Perun unstuck his axe from the tough carapace of the Kincher, grinning as he looked at his charges, the three younger Matis who wanted to become rangers. They were largely unharmed and filled with the adrenaline left behind by battle, eyeing the Kincher while they traded quiet and mostly dignified grins of pride. 

They were good Matis. Very keen on adressing him with the proper respect and formalities of course, but they did not have that smug look of superiority in their eyes when they watched other races, and they were prepared to stand up for anyone they travelled with. Much better Matis than those from the 'family' he had travelled with during his childhood, he reflected.

"Almar, stand watch while the others skin the monster, I'll take a moment to myself.", he told them, adding: "You stood your ground pretty well, even remembered the tactics. Not very reckless at all.", he said with an ironic smile, almost managing to sound berating. The young Matis grinned with amusement and also pleasure at the praise, having heard their teacher tell them many cautionary tales of his own recklessness both inside and outside of battles.

Walking up to a rise overlooking the near endless plains stretching along the branch they were currently traversing, Perun of the Rangers turned his back on his pupils and breathed in the fresh air, body relaxing again.

This was a perfect life he thought with a pleased grin. After quite some rough years in the jungle and a short but intense try at forming a guild with his first friends, he had applied for a membership of the Rangers, leaving the Seeds of Atys, who scattered all over the New and Old Lands. The Rangers knew about and welcomed him - in his brief youth he had both gotten a reputation as one of the best, albeit impulsive fighters, and a reputation as one not to leave alone with your daughter... Although the rumours about that had evolved into, sometimes, unreasonably tall tales.

That young teenage life had been intensive indeed, but not without its share of struggles and heartaches. Still, only good had come of it in the end. He was where he belonged, his friends found their own places, and he felt pretty sure he 'had' the girl he loved. To be sure, she didn't want to admit it, but that was also a sweet and alluring trait of hers, a game they played with enjoyment each time they managed to meet. 

He grinned again, turning around to watch the Matis skin the Kincher. Apart from Ema, he hadn't seen his old friends for some time though. More than a year actually, though he had promised to visit. Scouting missions, foraging, escorting weary settlers and refugees, patrolling Kitin infested areas, striking into Kitin hives, learning about Zorai culture, about the Kami, about his Seed.. And now being responsible for training these potential new rangers.. One thing had taken the other, the seasons passing by.

What were his friends up to? Had Shula lost her spirit, becoming a mother living in a house (he certainly hoped not)? Did Kendrus get his quiet and peaceful life, so atypical for a Fyros? Were Tinai and Wheri still up for nights of boozing and dancing? Was Artash still as brass and womanizing as ever? There were many names passing through his head. Some, he didn't even know where they lived or had gone. Suryi and Ela amongst them, the two Fyros he had been closest with. Others, he knew exactly where were. His beloved little sister had married an atypical Matis, one he could actually respect, one who loved Leakis on her own terms.

Then there was Mercellus. He had built a home for himself and Jeziellia, the two staying together, even after the night at Perun's campfire, where truths were said and lights put out. He hoped they had both found what they wanted, that they were happy. A nagging suspicion told him neither had gotten exactly what they longed for, though he wished he was wrong. Perhaps it was indeed time to find out what had happened to his friends.

"Almar, Drothnan, Hyleas! Finish up, change of plans.", he shouted with an almost wolfish grin as he ran back towards the group of likable Matis youths. They looked up, their eyes showing curiosity and amusement. It was not uncommon for their impulsive teacher to change schedules and careful planning on the spur of the moment. "I'll help make you some Kincher armor tonight, but now we travel to the Old Lands", Perun announced, putting his axe back into its holster.

26.2.105

Greetings,

I wish to extend an offer to those who are interested. During speedgrowth, I have studied so-called pre-Technocracy Eastern culture, and in particular the ancient art of Zen.

Zen is hard to describe - instead it must be felt. It is a complete way of being, which encompasses your body, thoughts and feelings, reshaping it into a harmonious whole. I offer teaching in this technique to those who have the will and natural inclination to benefit from it.

Not everyone will have the disposition or patience that is required to learn this. It takes self-discipline, deep contemplation, patience, focus and a corresponding mindset where you rest in yourself, not in others. In turn, it teaches you to channel your focus, to move in harmony, to feel an inner peace and understanding. It will affect everything you do, and give you the strength to persevere in the face of stress and doubt, honing your physical senses at the same time. It will make you more efficient in your work, and it will grant you calm and serenity, a feeling of knowing yourself and your place in the whole.

You must not seek Zen for the sake of these benefits alone - but it is natural and understandable that when knowing nothing of the art, you focus on the tangible benefits at first. Zen is a complete way of being, and you will only touch a finger to the surface of the pond when you think of it as a collection of useful tools. As you learn, the deeper truth will present itself to you. 

It will come naturally to those who understand, with only a little guidance. Zen is not about seeking answers externally - it is within yourself you will find peace and balance. Zen is taught from teacher to pupil, without superfluous ritual or stories. Too many words are a hindrance in connecting with your Self and the spring that is Zen. Too many words will only muddy your mind on its way towards that which is permanent and true.

Due to our circumstances, I cannot claim a true dharma lineage - I have been taught by TAU, not by a Zen master with an unbroken lineage down to Bodhidharma - but I chose to believe it was a Zen master who passed his or her teachings into TAU and from TAU onto the few of us who may have chosen to learn this art. I have not yet attained Sam?dhi, but neither have I met any other than myself with insight into Zen.

I am often to be found performing shikantaza meditation in front of The Window. It is my wish that those who are interested will gather there for lessons - the combined chaos and tranquility of the place is a fertile soil for your journeys.

I offer this teaching for free, in what available time I have, which is likely to vary from day to day. I do not require anything of you, except a willingness to learn and an honest interest in the subject. I will however only teach those I deem ready, to be decided after a testing period.

I have said all I wish here. If you wish to learn more, you may contact me.

---

Mizuki of the Horizon