Ebivoulya
09-26-2006, 05:41 AM
This is the revised version. Enjoy.
Of the many great forests left in the world, all hold secrets. Few of them are merciful, and many lethal. By the hand of man or nature, symbols remain; of past nations, armies, and men. Civilization spreads in any direction it can, but even the hand of men can't hold the entire world in its palm. On one of the many mountains, which dotted the horizon, rested the ancient and decrepit remnants of civilization’s grasp. Its towering stone pillars were covered in moss and vines, signs of the ages past. Interlaid into their surfaces were strange faces and figures, unremembered by all but a few. They seemed to grin at any who would dare trespass their borders, as if the very thought were ludicrous.
Splashing water wafted into the open air, feeding the hungry vines, which choked the worn stones of the long destroyed bridge. Its bricks now were laid to rest, slowly wearing away from the constant onslaught of the clear river water. Not fifty paces upstream an enormous waterfall gushed forth its life giving juices to the wind, so that it may spread life as far as its currents would take it. The crystal clear liquid cascaded down the sheer cliff face, spraying its dew into the sky. Three subsequently shorter steppes jutted out from the mountain’s face, giving layers to its elemental wonder. Each level held its own flora and fauna, and even the most agile jungle creature couldn’t traverse all three; their skyward reach was so great.
At the base of the waterfall, just beside the roaring mist, stood a man of tall stature. He stretched toward the heavens, his tired eyes closing in a brief moment of bliss. Behind him lay a pile of cloth and leather, intersected by two large scabbards. Shoeless and shirtless, he waded into the shallow edge of the creek, bending down to splash some of the crystalline water into his long, matted mane. He carefully washed the dirt and grime of a week’s travel out of his slender, obsidian hair.
She always loved my hair…
Refreshed and renewed, he retreated to his supplies, fishing out a single piece of dried meat. He bit down, snapping a piece off, and placed the rest back into his bag while he chewed. Taking the newly filled canteen from his side, he drank deeply, gasping for breath as he swallowed. He screwed the cap back on and tossed it among his stuff. Slowly sitting, he reached into his pants pocket and fished out a leather tie. He gathered his long, dark hair behind his head and angled it into a low ponytail, tying the knot precisely as he’d done every time before. Staring up into the cloudy sky, he squinted as the brilliant sun shone through the slowly moving cloud cover. His eyes finally closed, and he basked in the warmth. With his hands behind his head, he laid down into the moist grass. It tickled his shirtless back, and he couldn’t help but smile.
The days seem to flow together endlessly when you’re not with me…
Of the many great forests left in the world, all hold secrets. Few of them are merciful, and many lethal. By the hand of man or nature, symbols remain; of past nations, armies, and men. Civilization spreads in any direction it can, but even the hand of men can't hold the entire world in its palm. On one of the many mountains, which dotted the horizon, rested the ancient and decrepit remnants of civilization’s grasp. Its towering stone pillars were covered in moss and vines, signs of the ages past. Interlaid into their surfaces were strange faces and figures, unremembered by all but a few. They seemed to grin at any who would dare trespass their borders, as if the very thought were ludicrous.
Splashing water wafted into the open air, feeding the hungry vines, which choked the worn stones of the long destroyed bridge. Its bricks now were laid to rest, slowly wearing away from the constant onslaught of the clear river water. Not fifty paces upstream an enormous waterfall gushed forth its life giving juices to the wind, so that it may spread life as far as its currents would take it. The crystal clear liquid cascaded down the sheer cliff face, spraying its dew into the sky. Three subsequently shorter steppes jutted out from the mountain’s face, giving layers to its elemental wonder. Each level held its own flora and fauna, and even the most agile jungle creature couldn’t traverse all three; their skyward reach was so great.
At the base of the waterfall, just beside the roaring mist, stood a man of tall stature. He stretched toward the heavens, his tired eyes closing in a brief moment of bliss. Behind him lay a pile of cloth and leather, intersected by two large scabbards. Shoeless and shirtless, he waded into the shallow edge of the creek, bending down to splash some of the crystalline water into his long, matted mane. He carefully washed the dirt and grime of a week’s travel out of his slender, obsidian hair.
She always loved my hair…
Refreshed and renewed, he retreated to his supplies, fishing out a single piece of dried meat. He bit down, snapping a piece off, and placed the rest back into his bag while he chewed. Taking the newly filled canteen from his side, he drank deeply, gasping for breath as he swallowed. He screwed the cap back on and tossed it among his stuff. Slowly sitting, he reached into his pants pocket and fished out a leather tie. He gathered his long, dark hair behind his head and angled it into a low ponytail, tying the knot precisely as he’d done every time before. Staring up into the cloudy sky, he squinted as the brilliant sun shone through the slowly moving cloud cover. His eyes finally closed, and he basked in the warmth. With his hands behind his head, he laid down into the moist grass. It tickled his shirtless back, and he couldn’t help but smile.
The days seem to flow together endlessly when you’re not with me…