The Meaning of Life
Lan is asked an important question.
"What is the meaning of life?"
Lan sat silently besides the young woman that asked that. She didn't look at him, nor him at her, but the words hung heavily above. The meaning of life. He'd been asked that often-- not nearly as often other deities, but often enough to ponder it himself.
He'd heard many answers alike:
"To worship us!" laughed a god remembered only in stories now.
"To create more life," mused a scholar of animals.
"There's no purpose at all," bemoaned the girl's best friend.
There were so many more answers. Some of them had stayed since the dawn of time, and some had changed and warped to new, different answers after years and years. Which one was true? Could they all be true, or none at all?
Was it possible that there was a higher being beyond Lan and the other elements, a god above all and remembered by none? Was it possible this god had created every single thing with a sole purpose in mind? Even this answer did not settle well with him.
"The meaning of life," Lan spoke softly, quietly, and tilted his head down to gaze at his joined fingertips. "Who am I to command what everyone's purpose is? Who is anyone to hold such authority?"
He could see such lives through the blue orbs in front of his steel face. Reflected in its embers were people going about their daily lives, friends ending, relationships starting; the best day someone ever had, the worst day someone ever had; smiles and frowns, laughs and screams.
"Life is vast, different, and majestic, experienced uniquely by all. It's only fair to take it into your own hands. That's why you were given emotions and individuality. Worship, procreate, deny, it is your decision to make. So, let me ask..."
They looked at each other.
"What is the meaning of life?"