Vacation and Meditation [job/solo]

Job Overview: On top of one of the many mountains that surround the Kou Empire is a temple where a multitude of monks live. These monks at this temple have learned of a mystical recipe that is said to induce a powerful meditative state that can help one a find the answers to any problem that they may have. They need somebody to retrieve the herbs used to make these plants. They are found along the mountain ranges. They need 15 yellow bloom lilies, 5 purple tinted tulips, and about 10 green flute reeds. Be careful along the mountain side for bears and wolves are often spotted, it is not needed to kill these beast but one might have to in order to get to the herbs.

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Kioshi hummed softly to himself as he made his way up the side of the mountain. He had been given a vacation upon his return to Kou, Yoshiro wanting to give those who had been actively serving during the conflict time to adjust and reacquaint themselves with their home. He had heard much about what Yoshiro had planned for the country. The Emperor had already recalled all troops to within Kou’s borders, returning captured land on the Plains to the tribes. Many in the country were at a loss for what the new Emperor had planned, only knowing fighting and conquering. An age of peace was unheard of. While their own lands were never threatened by another, they were used to going out and conquering others. Kioshi had no problems with the changes, appreciating the new tactics, but he knew many would be upset and lost.

He finally crested the top of the mountain, a small, fond smile crossing his lips. He had studied at this temple for a short period when he was younger, the monks dedicated to the idea of peaceful living and deep meditation. As he paced through the many paths of the temple, several of the monks recognized him and gave him a respectful bow which he returned. The monks welcomed anyone seeking enlightenment and understanding and many of the more spiritual people in the country came here to seek guidance in the upheaval of the new Emperor.

It did not take long for him to settle into one of the simple guest quarters, outfitted with only a sleeping mat and a small bowl of water. Night was falling quickly and Kioshi found himself wandering to the main part of the temple where the monks for gathered for the evening meditations. Joining them, he knelt before a burning incense, letting himself fall into a meditative state. In the morning, he would see about helping out around the temple, able to see the signs of age and wear around the ancient temple.

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While he had planned to help with repairing and painting the temple, one of the monks had asked him if he would be willing to gather the herbs necessary for a special type of meditation. Knowing Kioshi would be able to recognize the needed herbs, the monk had given him a basket large enough to carry what he needed. Happy to help in any way, Kioshi made his way into the woods surrounding the temple, enjoying the lush surroundings as he kept a close eye out for the necessary ingredients. First on the list was yellow lilies, the bright flowers shining like the sun against the deep green forest.

He spotted a small batch near the base of a large tree and he was careful to select only the blooms which were fully matured and near to losing their precious petals. It would not do to gather flowers too young, it was better to choose the ones close to the end of their life. He managed to find five in the first bunch of flowers. As he moved to the next patch of lilies, he could not help but to think of if Bianca would have liked the flowers. Brushing the thoughts to the side, he found six more blooms. The third bunch had the last four flowers he needed. It was time to find the tulips.

The purple-painted tulips were more difficult to find, usually found in darker places. He moved deeper into the forest, keeping an eye out for the wildlife. Luckily, most in the area simply scattered, leaving the human invader alone. He finally spotted a patch of the tulips, carefully plucking five from the bunch. The deep purple blooms made quite a contrast against the yellow lilies already in the basket. The green flute reeds were the final ingredient and Kioshi listened for the unmistakable trickle of a creek, his sharp hearing directing him to the east where he practically fell into the babbling brook. Along the banks were the reeds he was looking for, the slight breeze revealing the reason for the naming of the reed. As the breeze fluttered by, a sweet whistling filled the air, shifting tones as the breeze came and went.

Not much was as peaceful as listening to the sounds of nature this high in the mountains. Above him, birds twittered and tweeted. To the west, he could hear the yips of baby wolves, letting him know to stay far from the area, lest he upset the mother wolf. All around, butterflies were seeking out the sweet flowers they relied on for food. With tender care, he gently snapped reeds near the base, leaving a small portion to allow them to regrow. When he had gathered ten, he pushed to his feet, brushing the dirt from his clothing as he made his way from the forest and back to the temple.

When he arrived, he handed the basket to a monk, the other man giving a deep bow of appreciation before rushing off to begin mixing the recipe. Feeling accomplished, Kioshi headed for the bathhouse, joining several of the monks in their silence in the steamy room. The peace he found here was nothing like the bustling noise of Remano, the city always busy, always noisy. Here, the quiet could almost seem oppressive if one did not appreciate the tranquility. Luckily, Kioshi craved the peace here. It would be a nice vacation from his duties.

[910/500]