Letters+between+Cho+and+Simeon

Dear Madam Cho,

I have found an interest in the books you have previously loaned me. I personally enjoy the passage in //The Passing of Time//; // In the end we are all just ash in a cracked hearth. Whether we meet death or run from it, we shall all burn out eventually. //

If this is true, then you and I must be made of stone as opposed to wood. For instead of turning to charcoal, we are only blackened by the flames. We stand in time as stoic as ever, facing the burning frontier. You must forgive me however, I tend to delve into deeper matters than the subject that my letters pertain to. I shall allow you to abstain from my musings for the time being. Instead I shall speak of the matter at hand.

I am afraid that I cannot return the books for a few more weeks, due to my own need of them. For you see, I am looking into several details about the past that I may have missed. You know as well as I that with all of the time and knowledge that is out there, it is hard to acquire all there is to be learned about every significant event. Specifically I am looking into the seventh dynasty of the Chang family. I remember one of the Changs quite well... why in fact I believe I was the one who usurped them. Ah yes it was most certainly I.

Anyhow my old friend I would appreciate an extension on the due date of my books. I have written to you one week before said date, I suppose that should be plenty. Thank you kindly, and may your books last a thousand years longer than we do, however many aeons that may be.

Love and deepest regards, Simeon Ash

P.S. There was once a marble hearth that I sat in as a child if I remember correctly. How funny, I suppose we //are//all at one point Ash in a cracked hearth.

My dearest friend,

Of course you may keep the books for as long as necessary. Normally, you know how loathe I am to extend deadlines. I always feel uncomfortable when my treasures are overdue. However, our long friendship and the trust I have in you far outweighs any trepidation I might feel. I know that you will care for them as if they were your own children.

To that end, I am sending you another volume about the 7th dynasty of the Changs. I do hope that you are still able to read the dialect. When you mentioned your interest, I thought of this book at once. Of course, after all the time that has passed it is difficult for the details to not become blurred. A very wise friend of mine once said, “I wrote it down so that I would not have to remember it.” How true that is! I do recall your exploits with the Changs, though. How sad it was that a great family fell into such darkness. It was very well done of you to remove them.

In other news, I have recently opened a new cavern, as more books and scrolls from some of the outlying Western countries are being added to the collection. I have also begun a correspondence with a young centaur named Kryster, a charming rogue who flatters me outrageously. He is proving quite intelligent, however, and I have enjoyed his letters.

My old friend, I do hope that you will come to visit me soon. It has been far too long since we have been able to play a game of Castles and Kings and while away the night debating philosophy or sharing our memories. I can promise you a delicious meal (the monks have proven to be exceptional cooks), good company (if you will forgive my immodesty) and perhaps a flight under the midnight skies.

I leave you with a quote from one of my most recent acquisitions, “We are the stuff of the Universe; we are the stars and planets, the seas and the skies, the earth and fire. We each have in us, at the very core, a piece of the Universe, therefore, we are the Universe, all of us trying to understand each other.”

May you find understanding.

My love to you, old friend, Chomolungma

My dear Simeon,

I have had the chance to begin reading some of my newest acquisitions and I am appalled! The things those Westerners say about dragons! They paint us with a broad brush, calling us evil, destructive and without redeeming value. They say that we regularly capture and eat young maidens. They insist that we should be killed on the spot. Really, it is just too much!

I’ve never eaten a human in my entire long life. After all, if I went around eating humans, who would cook for me or organize my books? Who would run my temple, herd yaks for me or ring the prayer bells? Who would come and talk and read with me? It’s utterly ridiculous!

As for destruction, have you ever known me to be destructive? Admittedly, there was that time in Yuntai Province and we did sink that island over in the Jalavin Sea. And I seem to recall destroying the City of Askalia together. Perhaps the better question would be have you ever known me to be destructive without a purpose? No! Of course not.

I wish that I could just set them straight, but I am afraid they would try to kill me as soon as they got one look at me. Now, as you know, I am not without defenses, but it would be a messy situation, I am sure.

In other news, Kryster and his wife just had another foal. Prolific little centaur, isn’t he? It has been so long since I had any hatchlings about. I don’t precisely miss it, but, by the same token, they did keep me active and involved. I am afraid that I have grown too comfortable here. I can’t remember, did you ever have any children? If you did, it must have been before I knew you.

Have you found anything of interest on your travels? I hope that your latest adventure had been all that you were hoping for. I seem to recall you saying something about a lost city? Perhaps I should get out of this stuffy library and join you. I find that I am missing our adventures together. Ah well, as Ling Tien-Chen once said, “The greatest adventure is the one that finds you while you are not looking.”

My love to you, old friend, Chomolungma

My dearest Madam Cho,

I would hardly daresay that you would ever eat a human. Though I could quite easily make the accusation that you only paint the contrast of the Western and Eastern lore of dragons. For you see, there are many similarities as well. A prime example would be the fact that both types of dragons possess hordes in most stories as I'm sure you well know. Your horde though is different, for you have the capacity and the desire to spread your "wealth" as it were, to all of the people. Yet another interesting point is that both forms of dragons are, under most circumstances, highly intelligent, cunning, and powerful. Given past experience with you, I know all of these to be true. Why, how would the City of Askalia fallen without your expertise in the manner of deception. I'll admit that I did have a trick or two up my sleeve, what with hiring the chancellor and using him as bait. However, I make the point that there are in fact many similarities between your form of dragon, and that of the western form.

At any rate I have been kept quite busy as of late. I have been inspecting the ruins of an ancient civilization. Well at least it's ancient now; it was quite a thriving place 5,000 years ago. I'm sure you will recall the city of Ra'adaia? In fact if I am not much mistaken you founded it, or was it one of your relatives? However, I was scouring through the ruins looking for the palace of Chou when I stumbled upon an old library. I have managed to acquire about 100 books that were in well enough shape to be translated and read. I am sure you are familiar with the language, and I have sent them to you along with this letter. Consider it a gift from an old friend.

Yes the city was in a terrible ruin, but I did manage to find the palace of Chou. The entire palace was a mess. I made my way into the throne room, where I had once stood advisor of the king and looked under the ornate throne that sat atop a marvelous golden dias. Sure enough I managed to find my old greaves. You see I have hidden pieces of armor throughout all of the kingdoms I have been a member of over the past several eons. I realize that I have little need for the armor, but I have a feeling that some darkness is coming soon, and I want to be prepared. I have found myself on the side of darkness more times than I would like. Despite that, I am acquiring my armor from around the world and intend to grab my sword last, and you know as well as I where that is. Hopefully I will be able to gather my materials in time.

As for my children, I like best not to think of them. You see I was a young man when I had my three children. I had not been aware of my affliction until the eldest had reached the age of 8. I first died when I turned 25, for you see back in those days you will recall it was appropriate to get married at the age of 17. However when I died that first time, there was something wrong. I woke up. I went back to my house and did what I did everyday. I said hello to my wife, and my two boys. My little girl sat on the stool in our modest kitchen, back in the First City. As they grew older, I stayed the same age and while I wondered how this could be I eventually accepted it. I was forced to watch my wife and children fade, whither and eventually pass right before my very eyes. I know now why I am the way I am today, but that is for another letter and another time.

As for Kryster I believe that I shall write the lad soon enough. It has been a long time since I have acquainted myself with the centaurs, but I think that there has been sufficient time for the wounds between their people and I to have been forgotten. I hope this letter finds you well madam.

Sincerely, Simeon Ash

My dearest friend,

First, let me apologize for bringing up painful memories. It was not my intention, I assure you. I, too, know the tragedy of watching my family wither and die. I will not be one of those who questions why you still grieve after all this time. I understand all too well why. I still carry the scars from having my family destroyed and being unable to prevent it. At least I know that the fiend who was responsible is justly punished for his treachery. It may take several lifetimes, but he will atone for his crimes.

As to your thoughts about dragons, I am well schooled by you. However, my point was not that dragons //themselves// are so dissimilar, but that the Western //people// seem to view all dragons as evil and that is most certainly not the case. You make a good point about my hoard, though of course those silly Western dragons would consider it beneath their notice. They care only for gold and gems and treasures both magical and mundane. While I may have a few items that would appeal to them, most of them would scorn my hoard and seek only to destroy it. I shudder when I think of my books burning, which is why I will not allow flame of any sort in the Library. It would be only too easy for it to rage out of control.

Speaking of books, I am thrilled with the volumes that you sent to me! My great-grandaughter founded Ra'adia and one of the books you sent was a volume of poetry written by her. It was wonderful to read through them and hear her words so many years later. I found it was easier to translate when I stayed in dragon form, so Dorje and Pembe scribed for me. They insisted on calling me "Most Holy" and "Your Holiness" when they addressed me. At first, it pleased me that they were showing the proper respect, but after spending hours and hours together it became a bit tedious. But they meant well. I am surprised the the books were as well preserved as they were. It was rather unfortunate that the volcano erupted. I warned her that they were too close, but she was ever the headstrong girl.

My oldest friend, I, too, have felt the presence of a dark storm looming on the horizon. I have heard whispers of it in the wind when I fly at night. I have written to Kryster and asked him to scry the stars for me, for, as you well know, centaurs are gifted with the ability to read the future in the night sky. I will report his findings to you, should they be anything worth noting. I wish you luck in finding the rest of your armor. Where do you head next? I certainly hope that none was on the Island of Betralia, or, if it was, I hope that you can swim as the entire island is underwater now.

My love to you, dear friend, Chomolungma

My old friend, I write in haste to you to notify you of what Kryster found when he gazed in the stars. The most troublesome part is that he found precisely nothing. Every night as he tried to make an attempt at reading the sky, it was suddenly covered with clouds and he could discern no meaning. I understand that this may happen once or even twice and not be unusual, but for it to happen every time speaks of deliberate blocking.

I fear that we are moving into troubled times again. The cycle of the Universe is always shifting, as you know, and we both have seen the rise and fall of both evil and good. But I urge you to be cautious, my dearest friend. There is danger to us all afoot, though I know not what shape it takes as yet.

I have been called away from the library on urgent business. The other Guardians wish to meet to discuss what we have seen and sensed. Dorje will know how to contact me, should you have need of me.

Please write soon, and tell me what else you have seen while abroad in the world. In my library, I fear I only see part of the pattern.

I am sending to you an amulet of protection. I know, you think you do not need it. Wear it for me anyway, my dear friend. Chomolungma

My dearest Cho,

I do apologize for the length which it has been since I have been able to respond, you will understand however that I have come into a bit of trouble. Though it should be known to you that I don't truly mourn my family any more, only miss them. You see I have had many families over the past millennia, and while I may boast that I have loved all of my children the same, it was the first family that hit the hardest. I have been able to cope easily after the flow of time but I find that I am less and less attached to the people who come into my life. You will understand I am sure that it is hard to watch everyone pass into dust before you. I am cursed with this gift, but that need not concern us now.

You see I was able to make it to the island, it was quite simple through the use of Dwen's gills. As you may recall Dwen was a brilliant scientist for his time, he managed to create several mechanical inventions, including the gills which have the ability to separate the air from water. The invention is astounding, but unfortunately it only works for about an hour. Fortunately for me the island was not so far down that I had to equalize my pressure often. I managed to find several interesting things from within the island, including a chain mail tunic which was so masterfully crafted out of mithril. Quite honestly I'm not sure if another piece is like it in all existence. Knowing the strength of the metal it had not rusted at all during its time below sea.

As to the problem I have mentioned in a prior paragraph, well that is less easily explained. For you see, I will be having need of the pendant I am afraid. I am being followed. Well I have been followed for the past month or so, I have dispatched countless men through clever ruses and what have you, but somehow a new man will be following me at the dawn. I am not afraid that they may destroy me, for I have no fear of dying. However, I fear the knowledge which they may acquire from following me. Even more so I am afraid of the adversary for whom they do this spying. I hope that no bad will come of this. For now though I shall dispatch them as I can, in hopes that they will leave me. I have not seen anyone for a week and I am sending this letter now for this is the most apt time for its chances of avoiding interception. I shall continue my quest madam, and I shall meet you at the library when the fall breaks.

Sincerely Simeon Ash.

My dear Simeon, You know that I worry about you, so I am glad that you are wearing the amulet. I am overjoyed that you have found a mithril shirt. Wear it all the time, old friend. It is as light as air and will not hinder your movement, but it will protect you from most attacks, magical and mortal alike. I have marked this paper with a glyph of warding, which should keep it from being intercepted. I have taken the liberty of enclosing a few extra sheets of paper marked with the same glyph for you, to allow you more security when writing back to me. I am concerned with the idea of someone following you. You are precious to me; my steady rock in the impermanence of the Universe.

There is much unrest in the world, my dear friend. You know, of course, that I am the Guardian of the East. As a dragon, I am immortal. I have been here since the beginning of time, and I will be here until the end. But the Guardians of the West and the North are growing old and their interest in the world is waning even as their strength dwindles. They do not care what happens to the younger races. And the Guardian of the South has been missing for centuries. Search though I might, I have not been able to find any trace of him. Believe me, I have sought him in every corner of our world to no avail. This, I feel, is what is causing the unbalance in our world. The danger to us comes from the South, I am sure of it. Be wary if you travel there, dear friend.

Do you remember the Moonlight Garden of Fyrizia? The blooms there released their heady fragrance at night and they glowed like stars in the darkness. I have left you a present there that you might be able to use in your quest. Walk the paths of the garden and think of me, old friend. For my part, I have much correspondence to catch up with, from Kryster and a newcomer named Acasius Ucciont. Acasius will be staying with us at the lamasery. Perhaps you will meet him in the fall. I am certain that his is a fascinating tale.

My love to you, my oldest friend, Take care and write to me when you are able. Madame Cho

Dear Madam Cho,

I would first of all like to thank you for the great gifts which you have bestowed upon me of late. Were it not for your concern and interest in my welfare I would be a little more distraught with the oddities in my life. It is worth noting that I haven't seen or heard from any of the followers that I mentioned in my prior letter.

More importantly however, I find it interesting that you would choose to leave me a gift in the Gardens, for that is indeed my next intended site to journey to. The Gardens have been one of my favorite natural beauties on this world. I spent a long period of meditation there back in my more transcendental days. When I thought that life really had a meaning aside from living. At any rate I had intended to go there to pick up a set of vambraces forged with Cascade steel. It was a worthy process getting a smith to forge them, but I managed to hide them a long time ago in one of the Garden's numerous caves. I will be sure to pick up your gift when I journey there.

As of right now I am pondering on your news of the young centaur. You will see that I have had my fair share of learning underneath the centaurs, and I would venture to say that I am quite good at scrying the stars (for a human at least). Since you have mentioned the disruptance I have taken my time to examine the stars, and I have found that I have been overcome by the same disruption. Though I have been able to on two occasions, just barely make out two symbols. However I am at nearly a loss for what they could mean, or if they have any meaning to myself or any more fates. The symbols are, the Crone, which you will know is often coalascent with death and mystery, and the Phoenix which symbolizes rebirth. If you find any other meaning to these signs I trust you will let me know what you find.

Regards, Simeon Ash

My dearest friend, What I give you are merely trifles compared to the gift of your long friendship with me. It is interesting indeed that you should mention the Phoenix, for that was the symbolic form of my counterpart to the South. Oh, I miss him so. He was my other half, the yin to my yang. This was not a romantic relationship, you understand, but a deep and abiding friendship built on mutual admiration and trust. Your friendship has helped the fill the void that I have felt since he disappeared. I am also interested that you saw the Crone. Yes, she can symbolize death and mystery, but she is also associated with wisdom. To see them together could mean a death and rebirth...or it could mean a renaissance of wisdom and learning. In fact, there are literally hundreds of interpretations of those two symbols. I wish that you had been able to see more. Dragons cannot scry, for some reason. I think it has to do with our eyes. Very annoying, if you ask me.

Acasius should be reaching the lamasery soon. I am very interested in him and I think I shall find him a fascinating subject. He does not know that I am a dragon yet. I hope it does not frighten him when I reveal that fact. Perhaps I shall give him a bit of time before I show him who and what I //really// am. He is due to take tea with me some few days after he arrives and settles in. I will let you know what I learn.

And finally, my old friend, I know that there is a purpose to your life beyond merely living. If that purpose had been fulfilled we would have found the answer to your curse. Since we haven't...well, you must not have done all that you need to do. There is a meaning to life even if we do not, at first, understand it. The monks treat me as a goddess, and my name means Goddess Mother of the Universe, but I am not. Still, that does not mean that the gods do not exist. I believe that the beauty of the Universe is so magnificent that there must have been a guiding force behind it. However, I do not rest in my efforts to puzzle out the riddle of you, my //shilog//. Together, we will find the answer.

I hope by now you have found your vambraces. Where to next, dear friend? My love to you, Madame Cho

My Dearest Cho,

Where to indeed? You know very well where I am going my good friend. You are indeed a master of deception. Why would you ask such a blatant question, when you know very well where I am going. What I am going to though? That is a much better question.

I received your little gift in the gardens. How quaint of you to leave a wayward journeyman a map, and a compass. Now I realize they are no ordinary gifts. Why the map itself seems to predate even my existence, or at least that which I know of. The compass however, I have realize that it does not point North as most would, and the faces on it are quite interesting as well. I can make out a faded Tortoise and Tiger, a very prominent Dragon in the East, but a faded bird in the south. I confess I cannot make out what it is, but I would assume that it is a Phoenix, given its presence in the south of the compass. It has so far lead me to two places where I have found safe shelter, and one large inn where I stayed the night and found a path that walked me along a trail on the map. I am not sure if the compass points to safe harbor or what, but I look forward to finding out.

As for the map, I look forward to find what the large X marks. If anything, it must be lost to mankind, for it is near no civilization I have ever seen (and you will know just how many that may be). However, I shall write you with my findings. I wish you luck with Acasius, and Kryster. I believe I have come across one or two things about a stranger, being mentioned in dark corners of a few taverns lately. Whether or not this appeals to Acasius or the one blocking the stars I do not know. All I can say is that I am anxious. I look forward to seeing you. After I reach the point on the map I think I shall take a journey to the Library in order to take a quick retreat from my journeys.

Always, Simeon Ash

My dearest Simeon, You give me far too much credit, my old friend, although I am flattered. As you suspect, that map is ancient. It is older than your memory reaches, though, of course, not older than me. However, I do not know where you are going. For, you see, the map only reveals itself to the wanderer. In fact, I do have an inkling of where you might be headed, but only because I know //you// and not because of the map. The compass, as you surmise, does guide you to safety. Perhaps I am being overly cautious, but we would be well advised to be wary in dangerous times. If you heed its advice, you will always find sanctuary. You are right in assuming that the four points are the four Guardians: myself in the East, the waning Tortoise and Tiger in the North and West respectively and the missing Phoenix to the South. Still, there is enough power left in the compass to allow it to work for you.

Please continue to keep an ear out for those whispers. Acasius is an enigma, but I do not feel that there is any malice in him. Kryster, meanwhile, tells me that his home country of Hintheria is in turmoil with illness and increased animosity in the war games. And I have recently removed a band of thieves from Xangdi-lat where they were preying on my people. There is too much unrest for me to think that this is the natural impermanence of the Universe. No, there is more to it than that. I can taste it on the air and hear it in the wind.

I look forward to your arrival at the Library. Your room, as always, is ready and we shall share a meal and tea while you recount your adventures to me. It has been too long since your last visit, my dear friend. Having you near me will be a solace to my heart. With my love always, Cho

Dear Cho, I would first of all like to apologize for the length of time which it has taken me to respond to your most recent letter. You will be happy to know that no troubles have befallen me in this span, I have however been quite busy. Where to begin? Well you see I have been following the map that you gave me for the past week or so but some interesting adventures have overtaken me since.

It all started when I was walking across a narrow land bridge that spread across a wide lake. To my right I saw a small island in the center, and being a slight bit curious, I swam to the island. It took a good while mind you, but it was an adventure nonetheless. When finally I did reach the center I saw a mermaid. Have you ever heard of a fresh water mermaid? I certainly hadn't and I decided to strike up a conversation with the lady. She was very kind, and we shared a nice lunch. I took my leave after that, smiling, and wishing her well. By the time I got back to the land bridge, I noticed that all of my belongings had been stolen. I was furious. My entire work over the past few months was acquiring that armor. I suppose it was my fault for being so trusting though.

You know me though I managed to get it back. I followed some tracks that I was able to deduce thanks to my years hunting. I found the thief, a twig of a lad named Dreg. He was quite poor you see, and noticing my apparent wealth, well he couldn't contain himself. When faced with my presence, he broke down and begged that I not tell the authorities. I didn't, instead though I treated the boy to dinner at a local inn, and gave him a small present that should suffice himself and his three sisters a lifetime of luxury. I have plenty of money, and what is life without some generosity I ask you?

You will see now that these, and a few other issues I have had have been why I haven't written. At any rate I am a few miles from the mark on the map and I should be arriving tomorrow. After a few days there I intend to head straight for the lamasery. I shall see you soon my old friend.

Sincerely, Simeon Ash

My dear Simeon,

You know that I appreciate any letters that you can send me. I worry when you are out questing alone. However, I also understand being busy and, for those of us who live thousands of years, a few days or weeks delay in writing is no cause for concern. Trust me, my old friend, there is no need to apologize.

It seems like you have had quite a few intriguing adventures! You are quite right in stating that I have never heard of a fresh water mermaid before. I wonder, would you be willing to make a sketch of her for me? I would dearly love to interview her, as this could add to our knowledge. Do you think she might be amenable to that? How wonderful to discover something new and previously unknown!

Acasius makes his way here slowly, as Norbu and Tenzing are helping him to acclimatize to the elevation. I find that I am at odds with myself and increasingly agitated. I feel the need to stay close to the Library and yet, at the same time, I feel the need to be out in the world doing something. I found that I was fretting and so I decided that it was high time that I got out and stretched my wings. So, last week, I did just that.

First I flew to the Kong Yul Inn and enjoyed an evening there. Rinzen was kind enough to play a game to Castles and Kings with me and his wife prepared the most delightful meal of crispy fish with a chili plum dipping sauce. I must have the recipe for my monks. Then, I flew to Lake Dawa. You remember it, I am sure, for we have gone there once or twice together. It is large, turquoise and very warm due to the hot springs that bubble up from its sandy bottom. I spent some time bathing there (in dragon from, of course). After my delightful scrub and soak, I lay on the shore, waiting for my wings to dry. It was then that I was approached by the most fascinating pair! A //kitsune// and a //tengu//! Now, I might have discounted what the //kitsune// told me, for, as you surely know, those fox spirits are notorious tricksters, but the //tengu// corroborated what the //kitsune// said, so I tend to believe them.

They spoke of a red dragon in the South! This dragon is saying that she is the new Guardian of the South (which is ridiculous, of course). She is going around to all the regions and collecting what she calls "tribute" (which I believe are actually bribes). If they pay her, she will not scorch the towns, cities and farms. If they don't...well, you can imagine what happens. In addition, they told me that there is someone summoning demons in the South. They do not know who is doing this, but they have both felt the summoning and they know that it is to no good purpose. They do not know if the dragon and the demons are connected in any way, but I would not be surprised to find that they are. In my experience, there is no such thing as coincidence.

And so it begins, my old friend. My heart longs to hear your counsel. Make haste to the lamasery, for I will only be truly at ease when you are near to me again.

With my love and blessings, Chomolungma

My dear Cho, It troubles me deeply to hear of this dragon. I must admit I am abhorred by the thought of any form of dictatorship in the South. I have always felt an attachment to that segment of the world. I know it sounds odd but the idea of this dragon sounds familiar. I was aware that you were not the last of your kind, though as for the rarity of the dragons I am not so sure. I must confess to you that it has been a while since I have studied all too much of the dragon's lore. Though wouldn't it be more likely for this dragon to come out of the West? I understand that most dragon stories are produced from the East and West. Perhaps we have a new form of beast entirely.

I did once encounter another dragon that I knew before I had the pleasure of meeting you, which is why you will recall I was not all too surprised when I found of your true form. This dragon went by the name of Dah'lote. He had aged about 300 years when I met him. I had only been able to recall 13 years at this point in my life. He was a kind dragon, but despite his youth he had developed Scalerot which I am sure you are all too familiar with it's fatality. He imparted to me the knowledge of life and death. Not as mortals know it but as only so few have the pleasure of knowing. I was quite shocked, but he sensed my immortality before I could.

I wonder, did the Southern guardian have any pupils? Not necessarily to take the reigns from him, but to learn from him. A sort of mentor relationship, such as the one you have with your own monks. Whether that is an accurate example or not I am not so sure.

In other news I reached the X on the map. I was not expected to find what I did though. Though, how can you predict magic? You know as well as I that you simply cannot. I did not find the ruins of an ancient civilization, nor some lost shrine, nor anything so trivial. Instead I found something even more puzzling. I found a meaning. I found something I hadn't even realized I was looking for.

I stepped off of a ridge into a deep valley. The map had me go to the center. I reached the base of the valley by about noontime, and saw that the map had shrunk to match my surroundings. It begged me to go south, and I did. Following a flat stream up flow, I padded slowly. Looking down at the map the entire time, only taking glances to keep from tripping. When I reached the X I looked up finally. I found myself at the base of a large cliff. I looked upon the wall and found an inscription. It appeared to be in the center of an endless cliff. The midpoint of nothing. I looked at the markings, knowing the language though I had never seen writing of the like. It read;

//Hello, I am new and old,// //You are young and ancient,// //I know who you are fiery feather,// //Follow the warning,//

//When the three children of nothing j////oin,// //They shall herald windy wings,// //One of four shall be lost, Two shall leave,// //And the pen and paper shall be the last to stand,//

//To stop the red wind, the fire must return,// //The world's hearth must be warmed// //Or the night shall overcome.//

//The mountain must find the fire.//

//Heroes of the books,// //You are all that is left.//

I must leave you with that my good friend, I shall be heading for the lamasery at first light. I will see you soon old friend. Simeon Ash

Nate, feel free to change anything that doesn't work with your character.--MD

Simeon could have walked the path to the lamasery blindfolded, he knew it so well. How could he not after the eons-long friendship that he had with Madame Cho? He knew that there were areas like the Icefall where he would have to tread cautiously but he also knew the path as well as any monk or yak, as well as Cho herself did. Perhaps even better, he laughed to himself, since she so often flew. He passed the Icefall without incident, pausing to hang his prayer flags at the //chorten// out of respect, and then headed into the Cwm. He took the precaution of shading his eyes against the sun, but he did not worry overmuch about altitude sickness. After all, he was immortal.

His eyes picked out the lamasery perched on the side of the mountain. Chomolungma. He knew that a hot bath would be waiting, along with a meal and tea. Cho would leave him to get acclimated tonight, he knew, but he also knew where she would be if he had need of her. He could seek her out, but if he did not, she would respect his privacy. That was one of the advantages of a friendship that spanned centuries. They had little need to explain themselves, each to the other.

As he approached the lamasery, the prayer bells began to ring. Dorje came out to greet him, offering him a //kata// as a blessing. "Come, Honored One. Your room is ready." Simeon followed Dorje, but he really needn't have bothered. After all, Simeon had been staying at the lamasery long before Dorje was even thought of, let alone lama of the place. Still, Simeon wanted to show respect to Cho's monks and so he followed the old man down the warm white stone hall.

Simeon's room was one of the last rooms in the lamasery. It was larger than that of an ordinary pilgrim's room, and it contained a comfortable bed, a wardrobe, a writing desk, and an overstuffed chair all made of beautifully carved reddish-brown wood. On the back wall was a door that led directly into the Great Library. Only he and Dorje had such access to Madame Cho. Dorje bowed slightly. "Honored Simeon, you know where the bathing pool is. Please, enjoy the waters and rest from your travel. I will send a monk with tea and a meal to your room. Her Holiness says that she will meet with you tomorrow, unless you have need of her tonight."

After Dorje left, Simeon opened the wardrobe and gathered up a towel and robe and then headed to the bathing chamber. He opened the door which had a river scene carved upon it and the steam from the huge pool enveloped him like an old friend. Gratefully, he stripped off his clothing and sank into the delightfully warm water. The pool had a sandy bottom and the water constantly circulated, taking away the dirt and replacing it with clean water. He soaked and scrubbed until he was clean and relaxed and then put on his robe and headed to his room. A delightful meal awaited him; Madame Cho's favored blend of dragonwell tea, crispy vegetable spring rolls with a sweet and spicy dipping sauce, pork dumplings, duck and sticky rice. After the meal, he debated going to see Cho, but fatigue won out. He would see her in the morning. And with that, he climbed into his bed and was asleep soon after.

When he woke, he slipped into fresh clothing in the style that the people of this area preferred, robes. He opened the door to the Library and quietly entered. Still, after all these eons, he got a little thrill when he saw the vastness of the place. The mountain was hollow on the inside, and had been carved out, piece by piece over the millennia. It was stuffed with books, scrolls, maps, papers...Simeon thought that everything that had ever been written down must reside here. He shook himself from his reverie; his purpose was to find Cho and he had a fairly good idea where to look.

He walked toward the center of the Library, where he saw Cho in meditation. She sat on the floor, legs crossed, palms open and resting on her knees. There was a blue glowing orb in front of her. Most people would have used a candle, but Cho would never allow fire in the Library. She looked like she was completely unaware, but as he took another step toward her, a broad smile crossed her face though her eyes were still closed. "Hello, old friend," she said.

She unfolded herself and stood gracefully, walking towards him. Her white hair was caught back at the nape of her neck and she wore her signature white robes, embroidered with silver and blue dragons. The stark color of her robes enhanced the golden glow of her skin and the intense blue green of her eyes. She looked neither young nor old, but a strange combination of both. Timeless. She placed her left hand over her heart and stretched her right hand out to Simeon, placing it over his heart. She bowed her head, touching her forehead to his. "Welcome back, dear friend," she said, her voice like soft silvery bells. "It has been too long since I have seen you. My heart is gladdened by your presence."

"Indeed it has, I must admit that I am wearied by my journeys and that the Great Library is most certainly a soothing place. I am much contented in being here." Simeon pulled a book from the shelf, on the spine there was no writing, and when he flipped it open he found that it was a book he himself had written long ago, a work of fiction. "I see you have kept me close since I have last visited. It's been what? 300 years give or take?"

Cho smiled serenely at him. "Having you near to me is a comfort," she murmured, and Simeon was not sure if she meant the book or his physical form. "But it cannot possibly be 300 years since you were last here! And I know that we saw each other just 50 years ago, when we worked together at the Emperor's coronation. That was a most interesting occasion! As I recall, I received three marriage proposals and two death threats that month, in fact, one of each from the same man." She smiled fondly. "Oh, the Emperor was such a scoundrel! But come, let us go to a place more conducive to conversation, for we have many matters to discuss."

She led him through the stacks of books and scrolls to a set a natural stairs carved into the rock wall of the Library. They climbed, and soon reached a small cavern. Inside were comfortable chairs and lamps, glowing with soft white light, perfect for reading. Between two chairs there stood a low table upon which was a tea pot and an assortment of sweets. From the scent, Simeon could tell that it was a strong black tea, a perfect compliment for the pastries.

Cho gestured to a chair as she took a seat in the one opposite. "I don't know why it is," she remarked, "but in human form, I have quite a sweet tooth. Please, help yourself, and when you are ready, tell me why you have returned after 300 years, for I am sure that there is more to it than simply being weary from your travels." Cho poured two cups of tea, preparing Simeon's exactly the way he liked and then helped herself to a small plate of desserts, waiting patiently for him to speak.

Simeon slowly bowed his head to his chest, deep in thought. Just before his chin touched his sternum he opened his eyes and looked up, "As you well know I have always felt comfortable here at the Library. And I do consider it one of my many homes, whether they be the road or one of the many places I myself own. I have always sensed power here, a kind power, not one that could easily be swayed towards evil, and that is in a way comforting. Though you are right in your assumption that I am not here on solely good terms," Simeon told Cho this slowly and with careful, kind eyes. "You will know of my various journeys through my previous letters. You will know of the dangers I have gone through for this suit of armor, when in truth I have no need of it. I have been traveling around the world as a means of escape; escape from my mind, from myself, and from my own morals. It is a haunting thing to have no sense of belonging." Cho opened her mouth to interrupt the comment. "I meant no slight my dearest of friends. I only meant to say that I have no true home, in an inner sense of things, and while yes, the Library is soothing you will know that these past eons have been restless. Not only have they been restless to me, but to the world as well. We are in dark times, and there is a firestorm coming. I am afraid that the peace of books hidden in a mountain will have to forgo the blade outside of this holy place. While I do believe that the pen can be mightier than the sword in many an instance, I am afraid that we shall have to depend heavily on both if we want the world to come out of this black storm."

Cho sat across from Simeon, contemplatively nibbling on an almond cherry cookie. She looked as serene as her mountain home, but he knew her of old and had seen her when her ire was roused. The sight of her in fury was frankly terrifying. She brushed some crumbs from her lips and fingers and then took a sip of tea.

"So. You have gathered armor of which you have no need. I have gathered knowledge, of which there is //always// a need. But, as it happens, I agree with you. We have both sensed the coming darkness. We are both restless, you moreso than I, granted, but I am feeling the need to be out in the world and doing something. I know this feeling of old and it is something that I cannot deny or ignore. We have worked together so many times in the past, and I will gladly be your partner against the coming storm, if you will have me. So, what do you propose, old friend?"

"There is nothing that I could propose that would be a better option. My intentions were that when I left, I would in fact be searching out clues and meaning to this darkness. I am interested in Acasius as well. I look forward to meeting him. Perhaps, if we were to discuss this with him he would like to join us. I suppose that you may wonder why I want a stranger amongst our company. Though, I can offer no answer aside from the simple fact that the boy intrigues me. He is a shadow in this world, and I would like to know more about him. Of course it will be entirely up to him whether or not he wishes to join us, but until the time comes to ask, let us just keep it on our minds." Simeon sipped his own tea and let out a pleasant sigh. He contentedly leaned back waiting for Cho's response.

Cho laughed in delight. "Oh, my old friend," she said, clapping her hands together in front of her. "See how we anticipate each others moves? Is it any wonder that neither one of us can win a game of Castles and Kings against the other? I confess that I wished Acasius to join us as well. He is a riddle that needs to be solved, but, more than that, his destiny is tied to ours. I do not know how I know this, but I am as sure of this as I am of my own name. He will be needed during our travels, though I know not how nor why. He was traveling to the Library with Norbu and Tenzing. They had to go slowly so he could become accustomed to the elevation but they have just arrived. I told him that I would give him two days to rest before I met with him in the tea garden. Perhaps you would like to join me as I broach this subject with him? I would be interested in your analysis of him, as well. And as for where we should go to find the clues and meaning that we seek, may I suggest south?"