Everlasting Love

Rus

Subtle wind rustled the reeds of the steppe. The wilderness of the land of Rus extended as far as the eye could see. A wise sage journeyed for days without food or rest. Before her stood a majestic mountain. Step by step, she ascended it in a spiritual feat. With bated breath she reached the top; it was a leap of faith that brought her there, a wonder, and a call of God. A visitor upon the earth, the lone traveler knew this life as a temporary moment, a test before eternity. The visible life is just a dream compared to the reality of the invisible universe. She needed to pass this test in order to attain perfection and gain everlasting life. High above the land, Vera observed what her eyes could see - wherever she looked she saw forests and rivers, blue sky over the horizon, as the sun shone overhead. She saw the glory of existence and whispering, she prayed:

"Please guide me on my way, Lord. Where should I go?” 

Suddenly, the traveling pilgrim felt drowsy. She lay down to rest after a long journey and fell asleep. The aged woman saw a strange dream. She was standing before an icon of God. All around the icon were flames. Tears were streaming from Christ’s face and the tears turned to blood; then the Lord spoke to the pilgrim: 

“Protect the innocent from destruction!” As the dream continued, Vera saw a palace, attacked by an unknown enemy. Everything was burned. There were corpses and ashes. Only one person survived, a little girl. She was hiding inside a church where the icon of God streamed tears of blood. People lay slaughtered on the ground; the burning church was filled with smoke as the flames engulfed it. The girl walked out of the fire. She was all alone amidst the destruction. 

Vera woke up in terror. Her heart was beating loudly, and it told her what she saw had already happened. She crossed herself when she saw ominous black smoke rising from the forest in the distance. Instantly, she set out toward the dark cloud. As she descended down the mountain, she witnessed a horde of warriors riding away. She knew these were no ordinary warriors. They were clad in black attire and were none other than servants of evil. Vera walked through the wilderness following a path of hoof prints left fresh by the riders. She came to a place of chilling death and desolation, a shocking sight. A town, burned to the ground, was enveloped in smoke and fog. Vera saw something move in the distance. It was a little girl, her face covered in soot and tears. She stood on the ashes, in the horrific nightmare all around.

“Don’t be afraid, child. What is your name?” Asked the old woman.

“Love.” Replied the girl.

“God is protecting you, Love. I am Vera. You are safe now; we must go away from here. Come with me to my village. There are good people there, we will take care of you.” 

Love observed that Vera’s eyes were kind and gentle. The old woman was dressed in a ragged robe and held a walking stick in her hand. Love felt the goodness of Vera’s heart, and wasn’t afraid of her. After seeing the raiders burning her home, she thought Vera was an angel sent from above. Love took Vera’s hand and they walked away from the ruins towards the village.

Love looked at the world around her through a child’s innocent eyes. She observed the beautiful nature in silence. Vera understood that the girl was still in shock after what happened and did not question her. Meanwhile, Love thought of one thing only - the reason she is still alive. As the clouds in the sky hovered, covering the sun, the rays of light seeped through the clouds, as if to say: 'I am always watching over you.'

In the village, Vera and Love passed by a small church with picturesque golden domes. There were many parishioners coming to the church from the nearby villages. An old priest approached Vera and greeted her: 

“Welcome back from your journey, Vera, did you find what you were looking for?” 

Vera nodded.