Wisdom at the rivers' crossing

"Once upon a time," said Zhuangzi, "I dreamed that I was a butterfly, fluttering hither and thither, to all intents and purposes a butterfly. I was conscious only of my happiness as a butterfly, unaware that I was Zhuangzi.

"Soon I awoke, and there I was, veritably myself again. Now I do not know whether I was then a man dreaming that I was a butterfly, or whether I am now a butterfly, dreaming that I am a man."

[Once this little bit of ancient wisdom finishes showing on the right side of the page, the left slowly fills with a delicate painting of a man asleep under a tree, a butterfly perched on his head.]

My condolences to the friends of the disappeared. Cissus is gone as well, and her absence dims the sunlight over these fields, faint already in this cold and dark season. Parting is worst when it is sudden; but all the bonds we make are ultimately contingencies against a mute and chaotic world. Storms pass. We build again.


The restoration of the fields continues to be a challenging project; I consider myself responsible, and am attempting to devise an alternative solution. I must beg your patience.


[There is a pause, and then a sketch appears, quickly and with Huo's usual neat precision. Looks like gears of a pocket watch. Beneath it, fainter writing.]

And still. I am grateful.


-- 火

[The words appear is the quick, delicate scrawl that characterizes Huo's writing when he's distracted. Long moments pass between sentences.]


This is very unusual.


And violent.


I'm reasonably sure that a feather fan can't do that.



Is anyone else in the Wilderness at the moment? I require some assistance.

-- 火

[The words are written in haste, a note made while distracted.]

They are hints; and unclear as they are, we should be grateful for the knowing.

The realm is vast and full of wonders. At every turn, a new delight awaits for the eager eye, and much that is tantalizing in its unfamiliarity. Perhaps with so little to see within, the mind is best pleased to seek without; perhaps by walking its length and breadth, a foreign place might become a home.

To impose would be unforgivable, yet I would be glad for the presence of another with me on the road: for the sake of guidance and safety, as well as for the pleasure of company. Stellaris: if one should be find to serve as guide, your presence alongside us would be very welcome.

The list of positions remains a puzzle; all seem equally fascinating. I must not have gotten very much done, in another life.



On another matter: Might I gain the attention of the one known as Dash?


-- 火