Rye and the Worm Farm

[Aedon Durreah]

There was something odd in the air this day.
Late autumn had passed, and the first chill winds of winter blew across the worm farm.
Fred was used to this changing of the seasons, and knew that soon he and his kindred would move further underground to wait out the snows.
But these were not the same feeling that heralded the approaching winter.
These winds seemed sad and mournful. And there was an emptiness which took grip on Freds little worm heart.

And so, as the residents of the worm farm made ready for the long sleep, Fred lingered in the fields.
He looked back and forth, then turned his gaze down the road which led towards the land of the men.
The day drug on, and still Fred lay there looking and waiting.
He hoped to hear footfalls along the path,
Or catch sight of his longtime friend.

But afternoon passed, and the shadows of night fall stretched across the field.
And still he waited
As the moon rose high in the sky, and the stars peaked through the trees, he waited.
He was still there as the first rays of the new day reached out pushing the night before it.
He was so focused on the path, Fred did not hear the wings of the early bird as it flew in,
And landed on a rock just behind him.
When at last he turned and saw it sitting there watching him, Fred was filled with wonder.
Why am I still alive, he thought. Surely, I should already be a meal for this avian.
Fred turned fully, till he was facing the bird and spoke.
Go ahead, you caught me fair and square. Gobble me up.

To his surprise, the bird cocked its head to the side, and started singing the most beautiful song Fred had ever heard.
Even more surprising, Fred understood fully what the creature was saying.
Bowing his head, Fred said softly,
Though this news is sad, I am grateful to you for bringing it to me,
At least now I understand what the cold winds were trying to tell me.
The bird bowed his head, and then took to the sky.

Fred watched for a few moments, and then started towards his home.
The winter will come and pass, but as all things, the chill which touched my heart,
The loss of my friend will in time give way to happy memories of our times in the sun.
But though I know not to watch that path any more for friend to come,
Though all I know has told me that Rye is gone.
I know that in time, on another worm far from here
We will meet again.

[Tulenn]

Very poignant and touching, Aedon. Thank you for sharing.

[Hannariel/Brioney]

This made me cry. I'm going to miss Rye and the Freds.

[Corulin]

Beautifully written... it brought tears to my eyes. Thank you, Aedon.