5
Humanity's Crescendo
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Alduin stood outside, his warm breath looked like the breath of a dragon in this cold evening air. Dusk was gradually approaching and the sky had traces of smoke from the many chimneys.
The sawmill in front of him spewed out its last bit of sawdust before the large door closed firmly. Yet Alduin paid it no attention. His thoughts had been in a jumble for the past week. The descending sawdust seemed to mimic his distracted mind. The news of the global milestone gave him an incredibly odd feeling, however, the problem lay somewhere else.
“Brat, the last summer batch has been laid to dry. Starting next week we’ll be delivering-“ Edward stopped talking after he closed the door. Sawdust had gathered in his gray beard. Noticing something different about him, Edward walked closer and called, “Alduin.”
“Oh, sorry.” Only now did he notice Edward was talking to him.
“You have been out of it a lot lately.” Edward noticed. “Mind telling me what’s on your mind?”
“Oh, uhm-“ Alduin looked up at the sky.
“We’ve got time. They’re still finishing up their preparations,” Edward said as he laughed and walked to the back of his home. Sitting down on a solid oak chair on his terrace, Edward asked, “Is it about your brother?”
“No,” Alduin paused. “Well… maybe slightly. It’s just-“ Alduin paused again, not knowing where to start.
“Is it about my granddaughter?” Edward asked again. They had already talked about his trip when Alduin just returned but he didn't expect Alduin to still be full of worries.
“It might be.” Alduin had much on his mind. His plans had become chaotic ever since his return and now it was already the evening of her birthday. Before he knew it all his confidence had already disappeared.
With the small rustic house in the background and the dense mountain range in front, it was sights like this that always put him at ease. Eventually, Alduin sat down at the massive oak table and asked for advice.
“Oho, so you might be moving away?” Edward asked after he heard his explanation. A complex emotion momentarily betrayed his feelings as he watched the boy.
“Probably,” Alduin answered with a sigh.
“Why?” Edward asked again.
“Well, my parents want me to go to uni, and besides, she might also want to go continue her studies,” Alduin rambled out his thoughts.
Edward frowned when he heard this, the old man knew Alduin from when he was a young boy. When they moved here, the then 12-year-old Alduin often wandered around the mountain before occasionally coming to watch him work. As a friend of his grandfather they had met a few times before, but it was only after he passed away that they started talking to each other. And after that, they gradually developed a familial bond. In some ways, he was already looking at his grandson, although he wouldn’t admit that. So when he heard him say this he became disappointed.
“It’s about time for you to be honest,” Edward remarked. “Pushing blame and responsibility for your decision is a bad trait, the same is taking the blame of others to heart when you did nothing wrong.”
Alduin stared back with a slight shock before frowning. “Then I-“ However, he had no comeback.
“Do you want to know why I stayed in this place?” Edward asked.
Alduin looked over with surprise. The thoughts that were chaotic in his mind had been seen through by this old man. Alduin nodded and replied softly, “Yes... if you don’t mind telling me.”
A sigh escaped from across the wooden table, the slight pause was followed by Edward leaning forward. “My parent’s marriage was a disaster, to say the least,” Edward looked straight at Alduin as he began his story.
“My father was stubborn and my mother was weak-willed to put it kindly. And I was a brat stuck in a stagnant place in a changing world while being forced to be independent from a young age.”
“Rather early on I started hanging out with your grandfather. We often fought, but well, I was stronger just to be clear... But... That man became my brother, he offered me more support than my own family. And my father did not appreciate the way I grew up, but from a certain point on it is no longer their choice. ” Edward’s heavy voice paused before he looked up.
“For some people, this moment comes early, and some only experience it later in life. But you just gather what you find important and build around that.” Edward sighed as he looked at the old house.
“In many ways your grandfather influenced me into becoming the man I envisioned myself to be, even more than my own family would. And in the end, when my father was dying, I couldn’t feel anything. His choice had been made and the results were nothing that could be changed. I only felt sorry for that man. Stubborn in his ways, fearful for the future, and always blaming others. He cursed me for being ungrateful, but I had already paid back what I owed him. I still don’t know how he saw himself as a man, and it’s been a long time since I cared to know.” Edward now looked straight at Alduin.
“Your grandfather was different, Alduin. While he was stubborn in his own way, he followed his heart with the courage to match it. While my old man stayed in this town due to stubbornness in facing the future. We stayed because everything we needed was here. The people you feel a responsibility to are also just people and their supportive thoughts shouldn’t be met with blame.”
Alduin had realized what Edward was getting at, the mistake he was about to make now rang clear in his head.
Edward continued with a stern voice, “The reason I stayed after your grandfather died, even after my wife died... Was not because my attachments or fears of the world are holding me back. It is because I have lived to the fullest and there is no need for me to ask for more.”
Silence descended as Edward reminisced.
“This town gave me everything I could have wanted, and time took plenty it gave as well. Even with my daughter moving back, I often felt like I was alone. But then you showed up and started pestering me.” Edward paused and softly laughed. “I know I’m not your grandpa, kid. We’re not even related. But you are my brother’s grandkid and so you are also my grandson. Don’t be afraid.”
Edward observed with eyes that seemed to pierce through Alduin’s thoughts.
Right, he had been afraid. No, he was terrified. Unlike when he faced the boar and clearly saw what he was facing. He felt fear of the unknown. He had become a slave to his intuition and became a passive spectator.
The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.
“Thank you.” Alduin looked down as he felt his eyes reddening. The blame he received from his brother, the memories of that accident, and the aversion to moving forward. He had been fine just staying stagnant in this place, no, he wanted to stay here. Even his future would have become a sacrifice for his comfort.
“It’s alright, kid.” The old man had walked over and patted his shoulder. “It’s about time for her birthday celebration so you should go and get ready.” The embarrassed Edward pushed the young man toward his future.
“Oh, and also, this year it might be better to talk to her mother instead of Werner.” Edward coughed as he looked at Alduin.
“What do you mean?” Alduin asked back.
“Well, you went about it wrong. It’s not her father you need to convince, it’s my daughter,” Edward calmly said as he plucked sawdust from his clothes.
“Wait, wait. The last couple of years you told me that Werner was overprotective so I should soften up to him. I went to her father on your advice!”
“Who? Do you think that archaeologist wears the pants in that relationship? A scrawny kid like him wouldn’t be able to seduce my daughter. It’s my daughter who had her eyes on him.” the old man almost choked while laughing and continued,
“Besides, if it wasn’t for her, do you think I would be spending my days with a kid like you? My wife didn’t mind me getting with more women but she scared away any woman that would approach me, and now my daughter is doing the same. What a life I’m living. Isn’t that right kid?” As if lamenting in his feigned sorrow he found his joy in seeing Alduin processing this information.
“Wait." Alduin paused as the realization settled in. "So for the last two years, you are the reason I didn’t succeed?!” Alduin now remembered every time he came and complained about Werner after failing again and again. And every year he worked his ass off to get help from this old man.
“You used me!” Alduin shouted through the laughter of the old man. “You knew all along I would fail, you shitty old man!”
The old man couldn’t hold back anymore and had to sit down from laughter as he told him, “That old man left me alone with all that work. So of course I’d get his grandson to help me out. Besides, how is it possible that he had two grandsons and I didn’t get even one?”
“Well, you have been a lot of help kid. And I had to see if you can take care of my granddaughter as well,” Edward calmed down and joyfully started explaining. “But now that I’m on your side I’ll tell you how to impress my daughter, grandson.”
“Who wants to have a traitor on their side?! Don’t think I’ll think of you as my grandfather old man!” Alduin’s voice contained his anger, but he had to admit he was a victim that played along with this senior’s design. In the end, he couldn’t keep himself from asking, “So, what should I do?”
Hearing the sound of defeat in this rebellious kid’s voice made Edward cry out in laughter again as he enjoyed a victory he had savored for the past few years.
The laughter faded in the distance like the rays of light that started fading from the day. Right, the evening was approaching and a birthday celebration was to be held. Warm light escaped the windows of the museum at the edge of town.
Alduin, who had prepared himself, entered the building with his parents. He could see that they were the first to arrive. Even Veleda was still preparing herself.
'Good, it’s my chance.’ Alduin pumped himself up, but as he looked past the entrance his motivation plummeted. Waiting there was Edward with a curious smile as he watched Alduin approach.
Werner, Veleda's father, also stared at the approaching Alduin as he suspected the usual. But today would be different, today Alduin didn't try to impress Werner as he already conceded at their greeting, right, his target was somewhere else.
“Uncle Edward, it has been a while!” Lydia, Alduin's mother, came up for a hug. While they were not blood-related, this old man had been her father’s best friend. And from their interaction, it was shown that they had known each other for a long time.
“It has, it has, your kid gave me a great meal the other day. I must thank you for your kindness.” A caring look that didn’t fit Edward's face lingered on Lydia. “And it seems you are doing fine as well, I heard the great news from your son.”
While they started catching up, Edward pointed towards the kitchen with his chin. And Alduin stealthily moved forward with the creaks on the wooden floor giving his presence away, but while Werner had noticed what Alduin was up to, he didn’t intervene. Veleda's father had already resigned himself after talking with Edward. And now, what awaited Alduin was his biggest obstacle yet, so there was no need for him to worry about his daughter being taken away.
And in this way, the loud voices in the large decorated dining hall faded away as Alduin entered the kitchen. A kind-looking woman was finishing up with dinner preparations as she looked up in surprise. “Oh.” A small gasp broke this woman’s concentration as she stared with a smile.
“It’s been a while Mrs. Norna,” a nervous voice greeted. “Sorry for disturbing you.”
A blond-haired woman, around the same age as his mother, gave a bright smile. Her blue eyes seemed to shine with joy as she walked over and hugged him.
“Why don’t you call me auntie like you used to, besides you don’t have to call me by my surname, you already know that.” While inspecting the young man with an intriguing look she showed a playful side. “You’ve grown quite a lot haven’t you?”
“Well, uhm miss Dahlia. I brought something for you.”
Her playful eyes showed an intelligent glint as Alduin showed what was hidden behind his back. “Oh my," her soft voice rang in surprise. "It’s been a while since someone gave me flowers, are you sure these are for me?”
This woman who had wrapped her father and her husband around her finger started blushing like a young girl, nowhere did she show any strictness. But then something happened, and a teasing glint showed how perceptive she was.
“So, how did you find out?” Indirectly she asked an innocent question that would show all his cards.
‘Now I see,’ Alduin finally realized what Edward meant, Alduin replied with a smile, "I asked Edward for advice.” But seriousness washed over his expression as he clearly said his following words, "Miss Dahlia, I wish to go out with your daughter."
Alduin was looking straight at her with honesty, even Dahlia was impressed as she blushed even more.
“It took you long enough to spoil me, you know.” Dahlia gently laughed as she placed the flowers on the cooking table.
“Well, I’ve always been on your side. So I’ll give you my blessing," Dahlia said as she gave Alduin a gentle smile. And Alduin who felt he finally succeeded couldn’t help but show his happiness. Dahlia spoke with kindness as she patted a chair, “Well, let’s talk a bit shall we?”
With the progression of the evening, the arrival of Veleda who had finished preparing herself, and the guests that came over for dinner, the atmosphere became increasingly lively. Friends and family celebrated her 18th birthday with a feast in the large museum’s dining hall. As the sky outside turned darker, the laughter inside increased.
Alduin and Veleda in turn kept stealing glances at each other, and while Veleda did enjoy this moment to the fullest, she seemed to be waiting for something. Gradually as the celebration reached its end and people started leaving after saying their goodbyes, she approached Alduin and whispered, “Let’s go outside.”
Alduin’s eyes followed her closely. ‘Right, this is how it should be.’ His decision had solidified after talking with Edward, and now he felt nothing but comfort. Unlike the anxiety he felt in a crowded place, or the peace he felt in this town. Veleda brought him a sense of belonging.
With their family talking inside, Veleda turned around. Her figure was accentuated by the garden lamps that illuminated their surroundings with a warm light. The forest in the back rustled from a light breeze, and standing in front of a wooden bench Veleda watched Alduin approach.
“Happy Birthday Veleda.” Her lips formed a loving smile at his next words “I brought a gift for you.”
Sitting down on the bench, Alduin pulled a small box from his pocket, it was a gift he had bought in the city. In the palm of his hand, an intricate golden necklace with a flower at its end showed itself.
Staring down and looking back into his eyes in shock, she saw his lips making their next pronunciation clearly.
“Veleda, I love you,” Alduin confessed his affection “Do you want to go out with me?”
Veleda looked back with tears glistening in her sky-blue eyes. Words weren’t enough for her to reply so she didn’t. Leaning forward, soft lips pressed together, Veleda replied with a tender kiss. In the darkness outside, a small “yes" was the only sound that could be heard.
A moment that should have ended in silence. A moment that should have marked the beginning of their story. Alduin would have followed Veleda and when she had become a doctor they could have returned. This was what their future had in store, a life in a loving family.
However, it didn’t turn out this way.
Shortly after midnight, as Alduin and Veleda were talking about their future on the bench in the silent garden, both their phones started ringing.
“N-no way,” Veleda was the first to speak out.
It was light. No. It was something else. The night sky was split. A sharp line as bright as the stars spread over the dome of heaven. And from it, a blood-purple hue seemed to spread over the entire night sky.