Within the walls of the soon to be abandoned Eulersburg, a weary albeit joyous man sits in the garden, enjoying the comforting sounds of birds chirping, water flowing and the wind rustling the pergola above. Years has the man spent in this home, writing this piece, and with a satisfied smirk he shuts his notebook and prepares to put to work his retainers on making copies and posting them around.
The many years of my life have been spent in various situations–long stretches of turmoil and even longer stretches of prosperity. Throughout my time on this blessed earth, many lessons have been learned and I’ve decided that I should write these down and teach them to any who have ears to listen.
Thus, the Way of the Turtle was devised. This symbol of peace and prosperity has represented my family for decades, and the calming lifestyle of the wizened animal has guided me to all my successes. Simply, I ascribe much of my mental fortitude to this philosophy.
The Five Tenets of the Turtle
Through the long nights and dark times that plague these lands, you must be a beacon of positivity that can inspire and uplift those around you. Mirth and joy are the first step–with these tools at your disposal, you will spread cheer and disperse negativity in swathes.
When evil arises, and preys upon the innocent, a true Turtle will stand tall and protect them, for it is your duty to help those who need helping and to protect those who have no shell of their own.
Though combat is sometimes unavoidable, a true Turtle sees violence as no more than a necessity–a tool to be used when all else fails and if it can be averted, it shall; for words resolve that which fists cannot often.
Patience is a virtue that a true Turtle follows closely, for the hasty hare rarely wins the race. Dedicating half your day to rest and half to furthering yourself and your goals. There is time for action and time for rest, and you must balance these two closely if you seek to master yourself.
A turtle’s memory is long, and thus you shall remember those who brought you up and kept you close. Your home is sacred and you must protect it and all who dwell therein, for they are your kin. Kinship is incredibly important, for the soul is not whole without friends and family.
I hope these tenets and beliefs lead any who choose to follow them to a better and more satisfying life, as I truly believe that if you master the Way of the Turtle, you will master yourself.
~Stefan Euler, the Turtle