When I first came up with the concept of Immortal Monday, my thought was to eventually share a running storyline about immortals. Let’s face it, I am a story-teller. I’m doing my best to be an excellent blogger for you, but I often feel like I fall on my face. Can you see the visual? Anyway, Immortal Monday has seen some pretty good success as it stands. The Gods are rather popular and I hope the Fae are equally as interesting.
Today, I want to do something a little different. Last week I ran across Words in Sync by Shah Wharton. The picture prompt provided immediately inspired something in me, moving me to write without hesitation. To participate in the challenge one needs to write a poem or prose between 20 and 700 words. This piece, although finished in time, was not posted in time to participate. I thought it would be fun to share with you anyway. This was my first experience with Flash Fiction. It’s possible I am hooked. Tell me why you think this piece fits Immortal Monday. If this picture inspires you to write, we’d love for you to share. Below is my piece.
Image by the very talented Jeff Clow
River of Remembrance
He had hoped to never return. To never set eyes on its seductive terrain. It is possible others find comfort in the soft, subtle landscape. The long flowing grass, large weeping branches hanging from the trees, and smooth glossy waters. Somehow, the doubt is strong that he ever will. To say goodbye, yet again, is beyond painful.
Carefully, as if the slightest shake may cause it to shatter, he set the rose afloat upon the River of Remembrance. A hundred years had passed since he last stood here. Age had not made it easier. Soft, like her skin had been, it slipped from his fingers. The blushing colors of the rose petals reflected on the water’s surface, forever saving her memory in that quiet place.
Forever. That’s what they should have had together – a true forever. Their love was to know no end. Now she was gone and he was…what? A fate far worse than hers. Trapped in forever dying, never able to join her in what lies beyond. He watched as the rose drifted across the river’s surface, joining with other buds, left for nameless lost souls. There was no room for sorrow, not in what he now was. Sealing it away, he surrendered to his kismet. An eternity without her would be hardly anything more than suffering upon languish.
As the cluster of flowers sailed out of sight he caught a glimpse of her brilliant rose blossom and silently wished for a miracle.
~oOo~
Speaking of immortals… we were speaking of immortals, weren’t we? Alright, maybe I only teased. But how can I let you go without giving you something – a nibble at least.
We talked about one type of fae last week and I’ve made mention of one of my favorite elves in past posts. In actuality, these terms are originally found in German and Scandinavian folklore, where elves were considered a very mysterious race from the beginning of time. Today they’re viewed more as supernatural beings, that mainly look human.
They were worshipped in nature – in trees, waterfalls and mountains. It might surprise you to know that the term elf is often used as a general term for faerie. Want to know more? If this is a topic of interest, elves can easily invade a future Immortal Monday.
~oOo~
Wonderful story, and a perfect illustration of why I would not want to be immortal. I get it that the main character thought his soulmate was also immortal, and that makes it all the more interesting as we wonder why he thought this – and why wasn’t she?
And yes, please write more about elves! I didn’t know this was a catch-all term for fae, although it fits with the elves my cousin writes (fantasy author Sheri L. McGathy).
Indeed he did, Jennette. Was she immortal our wasn’t she? If so, why did she die? So many questions. These characters have been with me a long time but it may be longer before you get the answer to those questions.
I didn’t know about the elf and fae relation until I started looking into it and found it and multiple sources.
Beautiful flash fiction! I love how you captured his grief in such a poetic way…
T thank you, Susie. I do grief well. 🙂
This perfectly illustrates the often overlooked problem with being immortal when others around you aren’t.
Thank you, Marcy. Being immortal definitely has its down side.
That is a wonderful story. The imagery and emotion that it conjures up is simply beautiful. I could read it again and again. Very powerful, thank you for sharing it.
Ooh, Alex, I can’t tell you how much your words mean to me. Thank you. And thank you for stopping by. 🙂
Beautiful image and story. I’m sad now. I hope he gets his miracle!
Then I have written the part well. I’m glad you liked it Melinda! Thanks for stopping in.
I love this line: “As the cluster of flowers sailed out of sight he caught a glimpse of her brilliant rose blossom and silently wished for a miracle.” And I’m eager to learn more about those elf/faeries. 😉
Ah, I’m glad you like that line. I can see it so clearly in my mind. Thank you, August.
I love the photo and how it inspired you. I particularly like the phrase “seductive terrain.” Very nice.
Elves are faeries? Faeries are elves? I’m intrigued.
Patricia Rickrode
w/a Jansen Schmidt
Isn’t it a beautiful picture? It’s funny how you may never know a part of your story exists until something like this picture prompts it.
Yeah, elves and faeries – who knew? 😀
Gorgeous story! I want him to not have an eternity of suffering.
Definitely post more on elves. And faeries. And then more elves. 😉
Well, it looks like the fantastical creatures have it. Elves and Fae will invade future Immortal Mondays.
The poor guy. You don’t want me to put him through an eternity of suffering? But what if he is the bad guy?
wonderful story, Debra. that photo prompt is an incredible photo. well done. nice change of pace.
Thank you, Louise. I simply fell in love with the picture. It really is incredible, isn’t it? Glad you liked the change of pace. Slowed down my usual IM. But then, I’m away so it could be a combination of things. It’s a hard thing to judge under the circumstances.
Being immortal is not easy 🙂
Lovely story, Debra. You captured the sadness in such a poetic way. You should do flash fiction more often!
Thank you, Fabio. I really appreciate that, a lot. There’s a good chance I will. I see it as a great exercise and a chance for more people to see my true writer’s voice. Thank you for stopping in.
Your story is beautiful and inspires me to write!! Thank you for sharing with us:)
That’s one of the nicest things anyone could say. Thank you, Kara. I’m so glad you liked it. 🙂
This was great! Loved that little bit of flash fiction. I’m really starting to get into it, too. And that picture is BEAUTIFUL. I think I may write something about it myself. 🙂
Thank you, Karen. I’m glad you liked it. If you write something to this picture be sure to share! We all want to read it. 🙂
Very nice piece!
I see in the above replies that the elves will visit us again. I’m looking forward to it.
Laura
Thank you, Laura. I beleive we will have elves in the near future. 🙂 Thanks for visiting!
Absolutely beautiful! I can’t wait to read more of your stories…flash fiction or otherwise. 🙂
Thank you, Kristy. That means a lot to me.