Beyond Eternity

DAY 12, AFTERNOON

“Well, that’s also where the story ends.” Claudia said, stretching her arms. “That took a while.”

Lucas, having listened intently, understood just what “eternity” meant.

“I see, so you stayed here, all alone for ages... It must've felt hopeless.”

Claudia, looking at him playfully, replied. “Oh? Are you at a loss for words? You often say and describe a lot whenever you get new information, shouldn't you be like 'it must've felt awful, having a repetitive, gray life for such a long time, I cannot even begin to comprehend of the pain you felt, blah blah blah.’ aren't you usually like that?”

“Ah, yes, you're right.” replied Lucas, “I just feel sad is all.”

“Although you’re sad for me, I am happy you know?” Said Claudia, still with her playful tune.

“And why is that?”

“Because you're here, that is all.”

“I'm glad I can help put you at ease.” Lucas said, revealing a faint smile.

“Well aren't you being melodramatic right now Lucas? I'm more than just 'at ease', I'm overjoyed just by having you here! It’s like I'm actually living for real now!” Claudia said, in a cheerful tone with a noticeable redness on her cheeks.

She pulled Lucas into a hug. She let a short moment pass before speaking once more. The boy was flustered and remained silent for the whole time.

“Thank you.” She said and let go.

“Well, that’s that, I would like to hear yours this time Lucas! But first, to the balcony!”

exclaimed Claudia.

“Sure, why not?” Lucas said in response, shyness in his voice as he averted his gaze from her.

“But my story.” He said.

“Hmm?” She replied.

“Might have to wait… Till tomorrow!”

“Wait what? Why?! I was looking forward to hearing yours after I’ve told mine.” She pouted.

“Which is exactly why I have decided to wait till the next morning before we resume, it’s getting late after all, and it’s probably better to take all this information in bit by bit rather than as a whole. Well, at least this way, I can organize my thoughts and better understand the words I’ll say tomorrow.” He teased.

“You used my very words against me.” Replied Claudia. Lucas only stuck out his tongue.

 The pair walked and climbed the stairs, that eventually led to the castle balcony.

“May I ask one more thing Claudia?” Asked Lucas.

“Of course, ask away.” replied Claudia.

“Well,” He continued. “shouldn't there be more signs of the civil war that happened here? Or did you clean up everything?”

“Yes, I did,” Claudia said, “I, my parents and the queen too, for the time they were alive, we buried the dead, cleaned the island off of the signs of the war and more, we didn't like to live in such a deathly atmosphere you know?”

“Figures.” said Lucas.

By the time he said this, both of them had already reached the balcony, Claudia now leaning on her back at its railings and Lucas standing right in front of her. The balcony, like most of the island, had been overgrown with vines, moss and other plant life, however it was still a pretty sight, rather, those features only added to its beauty. It was sunset then, and beyond where the girl stood was the sight of a vast, orange tinted sea along with clouds of pink and purple and skies of yellow, orange and scarlet.

They just stared there, watching as the sun slowly receded out of sight.

“I’ve always looked at this sky, I would stare at it for hours watching as it changed colors, until the stars appeared.” Said Claudia. “But somehow, now, the very sight of it has been given new meaning.”

“And why would that be?” Lucas asked.

“Perhaps because now, I have someone to share it to?” She answered. “I’m not so certain.”

“Well, human beings are social creatures after all.” He replied.

“I guess you’re right.”

“About that Claudia.”

“Hmm?”

“How… Did you hold up all these years?”

“Well, it wasn’t so hard having to adapt to life alone, I just needed to learn how to hunt and—”

“What I mean is, how did your mind handle all that?”

“What… Do you mean?”

“Humans tend to be really restless when they’re alone, and prolonged solitude can cause bad effects to a person’s mind, at worst, they become insane.”

“Is that so…? Then do you think I’m insane Lucas?”

“No, definitely not, which is exactly why I’m asking how you retained yourself.”

“Well, like I said, I wasn’t completely alone at first with the queen and all, and for the rest of the time, I kept myself busy with a lot of things, painting, writing, exploring, sewing, cleaning and the like.”

“But you had no one to talk to.”

“But I talk to the animals.”

“It’s not like they answer you back though is it?”

“But… They do.”

“Wait what?”

“Yeah, I can interpret the sounds they make in our very languages, want me to try telling you what Lo or the birds says one of these days?”

“You never mentioned you could do that before!”

“But, tamers do that don’t they?”

“No they don’t Claudia, no tamer in history ever could. They only trained animals, not speak with them like they were people.”

“Oh.”

“Alright, I’m convinced, being immortal somehow allows you to talk to animals as well, case closed. Well, at least it’s good to know that with their help, your mind didn’t get warped after all this time.”

“Well, who knows? Maybe it is…”

“This might sound like a dark question Claudia.”

“Well, ask away.”

“But have you ever been so lonely you thought of killing yourself.”

“No! Why would I want that?”

“I was just thinking maybe you’ve lost all hope of saving and at some point thought of that.”

“Ah, then it appears you misunderstand some things Lucas. When I say I talk to animals, I mean it, I communicate with them as though they’re people and they give me their responses. It’s true that I wanted to leave but…”

“But what?”

“Even stronger than that desire of mine, I knew I had to stay alive.”

“And why is that.”

“I was told to wait for someone, you see, both the queen and my parents told me so.”

“Do you know who this someone is?”

“Nope, not a clue, but I’m inclined to think it’s you Lucas!”

“And why is that?”

“Maybe because you suddenly arrived in this island?”

“I don’t think it’s me, if there’s someone you’re waiting for, that person should know that you’re here to begin with, and yet I don’t. Besides, I’m still uncertain I can help you leave.”

“Well, I’m in no rush, I also wouldn’t mind if you just stayed here with me.” She said and smiled.

“Everything you’ve told me up until now was so weird, but despite all that, I’m now certain that you aren’t insane Claudia.”

“Thank you Lucas.”

The sun had finally vanished, and the first few stars began appearing.

“That’s our cue.” Claudia said. “Let’s head back.”

The pair returned and prepared themselves a meal, this time, Lucas helped out with the cooking.

“That’s still raw.” Claudia said, pointing at the chunk of meat he pulled out the fire.

“Some garlic could make this taste better.” Said Lucas. “Would there happen to be any around here?”

“There should be some around the garden outside.” She replied. “Would you mind getting a few then?”

“Of course.” He said as he walked away.

Lucas returned, and the pair resumed their work at the kitchen, through it all, they talked together, laughed together, and prepared the dishes together.”

“Yes, this feels like fine cuisine.” Lucas remarked as he spoke in an accent.

“Why thank you, master chef, your guidance had taught me many things today.” Replied Claudia, playing along.

“Oh, no, it should be I who would be thanking you! You are young yet incredibly talented! Your passion and vigor bring joy to this old fool’s heart.” He continued.

“I am overjoyed at your praise sire, but shouldn’t we be taste testing by now? Otherwise, it would grow cold and hard as we speak.”

“Oh yes, indeed! I almost forgot, I must be growing senile.”

Lucas took a bite out from his plate, so did Claudia soon after. While eating, they resumed their act, eventually consuming what they had, but they hardly noticed and kept talking late into the night.

It was at the first yawn of Claudia that both of them realized how long they took.

“I suppose it is getting late, I never realized.” Lucas said.

“Me neither.” She replied.

“Then I suppose this is goodnight?”

“Yeah, but remember, it’s your turn tomorrow to tell your story okay? Don’t you forget.”

“Who? Me? I shall never!” He said, again with an accent. Claudia merely laughed.

“Goodnight!” She said as they went their separate ways. They both waved their hands at each other until neither was within sight of the other.

As they lay in bed, happy thoughts swirled around their minds, they likely never noticed themselves, but they were smiling until they were no longer awake.