[Absimilliard]

My country is a land of myth and legend. It is a place where actions speak louder than words and fortune weaves a merry dance among those who would seek her.

When I was young my father took me to see an Oracle. These are wise people, gifted beyond the ken of man. I was not there for my own benefit, nor that of my father but rather our king, Leonidas, had asked my father to convey a question to the oracle in secret then report back the answer.

My father left me in the presence of the Oracles attendants while he asked his question, and came to collect me before being given his answer so that we could make the journey home.

I do not know what the question was, but I heard the answer.

"Brave man, soldier, philosopher, bard and poet," said the Oracle, "you of all people know that within the hearts of all men live two wolves who circle and attack each other consantly."

My father nodded. I did not understand.

"The white wolf represents those higher aspirations of love, purpose, faith, hope, mercy, civilisation, and all those things we hold dear to our hearts as being noble and virtuous."

She paused, then continued.

"The black wolf represents the baser concerns of selfishness, anger, arrogance, despair, hate, fear and wanton destruction. All those things we tell ourselves are beneath us yet still cloud our minds."

Another brief pause.

"There in lays your answer,"

With that she rose and left us. My father bowed low, then took my shoulder and walked from the room.
I did not understand as I was only a young boy at the time and before we had even fully left the room I turned to my father and asked,

"But which wolf wins?"

My father stopped, looked down at me before putting hands on my shoulders and dropping to one knee so as to look me in the eye.

His answer stays with me even now.

"Which ever one you feed the most."