Self Care- January

The day started like any other, bright and sunny. The sun peeked above the tree line in the Windy Valley. Giving everything a soft glow as the sun reflected off the morning dew. Yokai had made a hammock high up in the bamboo forest that resided in the Windy Valley. Feeling as if the cool night air would give him a good night's rest. Of course it had.

Now as the sun hit his face, he threw his large arm over his eyes. Sighing as he peeked under his arm to look out on the sunrise. The expression on his face turned bright with a smile. ‘I guess it is that time!’ He thought to himself as he sat up, stretching his long arms in front of him. With a quick flip, he turned and fell to the ground. The fox landed easily on his feet, his attention turning to the edge of the bamboo forest. Today would be a relaxing one. One that would lift his spirits, of that he was certain. Within moments he found himself at the edge of the forest. The sun peered over the mountains in the distance. It’s rays gave everything a soft orange glow.

The sight was a beauty to behold. A wonderful start to the morning. A lone frost moth landed on Yokais shoulder, its fluffy antenna tickling at his cheeks. He brushed the little moth away ever so gently before he began his walk through the Valley that lay before him. The sounds of the other creatures waking soothed Yokai as he walked through the tall grass. The morning air, and sunrise, brought a calm to this usually mischievous scarfox. It certainly felt nice to be up and walking this early. ‘I will have to do this more often…It is nice’ He paused for a moment, turning his face upwards towards the sun. Which warmed his cheeks.

The sounds continued to grow around him as the morning went on. A soft ringing could be heard in the distance. This drew Yokais attention as he tried to locate the source. Eyes landing on the Temple just a short walk away. Nearby stood the Sacrificial Tree, the source of the soft jingles. Almost like bells. This seemed to wake the Valley even more, adding to the calming, natural, music of the area.

As Yokai drew nearer to the Altar, he could make out tiny glistening objects hanging from the tree. All the while, the sun ascended into the sky. As he moved closer to the altar and tree, he could make out the creatures that held the bells within their tails. Amongst the branches and limbs, hung Serper of various sizes. Each swinging gently in the breeze to let loose soft jingles that carried throughout the valley ever so softly. When Yokai finally reached the top of the slope the altar resided on, he entered the tiny abode.

It was open on all sides, allowing the natural sounds to carry through. As the wind swayed the tree some remaining leaves would begin to fall about. A picturesque moment if he had ever seen one. It was not long before the fox found himself swaying to the gentle music of the valley. Not soon after he even began to move his legs, swaying his tail. A small dance to go with the beautiful, uplifting music the serpers and other creatures were creating. Soon, his dance led him back out and under the tree. A break in the wind slowed his dance until he stopped. ‘A much better day than the last’ This thought went through his head as he gazed over the now sun bright valley before him. 

The sun was now just above the mountains in the distance. The breeze continued to blow gently through, allowing the Serper to continue to leave a soft melody. ‘This is the perfect moment.’ As Yokai sat down under the tree he created a small little area before him filled with various snacks, and some tea. Being careful as he lifted the hot kettle he poured himself a generous amount into his cup. The aroma of the tea leaves filled his senses. He snacked on a small cake as he waited for his tea to finish steeping. His gaze traveled around the valley and took in all the sights to be seen. The grass was still sprinkled with morning dew not having been evaporated yet by the sun. The tiny dew drops giving the snow on the ground a glow of yellows and oranges.

Once the tea was done steeping, Yokai poured himself a glass. Being careful as he lifted it to his mouth, he gave a soft blow to cool it off. As he drank his tea, he allowed for the music of the valley to engulf him. It had been a long time since he had allowed himself to relax like this. Carefully holding the tea cup in his hands, he gave a gentle and relaxed sigh. A different frost moth had taken up residence on his knee now. Yokai lifted a finger for the little creature to move onto. As he lifted the moth to eye level, he chuckled. “You too, huh little guy?” Tilting his head, he questioned the creature. Knowing full well that it could not speak to him in return. “I agree, it certainly is a great morning. Thank you for joining me here!” Reaching out, he allowed the moth to flutter onto the little table he summoned that held the snacks.

Summoning a small cup, he poured some of the hot water into it. Next he mixed a bit of snow and sugar in, creating a sweet treat for the little moth. “There.. Now you–” A chuckle escaped Yokai yet again as a few other moths came to also enjoy the little sugar water. “Well, the more the merrier! Enjoy little ones.” The cheer could be heard in the foxs voice as he spoke. He watched the little moths for a bit, before turning his attention back to the Valley. “A good morning means a good day.”