Loss

by HazelofSodor

Summary:

Culdee deals with the fact the Culdee Fell Railway is building a new number one.

Day 26-Summit

Loss

Culdee quietly pulled up to the platform at top station as the sun neared the Atlantic.

His crew walked away, leaving him to his privacy.

The autumn wind was strong up here, but Culdee did not fear the wind.

"Hello Godred." He said.

The wind turned, curling around his boiler reassuringly.

Culdee stared at the ground, "they're building a new number one." He finally said. The wind stopped for a long moment then curled lightly around his cab in an embrace.

"It's to celebrate the line's 100th birthday...and ours I suppose."

Culdee gave a broken laugh, "I don't like it." He said bitterly, " You are our number one. We don't need another."

The wind swirled around his funnel, blowing away the steam he'd let off in frustration.

He looked over the island for a long moment, letting the view and the wind calm him.

"They're gonna use the parts you gave us in the new engine." Culdee mused quietly, "But it isn't gonna work is it? You're long gone."

The wind stopped for a moment, then resumed, blowing away Culdee's tears.

"Happy Birthday brother," Culdee whispered.

***

CLANG

Culdee groaned as he pulled to a stop. He had been looking forward to reaching the sheds, now they had to stop and inspect him. The ravens in the mountain loved attention and had figured out at some point that if they dropped something on the engines they would stop.

The culprit swooped down, landing on Culdee's buffer beam and looking quite pleased with herself.

"You just couldn't let me get home, could you?" He asked dryly.

The raven just preened under his attention.

"Uh...Culdee..."

"Yes, Driver?" Culdee asked, hoping nothing had been damaged.

His driver stepped around, and in his hands was an old weather-worn whistle.

Notes:

Hey Loves! Tormorrow's Prompt is Record Breaker. Love Y'all!

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 26 of Traintober 2023
• Part 56 of Hazel's Reading Order