A Heart of Roses and Stars {Elisop}

Fate Sealed in Fern Wax

It was rainy the day Aesop decided to finally leave.

Just a week prior he had received the body of a mangled woman. Her face was torn and her body was covered in stab wounds. However after his procedure, she looked as if she were only asleep.

This was Aesop's job, helping those finally pass in life. Ever since he was young he was taught by his mentor Jerry to guide those in need to their final destination. Not too long ago he had helped Jerry achieve that same fate, taking his place as the embalmer and continuing his cycle.

On her body he found a letter, looking to be the same as Jerry had accepted. A red, fern wax seal inviting whoever the woman was to the Oletus Manor. Of course, Aesop knew she would never be able to arrive.

It was clear he needed to take her place.

He had contemplated going ever since that day. Part of him didn't want to go. He knew there would be others there. Aesop wasn't very fond of people.

Unlike the living, the dead were silent. They didn't look at you, they didn't judge you. Aesop found their company quite enjoyable.

But on the other hand, this was the first time in his life he was ever truly alone. Before he had his mother, who had passed when he was very young, to which Jerry had immediately taken her place.

For awhile he attended school, but that was broken off due to his autism. That was never a problem for him since Jerry taught him well.

But he was gone now. And Aesop had no one. No one to guide him, no one to help guide. Perhaps there was a reason behind the letter the poor woman had been carrying. Perhaps it was meant for him all along. After all, he was still alive.

He still waited for a sign to confirm that fate wanted him to leave. So once the weather changed he took it as his chance. He knew that he needed to go. He knew there would be others at that Manor who needed him.

One thing stayed within his mind however. Would he return as well?

Jerry returned, but he was meant to die. Unlike Aesop had first suspected, Jerry didn't go to the manor to guide others. He only returned in shambles, much like the girl he embalmed.

It seemed as if fate wanted this. It was Aesop's job to help all the other lost people in need.

So he left his small town and took a train to his final destination.

Aesop knew the road ahead would be long, but he would soon arrive.

After all that was his promise. To help others finally let go.