The melodies of the world seemed to play in one room, with incense of jasmine and rose. Smoke rose from out the many pipes being puffed on by men. Here all could gather; discrimination was the only thing being shunned inside these walls. Although there were still the rare fights and arguments, this was one of the only peaceful places around. The world of “Elnk” was falling apart. Wars raged every where and armies were always on the move. Causing disruption in peoples every-day-lives and an uproar of bandits.
On any given night, one could pass through these doors expecting to see men of all statures gathered around card tables, a performance stage, and drinking tables, talking of the latest news. Then of course there was the fabulous bar itself being attended by Crushen, the owner. Crushen always stocked his bar well, full of well known contemporary and experimental drinks created by Crushen himself. He was a fun-loving man with a good heart, which was one of the main reason’s the bar was such a success.
Joseph sat in a far back corner watching a well-made wooden stage that rose four feet from the floor and was lined in stage lights, draped over by a black velvet curtain. Feeling somewhat drowsy from the incense, Joseph wished he could leave. Usually this was his favorite place but tonight, due to resent events, he felt uneasy. With a slight tilt of his chair Joseph reclined, rocking on the chair’s wooden legs. Closing his eyes he felt his body relax while listening to the hum of voices surrounding him.
Suddenly the tone of the bar became softer and a tune took up behind the large draping curtain. Joseph came to attention. His chair landed with a clunk and he stared at the stage as the drapes began to rise. A mournful note from bongos and violins took to the air. But there at the center of the stage was what he had come for. His love, the only one he truly cared about anymore. He knew she loved this place which is why he agreed on bringing her back here tonight.
She had grew up here, being taken in by Crushen as a young child after her neighboring village was destroyed. She and Joseph met only two years back, but had been traveling together ever since. Now once again she stood back on stage, her light brown hair flowing down her back, her chin held high and eyes closed as she prepared to let out her opening notes. With a slight tilt of her head she began her song.
“Smile darling and shed your tears,
Times will change and soon you will see…”
Fading into memory Joseph could vividly recall the first time he met Alexei. He was sitting in the same spot as now, accompanied by some friends enjoying a few drinks. When Alexei stepped on stage that night to sing , it was the first time Joseph ever noticed her. Usually he just saw her helping Crushen with orders behind the bar, in old work clothes, hair always pulled in a pony tail, dressed in a boyish style of baggy black slacks and a dirty brown slavish shirt, needing to be tied in back to keep the material from getting in her way while she worked. Her skin was always stained with dirt and dust gotten from cleaning floors, tables, and fire places. But that night her skin shone like pearl as the stage lights glowed upon her, dressed in a royal blue corset dress that flowed to the ground. There was no pattern to the dress but still she was stunning for sixteen. Her shoulders were bare, for the dress tightend around her breasts and hugged the skin down to her waist. Her hair was down except for two strains tied on each side and pulled back to hold the rest out of her face, and her eyes shown with a new brightness of hazel. She took his breath away, that night and ever since.
“Crawl into my arms
Find comfort in my voice…”
That first night Joseph had waited at the bar until most of the crowd had left to speak to Alexei... |
Submission Name: ~*^*~
