| THE LORELEI SIGNAL |
.
| Written by Matthew C Plourde / Artwork by Lee Kuruganti |
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| Beyond Caledonia |
"What should I do?" Maria asked, though nobody else occupied the small chapel built around the Fountain of
Youth.
For thousands of years, the people of Caledonia drank from the rejuvenating waters of the natural spring.
Maria had seen one hundred and seventy-six summers—though she didn't look a day over twenty-nine. Now,
during her monthly visit to the fountain, Maria's thoughts swirled.
"Is this love or infatuation?"
Maria spent the day in the library studying the history and theory behind love. However, her findings only
confused her further, as she discovered love came in many forms and disguises—how could she be certain?
Philippe was a traveler—an outsider to Caledonia. Maria welcomed Philippe to the city and arranged visitor's
quarters for his crew. Over the course of the past week, Maria spent almost every day with Philippe and
listened to his tales of faraway places and magnificent wonders. Such fantastic stories sparked something
within Maria—a curiosity and excitement which dwelt deep within her soul. Recognizing Maria's interest,
Philippe invited Maria to join him on his ship. At first, the offer was a professional one. However, after they
slept together (an impulsive moment which surprised and frightened her), Maria considered his offer as
perhaps a change in her life's course—a future of new destinations she never thought possible.
Now, after filling her Life Bowl with the eternal waters of the Fountain of Youth, Maria calculated her options.
Caledonia was her home—her sisters and parents wouldn't understand. Only a few people emigrated from
Caledonia through the ages, yet most of those had been forced into exile. Why did she feel such wanderlust
in her heart? How could she never again see the Rosewood Palisades, the Riverwalk, or the Fountain? Would
she leave her own youth behind as well? As the eldest sister, how could she abandon Francisca and
Alejandra?
No, she would not leave her home.
As Maria rose to leave the chapel, she gazed upon the perfect water in her bowl. This water kept Maria and
her sisters alive and vibrant far beyond their natural expectancy. Yet, Maria felt her life as plain as the vessel
she used to catch the water. Caledonia's history books would hail her as a fair judge, yet was that all she
was destined to accomplish? In his brief life, Philippe discovered new worlds, defied a king, and fought wars—
all without the vigor of eternal youth. In many ways, Philippe was more alive than Maria or anyone in
Caledonia. Life with Philippe promised uncertainty, but maybe love. Was it worth the risk? Could she really
follow him into the great unknown—beyond her home?
"Beyond..."
Philippe used the word many times in their brief time together. Beyond the walls of Caledonia. Beyond the
ocean to the east. Beyond...
Maria smiled and poured the life-giving waters back into the cistern.
"I will discover what is beyond..."
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