TLDR;
This story follows a traveler's journey to an island, his interactions with its queen and inhabitants, and his eventual departure. The traveler reflects on his past, confronts his flaws, and experiences a sense of renewal and acceptance before returning home.
- A traveler arrives on an island after a long sea journey, reflecting on his changed appearance and past hardships.
- He encounters the queen and her companions, who remind him of his past and offer him hospitality.
- The traveler revisits places from his childhood, confronts his memories, and finds a sense of peace and acceptance.
- He departs from the island, leaving behind the queen and her companions, and begins his journey home.
Arrival and Reflection [0:04]
After a long voyage, a weary traveler arrives on a shore, stepping out of his small boat. He is gaunt from rowing and hunger, his appearance altered by the journey. His clothes are tattered, and his hair is long and curly. Despite the hardships etched on his face, his eyes remain clear and alert, reflecting the countless nights spent searching the stars and the sea. He is happy to see land after a long time.
Exploring the Island [2:30]
The traveler is filled with joy as he inhales the scent of meadow and soil, setting foot on the earth. He explores the island, passing through fields of grass and bushes, and finds a path leading into a forest. The path is adorned with a garland of flowers, which he removes and wears. He enters a clearing with marble benches and continues along the trail, eventually reaching a garden with colorful flower beds and a white marble building.
Dreams and Awakening [7:47]
The traveler rests on a bench in the garden, falling asleep and experiencing vivid dreams of past storms and loneliness. He hears sounds of cities he left behind and vague memories of childhood songs. Awakening to bright sunlight, he sees young girls playing with a golden ball and is reminded of his childhood.
Encounter with the Queen [10:51]
The traveler emerges from the bushes, startling the girls. He meets a tall, beautiful woman, whom he recognizes as the queen. Overwhelmed by her purity, he feels ashamed of his past mistakes and bad habits. The queen questions his presence and reminds him of the gifts and lessons she had given him in his youth, which he had misused.
Confronting the Past [16:40]
The traveler admits to his past failings, explaining that he lost his way when he was away from the queen. He expresses his desire to return the purple cloth she had given him, feeling unworthy of wearing it. The queen reveals that she knows him well and has always been there for him. She acknowledges his hatred of the cities and temples, but recognizes his growing desire to see her during his journey.
Acceptance and Hospitality [18:30]
The queen invites the traveler to be her guest and live under her care once again. She introduces him to her companions, who are all beautiful women he has known in his life, each possessing a unique quality that once attracted him. The queen embodies the combined beauty of all the women.
Memories and Recognition [20:10]
As night falls, the traveler sits near the queen and sings a song about his first childhood love. He recognizes the women around him, each reminding him of different aspects of his past. The queen asks if he was happier than others during those times, and he acknowledges that he was.
Rest and Renewal [21:46]
The queen offers the traveler wine and a place to rest, assuring him that her house will take care of his sleep. He is led to a room with carvings depicting Wisdom, Moderation, Justice, and Courage, which calm his troubled mind. He falls asleep, dreaming about the figures.
Revisiting the Past [23:08]
The traveler wakes up refreshed and is greeted by Frau, who invites him to walk the paths they used to walk together. They revisit familiar places, and the traveler is filled with comfort and nostalgia. Frau reminds him of their past conversations and the songs he once wanted to write.
The Last Summer Dream [25:02]
Frau tells the traveler that he is experiencing his last summer dream, filled with memories and wishes. She encourages him to listen to the sounds of the wind and fill his eyes with the colors of the leaves, as he will miss them when he goes away. She assures him that his songs will find him again.
Pond of Memories [27:58]
The traveler wakes up early and sets off down a path leading into an old forest. He arrives at a familiar valley with a pond where he spent hours in his childhood. He reflects on his past dreams and the knowledge he gained in an old building behind the hill. He hesitates to visit the building, fearing that it will shatter the beautiful picture he has in his mind.
Fortune and Acceptance [31:31]
The traveler returns to the garden, where the queen and her friends are sharing fruit. He emerges from behind the bushes and is offered a fruit by a woman named Fortune. He accepts the fruit, calling her Fortuner. They all share a meal together, and the girls tease Fortuner.
Childhood Memories [33:40]
A girl tells the traveler old stories from his life, reminding him of his childhood. The queen asks if he remembers Blue's story from his childhood. He recalls a time when he wanted to be called Bluedale and felt embarrassed when his friend shouted the name outside his house.
The Queen's Knowledge [34:52]
The queen reveals that she knows about his visit to the forest and the pond, and that she used to see him wandering alone. She acknowledges that it was the best and the saddest time of his life. She says that she knew he would come back young again and with new sadness.
Music and Departure [36:07]
The queen shows the traveler a musical instrument and asks him to play it. He plays tunes from his childhood and a melody of Schoppa. The queen takes him to a palace near the sea, where there is a painting of a garden and fountain. She reveals that Hariyostu, a harp player, visits her sometimes. The queen places a branch of flowers in his boat and bids him goodbye, knowing that he will come back again.
Return Home [37:51]
A big wave sweeps the traveler's boat away. He waves goodbye to the queen and begins his lonely journey home, guided by the stars.