in the hushed corridors of time, illuminated by the flickering candles of eternity, i've observed many a soul slip by into the velvet embrace of the night, seeking guidance, yearning to begin from zero, to grasp the mysteries that dwell under the shadowed veil of existence. yet, within the dimly lit parlors of ancient manors, where the scent of aged oak and whispered secrets mingle, it is the game of billiards, with its silent ballet of spheres, that captivates the heart. prior to stepping into the light, one must embrace the shadows, learn the art under-the-table, where the true essence of strategy and skill whispers softly, waiting to be discovered by those daring enough to listen.