Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories - Elora, Bōken, and the City of Howl

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Starting point is 00:01:23 child's next visit welcome to get sleepy when we listen we relax and we get sleepy I'm your host Thomas thank you so much for joining me tonight we have an extra long

Starting point is 00:01:50 fictional story for you all to enjoy evening. It was written by Shauna Marie, and I have the pleasure of reading it for you. We'll be travelling to the city of Hal, a wonderfully unusual place, and it's here that will meet her Laura as she sets off on a quest to restore power to her beloved city. Luckily, she doesn't have to do it alone. She'll get some help along the way from friends, family, and even a dragon. First though, if you love listening to Get Sleepy and would like to support the ongoing production of the show, the very best way to do so is by becoming a Get Sleepy Premium member. There are all sorts of great perks that our team works hard to bring your way,

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Starting point is 00:03:34 Thanks so much, my friends. Now, let's prepare for a good night's rest by giving ourselves a bit of care and compassion. I do hope today has been a bright and enjoyable one for you, with plenty of moments that made you smile. But even if today was more of a challenging and difficult experience on the whole, just know that you're still another day stronger and another day wiser. As each day goes by in our lives, it can be easy to overlook the little teachings and character-building experiences that come our way. We're often drawn towards the discomfort and negative aspects of the challenging moments in life, and that can be where our focus remains.

Starting point is 00:04:48 and what we consciously hold on to even after the moments pass. But collectively, every day of our lives and each experience within them all shape who we are, how we choose to live, and the ways in which we understand the world and other people within it. So, however you felt about today, good, bad, somewhere in between. Just know that it's made you another day stronger and another day wiser. Perhaps you've developed more empathy and understanding for others. you've realized certain worries or problems aren't quite as bad as you once thought. Maybe you learnt something completely new.

Starting point is 00:05:59 Or the way you grew and evolved today might be too subtle to pinpoint right now. But I assure you that you're another day stronger and wiser. And tomorrow is another opportunity where you can learn and grow, no matter your age, circumstances, or any other factors. Let's help you get a beautiful night's rest, so you can be ready for whatever tomorrow brings. if your eyes are still open let them gently close now relax your body completely and entirely and simply listen to the sound of my voice as we travel to the city of how This is where our story begins. As a Laura looked down on her city, she witnessed the kinetic churn of men and gears, a harmonious

Starting point is 00:07:53 and continuous sound that echoed up towards her. Her ginger hair, work clothes and cape, whipped against her body in the warm breeze. She perched on a steel beam, which hung on a crane attached to a building. Within the powerful gusts of wind, there was the lingering scent of varnish and paint. Elora scanned the city that had grown upwards around her since she was a child, never ceasing to stop. It was always climbing higher towards some exquisite climax and never quite reaching it. The city of Howe was constantly changing and always in motion. Years ago, when Elora was a young child, the mayor of Hal had been forced to introduce a decree.

Starting point is 00:09:20 You see, there was a small problem. The volume of tourists and people moving there from abroad had reached astounding numbers. This quaint yet absurd city had attracted people from neighbouring towns, cities and countries. Hordes of them flocked to howl. The mayor realised that the inns had no more rooms left, and people were being put up in restaurants and bakeries. Howe's borders were already pressing against nearby cities, and still more needed to be built. The night, the mare was brushing his teeth in front of his bathroom window, and he looked up into the night sky.

Starting point is 00:10:31 That's it, he thought, we'll build upwards. In the following months, foundations were fortified and building bots introduced. And years later, this was the result, a city still under construction, a city that needed workers. So here was Elora having her lunch break on a steel beam high above Hal. She tossed the last morsel of her sandwich. into her mouth and chewed it as she stood up on the beam. How You, Elora admonished. The little robot How You withdrew from her rucksack and hung his head in shame.

Starting point is 00:11:43 This makes absolutely no sense, Elora continued. Robots don't need to eat food, and yet half the time I find you poking around my lunch bag. How you spoke in beeps and whirs of different tones and octaves. This time he let out a long low whar and raised his shoulders in an attempt to shrug. Elora chuckled, dug her hand deep into the pockets of her overalls, and then tossed a handful of nuts and bolts into Howeyu's mouth. After swallowing, he spun around on the beam and let out a long, continuous beep. For Alora, there was always work to do. New floors of restaurants, bakeries and inns were constantly being erected to keep up with

Starting point is 00:13:06 the regular influx of new customers. And Alora's job was to paint. This was no small task. The city had a long-beloved aesthetic. In fact, the aesthetic was so unique that not even robots could replicate it. As Alora swirled her paintbrush in her bucket, she examined the wall she had painted earlier that day. There were greens and blues and yellows, stripes and lines, and splatters and splatters. At night the paint glowed, lighting up the entire city. To Allura, the city was a lot.

Starting point is 00:14:18 And though it was taxing work, she loved her job. She ran her paintbrush down the side of the building in one long, satisfying swipe. She could feel her cape twisting and turning behind her in the wind. Her father would always ask why she wore a cape each time she fastened it around her neck before heading to work. And she would always give him the same response. She would tell him that occasionally when the sky was blue and the altitude was high, on her sturdy beam, It felt like she was flying. Hal was an amalgam of steel, smoke and wood.

Starting point is 00:15:31 It was vivacious and peculiar, a gathering of houses made from an assortment of materials. It was, in many ways, at odds with its, itself. The city married the brilliance of technology with the familiarity of wooden homes, smoke chimneys and cobblestone streets. During the day, the sun shone down on the buildings that were painted an infinite variety of colours.

Starting point is 00:16:16 But at night, the city was drenched in neon signs and paint. When it rained, the wet streets radiated oddly like lights in an oil painting. Perhaps the best way to describe the city would be makeshift. It was beautiful in a dilapidated sort of way And it was made all the more gorgeous In the knowledge that thousands of hands, hearts and minds Had made this city home The days turned to night and back today

Starting point is 00:17:15 and the city of Hal continued to climb to extraordinary heights, and its inhabitants continued on. The day the power shut off, Boken was sitting on a high stool, eating ramen in the brightest quarter of the city. Tender noodles, a healthy portion of braised pork belly, and a delectable orange egg bathed in a flavorful broth. Bokan admired his meal, as he had so many times before. The restaurant smelled of toasted bean sprouts and tangy, spicy kimchi. and was set out so that the kitchen was on open display. Ichigo, the only chef in the kitchen, believed in the spectacle of preparing food,

Starting point is 00:18:33 as much as he believed in the very act of consuming it. In his tall white chef hat, Ichigo chatted about the ingredients in his food, something about how he couldn't procure the rice he would typically buy. Bokan nodded occasionally to signal to Ichigo that he was in fact listening. At this point in their exchange, Ichigo began to complain that his grill was not working. The gas wouldn't light. Bokin looked out the window onto the cobblestone. His eyes fixated on a neon sign that was being reflected. in a large puddle on the ground.

Starting point is 00:19:42 The sign was bright orange with black characters. Bokan looked down into his ramen bowl, took a small mouthful of the food, and returned his gaze to the puddle. The sign was gone. Boken placed his chopsticks in his bowl and leaned over the table. He witnessed sign by sign, street lamp by street lamp, beginning to dim. The city was in darkness.

Starting point is 00:20:37 Elora swiped her paintbrush along the final building of the day. She sat on her steel beam and admired the way the paint glowed in its luminescent beauty. It was like a rainbow of light, a bouquet of colour. You sat beside her and made a series of metallic sounds. Elora patted him on the head. I know, she said, it's beautiful. Elora tossed a few belongings into her rucksack and began to lower the beam in hopes of making at home before supper.

Starting point is 00:21:39 The rope held taut as she released the sack bit by bit to descend gradually. But suddenly the city went dim, and to allura's greater surprise, so did the paint. In her shock, she let go of the rope. Her bag toppled over and fell a decent height, landing next to a young man with dark floppy hair. From Elora's point of view, the entire world was a dark assortment of shapes. She hopped off the beam onto the ground and tried to gather her belongings. At the same time, the man attempted to help. Elora paused and tried to look into the eyes of the young man who was now standing over her without much success.

Starting point is 00:23:03 Wondering if Allora may have been hurt, the young man asked her how many fingers he was holding up. Elora shrugged and said she couldn't see anything in the darkness. And anyway, she was more concerned with her companion, How You, The little bot was quite all right, except for that he was the slightest bit disoriented, most probably because he couldn't see anything either. Still quite in shock, Elora patted herself down to make sure she was all right. The young man did the same. He chuckled shyly and reached out a hand.

Starting point is 00:24:14 Remembering that they were in darkness, he told Elora that he was going to shake her hand. He told her his name was Bokon. Elora felt for Howeyu, and picked him up. Whispering into the robot's ear, she asked him to turn on his torch. A bright light shot out of the little machine's eyes. Bokhan sighed. Elora asked what was the matter, and Bokan explained that his home was on the other side of the city.

Starting point is 00:25:09 There was no way he could navigate the streets in such a thick darkness. Chatter, wonderment and confusion could be heard emanating from nearby. homes and passes by. For as long as hell had existed, power had coursed through the veins of the city. Now that its citizens had come to think of it, they hadn't the faintest idea where the power came from or how to turn it back on. Elora smiled at Boken and told him he needn't worry. She was sure her family would be happy to make him comfortable for the night. Bokon smiled right back and walked beside Elora as she weaved through the city, holding

Starting point is 00:26:23 how you to her chest, like a beacon of some sort. The grit on the soles of their shoes crunched against the cobblestone. With their senses heightened, water could be heard trailing down the various pipes of the buildings. Their path glistened, under how you's light. And eventually, the three came upon a house like no other, part machine, part brick and mortar, and a plethora of neon signs that had shut off just like the others in the city. Elora pushed her key in the front door and swung it open. Boken, Elora and her family ate supper by candlelight and how you's torch on a dim setting.

Starting point is 00:27:50 Of course, the main topic of conversation was the state of the city. Elora's mother and father were beside themselves with confusion. Her grandfather sat with his eyes closed as Elora's grandmother told her that it was high time she brought a friend home. Okun and Alora both laughed. The two small children, Rumi and Tahiro, pushed the leafy greens around in their broth until it went cold. They had already picked out her meat and dumplings.

Starting point is 00:28:46 Despite the circumstances, Elora's family did their best to keep the conversation light. After much defiance and many attempts at bartering, the little ones were put to bed, And in no time at all, they found themselves fast asleep. The adults were left to mull over the day's events until the late hours of the evening. Tea was poured and conversation flowed naturally. Boken explained his dilemma, with his home being all the way on the other side of the city. Elora's parents told Bokan it was no trouble at all. He was welcome to stay.

Starting point is 00:29:59 then, just as their children had done, they went to bed, and they too found themselves fast asleep. Grandma patted Bokan and Dolaura on their heads and also retired to bed. Meanwhile, Bokan sipped his tea and looked at Alora's grandfather. Elora explained that her grandfather was a man of few words. Bokham mouthed a question, and Alora chuckled, then nodded. yes her grandfather was still awake the conversation returned once again to the matter of the darkened city

Starting point is 00:31:05 grandfather opened an eye and boken stiffened slightly breathing deeply grandfather opened his other eye. My family tells of an ancient legend, he began. His voice was low and slow. It was so deeply magnificent that you could hear the way it scrumble resonated in his chest.

Starting point is 00:31:47 Illora chuckled and sipped her broth. Feeling Bokin's gaze, grandfather continued. There was rumour, he said, of a great dragon with a measurable power. The power of breath and life. It roamed her. land with its kind. The family of dragons worked in harmony with humans, and so it went. The humans built, and the dragons breathed life into all they made.

Starting point is 00:32:39 This was long, long ago. Although a dragon had not been. seen for many years, finding one was the key to solving the issue of the darkness. The old man closed his eyes and sighed deeply. He said that it was quite a shame that there weren't two brave young people who could venture beyond the wilderness and find a dragon. Elora looked at Boken, Boken looked at Alora, and they both shruged. Elora gazed at grandfather, whose eyes were shut and arms folded.

Starting point is 00:33:45 Boken wanted him to elaborate, but he seemed to be closed for business. So Elora and Bokon left the old man to meditate. They moved quietly and swiftly, picking up what remained on the table. Okun dutifully rolled up his sleeves to assist in washing the dishes. Now the world was asleep. The city of hell had spent its energy pondering the pressing issue of no power. With nothing more to do, the inhabitants of the city left their worries at the foot of their beds and gave themselves over to rest.

Starting point is 00:34:58 Aylora and Bokan lie next to each other in the spare bedroom with the sliding doors. As they spoke, they found themselves traversing the full gamut of all things human and magic. In the cool moonlight, they looked out through the sliding door. and saw the city lit up by candlelight. Bokin asked Elora what existed beyond the lightless dilapidated signs, beyond the boards and buildings, and beyond the homes that housed lovers, friends, and children. I don't know, said Elora.

Starting point is 00:36:06 And as if possessed by the notion of adventure, the two began to wonder, what if? What if we were brave enough to embark on this quest? There were maybes, questions of what lay beyond the city, that the two had known all their lives. But there was also a sense of excitement. Soon they grew tired from the events of the day, and were. Without much awareness, Elora drifted off. Bokan whispered, good night, and he too succumbed to blissful sleep. All that could be heard in Elora's home were the shuffle of sheets and deep, slow

Starting point is 00:37:23 breaths. The night passed, and the darkness gave way to the sweet light of dawn. Elora was perplexed. She rose, as she did every other morning, to the smell of rice and kimchi and and perfectly fried eggs. Bokham was no longer in the room, and the sliding doors were wide open, the layers of the shutters,

Starting point is 00:38:09 gently tapping against the window. Elora rubbed her eyes and ran her fingers through her thick, her. Yawning, she examined the few belongings spoken had brought with him from the night before. From her observations, he was a reserved man of simple taste. He didn't wear much jewellery. There was simply a platted iron chain that never left his neck.

Starting point is 00:39:00 Next to the mattress on the floor were two smooth bands of some sort, made of leather with a button-like clasp at their ends. Then there was a bit of paper that said Ichigo's noodle bar and a leather pocket-sized notebook that Elora felt apprehensive about reading. There was a flurry of laughter from another room. On to the warmth of the sound, Ilora rose to her feet and stumbled to the door. As sleepy as she was, she still noticed two of her father's brown backpacks stuffed with essentials. Elora walked down the hallway and stumbled upon a picturesque

Starting point is 00:40:08 view. The living room shutters were wide open, and her younger siblings were giggling at a story Boecombe was telling. Sunlight streamed in with its bright golden fullness. Her parents were sipping tea from quaint cups. And if Elora looked closely enough, she could see that, though her grandfather's eyes were closed, the corners of his mouth were turned upward in a smile. Grandma ate her food at a glacial pace, occasionally picking rice grains from her family's bowls. Elora's mother gestured to her to come and eat. Smiling, she walked over to them.

Starting point is 00:41:22 Bokham presented her with a bowl of fluffy white rice, kimchi and two fried eggs. He smiled in a shy kind of way. and said that he had made it himself. Illora tucked in, grain by grain, and all the while she listened to Bokon tell tales of his time spent in Ichigo's noodle bar. He was there at the restaurant's beginning, years ago, when it was merely wooden beams. And the walls that were to be built were nothing more than bags of bricks. Little Bokan was adamant that he could build the shop on his own.

Starting point is 00:42:30 Ichigo sat him on one of the stores that had arrived that day, and told him that magic was the product of time, hard work, and love. All three were needed. Bokin told her family that as the walls of Ichigo's noodle bar were erected, and orders came flooding in. He himself grew from toddler to child to teen, and now he had come of age. Elora could feel grandfather's eyes on her face, but whenever she looked at him, he was gravely still. arms folded and eyes closed. Bokan's eyes seemed to frequently wander over to grandfathers, and when Alora attempted to catch the young man's gaze,

Starting point is 00:43:50 he would divert it away from her. Elora picked up the final few grains of rice with her chopsticks. What are these two plotting, she thought? The room fell silent. All eyes seemed to be on grandfather. The old man, in his aura of reverence and peace, began to speak not once open.

Starting point is 00:44:30 his eyes. Ilora, Boken, you must travel to the edge of our land, the place named the unknown, and you must seek out a dragon. Elora started speaking, but Grandfather simply raised his palm. Yes, he said, it has to be you, and it is for reasons that will become clear. Elora's father began to gently rub her mother's shoulders. They didn't want to say goodbye. Bokan and Alora returned to the bedroom in silence.

Starting point is 00:45:36 When Bokan slid the door shut, Ilora picked up a pillow and threw it at him. He couldn't help but chuckle. Elora asked if Bokan had spoken to grandfather before she'd woken up. The young man nodded and told her that it was her grandfather's wish and that he was merely her aid. Feeling a surge of bravery wash over him, he took Elora's hands. and told her that this was the opportunity of a lifetime. I realize I barely know you, he said, but I also know you want to go.

Starting point is 00:46:42 Ilora looked at the two bags on the floor and smiled. We'd better get ready there. Then, she said. And so they embarked on their journey. The noonday sun was at its peak. It hung at the highest point in the sky and shone down on the power-drained city of HAL. Before leaving, Bokan and Elora took turns in the steaming bathroom. Boxes upon boxes of food were prepared and pushed into their rucksacks, as many as could fit.

Starting point is 00:47:45 Elora wanted to take Howe You with them, but he had run out of charge, and there would be no way to power him in the current circumstances. Elora and Bokon were barely a minute down the road when grandfather came after them. He lifted the chain and pendant from around his neck. and placed it around Elora's. Grandfather told her that her strength was her ability to love, and that love as strong as hers was the key to boundless magic. Elora wrapped her arms around her.

Starting point is 00:48:45 Grandfather, she loved so fervently. Watching the two embrace, Bokham was sure he felt something deep inside himself, but what it was, he couldn't name. Grandfather turned and walked away, gradually becoming a shrinking silhouette. Elora and Bokon absorbed to the city that had grown around them. It was different now, with faded colour and confused citizens. Just as the city had done many,

Starting point is 00:49:42 times before, it pressed on, opting for the ancient use of coal, fire and steam. Yet despite this, it seemed the city the two loved so much was at a standstill. There was an aimlessness in the air, a dazed wish for things to return to normal. Boken and Alora chatted all day, learning all about each other. As the sun lowered in the sky, it felt like they'd known one another for an eternal. Eilora laughed when Bokon said his favourite colour was brown. Brown? Elora asked.

Starting point is 00:50:51 He explained that chocolate was brown, and that the earth that perpetually holds root to all things is brown too. Although they were hardly aware of it, the scenery of cobblestone streets and smoking chimneys was transforming into greenery, dense thickets and crumbling dart. Soon, the afternoon brightness turned to evening sun. sunset. The two walked until their feet became tired and they could only talk of sleep. Bokan spotted a dry cave that was lit up by torches. Its opening was wide and jagged around the edges. The inside was quite welcoming. The floor was thickly lined with moss,

Starting point is 00:52:11 and in the corner of the cave was a bundled up blanket. Bokin and Elora pulled meals out of their respective bags and ate slowly. The food. was still slightly warm, and to Elora, it felt like home with something extra. She commented that it seemed especially good, and Bokon nodded shyly. Elora simply smiled and whispered, thank you. In return, the young man also smiled and whispered back, You're welcome.

Starting point is 00:53:15 After she had finished her meal, Elora looked up into the deepest part of the night sky. The moon was at its fullest, big, round, with a soft bright. There were stars too, small and flickering in the cool night air. So far away, just like home felt right now. Made lazy by their full stomachs, the two settled down to rest. In sleepy, drawn-out voices, they began to share nursery rhymes and mythic tales from their childhoods. Illora listened to Bokin's voice. He told of a tale of a soldier who was conscripted into an army.

Starting point is 00:54:30 In the middle of battle training, he left his base and travelled miles away from the village. He was in search of something that would make him strong enough, brave enough to fight in a war. On his travels he met a wise man in simple clothing who gifted him. the only thing in his possession. A magical sword. Fearless, the young man returned to his camp. When it came time to strike down evil ogres, he managed to do so. But he was sure it was only because of the sword. Not wanting to claim medals for something that he didn't do, the young soldier went in search of the wise man.

Starting point is 00:55:45 But when he found him, the wise man explained that he was not wise at all, and he was not gifted with the ability to share magic. Confused, the young soldier said that the sword had given him had done its work and that he had been glorified because of this. The other man chuckled and told him that it was an ordinary sword. thought, whatever strength and swiftness the young man had wielded was of his own doing. At this point, Ilora softly asked a question. So all the power he needed was inside him all along.

Starting point is 00:56:52 Soken nodded, then asked Elora to tell him a story in return. She searched her mind for an epic tale, a story of wits and charm. But it seemed the drawers and boxes in her mind were empty. She felt the cool moss beneath her and the weight of the blanket across her body. But then she remembered there was a story one her grandfather used to tell her when she was a child. told Bokan to close his eyes, and her voice seemed to transform, becoming like her grandfathers. My family tells of an ancient legend, she began.

Starting point is 00:58:07 Once upon a time there was a family of dragons. They were creatures born of four. magic. Their fire was not just a weapon, it was at all. A dragon's breath could do great wonders. And so it went, the family of dragons roamed their stretch of land, at peace with the other magical creatures of their realm. The land was green as far as the eye could see. They lived and they hatched their own, and the family of dragons grew one hundredfold. Being ancient creatures of wisdom, they would often prophesy to humans who had travelled in the pursuit of knowledge.

Starting point is 00:59:18 There was a prophecy among the dragons that seemed to be a riddle. A dragon not of its original form will forge a land far from here. There were two dragon brothers. They grew in likeness and love, learning the history of their kind. One day the dragons woke to find the others gone. The brothers flew from one corner of the land to the next in search of their family, but they were not to be found. Finally, the two dragons sat on a hill that overlooked their land.

Starting point is 01:00:19 The older brother said to the younger, We must forge a legacy. Go far away from here. Build a new land and know that whatever trials you meet, you are brave enough to overcome them. The younger brother asked his sibling what he would do. The elder replied that the very land they were on was sacred and that there must be someone left to help the travellers who seek knowledge.

Starting point is 01:01:07 Don't worry, brother, he said, I will always love you. you. And who knows, in time we may come together again. Then he turned to his younger brother and transformed his sibling. Now, he said, I grant you the gift of being two-legged to walk the earth as he, humans do. The younger one went on his way, assured by the love of his brother, and instilled with the hope that they would meet again. Elora said she couldn't remember the rest of the story.

Starting point is 01:02:10 He lifted her head to look at Bokan and saw that the young man was very nearly asleep. His eyes still closed. He gently placed his hand on the side of Elora's face. Your grandfather tells good stories, he said. without another word, the two drifted off to sleep. The night passed slowly, and there was barely a sound. It seemed that even the crickets were asleep. Far out on the edges of the forest, the wildlife rested. Bears snored, squirrels murmured, and deer yawned.

Starting point is 01:03:19 And Bokan and D'lora were none the wiser. There was one steady breath before the next, and dreams of heroes and dragons. The sun was a welcome visitor. Elora stretched, not yet opening her eyes, and felt something poke her leg. She and Bokon woke to see two men sticks in hand. looking down at them in wonderment.

Starting point is 01:04:11 The men said they could tell from Bokan and Dolores' clothes that they were not from their land, but they wanted to make sure. Quite baffled, Bokan and Elora simply gazed up at the two men. The strangers said they were looking for the city of Howe. Bokan sat up, coming to his senses, and said that perhaps they could help each other. He explained that he and Alora were looking for a place called the unknown. Ah, the taller man replied, the unknown is quite a place if you know which way to go.

Starting point is 01:05:15 We do. If you come out of this cave, it's on your left if you just walk straight. Lovely, Illora responded. If you walk straight for a couple of weeks, the man continued. Boken and Elora groaned. They explained to the men that the city of HAL was in quite the predicament. With no power, it would eventually cease to function. The shorter man turned to his friend and asked if they could tell Bokan and Elora. about the well.

Starting point is 01:06:08 After a moment of pause, the taller man nodded. The two men told a tale of a magical well that possessed ancient power. It could transport a person wherever they wished, provided they had noble intentions. The well was only a day's walk from the cave. Ilora then told the two men how to get to how. And in exchange for their kindness, Bokon offered to feed them. At first, the men refused, not wishing to impose. But soon they came around to the idea.

Starting point is 01:07:16 As the four sat around their campfire, they exchanged stories and customs from their respective lands. Chen, the younger one, and Kai, the taller, told Elora that their families were friends of the dragons, but they themselves were travellers, and they had not seen a dragon for some time. Bokon told Chen and Kai about the noodle bar, and how he'd met Alora. And she, in turn, told the men about her job, painting the new portions of the city. There was plenty of food to go around. They all ate till they were full.

Starting point is 01:08:23 And after much laughter, the two pairs went their separate ways. Wauken and Elora's pathway through the forest was thickly lined with twisted hedges bearing fruit. As she walked, Elora searched her mind for the ending to Grandfather's Tale of the Dragon Brothers. But her train of thought was interrupted by Bokan, who playfully nudged her in the ribs, and asked her if she was the champion of Blackberries. Elora laughed, bemused. The young man picked about three or four Blackberries off of the hedges. and flung them in the air in a sorry attempt to get every berry in his mouth.

Starting point is 01:09:38 Of course, it was an epic failure. Elora laughed at his attempt and accepted his challenge. She picked three or four blackberries and launched them into the end. air, and two landed in her mouth. Thoroughly impressed, Boken slowly applauded. The two occasionally stopped to eat or bathe or gather water from the stream, and just like the current of the water, the scenery around them changed. There were always new and unusual animals to point out. The trees changed from birch to oak and finally to blossom. The trail of hedges stopped abruptly. Here there were no animals in sight.

Starting point is 01:11:07 Water cascaded through the forest in the near distance. And looking ahead, Bokan and Elora realized where they were. What lie before them were a couple of yards of pale. grey stone, and in its centre a patch of lush green grass and a colourful array of flowers. In the middle, a pink blossom tree stood over the very thing the two had been searching for, the wishing well. As Elora and Bokon approached the well, they were overcome by a great sense of peace. It was as if the bedtime stories they had heard concerning light magic were true.

Starting point is 01:12:23 it was as if light magic, the brightest of light magic, had forged this place. The grass was thicker than plush carpet, and out of respect, the two friends did their best to avoid stepping on any of the flowers. The wishing well had a plaque that read, Introduce Yourself. Perplexed, Illora and Boken awkwardly said their names and their favorite foods. And from the deepest part of the well came a cheery voice. Hello there! The two were so surprised, they hopped back slightly.

Starting point is 01:13:28 But then the well introduced itself. I am the wishing well, and I am at your service. I can tell that your hearts are pure and your cause is noble. I shall take you wherever you will. wish to go. Just say the word. Illora nodded at Boken and said clearly that they wished to go beyond the wilderness to the land called the unknown. The wishing well said it would transport them there, but it told them that they were not the first to travel in search of a dragon, and it hoped that they would be successful.

Starting point is 01:14:32 Bokan and Alora held hands as they were instructed, and then, poof, they were transported to the edge of the last. the land of the unknown. Almost instinctively, the two held their hands longer than necessary, hoping to draw on one another's bravery. The land was green and lush and shrouded in some sort of thick vapour. It was quite hilly with mountains in the far distance, and vegetation that was not of any kind the two brave humans had ever seen. Beads of moisture clung to the blades of grass beneath their feet, and soon, it was.

Starting point is 01:15:44 Elora and Bokan found themselves removing their coats and cardigans. There was some light-hearted chatter as they wandered, and after travelling a great distance, Bokan turned to Elora. He took off one of his leather bracelet bands, wrapped it around one of her wrists, and pressed the clasps together until there was a small click. Elora wanted to ask why, but the words did not come to her. Instead, they both moved towards one another, like statues coming to life, gently enveloping each other in a hug.

Starting point is 01:16:52 Elora was quite a bit shorter than Boken, and he told her that he could fill her nose poking his chest. She chuckled and pulled away slightly. Bokan's eyes widened. Your pendant, he said, it's glowing. Elora looked down at her chest and sure enough her was glowing white. More determined than ever to find answers to their questions, they resumed their journey hand in hand. Deeper they walked into the unknown. They would pass the occasional traveller, who also sought to find answers from a mythical dragon. The others came and went, appearing and disappearing into the dense fog. Elora could feel Bokan's fingers in between her own, and it was reassuring.

Starting point is 01:18:26 As they walked, the two returned to their familiar back and forth of sharing stories. Every now and again, Elora remembered fragments of the story grandfather told her as a child. And before long, The two stumbled upon a wasteland, a desert of sorts, part rock, part sand, and part desolation. But something large and maroon seemed to move. It was jagged and scaly. Could it be a sleeping dragon? Bokan looked at Elora, his hand tightly gripping hers,

Starting point is 01:19:38 and all Elora could think about was her grandfather and a memory from long ago. Little Elora could think about was her grandfather and a memory from long ago. Little Elora was refusing to go to bed. She wanted to stay up all night, like the adults in the house. Grandfather attempted to pull the covers over her, but she simply flailed her legs and kicked the blanket to the end of the bed. now now grandfather said enough of that it's time to go to bed illora huffed finally submitting to grandfather's gentle ways

Starting point is 01:20:37 this time when he pulled the covers over her she didn't protest Grandfather had put a pillow on the floor so he could kneel over her bed and gently stroke her forehead. Illora huffed again and claimed that she was not tired. Smiling, Grandfather offered to tell a story. the story of the two dragon brothers Elora nodded eagerly He began My family tells of an ancient legend

Starting point is 01:21:33 At first Elora watched grandfather's face As he told the story but soon she grew so tired that she yawned once or twice and shifted to her side. Grandfather continued. He told her the story all the way through, and when he was done, He tucked a strand of a laura's hair behind her ear, switched off her nightlight, and closed her bedroom door. Grandfather had told her story so well that she dreamed every detail immaculately, just as he hoped she would. And he told little Elora the very same story, night after night.

Starting point is 01:22:50 But now, in the present day, this was no story. Bokan and Elora found themselves in front of a real live dragon. Who are you? breathed the fiery dragon. The plan had been to gently wake him, but unfortunately, Boken had a sneezing fit, abruptly stirring the dragon. Bokin winced and apologised, and the dragon rolled his eyes. You'd think an ancient creature would be allowed some peace and quiet, but no. I cannot help you, he said, explaining that he was hiding from all the travellers who sought him out.

Starting point is 01:24:01 Bokin shook his head in disbelief. Hiding, he asked. The dragon began to chuckle, not as brave as you thought, I suppose. Elora looked into the dragon's eyes. Behind his scaly, maroon skin, dragon tail and sharp white teeth, there was something familiar about him, something almost lovable. Elora said that perhaps they could help. The dragon curled up as if he was about to go to sleep and groaned. Bokon approached the dragon timidly and gently placed his hand on the enormous creature's tail

Starting point is 01:25:09 while Elora sat on the sand next to the dragon's head and patted him. She asked the creature for his name. Pocori, he replied. Illora introduced herself and Bokan, explaining that they had come in search of a way to bring back power to their city. Hokori sighed and said that he couldn't help. There is no magic left in me, he said. I long for my brother. Elora instinctively took off her necklace and lifted it above her head.

Starting point is 01:26:12 The pendant began to glow intensely, and with a blast of magic, the dragon was at once transformed. He was made human. The words that Laura had so desperately searched for now rose to the surface of her mind. She spoke gently to Hokori, who now had the form of an old man. With the aid of the magical pendant, said Alora, the weary dragon was granted the same gift as his brother, to be made two-legged, and to walk the earth as humans do. Horkori wrapped his arms around his great niece. You are proof that my brother found the love he deserved.

Starting point is 01:27:32 Bokan shook Hakori's hand, and after a long bout of laughter, they walked to the nearest stream to quench their thirst. The three drank until they were no longer thirsty. Bokan remarked that it was unlike any water he had ever tasted, cool and crisp and somehow light in flavour. This place was indeed formed from the lightest man. magic. After they'd had their fill, they sat on a spot of grass and listened to Hokori. I gave my brother a stone, crafted from the shell that hatched him, he said, and told him

Starting point is 01:28:40 that it would hold power as long as I did. All dragons share a life force, and it is regrettable that our separation has affected the power in your city. Allow me to make it right. The three talked their way through the wilderness, the subsequent mountains and valleys, and the thick greenery of the forest. And despite how Bokan and Elora explained, Horkori couldn't quite fathom how wonderful a place the city of Hal was.

Starting point is 01:29:38 After covering a long stretch on foot, the night gradually approached. The tiny flickering embers of stars could be seen across the night sky. The three found a cave to nestle into. Elora collected moss, Bokham prepared some food, and her cori started a fire. Once they'd eaten, they propped up their backs on the slanted walls of the cave. Hercori made finger shadows that moved across the wall. Weiried by the events of the day, Bokan and Elora shut their eyes, listening to the sound

Starting point is 01:30:41 of her Corrie's voice. My family tells of an ancient legend, he began. Elora smiled as she sank into a thick blanket of moss. After telling story after story, her Corrie soon grew tired. He let his limbs go heavy, and his mind drifted to the land of dreams. For miles around, all that could be heard was the gentle crackle of the fire that the three had built together. The trio dreamed long, colourful dreams of dragons and heroes, and of food and family.

Starting point is 01:31:52 The night passed and gave way to mourning. Just as she had done many times before, Elora woke to the smell of the smell of the of kimchi, rice, and fried eggs. Boken had found a way to heat the leftovers from the previous night over the fire, and thankfully the eggs in their rucksack had not cracked. Elora and Bokan watched Hocori eat his meal with great expectation. The old man groaned in delight. As a dragon, Hokori had eaten the vegetation of the land, and now he enjoyed the warmth

Starting point is 01:32:57 and comfort of a cooked meal with human taste buds. The three ate slowly, in deep gratitude for their meal, for finding one another, and for being so very close to home. It turned out that Hukori knew of a shortcut, a way out of the land of the unknown. And so, just a few hours later, the three approached a trail on the outskirts of Hell, which was lined with long hedges bearing blackberries. Pecorri attempted Bokan's game of tossing blackberries into his mouth, but only once or twice. overtaken by his new sense of taste, he gathered handfuls at a time, gently placed the berries on his tongue one by one, and allowed the fruit to burst between his teeth.

Starting point is 01:34:26 from coal fires burnt in the near distance, and soon they were home. The streets were not especially busy, and just as when they had left, the noonday sun lit up the city of hell. And so, the city remained drained of colour. Powered down building-bots lined the street, and it seemed that in these times the citizens much preferred to stay inside. Closer and closer they came to Ellora's home. And all the while, Bokham pointed out inns and restaurants.

Starting point is 01:35:29 There were stories in those streets, stories that Bokan and Alora knew inside out. They spoke of their childhoods, roaming a place so huge. huge and simultaneously so intimate. The city of Hal had weathered seasons, and just like a person, it grew while still maintaining a certain essence. As they rounded a corner, Bokan's voice trailed off. Illora's grandfather sat on the bench outside their home. Hands on knees, eyes closed, breathing deeply.

Starting point is 01:36:34 He opened an eye and looked in the direction of the three travellers. As soon as he saw his younger brother, Okori rushed towards him, holding him in a warm embrace. Grandfather instantly knew who it was. And as the brothers held one another, power surged through the city of Hal. Every building that Elora had ever painted glowed in brilliant hues. Akori said his younger brother's name out loud, Ran. Holding him tightly, Akori said that he had been granted the same gift by his great need. to be humbled and to walk on two legs as humans do.

Starting point is 01:37:47 Bokan wrapped his arm around Elora, who, in turn, put her arm around his waist. Howe You came bouncing out to the front door and danced around both. Okun and Alora. Elora patted the little robot on the head, and he released a low whir in satisfaction. The evening of Elora's safe return and Horkori's welcome to the family, they all went to visit Ichigo's noodle bar, including the little ones, Rumi and Tahero, who had their fill of meat dumplings. Elora ate enough rice, fried eggs, and kimchi to last her a long while, and Bokon had

Starting point is 01:39:03 a bowl of ramen. The others sampled a wide variety of foods, from sushi to rice bowls and all the smaller dishes they could manage. And at last, the sun set and the sky darkened. During this process, Elora's handiwork was made all the more visible. The family peered out the window at the neon signs and glowing paint. And the city served as a hub of life, love and electricity. ever more.

Starting point is 01:40:32 Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Starting point is 01:41:26 Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. So, Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Starting point is 01:44:42 Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories - Elora, Bōken, and the City of Howl

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