Anonymous 1998-11-19

It's warm, the sun is shining in the window. The only furnishing is a mat and some cushions on the floor.

There is no carpet, the floor is polished wood.

It's a thick old growth forest, the sun can barely make it through the branches of the trees.

The path meanders along, the trees have adapted themselves to the path but are themselves centuries old.

The path is well traveled, but there doesn't appear to be anyone on it at the moment, other than me that is.

It is a fast flowing stream, the water when I check it is fresh and drinkable, somewhere upstream there must be a hot spring for the water is surprisingly warm.

It is a crude-looking earthenware cup. Dark brown in color but quite well-made for what it is.

The key is quite large, the sort of key which would unlock a large door.