Part 61: Memory of Ludomir: Quicksand

Quicksand

The stone sinks underneath Ludomir's foot, forcing him to catch his balance with a lunge. Behind him, Vera yelps, most likely dodging the same sinking stone. The rock-path, set precariously far apart, makes crossing the quicksand even more challenging.

"Race you to the top of the ledge!" Vera announces, taking off at a run and gunning for the outcropping ahead.

Ludomir grins. He appreciates that Vera can hold her own, even when he decrees they cross a natural hazard! Ludomir hustles, matching her speed. But with a strength that seems to belie her smaller form, Vera heaves, forcing herself up the remaining distance, ascending out of the quicksand-basin.

"You've been winning that quicksand challenge for years," Ludomir puffs, out of breath. He flops down next to his adopted sister. "I'll beat you next time."

Vera sits up, remorse in her expression. "Ludomir. You know this is my last time in the glade."

"Why?"

"I'm being trained by the Godless-Priestess. Soon, 'free time' won't exist for me."

"What are you saying?" Ludomir asks. "This is it? We can't meet up in the glade anymore?"

"Not after I take my place as the new Godless-Priestess. I'll be in Pygaria."

"Work from here. Why live in Pygaria?"

"It's tradition. I can't preserve the peace in Urralia from the mountains."

"Sure you can."

"I'm not going to argue, Ludomir. This is my job. When the Godless-Priestess says it's time, I am moving to Pygaria."

"So, she says jump, and you say how high?"

"She's the Godless-Priestess!"

"And I'm your brother! That counts for something, right?"

"Of course it does," Vera counters. "But please. Understand. I have to do this."

"Oh yeah? Then I have to disagree."

"I guess that means we'll go our separate ways."

Silence blooms.

"But not today." Vera leaps. "Race you back!"