceeds into the river waist deep. "Do not fret. You will get used to the water in due time."

I relay a long sigh. The cold isn't inviting! Yet, I relinquish my comfort for several minutes. My legs beg me to retreat out of the river, but I wade onward. The water dances around me as I stand. Steadily, I calm my breath until the cold no longer bothers me. 

"You're lucky," I scoff. "You have fur!"

"Now now, there's no time for sour notes," he laughs. The Star Goat gazes at me with his five eyes. "Let's begin, shall we?"

"Let's," I reply.

The creature holds up his hands. I clasp my fingers around his clawed fingers. We bow our heads while listening to the sound of the river. The water courses with energy. As I close my eyes, I hear him uttering words in an unfamiliar tongue. 'The ancient language.' I think to myself. 'The archaic rhythm seems to flow just as the water.' I observe with delight.

Water is healing. Water is life. Whenever one cries for magic, they come to this river. "The Current of Dreams," as the Star Goat denotes this place. Time and space are interwoven- able to be influenced by dreams. Such a belief gives me hope for the future. A smile trickles across my lips while I listen further to the hum of chanting.

"What is it that you seek?" The Star Goat asks me with a solemn voice. 

The deity waits for an answer. I have no reply. After all, I've been here many nights. The cool current wraps around my body. Suddenly, I feel a surge of energy flowing within my heart. Without any understanding, I begin to cry. Tears fall from my face and mingle with the crystal river. I hear that the Star Goat recommences his enchantment.

His voice is calm and clear. Although I don't know the language, I can feel his honesty. The Star Goat's magic swirls around me like a whirlpool of silvery light. The gleam is so bright that I open my teary eyes. 'I know what I wish.' My thoughts turn. 

I wait for his song to come to an end.

"What is it that you seek?" The Star Goat inquires again.

"I seek." I say while wiping away the tears. "To help 'them.'"

"Is that so?" The Star Goat tilts his massive horns to the side. "A new request has been received. For the good your other wishes have served, I will accept. May your dreams flourish into reality like a blossoming flower."

"Thank you." I smile with a short bow. "Thank you for your guidance."

"You are welcome, my friend," he replies. The Star Goat reaches towards the night sky. "After all, it is up to us to fill the darkness with light. I pray that one day, nightmares no longer have a place in life."

"From the mind to reality." I recite his words from a prior mediation. "Very well, may your dream materialize too."

The Star Goat stares at me with a confused glance. He gently takes my hand.

"Thank you, little one." He closes his eyes and a content grin crosses his snoot. "Let us work."

"Let's!" I chime with determination.

Dreams are never easy to bring into life. Dreams are special and filled with such magic that dreamers often fail to realize. Yet, whatever wishes you hold dear in your heart will always be worthy of pursuit. For what is dear is honest. Keep holding onto your hopes and may they flourish to life like a blossoming flower.