Canlanma Street Level, Story 10
Story 10
"Two more days of Night, Andrea." She looks to her partner. Her partner Andrea slowly sloshes a sphere of ice in her lemonade as she stares into the fireplace. Nadia recalls that look from the last Cycle of Night. The lost in thought stare that proceeds the upcoming transition. Nadia sets down a dinner of lamb and potatoes next to her and gives Andrea a kiss on the top of her head. She leaves the room and enters a cozier room lined with books. Nadia sits down at the desk and taps the floating cube in the center. The cube spins and becomes transparent.
"166 Day of the 102 Cycle of Night. Today is the beginning transition for Andrea's Elder status. I recall my own transition from the last Cycle of Night. I had to teach my best worker how to run the looms and the business. I can't imagine how or to who Andrea taught her secrets of metal and fire. I just hope it is someone who can continue her blacksmithing shop as well as she did.
"I watched her as she gave the business over. She seemed so happy to hand over all of the duties to that other lass in the business. Even gave her an axe as a symbol of the transition. Now she has been sent the final forms to solidify everything for the rest of our lives. Thanks to me, we already picked our home and are well-settled. The house we picked feels as comfy if not more comfy than we did in the inner city. Ludum's outer area is more open to the normal hum of life compared to the inner city area where all the shops buzz.
"As the status dictates, we can still make things as gifts or for donations, but official business is done. All of our hard labor is done, thank the Guides. We have done our share and now we have the rewards: a peaceful home, time to restore our minds and hearts before our inevitable passing, and the respect of all in recognition for our hard work. Oh, and the free basic needs that our Royals and the Creator give us. That perk is rather nice.
"Today and tomorrow will be hard for my darling Andrea. Having to hand your life's work to a new generation of our society is difficult. Agonizing. But just as our Elders had to hand over their work to maintain and progress, so must we. It will be beautiful to see the progress our work will contribute to. It is sort of thrilling to think of all the possibilities. I really hope it all goes well. But first, I must help Andrea transition, just as she did last Cycle of Night. It should be easier this time around."
Andrea creeps into the room and kisses Nadia on the cheek. Nadia taps the cube again. The cube shrinks and turns opaque. Nadia gets up and hugs Andrea in the stillness. "I'm surprised to see you out of your chair." Nadia chuckles.
Andrea joins in the chuckle. "It took a hot meal, but I did. I was debating on if that chair would be comfy enough to sleep in." Nadia buries her face in Andrea's chest. "Oh, don't worry, dear. It was mostly a passing thought. I would rather spend my nights in our luxurious bed with you."
"I'm glad." Nadia replies.
They spend the rest of the night with books and each other. It is the life they wanted, after all. Being at peace and content at home, with all of the time they need to relax and enjoy the little things.