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Ancient Myths and Otherworlds · Suiren and the First Ember

Suiren and the First Ember

Wood dust gathers beside a notch, hiding a small red ember. Hands close around it against the wind.

Dry Wood
01

Dry Wood

Dry wood is chosen from the forest floor.

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A ring of hands around a tiny ember.

Cutting the Notch
02

Cutting the Notch

Shavings gather beside the stone blade.

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Holding the Board
03

Holding the Board

The board is held steady beneath the spindle.

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Turning the Spindle
04

Turning the Spindle

Both hands steady the spindle in its hollow.

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The First Smoke
05

The First Smoke

His hands are still as smoke rises from the board.

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Sheltering the Ember
06

Sheltering the Ember

The ember is eased into a nest of dry grass.

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Breathing on the Ember
07

Breathing on the Ember

A careful breath brings a flame to the grass.

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Feeding the Flame
08

Feeding the Flame

A dry branch is eased into the fire.

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Food by the Fire
09

Food by the Fire

Food roasts above the flames as another log is added.

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Keeping the Ember
10

Keeping the Ember

A red coal is kept beneath a little ash.

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Xiangjian.

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