wizen
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The old man looked like a skeleton. Maybe a ghoul. Just a bunch of bones wrapped in a layer of dry skin. His eyes were milky white, and it was clear he had no teeth left. The click of his cane on the stone floor was the only sound. Even with the help of the tool, his steps were slow and halting. He walked with a noticeable limp and a hunch. All together, the man looked ready to drop dead at any second.
He looked around the room. There was only one other person in it. A person who was not sure if they could be seen by the old man. The younger man sat still and silent as his elder slowly looked around.
“You there?” The old man eventually asked. His voice was thin and weak.
“Yes, elder. I am here.” The young man asked. He spoke loud and clear, giving the old man time to recognize the words.
“Ah, yes, I see you now. I think.”
The old man was looking slightly to the left of where the young man was actually sitting. But it was close enough.
“So, you ready for this?” The elder asked.
“I…no, elder. No I am not. I know it is an honorable duty. Worthy of only the best. But I am scared.”
The old man nodded. Or at least, he tried to. His head barely moved. “That’s understandable. What you’re about to go through is not something everyone can handle. The fact that you showed up at all is a sign of your bravery and loyalty. You will be honored properly when this is all done.”
“Yes, elder. I know that. But still. This…are you sure this is right? I know this is our tradition, and how we have always done things. But I still wonder. Maybe there is a better way? A different way that can be just as good.”
The elder’s eyes closed, and he took a long breath. “I used to wonder that exact thing. I still do. Quite often, actually. But the thing about new ideas is that very few like them. At least at first. People will argue and fight about them. New ways can tear our people apart.”
“So then there is no way to progress? No way to change? Are we destined to stay the same forever?”
“No, no. Of course not. The thing about new ideas is that you cannot bring them out all at once. You have to lead up to them. Make a few tiny, easy changes every so often. Build it up slowly over time and people won’t even know change has happened. But for that to work, you need some form of stability. Something that stays the same throughout, so that nobody complains about it.”
“I see. And that’s where this comes from? Giving people that one form of eternal stability?”
“Of course, lad. Do you think our people are the same as they were when we were founded? No, of course not. The other elders and I are the glue that holds us together while we bring forth new ideas and practices over lifetimes. But we cannot do it alone. We need young men like you. Men willing to go through the process. Do you understand?”
“I think so. Thank you elder.”
“So? Shall we begin?”
The young man took a long, deep breath. He felt the air in his lungs and blood in his veins. He nodded. The elder did not react.
“Yes, elder. I am.”
“Good, good.”
The elder held out a gnarled, shaking hand. The young man took it. Both closed their eyes and began to change. The elder stood straighter. The deep wrinkles in his skin smoothed. His thin hair grew and darkened. His flesh filled out, gaining the size and form of youth.
The younger man, however, looked like he was drying out. His flesh sagged and shriveled. His bones creaked and shrunk. His teeth and hair fell out. It was as if he aged a hundred years in an instant.
When the process was finished, the elder opened his eyes. They were now clear and sharp. He opened his mouth, showing a full set of teeth. The younger man, now a dried out husk, fell, and did not move.
The revitalized elder spoke in a deep, strong voice. “Don’t worry, you will be honored in death. And your sacrifice will not be in vain.”
He turned and left the room, tucking his cane under his arm. He would keep it close for the next time he needed it.
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Not much to say right now, so I'll just end it here.
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