The Owner
Something about the place was magical. The lights flickered all around in a soft glow of various shades of reds, blues, and purples. The long counter that lined the side of the room was lined with men seated at its’ stools. You could tell that the majority of the people would be considered less desirable by the rest of society, but that’s what made this place so special. Despite the fact that this place could have thugs, and palace guards cohabiting was almost unheard of.
The previous owner had been a very high ranked officer in the palace. He was loved by his officers below him, and the people of the city. His wife was a stunning woman, who owned the bakery in town. Her bread was heavenly. Just the though of it could cause your mouth to salivate. The flavors would dance on the tongues of everyone, bringing a comforting feeling that was hard to gain during such hard times. She had a very kind heart. If someone came to her door hungry, she’d feed them. If they needed a place to stay, she would take them in and care for them.
It is always a shame when the world loses such people. However, if death was their fate, it would have been better if they had died any other way. No one’s too sure how, but the house caught on fire one afternoon, and the two couldn’t make it out. Even worse, they left behind a little girl. She was 11 at the time. Partially due to her parents, she grew up with a very strong and loving heart, but that loving heart caused her to be very naïve.
A man had come to pick the girl up shortly after the news of the two’s death spread. Everyone knew that the small family of three only had each other, so who the man was remained a mystery. All anyone knew was that he had a letter from the father, asking that he take care of the young girl if anything were to happen to them. It even had the seal of the family.
This was 10 years ago. In the past year, the prodigal child returned, and with her she brought back the joy the town once had. She bought an old building, and with many eager to help hands, it was soon transformed into where we are today. A safe haven.
It’s a mix of everything. The sweet mouthwatering smell of bread filled the place as a worker came out, “alright you heathens, get it while it’s hot,” Without bothering to divvy up the bread on plates, the worker set down the tray on an open table. Everyone rushed to it like vultures. Upstairs was an inn, one of the few the small town had. Over at the chess tables sat the owner.
People loved to challenge her, everyone hoping they’d be the one to beat her. Unfortunately, no one had. Well not publicly at least. I smirked as I watched. I knew her plan. She had that slight glimmer in her eyes which entailed she already knew she’d won. Now she was just toying with the brute of a man, who barely seemed to fit in the two person booth.
“Sorry Charlie,” Her sweet voice cut through the noise of the crowd; remaining distinct amongst the gruff tones. “But that’s check mate.” That smirk of hers always sent a chill through me. It was like a wolf who’d just spotted its’ prey.
“GOD D-“ One cold look over from the missy caused Charlie to stop midsentence for a pause before clearing his throat, “Good game Iliya.” He chose to change his ending as he game a smile.
“I’m ready for a rematch whenever you are,” She teased once more, sliding out of the booth as she adjusted her long flowing skirt. It was a beautiful patch pattern of greens, blues, oranges, and browns. It met nearly halfway up her torso, where just the faintest sliver of skin remained between the skirts waistband and her black long sleeved top. Her long red her fell down to her hips, standing out in the crowd. More than anything, it was her eyes that always captivated me. Icy blue and as bright as the sky on a hot summer day, and as wild as the ocean during a rough storm. They were now on me now. Fire blazed in them. Hot. And angry. Not the welcome home I had been expecting, but then again, I don’t blame her.