Heaven's Perch, Scene v1

Merry Christmas everyone, since I probably won't be posting the next two days! (Yes, I know, this story isn't really a Christmas-y story)

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It had been three days since he left the dungeon. He couldn’t bring himself to descend those steps again. It would’ve been painful for both him and Isella. Lucas sat at the far end of the bar, away from the laughter, the dancing, and the people. For the past three days he found himself sitting there in Heaven’s Perch every day, in that very same seat.

The troubled soldier never knew why he went to the Perch. It was the most famous tavern in Rokan. Day and night there would be crowds of people sharing drinks, stories, and paramours. The paramours weren’t lovers, although many did fall for them. They were employees who worked for the Perch, to provide service and good company. They delivered food and drinks, sang, danced, laughed and chatted. Sometimes they would offer more, but it was entirely up to the paramour if they wanted to or not.

Everyone loved the Perch, everyone but jealous spouses and significant others. Lucas never cared for it much either. His friends would sometimes drag him along, but every time he went, he wouldn’t be able to stop thinking about Isella. He didn’t know why he came back to the Perch every day since he left her cell. He didn’t know where else to go to escape the pity from his friends in the castle. But the Perch was no different.

One of the paramours sat on the stool beside him and wrapped her arm gently around his shoulder. “Hey, Lucas. You sure you don’t want to tell me what’s been bothering you? You’ll feel a lot better if you just let it all out.”

Lucas swirled his mug of beer slowly, watching the suds whirl around. “Thanks, Ceci, but I’m not in the mood for talking right now.” He took a gulp.

Cecilia leaned close to him and bit her lip. She placed a tender hand on his arm, speaking in a soft voice that probably would’ve been a whisper if the tavern weren’t so rowdy. “Well, if you don’t feel like talking, I can take you upstairs, and you can let it all out there. On the house.”

Lucas knew he came to the wrong place to be left alone. After all, paramours were hired to cheer people up and keep a positive and friendly atmosphere. He just hoped that after two days of telling them he wanted to be left alone that they would finally leave him alone and let him drink in peace. But every time it grew more irritating. “I appreciate the offer, but I’ll have to say ‘no’ as usual. I’d just like to be alone if you don’t mind,” he said, struggling to keep his manners.

“Sure thing, hun. If you ever want some company, just let me know and I’m all yours.” She stroked his hair lightly, before leaving the bar. A pity gesture, of course.

He thought he made it obvious that he hated pity. It only reminded him of what was bothering him in the first place. Every time someone showed him pity, he only felt worse and more frustrated, not just with the situation with Isella, but also because people wouldn’t leave him alone despite how many times he told them.

Lucas looked out at the crowd in the Perch. Everyone was laughing, dancing, and sharing stories. Their joy only made him more depressed, yet he always found himself sitting there. For some reason, he felt like they were all watching him—pitying him. He guzzled down the last of his mug then left the boisterous tavern. He didn’t feel like he’d been there for long, but the sun had already set, and the streets were emptying. Many of the shops still had their windows lit, so it couldn’t have been too late. People would still be awake in the castle, so he decided to take a walk instead. After all, the empty streets were just what he wanted. He was alone, and it was quiet, almost soothing even.



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