Night shifted to twilight, patches of fog drifting along the winding creek. A slight breeze wafted through the trees, the scent of early morning dew carried gently on its fingers. Here and there the fauna of the forests stirred, morning’s light lifting them from their slumber for the start of a new day.
The house in the woods stood serenely, delicately balanced in its symbiosis with the surrounding forest. Gentle puffs of woodsmoke rose from the stone chimney into the cool air. With nary a sound the front door opened; wearing her favorite light blue oriental robe, Tarioshi stepped out into the morning just as the sun broke the horizon. A smile lit her face, joy in her eyes as she took in the natural splendor around her.