The Constant of Life floated over the surface of the first world, a radiant presence that seemed to breathe vitality into the land itself. Her energy rippled outward, birthing the first flowers, the first rivers, and the first winds that danced across the emerald plains. In the heart of this new world, her energy gathered into a single form.
Enkidu emerged slowly, his body shimmering as it took shape. He knelt on the soft ground, his eyes wide as he looked around, a blank curiosity etched across his face. He was whole, but there was something missing—his gaze was empty, his movements hesitant.
The Constant of Life descended before him, her form a shifting glow of green and gold. She knelt to meet his gaze, her presence both soothing and overwhelming.
"You are Enkidu," she said, her voice a melody that seemed to carry the weight of eternity. "You are the first of your kind, born of me and this Earth."
Enkidu tilted his head, blinking slowly. He opened his mouth as if to respond, but no words came out. Confusion flickered across his face, and he reached out toward her, his movements unsteady.
The Constant of Life smiled softly. "You do not understand, do you?" she asked, her tone warm. "You see, but you do not perceive. You hear, but you cannot listen. That is not your fault—it is simply not yet your time."
She reached out, placing her hand gently against his chest. A soft light pulsed between them. "Understanding is the gift I shall give you," she said. "Not as an immediate truth, but as a path. You will learn to name the things you see, to grasp their meaning, and to connect with this world and all that comes after."
As the light spread through Enkidu's form, his expression changed. The confusion gave way to clarity, and he blinked again, this time with purpose. His gaze shifted, focusing on the Constant of Life, and for the first time, he spoke.
"I... see," he said slowly, his voice raw but filled with a growing comprehension. He turned his head to the sky, to the trees, to the flowing river nearby, and something in him seemed to awaken.
The Constant of Life's soothing presence filled the air as she continued speaking to Enkidu, her words a gentle guide to his newfound comprehension. "You will grow, Enkidu. You will—"
A sudden chill swept through the air, causing the leaves on the trees to tremble. Life's glow dimmed ever so slightly as another figure appeared nearby. The Constant of Death strode forward, his dark form cloaked in an aura that seemed to swallow the light around him. His eyes gleamed mischievously as he gave Life a mock bow.
"Ah, Life," he said smoothly, his voice like the soft rustle of dry leaves. "Always so radiant, always so... busy." He straightened, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "Still micromanaging, I see?"
The Constant of Life turned slowly, her serene smile frozen in place. "Death," she said, her tone sweet enough to curdle milk. "I see you're as punctual as ever. Not that your arrival was invited."
Death chuckled, ignoring the jab. "Invitations are such trivial things. I simply go where I'm needed—or, in this case, where I'm entertained."
Enkidu, who had been standing silently, began to sweat. The tension between the two was palpable, and despite his growing comprehension, he couldn't quite grasp how he had suddenly become a very uncomfortable third wheel. He cleared his throat, hoping to break the silence.
"Um... maybe we can—" he started, but when both Life and Death turned to him simultaneously, his voice caught in his throat, emerging as an awkward squeak.
Life, still smiling (though there was a visible vein throbbing on her forehead), gestured toward Death. "Enkidu, this is Death. As you can see, he has the social grace of a falling boulder."
Death raised an eyebrow. "And Enkidu, this is Life, who—despite her endless optimism—fails to realize she's not the center of existence."
Enkidu opened his mouth, but no words came out. His newly gained comprehension decided to flee at the worst possible moment, leaving him standing there, nervously tugging at a leaf from a nearby bush.
Finally, Death waved a hand dismissively and stepped closer to Enkidu. "Don't let her fool you, Enkidu," he said in a conspiratorial tone. "Between you and me, she's just jealous that my work gets results." He winked, earning an audible grinding of teeth from Life.
"Anyway," Death continued, ignoring Life's icy glare, "I've come to introduce myself. I am Death, the end of all things. It's my job to ensure balance and to remind everyone that nothing lasts forever."
He paused, leaning in slightly. "Except you, of course," he added with a sly grin. "You've got a special role to play, so I'm afraid you're exempt. Lucky you."
He nodded weakly, unsure whether to be relieved or terrified.
With that, Death turned to Life, his smirk widening. "Well, I'll leave you to your... nurturing. Try not to make a mess of it."
"Don't trip on your way out," Life replied through gritted teeth, her serene mask slipping for a fraction of a second.
As Death vanished into the shadows, Life turned back to Enkidu, her smile firmly in place, though her aura flickered like an overworked lamp. "Now, where were we?"
Enkidu gulped, wiping his forehead. "Something about... balance?"
Life sighed, patting his shoulder. "You'll get used to it," she said, more to herself than to him. Then, as if to reassure him, she added, "Or at least, I hope you do."
The Constant of Life looked down at Enkidu with a warm smile, but her gaze faltered as she noticed something for the first time. Her eyes widened, and her entire face turned a deep, vibrant red.
Enkidu, blissfully unaware of her reaction, tilted his head in curiosity. "Is something wrong?" he asked, his voice gentle but genuinely confused.
Life shrieked and leaped back as if she'd touched fire, covering her eyes with both hands. "Enkidu! Y-you're completely... You're not wearing anything!" she stammered.
Enkidu frowned, looking down at himself, then back at her, his head tilting further. "What's wrong with that? What's 'wearing?'"
Life peeked through her fingers, instantly regretting it, and yelped again, pointing at him with a trembling hand. "Clothes! You need clothes!" she exclaimed.
"Clothes?" he repeated, utterly lost.
With her free hand, Life made a small gesture, her aura shimmering faintly. Instantly, a set of clothing formed on Enkidu's body, covering him from neck to toe.
Enkidu looked down at his new attire, flexing his arms and touching the fabric with wonder. "Oh, this feels nice," he said with a faint smile. "Thank you. I was starting to feel a little... cold."
Life slowly lowered her hands, her usual composure beginning to return, though her cheeks still carried the faintest hint of red. "You're welcome," she said, brushing nonexistent dust off her glowing form. "But honestly, you should have said something earlier. It's—" She paused, shaking her head. "Never mind."
Enkidu looked at her expectantly, waiting for her to continue.
She sighed, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. "You have a lot to learn, Enkidu. And a whole world to explore." She gave him a soft, encouraging smile before stepping back. "But for now, I have other matters to tend to."
With that, Life's form shimmered, and she vanished into the air.