Temple
The little birds lead me to an ancient temple, one that was created far in the past, withstanding time, built against odds. A massive stairway lead straight up to the ornate yet simple entrance, large bowls of blue fire the width of a man lapped fiercely at the air, tamed only by the container, existing on spirit alone. Dotting the advance, those small avian guides hopped and played, unaffected by the cold, their chirping a positive sign that this place was sacred, a safe haven for all creatures. Reaching the top, leaning on my staff, I surveyed the area. No deity or statues suggested the purpose of this place and the entire structure seemed undisturbed. However, I could see the faint scars of war, weapons having pierced or gashed the exterior some time before my arrival, a long while ago would be an accurate appraisal.
"Do you seek refuge?" A deep voice asked, the source unknown to me currently. I took a deep breath and relaxed, calming myself and allowing this person to inquire about my presence. "I seek the top of the mountain," I replied, standing firm, awaiting movement. "This is only a pause along my journey, brought to me by a natural envoy." Stepping from behind a pillar, a man with the features of a rhino, garbed in ceremonial attire and carrying a kwang. I must tell you this, not out of fear, but out of amazement. This person was as tall as the upright columns that supported the entrance carved into the side of the mountain, and those pieces were as tall as ten men. He was large to say the least, only increasing my excitement. "You honour me with your appearance, guardian," I stated, his outfit and gear placing him in a warrior status, not a monk or vagrant. "I welcome any who do not wish to harm or befowl this sacred home," He said, towering over me and breathing sternly. "I am your audience if you would grant me the story of this place," I offered, both of us seeming to be the only two vocal creatures in the vicinity, able to extend company, exchange words during this fortuitous meeting. "Now you honour me, traveler," He replied, humbled by my words. "I will tell you the history of this sanctuary, what its purpose was, and how it came to be silent."
We sat together on the steps, his mighty golden horn shining in the sun, a spirit hundreds of years older than I. Removing some bread from my robe, I offer him some of it with only a motion. Seeing a creature such as he smile was warming, especially when it was my own kind gesture. He nodded, warmed, grateful for this act of kindness from a stranger, his soul beginning to warm again after such long solace. "Your journey to this mountain, and its peak above," He began to tell, between bites of the delicious baked item. "Comes after a time when this whole are was once booming with visitors and priests alike. The temple was built to house the passive monk culture that lived here, a place of serenity and reflection. However, they had erected a statue to their founder, the Window Monk. He was called such due to his multiple eyes, each a window that glimpsed and granted enlightenment. The idol was not the issue, it was the material used to construct such a grand vision, homage built with gold and jewels, items not of any use to the followers in this life, but mere pieces that once belonged to their ascended leader. And so, greed carried on the wind, as did whispers of this prize, luring bandits to attempt raid after raid of this holy site. That is where I come in! Catching ear of this planned attack, knowing these people unwilling to defend their physical forms, I devoted myself to protecting them against those that would disrupt their honorable lifestyle. Proudly, I sent each fiend back down the mountain, beaten, deafeted. I was unmatched, against every attempt, they failed. Until, they banded together, numbers growing to a worrisome size. Siege gripped the mountainside, forcing me to fortify and bolster the perimeter, impeding movement while leaving me able to freely trample across the battlefield. It lasted days, yet I did not falter. No form of combat or violence could bring me down or hinder my defense, victory mine from the start. My arrogance though was my own downfall, as was my focus. It only took one rogue, an assassin, to slip in unnoticed, poisoning and murdering all of the monks with ease. I could not budge when faced with the numbers so I keep my stance, their death cries still weighing on my soul, echoing in the halls as a reminder of my failure. I found the one responsible and ceased his actions, using him as an example against the horde pressing inward. I fought alone for five more days, until I was actually alone. They gave up their quest for riches at a great cost but I lost the most in the ordeal, all of my friends slain by possessive nature, avarice. I dare not leave, my duty undone, incomplete, the statue safe from all harm." He grew quiet for a moment, his gaze cast out over the yonder hills, a part of him yearning to leave. "Now, you are here, a long absence of any other soul than myself. Telling of the story easing my burden, you having given me some form of peace with this recollection of times passed. I thank you, wanderer."
With no expectations, returning my kindness with his own, the guardian allowed me to enter the temple, to explore it at my leisure. He would stand as warden as he always will, his face and mind less burdened than before, a sense of clarity hovering over the manbeast. The interior of the temple was vast, overwhelming architecture, all of it powerful while simple. My pace was slow, deliberate, drinking in the atmosphere, letting the place guide me on its own. I found myself within a central chamber, rows of stone cut seating encircling a grand vision, the Windo Monks statue. I stood in front of the image cast in memory of their wise leader, his features similar to a man but the head was larger, adorned with many speckled eyes. Staring into the shimmering windows, the room grew dark, void gripping the chamber, all of the material world fading away. I was alone, standing on black space, a solitary figure before, eyes now that of glowing stars, each a brilliant color, burning from places unknown, mounted on the face of an ethereal being manifesting before me. One by one, the blazing lights focused on me unto all were beaming down upon my person, basking me with a spiritual power unbelieved until that very moment. I felt as if I had become one with the heavens in that moment, becoming more than myself, less of the old. As the energy granted to me by this celestial being fortified my three selves, the room returned once more, the figure rigid and removed from this world in spirit. I bowed in rememberance and thankfulness, this gift bestowed upon me crushing my knowledge and beliefs while reforming them stronger, bolder, deeper.
Outside of the temple, the weather began to stir, a foreboding wind bringing flurries from the darknened sky above. "You still have much further to go, traveler," The watcher said, unbothered by the change in climate. "Take this spirit fire with you. As long as your resolve is stern, your mind unwavering, then it will provide you with warmth and light. Falter, and it will leave you. You must carry it with both hands though." I placed out my palms, cupped, waiting for this new experience, surprised once again by this gentle giant. He cleaved at one of the neary torches, cutting a piece of the fire away, the severed portion dancing upon the end of his blade. He extended the hilt downward so that I may grasp the azure fire, dripping into my outstretched hands, twirling in place without pain or damage. I could feel it warming my arms, moving into my breast and spreading about my body. It was intoxicating, almost causing me to fall asleep, but I tightened my mind, held firm in spirit and self, ready for the next part of my journey. "Farewell, friend," His final words to me as I departed, both of us continuing with our goals, each of us purposed with a task that we must maintain. I climbed the snow whipped steps, each step bringing me closer to the peak of my journey.
The little birds lead me to an ancient temple, one that was created far in the past, withstanding time, built against odds. A massive stairway lead straight up to the ornate yet simple entrance, large bowls of blue fire the width of a man lapped fiercely at the air, tamed only by the container, existing on spirit alone. Dotting the advance, those small avian guides hopped and played, unaffected by the cold, their chirping a positive sign that this place was sacred, a safe haven for all creatures. Reaching the top, leaning on my staff, I surveyed the area. No deity or statues suggested the purpose of this place and the entire structure seemed undisturbed. However, I could see the faint scars of war, weapons having pierced or gashed the exterior some time before my arrival, a long while ago would be an accurate appraisal.
"Do you seek refuge?" A deep voice asked, the source unknown to me currently. I took a deep breath and relaxed, calming myself and allowing this person to inquire about my presence. "I seek the top of the mountain," I replied, standing firm, awaiting movement. "This is only a pause along my journey, brought to me by a natural envoy." Stepping from behind a pillar, a man with the features of a rhino, garbed in ceremonial attire and carrying a kwang. I must tell you this, not out of fear, but out of amazement. This person was as tall as the upright columns that supported the entrance carved into the side of the mountain, and those pieces were as tall as ten men. He was large to say the least, only increasing my excitement. "You honour me with your appearance, guardian," I stated, his outfit and gear placing him in a warrior status, not a monk or vagrant. "I welcome any who do not wish to harm or befowl this sacred home," He said, towering over me and breathing sternly. "I am your audience if you would grant me the story of this place," I offered, both of us seeming to be the only two vocal creatures in the vicinity, able to extend company, exchange words during this fortuitous meeting. "Now you honour me, traveler," He replied, humbled by my words. "I will tell you the history of this sanctuary, what its purpose was, and how it came to be silent."
We sat together on the steps, his mighty golden horn shining in the sun, a spirit hundreds of years older than I. Removing some bread from my robe, I offer him some of it with only a motion. Seeing a creature such as he smile was warming, especially when it was my own kind gesture. He nodded, warmed, grateful for this act of kindness from a stranger, his soul beginning to warm again after such long solace. "Your journey to this mountain, and its peak above," He began to tell, between bites of the delicious baked item. "Comes after a time when this whole are was once booming with visitors and priests alike. The temple was built to house the passive monk culture that lived here, a place of serenity and reflection. However, they had erected a statue to their founder, the Window Monk. He was called such due to his multiple eyes, each a window that glimpsed and granted enlightenment. The idol was not the issue, it was the material used to construct such a grand vision, homage built with gold and jewels, items not of any use to the followers in this life, but mere pieces that once belonged to their ascended leader. And so, greed carried on the wind, as did whispers of this prize, luring bandits to attempt raid after raid of this holy site. That is where I come in! Catching ear of this planned attack, knowing these people unwilling to defend their physical forms, I devoted myself to protecting them against those that would disrupt their honorable lifestyle. Proudly, I sent each fiend back down the mountain, beaten, deafeted. I was unmatched, against every attempt, they failed. Until, they banded together, numbers growing to a worrisome size. Siege gripped the mountainside, forcing me to fortify and bolster the perimeter, impeding movement while leaving me able to freely trample across the battlefield. It lasted days, yet I did not falter. No form of combat or violence could bring me down or hinder my defense, victory mine from the start. My arrogance though was my own downfall, as was my focus. It only took one rogue, an assassin, to slip in unnoticed, poisoning and murdering all of the monks with ease. I could not budge when faced with the numbers so I keep my stance, their death cries still weighing on my soul, echoing in the halls as a reminder of my failure. I found the one responsible and ceased his actions, using him as an example against the horde pressing inward. I fought alone for five more days, until I was actually alone. They gave up their quest for riches at a great cost but I lost the most in the ordeal, all of my friends slain by possessive nature, avarice. I dare not leave, my duty undone, incomplete, the statue safe from all harm." He grew quiet for a moment, his gaze cast out over the yonder hills, a part of him yearning to leave. "Now, you are here, a long absence of any other soul than myself. Telling of the story easing my burden, you having given me some form of peace with this recollection of times passed. I thank you, wanderer."
With no expectations, returning my kindness with his own, the guardian allowed me to enter the temple, to explore it at my leisure. He would stand as warden as he always will, his face and mind less burdened than before, a sense of clarity hovering over the manbeast. The interior of the temple was vast, overwhelming architecture, all of it powerful while simple. My pace was slow, deliberate, drinking in the atmosphere, letting the place guide me on its own. I found myself within a central chamber, rows of stone cut seating encircling a grand vision, the Windo Monks statue. I stood in front of the image cast in memory of their wise leader, his features similar to a man but the head was larger, adorned with many speckled eyes. Staring into the shimmering windows, the room grew dark, void gripping the chamber, all of the material world fading away. I was alone, standing on black space, a solitary figure before, eyes now that of glowing stars, each a brilliant color, burning from places unknown, mounted on the face of an ethereal being manifesting before me. One by one, the blazing lights focused on me unto all were beaming down upon my person, basking me with a spiritual power unbelieved until that very moment. I felt as if I had become one with the heavens in that moment, becoming more than myself, less of the old. As the energy granted to me by this celestial being fortified my three selves, the room returned once more, the figure rigid and removed from this world in spirit. I bowed in rememberance and thankfulness, this gift bestowed upon me crushing my knowledge and beliefs while reforming them stronger, bolder, deeper.
Outside of the temple, the weather began to stir, a foreboding wind bringing flurries from the darknened sky above. "You still have much further to go, traveler," The watcher said, unbothered by the change in climate. "Take this spirit fire with you. As long as your resolve is stern, your mind unwavering, then it will provide you with warmth and light. Falter, and it will leave you. You must carry it with both hands though." I placed out my palms, cupped, waiting for this new experience, surprised once again by this gentle giant. He cleaved at one of the neary torches, cutting a piece of the fire away, the severed portion dancing upon the end of his blade. He extended the hilt downward so that I may grasp the azure fire, dripping into my outstretched hands, twirling in place without pain or damage. I could feel it warming my arms, moving into my breast and spreading about my body. It was intoxicating, almost causing me to fall asleep, but I tightened my mind, held firm in spirit and self, ready for the next part of my journey. "Farewell, friend," His final words to me as I departed, both of us continuing with our goals, each of us purposed with a task that we must maintain. I climbed the snow whipped steps, each step bringing me closer to the peak of my journey.