magisternihil's 100-word story for May 25, 2025

magisternihil wrote the following micro-story on Hectalex on May 25, 2025. Each story on Hectalex is inspired by a daily visual prompt and must be exactly 100 words.

“We’ve found it, the legendary Fountain of Youth!” Major Bledsoe stood breathless, staring at the wide expanse of cool liquid. “It’s hardly a fountain, though, is it?” asked Nigel. “More of an aquifer.” Bledsoe sighed and turned it his companion. “Nigel, you’ve been a capable assistant up to this point, but I swear to all that is holy if you ruin this for me with your pedantry—“ “Sorry, sir. Won’t happen again.” Bledsoe knelt and scooped a cup of the fluid, bringing it reverently to his lips. He sipped and waited, then scowled. “Must be a mistranslation. This is vermouth.”

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