My+Short+Story

Juvenescence

On a steep hill, hidden by a bewitching forest, and mess of rosebush flowed the majestic fountain of youth. Once every Summer Solstice, three good people are allowed to enter. Those who made it up to the fountain were allowed the privilege of drinking the water, which results in the losing of age. This was a reward most longed to gain.

The night aforetime many of people flocked to the base of the hill, hoping to achieve entrance in the morning. Three unfortunate beings stood waiting, talking amongst themselves waiting for the daybreak. The first was an old woman, named Edith; as a young girl her house had been robbed leaving her to live in poverty with her family, she had a sad upbringing, and desired to be young again to try to make a better childhood for herself. The second was named Almira, she had been quite well off, but when she had been younger her lover had passed on, Almira was addicted to him, he was her life and without him life felt like death. She had tried to move on, but it usually failed at every attempt. Almira was now much past her prime, and could no longer even attract anyone to her. The third was a young maiden, she was in some sort of enchanted sleep, nobody was quite sure what had happened, her name was Sylvia. Sylvia had lost many years to this mysterious sleep, after she had awoken she was also ill stricken, Sylvia had tried every remedy, and the fountain of youth was her last hope. Briefly, sometime after the conversations of the three women, the sun started to rise. The sun brightened, and lit up the dome that referred to as earth, spreading its jovial sunshine in all directions. In a pleasant mood, the three women decided to make promise to each other, since only one could bathe in the fountain, they decided if they reached it they would all jump in together. The rosebushes started to fall, revealing a massive golden gate. Fairies stood behind it, one fairy took Almiras hand, and the others grabbed onto her other hand. Unfortunately there was an unwanted guest clinging to the sleeve of Sylvia, some sort of jester. The faeries handed each person a magical tool, a sword to the jest, a magic stone to Edith, and magic powder to the other two. “What have you done Almira, how will we decide who bathes in the water now, and what if he pulls some sort of trickery on us, exclaimed Edith.” The gate swung shut, desperate screams came from the crowd, the rosebushes rose again, and then all was silent. “Just to let you know, I plan on trying to bathe in the water myself, I won’t be much of a bother to you, said the jester.” “Coward, we all have equal reasons, it would be most intelligent to share the privilege,” reasoned Sylvia. “I shall consider it, I supposed we are all equally misfortunate, and it would be more logical to do so… replied the Jester” The scenery was lovely with vibrant flowers of all colors, lush green grass, and a large assortment of shrubs, and trees, ranging from apple to oak. Along the way there were various bodies of water, dazzling icy blue rivers, a tremendous waterfall, and a couple ponds. The opulent land was both pleasing to the eye, and nose. Walking through the garden smelled as nice as it looked. All four carried on without impediments; soon they arrived at the base of the hill. However at the base of the hill stood a beastly chimera. “O spite, I’ve heard of these creatures, they’ve the body of a lion, a snake for a tail, and a fire breathing goat head perched upon its back, they are so large, and dangerous we may not be able to pass it, sighed Almira.” “Prove to me your agony to pass, it stated” The three women discussed ideas, while the jest attempted to go forth and attack with his sword. Almira, Edith, and Sylvia all tried to use their magic items, but strangely none of them succeeded. “Useless, why we were given these items if they do not even work, cried Edith.” The Chimera glanced at the tears, and sauntered off. “What good fortune, smiled Sylvia.” The four continued on, until another obstacle came up. A large fence was in the way, inscribed into it was the message; show me the fertility of your toils. The three women were bewildered, the jester placed a coin on the fence, which then fell off and rolled to some unknown location. The four of them walked around the circumference of the fence, they split up into twos and went searching. Sylvia walked with purpose; she had gone much farther than the others, until she once again reached the irritating sign. Sylvia panted, the forehead was moist with sweat, it slowly trickled down her face, and fell to the earth. The fence opened up in front of her. The other three soon came; all of them cheered, and carried on. They could see the fountain from where they stood, it sparkled and shined in the sunlight, the water smoothly flowed out, into the bottom basin, the fountain, and the water itself was only comparable to diamonds, valuable, and just as shiny. However around the fountain was a mote, too rapid to cross, and like the other obstacles, enchanted. Etched into a stone was the following, “Show me what valuables your past has produced.” The sun started to rise, it was a radiant mixture of reds, orange, and yellow, the sun was starting to rise higher. Almira stood and stared at the sunrise, remembering all the precious memories she had in the prime of her life. Soon a magical bridge appeared over the river, it was made from flowers, was easily as stiff as wood. As soon as they crossed the bridge, Almira, Edith, Sylvia, and the Jester all ran to the fountain. Water poured down from basin, to basin, the water glimmered magically. Surrounding the fountain were patches of beautiful flowers, and other plants. Sylvia felt thirsty, she sat and panted. Edith began mixing up some of the flowers with some water from her gourd; she gave it to Sylvia to drink. “I think I am cured of my disease, I feel wonderful,” exclaimed Sylvia.”I am also quite young as it is, and without this illness I am free to do whatever I please so I suppose I am in no need of this fountain!” “If this really worked, and I healed you with these plants, maybe if I sell this I could make a fortune, cheered Edith.” “All I really ever wanted was more gold, as a child and now, so I am in no need of the fountain either.” The two women turned to stare at Almira, waiting for a response, the jester bowed, waiting for her to bathe in the water. Almira nodded, “This journey made me think, after remembering all the good times with my deceased lover, I now realize that they were good but that is the past, I do not want this affecting the present any longer, and now that I think about it he was ungrateful.” “Since we no longer need the fountain, I leave the opportunity up to the Jester,” added Almira. The jester didn’t know what to say, he was amazed that out of the whole city he would have the chance to use the fountain. When he rose from the water, he saw the most beautiful women he had ever seen, Almira. Feeling brave, the jester decided to ask for Almiras hand in marriage, Almira realized that the jester was suitable to her, and accepted. The four then became good friends; they all walked down the hill together. The faeries smiled, knowing there was no magic to the fountain at all. The End.