Traveling alone, the feeling of solitude as company pales in comparison whenever he misses the hands of loved, still reminiscing on the sight of that tree. Soul of passion now imbued within, the man wallows peacefully down the trail, making his way to the next village for supplies. Journeying across the country island tire his feet, bruising his heels and swelling his toes as mere wooden sandals do nothing to protect. Nonetheless, he perseveres while taking in the sight of passing birds, the plains wind lifting his spirit as ocean mist crash upon him from the shore a couple miles out. Truly, if his death comes now, he shall die in tranquil ecstasy. Crrk! Krrk! He waddles onward, using the support of a walking stick and spotting the edge of a forest in the distance. Shade, at last! The pounding heat of afternoon sun draining him since the early morn. A caravan and its merchant at the entrance of the forestry only motivate him to get there faster, downing his little container of clean water to quench his thirst.
Although the man is not battling for survival, the trek over the land burdens him more than normal, as his mind succumbs to the sorrow of death. I should just return to my form. Arguing with himself did little to help, the man desiring an escape from the pilgrimage as his nature opposes it. Step and step, Yoo does what he can to avoid large rocks to step softly, holding back aggression as to not scare off a camp of animals grazing nearby. Beauty to behold, the merchant luckily going his way, the two now conversing an agreement in Japanese tongue, “Do you have spare water?” Yoo readies some bronze in exchange, even deciding to purchase a charm bracelet for protection on his travels. The oxen start trotting off with the owner and his inventory of arts and culture, Yoo thanking him for the aid. Ten minutes more, now below the treeline and appreciating the shade of leaves. Here, he rests atop a smooth rock, sitting and watching the passing creatures. Crunch, he takes a bite of a day-old purchased apple, minding his business and refueling himself for the uphill to come.