There is a classic “scary dark forest” with winding trails all through it, and that has quite the reputation for being both scary and dark, and people who want to test their courage will adventure out into it…
... Now, living out in this forest are two beings, both of whomst’d’ve KNOW there is nothing scary out in those woods, and sometimes to make a few bucks they will go to the trailhead and guide some adventurers through the trails…
First, we have the Dark Troll... When the adventurer meets the Dark Troll, they say “I want to be unafraid out in the woods”. The Dark Troll will then collect their fee and say “follow me” and lead them off into the darkness..
... along the way, the Dark Troll will startle at every breaking twig, ask “did you hear that?!” when they hear nothing, and generally play on the adventurer’s own expectation of “dark and scary”...
... Then, just when the Dark Troll has led the adventurer into the deepest parts of the forest, they will run away back to their bridge and abandon the adventurer to their fear and anxiety, leaving them to find their way back, as the Dark Troll laughs at their torment the whole way home…
Next we have the Light Troll... when an adventurer finds them, they again say “I want to be unafraid of the forest”, the Light Troll will say “alright then, let’s go find the scary in the forest so we can make you not afraid of it”...
The adventurer tries to pay, but the Light Trolls says “I won’t charge you for something you don’t use, you can pay once we find the scary thing” and the Light Troll hands the adventurer their flashlight, points the way, and follows close behind…
Along the way, the Light Troll keeps the adventurer company and offers path suggestions as they meet forks in the trail, and makes sure the adventurer shines the light all over, checking the woods the whole way…
... eventually as their adventure wears on, the adventurer starts to recognize different portions of the forest. The adventurer then says “I think we’ve covered this WHOLE forest, and I don’t think there IS anything scary out here?”.
... To which the Light Troll replies “you’re welcome, I’d accept $10 for the flashlight”.
