Essence… exists inside everything, everyone…

It connects us like a web, beyond just our bodies, beyond just our lives. It drives us and grants our will, that flare, that spark.

Listen…

Just listen…

If you pay enough attention, and let go of your mind’s prejudices, you’ll be able to hear voices lost in time, of events far from our mortal reach.

“I don’t want to live with the regret of not having asked.” A boy told the person closest to his heart.

“It’s a promise!” A girl told the boy, a kind of faith brushing past her lips.

“It comes from an ancient legend, and tells tales of a time when real gods still existed…” A woman answered the boy’s question.

Essence is a link, a chain, a river. It flows through the world and makes us part of it. Through it, we evolve. With it, we mix with those close to us…

“I can heal you.” Said the boy to the frightened girl.

“See if the person acts on their word, see if the person is sensible and kind, see if there isn’t a mask that falls when you are not near. If these conditions are met, that means the person is trustworthy, and repaying grace should be done ten-fold.” Explained a girl, as a gentle smile set on her lips.

“For bringing his spirit, and his wish, back home… I thank you.” Expressed an old woman, as her aged hands cupped the ones of her benefactor.

Essence reaches up to us in mysterious ways, and those who believe to understand it, will never do so…

“There is a barrier you idiot!” Shouted a young woman, as a red lock of hair brushed her nose.

“There are many paths to the comprehension of Essence, and one should never disregard someone else’s ways.” A boy heard from a vivid voice in his memories.

“One can admire one’s betters, but should never worship them, else they halt their own steps.” Taught an ancient woman, whose features hadn’t been touched by time.

Essence… is a kind of story. It collects our tales, puts them together, then passes them onto those who seek the truth.

“Is that… Astraea?” The boy asked, disbelief evident in his voice.

“Moon wolf clan... A jaw to swallow the stars.” He muttered, holding back his excitement.

“Many gods once walked among us… yet we never knew their true names, their true faces.” Words written in an old man’s journal.

“Many years ago, a little girl became lost down here, and kept me company.” One shouldn’t be able to put the beast’s features and nostalgia together, yet there they were, like the most natural thing in the world.

“I don’t know what you are doing…” Her voice brushed his lips, warm, tempting, barely holding back the heartbeat behind the sway of her hips. “But I don’t think I can keep myself sane anymore.”

“You... who are you? What are you?” The man asked in a fit of rage and blood.

“I... really wanted… us to form a party, and explore this world together…” The girl exhaled to the boy, suddenly finding her surroundings too bright for her gaze.

“There is a whole continent full of them. Monsters. Across the Split Sea…”

“Will you go there?”

“Equidna used to reign those lands, and they worship her with zealous faith.”

“A human? Are you going to keep him as Pet, Sylvein?”

If someone were to seek to comprehend Essence, there are two truths they must always keep in mind…

Essence never stays in one place.

So never waver.

Never stop.

Your steps must be light, and relentless.

Fear should never halt one’s advance, but only serve as a warning.

So pursue it, reach your goal and find another.

Put intent in your every move, determination is your armor.

And no matter how much you’ve walked, no matter how much dirt and blood were to cover your gaze…

Remember that which set you on this long and arduous path...

For Essence is endless.