The unceremonious dip into the river had been refreshing. The water was not cold - it was just right. At first, N-85 was concerned they had been knocked in with all of their clothes on. They did not want to go to the meal sopping wet. However, when they saw the filth washing off of their clothes, they realized their journey had gotten them much dirtier than they had realized. The water was oh-so nice and so N-85 opted to spend a bit more time frolicking in the water. To their surprise, they could see quite well underwater, although when they stopped to think why they were surprised, all they could come up with was _It was not like this before_  _Before what?_ They wondered. This same thought kept coming back over and over. _Perhaps the man can explain?_ N-85 climbed out of the pool and lay in the grass under the warm sun. Their garments dried quickly, and before they knew it they were totally dry. When they stood up they noticed their once stained and tattered clothes appeared new and as white as the snow they could see high up on the mountain. The sight of the mountain stretching up into the sky was mesmerizing and they stood there for quite some time gazing up at its splendor. They were snapped from their reverie when they caught a whiff of smoke. It smells delicious! They thought to themself as they sat up and turned to see from where it was coming. There in the trees not too far away, a column of smoke rose into the air. Suddenly N-85 realized the man they had met earlier had been gone for quite some time. N-85 took a long whiff and exclaimed out loud “Oh my gosh! I’m starving!” _Funny I had not noticed before, but I feel like I have not eaten in days, weeks even,_ they thought to themselves as they walked through the tall, thick, green grass towards the smoke rising from the forest. As N-85 entered the forest, the shade from the canopy felt cool and refreshing. It was not hot in the light; in fact, the light felt wonderful. It was just the shade also felt amazing - in a different way. The air felt more damp, and the smell of the pines was overwhelmingly wonderful. They picked their way through the coolness, stopping every few feet as they discovered a pine cone, mushroom, or squirrel. Each new object was just so stark, so perfect, so incredible they felt themselves overcome with giddiness and excitement at each new discovery. Tucked into a small sun-soaked clearing, they spied a quaint little cottage. The roof was thatched; there were windows but no glass or shutters; in fact, there was no door. Inside, they could see a great fire going in the hearth and a large iron pot suspended over it with steam rising vigorously from the top. The smell was divine. The man appeared at the doorway carrying a large bottle of wine and a crusty loaf of sourdough bread - one in each hand. “Shall we?” he asked as they sat at the table outside. Before N-85 could reply he had popped the cork out of the wine and tore off a chunk  of bread. “Please have a seat, N-85 - we have much to discuss.” Taking a glass of wine and a chunk of bread N-85 sat without saying a word. They devoured it while the man sat back, a slight smile on his face. When they finished the bread, which was impeccably soft, warm, and oh so fresh, their man handed them another large piece and refilled their glass. “So, N-85, how was your journey across the desert?” the man began. N-85 swallowed and took a sip of wine before replying. “The desert was a special place. It felt right being there, but then when I came close to this mountain, it suddenly felt wrong. Even if I wanted to return to the desert, the grass is sharp near the border and I was afraid of cutting my feet.” “Ah yes.” The man replied. “Well, you see, many people prefer the starkness of the desert rather than the uncertainty of what lies beyond. Many have succumbed to the fear, braved the sharp grass, and have returned to the desert. One day, though, when they are ready, they will make their way here.” “But why?” N-85 stammered a bit in shock to hear there were others out there like them - they had not seen a soul during their crossing of the desert. “Mostly because of fear. The place where they came from before, they lived their life in fear. Therefore, the fear followed them here. There are many other reasons to others have chosen not to approach - hate, lust, craving, or ignorance. All of which causes suffering. They bring their suffering with them here, but in time, and by force of circumstance, even their self-imposed misery is eventually compelled to loosen its grip.” “What about me? How did I get here?” N-85 asked as they finished off the second glass of wine. “Precisely!” The man said, reaching over with the bottle to pour N-85 their third glass. When he was done topping it off, he poured himself a second glass. “Where you came from before, you were filled with anger but also bravery, which is why you are here today at the foot of the mountain.” “I would like to go to the top of the mountain.” N-85 replied. “Ah yes, many do once they get this far. However, since you do not know your name, you cannot. Only those who know their name can climb the mountain.” “I see.” Replied N-85; they were neither angry nor sad about not being able to climb the mountain. Rather, they were only filled with a sense of hope - one day they would be able to ascend the mountain.  “You keep mentioning ‘where I came from before’. What does it mean?” “Before I answer, let me get the stew. It is ready. I will be right back.” Then the man stood and disappeared into the hut. N-85 could hear the bustle of dishes and utensils as the man busied himself in the kitchen. Moments later, he emerged with two large bowls brimming with piping hot stew. N-85 gladly took the bowl they had been offered and waited for their man to sit down and take the first bite before they too began to eat. N-85 and the man sat there in silence, slurping the stew for a while each enjoying the flavors in their own way. To say it was delicious would have been an understatement because it was quite possibly the best thing they had tasted, seen, touched, or smelled since they had arrived in this strange world. “This meal is wonderful!” N-85 exclaimed. “Thank you so much for your hospitality.” “Why of course.” The man replied. “I have been looking forward to this meal for quite some time, you see.” After a while, the man sat up straight and returned his spoon to the half-full bowl. “So where were we? Ah yes - the ‘before’… Well, to be frank, the before no longer matters. What you gathered there you have brought here. What matters now is you are dining with me at the foot of the mountain. You are not in the desert - and after this meal, you must begin your journey.” “Journey to where?” N-85 asked as they shoveled another delectable bite into their mouth. “… and how long will it take?” They mumbled because their mouth was a little too full for the words to be easily decipherable. “Well, how long is up to you. When you know your name, the first part of your journey will be over. Where is a bit more tricky. There is a great conflict out east. You are needed there. You must make your way east, and where you end up is where you are needed…” the man’s voice trailed off. Suddenly, N-85 was not so hungry anymore. “So, if I travel to this great conflict, it will be there where I discover my name. Then I can climb the mountain?” “This is the ideal outcome. However, it often does not work like we hope. For now, you should focus on the where. The when will sort itself out - all in good time.” “What if I decide not to go to the great conflict and instead climb the mountain?” N-85 asked, only half seriously - there was something about the man which made them sense what he said was right, true, and not to be trifled with. After they asked, they immediately regretted it though- they had not intended to come across as confrontational - they were merely curious. However, if it was how they had come across, the man only replied with more grace than before. “Well, you can certainly try; many have before. But if you do not know your name, you will not succeed. It is better to go east.” “Okay, well then I will go east.” N-85 replied. “I know,” the man replied before returning to their stew. ![[Aion-iii-28.jpg]] They both sat there in silence, each focusing on enjoying their meal. When they had finished their wine, the man poured them another glass. After mopping the bottom of the bowl with the last chunk of bread, N-85 sat back and let out a sigh of contentment. “Shall we go inside by the fire and enjoy a bit of tobacco?” The man offered. N-85 did not have to be asked twice - the idea of sharing a pipe with the man seemed to be the greatest honor and not one which would seem right to ever refuse. N-85 gathered the dishes and brought them inside. “Just put them on the counter, please. I will wash them later.” The man replied. N-85 turned with a nod of deference and placed the bowls in the kitchen. It was a small space; there was a variety of strange-looking plants on the table in the kitchen and a small selection of knives and spices they assumed the man had used to make the meal. N-85 pushed a few items to the side and set the bowls down before returning to the fireplace where the man was lounging on a soft blanket, holding a long pipe. When N-85 sat next to him, the man handed them the pipe. The smell of tobacco filled the room, and when they breathed it in, the aroma danced through their body like a slight electric charge before dissipating through the tips of their fingers and toes. When they exhaled and opened their eyes, the room was just a twinge brighter. The colors had a deeper saturation than before. “Wow!” was all N-85 could manage to say at first. The man chuckled softly. “What is this we're smoking?” they asked. “It is leaves from the trees which grow where the ring of clouds enshrouds the mountain. The cold wet air from the clouds is what gives them their ‘magical’ properties.” N-85 looked out the window through which they could see the mountain in the distance. The top was obscured from view by the clouds. “Does the light come from the top of the mountain?” N-85 asked, pointing out the window. “Yes, it does.” The man replied. “What is your name?” N-85 asked, suddenly very embarrassed they had not thought to ask much earlier. “I am Aiōn, Son of Vishnayam” the man replied. “It is very nice to meet you, Aiōn Son of Vishnayam.” N-85 replied as they handed their man the pipe back. “Will I see you again on my journey? Or will you stay here?” “Yes…” was all Aiōn said in reply, which left N-85 a little confused. Before they could ask a clarifying question, Aiōn handed the pipe back to N-85 who took another long slow drag from the pipe. With each puff they felt were overcome with a strange fusion of peace and boundless energy. Unable to contain themself any longer N-85 blurted out “I have so many questions!” “Go on. Ask your questions.” Aiōn smiled in reply “Why are you here and not up there?” They said pointing out the window towards the mighty mountain. “Why do I know there was a before but cannot remember? Why do I have to go east when I feel so drawn to climb the mountain? Why don’t I know my name?” Aiōn smiled, nodded at N-85 then stood and disappeared into a back room. A few moments later, he returned carrying a mirror. It was beautiful and ornate with intricate engravings and appeared to be made from gold. “Have a look.” Aiōn said as he handed the mirror to N-85. Cautiously, N-85 took the mirror. They let out a gasp and dropped the mirror into their lap when they saw their reflection. Earlier they had seen their scar in the reflection of the pool, but now it was gone. Their face was renewed, refreshed and no longer weathered. “What? How?” was all they could say as they looked up at Aiōn. “As you journey east, you will discover more about the before. Know this now: what you discover cannot be changed. It is what it is and frankly no longer matters. It gave - and it took from you. What you lost will eventually be restored. You do not know because you lost too much. Some was taken from you. Other things you gave away in your confusion. Soon enough you will discover your name. You have been healed by the tobacco…” Aiōn’s voice trailed off as he peered out the window. “Will I see you again?” N-85 replied, as their chest tightened and a sudden urge to weep overcame them like a wave. They felt a little ashamed for having asked twice. _There’s just something terrifying about never seeing Aiōn again but you’ve only just met him!_ “No need to feel ashamed. We will meet again. I promise - but now you must go. Your time has come.” N-85 stood and walked to the fireplace, tapped the pipe on the hearth to empty the embers, and set the pipe on the mantle. They turned to thank Aiōn, but when they did, the room was empty. Beside the door was a walking stick which they were certain had not been there a moment ago. N-85 ran to the door and peered outside, but they did not see their man anywhere. Feeling an overwhelming sense of joy coupled with sadness they returned to the doorway, picked up the walking stick, and began walking east. ### Next Chapter: [[1 - Author's Note 👋🏾]] ### Previous Chapter: [[27 - Incoming ☠️]]