34 Living Arrangements (2/2)

Fang slowed down, eventually stopping his movement. Stretching his arms, he stood up.

”That should be alright, my lord sparrow?” he asked.

The sparrow nodded, it's eyes shining brightly. It flew over the verdant forest and admired the lush flora and fauna. Flying back to Fang, it perched itself on his shoulder.

Fang smiled and nodded at the bird.

”By the way, what should I address you as?” he asked.

The bird thought for a while.

”Just call me Suzume!” it replied.

Fang stopped and shook his head for a minute before continuing. This was... really breaking all the stereotypes of mythical creatures.

Taking out his seeds and his hoe, he began to farm and cultivate.

”When you cultivate nature, you cultivate yourself. When you improve the land, you improve your soul. You are tied to the land in a way that cannot be explained and only felt,” he spoke, observing the feeling of his Philospher's Cultivation.

Suzume stared at him, digesting his words. Interesting... our destinies are tied to the land... very interesting.

Fang began to plant the seeds and smiled. This was the life he wanted to live. This peace and serenity was the greatest boon that nature could give. He was free to do as he wished, free to roam amongst the birds, the beasts, and the skies. He was not chained by the social constructs of the society in which he was born and raised. Finally shedding the mantle of civilization, Fang accepted his new status as a cultivator of nature. He smiled and reveled in it's glory.

”I am free to run like the river with it's bubbly and vibrant laugh,”

”I am free to tower over the others in mind and power as do the tall trees, reaching for the skies,”

”I am free to live my own life under the skies and the watchful eyes of heaven,”

”I am free to do what I wish, when I wish, based on my intentions and my desires,”

”It is now that I am truly free to roam, free to feel, free to love, free to sleep, free to thrive, free to live,”

And with a smile, he continued to plant the seeds that would eventually comprise his entire magnificent garden, growing in a wonderfully vibrant display. Smiling, he and the sparrow finished planting the seeds and walked back inside as the clouds gathered behind them and rained, filling the air with the smell of petrichor.