Lao had travelled a great distance. His sandles had been worn away by pebbles, sand and stone. Through his travels, he had never felt as cold as he did on the mountain side. His straw hat did nothing against the mist, but rather caught it between the strands and let it trickle down his face in drops. His bright yellow and orange robes, dirtied and torn in places, barely kept him warm let alone dry. The snow found its way onto his feet and against his ankles, sending goosebumps up and down his legs each time he took a step. He had climbed the mountain with his bamboo backpack, had searched arounds it peak and found nothing and was now descending from it.

He found a small place that he could build a fire in, discovering dry wood hidden under a overhang. There was a ring of stone that allowed him to come out of the biting wind. The fire felt good against his stone cold hands, so he decided now would be a good time to meditate for wisdom. His straw hat was placed beside his backpack as Lao crossed his legs and closed his eyes. There was nothing behind his eyelids, as usual, but he began to empty his mind of the thoughts he carried, scraping them away with care and storing them away for later. Finally, feeling fully relaxed and warmed now to the bone, he began to touch upon the-

"Help him."

Lao opened his eye a sliver, staring into the mist around the top of his small stone circle. There was no one there. But he had heard the words, loudly and clearly as if he had spoken them himself. Carefully, he stood up, using a foot to lift his body before he unfolded his limbs. There was a pulling sensation on his mind, telling him he must go and do something important, important not just for himself but for everyone. He found his hat quickly, strapped his pack to his shoulders and jumped out of the small shelter. Usually, he would have extingushed the flames in fear of causing a fire that could damage Mother Nature, but it was apparent that the mist would quickly take care of that.

Crescent Moon's sandles slapped against the slippery stones as he carefully ran towards the origin of the voice. The mists cleared from his vision and there, he saw a man laying in the snow, surronded by wolves. Before he could take action though, a huge man rushed forward and barked something that made Lao wince in fear. As he watched, a group of men and women attacked the circle of beasts. He felt like he need not attack the people, but should instead somehow help the man. Carefully progressing down the mountain, outside the attention of the others, he knealt down beside the old man and moved his body over, to let him gain some fresh air and to not suffocate in the snow.

But there had been a last wolf, hidden by large stones and snow. It growled as it saw its chances of a meal slipping away and moved slowly forward, hidden against the ground and growling lightly. Finally, it had gained enough ground to loom over Lao's soldier, its teeth bared and drool dripping from its lips. Lao was politely asking the mans name when he heard the crunch of snow. The beast lunged forward, he slowly moved his chest back and tensed up his hand. The wolf's mouth was inches from his face before he finally let his hand fly out. His finger tips hit the creature in the side of its head. There was a crunch, some blood and a soft whine.

"Apoligies, friend..." Lao said softly to the beast, lowering its collapsed form from his chest to the ground. "May you feel no regret when we meet once more, in the world beyond." He closed the beasts eyes and went back to the tending of the old man.

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Tragedy Is When I Fall Down An Open Manhole Cover And Die
Comedy is When it Happens To You.