In Singular Blessedness
He sat there in the candlelight, awaiting his four companions.
The first to come was the Perfect Soldier, with his wars behind him.
All battles but one fought and won. He nodded a silent greeting and
sat in the candlelight
"I've missed you friend." the first asked his returned friend. "It
is good to see you again. Will you stay a bit, for I am lonely."
The Perfect Soldier nodded, never one for words, and the one who
called him friend was glad.
The second to come was Shinigami, both servant of darkness and keeper
of light. Death and beauty entwined forever into a single form even
as his hair was entwined in a long chestnut braid.
"Please stay and chat a while, friend. I have missed you and I am
glad that you have come."
"I shall stay, and I shall chat." was Shinigami's reply. "For you I
have always loved and I am as glad of your company as you are of
mine."
And a kiss was exchanged, so soft it was barely felt, like the kiss
of wind rather than of human lips. And Shinigami sat, too, in the
candlelight.
The third was the clown, the tamer of beasts. His tent folded now,
forever, his make-ups sealed in the past where they collected cobwebs
now five-years-old.
"Please join us," the quiet man offered, "there is room a-plenty and
I should be glad of company such as yours."
And the clown sat beside the Soldier and Shinigami, there, in the
candlelight, and he took out a small flute and played upon it a song,
sweet and sad and the silent one joined in with his violin until at
last the Dragon came.
And the Dragon, the one who battled in Justice's noble name, came to
the candle light and requested that he might be given a seat at that
table.
"Yes, come sit." said the gentle one. "For I have room for you, too,
at my table this night. I have missed you, as well as the others, and
desire your company also."
"You shall not be lonely for very much longer." Shinigami told him
gently. "Three more years shall we come, three more years shall
these reunions take place, and then when that third reunion ends, you
shall go with us, and never again shall we be apart."
And they sat, the five of them, and spoke of the last five years. Of
all they had seen and done since that fateful day so long ago. Of
things whose wonder words cannot convey. And of friendship
everlasting.
They each touched the gentle one, caressing him and loving him and
making love to him until he trembled and cried out with joy and
rapture and passion so glorious it must be felt to be understood. And
when it was done, Shinigami blew out the candle and the room became
utterly dark.
The gentle one struck a match and lit the candle. It had been but a
second, but he was now, once again alone.
In singular blessedness.
-----Owari-----