First Breaths of Eternity - part 13

First Breaths of Eternity - part 13. Liwen and the village say goodbye to Progenitor.

(Reminder, this is a WIP, there will be spelling and writing errors. | Join me for live writing streams on Twitch. | If you like what you see, consider supporting me on Ko-fi and/or Twitch so that I can continue making more content for you to enjoy. https://linktr.ee/GoldThornGuild)

(Note: I'm testing out different pronouns for Liwen, so you may see a mix of pronouns throughout this WIP.)

---

There were already a few people in the square when Liwen and Progenitor arrived shortly after breakfast. Some were eating at the tables and simply smiled at Progenitor when they arrived and others who had been talking together ran up to them in greeting.

"What a warm welcome," Progenitor smiled at the people around them, "I hope you haven't been waiting long. You better have eaten before coming here."

"Don't worry, we took care of everything we needed to before coming here," one of the ladies answered.

"Good. Now, shall we go sit down?"

Progenitor led the way to the stage where a large divan had been set up and covered with colorful sheets and pillows. They sat in the middle with Liwen on one side and the others sitting or standing around them.

Progenitor attentively listened and spoke with each person who approached them. It wasn't long before people started braiding flowers and ribbons into their hair as well. Others brought small gifts that they had made or grown.

Liwen watched quietly as each person came and went; observing how each person presented themselves and interacted with Progenitor. Occasionally Liwen would be brought into conversation by Progenitor or one of the villagers but for the most part Liwen passed the time quietly.

"Liwen, why don't you go eat?" Progenitor asked, "You must be getting hungry by now. You didn't even eat much at breakfast."

"But I don't want to leave you," Liwen said.

"I'll be here when you get back. I'll even keep your seat open for you."

Liwen didn't want to admit it but the smell of food that had been filling the square for a while now was making an empty stomach hard to ignore.

"Go eat. Don't want to miss out on all the food everyone has prepared for the occasion."

Finally, Liwen reluctantly nodded and stood up. "I'll be back soon."

"I'll be here."

"Liwen! Come eat," Jia said when she caught sight of Liwen wandering through the crowd.

"Thank you," Liwen said when Jia handed over a plate full of food.

"My pleasure. I just love events like this. It is always so nice when the village comes together to relax and enjoy everyone's company. Not that we don't enjoy people's company every day but it is still different on days like today."

"I agree," Liwen said.

Despite Progenitor saying to keep the gathering informal, it wasn't that much different from the celebration at Liwen's awakening. The main difference was that this one was in the morning and early afternoon and there was no music or dancing. There were slightly fewer people as well, though only slightly. Most people took the day, or at least the first half of it, off from work so that they could attend the gathering.

"For an informal gathering, I sure had to work a lot this morning," Edward said when he approached.

"Finished styling everyone's hair?" Jia asked as she prepared a plate of food for Edward.

"Yes, finally. It's a good thing I planned ahead and made time to do my side job today. It's not a celebration but my regulars will take any excuse for a styling. How are you doing Liwen?"

"I'm doing well," Liwen answered.

"Want to go sit down to eat?"

"Sure."

Edward led the way to some open spots at the end of a table and they sat down to eat the full plate of food that Jia had prepared.

"She definitely went overboard again," Edward commented, "Everyone appreciates her cooking of course but she really could restrain herself occasionally."

"I don't know," Liwen said, "I think it is kind of sweet how passionate everyone is. They didn't need to dress up or cook a bunch of food but they wanted to so they did."

"I guess you make a fair point. What have you been up to? Have you been enjoying yourself?"

"I've just been sitting with Progenitor but I have been enjoying it."

"Good to hear."

"I didn't really want to leave their side but the food smelled so good that I couldn't ignore my hunger anymore..."

"Eating and taking care of yourself are important. Progenitor wouldn't want you to ignore your wellbeing for anything."

"I know."

"They won't be leaving for a while yet, so you still have time."

"Were you sad when Progenitor left after your awakening?"

"Yes, of course. But it's not as bad to be apart as you think it will be."

"That's what everyone keeps saying but I still can't imagine what it will be like."

"You'll be fine. And we are all here for you if you need any help."

"Thanks."

Once they finished eating, Edward cleaned up their plates and Liwen returned to the divan where Progenitor was lounging surrounded by people talking to them, listening to them, or decorating their hair. Progenitor smiled at Liwen and held out a hand. The people sitting around them made space to allow Liwen to sit right next to them. Liwen was both touched and embarrassed by the attention.

"Think nothing of it," Progenitor said, "They've all been in your position before and know how much you need to be near me right now."

Liwen nodded and leaned against Progenitor. Progenitor smiled down at Liwen and then returned their attention to the conversations around them.

~~~

"I think it is time for me to go," Progenitor said at last.

Everyone sitting around them moved back to give them space to stand and those standing around the divan sat down so that Progenitor stood out clearly on the stage.

"Thank you everyone for your affection and attention while I've been here," Progenitor said to everyone in the square, "It has been a wonderful stay as always and I am always so happy to spend time with all of you. Thank you as well for being so warm and welcoming to my newest beloved. I know Liwen will be well loved and cared for here.

"As much as I love it here, I must be going now. I am needed elsewhere and you have your own journeys and adventures to go on without me. But of course we will never truly be apart, my beloved. I am always with you. I love you all and am so proud of you. I will visit again when I can but in the meantime keep blossoming and caring for each other like you always do."

Progenitor then turned and held a hand out to Liwen. "Come with me, Liwen. I have a few last things to tell you before I depart."

Liwen stood and took Progenitor's hand. In a sort of nervous daze Liwen followed Progenitor into their house overlooking the square.

"Liwen, relax," Progenitor said as they gently placed their hands over Liwen's ears.

Liwen hadn't realized how overstimulated zey felt until Progenitor removed the audible stimulus and lessened the visual stimulus by bringing zem inside away from all the sights and people out in the square. Liwen let out a shaky breath and nodded.

The two of them stood like that for a moment then Progenitor moved their hands to Liwen's shoulders.

"I know this is hard and confusing for you right now," they said gently, "You are used to having me by your side and are nervous about being without me but I promise that you will be fine. You won't be alone because you have the village to support you and you have my love and spirit with you always. So do not be afraid. You will do amazing things when I am gone."

Liwen nodded, knowing that Progenitor was telling the truth even if it was hard to believe or imagine.

"See, you are doing so well already," Progenitor said as they pet Liwen's hair, "You are amazing and beautiful. I can't wait to see what you become."

"Can't you already see what I become? You know what my future holds."

"That's true," Progenitor chuckled, "But that's besides the point. I know what you become but I want to see it in-person like everyone else does. I want to see it in your smile, in your voice, in the way you move. I want to see it in the stories you tell me when I visit again and the stories about you that I hear from other people as well. So, go out and write your story."

"I'll do my best."

"That's all that is required. Though don't feel like you need to start today. If you need to take a day or two to adjust after my departure then be sure to do that. Take care of yourself no matter what, alright?"

"Got it. I won't push myself too hard."

"Excellent. And never forget that you are my precious beloved."

"I won't," Liwen smiled.

Progenitor leaned forward and kissed Liwen's forehead.

"I have loved every moment I have spent with you," Progenitor said as they straightened up and took a step back, "But I must be going now. I love you. Think of me when we are apart and you will never feel alone. Goodbye for now, my precious beloved."

Progenitor smiled affectionately as they were surrounded by shimmering spots of light like a cloud of gold and sliver fireflies. They became fully consumed by the light and when the light faded Liwen was alone in the house.

It took a moment before Liwen could move or respond at all to what had happened. Cautiously, Liwen took a deep breath and looked around. Progenitor really was gone... The house felt so empty without them in it. It was like part of Liwen's world was missing.

"Think of me when we are apart..."

Liwen remembered the Progenitor's words and followed them. As soon as an image of Progenitor entered Liwen's mind, a sense of warmth and completeness entered as well. Liwen gasped in surprise at the feeling and then smiled.

"So this is what they meant," Liwen said, "it is hard to describe, but it really does feel like I am still connected to Progenitor. I'm the only one here but I don't feel alone. I feel Progenitor's warmth and love even though they are far away."

Liwen let out a relieved sigh and smiled.

"Thank you, Progenitor. I'll do my best to make sure I have a new name and lots of stories to tell you when I see you again. I love you, now and always."