Beyond every happy front is a sadistic backdrop. Very rarely in life are you ever dealt a fair hand. Is struggle vital to the survival and progress of mankind? These thoughts circle around the shaman, as he pleads with the spirits to grant him wisdom in this everlasting hell.

Rising, Jukano quietly hums into a natural rhythm. Inhale, exhale, inhale, exhale. His daily chores are of little importance to him, but to his wife, it is another matter entirely. Some battles can be won with strategy and tactics. Others can be won with brute strength alone. A female's heart can never be won by either; a tale as old as time itself.

Amongst all constants in life, there are some truths to the daily drum we beat our existence to. Following a tidy tent, the scrolls and herbs are prepared. May the spirit of the sun and moon have mercy, for I know not what I wrought. I believed for a time I was helping our villagers. That I was curing them of their ailment. It is said that lying tears fools others, and that lying smiles hurts oneself. I'm in far too deep to turn back now. Besides, even if I had known, would I not continue on my path before me?

Every spring births new children. Another truth we hold inherent in all forms, as the cycle of life continues.