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Tom
Get Sleepy is a production of Slumber Studios and is made possible thanks to the generous support of our sponsors and Premium members. If you'd like to listen ad free and access weekly bonus episodes, extra long stories and our entire back catalogue, you can try out premium free for seven days by following the link in the episode notes. Now, a quick word from our sponsors. Tonight's episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Did you know that 6 million men in the US suffer from depression every year, and it's often undiagnosed. With all the pressures of the modern world and some of the unrealistic and often toxic online influences out there, it's no wonder that so many of us guys are finding things difficult. But it's okay to struggle. And real, true strength comes from opening up about what you're carrying and doing something positive about it for your own sake and those around you. If you're a man and you're feeling the weight of the world, talk to someone. A friend, a loved one, a therapist. Those conversations are so important and in my experience, they only ever deepen the bond between you and the person listening. As the largest online therapy provider in the world, BetterHelp can provide access to mental health professionals with a diverse variety of expertise. So talk it out with BetterHelp. Our listeners get 10% off their first month at betterhelp.com getsleepy that's betterhelp.com sleep get sleepy hey, it's Tom. I'm excited to share with you the newest show from Slumber Studios. It's called Sleepy History, and it's exactly what it sounds like. Intriguing stories, people, mysteries and events from history delivered in a supremely calming atmosphere. Explore the legend of El Dorado. See what life was like for the Roman gladiators. Uncover the myths and mysteries of Stonehenge. You'll find interesting but relaxing episodes like these on Sleepy History and the same great production quality you've come to know and love from Get Sleepy. So check it out and perhaps you'll have another new way to get a good night's rest. Just search Sleepy History in your preferred podcast player. Good evening and welcome to Get Sleepy, where we listen, we relax, and we get sleepy. As always, my name's Thomas and I'm your host. I really am so grateful to have the opportunity to be a source of comfort by your side as you enjoy some rest. Thank you for trusting in our wonderful team here at Get Sleepy to help you get a good night's sleep. We have a very unique immersive story tonight that I hope will once again help you drift off with ease. It was written by Chase and I'll be reading it for you shortly. We'll join a young boy named Evan on an epic adventure. He gets a new video game that is unlike any he's ever played before. When he starts to play it, he somehow finds himself transported into the virtual world of Elysia. As the main character in the game, he embarks on a journey to restore magic to the mystical realm. He'll overcome obstacles, solve riddles and unlock powerful spells to complete the quest. If you'd love more content from Get Sleepy and the very best listening experience, be be sure to check out our members subscription Get Sleepy Premium Tomorrow night in our weekly Premium exclusive episode, we'll join a young lady as she cleans and organises a small room in her apartment, turning it into the perfect cosy office so she can start her new dream job. To find out more about all the perks of being a Get Sleepy Premium member like ad free listening, early access to episodes, discount on merchandise, and plenty more, just visit the link in the description. Thank you so much for your support. Now my friends, before we begin tonight's story, let's get ready for a deep and restful sleep. Now that the day has come to a close, you can slide beneath the covers and gather the soft silky sheets around you. Snuggle down and find that sweet spot of complete comfort where the bed feels like it was created just for you. Begin to slow your breathing, imagining a thread of calm coursing through your body as you breathe in. And as you breathe back out, envision that thread leaving through the tips of your toes, taking with it any stress or tension. Another deep breath in and out, in and out. And alongside that release of tension, allow any noise in the mind to fade out and drift away, giving yourself every opportunity to be fully immersed in tonight's story one last time, breathing in and out and sensing tension or disruption, gently departing as you relax further. Now follow the sound of my voice as we begin our story. Evan has just arrived home and there's something waiting for him on the doorstep. Sam Evan gets off the school bus and walks up the porch steps to the house and there, propped up by the front door, he notices a mysterious package addressed to him. It's wrapped in glossy blue paper. Evan bends down to pick it up, carefully untying the silver ribbon and lifting the lid to reveal a video game case. The COVID has a captivating image of a soaring creature called a sky glider. It looks like a feathered dragon flying through the Clouds in a bright blue sky. But what really catches his attention is the title, Wings of Elysia. The gleaming gold letters seem to promise adventure. His curiosity piqued, Evan wastes no time entering the house, walking to the living room and inserting the disc into his games console. The soft, whirring sound of the machine only heightens his excitement. He's wanted a new game to play for a while. Without hesitation, he selects New Game and hits the start button. But as the game loads on the TV screen, a surge of magical energy emanates from the console. The surroundings begin to shimmer and blur around him, the room fading away like a distant memory. When Evan opens his eyes, he finds himself standing on a cloud high above an enchanting realm of wonder. He glances down at his body and sees that he now resembles a video game character, wearing a tunic adorned with intricate symbols. The sky is a vast expanse that stretches endlessly in all directions, painted in colors of azure, pink and gold. And right in front of him is the majestic creature he admired on the game's cover. Standing there in all her glory, the Sky Glider is a vision of beauty and grace. She really does resemble a dragon, standing tall and proud on four legs, with her forked tail swishing behind her. Her wings are covered with shimmering feathers that shift color with each ray of sunlight, creating a kaleidoscope of hues. Ancient wisdom sparkles in her eyes, and tranquility emanates from her. Evan feels an immediate connection to the creature, like they are somehow bound together. The world around him feels drastically different. He has stepped into a realm woven from dreams and imagination. The crisp air carries the sweet fragrance of blossoming flowers, and everything looks like a coloring book brought to life. Evan can hardly believe it. He has become the video game's main character, a hero in the mesmerizing world of Elysia. His limbs feel light and agile, hinting at the potential for extraordinary feats outside the confines of reality. The rules of the physical world have been replaced by the boundless possibilities of the game's universe. Evan meets the gaze of the Sky Glider. The creature lets out a huff as she lowers one of her wings, allowing the boy to climb up onto her back. A moment later, he is seated comfortably. It was surprisingly easy. He pats the creature's neck, deciding to call her Beastie. She seems to approve of the name, releasing a joyful snort as her wings slice through the air with grace and purpose. Soon, Evan feels the wind against his face as they soar through the sky. The world below is a patchwork of majestic mountains, lush forests, and winding rivers stretching out like a canvas of untold adventures. Absorbing the breathtaking surroundings, Evan notices the serenity that envelops him. The peace pervading Alicia is unlike anything he has ever experienced. In the real world, the realm feels untouched, a tranquil oasis where stress melts away. The virtual world is a sanctuary, beckoning him to explore its hidden depths. Evan is filled with exhilaration, knowing that he's a video game character in this remarkable world. And he understands that he has a vital role to play, a hero's journey to undertake. From reading the video game cover, he knows he must embark on a quest to restore balance and bring back the fading magic of the realm. Guided by the sky glider, his heart swells with gratitude for this incredible opportunity. He relishes the chance to play the game this way, where his actions as a video game character hold the power to shape the destiny of Alicia. In this virtual reality, he has become the hero he has always dreamed of being. The wind brushes against his cheeks and ruffles his hair as if urging him onward in his quest. The landscape of Alicia unfolds below like a spectacle, spectacular work of art. As the land stretches out before Evan's eyes, he can see where it once teemed with vibrant magic. But now the enchantment is fading. His gaze falls upon rolling meadows and lush forests now muted in color and lacking some of the life that once thrived within. The once crystal clear rivers have dulled, shimmering with pale reflections. Evan feels a growing determination to restore Alicia's former glory. And with each beat of the sky glider's wings, their bond deepens. He knows that he can't embark on this quest alone and that his companion possesses a unique wisdom. Evan whispers affectionately to Beastie, telling her that together they will breathe life back into Elysia. She responds with a gentle trill, the melodic sound conveying reassurance and support. Evan feels warmth in his heart, knowing that the two are united in their purpose. As their flight continues, Beastie's voice echoes within Evan's mind. She explains that an ancient prophecy holds the key to the game's quest. The rhyme has been passed down through generations. Evan's eyes grow wide and he listens closely, eager to catch every word that Beastie shares. He understands the words will help to guide him. She says there are shrines with powers that can't be seen Solve the riddles and bring back the sheen Gather the four elements pure and right to restore the balance with celestial light from mountains high to valleys deep in every corner the magic will seep. With every act of kindness, a sparkle will ignite, leading to enchantment radiant and bright. Hearing this, Evan understands what he has to do. If he wants to restore the full extent of magic, he will need to discover the ancient shrines, solve all the game's riddles, and gather the elements of power. The prophecy's words resonate with Evan. He acknowledges his role and the importance of his actions from this moment onwards. The exhilarating sense of freedom and wonder intensifies with each passing moment. Evan and Beastie traverse the vast sky, the billowing clouds dancing in rhythm with their flight. Evan clings tightly to Beastie's feathers, the creature's strength and wisdom flowing into him. With the wind at their backs and the prophecy etched in their hearts, Evan and Beastie soar onward, ready to tackle the obstacles awaiting them. Soon they glide through a forest where sunlight filters through the dense canopy, leaving shadowed patterns on the ground. Venturing deeper into the woods, they come upon a clearing. There's a peculiar shrine standing in the middle of the space, Bathed in an ethereal glow, the structure is carved with intricate symbols and covered with sparkling crystals. It radiates an undeniable air of power that beckons them to draw closer. Evan can sense the shrine's significance. He leaps off of Beastie's back and approaches it, feeling the faint hum of magic in the air. Four pedestals stand in front of the shrine, each with an empty space that seems to yearn for an object to complete it. Studying the pedestals, Evan realizes they represent the four elements mentioned in the prophecy. Earth, water, air, and fire. This must be the foundation upon which some of Elyssia's magic thrived. As Evan thinks it over, he works out that to restore the shrine's power and unlock its secrets, he needs to locate the missing elements and place them on their respective pedestals. The question is where and how to acquire them. Seeming to pick up on his thoughts, Beastie nudges Evan with her snout, her big eyes shining with encouragement. This prompts him to consider that the answer might lie nearby, within the forest itself. With renewed determination, he starts to search for the missing element. He ventures deeper into the woods, guided by his instincts and the subtle whispers he hears on the wind. Some of the trees have gold marks pointing him in the right direction. They lead him to a hidden grove where he finds the first element. There, nestled in a bed of blooming flowers, he discovers a green crystal pulsating with the energy of the earth. He carefully plucks the crystal up and cradles it in his hands feeling the power coursing through his fingertips, Evan winds his way through the woods and back to the shrine. He places the earth crystal on its pedestal, and in an instant, the shrine thrums with power as its glow intensifies and the forest around them starts to awaken from a long slumber. It may be a very small victory, but it's also an essential step in fully restoring the realm's magic. Buoyed by his success, Evan and Beastie press on, searching for the three remaining elements. They dive into a placid lake, scale a towering cliff, and traverse a volcanic landscape. And one by one, Evan collects the blue water, clear air, and red fire crystals. When each element has been placed on its pedestal, the shrine resonates with harmonious energy, brilliant rays of light bursting forth in a radiant display all around them. The forest responds. The waters shimmer with renewed clarity. The air thrums with vitality, and the volcanoes rumble to life. The magic within the shrine surges, opening a gateway right in front of Evan and Beastie to another section of the forest that wasn't there before. They glance at one another, then step through the portal. The duo emerges in some kind of sanctuary. In this part of the game, it's where the heart of Elysia's ancient power resides. There, woven into the air in glittering gold letters, are the first few lines of the prophecy, followed by a riddle that reads, four elements need these words spoken for Elysia's power to be awoken. After chanting the words out loud, Evan channels the magic of the spell through him. The power intermingles with the restored elements as it flows into the shrine. The spoken words send a magnificent surge of pure energy radiating outwards, illuminating the entire forest. The woods come alive even more vibrant with nature's beauty. This part of the realm seems to breathe a collective sigh of relief, with earth, water, air, and fire rejoicing at the return of its magical essence. The boy and the sky glider exchange a knowing glance, their spirits bolstered by the success of their first mission. Their actions have restored more of Elysia's fading magic. Now that the shrine is ablaze with renewed power and all four elements are where they should be, they are one step closer to fulfilling the prophecy and revitalizing the entire realm. Evan climbs up Beastie's back, and they take to the skies once more, eager to face the remaining challenges. As Beastie flies through the sky, her wings carry them over a mountain range interspersed with valleys all shrouded in shadow. That's when Evan realizes that this must be the second Part of the prophecy about mountains high and valleys deep. He suggests they land in the middle of the area, where an ethereal light beckons them to venture further. In the heart of the valley, they discover a magnificent waterfall cascading down a cliff face, its waters shimmering with remnants of fading magic. They both sense that this place holds the key to restoring more of Elysia's enchantment. And they know that they have a task to complete here. Evan and Beastie approach the waterfall. Guided by their intuition, Evan walks through the sheet of paper which parts for him, allowing him to enter a cave where an ancient stone tablet rests on a rock column. A riddle is carved upon the tablet waiting for him to unravel. Reads where water dances and sunlight gleams A secret lies within nature's seams through harmony's embrace the There is a way to restore magic and make it sway in the pool where sunlight weaves Find the stone where magic cleaves With a gentle touch and balance True the spirits awaken and their powers imbue. After reading the riddle, Evan ponders the words. He understands that the answer lies in the delicate interplay between water, light and the stone within the pool outside the waterfall. To solve the riddle and restore more of the magic, he just needs to find the stone and perform a task that embraces harmony and balance. He exits the cave, his eyes scanning the pool until they land on a shimmering stone nestled at the bottom. Its iridescent glow hints at the dormant magic it possesses. Evan carefully wades into the pool, the riddle guiding him. The water is cool against his skin, but somehow it doesn't seep through his shoes or clothing. After retrieving the stone, he returns to the cave and places it next to the tablet on top of the column. Focusing his thoughts on harmony and balance, Evan channels the essence of the realm and allows his intentions to flow into the stone. The response is gradual. The stone begins to hum with energy, a soft light surrounding it. Slowly, the light spreads out of the cave and throughout the valley. Evan walks through the waterfall and joins Beastie by the pool. They witness tiny silver wisps of magic dance and swirl in the air, which must be the awakening of the spirits. The spirits whisper words of gratitude and shower their essence over the land, banishing every shadow and further restoring the realm's magic. Magic. The mountains and the valleys sparkle with renewed brilliance. Magic seeping into every corner, just like the words of the prophecy. Now that their task is complete, Evan and Beastie leave the place better than when they found it. The wind carrying whispers of thanks from the awakened spirits, the duo continues their journey, wondering what they will encounter next. They fly over a sprawling meadow, the gentle breeze carrying the fragrant note of wildflowers. When they spot a narrow, shimmering stream winding through the verdant grass, they descend towards the ground. The water emanates a distinct glowing aura, beckoning them closer. Beastie lands, gracefully lowering her wings so that Evan can dismount from her back. His curiosity piqued, he approaches the stream, its glassy surface aglow with otherworldly energy. He peers into its depths as a riddle is whispered in his mind. In Elysia's heart, secrets are found. Seek the kindness that does abound. Although there is a darkening spell, just one act of compassion will tell. Within the water is a hidden key, a reflection to see. To solve this riddle, look deep inside and let kindness be your guide. The voice fades away, leaving Evan to mull over the words. To solve the riddle, he needs to find a way to counter whatever. Cast a shadow over this part of Elysia. Emotion wells up within him. He knows that an act of kindness is the key to unraveling the riddle's mystery. Beastie is a reassuring presence as Evans surveys the surroundings, noticing a small cluster of wilting flowers by the stream. The colour has faded from their drooping petals, mirroring the rest of the area. He kneels beside the flowers, compassion flooding his heart, and carefully cups them in his hands. Lowering his voice, Evan whispers words of encouragement to the flowers as gently as he can, hoping to radiate kindness and empathy. His intentions pour out, aiming to nurture their spirits and infuse the fading blossoms with positivity. Much to his delight, the flowers begin to respond. Their petals perk up, vibrant colors re emerge, and a sweet fragrance fills the air. Evan's act of kindness transforms the flowers, and it causes a chain reaction as the water in the stream glimmers with a new brilliance. When a soft hum resounds from its depths, he knows that the riddle has been solved. With a wide smile, Evan returns to Beastie, seeing admiration in her eyes. The sky glider acknowledges the young hero's wise course of action, letting out a joyful trill. Now that their third task is complete, the pair resume their journey. They take flight once more, watching as dazzling light envelops the area, dispelling all the darkness. The meadow flourishes with renewed vitality, the colours bursting forth while the air emanates a happy tune. Beastie carries Evan to a remote corner of Elysia that is more shadowed than the rest of the land. They descend into a small village, where tiny whimsical creatures huddle together. They are called the Loomis, each about the size of a rabbit. The Loomis explain that they have lost their glow. To restore more of the magic to the realm, that glow must be rekindled. They tell Evan about a rare flower known as the star Lily that once blossomed in this village. Its petals were used to spread joy and enchantment throughout the land. However, the starlily's light has faded, leaving the Loomis without their usual glow. They need Evan's help. To restore the magic to this part of Elysia, an act of kindness is required. This will bring hope and joy to the Loomis. Evan is inspired by their words and promises to find a way to revitalize the starlily and rekindle the Loomis's spirits and glow. Beastie accompanies him as he searches for clues that will lead them to the flower's revival. Guided by the Loomis's wisdom, they explore the village. Venturing into a secluded grand among the foliage, Evan discovers a hidden nook full of star lilies. The flowers are in a state of stasis. A riddle materializes in the grass near the star lilies. The golden letters read, to breathe life into petals pale. A selfless act must not fail. From hopeful hearts to the skies above, a gift of compassion is a symbol of love. Seek a Loomis whose light has waned and whose spirit must be sustained. Allow empathy to be a guide, radiating kindness from inside. After Evan reads the riddle out loud, the words disappear. His determination grows, and he embraces the challenge. Evan and Beastie walk through the village where the Loomis wait for them. The boy seeks out a creature in need of uplifting. With patient observation, he squats down to the ground in front of one whose gentle radiance has dwindled. He reaches out with the utmost care, cradling the small creature in his hands. His voice is filled with warmth and empathy. As he whispers words of encouragement, he infuses the Loomis with his own compassion, trying to share his strength and lift the creature's spirit. The selfless act of kindness does the trick. The Loomis's essence is reinvigorated, and their glow intensifies in a gleaming display of gratitude. Then the Loomis's light spreads to the others until the magic permeates the village. Suddenly, as the rejuvenation takes effect, the star lilies respond. Countless delicate petals unfurl across the land, revealing a resplendent Bloom. Their vivid colors illuminate the area, creating a luminous glow all the way up to the heavens. Evan and Beastie stare at the sight, their hearts filled with joy and fulfillment. And the Loomis spirits soar, their collective light pulsating with newfound energy. The village, once shadowed and dimmed, now glimmers with lively magic. All of Elysia rejoices, the realm's enchantment echoing through every corner. Evan understands that the act of kindness has not only helped the Loomis and star lilies, but also brought back the full extent of magic to this part of Elysia. After saying farewell to the Loomis, Evan and Beastie resume their flight. The skyglider soars higher and higher, Evan whooping with delight on her back. Their next destination is among the fluffy clouds. The air is so refreshing. As they reach a thick cluster of clouds, Beastie gently descends onto one of them that appears more solid than the rest. Suspended in the sky, a tree stands in the middle of it, the trunk covered with an intricately designed picture board. Evan steps off of Beastie's back, surveying the ethereal surroundings. Up here in a world of mist and light, where the boundaries between the physical and the mystical blur. Somehow he knows that this is the place where he will face the final challenge, one that will unlock a deeper understanding of his own abilities and the lessons he has learned from the video game. Evan approaches the Grand Tree to study the puzzle on its trunk. Its branches extend outwards while its roots reach down, symbolizing the connection between living things and the areas of the realm. But there is a noticeable lack of color and leaves on the tree. Each piece of the puzzle glows with faint luminescence, hinting at the magic infused within. Evans senses that this puzzle is not only a test of his mental acuity, but a reflection of his own growth and understanding of the game. Examining the pieces, he realizes that they are not mere jigsaw shapes. They are fragments of memories and moments from his time in Wings of Elysia. Every piece holds significance, a representation of courage, unity, empathy, and the preservation of nature's delicate balance. As he rearranges them, Evan allows his memory to guide him. He pieces together the moments of kindness and compassion, aligning them with instances of bravery and unity. The puzzle is a mirror of his own transformation. It reflects his growth, resilience, and unwavering spirit. Each correct alignment sends a surge of energy coursing through him, as if the puzzle acknowledges his journey and the wisdom he has gained. Different memories flash before his eyes. He watches every encounter, every riddle solved his acts of selflessness and the awe inspiring vistas. They are all woven into the puzzle. The final piece finds its place and a radiant light envelops the entire parcel, illuminating the realm with a brilliance that surpasses anything Evan has witnessed before. At the center of the puzzle, the tree becomes alive, its branches reaching outward and sprouting leaves of every color. Evan watches the magic of the realm surge in every direction, spreading like a ripple through Elysia. The colors of nature intensify and the air hums with ancient enchantment. At last, the realm has been fully restored. In awe of the beauty, Evan closes his eyes, embracing the connection he has forged with the puzzle and everything it represents. He knows that this final challenge wasn't just a test, but a reminder of the transformative power he possesses. Evan opens his eyes and turns to Beastie, his loyal companion and friend, a smile on his face as he prepares to say goodbye. They are perched on the cloud overlooking Elysia. The world is teeming with life and vibrant with magic. The sky glider's feathers glisten in the golden light, her eyes full of gratitude and understanding. Evan reaches out, running his hand along the creature's graceful neck and reflecting on their shared experiences together. They have had laughter, triumph, and moments of awe. With a heartfelt embrace, Evan thanks Beastie for her help. He expresses his appreciation for the wisdom gained, the bonds forged, and their journey together in Wings of Elysia. As their farewell lingers in the air, Evan closes his eyes again and takes a deep breath. In a burst of magical energy, he feels a gentle pull, the world around him dissolving into sparkling fragments. When he opens his eyes, he finds himself once again in the living room, facing the television screen that transported him to the enchanting world. The room feels different now. As if touched by the lingering magic of Elysia, Evan glances at the tv, where the video game's main menu awaits him. The serene artwork is a reminder of his remarkable adventure. As he takes a seat on the couch, he can't help but reflect on the invaluable lessons he's learned throughout his journey. He has witnessed the power of kindness, extending a helping hand to those in need and fostering unity among diverse characters. And he has honed his problem solving skills, unraveling puzzles and riddles and overcoming obstacles that have tested his witness and resilience. But perhaps most importantly, Evan has recognized the boundless potential within himself. The video game is a vessel of self discovery, a catalyst for personal growth and empowerment. His journey as a video game character turned hero taught him to believe in his abilities and to embrace whatever challenges come his way. With a newfound appreciation for the digital world that has enriched his real world experiences, Evan feels a surge of joy. The memories of his incredible adventure in Wings of Elysia remain etched in his heart. It has unlocked a sense of wonder, courage, limitless potential within him. He is ready to embark on new journeys, both in the video game realm and the real world.