Tiny fish-tailed people live amongst the fishes and water sprites in the placid mountain lake Serene. They peacefully harvest their algae fields and live in the bubbles below the lake, but cause mischief with boaters and fishermen whom they hate.
Young ones quest from one end of the lake to the other. Visitors come to Serene to watch its smooth surface and meditate. They stay in cottages beside the lake.
Some take tiny bottles of lake water home with them.
Most do not swim in the waters.
“We prefer to keep the lake’s surface undisturbed. Boating and fishing is prohibited. The lake’s waters are also extremely cold coming from the Serenity Glacier,” says the Guide. "Exceptions are made for Contemplation."
The Boat Contemplation glides along the lake surface without a ripple.
No one knows the source of its power and movement. The long fat-bottomed boat moves without captain or crew.
Visitors to Serene ride Contemplation from the cottages at either end.
“It cleared my mind,” said Miss Emeline Traveler.
“I’ve never slept so well in all my life," said Miss Doe Friend.
Troubles dissipate on Contemplation. Solutions can be found during the journey.
"Participate in the ritual," advises the Guide. "From the rock cairns, take one polished stone from one side of the Lake Serene to the other."
Aged denizens of Serene with no worries but the onset of death often ride Contemplation back and forth until they die and stay in the Cottages of Contemplation. Many green burials are held in the large grove of trees beside Contemplation in Serenity.
"I might like to be buried there myself," says Miss Doe Friend.
"Perhaps," muses Miss Emeline, leaving Doe to wonder where else she has in mind.
"A conversation for another day," Doe thinks. "When we are not engaged in such dangerous travels. Why, haven't we discussed such arrangements before?"
She honestly cannot remember.
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