Incarnation: The Monk of Anima

Life fortifier

I woke up and dipped placed my bare feet in the river, closing my eyes as the spring weather overtook me. Relaxing my body and drifting me into an intense relaxation; I was far away from the monastery now and I've been travelling what felt like forever, but in reality it's only been two days and two nights.

I sat up and looked at the river in front of me, it was a small river, only about 20 feet wide. The water made a harmonious sound as it splashed against the rocks on each side of the river it.

I took off my brown cloth robe and my leather sandals washing them in the river. I sat them down onto the grass then entered the cool water. I haven't had a good wash in awhile, the river wasn't as clean as I'd hoped but it would have to do for the time being. I cupped water in my hands and soaked my hair. I let out a refreshed sigh as I exited. Droplets of water following me out. Being in the forest made me miss the serenity of the monastery, but 20 years was a long time to spend in one place.

Maybe this was good for me. I thought as I put my clothes back on. The monks always said I would have to leave one day. I smiled and walked towards a tree to the right of me.

Almost forgot my bag. I strapped my brown bag to my back and walked off. The forest grew louder now as the sound of birds, and other animals filled my ears. The calm sweet song of nature filled my mind. If there was one thing everyone agreed on, it was that Amelia was a beautiful country. From the Forests of Mitis to the Volatilis Mountains, it was truly a country every adventurer must pass through in their lifetime.

I reached into my bag as I walked, and grabbed a slice of bread and ham. Biting into it like it was my last meal. I've only been eating once-per day ,so I don't run out of food on my quest. The bread was nearly stale though and the ham was going bad to. I should probably look for berries, or hunt a rabbit later on. I was told the imperial city was another day's journey, I had to make good time if I wanted an audience with the Princess soon. I wonder if she knows I'm coming?

The sun was fully out now. The forest lit up in response and I carefully stepped through as to not disturb any of the animals. The trees around me were healthy, sturdy, green and lively. I heard something to the left of me and stopped. A family of elk pranced near me, the alpha male eyed me carefully making sure I wasn't a threat. The alpha made a loud shrieking noise then ran off into the tree line, the rest of the herd followed almost immediately. They seemed like they were in a hurry. I continued walking through the forest, many of the smaller animals seemed to be heading in the same direction as the herd of elk. Even a small pack of wolves ran that direction, but it didn't seem like they were hunting anything...

As the pack of wolves passed loud rumbles interrupted my calm walk. Was something marching toward me? I had to act fast being seen by an animal was one thing, but an enemy. I didn't have any weapons, so fighting would be difficult. My training at the monastery was cut short so I can't use my alternative. I stopped at a tall tree and made my way up quickly, I moved into a spot mostly covered by leaves, and sat there till the threat approached. The rumbling grew closer and I stopped moving so I wouldn't make any noises.

What came out of the woods was something I'd never seen before. There were four of them in total, each of them holding large melee weapons. The large men didn't look human though. The monks told me humans shared this world with other races, but I've never seen any of them in person.

"Do you smell that?" One of the humanoids stopped the march and sniffed around. His voice was deep and monstrous. They were all tall 6-foot and above, their skin was a dark brown color like freshly matted dirt. They only wore large black cloths to cover their private areas, and the biggest one wore a silver plate helmet. The three lesser ones carried large spiked wooden clubs with them while the biggest one had a silver battle axe in a holster on his back. Whatever they were they were a hideous bunch. I could smell their noxious breath from up here, and their face and skin were lined with sizable blemishes. There was no hair on their heads or face each member was completely bald.

"Smells like a human's been through here," one of them sniffed the ground.

"How stupid, humans don't roam the forest alone. That's suicide," the biggest one said. His voice was deeper and more commanding than his subordinates.

"I don't know boss," another one chimed in. "I smell it too."

"Ohhhh its making me hungry," the last one said. The smaller ones talked amongst themselves relishing the idea of having human for lunch.

The large one growled in annoyance and walked to the tree next to me. Did he see me? Damn it. What do I do? He pulled the tree out of the ground, its roots not being able to the pure strength of the brute. He threw it down in front of his subordinates, the impact causing the forest to shake and birds in the trees to fly away. The forest grew dead silent as the brute eyed his underlings. Such raw power! I wonder what more this race was capable of.

"Do you idiots really wish to throw away all our kind has worked for over a snack?" He asked. I leaned forward slightly so I could hear them better. The brute grabbed the axe from his back and tapped the tree lightly. "Do you see this tree?" There leader spoke calmer.

They shook their heads panicky.

"This tree," he tapped it again. "Is the human world united together, with their fictitious peace treaties, and phony alliances." He spoke in disgust when mentioning humans. "Without something to divide them they are like bees in a colony."

"Hahaha, yeah boss like bees," they laughed in unison.

"Yeah boss, bees are tiny, we bigger," one of them made a fist, and punched his open hand.

"NO IDIOTS," his voice boomed through the forest and it was silent once again. "Bees in a colony work together for a common goal. They are productive, fertile, and stronger together. When the humans work as one there is nothing they cannot accomplish." The brute picked up his axe.

"But..." He swung his axe downward, striking the tree down the middle with immense force, breaking it in half. The underlings looked at the brute in aw marveling at his strength.

"If we give them a reason to fight, then they will destroy themselves. Break their treaties, break their bonds, and they will have no choice. We are here for one thing, and one thing only." the underlings looked at him in anticipation. The brute raised his axe into the air and let out a mighty shout.

"WAR," he thundered. The other beasts roared with him, as the forest rumbled from the vibrations of their voice. They raised their weapons and marched onward once again leaving a small path of destruction behind them. I waited till I could no longer hear their rampage and jumped out of my hiding spot. I landed beside the dead tree.

"Poor thing," I said. I caressed the dead tree bark like It was a newborn child. As I stroked it the leaves on the top slowly turned brown. The leaves withered then turned to ash and I sat up and let out a deep sigh. To The Monks of Anima it is a great sin to kill a creature that cannot defend itself. This great tree was no exception. I knelt down on my knees, and put my right hand over my fist. It's been awhile sense I've prayed. My connection to the all mother has been distant lately, to be honest it feels like she can't hear me at all.

"Return to the mother," I rubbed the dead tree one last time, and stood up slowly.

I took a scroll out of my backpack made of a heavy brown paper. I untied the knot that bound the scroll and it unraveled onto the ground. I guess i'll start reading what the monks wrote for me.

"Dear Brother Shui..."As I walked quickly towards Amelian.