Immortality has always been what humans desired, and even now, it is still seen as a gift. It's quite ironic really when it's a curse in disguise. Living forever, impervious to death, I guess it sounds swell. Its designs are flawless, unaging, and the feeling.
"Mother," the child said, eyes focused on her mother, "why is immortality a curse?" she asked.
The mother lifted her hand and stroked the girl's hair gently, a gesture for calmness, and answered, "You see, Rella, it's loneliness. You can always be close, but a few years and the people around you that you love will be very far, while you have to watch them go on to their next life." The mother curled her lips into a smile, then opened them, saying goodnight.
(In this world there are two primordial gods and twelve primary gods and about sixty lower gods. On the 5th birthday of every child in this world they are required to participate in the baptism ceremony, in which they will be granted a blessing depending on which God favors them. Tomorrow is Bella's birthday where she'll be baptized.)
The morning rose within the distance and the sun was slowly coming to be. The light penetrated the window, illuminating Rella's room with a bright hue. This is her 5th birthday and the day of her baptism.
Rella's mother, Rose, entered the room, waking Rella from her slumber, then clothed her in her baptism gown. The gown was soft, milky, fluid-like, and silky. Her hair was done up in a bun, and her shoes were white, matching the dress in color.
Her father was a knight; he worked for the royal palace, so Rella had an advantage over the commoners. She wasn't a higher noble, but her family had enough rations to survive at least.
The carriage was ready outside. It looked easy on the eyes. It waited for Rella and her mother to arrive at the door. A man in knight's armor appeared out of the carriage door, his arms opened almost like he was expecting a hug, and Rella, who ran into the man's arms, obliged. The next second Rose also tightly hugged the knight, and the knight felt the emanating love his family reciprocated back to him.
They were all inside now, and the carriage started to move with the help of the horse pulling in front.
Rella was excited, but also nervous. She was excited to see which God would favor her, as many children her age are. Other children Rella's age will also be present.
The three talked about how excited they were for Rella's baptism, sharing tales about their own. Rella's father was blessed by the God of War, Marlel, and her mother by the Goddess of Light, Estelle.
In the midst of their conversation the carriage came to a halt, signaling they had arrived at their destination. They got off in front of the church.
As they entered the church door they saw a lot of the people sitting down in rows; these were the villagers. They were ready for the ceremony to begin.