|
Long before the land became a kingdom and man knew of no war, a young traveler from far west set his feet on Yeon Hwa Do, the Lotus Island. Carrying only a set of woodworking tools in a quilt pouch, Clotho Guiseppe found a peaceful area by the forest and single-handedly built a sturdy little hut for shelter. Every morning he would go into the woods, carried home logs and carved them into handyworks. Soon enough, news travelled across the island and the locals knew him by Master Woodwork Guiseppe. Not only his works were sought-after, his charming good-look lured many women to visit his workshop to catch a glimpse of the artist and his masterpieces. Not speaking the language of the land, Master Guiseppe could only reply the generous compliments with a humble nod and smiled. Sometimes to show appreciation, Guiseppe strummed his handmade Mandolin and sang love serenades, for they are the only melodies he knew.
Secretly, his popularity among the ladies drove a group of local men raging with jealously. One day like any other day, Guiseppe went off into the woods. Unknowingly, a group of men followed after him, sneaking behind the big trees. Guiseppe found a medium-sized tree he liked and started chopping. Suddenly CRACK.. it all happened so quickly, a big branch of tree fell hard right on top of Guiseppe. Thrown onto the ground, with a heavy wood on his chest, the axe accidentally hit Guiseppe's hand. Barely conscious with stinging pain all over his body, and unable to move, he heard men cheering and yelling "We got him, we got him!" as they ran off.
Guiseppe was left lying there for hours, until a young lady seemingly like an angel found him, on her way to pick some forest leaves. Suan Li was her name. She helped him home, only for them to find his house badly trashed and broken in many places. Suan then took care of him for weeks until he regained wellness. As a result of the incident, Guiseppe lost three of his left fingers. This much compromised his carving ability, but he didn't mind, because it was the dreadful event that had brought him and Suan Li together. They found love and soul, companion in each other. La forza del destino, Guiseppe would keep telling her. The force of destiny.
Suan Li was the only daughter of the much respected medicine-man of the land, Sensei Prayan Seong. Many men had undergone countless quest with much sacrifice just to impress the Sensei in order to stand a chance to become his son-in-law. When they heard that Suan Li was to tie the knot with a woodmaster from outland, they raged and decided to plot schemes. Whatever it took to make this foreigner left their island and their beautiful heiress.
First, Guiseppe would find dead kittens and death threats on his doorsteps. Being the nature lover, he'd bury the kittens and say prayers. Soon his whole backyard turned into an animal graveyard. Occasionally, he'd wake up to see his workshop got raided, his pieces burnt to ashes. Then, dozens of deadly snakes were slipped into his hut he frantically rushed out. And Suan Li would carefully handled and bagged the snakes. But Guiseppe's love for Suan and the land made him stay. Until one day, the envious lads poisoned Guiseppe's source of water and he fell terribly ill. Then Suan Li decided to move away with Guiseppe to a safe isolated area.
By then, Guiseppe was much too unwell to build another workshop and he required much rest. Suan Li had to care for them both; she started her own garden of fruits and vegetables. During warm afternoons Suan Li would help Guiseppe out on his wheelchair to get fresh air. "Ah, look at that my love." Guiseppe excitedly pointed toward a strange looking flower. "One of a kind. Pick that for me would you, love?" Suan Li picked the enchanting green four-leaves clover. "This, is for good luck dear." He gave Suan a kiss as he put the clover on her hand.
Even then, the men of Yeon Hwa Do were still dissatisfied. Not knowing of the lovers whereabouts, they called upon a master of black magic from far east, Guru Dhammasatan. They had the Guru casted dark forces and devilish spells across the lands, upon Guiseppe.
Meanwhile, Suan Li was pregnant with their first child. Guiseppe's health had gotten worse, he was bedridden. There were unexplained fevers and bloody vomits that even Suan Li's herbs could not cure. She cried silently in helplessness. Guiseppe held her and took out the four-leaves clover. "This first leaf, my love, is Hope. This second one is Faith." He kissed her forehead. "The third, is the biggest. It's love." They smiled. "And this last little leaf, is Luck." He caressed her bulging tummy. "Don't you worry, I'll be here when our first child is born." And he coughed up another blood.
Seven months passed, and Guiseppe kept his promise. For the first time in months, he seemed well that day: the day their son was born. The spirit the son brought filled the family with joy. Guiseppe was still unwell, but he was hanging on just to witness his son grew. When the son turned 2 year-old, Guiseppe's health finally deteriorated. Suan Li and son rained with tears at the side of his bed, knowing his last days were soon to arrive.
"My dears, fear not. Shed no tears of sadness. I've had the best days of my life, and been more than blessed. Amor Fati, my dears, Love of Fate. Fate brought us together, fate will take us apart. When time comes, it comes." Suan Li and son cried harder. "My son. You are Ming Yun. The FATE. Ming Yuns do not fear fate. We embrace it. We ARE fate. Uncertainty shows insufficiency of knowledge. Know enough, and you'll be sure of what to do." Guiseppe's breaths grew shorter.
"I am Ming Yun Gui. You are our son, Ming Yun Tse Wo (Fate Is Me). Our descendents will spread across the land, coming of all colors, caring for every living being." Gui coughed and wheezed. He gasped one long breath, reached to Suan and gave here one last kiss. "Take good care of mother. No tears, my love. Amor fati.." he whispered with his last breath, "amor fati.." and he died peacefully in the arms of a loving family.
|
|