Cornelius and the Angel

Cornelius, the small child of the Dark, meets the sweet boy from the Sun.

Name: Cornelius Blum
A wizard and literal child of shadows, sent into the world out of boredom.
He has shadows that are his friends; they follow him around, talk to him, and protect him.
He loves making potions and performing rituals.
He has red hair that covers one of his eyes and wears a green cloak with tattered rags he calls clothes.

Name: Berthold Hasst
A purifier and literal child of light, sent into the world out of boredom.
He has long, fair hair that reaches his feet and crystal-blue eyes. He prays and protects the regions he walks through.
He loves animals, but is afraid of insects.

Cornelius peeked curiously over the bush, between flowers and trees�"he couldn’t believe what he was seeing: an angel!

He was about the same height, maybe shorter, with long blond hair that fell gently down to his feet, eyes blue like a summer sky, and a gentle smile to match. His robes were pure, white tunics without a single stain, and he walked barefoot, unafraid of stepping on any thorn.
The red-haired boy recognized that creature, born of the very Light�"it was what his parents had told him�"who let a flake of purity fall upon the Earth, blessing it with such little angels. Cornelius was intrigued and began slowly approaching, hiding behind the bushes along the way. But then something surprised him: the angel spoke! With a light and kind voice, he asked:

"Who are you, who approaches me with such hesitation?"

The redhead stepped out from behind the bush and waved at the angel:

C �" "I'm Cornelius Blum, and I came to ask something that struck my curiosity: What is an angel like you doing in a dark forest like this?" the boy replied.

The blond boy laughed softly and shook his head.

"I’m no angel, Cornelius, I’m just a servant of theirs, and of the light."

C �" "But you're perfect like the angels… are you sure you aren’t one?"

B �" "Yes, my friend, I’m absolutely sure. I’m just Berthold, Berthold Hasst."

Blum still felt confused�"he truly thought he had found a divine creature! But even if he wasn’t, the boy seemed nice. He turned around, looking at the shadows that walked alongside him, silently asking:

C �" "Should I approach this boy?"

The shadows opened their large eyes, extended their arms, and nodded.

Yes!

This would be fun. Cornelius would have a new friend!
He then gave a wide smile and took a few steps toward Berthold:

C �" "I live nearby, I have a cabin with a cauldron. Would you like to come make potions with me, Hasst?"

For the first time, the blue-eyed boy gave a small, sad smile and shook his head.

B �" "Unfortunately, I’ll have to decline the offer, as fun as it sounds. I’m not allowed to leave this forest�"the elders don’t let me go beyond it."

C �" "Elders? Who are you talking about? And why won’t they let you leave this place?"

B �" "I speak of the leaders of my church. I’m an apprentice to become a purifier, and until I turn 21, I’m only allowed to go as far as the forest’s edge. But I can walk through the church halls freely�"they’re huge!"

C �" "But don’t you get bored, Berthold?"

B �" "Bored? I love living there, praying day and night to the light!"

C �" "I prefer praying to the Moon. She understands me better. But nothing against you, Berthold!"

B �" "I believe everyone’s beliefs can lead to the light, as long as no harm is done. Follow whatever religion you wish!"

C �" "You’re more mature than some adults twice your age."

B �" "I appreciate the compliment," he said with a sweet smile. "I was taught to have respect, which means respecting others’ choices and beliefs."

Author's Note

This is just a short story I did while I was bored, for my child's book! <3