Failed #AtoZChallenge 2025 fantasy

[Story scene post]

The Purple presses her palms to mine. I watch the shadows on the ground around me retreat. No one says anything. One of the earliest rules learned is not to interfere with a Purple, especially when they have someone in a questioning pose. 

"Why have you spoken in such a manner to an elder Gold, Belp?"

"I feared for the well-being of a fellow level two. I feel someone should get him food, proper attire, and a bath. Luthais pointed out that I am someone."

The Purple presses harder against my palms. "Belp, you are a Brown. In this mountain village, the level fours have provided for you. Let me explain it another way."

My hands are released. I have no idea how to respond. A Purple letting someone go? No punishment? Not even a stern lecture? I stay as still as possible, trying not to even breathe.

The Purple takes a knee. She lifts my chin so we are eye to eye. "Your intentions were good. Your knowledge of the world is lacking, which is not your fault. You are not in trouble, but I do need you to think, learn, and understand. Okay?"

"Yes, Master Purple." I'm sure the Purples have names. They probably don't go around calling each other Master. But I've never been told any of their names, nor have I heard someone use them. Every so often, the Purples rotate, switching which village they live in. I've been taught they do this to prevent them from growing too close or fond of anyone. Impartiality. I think that's what they said.

"When you become a level four, an elder, where will you live?"

I raise my eyebrow. "What? You mean, which house? I never thought about it. There is one near the forest. I guess I'd like it there. Birds make nice sounds when it's time to wake. Or maybe the house near where the Colorless prepare food. It would be good to always have nice smells."

The Purple smiles. "Those are good answers and worthy thoughts. My point, however, was that you plan to live in this village." 

I tilt my head. "Where else would I go?"

She rubs my shoulders. "Exactly. You came from the Birth Place and were brought here. You are a Brown, a Master of Mountains. This village is on a mountain. You will likely spend your whole life in this place and feel complete. The rest of Darterra, our world, will never be seen by your eyes. Is that fair to say?"

I shrug under the weight of her heavy hands. "I guess so."

"The level two Gold does not share that future, past, or present. He must learn to survive. He might get to live in a house one day, but probably not. Golds are very nomadic. They survive on what they can carry. They are Masters of Travel and Discovery."

She takes my hands. "You wanted to protect his hands, so you gave him gloves. But, in doing so, he was denied the opportunity to learn that his hands were worth protecting. He failed to secure protection himself. No one gives Golds anything because they believe they need to earn everything. They do not take care of each other because they believe it teaches weakness."

I frown. "I'm weak because I knew there was warm clothing in the level two dwelling?"

"No." She shakes her head. "The way of the Brown, of everyone other than the Golds and Silvers, is not weak. But no others go to the unknown."

Questions form in my mind faster than I can ask them. "What's a Silver? How do they get clothing? Can I still have a meal with Jaildarn?"

The Purple presses her finger to my lips. "I admire your thirst for knowledge. You will be a great one among your people if you foster such thoughts and quest for answers. Go on, take the young Gold for a bath. We will meet for stew afterward. I will try to educate you both as best as possible."

Grateful I wasn't in trouble and excited to get answers, I hugged the Purple before I rose and ran to Jaildarn. I took his hand and dragged him to the bathing place. 

I doubt anyone ever hugged a Purple before or since. Maybe if she had punished me, Darterra wouldn't be covered in dead bodies now. Maybe if I never gave Jaildarn clothing, a bath, and food that day, he would have died. 

How many would be alive right now if I had let him die? If I didn't aid in his survival. 

Maybe he was a frightened young one. Or maybe he saw a weakness in me and exploited it that day, and every day after. Am I the one responsible for this extinction of our kind? 

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Key dramatic question that will take whole story to answer:

Could Belp have prevented all this death, how, and if so-- why didn't he?

And what led Jaildarn to become the cause of such annihilation? 

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QUESTION-- Have you ever directly helped someone in need?

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My A to Z 2025 theme is a fantasy story. (And some of the process of writing it as well.) 🕮

- J (he/him 👨🏽 or 🧑🏽 they/them) ~ Speculative Fiction & Reference Author and Co-host of the April Blogging #AtoZchallenge

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