Land of Light

The snow trickled down from the dark heavens above. The streets were quiet, and mostly dark. People were in their homes, resting up for the New Year, and recovering from Christmas.

It was almost midnight, and the lights slowly were distinguished one by one as the power was cut.

On the one dark street, a lamp post stood, all regal. Its lights were slowly flickering, but not enough to shine some light into the dark night. It stood in the middle of a circle, a road going all around it.

Many people had lain their eyes on it as they rounded the circle to drive down one of the four roads. But, none of them knew the true power behind the lamp post.

The lights started flickering a little brighter as the shuffling of feet approached. A cane was heard, hitting against the cobblestone.

An aged man appeared, clinging tightly to a little girl’s hand. She was walking on his left side, allowing him to use his other hand to hold the cane that helped to steady him.

His hair was as white as the snow, standing a little statically in different directions. His spectacles were hooked on to the pocket of his jacket, within ease of reach. His fading green eyes sparkled with excitement, but they also showed the last flicker of life left in him.

His brown fur coat hung heavily on his body, but protected him against the cold. His cane was strong and sturdy, splattered with touches of gold.

The little girl by his side was something else. Many people had laughingly asked if she was a little pixie, and in her life she had been teased plenty, by the jealous, because of her appearance.

She was very slim and thin, considering that she was only five years old. Her black hair fell down onto her shoulders, a tease of a curl in the strands.

Her green eyes shone like emeralds; they were also full of life and excitement. Her nose was a little pointed, but very petite. She had a petite oval-shaped face, rosy cheeks, and a small mouth. When she smiled, a dimple appeared on each cheek. Her ears were slightly pointed, to the surprise and chagrin of her family.

She clung like a nervously excited child to her great-grandfather. Her coat dragged in the snow, adding even more white to the edge of the fur.

Both the old man and little girl reached the lamp post. By now, the light was growing stronger and stronger. The luminance reached out farther and farther, brighter and brighter.

“Nia, we are going to go there now, okay?” He huffed out, and then coughed. “Don’t be scared. The Luminians are good people. Like their country, they are bright and friendly.”

“Yes, Great-grandfather.” She said timidly, her eyes wide.

He let go of her and reached out his weathered left hand, resting it against the post. “Luminia, Lantin ofen Lumin, welkomen wene.” He muttered.

The whole post started glowing golden bright, and both closed their eyes.

“A new year. And after this celebration, I can die in peace.” He mumbled, before the ground underneath them seemed to vanish and they started floating.

Luminia, Land of Light, had their new year celebration on December 28, for the humans. It only happened every five years, though. Every five human years counted as one year for the Luminians.

If the doctors say I’m dying, then I must be dying. But I won’t die in this godforsaken world. I’ll die with the people of my heart. The old man thought, floating in the air. And Luminia will take over from me. She’ll come back home, but she will be there for the Luminians too. If only the children will accept my last wish.

A small prick of light flickered in front of his eyes. It grew bigger and bigger until a young woman appeared. Her black hair fell down to her feet. Her amethyst eyes glimmered. The rest of her body seemed to be covered in light, though. She smiled at him.

“Lumis, she is only five. And she is a girl. She won’t be able to do it. You expect too much of her.” The soft voice floated towards him.

And I am a hundred and twenty, Lucia. I’m too old and she’s too young. Which one is the right choice. She is, trust me...You don’t know her, dear. She’s perfect for this. You wait and see. He promised. Her smile drooped as she looked on him sadly and then sighed.

“If you say so, Lumis. But your time is over...I’m really sorry about that.” She seemed to step even closer, and then she leaned over. A soft kiss fell on his cheek. “Rest now.” She said before disappearing again, but he saw the tears in her eyes.

I love you, Lucia. Take care of my little girl...

“I will...” The voice whispered, before the darkness folded in around him, and he fell into an abyss.