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On the 19th sun of the 9th moon in the 154th year of the King, Ranger Naylia took me scouting in the wilderness that stretches between Kugnae and Buya City. These are my meditations on the day. The first event that left an impression on me was our chat in the thick of the pine forest rising up out of the Eastern corner of the sheep fields. This was the most academic part of the day's proceedings, albeit that Naylia demonstrated her points with a ranger's characteristic practicality. Naylia conveyed to me the ranger's view of the balance of nature: how each element of the wilderness substantially depends upon another, and how equilibrium can be disturbed by the tipping of the scales in one direction or another. We discussed the difference between intervening to correct an imbalance, and to ensure the continuing stability of the ecosystem, as opposed to simply taking what the wilderness provides with no regard to the impacts (as the poachers do). I ought next to record our setting up of camp at the Sunken Tree. There, Naylia asked me to say how I would go about making camp. I shared my observations of the features of the landscape and the strategic advantages conveyed by these. This included that the site was only approachable from one direction (perfect for setting up an alarm or other trap), that there was significant tree cover (for concealment and observation of those who might approach), and that the earth was sufficiently soft to permit the digging out of a fire pit (for winter warmth). Naylia seemed satisfied with my contributions but also asked whether I had considered any opportunities for tracking or foraging. No doubt she had in mind how we would feed ourselves if camping there for any substantial length of time. While I was able to offer something useful about foraging acorns and berries, I was not able to discern the tracks of any beasts that might be hunted - Naylia showed me some subtle, almost ephemeral, signs of the area being frequented by creatures that might serve as a food source. Her eyes are as keen as a hawk's. Finally, I am pleased to record that Naylia had in mind the crafting of a bow made of materials sourced from the groves and fields through which we had passed. While it was my first time carving such a weapon for myself, my prior education in archery and bladework was to my advantage in at least recognising the mechanism involved. Still, Naylia demonstrated superior ability in her selection of the branches (not too stiff, not too supple, she told me), and I learned a great deal by watching her tease out the wool to make the twine with almost preternatural dexterity. She corrected my own attempts graciously, reminding me to keep the weave tight, and to glaze it with the sap of a nearby cedar tree, for resistance and power. It is not possible to commit to writing the things that I have learned. So much of a ranger's art seems to be intuitive rather than fully conscious, almost as if it is the limbs of the body themselves which receive instruction. Nevertheless, being fearful of forgetting anything, I have sought to commit these words to this journal by my own hand, Naoya | |