Elemental Dance
 
 

In the village, there were many wondrous things to those not initiated into the mysteries of our daily lives.  We teach those that come through here, those that will listen, and show them the meanings behind who we are and what we guard; but it is our time alone that bring the wonders out.

As I sat with my brother, helping him prepare the paint for his coming of age ceremony three nights hence, I noticed the world starting to change.  Not much at first, but enough for those who have seen the mysteries to know, to watch.  I giggled as the Earth flew up in front of us, twirling and dancing to a tune only it could hear.  I clapped as the Air joined in,
leading the Earth now, partnered together as opposites and allies.

It wasn't long before the Water joined in, forcing the Air to dance with it instead.  They ran across us and the animals surrounding our house, eventually going to play in the square.  As our eyes tracked back to the lonely Earth, I gasped, almost standing as I saw the Fire embrace the dirty dancer.  I hissed as I heard the sizzle and crackle where the Earth clung tightly, and my noise brought the other dancers back to buffer them.  Air
thinned and surrounded the dancer of Fire, resolidifying around it like it does our wooden instruments.  I heard Earth sigh as the Water dancer breathed across it, their bodies merging as only adults who want more children will do.

My brother went still, bringing me closer to him as both sets of dancers now joined, Air eating Fire, Earth drinking Air and nibbling on Water, until it was just them.  Earth's dance changed, becoming seductive  almost as it enticed Air to join with it, becoming part of the whole again.  It almost looked like Earth would win this time but Air surprised it, swallowing Earth as it had Fire, making Earth theirs.

Slowly the joined elements changed, recombining to form a small girl.  A little girl that looked just like me.  I smiled at her and she did it back.  I took my new sister by the hand, pulling her into our house to show her around.

I now have a replacement for the brother I'm about to lose.  And she's perfect.  That is the story of my family and my village.