歡迎光臨, welcome to the Suì Lín, the deep and mysterious woods I call home since time began. I am a 神仙, a shén xiān, one of those immor(t)al beings of nature barbarians might call fairies or elfs for lack of proper terms, which isn't their fault at all. *bows politely*

You have chosen me. Or did I choose you? You have crossed the misty border and have entered my realms - or did I lure you here into this sphere inbetween the worlds? See, wanderer, these woods are everywhere, you won't find them on your artfully drawn maps, you have left the planes of reason, so put them away.

I play with your senses, distract you from your goals and mess with your mind. It is not that I am evil - far from it. It is the way I am, the way I always have been. I am illusion, I am vision, I am the dream that haunts you, the voice that seduces you, I am the vision that guides you. It all depends on how you want to see me. I am everything, yet nothing.

Ignore me, and I will become the voice that distracts you from your paths, the dream that lures you away from reason and dulls your blades.

Respect and honour my ways, and you will find an iridescent friend, a useful shield against all that bears you ill. You might even find a vision of truth.

Now which will it be, wanderer? Choose wisely.

Deserted mountains - not a man is seen,
Only the sound of voices can be heard.
The sunbeam, entering the deep woods,
Reflects again, on the green moss.
- Wang Wei -

Credits:
Both avatars by Eun Hee Choi (97bzo),
armed avatar © SONOV corporation, both adapted by Yanlin
Background: The Inspiration Gallery
Other aspects of Yanlin (and of his prey), he's a shapeshifter after all,
© Linda Bergkvist, used with permission
Other Images: Lost in the mists of time
Masthead: Yanlin