by Marshia Whitman

Created on: October 27, 2008

It took years for the process to occur. Ethereal tendrils reached slowly through barren earth, gently grasping at crumbs there to pull forward. Thousands moved, a mass migration that happened once every 5,000 years. Silver trunks shifted above ground. Twelve to fifteen feet high, the trunks were adorned with oddly coloured and shaped leaves that sang true in a non-existent breeze.

When finally gathered, the Elders sang the welcome and bid the youngest forward. Children were rare among them. One was born once every 3,000 years. This was a special time, though. The Elders thought the foretold Time of Change was at hand because ten children had been born within 100 years of each other. The Elders spoke of a glorious time to come, a time when all entities would be united into one, a time when one mind would prevail and paradise would result.

The children created a circle around the oldest of the old. No name did he have but each being's song was unique and his was of the deepest baritone. No other had such wisdom in his tones.

He sang the Prophecy and all chanted the well known responses in prefect harmony. The children had been taught well and responded as the adults did. All was perfect.

The time for the children to be tested arrived. Each in turn approached the Eldest and answered the Questions. From where was the first of them cast? To whom do they owe their existence? How does life flow? What does death mean? Why is the Time of Change to be glorified?

Testing continued for a long time, each child gave the correct responses, each parent sang soft, proud tones. All around, every entity knew the Time of Change had come. Everything the Prophecy had foretold had occurred. Finally, the children would be joined, then the adults. Finally, the Utopian existence they had waited so long for would arrive. Finally, one glorious mind would exist. No differences, no arguments, no wars, no hardships, no evils that would destroy them.

All exulted in the blessings that would be received.

Until the final child shifted forward and took his place in front of the Eldest. [No], he said. [No, I do not wish this.] An uncomfortable silence ensued. Surely this one jokes. The Eldest began the ritual Questions. [No], the child said again. [I will do not this].

The Eldest sang an angry tone that rang of disbelief. How could the young one not wish the paradise? It would resolve all and gladden hearts. None dared wish otherwise, so right this was.

[I do not wish to be one of one], said the

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