Since the beginning, the gathering tree has been
the rendez-vous junction of the Merchants of the lands.
Prior to it’s current decor, it was a simple tree amongst
other trees around the Koguryo Stables, around the time
the twelve subpaths became official. The tree was a spot
for trading, and gambling for Merchant enthusiests, and
when it came time for the Great Shift to occur, and the
lands suddenly shifted… this lonesome tree stood strong,
and the men whom built the new Kugnae Gathering were unable
to cut the tree down. They were forced to build around
this stubborn tree.
This tree stands strong to this day in the gathering
of Koguryo, and the story behind the tree has been faded
away much like the color of it’s bark and once colorful
festive ribbons that hang from it. However, an old man
like myself has nothing better to do but watch and remember
these old things. . .
Before the Great Shift, it was just another tree.
Among the other trees near the stables, it was one which
most traders stood near as a meeting point. It became
known as the gathering tree, and it is convenient that it’s
new home is called Kugnae Gathering. The festive ribbons
were first placed on it as a marker for tradesmen to know
where to meet, and thus it became a tradition to throw your
scrap colored cloth and ribbons among the tree, much like
lovers leave their mark enscribed in it’s bark.
The symbolism of this tree is obvious. The amazing
strength in which it withstands no matter what. The tree
will not budge, and it’s proven this throughout time and
history. When the trees vanished throughout the land, this
was one of the few that remained. When the Great Shift
occurred, it was the only of it’s kinda in the area to
stay put. It is obvious it is strong, much like the guild.
The ribbons symbolize the memories in which we all
enjoy and create inside the guild. The treasure hunts,
the gambles, the effect we have on people’s lives everyday.
It’s color also represents and reminds us of the age our
guild is, and it is something we should be proud of.
The engravings on the side of the tree represent
the engraves which we give to our community. Personal and
professional, these engraves are priceless to them and
last forever on the bark of our tree.
And last, but not least, the tree itself as a
whole is a symbol. It’s roots visible to remind us of our
past and our “roots”. We must remember those before us.
The trunk, very strong and a great foundation for the rest
of the tree. The branches, like our types of Merchants,
such as Daredevil, Collector, etc… and finally the leaves.
The leaves being each and every one of us. But we’re all
connected, just as the tree is. And we’re all strong, just
as the tree always was.
The tree remains to be one of the mysteries in
this Kingdom, but now you know it’s history and how it is
a very important part of our guild. Represent and uphold
the honor and strength of the guild, and the tree shall
always stay alive.
Written by: Hermit