An Important Night-time Walk

 It's not exactly rural. Or at least not completely rural.

House.
Field.
House.
Field.

I smoke weed past the fields, cigs past the houses.

It smells kinda swampy, but it's probably just 'cause it rained recently. Granted, there are swamps on the edge of the fields.

A slight mist hangs over everything, looking pretty majestic in the moonlight.

I hear the frogs chirping, occasionally interrupted by engines and headlights. I feel like cars in the country somehow know to be quieter at night.

I see something up ahead. Are there kids out here? At this time of night? Three little silhouettes. Maybe four feet tall? They're walking kinda funny though. Ape-ish.

I put my weed in my drawstring bag. I try to approach in a way that says, "I'm just walking past, I don't mean to frighten you."

But… they're just staring at me as I get close.

Just. Staring.

And, they don't look that child-like.

Oh god, what the fuck are these things. They're walking up but I can't look away. Like when you pass by a deer carcass.

"Do not not fear humans. We are beings from a different place. A place of magic and monsters. We know many things. Things we wish to teach to human students. Unfortunately you can only pick one of us as a mentor."

The first steps forward. He smells of dust and coal.

"I know of the practical world. Anything you can touch or taste or see is within my realm. I can teach you the sciences and crafts. If you become my student, money and success shall be yours."

The second steps forward. She smells of flowers and fancy oils.

"I know of the spiritual world. Anything you can feel or understand is within my realm. I can teach you how to navigate your interpersonal relationships. If you become my student, true joy and fulfillment shall be yours."

The third steps forward.

"I know nothing of this world. I wish to learn the truth of things."

Yup, that's my guy.

I lit a cig as we approach the next house. I offer one to my new little friend.