Title: Greetings From The Land
Fandom: MapleStory
Summary: On her way to Narin with the land spirits, Lara the Earthseer meets the world.
Happiness blooms within me as the Kids and I travel along the path, my heart like a rose unfurling its petals.
To be greeted by this land which I visit for the first time–this world more vast than the secluded Anima village that is but the inside of an egg in comparison–is a gratifying experience.
When I notice water nearby, I stop to meet them. Greeting me back is a radiant smile born from that pond for a face. Curled horns poke out of that veil of ivory hair. Their amber eyes sparkle as their fluffy ears perk up. They show their skill in mimicking the likeness of those they meet, a mischievous joke that they never tire of.
A chortle escapes my lips. The River Kids beside me burst into gurgles of laughter.
Bidding the water farewell once the moment passes, I resume my journey to Narin.
When I notice small hills nearby, I stop to meet them. They take pride in their talent for decoration. Carpets of lush grass roam their home, parading a colorful design that spellbinds me with its various flowers of white and yellow. Even the dewy green that they wear as garments is a sight for sore eyes. Their beauty is one to admire.
The Mountain Kids roll along the grass like bouncy balls. They express their delight through cheerful whoops. At some point, I join in on the fun.
Whee~!
Bidding the hills farewell once the moment passes, I resume my journey to Narin.
When I notice wind tapping my back, I stop to meet them. I glance over my shoulder just in time for them to brush my arms and tug at my hands with fingers unlike that of people, fingers that can't be seen through the naked eye. Its soothingly cool touch caresses my skin.
The breeze speaks to me, its whispers crackling from the leaves caught in its sweet voice. It gently but impatiently pushes me from behind. I feel like a big sister being prompted by her younger sibling to go out and play with them. A smile playing about my lips, I'm more than happy to grant their wish.
I speed down the trail faster than before, arms spread out to my sides like wings of a bird as the breeze clings to my sleeves. My ivory hair flies everywhere all the while. The Windy Kids chirrup a tune pleasing to the ears.
Along the way, I meet more faces from this foreign land redolent of an earthly aroma. Adventurous rivers, imperturbable mountains, hospitable flowers…
And the diligent sun that never neglects its duty: to remind us of the virtues of compassion and enlightenment through its warmth.
The Sunlight Kids rise midair to face their doting mother, the one who resides in the heavens above. Giggling to themselves, they shiver with excitement. They welcome her embrace like children craving for nothing but love and attention.
Even as I keep running, I follow the example set by the Sunlight Kids. I take this time to appreciate the rays of sunshine. They wash my fair skin and bright garments in the same nature as waves overlapping sand. They seep into my heart similar to how water slips into the roots of a tree.
The longer I immerse myself in this purifying experience, the happier I feel.
My feet come to a screeching halt after some time. I pant and pant, my head down and temples sweaty. My cheeks are suffused with crimson.
The wind bids me farewell before vanishing off somewhere. All the Kids bounce off in different directions, most likely to explore more of the fields. I'm in awe at how energetic the spirits are; they can traverse a dense forest for hours on end–and still retain enough energy to not feel so fatigued!
I look up ahead. Before me, at a short distance, are buildings mottled in vibrant colors. Each of them stand nearly as tall as trees. Nothing like the small domes reminiscent of igloos back home.
Here I am: the town that smiles under the sun, the cradle of rainbows.
Narin!
Beaming, I saunter towards Narin. The buildings seem to grow with each step I take to get closer.
…Hmm? It seems I'm not the only one in this peripheral part of town. I find a trio of guys hanging around close by. They share the same lemon eyes and yet they vary in build and skin. One is big and blue. Another is slim and sea green. The last person, evidently the youngest between them, appears short and similar to jade.
Oh, wow! Are they residents of this town? I have never met anyone like them before.
As if my thoughts have become a holler for attention, the three people promptly direct their gaze in my direction. They are quick to approach me with broad grins, surely kind enough to welcome me to Narin.
"Give us your money!" the little guy asserts.
The slim one chimes in, "Consider it a fee to get into Narin."
"Course, any other valuables you got oughta do just as well," the big, blue person chuckles.
I rub the back of my head, smiling sheepishly. "Woah, I did not expect this. Narin sure is full of surprises!"
"Errm… yeah. There's a lot more to Narin than what initial glances can tell ya. Just one of many things you oughta learn 'round these parts," the slim one guffaws.
I beam back at the trio radiantly, recalling what the sun and her kids taught me earlier. "There really are no greater teachers than the ones surrounding us."
"Say what?" pipes the little one.
"We are all fledglings before the ancestors that lived centuries among this paradise. When you step outside, when you explore, there's always lessons to take to heart. It is our job as curious learners to cherish that wisdom and to let it guide us through this life."
"…I'm thoroughly confused," the big, blue person decides.
I see nearby flowers waving at me as hills accompany them, encouraging me to speak more of the wisdom imparted to me.
I nod. Happy to heed their wishes, I tell the trio what I have learned from the land thus far.
Did you know?
Every natural creature in the world…
…breathes in the wind, drinks water, and they need sunlight to live on the land.
So just by looking at the land around us, we can see how we ought to live.
We should fly like the wind, with an open mind…
…keep on moving, like a river…
…warm other people's hearts, like the sunlight…
…and stay calm and steady, like a mountain does, for as long as we live.