Wednesday has come around again, and I’m happy to present this week’s flash fiction.
The Ageless One’s life was ending. Unlike the rest of Eldanith Kingdom, Tristine watched him standing at edge plains, waving his hands as if conducting an orchestra instead of awaiting his doom.
“You might as well approach, child,” the Ageless One said.
Tristine swallowed. Of course he’d spotted her. His perception was renowned. Stepping from behind a stone pillar, she stood in the day’s full light scowling. “You’re dying.”
The Ageless One stilled, his expression gentling. “It’s a part of life.”
“But you’re ageless.”
He sighed at her forlorn statement. “Ageless, yes, but not immortal.” Waving his hand, a stone outcropping appeared, forming a bench. He sat and patted next to him. “Sit with me for a bit?”
Tristine sniffed but plopped next to him. “What are you doing?” she asked, examining the undisturbed field.
The Ageless One laughed, the sound more mirthful than it had right to be. “You know, you’re the first who’s asked. And so, I’ll tell you. I’m building a road.”
Tristine started. She hadn’t expected that. “A road?”
He nodded. “For the next Ageless One. They’ll have a path to follow, unlike me.”
Tristine frowned. “But only an ageless can see it.”
“True.” His words were heavy with a sigh.
“Then no one can use it.”
The Ageless One nodded, leaning against the bench. “So, it would appear.”
“Then why build it?” Tristine demanded, frustrated.
“Hope,” The Ageless One said. “I build it because I hope.”
Tristine frowned at the empty field, pondering his words. A rainbow blossomed in the green grass.
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