literature

Dancing upon Steps, pt 1

Deviation Actions

Published: Feb 4, 2007

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Literature Text

Let me weave you a tale, a tale you will remember.
Perhaps, a story of paper wings, of children and secrets.
If that interests you not, kind gentry, then how does this appeal
to thy refined tastes?
The tale- true, mind you- of how Lady Death and her Sister Doom;
how they were cursed and blessed
-both, you ask? How? Shhh you shall learn-
to dance upon the steps of Hell!
Aye? Very well, sit yourselves, please, comfortably, might I add;
for this tale is no short parlor-adventure.

It was long ago, yet yesterday that it started.
Perhaps, even, it begins tomorrow!
There were four actors in this play, in this first act.
Lord of Light himself, King of Stars, the Flame.
He of strong arms and eyes, slow to anger and quick to forgive
yet vicious in his temper.
He was the Father of Death and Doom.

His wife, Lady Night, Queen of deep seas and secrets, the Storm
she of wisdom and grace, quick to anger and slow to forgive
yet gracious when the mood befell her.
She was the first wife of Lord Light, the Mother of Death and Life.

Wife the second, favored above all else, was Empress Dawn, Queen of spring,
she was the Sun Rising and Setting, the Dreamer.
Embodiment of Hopes Past and Future, the bringer of Dreams and Nightmare.
Kind and clever, yet vicious in anger, devious in revenge and gentle in love,
she was the second wife of Lord Light, the Mother of Doom and Love.
And above all, she was favored.

From Light and Night came Death and Life, rivals from their first moment.
Death elegant in her cold ebon beauty and poise,
life graceful in her warm sincerity and joy.
Since the first breath they drew, mercilessly the sisters fought to rule.
Life created the first Humans, gifting them with joy and laughter
Death visited them to cruelly cut their years short. Life petitioned Father Light,
yet wisely he abstained from interfering.

From Light and Dawn came Doom and Love, their fates intertwined with all.
Where one went, so did the other, following the footsteps of Life and Death.
Upon the masterpieces of Life, Love bestowed affection and passion.
Doom followed where Love tread, for she loved her sister dearly.
But where she walked, the Humans found grief. Unintentionally, perhaps,
yet Doom and Death worked side by side.

From his mighty throne, the Flame watched, his wives beside him.
This unfolding comedy below them upon what humans called “Earth”
Death and Doom slowly, in recognition of their relating talents,
began their slow amassment of power and influence.
To everyone, this seemed a mere game, a mere diversion, yet
humans below differed in opinion. It was their lives, puny as they may be,
that the Lords and Ladies played with so tritely.

Soon entered two new players to this game, sons of Light and another unknown.
They had no features of any Ruler; it was rumored they were begot by a mortal
yet Love and Life welcomed one, Doom and Death the other:
One was War, the other Peace, and they were as opposite as East and West.
No likeness was there between the two besides their eyes: both colored gold,
the hue of Lord Light. There, the relation ended, and continued no more.

War was brash, with bold words and blunt action, strong, feared; respected.
His hair was that of molten gold mixed with bronze, he carried a sword with ease.
Leather from the behemoth’s hide girded his waist, stars studded his shields;
Earth’s leaders and lords bowed and worshiped him, imitated his actions.
Hated by common peoples and those of knowledge, he rode his steed wildly,
running rampant over the land with no consideration for the living.

Peace was silent, with subtle influence and wisdom. Strong the way of words,
he was adored by the common folk and the wise, they prayed for his rule.
With hands work-torn and ink stained he played upon his endless instruments
he played peace to the worlds. No sword or shield he bore, but harp and flute,
homespun linen was his garment, his hair the tone of winter snow gathered back,
no fancy adornments for him, he tied back his hair with string, walked barefooted.
Considerate and with always a kind word, Peace was as different from War
as East and West, as Life and Death.

In this subtle, or mayhap not so subtle game, War soon grew attached to Death;
though he treasured Doom as she did Love. Together they made pleasn’t company
for short times, and ruled the people of Earth with a iron hand.
Peace, Love and Life were as close as caring siblings could be, never parted long.
Quietly and gently they sought to undo what harm their family caused.
Through all this, Love, Life and Peace became as dear to the mortals as their
kindred were feared.

A mug, I beg, of water? My voice grows hoarse and I fear it may fail soon.
Thank you, kind lady. May the Three bless you.

        All this, Lord Light and Queens Night and Dawn watched carefully,
aware that events could easily go out of control. Concerned, they summoned the
        Three, as Love, Life and Peace were known as, and shared their fears. The
        Three easily gave promises to call if help was needed, and the Rulers made it plain:
        Wanted or no, they would be watching and would take control if needed.
        Both relieved and frustrated, the Three returned to their beloved Earth.
        Upon Earth they walked with mortals and spread their knowledge, speaking freely
        no one was below their notice, not a child was ignored. Music and laughter were all
        around, everyone knew only Light. Death was still there, War and Doom also, for
        where Love tread Doom was not far behind, though the Others were accepted as a
        part of living.
        Needless to say, Death Doom and War did not appreciate being known by
        mortals as ‘Others’, while their siblings were revered and honored. In the stillness,
        they planned. In the castles of kings and the huts of rebels, they plotted,
        and in the crowds of the world, they instigated what they had planned and plotted.