The tree of knowledge was not a myth.
It was a metaphor. And also a tree on the planet Skol. The tree of knowledge didn’t impart knowledge. It inspired those who saw it to seek knowledge, which was how the Skolastica became the smartest creatures in the universe.
L’Sandra loved climbing the trees in the forests of Skol. Her people lived in the temperate zones of the planet, only traveling to the sweltering knowledge regions for their coming of age pilgrimage. The roots of the tree had spread through the continent, and L’Sandra could hear its song, calling her to learn.
Despite their incredible intelligence, the tree knew the humans were coming before the Skolastica did. Its song intensified, and the Sirens sang louder. Then one day, the tree went silent. The Skolastica panicked. (Sometimes, panicking is the smart move.) Their heart, their joy, and their inspiration to pursue knowledge faded. L’Sandra felt her soul withering and she argued with her siblings as to who was to blame. (They knew it was the humans. They also knew not to punish a lesser life form for natural behavior.)
The human ship landed in fiery crash, and the forest started to burn. Without the knowledge tree to consult, the Skolastica had to rely on their memories to contain the fire.
L’Sandra sang for hope.
Creatures emerged from the ship, and when L’Sandra sang, they seemed drawn to her. Her brother joined the song and the creatures swayed, mesmerized. They had strange, bubble heads and they wore their atmosphere on their backs.
As they sang, another fireball raced through the atmosphere. Another alien ship crashed. Why were they all crashing? Did they not have knowledge of how to land?
The tree answered: “It is your song.”
L’Sandra glanced at her brother, disheartened by the answer, but he was grinning with glee.
“We are powerful,” he sang. “They are ours.”
~FIN~
Special thanks to today’s contributing artist, Chris.
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