The Young Water Elemental in Love

Ah, that majestic queen of the sky. She was the wind that carried him when he called out to her in pain. She was the breath of fresh oxygen that lifted him up into clouds. Air and Water together made beautiful symphonies of storms.

The water elemental loved her more than even he, himself, knew, and though Air loved Water as well, his tears kept the rivers flowing. For Air loved Earth just as much as Water, and it made Water swim in his own pool of jealousy.

Water began spitting rain on the Earth until seas of envy formed; but no matter how hard Water hit, Earth just nonchalantly laid back in the sand, with his smile still intact.

It just so happened one day that the young water elemental sat on the beach crying his tears of rain. He then noticed behind him he was being watched. It was Earth, that sly old rock again, observing Water in silence.

When the moment came for the wind of Air to arrive, she kissed away Water’s tears and scattered them over the miles of ocean in a gentle mist. Touching his face where her lips had rested, Water looked back at the earth elemental and grinned. Water wanted Earth to tremble with rage, for Air had kissed Water instead of him.

But there was no reaction. Earth remained calm — smiled, in fact. Feeling defeated, Water finally asked, “why do you not get upset when she kisses me with such love? How can you possibly remain so calm when your lover kisses me so tender?”

And Earth, so wise, stood there and rubbed his chin, then he stood and stretched. And he sat next to Water as he motioned toward a white group of birds.

“A seagull,” he explained, “deeply loves the sea because it supplies it with the food it needs to survive. But alas, it cannot fly forever over the water without its wings growing tired; thus the seagull loves the beach just as deeply, for it provides it with a place to rest its wings.”

Earth paused and cut his eyes at Water. Was this kid listening at all? Water elementals are not great for paying attention, after all, but no matter, Earth continued.

“If either element were to be taken away, the seagull would not survive for long. You see, dear boy, she loves us both equally. But the connection that she has with you is not comparable to the one she has with me. What she feels for you, I cannot touch. No more can you touch what she feels for me.”

It was then the water elemental understood. Without Earth, what would Water and Air give life to? They each needed the other; and their connections, while unique, all came together with passionate Fire to make the little world they had created complete.

Originally published in Klorrie D’s book, We Never Get Snow Down Here, July 2019, 1st edition. Also published on Medium.com