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Chapter 13: Where Lily Pads Make Sounds & A Cousin Is More Than Just a Cousin

9/16/2016

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Though I believe existence to be eternal--and also Love to be eternal--even the most wonderful parties come to an end, as ours eventually did inside the Sacred Pub. As with moth things in Interterrestria, there was no way for me to know how long our celebration had lasted as we welcomed home Andrew and Casey the Cardinal. I suspected it had been  at least a few Earth days, but perhaps even a bit more than that. 

My lovely gatekeeper Raven and Edwin had already headed back to their posts inside my sacred garden, and Casey and Cousin Eddie the Raven were not too far behind them, apparently discussing proper security and monitoring of the garden's perimeter. Andrew, Caesar Emeritus, and myself were the last three to leave the Sacred Pub, and we walked slowly toward the Library Tree in the heart of the Xanadu Forest. 

None of we three spoke much along the way, mostly just a word here or there repeating what a wonderful celebration we all had at the Sacred Pub. Caesar Emeritus fit in with our family perfectly, and I was able to tell how much he was enjoying himself here. That brought me comfort indeed. Once inside the Library Tree, we sat down upon the Love Seat, but not for long. Caesar was explaining to Andrew how excited he was to have access to all the mysteries of the universe, and that he was particularly looking forward to translating the ancient Xanaduvian language. With that, Andrew and I bid a happy farewell to Caesar Emeritus and left him alone with his new and endless treasures.

As Andrew and I entered the garden gate, we didn't stop for more than a brief "Hello, we're going to Freddie's Pond of Fanciness; Andrew has something to show me." We tarried long enough, however, for Edwin the Bee to mumble something unintelligible to me, and for me to witness Cousin Eddie showing Casey some of the modifications he had made to the patrol jeep. 

Even as Andrew and I arrived and sat down at the little dock of Freddie's Pond of Fanciness, I was delighted to see the entire pond was glimmering of majesty, and every bit of scum had vanished from the pond. The magical lily pads that make sounds glistened again, and the Island of Summer shone once more. Indeed the Otterman Empire had come and performed their services perfectly well while I had been away, and had received their payment in pumpernickel (coming in at just under 400 pumpernickel). I would later learn that Cousin Eddie gave them the 11th loaf as sort of a "tip" which I'm certain the Ottermans greatly appreciated. 

Despite my delight, and even before Andrew had spoken, my heart was heavy--for I could feel already he was leaving. I didn't mention it to him, however, as I knew he'd explain at the proper time. Andrew filled me in on some of the lovelies that had passed on to Olympus as well: Christine was highly esteemed tending to Hera's gardens, Zach was making a wonderful living giving guitar lessons to all likes of Olympians, and beautiful sweet Cydara was now the proud owner of the finest and most fashionable of all the salons in Olympus. Brooke, Andrew, explained, had been invited to join him in Olympus, but she respectfully declined. He didn't seem troubled when he said this, which brought a bit of comfort. Andrew and I continued reminiscing for a bit longer. We spoke of songs and melodies, the Persian rug, and even Twillerbee (who he assured me is doing very well, and that he looks after her constantly). 

At a point, Casey the Cardinal had stumbled along to us and hopped onto Andrew's shoulder, as if it were time for them to depart. And it was time indeed, it turned out. Andrew reminded me that long farewells were more painful; then he threw me the heartshine, blew me a kiss, and hopped along the lily pads to unlock the secret portal on the Island of Summer. Before he vanished, he yelled across the pond to me that he would always be here when I needed him, to never fear, and to look behind me. 

I did look behind me, and out of nowhere was Freddie the Frog, perched proudly upon his dock once again, as a handsome and princely sentinel watching over the Pond of Fanciness. Freddie said not a single word, or even made a sound, and never once had he done so in all his time since we had known him. The strong, silent type, I guess you would say he was. I patted him gently on the head as I walked off toward the Persian rug, thinking a soft record and a nap might lighten my heavy heart. 

The plan was not to be, however, as Edwin the Bee had buzzed over to me just as I was lying down, and summoned me for a visit with my sister Zoe, the River. Tears had already begun to leak out of the corners of my eyes and I was sick to my stomach, even before we had reached the River's bank. I sat down and stared into her waters while Edwin perched upon my shoulder.

Edwin began, "I remember when you were just a small boy with huge dreams." He paused for a moment, and looked out across His daughter, my sister. Then He continued, "You haven't changed so much as you think. Here we are ages later, and you are still that little boy with a heavy heart, longing and dreaming of things you've yet to grasp. Patience indeed, has never been your companion."

I looked over at Edwin, still upon my shoulder, and said nothing; for there seemed nothing for me to say. I knew He was right. Edwin is always right. So I looked back out into the water and exhaled.

Edwin interrupted my gaze and told me to look up at my cousins in the sky. He pointed at Orion's Belt, knowing well it held a special place in my heart and said, "There, your cousin in the middle...look how she shines."

Without thinking, as was common with me, I looked up and spoke, "Yes, dear Alnilam. Oh how I adore her. So beautiful, so warm and comforting."

Edwin continued, "Yes. A pearl indeed. And she loves you more than you know. Once, in another existence, you and her were much more than cousins. The two of you were one. But that was another existence. This is your home now, and that is hers."

I dropped my head, and the tears began to flow. I could no longer hold them in. I felt sick inside. Edwin was surprisingly gentle with me, and stroked my hair. Then He said so softly, "It's okay to cry, my son, for now is a proper time to do so. Remember how I told you to learn to love yourself as a spouse rather than a mistress?"

I sniffled and wiped tears from my cheeks, looking into Edwin's eyes, "Of course I remember, I'm still just trying to understand it better."

Edwin stood tall upon my shoulder, and He became less gentle, as He said, "It isn't that you don't understand, my son, for that knowledge is already inside your heart. No, your problem is your stubbornness--the stubbornness of humans you wear as a cloak. You refuse to listen, to accept these truths...for you know if you did, that you would have to let go of the things you desire most. But in letting go, you would find true freedom, you would find the eternal Love you've already been given."

I cried a bit more as I looked up at Alnilam, then down into the flowing waters of my sister. Edwin flew off of my shoulder and hovered above me, saying, "Come, lets get your foolish self back to the Persian rug, and I will tuck you in." And we did so. I was still wiping tears from my eyes as I lie down, and Edwin played a soft record as I drifted off to sleep. I whispered goodnight to my cousins the moon and the stars, and I blew a secret kiss to my dear Alnilam, the pearl of Orion's Belt.

Hope remains for the happiest of days. May gratitude prevail. Always.
​Lovely of lovelies.


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Chapter 12: Return of the Bartender Fairy; All Good Things Come in Threes

9/10/2016

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When I woke next to Caesar Emeritus, he was still sleeping, though he did grumble a bit and shift when I got up from the Love Seat. I did my best to walk quietly over to the desk, and I removed a large laminated card from the drawer. If dear Caesar hadn't already been woken by my footsteps, then he certainly was when I plopped down next to him on the Love Seat. After he had yawned and stretched his massive paws, I handed him the laminated card. "This, my new friend, is a Library Tree directory. It will explain how the books are categorized and where they are located. I wish I could just explain to you where everything is located, but in all honesty, Talulha used to just--"

Caesar Emeritus looked over the Library Tree directory, and seemed genuinely fascinated by it. We both still lie on our backs, noses pointed upward toward the apparent eternity of the Library Tree. "Most interesting," he said halfway under his breath, and continued, "This will certainly take some getting used to. You Xanaduvians are peculiar folk, there is no doubt about that. Your organizational skills seem to be...well, somewhat disorganized. Even a bit chaotic, I might say." 

I smiled warmly at dear Caesar, realizing those were the most words he had ever spoken to me at one time. Yes, we were already starting to bond, and it felt so comforting. "Yes, we are odd critters, most of us," I concurred. "Logic is not one of our strengths."

Caesar Emeritus gestured toward me and pointed his claw at one of the diagrams, "Now this here, it says are the books that haven't yet been written. As I look up," and he pointed to their location high upon a shelf, "I see that the shelf is full of books. You'll understand why that..umm...intrigues me."

"Oh, yes, yes," I happily began, knowing this was a perfect opportunity to explain to dear Caesar just how different things are in the Xanadu Forest; and I continued, "See, we Xanaduvians don't really believe in time as an actual thing, you know. There is at least one critter who would argue this, but basically, our version of what you would call 'time' is based wholly on the perspective of the individual, and duration tends to be measured by events rather than an actual passing of time. Confusing at first, I know, but I think over time this will--"

Just then the door to the Library Tree flung all the way open and slammed upon the inner trunk, and a great bellowing followed: "Well, just what the hell do we have here?!!!! That can't be Mr. KeV here, can it? The Mr. KeV that wanders away from our forest and forgets all about his favorite fairy?"

I sat up with delight as the fairy flew closer to me. "Olga!!!" I exclaimed. "Holy crap, it's so great to see you! I haven't seen a single fairy since I returned. I thought you had left too." I extended my hand and approached her, but her body language made it clear she wasn't ready for a finger hug yet. 

Olga crossed her arms and gave me a nasty stare. "And just where the hell else would I go? Of course busy Mr. KeV would have no thought to pop into the Sacred Pub and find out. Hmmph!" Olga the bartender fairy turned her head all the way to the side for effect, and tilted it slightly upward. Caesar Emeritus sat up upon the Love Seat but said nothing, apparently realizing he'd found himself in the middle of an awkward situation. I hadn't mentioned Olga to him yet--only that all the forest fairies had vanished since my return. Oops.

I knew it was a lame and lengthy excuse, but I did my best to let her know how I had thought of her and missed her (that wasn't a lie, I really had). "I've only just recently returned, Olga. Everything is a disaster, even inside my sacred garden. So many have gone, and now Reginald III is the mayor and has changed the currency, and there are property taxes due, and...and there's just so much to be done. And I still don't even know who is still here and who is gone, and how I'm going to fix it all. I thought Reginald III had shut down the Sacred Pub--that's what Madeleine had told me. I know I should have gone in and checked for myself, but--"

Olga turned toward me and softened. "You know I'm just busting your onions, Mr. KeV. It's good to see you. Now come and give Mama a tight squeeze." I approached Olga, and pointed my index finger toward the ground. Olga grabbed it, and squeezed it so hard I had to grit my teeth to keep from crying in pain. You see, Olga is no ordinary fairy--she is strong, thick, and stout--the broadest shoulders of any fairy I have ever seen, and her forearms were thicker than most fairies' thighs. Olga was sort of the mother hen to all the forest fairies when I had left on my journey away from the Xanadu Forest. 

Olga sat upon my shoulder as we discussed the disappearance of all the fairies at length, and other great changes I had discovered in our beloved forest. Caesar Emeritus lie down again next to the seated me, looking on, but saying nothing. Olga reminded me how a fairy's first loves were glamour and excitement, and that they had hardly any attention span at all. It turns out that when I left, and Andrew had left, the fairies became bored and left in search of more fabulous things. Olga was also careful to remind me of my tendency to overthink things. I nodded thoughtfully, of course.

Just then, Caesar Emeritus stood up upon the Love Seat and asked Olga, "But what of Talulha? That doesn't sound like her nature."

Olga fired back, "And that reminds me, Mr. KeV, who the hell is this mangy fleabag, and what's he doing on the Love Seat?!!"

"Olga!" I frowned. "This is dear Caesar Emeritus, my friend, and now our forever librarian at the Library Tree. He was a great salad chef in his former life. I'm sure you will--"

Dear Caesar leaped off  the Love Seat, and stood tall, staring at me in wonder as though insulted, and raised his voice, "A salad chef?!!! What in heaven's name led you to that conclusion?! I was a professor at a university--and a highly esteemed one at that!"

I sort of shrugged my shoulders at dear Caesar, and fumbled for words..."Well, Caesar, you know. I thought of the salad. And it was obvious you were well educated, so I figured you would be some sort of expert--like  a chef you know. A salad chef. That made sense--"

Caesar Emeritus poked his massive paw at my chest (gently, yes always gently) and said "You were right about one thing: logic is certainly not your strength. It's a wonder you even--"

Then Olga interrupted dear Caesar with a roar of laughter, saying "Ha! See, Mr. Caesar Emeritus, this is our brilliant Mr. KeV. Welcome to the Xanadu Forest!" Though it was at my own expense, I smiled, overjoyed that Olga and Caesar Emeritus had bonded so soon. It was another comfort I felt that I wouldn't soon forget. All three of us had a great laugh together after that--a very warm one--and Olga and dear Caesar exchanged a few more jokes at my expense. 

Not long after that, Olga hopped off my shoulder and flew toward the door. "Come on boys," she said somewhat authoritative, "let's head over to the Sacred Pub for a few pints of Minute Mead." 

I  stood and approached the door, explaining to Olga just how much work needed to be done in my sacred garden, and that the Ottermans' were coming to clear the scum from Freddie's Pond of Fanciness, and that I had to supervise to make sure they didn't damage the magical lily pads, and that I had to pay them, and so on and so forth.

Olga responded, "I see, Mr. KeV--gone soft on me, huh? Figures." Then she turned and flew out the door despite my pleas for her to let me finish making excuses. Finally, just when she was about to disappear from my sight, she stopped and hovered, and turned toward me. "Your ass better be seated on one of my bar stools before that leaf hits the ground, or you'll be more sorry than you imagine!" Olga proceeded to fly to the top of a great oak, and plucked a leaf from one of its highest branches. Then she dropped it, winked at me, and off she went.

I knew better than to mess with Olga, so in no time at all, Caesar Emeritus and I found ourselves entering the Sacred Pub. What a lovely and familiar smell it was: ancient--but timeless; stale--but refreshing. So comforting. So home. Dear Caesar and I sat down next to each other in front of Olga's bar, and she happily delivered us each a pint of Tick-Tock Doc's famous Minute Mead. She had poured herself a pint too, of course. I raised my mug as if to toast, and Caesar Emeritus followed suit. 

Olga hovered between us, however, and wagged her finger at us. "Not yet, lads...I think the gorgeous spirit behind you should lead the toast." 

Caesar Emeritus and I both turned to look behind us, and I nearly fainted--for there behind me was my third angel, Andrew. It's very difficult to describe in words all the things I was feeling as I looked upon him. Saying I was incredibly happy and grateful to lay eyes upon him again doesn't begin to do it justice. But there were so many other emotions, all flooding me at once. There was joy, of course, but also wonder, sadness, longing, shame, remorse, hope, and Love. Yes, overwhelming Love. And not the slightest trace of fear. Andrew smiled, and the most beautiful tear I've ever made trickled down my cheek. Andrew stepped to the side just a bit to reveal Cousin Eddie, and my lovely gatekeeper waving from behind him. Raven was wearing the cutest apron...it was shimmering white, decorated with images of garden-fresh tomatoes. 

Olga flew around us all quickly and made sure each of us had a pint of Minute Mead in our hand (or wing, as the case may be). She landed on Andrew's shoulder and nodded to indicate he should begin the toast. 

Andrew smiled, and stroked Olga's hair ever so gently, and said, "Not just quite yet. I second more." Then Andrew closed his eyes, snapped his fingers, and pointed toward the door of the Sacred Pub.

Ever glowing, and dressed in his full drag regalia, Casey the Cardinal (known in Olympus as Janus) marched through the door and landed upon Andrew's shoulder. I was happily overwhelmed and speechless, but thankfully Andrew was not. 

Once Olga had placed a pint of Minute Mead into Casey the Cardinal's wing, Andrew began the toast: 

     "From the glories of Olympus above, to the shores of Interterrestria--and all points between. From here, now, and forevermore; from there, then, and always was--and all points between. To us, to Love, to never again part ways. To life, to breathe evermore. Cheers!"

Andrew raised his pint high, as if it might actually touch the base of Olympus--and we all followed suit joyfully. Just as we were all about to take a sip, Andrew held up his finger to stop us. He placed it upon his lips as if to say "Shhh," and we all had stopped our motion. Then my third angel snapped his fingers once more, and "The Lemon Song" began to play on the jukebox. Then did Andrew drink, and so did all of us. I hope the reader will understand how difficult it is to describe this moment with my limited knowledge of words. It was truly magical beyond description. I am so grateful to have such an amazing family. Never again shall I take it for granted.

After we'd all had a couple pints in us, Cousin Eddie disappeared then reappeared with a bunch of soup bowls (yes, constructed out of beer cans, of course!) and placed them upon one of the banquet tables. Just a few steps behind him, my lovely gatekeeper Raven appeared with a large pot of Dragon Soup (Don't worry, dear reader, it is not made of dragons--for we adore dragons in our beloved forest--it is a secret recipe given my lovely gatekeeper BY a dragon). To be honest, I'm not sure what's inside Dragon Soup, and I thought it better not to ask. It was hot and delicious, that's what mattered. And family. The comfort of my true family surrounding me, then, and forever more. 

The reader may want some explanation as to how Andrew and Casey the Cardinal (Janus) magically appeared in the Sacred Pub out of nowhere...but tonight is not the night. Trust me, dear reader, I also thought to ask these questions, but was told not to bother with thoughts that night by every single family member. Tonight was a night to celebrate our Love, and to enjoy the eternal life we had all been given--that's what I was told by all that I asked questions of. And it was wonderful advice. Never in my life had I felt such a balance of freedom, comfort, joy, and gratitude within myself. 

And just so you know, dear reader, Edwin the Bee was with us too, inside the Sacred Pub that night, but He asked me not to report any details of His presence there. And so I won't. 

The beauty of life flows forever. The comfort of Love never leaves your side, if only you'll open your heart to it. Love is Love, and shall always be.

Thank you, my sacred family. I love you.

​Lovely of lovelies.








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Chapter 11: The Antediluvian Xanaduvians: An Exercise in Absurdity

9/4/2016

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As Caesar Emeritus and I entered the Library Tree in the heart of the Xanadu Forest, I noticed his expression change immediately from one of daze to one of wonder, as though he had become a child again that very moment. It brought a warm smile to my heart. I said nothing to him for many moments, but allowed him to gaze and wander, and to absorb the secrets of the universe that now surrounded him. 

The Library Tree is difficult to describe to non-Xanaduvians, for it really does contain the secrets of the universe--and even secrets of other universes. Without seeing it first-hand, one would never believe that so many books could fit inside a tree, albeit it a very large one. There were some furnishings upon the ground Caesar Emeritus and I stood upon, but none above. The countless book shelves that seemed to ascend unto forever were carved directly into the inner wood of the Library Tree; and not a single shelf was empty. The reader might now understand and imagine why the Library Tree was always tended to by forest fairies--Talulha being chief among them. I realized just that moment that we would need to construct ladders for the Library Tree, if Caesar Emeritus were ever to reach most of the books--since he didn't have wings as did the fairies. A task for Cousin Eddie the Raven, no doubt, assuming he has enough beer cans left to construct them!

When I was satisfied that Caesar had absorbed enough of the Library Tree to realize it was really real, I walked over to him, placed my hand upon his shoulder, and placed the Library Tree key in his tender paw. I wasn't sure he completely understood what that gesture meant, but he smiled a knowing smile nevertheless, and placed his paw upon my shoulder, and took the key, still gazing in wonder. He was happy--that much I could feel. I finally explained, "You, my new friend, dear Caesar Emeritus, are now officially the librarian of the Library Tree, the heart of the Xanadu Forest. This is your home--now, and forevermore. Here you will live among the wisdom of the universes, as recorded by the Xanaduvian scribes--and others.

Very matter-of-factly, Ceasar Emeritus asked, "Others?"

Indeed he had caught me off-guard. I stammered a bit, "Well, yes...others. There are other books we enjoy here too. They aren't all Xanaduvian in origin. For instance, when Talulha was the librarian here, she knew, of course, that I adored the writings of Mark Twain, John Steinbeck, and countless classics. She made sure that we had those books here at my disposal, and many I can't name. Cervantes--oh how I so adore Don Quixote!" 

I would have gone on much longer, but Caesar Emeritus interrupted me gently, "Where is Talulha now?"

I began a long explanation as to how I had been away from the Xanadu Forest until only recently, and that I was still learning where all the residents had gone off to. Dear Caesar seemed disinterested as I rambled on, and pulled a book from one of the shelves. He sat down upon a chair and began thumbing through pages, though I imagined he was still listening to me. I continued, "And so then that's why we had to stop by the county clerk's office and see Madeleine. And I had a feeling she had--"

Caesar Emeritus interrupted me gently again, and pointed to a page, "These are Xanaduvian writings?"

I came closer to him to look at the page and said, "Yes, that is the ancient Xanaduvian language. I'm not very good at translating it, I'm afraid. I had been studying and learning the language before I left the Xanadu Forest, but I've forgotten much of what I had learned. The language is only complex it its simplicity, and it's  generally--"

"You are Xanaduvian, no?" interjected Caesar (yes, gently, always gently), and continued thumbing through pages as if to examine them. Then he flipped back to a previous page he had been examining, then back again to a few pages later. 

I replied, "Well, by nature, no. I'm Xanaduvian by adoption, I think you would say. I'm a human--from Earth originally. It's a long story."

Caesar Emeritus gestured for me to come closer, and pointed his claw at a certain paragraph that seemed to intrigue him. "Are you able to see what this paragraph is describing?" he asked. 

I took the book from his paws and set it down on the desk so I could look at it closer. "Much of it, no--there are words here I'm unfamiliar with," I answered, and went on while examining the page further, "It seems to be discussing the antediluvian Xanaduvians...something about making rocks...maybe. Not sure. I DO recognize that phrase there as referring to the Dead Tree Scrolls."

That caught dear Caesar's attention, and his lovely Baloo eyes asked, "Dead Tree Scrolls?"

I handed the book back to Caesar Emeritus and felt happy to be able to actually explain something I was sort of familiar with. I told him, "Yes, Dead Tree Scrolls. I have seen them. There is a valley on the far edges of Lemmington, near the Passage of Time, where fallen trees rest in and around the river, recording much of Interterristria's ancient history."

It seemed pointless for Caesar Emeritus to interrupt me only to say, "Go on, please," but perhaps he had his reasons.

I went on, "The writings are not carved, mind you. They are words spoken to the trees by Xanaduvian sages of old--while the trees were still alive, of course. Some of the words were prayers, some were wisdom, poetry, legends--some were lineages, and some were songs of hope that were sung to the trees before they fell." I paused there in case Caesar Emeritus might want to interrupt again. He didn't. So I added, "Those spoken words became markings embedded on the trees beneath their bark--markings which eventually became the written Xanaduvian language. I would imagine much of what's in that book you're holding was taken directly from the Dead Tree Scrolls."

With that, Caesar Emeritus stood and returned the book to its proper shelf, and asked me, "So you can speak some Xanaduvian?"

"Only a little, I replied. I know how to say 'I love you'...that's 'Gratotsik e voum.'"

Ceasar stood tall and stretched, from his neck all the way down to his massive paws, and seemed to be looking for a good place to lie down. I introduced dear Caesar to the "Love Seat" in the center of the Library Tree floor, and he seemed very pleased with it. The Love Seat, for the sake of the reader, is basically a very large bean bag chair in the shape of a heart--reddish pink in color. 

Ceasar Emeritus lie down upon the Love Seat, and I believe he was smiling. He gestured with his massive paw to come join him and lie down next to him. "If you don't mind," he was careful to add.

I lie down next to dear Caesar and started on, "Not at all. In fact, with all that I've been going through for so long, it will actually be very nice to--"

Ceasar Emeritus interrupted me just the one last time that night, and said, "If you will, please tell me the story of how you came to be adopted as a Xanaduvian. And please forgive me if I drift off in the middle of the story, but I am very tired as you might expect."

His body was so warm and comforting next to mine, and I shut my eyes and smiled, and told my story uninterrupted:

     "My family were farmers from the planet Earth. Many years ago, when I was just a child, my father sent me away, telling me that it was time for me to journey the Earth in search of the meaning of life. Not knowing exactly what he meant, and not knowing where to go at all, I decided it was best just to follow alongside the river. And so I did so--for many days, and perhaps weeks. To be honest, I lost all reasonable perception of time and distance.
     I remember the moment I discovered a wonderful gift--that I could speak to animals. Not only that, but they could speak  to me, and we could understand each other. It was a lovely wolf that opened my mind and heart to this gift. I stared into his golden eyes, and I felt him ask me why I had wandered so far from my home. I spoke out loud to him that I was sent away from my home in search of the meaning of life. I felt the wolf respond that the meaning of life was the pack, the brotherhood, and a good hunt.
     Another day I stumbled onto a great brown bear, and I asked him what the meaning of life would be. The great brown bear told me that the river's cool waters, and the finest seeds of the finest berries were the meaning of life.
     It was around this time I became aware that a raven had been soaring above me, following subtly at a good distance. I considered the raven could well have been following me since I began my journey, but I had no way to know for sure at that time. I would learn much later, of course.
    And I came upon a snake once--not a particularly large one--who told me that there actually was no meaning to life--that one simply wanders, eats, sleeps--and eventually no longer wakes from sleep. 
     Then there was that night--that night where I fell asleep upon a nice, large, flat rock next to the river, and woke with a lovely raven upon my chest. She spoke to me kindly and warned me that I should sleep here no longer, for the snake I had spoken to before had told the other snakes about me, and they would soon surround and destroy me. I stood and thanked her, and she rested upon my shoulder much of the time from there on out during my journey. I of course had asked her several times what the meaning of life was, but never did she answer. She would only ever tell me lovely stories about the universe and its beautiful mysteries. She did tell me that she felt I would find an answer to my question when the time was just right.
     The lovely raven was not wrong, since one shining day, I knelt to take a drink from the river, and--just inches from my youthful face--I met a bee. A very special bee, it turned out to be. It glowed and hovered above me as I stood and wiped the water from my chin. Before I could ask the bee what the meaning of life was, He told me to look at the twin trees, just a few feet behind me. One tree was on the eastern bank of the river, and the other was directly across from it, upon the western bank. The two trees, He explained, were identical in every perceivable way--down to the numbers of the fruit upon the branches. The bee went on to tell me that the only difference between the two trees lie within the fruit-- that to eat of one fruit would poison and kill me, while to eat of the other fruit would grant me eternal life.
     And that's how I first met Edwin the Bee. And He adopted me, and the sacred garden in this very Xanadu Forest became my home."


Since I believed Caesar Emeritus had long since drifted off to sleep, I was quite surprised when he looked at me gently asked me, "So how did you know which fruit to eat?" 

I looked into dear Caesar's eyes, and said softly, "I didn't. I asked Edwin, of course, how I could know which fruit to eat of, but He wouldn't answer. He only said 'Love.' And then I knew I had my answer to the meaning of life. I chose the right fruit. And then Edwin stung me!"

Caesar Emeritus laughed a warm and hearty laugh, and so did I. "I'm going to enjoy spending eternity here with you, my new friend," he said.

I gave him a heartfelt smile, and a nice belly rub.

And we both drifted off into the sweetest of slumbers. 

Thank you all lovely of lovelies. Always and forever.
​I love you.



     






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    KeV Atomic was Xanadu Dead and is now both of them. 

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