OoC: Here we go then. i quite like this, even if its not my best writing.

BiC:

Aristaos surveyed the green expanse before him with a feeling of great content. The fresh air and beautiful surroundings calmed him. He felt at home here in the hills.

He was high up, in the foothills of some small mountains that lay in the distance behind him. He liked the brisk air here, it made him feel at home, like he was back in Archaius. Ah, if only Xanthos were here with me, he thought.

Without dwelling too much on that thought, he moved onward, eager to wander while the weather was still good. The sun beat down upon the land and the sky was a deep azure in the midday light. The wind blustered, a strong breeze blowing Aristaos’ hair wildly across his face, and the grass and the sturdy trees were whipped this way and that.

Aristaos wore his black tunic and belt, but felt no need for his armour. It was too hot for it anyway, and he wasn’t looking for a fight. He did, however, have his sword with him and his shield slung over his back. Hw no longer felt safe without them.

Reaching the crest of a hill, he stopped again and looked out across the land, his clothes and hair blowing uncontrollably in the wind. Stunned, he stood as if paralysed, struggling to take in what he saw.

The sea. Far beneath him, joining the sky at the horizon, he beheld the great shimmering expanse of ocean. He had not seen a sight such as this for countless years, decades even. He had been a mere teenager when he had last seen the ocean, travelling the world and becoming a man.

Long he stood there, gazing, taking in a sight that brought back endless memories. The sun lowered in the sky as afternoon crept ever forward, and Aristaos decided he would watch the sun set over the sea, a great desire drawing him towards it.

The trek took most of the afternoon. He made his way downward over the rocky foothills, through endless green fields. The ground was soft and the sun warm, leaving Aristaos at great ease as he travelled slowly, savouring every moment. As he drew closer he began to see a white shimmer in front of him, where the fields met the sea. White sands stretched out to the right and left.

The beach was perfect. White sands, a few sparse palms, and clear blue waters lapping gently against the shore.

I have arrived in Paradise, he thought. The soft ocean sounds and cool breeze had a calming effect on his soul, soothing and healing his spirit. If anyone were to ever ‘become at peace with themselves’, this was it. Perhaps I have found it, Aristaos thought. Eudaimonia. The ordering of my soul. Becoming just and at one with the forms.

He savoured that thought.

Before long Aristaos had gathered what little firewood he could find at this place, this tropical paradise. As the fire spat and crackled, its orange flames lowering over time, Aristaos sat watching as Helios drove the golden sun further downward in the darkening sky. Finally, its glory fading, the sun dipped beneath the now purple horizon, and Aristaos lay down to gaze at the endless stars.

Yes, he thought, I could stay here for a long while.

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