Wisdom at the rivers' crossing

This is a very sudden transition from my own bedside to a patch of sand on the other side of the island. Perhaps anyone has any notion as to what to giant ants might have thought to do with a man-sized glass cocoon?

Suddenly, just after sunset, the radios begin to play music.

There's no warning, no signal, no words. Nothing but the soft, echoing strumming of the string instrument - some might recognize a guqin, played with exceptional skill and relish. A wave of sound crashes, and another, and then a second instrument joins, quicker and fiercer yet in perfect harmony.

The two unknown musicians play for some minutes, dancing around, complimenting, coaxing each other. There is no sound but the music as it unfolds, develops and finally builds to a crescendo that echoes for long seconds after both go silent.

And just as the music rose, it disappears again.

[Taken from Red Cliff Part I, right here from about 8:55 to the end.]

I understand that the voices following us all are not reliable sources of information; but still, I do wonder who, exactly, have I tried to kill with a forklift.


Smoke-jūn, may I meet with you sometimes this week? I'm in need of some advice that I think you are best equipped to give.

-- 火


[OOC: Sorry couldn't resist. ^_^]

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

At last, what was lost is recovered. A thousand pardons for my lengthy silence: it's a delicate system that we depend upon for our communication. I hope that nothing crucial had happened by writing.

Sumi-senseilăoshī, if I may ask an unusual question: is there any special kind of soap that you use for your hair? The Sphere's newest antics are proving very tiresome.


-- 火


[OOC: Absence explanation = lost journal. Please bear with me. He'd have been around in person, though. Also now he's in a cliched anime and can't tie up his ~*~BUUUTIFUL BISHIE HAIR~*~ IseriouslyDEK.]

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