WALK IN KYOTO

 WALK IN KYOTO

FEBRUARY 8, 2025

TAURIEL AND ELODIN

SETSUBUN event at KYOTO sim

HANAFUSA OZASHIKI

This will be a short story with illustrations about a walk through the virtual city of Kyoto and the Geisha village that Tauriel and Elodin took together, showing the capabilities of the new PBR graphics.

I invited my girlfriend to attend an event in Kyoto called... It was a friendly party organized by geishas and the last event of the Spring New Year, celebrated in Asian countries. Of course, it was great to show respect to the hosts, talk about interesting topics, try exotic food (for me), and feel better in good company.

But we.. were hopelessly late.

Having spent an hour on clothes and hair, Elo looked at me with her big eyes.
Elo: But you didn't say what time exactly we were going, real-time or SL time?

Elo is very sweet and kind, she has charming elf ears and big blue eyes.

Elo: This is the best Asian look I could wear from what I have… I look terrible in old clothes…

Tauriel: Let's go...

I simply took her hand and, without further ado, led her for a walk through the city's streets. It doesn't matter to me that your kimono has been lying around in your closet for years and is very old. The little white rose that I gave you with all my heart expresses my great love for you. It became your best decoration for this evening, emphasizing the beauty of your face and sweet smile.

The sun was almost set when we walked along the streets, holding hands, but we felt good together. Our first stop was near a small temple, hidden between residential buildings, but where the presence of the spirits' power was clearly felt. We thanked them and went on.

In the evening twilight, we came to the embankment. It is a small river that flows through the city, with beautiful clear water, and a neatly laid out stone embankment with trees covered with frost. We stood in silence and observed the surrounding beauty.

The rays of the setting sun turned the river golden. The sky and the water became reflections of each other. It was a breathtaking sight. It was as if the deities were blessing us, giving us a golden glow.

And then suddenly, all the golden glow disappeared, and the dark night fell. Thousands of bright distant stars flared up in the sky, like thousands of distant souls, inviting you to think about them here and now.

Elo looked dreamily at the stars, sighing softly. She always dreamed of seeing the Milky Way in the sky in all of its glory, away from the city lights, and sharing that moment with me.

Tauriel (quietly): Look at the river…

Elo lowered her gaze from the sky and inhaled in admiration.

Luminous reflections rose from the water's surface, creating a magical effect.

Elo: How beautiful…

I hugged my love in a warm embrace, and I wanted this moment to last forever. But there was still so much to see ahead. We said goodbye to the river and went on.

As we walked down the street, something caught my eye—a window that resembled a display case, revealing everything inside. There, I saw a large, beautiful Christmas tree adorned with ornaments, a symbol of the New Year that felt so European in this Asian town. It was so charming that I grabbed Elo's hand and pointed excitedly at the window.

Elo (blinks her eyes): How wonderful…

Later on we got to walk around the temple, looking around the area and how well-preserved and clean everything was. The statues were looking at us lazily while they kept their attention to keep evil spirits away from the sacred grounds of the temple.

While walking Elo was admiring the famous Torii gates. One of the original purposes of the Torii Gate was to protect those around it from evil spirits. This is because, in Japan and Shintoism, the color red (specifically bright, vermilion red) is said to repel evil spirits.

In the past, it was believed that the red color of Torii gates and on several items came from vermilion, which was thought to ward off evil in Japan. This color was also linked to blood, symbolizing vitality, and was believed to help eliminate diseases like smallpox and tuberculosis, as well as demons like the housou gami. Additionally, red's association with fire, used in purification rituals, further contributed to its protective significance against evil and illness.

There was a box with fortunes on the table. Elo, of course, reached into it.

Elo: (read the paper feeling sad) I got a piece of bad luck...  

Then I put a coin in and took the fortune. I read it and handed it to Elo.

Tauriel: I have good luck. Take it.

Elo: Are you giving your luck to me?

Tauriel: Yes.

Elo (carefully taking the piece of paper): It's so good to have you here. You always have good luck. But what about you?

Then I put another coin in and take another fortune.

Tauriel: Look. Good luck. Do you feel better now?

Elo: Oh, yes, yes!

Roaming in the streets our noses led us to a small stand that smelled delicious of the food and the fresh spices and herbs the cook was using. It was impossible to resist and not take a look.

It was a ramen stand making delicious traditional ramen combinations. The aroma was so warm and enticing that it was hard to resist. So, we decided to stop and enjoy a bowl of warm ramen. With each bite, we felt our bodies warm up, ready to continue our exploration.

Among the streets, we discover an Onsen bath house. But it was closed during that time of the night but we promised to ourselves to come back another day to visit and enjoy a relaxing day in the hot baths and the massage services it was offering.

We were walking along a very narrow street, with many signs, and right above us, over the roofs of the houses, the Milky Way stretched out, the very one that Elo dreamed of seeing…

Sunrise is coming as we wandered through the bustling city, our path unexpectedly took a turn, leading us to a small, hidden temple nestled between the towering buildings. Curiosity drew us closer, and as we approached, a sense of tranquility enveloped us. The temple offered a beautiful vantage point, revealing a breathtaking view of the peaceful, snowy landscape that stretched beyond the city. It was a moment of stillness, a serene contrast to the urban hustle, where we could pause and appreciate the quiet beauty of winter.

The temple lay beneath a delicate blanket of soft, white snow, each surface glistening in the early morning light. An ethereal hush enveloped the surroundings, amplifying the serenity of the moment. As the first golden rays of dawn broke over the horizon, they bathed the snow-covered architecture in a warm glow, transforming the scene into a breathtaking tableau of tranquility and magic.

As the night drew to a close, the horizon began to lighten, heralding the arrival of a new day. Soft hues of pink and gold spilled across the sky, painting the city in a warm, gentle glow. The once shadowy streets slowly came to life, as the first rays of sunlight illuminated the buildings, casting a serene beauty over the awakening urban landscape.

As we stood there, hands clasped tightly together, our eyes wandered over the breathtaking scenery spread out before us. The vibrant colors of the landscape painted a perfect backdrop for the moment. We exchanged soft words of love, our whispers dancing gently in the cool breeze, creating an intimacy that felt timeless. In that serene moment, it was just the two of us and the surrounding beauty, lost in our own world.

As we stood together, it felt as if time had stopped just for us. The world around us faded away, allowing us to fully appreciate the beauty that enveloped us. The soft rustle of leaves, the gentle glow of the setting sun, and the warmth of each other's presence created a moment suspended in time. We shared tender glances and soft laughter, savoring the now as if it were a precious gift. It was important to embrace this fleeting instant before it slipped away, transforming into a cherished memory that we would carry with us forever.

In our little loving world, a serene calm enveloped the lake, reflecting the soft hues of the sky. Suddenly, a crane descended gracefully, its wings outstretched like delicate sails. As it touched down on the water's surface, it stood poised and elegant, searching for its mate amid the gentle ripples. The beauty of the moment captivated me, as I watched this solitary bird, longing and hopeful, embodying a pure instinct to connect and belong.

In this simple and delicate way the beautiful crane became a part of our loving and cherished memories.

As we continued our adventure, we approached one final stop—a charming little store that beckoned us inside. The inviting aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, mingling with the sweet scent of traditional Japanese sweets and snacks. Here, we could indulge in delightful beverages and treat ourselves to an array of freshly made delicacies, each promising a taste of authentic Japanese flavors. It was the perfect way to cap off our journey.

As we sat there enjoying our sweets, we talked about our walk in Kyoto, sharing everything we saw and what left the biggest impressions on us. Lost in conversation, Tauriel rested his hand on mine, and I could feel his love as I listened to him. My heart sang with love for him.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, Elo felt a pang of reluctance. Their walk through the enchanting streets of Kyoto had been nothing short of magical. The soft rustling of cherry blossom petals in the gentle breeze and the distant sound of traditional music created a backdrop that felt almost dreamlike. But now, as they approached the final stretch of their journey, a sense of sadness washed over Elo. 

Elo (thinks inside): I don’t want this to end just yet..

She thought, wishing for just a few more moments to linger in the beauty surrounding them and be together with Tauriel. The vibrant lanterns began to flicker to life, casting a warm glow, yet Elo couldn’t shake the feeling that leaving this place would mean leaving behind a piece of their heart.

Here our walk is over. We are standing near a small pink house, where Elo lives. I look at her and I don’t want to part, I don’t want to end this wonderful journey together. But even the best journey must end so that something new can begin.

As I stood there, the weight of the moment pressed heavily on my heart. Words felt insufficient, like fragile leaves in a storm. I reached for her hand, gently lifting it to my lips. I exhaled softly, letting my warm breath linger on her fingertips. In that fleeting gesture, I poured everything I couldn’t say into that last touch, hoping it would serve as a lasting memory between us—a silent promise of the deep connection we share.

Tauriel said before leaving:

"You are the best. 

You are a part of my life. 

Furthermore, you live in my heart.

 I love you very much."

"We will definitely meet again."

Tauriel: "Do not fret my dearest, I will come by again to spend time together and who knows... we may explore a new place to create wonderful memories. You are always in my heart."