I ran as hard as I could, heading toward the Forest, my blood-stained
robes billowing out behind me. I turned from the tiger to the hunted
gazelle, from the ultimate slayer to the daintiest prey. I fled into the
woods, where I knew many dangers waited.but I could defend myself, and I
would find shelter and sustenance in the deep woods, and hopefully some
peaceful place to sort myself out. I was angry, confused, pumped, joyous,
relieved, and scared all at once. I was angry that I had done something so
evil, and angry that I couldn't help it, angry that I couldn't deny it. I
was confused on how and how this had happened to me. What was I to do? I
was joyous that my seemingly unrelenting thirst was temporarily stoppered.
I was relieved that I had some idea of what was happening, but very afraid
that really, I had no idea at all. I picked my way through massive trees
and thick undergrowth. As the sun rose, the Forest's canopy protected my
skin and eyes from the brightness and heat. Mildly buffaloed I followed the
distant sound of water picked up by my oversensitive ears, hoping to come
upon something recognizably edible along the way. About midday, after
finding a few filling mushrooms, I finally found a suitable clearing It was
a space created by the fall of one of the giant trees, not yet completely
overgrown. It was ideal, near clean water, readily available food and
hunting trails, and the immense log provided comfortable and immediate
shelter. I prepared myself to spend some time living a simple life,
providing for myself, and spending many hours deep in thought and
meditation.
