Ceremony

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX=")[Welcome to The Retreat - Ceremonies(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX=")[A methodical interactive narrative by Lauren Ashley]] (align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX=")[All paths lead home...]\ (align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX=")[[Begin Journey | Start]]

My eyes slowly adjusted to the dim room, lit only by clusters of candle stubs melted into cracks along the walls. Wisps of smoke curled upward in slow spirals, carrying the rich scent of jazmine that fused with the earthy undertone of aged teakwood. The floor was layered with soft woven bamboo rugs, atop dark wooden planks. Scrolls of hand-brushed calligraphy and faded ink paintings of mountains and rain spirits hung adorning the walls. The Sage moved gracefully around a low, circular table in the center of the room. Her long white robe drapped fluidly, sending cascades of silky fabric to the floor. She bowed. "Please, sit and share a cup of tea. It is our custom upon arrival, to help bring you to the present and accept Lín Yǔ." Her voice was airy, laced with a thick accent. My friend, Julien, gave my arm a light squeeze before lowering himself onto one of the plush pillows. He looked up at me, with quiet curiosity. ....The tea smelt like nothing I ever tasted, unfamiliar but not unpleasent. Should I [[sit and accept]] or [[sit and refuse]]. <script> setup.birdie.play(); </script>

I let out a slow breath, easing the tension from my shoulders as I sank deeper into the cushion. Across from me, The Sage reached for her cup. Her movements were deliberate, graceful, each finger was adorned with polished rings of gold and jade that shimmered in the soft light. We lifted our cups in unison. The warm, nut-brown liquid swirled gently, releasing a rich, earthy aroma that tinged with a crisp note, like fresh mint crushed in a mortar. She lifted her head, lips gently parted as she breathed in. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[//"Receive Lín Yǔ, Spirit of the Rainforest.// She desends as rain, flows as stream, rises as mist ever-changing. Her falls are the breath of the forest, the pulse of the earth. She teaches us to move without clinging, no resistance. In her cycle is no death, only transformation. Let her awaken your senses, soften your mind, and return you to the here and now."] [[Sip tea]]

I shook my head as I lowered myself onto the large pillow. "I'm sorry... I'm just not comfortable with all that, just yet." I looked over to Julien who gave me a reasurraning glance. The Sage didn't respond. She looked to Julien and raised her cup. Each delicate finger clasping the cup was adored with polished gold and jade rings that seem to glow in the amber light. The Sage breathed in slowly then out closing her eyes and spoke. (align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[//Receive Lín Yǔ, Spirit of the Rainforest.// She desends as rain, flows as stream, rises as mist ever-changing. Her falls are the breath of the forest, the pulse of the earth. She teaches us to move without clinging, no resistance. In her cycle is no death, only transformation. Let her awaken your senses, soften your mind, and return you to the here and now. Be watchful and let stillness carry you."] [[Continue|a choice]]

The warmth of the mug spread through my hands as I took a cautious sip. Almost instantly, a tingling sensation brushed across my skin... ...like tiny jumping beans leaping just beneath the surface. The world around me seemed to shift. The soft plink of dew dripping down petals, the delicate buzz of a mosquito near Julien’s cheek. Every sound sharpened, more precise, as if the air itself had been re-tuned. Even the light changed, blooming softly in the corners of the room, like a steady breath. I glanced over just in time to see Julien gulp his tea in one sip. He let out a sharp breath, eyes wide with wonder. “Holy cow do you hear that? The jungle is singing!" The Sage smiled faintly behind her cup. Then with effortless grace, she rose to her feet. Her robe fell around her like ripples of water and bowed low. "Om Mani Padme Hum." She straightened slowly. “When you are ready, follow the path just beyond this hut. It will lead you to the Ze' Commons. Rest… your journey has only just begun.” I could head to the commons or stay a while longer... [[Head to Ze' Commons|Follow path the commons]] [[Stay and talk to The Sage|Ask The Sage a question]]

A warmth spread through my chest as I breathed in deeply, slowly flowing out to every reach of my body. It was as if the tea filled in some hollow spaces, making me feel weightless, drifitng atop the glassy surface of a pond. For a moment, I didn’t want to move. Something about this place, this moment. Like leaving would break whatever fragile peace that settled around me. The Sage stood there, observing me with quiet acknowledgment, then slowly knelt down. "You choose to stay... not many do, Rae." Her words seemed to cling to the mist, waiting. I could ask her more about [[this place]]... ...or about [[the spirit]] she worships...Lín Yǔ.

The trail curved behind the hut, its wooden beams damp beneath our steps. Fallen petals spotted the ground with vibrant hues of yellow and pink. Giant leaves arched overhead, so sharply defined it could cut through thought itself. I closed my eyes, stretching my arms out. A slow sway moved through my joints... slow and fluid. It was subtle, like water shifting inside my bones. Julien wiggled his fingers in front of his face. “Okay, tell me I’m not the only one whose limbs feel like jelly.” I laughed, rotating my wrists slowly. “Hmm… more like river currents.” He tilted his head, slipping into a faux-serious tone. “We’ve officially transcended muscle and bone. We are now sentient soup.” A warm breeze swept through the trees, shaking loose a gentle shower of mist. It caught the sunlight, turning into silverly gold threads that floated down to kiss our faces. We both stopped, watching the drops descend in bliss. “She falls from the clouds,” I murmured. “Not with haste, but with grace…” Julien followed my gaze up through the canopy. “You think she’s watching us?” Do I think the spirit is watching...? [[Maybe]] or [[I'm not sure]]

We stepped through the archway and into something that seems from another time, another space, entirely. The heart of the building was open to the sky, built around an ancient willow tree that stretched up above the roof. Its roots plunged into a shallow pond that glistened with falling leaves. The water rippled gently. The structure wrapped around the tree in a wide rectangle, its wooden beams dark and warm, worn smooth by generations of footsteps. Paper sliding doors lined the halls, flickering slightly with silhouettes and soft light behind them. The smell of old cedar and wild herbs hung in the air. Dozens of retreat guests moved about the space...talking, laughing, or simply sitting in stillness. Some wore relaxed, modern clothes like ours, others donned long beige linens that wrapped around their shoulders and arms. Julien took a deep breath beside me and whispered, “If I disapper, tell my mom I found peace." I glanced at him, something about that comment held a bit more weight. But I couldnt put my finger on it. ... [[continue|Cynical]]

"How did this place come to be?" The Sage didn’t answer right away. Her eyes followed the curls of smoke rising toward the ceiling, drifting in slow, lazy spirals. When she finally looked at me, her voice was low and steady. "It began as a simple clearing. Just this hut, and nothing more. I found it when I was lost… in more ways than one." She paused, inhaling deeply. "The land felt different. Still, but not empty. Charged... with something beyond the veil." A gentle light passed through her eyes, as though a memory stirred behind them. "I wandered for some time, then sat beneath the canopy of leaves. I waited. I listened. And then… I heard her. Not with my ears, but with an inner knowing. Lin Yǔ, the spirit of this rainforest, revealed herself like mist rising from the earth slowly, gently, and without demand." Her voice softened, dissolving into the air as if the memory itself were drifting away with the mist. I pondered if I would [[be afraid|continue]] of meeting a spirit or [[at peace|continue]] knowing they are here?

"Who is Lín Yǔ?" The Sage smiled, one that wavered at the edges...beautiful, but something was hidden behind it. I caught the faintest shift in her gaze, like a shadow flickering behind silk, then quickly vanished. "Lín Yǔ is the very blood of this earth moving through root and river... giving life to all of Mazu's children... she shows the cycles of life with compassion... she floats in perfect stillness that sees beyond the illusions of guilt." She paused closing her eyes, her words slightly faltered. "She extends her love and comfort to those who have been shunned or forgotten..." My heart fluttered, caught off guard by her tears. Each droplet glimmered, dissolving into tiny particles that drifted into the mist. Then something shifted. The air around her shimmered faintly, as if stirred by an unseen current. A hue, subtle and sunken, moved through the vapor like a wave. Then... A hunched figure emerged from the doorway behind her. [[Stay quiet|old man]]

I sat with her words still circling in my mind. I wasn’t sure if I believed her. But something about her presence made disbelief feel irrelevant. The Sage dipped her head in a final bow, then turned toward the doorway. Just as she reached the arch, a figure emerged from the mist, tall and hunched. “Sister,” he murmured. “Thorne.” She replied. Before stepping through, her gaze flicked briefly to Julien, lingering just long enough to stir something unspoken, then she vanished into the fog with Thorne. The soft glow of the hut dimmed in her absence, as though she had taken some of the light with her. Julien stood, dusting off his knees. He cast a half-smile. “Alrighty, time to go.” ... [[Leave the hut]]

We walked in silence for a while, letting the soft thumps of the wooden path set a subtle rhythm beneath our steps. Birdsong and distant monkey calls echoed through the trees, weaving into an ever-shifting symphony. Everywhere I looked, vibrant bursts of color caught my eye, petals like painted silk, leaves glistening with dew. Near the edge of the path, I watched a large, iridescent bee bury itself into the heart of a fluffy blossom, its body dusted in golden pollen. I turned to Julien, who was quietly studying a spiderweb strung between two vines, the threads jeweled with dew. “Would you be able to stay out here, deep in the forest, waiting for a spirit to speak to you?” He stopped walking, bringing a hand to his chin, thoughtfully. “Well... I guess it depends on where my life was heading,” He said, brow furrowed. “If I was lost enough, yeah.” He glanced at me. “Would you?” ...hmmm would I? [[Yes]] or [[No]]

The soft wooden path thudded gently beneath our feet, worn smooth by many before us. Vibrant blossoms peeked through the underbrush, releasing a sweet, honeyed fragrance. Large iridescent bees drifted lazily from petal to petal, their fuzzy bodies dusted in golden pollen. Above us, the canopy shimmered with filtered light, dappling across Julien’s face as he looked upward in quiet awe. I glanced at him, then back to the winding trail ahead. "Do you..." I hesitated, my voice barely a whisper, "do you believe in this Lín Yǔ?" Julien’s gaze lowered to meet mine, thoughtful. He rubbed the back of his neck. "Here, religion’s kind of like a woven tapestry. A lot of stories, a lot of spirits." He paused. "But yeah... I believe in what she stands for. Compassion. Cycles. Renewal. That part feels real." I smiled, quietly moved by the sincerity in his tone. He stopped walking, tilting his head toward me with a curious glint. "What about you, do you believe?" Do I believe...? [[I'm not sure yet]] but maybe... ...[[There is something bigger]]

“I think I could, especially like you said it depends where you're at.” I paused for a moment. “If I were her... I think I’d wait. Not chase anything. Just... wait for a sign.” I drifted, the words barely out of my mouth before my thoughts slipped into something else. A memory... but not mine. ...//A woman with long dark hair tangled with bits of grass poking through. The forest didn’t surround her, it folded into her, as if she belonged to it in a way no one else did. She knelt, still and listening, and the trees seemed to lean in closer//... “Hey!” Julien’s voice snapped the vision like a thread. “I think this is it.” A large building emerged from the hill, crafted from dark wood. The archway was wide that curved, delicate filigreed ivy was carved into the beams, curling upward as if it had grown straight from the wood. Two lanterns swayed softly on each side, beckoning us forward. ... Enter [[Ze' Commons|Immersion]]

“Absolutely not. I’d go crazy before the spirit took her sweet time showing herself to me.” Julien glanced at me, amused. “Maybe that’s the point, getting to that right amount of crazy. Isolating yourself, striping away the noise of the world, sink into nature… no distractions. Then the spirit revels themselves.” His words lingered, but my thoughts had already begun to drift. The vibrant forest around me blurred, fading into a memory that didn't belong to me… …//Feet pounding on an overgrown trail. Frantic, stumbling. A backward glance, breath caught on fear, something unseen, something chasing//... “Some people aren’t up for the challenge.” Julien’s voice cut through the haze, snapping me back into the now. “I think we're here.” I looked up. A humble structure stood nestled into a slope of the earth, built from dark wood. The archway was wide and gently curved with carved filigreed vines that seemed to grow from the beams themselves. Two lanters swayed gently in the wind beckoning us forward. ... Enter [[Ze' Commons|Immersion]]

"Maybe... she always has been." My words trailed off as the air around us buzzed faintly. Julien hummed in agreement. "I don't mind." We walked quietly along the wooden path, the muffled thuds of our steps blending with the soft symphony of birdsong. Mist clung to the air around us, trailing our steps like a veil moving through the space. Gradually, the peak of a rooftop emerged beyond the hill, its silhouette slicing cleanly through the haze. We approached a modest yet elegant entrance. The dark wooden frame curved into a graceful arch, filigreed vines delicately carved into its grain. Two lanterns hung on either side, their soft, flickering light swaying in the breeze, as if gently beckoning us forward. Enter [[Ze' Commons|Immersion]]

"I'm not sure, but there's definitely something going on here." I paused, breathing in the damp air. "I can feel the shift." Julien took a deep breath, humming in agreement. We continued walking in silence along the wooden path, the quiet thump of our steps blending with the sound of birds. Each creak of the boards and rustle of leaves filled the space between us. Gradually, the peak of a rooftop emerged over the hill ahead. We approached a modest yet elegant entrance. The doorway was wide, framed in dark wood, with delicate filigreed ivy etched into the curve of the archway. Two lanterns swayed gently in the breeze, casting a soft glow as if welcoming us inside. ... Enter [[Ze' Commons|Immersion]]

"Sister." The man’s voice was low, gravelly. Worn by time. "Thorne…" The Sage acknowledged him without moving. Slowly, she opened her eyes and fixed her gaze onto me. "It is time now." She said softly. "Please… follow the trail to Ze' Commons." She rose with measured grace and joined Thorne. Before stepping through the doorway, her gaze settled briefly on Julien, long enough to draw my attention. Then, together, they vanished into the shadows beyond. The warm glow of the hut dimmed as they left, and the mist that clung so intently to the air, began to thin. Julien shifted, brushing his palms thoughtfully before extending his hand toward me. "We should head out." ... [[Head to Ze' Commons]]

I glanced down at the petals scattered along the trail, their colors deepened by the mist that slowly curled around our ankles. “I’m not sure yet,” I said quietly. “Honestly, I never been aware enough to notice before this, I'm still finding my own belief” Julien nodded, his gaze tracing the path ahead. “Belief isn’t something you walk into fully formed it takes time. It finds you… sometimes when you’re not even looking.” As we neared a clearing uphill, the trees opened up to reveal a wide, low structure built into the landscape. Delicate filligreed ivy carved into the elegant archway made of dark wood. Two lanterns swayed on either side, the amber glow beckoned us forward. Julien stepped forward, brushing aside a branch heavy with dew. “Well… what are we waiting for?” ... Enter [[Ze' Commons|Immersion]]

I paused beneath the hanging vines, letting my fingers graze a bloom still heavy with dew. “I know there’s something bigger out here… something vast. I murmured. “But I keep getting caught in the little things, like watching my step so I don’t trip on the roots. I forget to look up and enjoy the view.” Julien glanced at me, then toward the soft light filtering through the leaves. “Maybe that’s part of it, sometimes the roots remind us to not get too ahead of ourselves. We got to be patient.” He gave a soft smile the lone dimple in his cheek deepend. “Come on. We’re almost there.” The trees started to thin, revealing a wide, low structure built seamlessly into the hillside. The arched entrance was carved from dark wood, its surface etched with delicate filigreed ivy. Two lanterns hung on either side, swaying gently, their amber glow flickering like a silent welcome. ... Enter [[Ze' Commons|Immersion]]

I could hear a slight amplification in her voice. It felt layered, as if something else was speaking through her. Julien downed his in two eager gulps. "Wow, Rae... I wish you could feel this," He said, his voice breathy. "I can hear the forest humming through me." His pupils had widened so much they nearly swallowed the warm brown of his irises. The air shifted, ever so slightly as The Sage rose from the cushion, thick smoke curled around her as though reluctant to let her go. She bowed low. "When you are ready, follow the trail behind this hut. It will take you to Ze' Commons. There, you may rest from your long journey." A subtle stillness fell over the room. I looked up to The Sage, who was looking back, expectanly... Questions stirred within me... Should I ask her what was in [[the tea]]. or...[[ask who she really is]].

"Who are you, really?" The question left my lips a bit sharper then I intended. Julien let out a soft gasp and shited slightly beside me. The Sage didn’t blink. Her face remained calm... too calm. For a moment, I thought I was looking at a statue. Then, slowly, her lips curved into a smile. "My name is Mu'k." Each syllable fell like a droplet of water. She stepped closer, the misty smoke around her shimmered, catching faint glimmers of blues, greens, soft golds like sunlight on dew. Something in the air pulsed. "I am not what I was… and not yet what I will become." She continued, her voice both near and far. "The forest called to me when I had nothing left but silence. She gave me a new name, and I gave her my life." Her eyes lingerd on Julien just a moment too long, then turned back to the doorway. "You came seeking something. The answers won't be found in words, Rae. Only in presence... in stillness." ... [[Follow the trail]]

I looked back down to my cup of untouched tea then back to The Sage. "What is this tea exactly...?" The Sage titled her head slightly, eyeing me with deep consideration. Her lips curled into a small smile. "What the tea is matters not... but what it awakens." She stepped closer her voice low in rhythm. "Infusions of leaf-rain, moss, and roots gathered beneath the moonlight. Only the caps are used, dried in sunlight. But it's not the ingredients that matter... it's the intention sealed within." She looked away towards Julien, her gaze held onto him just a moment too long, then turned back to the doorway. "You came seeking something. The answers won't be found in words, Rae. Only in presence... in stillness." ... [[Follow the trail|follow trail]]

We walked in silence for a while, my thoughts circling, trying to make sense of what The Sage, or Mu'k, could’ve meant. I glanced at Julien. His eyes were wide with wonder, fixed on the canopy above. A blanket of mist drifted down as monkies swung through the thick, braided vines. “What do you think she meant by, ‘I’m not who I was, and not yet who I will become’?” My voice cut through the rising swell of cicadas. He let out a thoughtful hum. “Hmmm… maybe it’s a metaphor, y’know? We’re always evolving, changing as a species.” He shrugged, half-smiling, the lone dimple in his cheek deepening. I slowed a little, letting the thought settle in... I think there is [[something else]] going on... ...or I [[agree with Julien]].

"I think something else is going on… I can feel it." I let out a soft sigh. Something definatly feels off about this place but I didn't want to offend him. Julien didn’t miss a beat. "That’s the point, Rae. You need to experience new things. Feel something diffrent." He stretched out his arms wide and let out a long, echoing howl into the early evening sky. Somewhere far off, a monkey answered with a hoot. Julien looked back at me with a sheepish grin. "This experience is about letting everything out. No holding back, okay? Come on, howl with me!" Should I... [[Howl]] or [[Chicken out]]

"That dosn't make any sense... she calls herself a sage and they have a rep for speaking in riddles." The last words trailed off but something still ate at me, an unease that lingered. As we walked, a sudden flash of blue caught my eye. Julien stopped beside me, his breath hitching. “Whoa… look.” Perched on a low branch just ahead was a bird so vibrant, almost unreal. Its feathers shimmered a deep electric sapphire, long tail plumes trailing behind like brushstrokes tipped in white. A bold stripe of crimson crowned its beak and legs, like it had dipped into fire and water. “A blue magpie,” Julien whispered, eyes wide. “Locals call them the ‘long-tailed mountain lady' and they say seeing one is a blessing.” The bird tilted its head at us, curious, absolutly unbothered by our presence. Then it let out a sharp, echoing caw that cut through the air. Should I... [[Reach out to the bird]] or [[Stay still]]

I laughed, half in disbelief, and threw my head back. The first sound that emerged was rough and uncertain, like my voice had forgotten how to be wild. But then something loosened in my chest, and I howled again. This time, it echoed cutting through the trees with a ripple effect. Julien whooped beside me, his face lit up with joy. "That's it!" He shouted. “See? Doesn’t it feel good?” It did... The tension in my shoulders eased, as if I released some long-buried burden. We continued down the trail, quietly chuckling to ourselves. The trees started to thin, revealing a wide, low structure built seamlessly into the hillside. The arched entrance was carved from dark wood, its surface etched with delicate filigreed ivy. Two lanterns hung on either side, swaying gently, their amber glow flickering like a silent welcome. ... Enter [[Ze' Commons]]

I gave him a look, a crooked grin tugging at my mouth, but I couldn't. Just stood there feeling the moment pass through me like wind. Julien lowered his arms and chuckled. “No pressure,” he said. “But letting go starts with no resistance.” I let his words settle, turning them over in my mind, but I remained silent. Julien lifted his head and howled toward the rising full moon. Somewhere in the distance, unseen creatures called back, their voices threading through the night. I chuckled quietly, watching the joy radiate from him. We continued down the trail, quietly chuckling to ourselves. The trees started to thin, revealing a wide, low structure built seamlessly into the hillside. The arched entrance was carved from dark wood, its surface etched with delicate filigreed ivy. Two lanterns hung on either side, swaying gently, their amber glow flickering like a silent welcome. ... [[Enter Ze' Commons|Ze' Commons]]

I slowly extended my hand, palm open, steadying my breath. The magpie watched me with sharp eyes, its head cocked in quiet calculation. For a fleeting moment, it stepped forward then snapped its beak down on the edge of my finger. A quick, sharp pinch. I pulled back with a hiss. It didn’t break the skin, but the sting lingered, like the prick of a thorn. Julien chuckled. "You can look, Rae, but you can't touch." The bird gave a final flutter of its wings and launched into the canopy, vanishing into the shadows above. We exchanged a glance as I cradled my finger, the sting still pulsing beneath my skin. We continued along the trail, moving deeper into the clearing. The trees thinned, revealing a large building rising from the hillside, its dark wooden frame looming over the landscape. The archway curved wide, delicate filigreed ivy carved into its beams twisting upward as if it had sprouted from the wood itself. Two lanterns swayed gently on either side, their glow inviting us forward. Enter [[Ze' Commons]]

I watched in silence as the magpie perched, its striking blue feathers shimmering in the dimming light. A sudden buzz near my ear, a flash of black, causing me to flinch and stumble into Julien. In the same instance, the bird launched from the branch, snatching a large cicada in its claws. With a swift motion, it tore off the insect’s head. We paused, exchanging a glance. Julien chuckled. "Circle of life." We continued along the trail, moving deeper into the clearing. The trees thinned, revealing a large building rising from the hillside, its dark wooden frame looming over the landscape. The archway curved wide, delicate filigreed ivy carved into its beams twisting upward as if it had sprouted from the wood itself. Two lanterns swayed gently on either side, their glow inviting us forward. Enter [[Ze' Commons]]

We walked along the wooden trail in silence for a while. I found myself catching Julien in the corner of eye wiggling his fingers and wrists, laughing to himself. "It feels like my joint are moving with the river currents!" I chuckled along with him. He wasn't like this in highschool at all... always kept to himself. Suddenly a memory resurfaced... ...//I could small the axe body spray before I turned the corner, a kid towering over Julien. He gripped the collar of his shirt and pinned him against the wall. "Hey!" I shouted. "To much of a pussy to fight someone you own size?" The kid snapped his eyes to me and scrunched his nose, looking me up and down then huffed. He shoved Julien to the ground then pushed by me.. "Yeah fuck you too!" I turned back to see Julien still cowering on the floor//... His laugh brought me back to the present. I glanced at him, still wiggling his limbs about. That felt like a lifetime ago... ... I wondered. [[What happened after highschool?]] [[Why did you really invite me to this retreat?]]

“What happened after high school... I don’t think I saw you at graduation.” Julien turned his head quickly. His expression tightened, then slowly retracted. “I was in the hospital that night.” He said quietly. “Actually... for a whole week.” A soft gasp slipped from my lips before I could stop it. "What happened?" He kept walking as he tried to push the memory out. "That kid who often bullied me was the son of my mom's boss, she recently got fired for something, and he kept taunting me. Saying she was as useless as me... so I snapped, lunged at him." He stopped a moment, tightly shutting his eyes. "But I was all skin and bones, mom couldn't feed my brother, me and her everyday so he easily overpowred me, he was waiting for an excuse." Julien stopped staring down at his clenched fists. "I couldn't do anything." I couldn't think of the words... [[Reach out to him]]... or...[[Stay silent]]

I swallowed. “Can I ask you something?” Julien looked over, eyebrows raised. “Of course.” “Why did you really invite me to this retreat?” I asked. He slowed his pace, brows furrowing in thought. “Honestly?” He glanced ahead, then back at me. “Because I remembered how you stood up for me.” I blinked, surprised. “That was years ago.” “I know, but it stuck with me. Everyone else either looked away or laughed, but not you. I guess… I always wanted to say thank you in a way that mattered. He paused before looking back at me. "This retret was, by chance, presented to me, I wasn't going to go if hadn't bumped into you that day, especially after realising that fire had left your eyes." I paused taking in his confession. We continued along the trail, moving deeper into the clearing. The trees thinned, revealing a large building rising from the hillside, its dark wooden frame looming over the landscape. The archway curved wide, delicate filigreed ivy carved into its beams twisting upward as if it had sprouted from the wood itself. Two lanterns swayed gently on either side, their glow inviting us forward. ... Enter [[Ze' Commons]]

I reached out, resting a hand gently on his shoulder before pulling him into a tight hug. He held onto me, his body gradually easing as his breath steadied. After a moment, he pulled back and faced me. "Thanks… sometimes you just need a hug," he said with a quiet chuckle. "It was so long ago, but that day you spoke up really stuck with me." I felt heat radiate from my face and stammered. "Oh, I didn’t do much." Julien shook his head, locking eyes with me. "Rae, you showed me the power of my voice to stand up for myself, in every situation. Even if it was small to you… it was big for me." We shared a smile then continued along the trail, moving deeper into a clearing. The trees thinned, revealing a large building rising from the hillside, its dark wooden frame looming over the landscape. The archway curved wide, delicate filigreed ivy carved into its beams twisting upward as if it had sprouted from the wood itself. Two lanterns swayed gently on either side, their glow inviting us forward. ... Enter [[Ze' Commons]]

I stood there silently. I wanted to reach out... say something, do something. But the words tangled in my throat. I didn’t know how he would react. Julien shook himself from the weight of the memory, his body swaying side to side. “Just gotta shake those memories off, y’know?” He chuckled, a little too light. “It’s whatever though. Honestly, it helped push me onto the path I’m on now. And that day you spoke up for me, it really stuck with me.” I felt heat radiate from my face and stammered. "Oh, I didn’t do much." Julien shook his head, locking eyes with me. "Rae, you showed me the power of my voice to stand up for myself, in every situation. Even if it was small to you… it was big for me." I hummed softly in agreement, as he smiled at me. We continued along the trail, moving deeper into the clearing. The trees thinned, revealing a large building rising from the hillside, its dark wooden frame looming over the landscape. The archway curved wide, delicate filigreed ivy carved into its beams twisting upward as if it had sprouted from the wood itself. Two lanterns swayed gently on either side, their glow inviting us forward. ... Enter [[Ze' Commons]]

We stepped through the archway and into something that feels... sacred. The heart of the building was open to the sky, built around an ancient willow tree that stretched up above the roof. Its roots plunged into a shallow pond that glistened with falling leaves. The water rippled gently. The structure wrapped around the tree in a wide rectangle, its wooden beams dark and warm, worn smooth by generations of footsteps. Paper sliding doors lined the halls, flickering slightly with silhouettes and soft light behind them. The smell of old cedar and wild herbs hung in the air. People moved about the space...talking, laughing, or simply sitting in stillness. Some wore relaxed, modern clothes like ours, others donned long beige linens that wrapped around their shoulders and arms. Julien took a deep breath beside me and whispered, “If I disapper, tell my mom I found peace." I glanced at him, but my eyes were drawn back to the willow. The sound of quiet conversation, the rustling leaves, and a soft birdsong overhead all melted together in the air like a living lullaby. My skin lightly tingled... [[continue|It is peaceful]]

A hush passed over the courtyard as the wind stirred the willow’s branches. They dipped low pulling me towards the pond. “It is peaceful.” I whispered. We started to walk towards the willow tree. Countless turtles rested on smooth stones and half-sunken logs... so still they could've been carved there by time itself. Then, from a side corridor, two monks appeared. They approached us with calm, measured steps, and bowed in unison. “Hello, Rae and Julien.” one of them said. “We trust the commune is in harmony with you.” He paused, then gently shifted his gaze to Julien. “The Sage has requested your presence.” Julien gave me a glance and a soft grin, his hand brushing my arm with a quick squeeze. “Sure,” He said. “Lead on.” I watched as they disappeared beyond the paper-paneled doors. A hush settled again only the willow’s rustling leaves and the soft ripples of the pond remained. Should I [[stay at the pond]]... ...or [[walk around]].

I knelt by the edge of the pond, watching countless koi drift like living brushstrokes through the water. One of them... massive, with deep burnt orange scales, floated just beneath my reflection, its mouth slowly opening and closing. “Careful,” a soft voice said behind me. “That one bites.” I turned to see a girl standing barefoot on the wooden beam, loose sleeves swaying. She had a crooked grin and eyes full of mischief. “They call him the Gluttonous Guardian,” She said, crouching beside me. “Legend says he used to be a monk who tried to eat the offerings. Now he’s cursed to swim here, hungry forever.” I raised a brow. “Seriously?” She smirked. “Probably not. But he does go after toes sometimes.” The koi lurched forward, its fishy lips gaping. I leaned back instinctively. “I’m Leanna, by the way." She added. “Rae.” I replied. “Well Rae,” She said, hazely eyes twinkling, “welcome to the retreat.” She looks like shes floating on a wisp of a dandielion... I could ask more about this [[Gluttonous Guardian]]... ...or ask about [[Leanna]].

I walked along the paper-paneled hallway, the delicate walls glowing with warm light. Behind them, hidden voices murmured in slow, harmonic mantras, soft enough to feel. The sound wasn’t just beautiful... it moved like breath, flowing in and out. Without realizing it, my own breath began to fall in rhythm with it. At the end of the hall, the passage opened into a wide threshold. Beyond it, the world stretched out. I stepped forward, out onto the balcony. Below, a valley lay blanketed in mist, the trees swaying gently with the wind. The setting sun still clung to the edge of the horizon, casting warm orange and pink hues over the canopies. The air here was cooler, laced with the scent of cedar and sweet grass. The view held me so... ...[[I lingered]].

I watched as the large koi slipped under the debri of loose moss and branches, its shiny scales the last to vanish. I gulped. "What really happened to the monk?" Leanna reached into the pocket of her linen robe and withdrew a handful of torn rice cakes. With a quick motion, she sprinkled the scraps into the pond. The fish exploded into movement, dozens of fins slicing through the water in a glittering rush. I gasped as the largest koi burst forward, shoving the others aside in a chaotic frenzy. Its broad head slapped the surface again and again, sending rings of ripples across the pond. Leanna watched on. “They say the monk was proud... thought he could shortcut his path to enlightenment by devouring the offerings meant for the spirit... //gluttony and greed//, the most selfish of sins” She knelt beside me, voice low. “But that’s just the story. Out here, spend enough time beneath the trees and by the waters, and you start to piece together why the legends exist. Sin or lesson, the truth is where the wind and water meet” I pondered on the legend of the Gluttonous Monk... Do I believe the monk [[was cursed]] into a fish... ...or is it [[just a story]]?

I rose from the mossy edge of the pond, wipping the wet petals and leaves from my jeans. Leanna rose, her eyes still fixated on the large koi. "Leanna, right?" I asked. "When did you arrive?" She chuckled slipping her hands behind her back. "Well, I was only suppose to stay a week... but that was ages ago..." Her words seemed to trail off along with her eyes drifitng... She looked a bit lost in a sudden daydream. "Is this place really all that great?" I asked She looked toward the groups scattered around the open gathering, each lost in hushed conversation. “I honestly never felt so at peace then I do here." ...Is she truly at 'peace' or just sedated? I could ask her about [[her life before]] coming here... ...or ask about [[her family]].

I leaned back from the pond, watching the ripples. The large koi vanished beneath the mossy drift, the water settled. “You don’t believe it,” Leanna said gently, not accusing just observing. I gave her a faint smile. “I’m not sure stories like that are meant to be believed. Maybe they’re just meant to be told as a warning.” Leanna nodded slowly, her gaze drifting back to the water. “Sometimes a story is the only shape the truth can take. Out here, the lines blur.” A low ''(text-colour:yellow)[DONG] '' echoed through the wooden beams, deep and steady like the heartbeat of the forest. It rolled out into the trees, drawing murmurs from the members. “That’s the bell.” Leanna said, rising to her feet. “Time for the ceremony.” I watched as figures began filtering through the archways, trailing down a narrow path that led deeper into the woods. I scanned the crowd, but saw no sign of Julien. “I came with a friend.” I said, standing. “He left earlier with some of the retreat members.” Leanna turned to me with a soft, knowing look. “Maybe he’s already there… but I could help you look for him.” ...Julien could be there but it wouldn't hurt to look around. [[Look for Julien]] or... ...go to the [[Ceremony]]

The frenzy died down as the largest koi devoured the last scraps of rice cake, its thick body twisting lazily through the water. A hush fell over the pond. The smaller fish lingered at the edges, seemingly waiting for more. We sat in silence, watching the ripples settle. I nudged a pebble with my toe. “I’ll make sure to keep my feet clear of that pond.” Leanna quielty chuckled. Then, a low ''(text-colour:yellow)[DONG] ''echoed through the structure, vibrating throughout the wooden beams. Leanna stood, brushing off her robes. “That’s the ceramony bell, the full moon is to rise soon.” I rose slowly, eyes scanning the flow of guests and members drifitng towards a path deeper into the woods. No sign of Julien. “I came here with someone… a friend,” I said. “But I guess he hasn’t come back yet.” Leanna’s hazel eyes caught the shifting light, the green hues brightening. “Maybe he’s already there. Or… I could help you look for him?” ...hmm he could be there or I could look around. Should I go to the [[Ceremony]]... ...or [[Look for Julien]].

For a moment, I hesitated, watching the shadowy figures from the swaying staffs with lantern light. Something in Leannas settled demenor grounded me. She gave me a tiny nod and offered her arm. "We must not keep The Sage waiting..." [[Follow the path to the ceramony]]

Leanna took my arm gently, guiding me down the wooden hallway. She stopped at a sliding door then led me into a wide, open space filled with a warm light. Clusters of candles flickered in the corners, casting soft golden hues across low cushions and woven rugs. The ceiling was latticed with bamboo, allowing slants of natural light to filter through in soft beams. I followed the long poles with my eyes as they sloped downward into the earth, where two small doors were built into the exposed ground. Leanna twirled once, arms outstretched. “This is the main lounging area. Both sides lead to the sleeping quarters.” I pointed to the peculiar doors tucked into the hillside. “What’s back there?” Her eyes lit up. “Oh, that’s the library. There’s a ton of books, scrolls, old photos… little mementos left behind over the years. It’s almost like a time capsule.” She paused, tilting her head. “Want to check it out?” Should I [[check out the libary]]... ...or [[go check if Julien is in the sleeping quarters]]?

"Where were you before... here?" I asked, in a whisper. Leanna pressed the side of her mouth into a half-smile. “To say recently… I’ve been traveling. By boat, by plane, by foot.” Her gaze lifted toward the tip of the willow. “I was a nomad before finding my way here.” “That sounds alien… to move through life with only what you can carry.” I murmured. “I don’t think I could do that. I’m only here because my friend invited me.” A deep ''(text-colour:yellow)[DONG]'' vibrated through the wooden beams above, sending echoes throughout the structure. “That’s the bell,” Leanna said, her tone light. “Its time for the full moon ceramony.” People began to drift toward a small path disappearing into the forest. I scanned the thinning crowd, searching for Julien. “I don’t see my friend, he left early to meet with The Sage.” Leanna reached out, her hand resting gently on my shoulder. “Maybe he’s already there. Or… I could help you look for him.” ...Julien could be there but it couldn't hurt to look around. Should I go to the [[Ceremony]] or... ...[[Look for Julien]]?

“Does your family miss you?” I asked, watching the warm light of the setting sun stretch across the pond, casting long shadows over the moss and stone. Leanna adjusted the sleeves of her robe, her fingers brushing over the fabric. Her eyes followed the ripples across the pond before returning to me. “I’m not sure,” she said after a pause. “I didn’t leave much behind… just fragments of a life I don't recognize.” A small, wry smile tugged at her lips. “There’s something quieting about starting over. I used to feel watched all the time... like I had to fit into something too small for me. Out here… it’s different. Calmer." A low ''(text-colour:yellow)[DONG] '' echoed through the wooden structure, a hollow note that hummed in the air. “That’s the bell,” Leanna said, her gaze following the retreat guests and devotees as they filtered toward a forest path. “The ceremony’s starting soon.” I scanned the thinning crowd, looking for Julien “I came with someone,” I said. “He went off earlier with some of the retreat members.” Leanna rested a hand gently on my arm. “He might already be there. But if you’d rather check around, I can help.” ... he could be at the ceramony already but maybe I could look around. [[Look for Julien]]... or go to the [[Ceremony]]

The wind curled gently up from the cliffside, brushing past my skin like a present memory. Below, the treetops rolled in waves of green and shadow, and in the far distance, mist clung to the mountain’s edge like it too... didn’t want to leave. I rested my hand on the worn wooden railing, running my fingertips into the grooves. And then I felt something... a subtle weight pressing delicately against the top of my hand. I turned my head slowly. //A massive stick bug//, nearly the length of my forearm, inched across my skin, its limbs moving with eerie elegance. Then it paused, antennae swaying in the air between us, waiting for my reaction. Its twig-thin body shimmered slightly in the low amber light, perfectly camouflaged yet utterly alien. Should I [[shoo it away]]... or... [[leave it be]]?

I stood frozen, watching this unnaturally large stick bug inch its way across the balcony railing. Panic swelled in my chest, on instinct, I let out a high-pitched yelp and flicked the poor thing away. The insect flipped through the air, landing on the wooden floor with a soft thud. It righted itself slowly and began to walk off, its antennae twitching with what looked like disaproval. “Well, that wasn’t very nice.” A soft voice came from behind me. I spun around to find a girl about my age, with long wavy brown hair and hazel eyes that shimmered like light through tea. She had a distant, gentle expression... as if she was half-listening to something far away. “Did you see the size of it?” I gestured, holding my forearm up for scale. “At least this long.” She stepped past me onto the balcony and crouched down beside the bug, extending her arm. She stood completly still letting the creature crawl onto her sleeve. I watched on, both horrified and fascinated, as its long jointed legs tapped softly along the fabric. “Sometimes the largest creatures,” she said, lifting it gently toward the wooden rail, “are the gentlest.” [["I guess I have more to learn"...]] [["Sorry for flicking your friend"...]]

I stood there frozen, watching this alien-looking insect inch across my hand. Its delicate antennae twitched as they brushed against my skin light as spider's silk, leaving no trace behind. “Oh, I see you’ve met Twiggy.” The voice behind me was soft almost amused. I turned to see a girl with hazel eyes and long, wild brown hair. She stepped forward with a steadiness that contrasted sharply with the wild flutter in my chest. “He always shows up when someone new wanders too close to the edge,” she continued, folding her hands loosely in front of her. “I think he likes sensing fear. Or maybe just curious.” I looked back at Twiggy. It paused, as if considering me, then continued its slow march across my arm... [["How are you so calm with a bug that big...?"]] [["Everything here feels like it's watching me...]]

I shrugged. “I guess I have more to learn…” The girl stepped closer, her gaze drifting toward the vast expanse of trees cloaked in shadows. The last of the daylight clung to the branches. “At least they’re tougher than they look,” she said with a small laugh. “I’m Leanna.” Suddenly, a deep ''(text-colour:yellow)[DONG] ''rolled through the air, echoing from somewhere above. It wasn’t just a sound... it moved through the beams, shivered down the walls, and settled into the floor beneath our feet. “That’s the ceremony bell,” Leanna murmured, turning toward the inner halls. Her robe whisped across the wooden floor as she walked. "We should head in." I hesitated, casting one last glance at the forest. I turned and [[followed Leanna]] inside.

“Sorry for flicking your friend…” A small wave of embarrassment washed over me as I watched the girl approach. She chuckled, resting her arms on the wooden railing as her eyes wandered over the hills of trees fading into shadow. “It’s okay. Twiggy’s tougher than you think.” She winked, a glint of warmth lighting up the hazel green of her eyes. “I’m Leanna, by the way.” Suddenly, a low ''(text-colour:yellow)[DONG] ''resonated through the structure, the sound rolling through the beams and into the floor beneath us like a breath from the building itself. It left subtle vibrations in the air. Leanna turned slightly, her gaze drifting toward the soft stir of movement inside, the hush of voices. “That’s the ceremony bell,” she said gently. “We should head back in.” I hesitated, casting one last glance at the forest. I turned and [[followed Leanna]] inside.

“How can you be so calm with a bug that big?” I asked, still half-reeling from the encounter. “It was the size of my forearm.” She laughed softly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear as she watched the stick bug vanish into the shadows. “I’ve seen worse.” She said lightly. “When you spend enough time in the woods, you realize not everything strange is dangerous.” She turned to me with a warm, almost teasing glint in her eyes. “I’m Leanna, by the way.” Suddenly, a low ''(text-colour:yellow)[DONG] '' ran throughout the structure. The sound hummed through my hands gripping the wooden rail. “That’s the ceremony bell.” Leanna said, already turning toward the hallway. Her robe whispered softly against the floor. "We should head back inside." I hesitated, casting one last glance at the forest. I turned and [[followed Leanna]] inside.

“It feels like everything here is watching me…” A shiver brushed up my spine like a passing breeze. The stick bug, Twiggy, finally reached the edge of the railing and disappeared with a delicate drop into the shadows below. The girl stepped up beside me, silent at first, her eyes fixed on the dark sea of trees spilling beyond the cliff. "Hm more like observing, perseption is everything." “I’m Leanna, by the way,” she said gently. “It’s nice to see a new face.” Her smile was easy, and in the low light, her hazel-green eyes caught the glow like polished stone. I smiled back. “I’m Rae.” Just then, a low ''(text-colour:yellow)[DONG] ''rolled through the air, deep and resonant. The beams above us vibrated then settled softly in my chest. Leanna turned toward the hall, where shadows and voices had begun to stir. “That’s the ceremony bell.” she said. “We should head back in.” I hesitated, casting one last glance at the forest. I turned and [[followed Leanna]] inside.

I followed Leanna back into the main square. We made our way towards the willow tree and crossed a small wooden bridge. I scanned the thinning stream of people ahead, all quietly making their way down a narrow path leading deeper into the forest. No sign of Julien... I turned to Leanna. “I came here with someone, he left with two monks.” She tilted her head thoughtfully. “He might already be at the ceremony. But, I can help you look for him.” ...He could be at the ceramony but it wouldn't hurt to look around. Should I head to the [[ceramony|Ceremony]]... or... [[Look for Julien]]?

“I mean… it’d be criminal not to check it out,” I said, grinning. Leanna’s eyes sparkled as she nodded. “My thought, exactly.” We made our way toward the two doors at the far end of the room. The first was perfectly circular, carved from warm caramel-toned wood. Its handle looked like a polished acorn, suspended inside a clear resin sphere that caught the light like amber. The second door tilted slightly to the side, painted a vibrant violet that shimmered faintly. A golden knob gleamed at its center, shaped like a lotus blossom mid-bloom. Leanna glanced between the two with a small smirk. “Well? What’s your pick?” Should I open the [[first]] or the [[second]]?

I shook my head, maybe later. "Let's check out the sleeping quarters." Leanna nodded, turning on her heels to lead the way to the right hallway. "This is the area for newcomers," she said softly, sliding open a door. Inside was a spacious yet humble room. Small cots sat low to the floor, each with a woven mat at its foot and a tiny wooden nightstand beside it. The walls were lined with soft tapestries and paper lanterns that gave off a warm, flickering glow. The scent of dried herbs lingered faintly in the air. Leanna stepped to one of the empty beds and sat down, patting the cot beside her. "So... what made you come to this retret?" she asked, her tone kind but steady. I hesitated. Her question cut through the quiet like a bell. Part of me wanted to brush it off, but something about her made it hard to lie. She tilted her head gently. "You don't have to tell me everything. Just… what's weighing on you?" I felt my throat tighten slightly... [["I lost my internal compass"]] [["I lost sight of my passion"]]

I turned the knob, opening the door and stepped into a cozy room carved into the earth. A small fireplace nestled in the corner, its chimney open to the sky, letting in a soft shaft of evening light that lit up the floating dust. Shelves lined the curved walls, packed with worn books, scrolls, and small bundles of dried herbs. Some titles were scrawled by hand, others too faded to read. Pressed flowers peeked from between pages like forgotten thoughts. The ceiling was a patchwork of old photos, maps, and curled posters. Strings of polished rocks and paper cranes dangled from the beams, swaying gently in the air. A low desk stood near the back, cluttered with open scrolls and candle wax. Notes were scattered across its surface, alongside pebbles stacked into a small tower. Should I check the [[bookcase]]... ...or go to the [[desk]]?

I slid the door open and stepped into a cozy room carved into the earth. A small fireplace nestled in the corner, its chimney open to the sky, letting in the evening light that lit up the floating dust. Shelves lined the curved walls, packed with worn books, scrolls, and small bundles of dried herbs. Some titles were scrawled by hand, others too faded to read. Pressed flowers peeked from between pages like forgotten thoughts. The ceiling was a patchwork of old photos, maps, and curled posters. Strings of polished rocks and paper cranes dangled from the beams, swaying gently in the air. A low desk stood near the back, cluttered with open scrolls and candle wax. Notes were scattered across its surface, alongside pebbles stacked into a small tower. Should I check the [[bookcase]]... ...or go to the [[desk]]?

I walked up to the wide wooden desk, its surface worn smooth with age and wear. Leaning in, I noticed etched names and mantras carved into the wood’s face. Scrolls were spread across the top, one of them a map held in place by a smooth moonstone. I scanned the scattered items until a bright red book caught my eye. I picked it up; the cover was in Taiwanese. Carefully, I opened it to find old black-and-white photographs. As I flipped through, the images gradually shifted to color... decades unfolding page by page. A familiar woman stared back at me from the worn photograph, her features hauntingly similar to The Sage. Behind her stood a man. In each photo, he lingered somewhere nearby never quite at the center, always just behind. His gaze was solemn, heavy. The man's appearance shifted subtly. In one photo, he looked barely older than me, his hair dark, posture relaxed. A few entries later, his face had aged, his shoulders more hunched, eyes more sunken. Then, another image, he looked young again. Fresher somehow. Familiar, almost. I thumbed back and forth through the pages. Same eyes. Same quiet stare. Different faces...? Suddenly, my thoughts scattered at the sound of soft knock. The door creaked open, and a man entered wearing beige robes. He bowed politely. “The Sage requests that all her guests attend the Full Moon Ceremony.” [[Head to the ceramony]]

I stepped toward the curved bookcase, drawn by the patchwork of spines some cracked with age, others wrapped in fabric or string. A faint scent of pressed petals and old ink clung to the air. My fingers grazed the edge of a thick leather-bound volume, its surface etched with a worn floral design. Just beside it sat a cloth-wrapped bundle of folded papers tied with red string, and tucked between two larger books, a journal with a hand-stitched spine poked out its cover painted with what looked like a winding river. As I pulled the journal free, something fluttered loose and landed near my feet. An old photograph, its edges curled and slightly torn. In it, a group of robed figures stood in front of Ze' Commons, smiling one of them unmistakably the Sage, her long dark hair tied in loose braids. A note on the back read: "Full Moon - Year of the Serpent - 1967" [[I flipped through]]...

The path was well-kept, lined with large stones and slabs of tree trunks. Where water had lodged, the wood had darkened, nearly black. The forest around us deepened into shadow, held at bay only by the glow of lanterns and the soft flicker of lightning bugs. We walked in silence, following the distant murmur of voices ahead. The soft thump of our feet against the packed earth created a rhythmic heartbeat. The path narrowed between two towering trees, arching above us like ancient guardians. As we passed beneath their limbs, the trail opened uphill, revealing the ceremony site below. A ring of lanterns surrounded several pools of steaming hot springs, the warm light dancing across the water’s surface. ... [[Find your place]] among the pools.

I looked at the ceiling as I exhaled slowly. “I lost sight of my passion. I wanted to help kids who were struggling with my communications degree but each rejection email has slowly killed that dream.” Leanna nodded, her eyes held an understanding. “It happens more often than people admit. But rejection is always a form of protection.” She leaned in a bit. “But this place? It’s quiet enough to hear yourself again and align yourself with your true path.” I offered a small, grateful smile, the weight in my chest lifting just a little. Just then, a soft knock tapped at the wooden frame of the doorway. A retreat member stepped in, dressed in long beige robes, the edges embroidered with soft golden thread that caught the lantern light. He offered a bow. “Pardon the interruption. The Sage requests that all guests make their way to the ceremony space. It will begin shortly.” Leanna returned the bow with a warm smile. “Of course. We’ll head there now.” [[Head to the ceramony]]

I lowered my eyes. “I lost my internal compass. I used to have this sense of direction of where I wanted to end up. Now it’s like I’ve been spinning in circles, waiting to find north again.” Leanna’s expression softened. “Sometimes... we lose our way to find a new one. You’re not spinning. You’re in between." She nudged my arm lightly. “And honestly? That’s the best time to be here.” I offered a small, grateful smile, the weight in my chest lifting just a little. Just then, a soft knock tapped at the wooden frame of the doorway. A retreat member stepped in, dressed in long beige robes, the edges embroidered with soft golden thread that caught the lantern light. He offered a bow. “Pardon the interruption. The Sage requests that all guests make their way to the ceremony space. It will begin shortly.” Leanna returned the bow with a warm smile. “Of course. We’ll head there now.” [[Head to the ceramony]]

//1967//? That would make the photo nearly sixty years old. But The Sage... she looked exactly the same. The same deep eyes, the same misty aura, even the same polished gold and jade rings. Age left no trace on her. I placed the picture back flipping through the pages. The last was dated 1971. A shaky hand had scribbled: “//She's severed from this plane. But... Throne is bound, a sacrifice is needed//." A soft knock on the door jolted me upright. It creaked open, a man in beige robes entered, his voice low and composed. “The Sage requests all her guests gather for the Full Moon Ceremony.” [[Head to the ceramony]]

At the base of the waterfall stood The Sage silent and still watching as the members filed in, one by one, bowing in reverence. Leanna and I found our place near the water’s edge, settling beside the others. Then a hush fell over the crowd. The Sage cleared her throat. “We begin under the Full Moon, to welcome new connection… and honor those who came before. With breath, with stillness, with intention. Let the veil thin. Let Lín Yǔ weep for you, to take on your burdens and in return offer compassion.” She paused, her gaze sweeping across the gathered faces. “Join me and say: Lín Yǔ zhī líng, wǒmen yāo qǐng nǐ.” A low hum rose as the crowd repeated the mantra. I turned to Leanna. Her eyes were closed, palms raised gently to the star-laced sky. Should I [[join in]]... or... [[stay quiet]] <script> setup.insect.pause(); setup.insect.currentTime = 0; </script> <script> setup.waterfall.play(); </script>

I stayed quiet... the words wouldn’t form, wouldn’t roll off my tongue the way they did for the others. As the final hums faded, a hush fell over the gathering, replaced only by the steady chorus of crickets echoing through the trees. Then, as if summoned, a soft mist began to fall light as breath. I tilted my head upward. The sky was clear, not a single cloud in sight. The Sage lifted her arms, fingers splayed wide toward the stars. She inhaled slowly, deeply, her breath seeming to ripple through the very air around us. A thick mist materialzed around her. “Tonight, my dear friends,” she began, her voice suddenly fuller, laced with reverence and command. “is a rare and sacred night. A centennial occasion.” Her gaze swept over the gathering, eyes bright like the surface of still water just before the storm. “It is the one-hundred-year cycle of Lín Yǔ’s compassion. And as with all great peace... there must be a sacrifice.” Sacrifice...? A twist of unease tightened in my stomach. I scanned the misty faces again, more urgently. Julien wasn’t here. [[Continue|the revel]]

I tried shaping the words to no avail... As the final syllables faded, a hush fell over the gathering, replaced only by the steady falls ahead and bubbling pools below. Then, as if summoned, a soft mist began to fall light as breath. I tilted my head upward. The sky was clear, not a single cloud in sight. The Sage lifted her arms, fingers splayed wide toward the stars. She inhaled slowly, deeply, her breath seeming to ripple through the very air around us. “Tonight, my dear friends.” She began, her voice suddenly fuller,laced with reverence and command. “Is a rare and sacred night. A centennial occasion, you might say. It is the one-hundred-year cycle of Lín Yǔ’s compassion. And as with all great peace... something must be //sacrificed//.” Her gaze swept over the gathering, eyes bright like the surface of still water just before the storm. Sacrificed...? The word hit like a hollow drumbeat in my chest. A chill crept up my spine. I gulped scanning the crowded circle of bowed heads, candlelit eyes, lifted hands. //Where was Julien//? A twist of unease tightened in my stomach. I scanned the mist-laced faces again, more urgently now. ... [[Continue|the revel]]

I sat frozen, breath shallow. Maybe I was imagining the worst-case scenario. But those two monks had taken him… Was this planned? I waited, eyes fixed on The Sage. She didn’t speak just stood there, eeirly still, her lips murmuring something to the sky. Then, two figures emerged from the shadows behind her. The first was the old man, hunched and shuffling forward. The second... //Julien... His dark curls hung over his eyes as he walked slowly, almost dreamlike, toward the center//. “Julien?” I called out, louder than I meant to. I started to rise, but Leanna gripped my wrist, firm and silent, shaking her head. He heard me, his eyes found mine. I begged him silently, to speak, but all he offered was that familiar smile... Something felt wrong. I turned to Leanna... [[What are they doing to him!?]]

Leanna didn’t answer. Her grip on my wrist only tightened, her nails gently pressing into my skin like an anchor. Julien and the old man knelt before The Sage in perfect unison, their bodies still, their heads bowed low. The flickering lantern light danced across the pools, casting ripples of gold and shadow that played over their backs like an omen. Then The Sage inhaled long and slow. The very air seemed to shift. Thickening. A low hum, so deep it was almost a vibration, spread throughout the stone terrace, moving like a pulse. The water around us, once bubbling and alive, fell unnaturally still. [[Stand]] and protest or... ...[[Sit]] and accept.

The path was well-kept, lined with large stones and slabs of tree trunks. Where water had lodged, the wood had darkened, nearly black. The forest around us deepened into shadow, held at bay only by the glow of lanterns and the soft flicker of lightning bugs. We walked in a comfortable silence, following the distant murmur of voices ahead. The soft thump of our feet against the packed earth created a rhythmic heartbeat. The path narrowed between two towering trees, arching above us like ancient guardians. As we passed beneath their limbs, the trail opened uphill, revealing the ceremony site below. A ring of lanterns surrounded several pools of steaming hot springs, the warm light dancing across the water’s surface. A small waterfall cascaded gently into a pond, which trickled into the other pools. [[Enter the ceramony]] <script> setup.birdie.pause(); setup.birdie.currentTime = 0; </script> <script> setup.insect.play(); </script>

(text-colour:(hsl:0,0,0,0.65))[You have opened yourself fully to Lín Yǔ without resistance, without conditions. She welcomes you not as a stranger, but as one remembered. By honoring her ways, you invite her to see you wholly; your heart, your path, your purpose in this //New Age of Compassion// (enchant:?page,(bg:(hsl:210,0.8039,0.5,0.35))) Steady your breath, still your soul. What you were no longer is. What you are will soon be revealed. Return to ][[Title Page]] <script> setup.waterfall.pause(); setup.waterfall.currentTime = 0; </script>

A small waterfall cascaded gently into a pond, which trickled into the other pools. At the base of the waterfall stood The Sage silent, still watching as the members filed in, one by one, bowing in reverence. Leanna and I found our place near the water’s edge, settling beside the others. A hush fell across the crowd. The Sage cleared her throat, then spoke in a calm, resonant voice. “We begin under the Full Moon, to welcome new connection… and honor those who came before. With breath, with stillness, with intention. Let the veil thin. Let Lin Yǔ weep for you to take on your burdens and, in return, offer compassion.” She paused, her gaze sweeping across the gathering. “Join me and say: Lín Yǔ zhī líng, wǒmen yāo qǐng nǐ.” A low hum rose as the crowd repeated the mantra. I turned to Leanna. Her eyes were closed, palms raised gently to the star-laced sky. Should I [[join in]]... or... [[stay quiet]] <script> setup.birdie.pause(); setup.birdie.currentTime = 0; </script>

I stood ripping my hand free from Leanna's to make my way to the alter. Untill, my head felt heavier... the fumes from the bubbling springs circulated around me. I feel to my knees as tears welled... A mist poured from The Sage’s mouth not smoke, but something heavier, stranger. It swirled around her body like a coiling spirit, until her silhouette vanished within. Only her voice emerged. //But it wasn’t hers//. It was deeper. Ancient. Layered, as if centuries of women spoke through her throat at once. "I am Lín Yǔ." "Goddess of mercy. Witness to sorrow. Bringer of peace... and its price. Tonight, the path of compassion demands renewal. The body is young. The soul is old. It's time to usher in the new age." ... I need to [[speak up]]

I sat back down, Leanna and I locked eyes. Her soft smile wavered as a single tear fell down her cheek. "For compassion, this is a gift Rae." She whispered. I felt a wave of dispair flow through me as I looked back towards Julien still bowing to The Sage. I couldn't stop this. A mist poured from The Sage’s mouth not smoke, but something heavier, stranger. It swirled around her body like a coiling spirit, until her silhouette vanished within it. Only her voice emerged. But it wasn’t hers. It was deeper. Ancient. Layered, as if centuries of women spoke through her throat at once. "I am Lín Yǔ." "Goddess of mercy. Witness to sorrow. Bringer of peace... and its price." The voice intoned. "Tonight, the path of compassion demands renewal... The vessel is young. The soul, ancient. We bear this burden for the sake of enlightened consciousness." ... All I could do was [[watch]]...

I jolted, realizing this wasn’t a blessing. This was a transfer. A sacrifice. I tried to speak, but the vapors took my breath. From within the mist, The Sage lifted her hands. Energy pulsed from her palms in waves soft at first, then denser, like gravity folding in on itself. The wind shifted. The old man and Julien fell to their knees before The Sage. I saw a bright light replace her shadow that grew, towering over the others. Julien’s body arched, lips parted in a silent cry. The old man collapsed, breath leaving him and forming into a mass of mist. "Thorne, my light, my twin, rise once more. Take what you are owed. Walk with me into the new century of compassion and enlightment." Julien faced the sky as his cry erupted into a scream. The mist around him brightened and entered his mouth. He began to levitate into the air as The Sage stretched out her arms. Slowly, his body desended back to the earth, planting his feet on the stone. The two embraced and faced the gathering. ... [[I tried calling out]] to him.

The words wouldn't form, vapors from the springs caught my breath slowly blurring my vision. Julien’s eyes swept the crowd... and found mine. He smiled. But behind that smile were eyes I didn’t know... old eyes, knowing eyes. Not his own... not fully. The Sage raised her hands. “Let the new century begin.” The mist thickened rising, folding, swallowing the lantern light, the trees, the sky. Everything dissolved into white... ...[[my vision faded]]

Centeries surpassed this instant, what could I do to stop the Goddess Lín Yǔ. My breath hitched. "Did he agree to this?" Leanna grabbed my hands and looked into my eyes. "Every sacrifice is of their own accord, Juliens' mind will open his conscious expanded by Thornes' enlightend spirit." My mind raced as I looked back. From within the mist, The Sage lifted her hands. Energy pulsed from her palms in waves soft at first, then denser, like gravity folding in on itself. The wind shifted. Thorne, and Julien fell to their knees before The Sage. I saw a bright light replace her shadow that grew, towering over the others. Julien’s body arched, lips parted in a silent cry. The old man collapsed, breath leaving him that formed into a mass of mist. "Thorne, my light, my twin, rise once more. Take what you are owed. Walk with me into the new century of compassion and enlightment." The Sage cried out. Julien faced the sky as his cry erupted into a scream. The mist around him brightened and entered his mouth. He began to levitate into the air as The Sage stretched out her arms. Slowly, Julien’s body desended back to the earth, planting his feet onto stone. The two embraced and faced the gathering. ... [[I called out to him]]...

Add passage for jounral entry about the last person who sacrficed themselves for the age of compassion and enlightment add passage for Rae asking is this what Julien meant by of he disappeared.

The moment passed as he walked ahead towards the shallow pond. An array of turtles lay motionless on half-sunken logs and moss-covered stones. I joined him, peering into the water. Koi swam beneath the surface in a kaleidoscope of color... gold, deep rust, inky black and pearl white. Suddenly, two men dressed in long beige robes approched, they held a calm expression and bowed in unison to us. "Rae, Julien, I hope the commune aligns with you both." One said, looking up and centering his attention to Julien. "The Sage has requested your presence." I raised my brow looking towards Julien who smiled faintly, meeting my gaze. "Of course, lead the way." He winked at me and gave my shoulder a quick squeeze before following the two robed men. I felt a slight shift... Should I...[[follow them]] ...or [[stay and explore]]

An instinct kicked in as I watched them enter one of the sliding panel doors. I waited, just a beat, before making my way over, careful not to seem too obvious. I glanced around to see no one was paying me any mind. I peered through the narrow crack in the panel. Nothing unusual just a small room, shadows stretched beneath the flickering light of a dying fire in the back. I slipped inside... To my left, there was a muffled conversation. But then something else caught my attention... To my right, there was a sharp gasp, followed by a loud thump hitting the floor. Should I... [[eavesdrop]] on the conversation... ...or [[investigate]] the noise?

I watched them disappear behind one of the sliding panel doors. I felt a bit akward without Julien. I shrugged it off, turning back to the courtyard buzzing with activity. A steady breeze drifted through, luring the lanterns into a slow, swaying dance. Their glow stretched across the air in flickering ribbons, golden and soft. The bamboo whispered in response, rustling gently, while glass-beaded wind chimes clinked. I let my gaze drift. The architecture was intricate, slighty worn by the elements. Along the wooden beams, faint carvings lined the surface, patterns of waves, moons, and hands reaching upward to jewled stars. I stepped forward, letting my fingers trace the designs. I heard a soft melody flowing out from behind the paper-thin walls. Slowly, it grew a low, rolling beat, reverberating like distant thunder. Faint laughter wove through it, folding into the rhythm like an echo carried by the wind. Should I...[[keep walking]] ...or [[go inside]]

I clicked my tongue and huffed. "Damnit." I made my way to a low archway covered by a thin sheet. I peeked in and saw an old man collapsed onto the floor. I hurried over lowering myself to the floor and turned the man onto his back carfully. "Hello, sir? Can you hear me?" No response. I placed my finger under his nose and felt a soft stream of air. "Hello?" I said, a bit louder. The man begain to shift, his lips parted ever so slightly. I could faintly hear him mumbling something under his breath... "Lín Yǔ... the chosen vessel steps forward... the cycle begins anew..." Suddenly, footsteps approached beyond the sheet. Panic surged through me, tightening in my chest. I sat there [[frozen]]. <script> setup.birdie.pause(); setup.birdie.currentTime = 0; </script>

I approached the doors, careful not to disturb the creaking floorboards beneath me. Swiftly, I pressed my ear against the wood. A woman's voice spoke her accent rich, deliberate. Unmistakingly The Sages. "It must truly be what you want, Julien. Your family’s lineage will ascend, shedding the physical for the higher realms. They will exist fully as light, until the pull to return, to descend, calls them back to the earthly plane to fullfill a new." Silence stretched before a familiar voice filled the space. "I only hope this peace extends to them… and to Rae. I pray she understands. I’ve made peace with my role, to usher in the age of compassion for this centennium." Understand what...? [[continue eavesdropping]] <script> setup.birdie.pause(); setup.birdie.currentTime = 0; </script>

The Sage’s voice was steady, measured. "Your friend will come to understand. In time, all things become clear." Julien exhaled sharply. "Why can’t I tell her?" "The free will of others can affect the outcome," The Sage replied. "She did not accept Lín Yǔ." Suddenly the door opened. I stumbled back with my eyes wide in shock. "Rae? What are doing?" Julien asked with hast. I stammered unable to form a sentense. "I...I was curious." The Sage stepped between us, her dark eyes sweeping over me. "Time to rest, kitten." I couldnt read her expression, still and detatched. Then, something shifted A mist coiled from nothingness, clouding my my vision. It reached deeper into my mind. Into my thoughts. [[I passed out]]

To become one with Lín Yǔ, you must go through her cycles... (align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[Ascend to the sky like mist. To see new perspective. Then descend like rain. To return to the land. Flow through the earth like rivers. To nourish what lies beneath.] The pursuit of true knowledge is a journey that can't be forced, to attain it you must flow with no resistence. All will be revealed when the moment is right. Return to [[Title Page]] (enchant:?page,(bg:(gradient: 33, 0,#ffffff,0.5259,#000000,1,transparent)))

I turned my head towards the doorway, still holding cradling the old mans head in my lap. The Sage entered, accompanied by one of the robed men who had taken Julien. They both stared at me, something stirred behind The Sage's dark eyes... I spoke up quickly. "I heard a gasp, then a loud thump. I wanted to make sure everything was alright." The Sage held the moment, assessing the scene before turning her head slightly to the robed man. "See to my brother." He bowed and stepped forward, slowly kneeling beside the old man. I gently placed his head back onto the floor and rose to my feet. The robed man bowed his head slightly towards me, a fleeting acknowledgment. The Sage's gaze had not wavered. I felt the air shift. Like a cool breeze cutting through the summer heat. A shiver crept up my spine. "The ceramony will begin soon, Rae." Said The Sage. "You should join the other guest in the Willow Court." Without hesitation... [[I left]]

I walked out to the court yard. The evening light casted long shaows over the pond, guests held lanterns in hands as they gathered around the old willow. I walked to a bridge and looked down into the water. Countless koi all uniguely colored and sized swirled under the surface... The old mans words replayed in my mind... What cycle, what vessel? "Hello, there." A soft voice snapped me out of my thoughts. I turned and saw girl about my age, her hair was wild and long. Loose curls of bwarm brown tumbled over her long linen robe. She looked dazed, like she was caught in some constant day dream. Her hazel eyes twinkled. "You're here, the new cycle is upon us." I was curious about that comment... but I'm also curious about her. [[Ask what she meant]] or [[Ask about her]] <script> setup.birdie.play(); </script>

She lifted her gaze to the sky, deep indigo, where the first stars flickered through the fading light. "Lín Yǔ’s compassion. It’s renewed every hundred years to ensure those who truly accept her are brought into the new age of enlightenment." I furrowed my brows. She looked absolutely serious. "And what happens to those who don’t accept her?" She hesitated, then turned back to me. "Their souls stay tethered to this land. If they perish here, they remain... wandering, lost in a misty limbo." The weight of her words lingered. Then, with an almost absent-minded tilt of her head, she added. "Oh, I’m Leanna, by the way." Before I could respond, a deep dong echoed through the structure, reverberating through the wood beneath us. The timing too perfect resembling a dark omen. Leanna barely reacted, her gaze following the others as they filtered onto a narrow trail leading deeper into the jungle. "The ceremony is about to begin. We should go." [[Head to the ceramony|cynical path]]

I let the comment pass, something in me said I'd find out soon enough what the 'cycle' is. "What's your name?" She bowed her head and looked up with mischievous glint in her eye. "I'm Leanna, and you must be Rae." I raised a brow. "How'd you know that?" Leanna inched closer, resting her hands on the worn wooden railing of the bridge. The long sleeves of her robe drifted with the breeze. "We don't often get tag-alongs, it was only Julien who was invited, but he insisted you'd come too." She turned towards me, big eyes peering into mine, looking for something I wasn't aware of. "I wonder..." Before I could question her, a low dong echoed through the air sending waves of vibration through the strucutre. The rail shuddered beneath my fingers. Leanna watched as the others shuffled toward a small trail winding deeper into the jungle. "The ceramony is about to begin, we must go." [[Head to the ceramony|cynical path]]

We walked along the narrow trail, the dirt packed firmly beneath our steps. Water-lodged logs lined the edges, so black they gleamed under the sway of lanters. Two towering trees rose ahead, their trucks framing the entrance of the cermony site below. A waterfall spilled into a pond that poured out into smaller pools scattered acros the stone terraces. Steam steadily rose from the pools. Torches lined the spings casting amber glint across the rippling water. Then I saw her, The Sage, standing before the falls. Mist pooled around her as she bowed to each person arriving. As we approched her, Leanna bowed first, I akwardly followed her lead. The Sage held her gaze on me, with still contemplation. A silence fell over the crowd as The Sage lifted her hands to the star-laced sky above. The full moon bloomed overhead casting a hazey silver glow below. Soft chirps of crickets filled the air. The Sage breathed in deeply. "To begain the ceramony, we ask you to summerge yourself into the pools below to draw closer to Lín Yǔ." I hesitated staring at the bubbling pool below... I [[sat by the edge]] <script> setup.birdie.pause(); setup.birdie.currentTime = 0; </script> <script> setup.waterfall.play(); </script>

I kept walking along the wooden walkway until I reached the end, where it opened onto a sprawling balcony. I stepped through, and the world stretched wide before me. The valley lay shrouded in mist, darkening as the sun desends. Faint streams of pink and purple clung to the last remnants of light, fragile against the approching dusk. I breathed in deep. The air was crisp, fragrant, cleaner than anything I’d known in the smog-choked city. I approached the rail, leaning into it, my fingers tracing the smooth, worn wood. Then... A delicate tickle brushed against my arm. I glanced down. A stick bug, its thin legs moving with careful precision, inched across my skin. It stopped. Its antennaes wiggling, waiting. [[Let it be]]

I stepped inside, drawn by the rhythmic pulse thrumming through the air. The room was open, anchored by a large fireplace at the back, its glow cast shifting shadows across the walls. At the center, a group moved with fluid intensity, their bodies swaying in sync with the drum, flowing fabric wisping around them like rippling water. They danced in a shifting circle never still, always turning. The drums deepened, each beat resonating through the space, layering upon itself, rising and falling in waves that echoed through my ribs. I lingered at the door, watching. Then... one of the dancers slowed. Her robes moved effortlessly with her, the soft fabric trailing in time with the music. Her brown hair was wild with loose curls spirling down her shoulders. Our eyes locked. I stiffened, shifting my weight between my feet. Slowly, she approached. [[Greet her]] <script> setup.birdie.pause(); setup.birdie.currentTime = 0; </script> <script> setup.drum.play(); </script>

I placed my finger infront of the stick bug letting it crawl up. Its antennae wiggled, considering the inventaton, then finally crawled up. I brought it to my face to exam it further. "Oh, I see you met Twiggy." A soft voice came from behind. I turned and saw a girl dressed in long robes, her hair was wild and long. Loose brown curls fell over her shoulders. She stepped out onto the balcony "You must be Rae, I'm Leanna." I gave her a curious look. "How do you know my name?" She grinned. "Oh everyone's been talking about your arrival, I wanted to welcome you offically." She extended her finger towards me, or rather, the bug on my finger. "Can I see him?" [[Give her Twiggy]]

I let 'Twiggy' inch his way to Leanna’s finger. As he moved, the shifting lantern light cast his shadow in exaggerated forms larger and stretched, before settling back to its normal shape. Leanna sighed softly, then smiled. "It seems Twiggy beat me to the welcome." She paused. "We were only expecting Julien, but everyone was excited to hear you’d be coming along, Rae." I raised a brow. "Why’s that?" Leanna held my gaze for a moment before answering. "We don’t usually accept strangers at such momentous occasions." Her smile lingered, thoughtful, as she placed her hand along the railing and let Twiggy crawl onto it. Then... A deep dong resonated through the structure, vibrating through the wood beneath us. Leanna turned toward the sound, catching the murmurs of others beyond the sliding panels. She started toward the entrance. "Come," she said. "It’s time for the ceremony." I took one last glance at the valley and breathed deeply. [[Go to the ceramony|curious path]]

We walked along the narrow trail, the dirt packed firmly beneath our steps. Water-lodged logs lined the edges, so black they gleamed under the sway of lanters. Two towering trees stood ahead, their trunks framing the entrance of the cermony site below. A waterfall spilled into a pond that poured out into smaller pools scattered across the stone terrace. Steam steadily rose from the pools with torches lineing the spings, casting ambered glint across the bubbling water. Then I saw her, The Sage, standing before the falls. Mist pooled around her as she bowed to each arriving. Leanna stood infront of The Sage and bowed. She bowed in return then turned her gaze to me with quiet contemplation. I stifly bowed to her. Leanna grabbed my wrist and led me to one of the bubbling pools and sat. A silence fell over the crowd as The Sage lifted her hands to the starry sky above. The full moon bloomed overhead casting a hazey silver glow below. Soft chirps of crickets filled the air. The Sage breathed in deeply. "To begain the ceramony, we ask you to summerge yourself into the pools below to draw closer to Lín Yǔ " I hesitated... Maybe just [[put my feet in]] ...or [[summerge myself]] <script> setup.birdie.pause(); setup.birdie.currentTime = 0; </script> <script> setup.drum.pause(); setup.drum.currentTime = 0; </script> <script> setup.waterfall.play(); </script>

The girl greeted me with a low bow, then slowly met my gaze. Her hazel eyes glinting in the low light. The world seemed to slow "Has the rhythm found you?" I raised a brow. "Huh... who are you?" She swayed, her face soft with bliss. "I'm Leanna... tell me, did the drums call out to you?" I chucked. "Uh huh that's what pulled me in." She chuckled back. "Then come, dance with us." Should I [[dance with them]]... ...or [[just watch]]

I shook my head stepping further from the circle. "No, sorry not my kinda thing." Leanna only shrugged as she drifted back into the fold. The drumming surged. A steady, pulsating beat that reverberated though the wooden floorboards that crept up into my chest. It didn't just fill the air, it filled me and stirred something deep, something I couldn't name. I watched as the figures synched into the rhytm. Their shadows twisted, untamed by the walls, elongated by the firelight that caught every flick of fabric and sway, as if amplifying their movements into the shadow-world. Suddenly the music faded to nothing. The dancers slowed one by one. They re-formed a circle, hands joining, heads bowed. All together they spoke. "Lín Yǔ, we welcome your presense here tonight. We thank you for the compassion that washes over us. Drench our souls with your love... Om Mani Padme Hum." The words hung in the air like a misty morning. Then came a dong, low and resonant that echoed through the strucutre. No one spoke as the group filtered out, all except for Leanna. "Come Rae. It's time for the ceramony." [[Go to the ceramony|curious path]]

I hovered at the edge of the circle, the drums beckoning like rolling tides. Each beat thudded into my heart like an insistent urge. Leanna reached for my hand, gently guiding me into the circle. Her expression was serene, her hazel eyes shimmering with veiled joy. "Become one with the sound." I hesitated for half a breath before letting go. At first, I was stiff. Overthinking each step, but then it caught me, the rhythm. The circle moved around me like a breath, and I moved with it. I felt the floor pulse beneath my feet. My arms lifted, stretching outward. I felt unchained, light and loose with something close to ecstasy. A feeling surfaced, like a memory I couldn't name. A homecoming I hadn't known I needed. The drums built, rising in layers that weaved together untill time dissolved. Every heavy thought vanished. The noise of the outside world, obsolete. Then suddenly a shift The music slowed. The dancers stilled. [[I stopped]]

Leanna's hand found mine, and another clasped my other. I stood among the circle of strangers who, somehow no longer felt like strangers anymore. They bowed thier heads and spoke in unison. "Lín Yǔ we welcome your presense here tonight. We thank you for the compassion that washes over us. Drench our souls with your love... Om Mani Padme Hum." The words hung in the air like mist rising in the morning. Then came a dong, low and resonant, that echoed through the structure. No one spoke as the group filtered out, all except for Leanna. "Come Rae. It's time for the ceramony." [[Go to the ceramony|curious path]]

I slowy lowered myself by the edge of the pool and looked at my jagged reflection. I felt a lump in throat form as the steam rose from the water, it smelt sickly sweet too alluring. My head lightend. I tore my gaze from the pool looking around to the others ease their way into the pools. Leanna lowerd herself into the pool below, her eyes gleamed over her shoulder the corner of her mouth slightly curved upward. The Sage looked out at the gathering, her eyes steadied on me... I felt a sharp pain forming at the temples of my mind, slowly piercing. She lifted her hands palms stretching out to the sky... Suddenly a light misting of rain fell from the cloudless sky above. The Sage spoke. "We gather here tonight on the centinneal occasion. Ushuring in a one-hundred year cycle of Lín Yǔ's compassion." The fumes grew stronger just as Leanna moved towards me, grabbing my ankles slowly pulling my feet into the warm pool... [[I sank in]]

The water was perfectly warm, so much so, I hadn't realized I was completly summerged... Leanna held onto my wrist looking blissful into my eyes before stepping out of the way. The Sage stood before me, her presense began to swell, yet so still. A pale shadow stretched behind her, curling into a serpant that shaped to her likeness. The mist clung to her form as if the air around her obeyed. "Your compassion is present, Rae. But you rufuse Lín Yǔ. You are rigid. Unable to flow into the new cycle." When she spoke, her voice carried many layers, amplified by others that seemed to echo through her own. Then the world dulled. Sound slipped away, color washed out, the stars covered by a mist. All that remaind was a deafing white-noise. Then lasty to fade... sight [[My eyes shut]]

(text-colour:black)[To become one with Lín Yǔ, you must go through her cycles... (align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[Ascend to the sky like mist. To see new perspective. Then descend like rain. To return to the land. Flow through the earth like rivers. To nourish what lies beneath.] You are tethered to this land, bound by mist, caught in constant limbo. Only true surrender will alow flow. Return to] [[Title Page]] (enchant:?page,(bg:(gradient: 0, 0,#ffffff,0.5,#888888,1,#ffffff))) <script> setup.waterfall.pause(); setup.waterfall.currentTime = 0; </script>

I dipped my toe in testing the water. It was the perfect temperature, slowly I placed my feet into the pool. The bubbles slightly tickled my skin. I watched Leanna settle into the pool, her robe danced across the ripples. She exhaled slowly. The Sage looked out over the ceramony of misty face with a look of content, then casted her gaze up to the sky and spoke in a deep resonat voice. "We gather here under the full moon, to welcome Lín Yǔ, Spirit of the Rainforest. We accept you compleltly and usher in the new hundered year cycle of your compassion." She paused before looking back to people floating in the pools. "Om Mani Padme Hum" In unision everyone bowed thier heads repeating the mantra. The voices woved together to create one, the sound filled me ears. Combing all senses into one. The steam rising from the pool lured me deeper. Slowly... [[I slid in further]]

I looked over to Leanna, she slowly lowered herself into the pool. The steam steadily dispersed around her. She turned with a smirk, extending her hand towards me. At first I hesitated but the fumes of steam urged me. I grabbed her hand and let her lead me into the pool. The water was the perfect temperature as I felt my whole body ease. Tiny bubbles glides up my skin bursting through the surface. The Sage watched intently as everyone settled into the pools with a coy smile. She breathed in deeply and raised her head to the starry sky. "We gather here under the full moon, to welcome Lín Yǔ, Spirit of the Rainforest. We accept you compleltly and usher in the new hundered year cycle of your compassion." She paused addressing the gathering. "Joing me and say; Om Mani Padme Hum" In unision everyone repeated the mantra. Their voices wove into one that amplified. A slight buzz filled my ear traveling into my mind... I slowly [[sank into the waters embrace]].

My body was fully submerged, the warm water rising to my neck. Bubbles popped gently near my ears, each one a soft whisper. A light, floral scent wafted up from the surface. The Sage stood before the waterfall, her hands raised to the sky. A light mist drifted down from above, but without a single cloud. She murmured something under her breath. Then... two figures emerged from behind her First, an old man hunched over, then Julien. My eyes widened, but I felt to numb to speak. I watched on. They knelt before The Sage. She rested a hand on each of their shoulders. A sudden shift in the air. Her shadow began to stretch pale and massive rising around her like a coiled cobra of light mist. It swirled once, then completely enveloped her. A voice came from her, it was layered, ancient. Echoed with time. "I am Lín Yǔ." "Goddess of mercy. Witness to sorrow. Bringer of peace... and its price." The voice intoned. "Tonight, the path of compassion demands renewal... The vessel is young. The soul, ancient. We bear this burden for the sake of enlightened consciousness." ... [[Bear witness]]

My body was fully submerged, the warm water rising to my neck. Bubbles popped gently near my ears, each one a soft whisper. The Sage stood before the waterfall, her hands raised to the sky. A light mist drifted down from above, but without a single cloud. She murmured something under her breath. Then... two figures emerged from behind her First, an old man hunched over, then Julien. My eyes widened, but the water held me still, aloof. They knelt before The Sage. She rested a hand on each of their shoulders. A sudden shift in the air. Her shadow began to stretch pale, massive rising around her like a coiled cobra of light mist. It swirled once, then completely enveloped her. A voice spoke from the mist, it was layered, ancient. Echoed with time. "I am Lín Yǔ." "Goddess of mercy. Witness to sorrow. Bringer of peace... and its price." The voice intoned. "Tonight, the path of compassion demands renewal... The vessel is young. The soul, ancient. We bear this burden for the sake of enlightened consciousness." ... [[Bear witness]]

From within the mist an energy surged out of palms surroding the old man and Julien. I could hear the struggle as the old man gave out and lumped onto the ground. Julien remaind strong. The Sages voice boomed again echoing off the stones. "Thorne, my twin, my light. Rise again and take what is your. Join us in the new centurary of enlightment and compassion." From the old man’s still form, a white mass began to unravel... long and serpentine, coiling upward with hypnotic grace. It hovered for a heartbeat, then plunged toward Julien. His back arched, mouth open in a silent scream as the mass poured into him. His body lifted slowly, steadily levitating above the mist. Then, gently, he touched the ground. A final shockwave pulsed outward, shaking the trees and rippling across the surface of the pools. The Sage emrbaced Julien. And together they turned to face the gathering. I stared dazed at Julien, his eyes bright white before phasing back to warm brown. He found me and smiled. She raised her arms. "Let the new century of compassion begin!" The mist thickened as a bubbly cacoon envloped my being... ...[[my vision last to fade]]

(text-colour:black)[To become one with Lín Yǔ, you must go through her cycles... (align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[Ascend to the sky like mist. To see new perspective. Then descend like rain. To return to the land. Flow through the earth like rivers. To nourish what lies beneath.] To rise once again, renewed you must understand the cost of compassion, even when it goes unseen. Rest to awaken with a new sense of perspective] (enchant:?page,(bg:white)) (text-colour:black)[Return to ][[Title Page]] <script> setup.waterfall.pause(); setup.waterfall.currentTime = 0; </script>

Julien’s eyes swept the crowd... and found mine. He smiled. But behind that smile were eyes I didn’t know... old eyes, knowing eyes. Not his own... not fully. The Sage raised her hands. “Let the new century begin.” The mist thickened rising, folding, swallowing the lantern light, the trees, the sky. Everything dissolved into white... ...[[my vision faded]]