Chapter 20 Drama unfolds 2 (1/2)
The portly man led Aleks and Lenia into the theatre which was packed with people. The lights were on low and it was difficult to make out anyone's appearance within.
Scantily clad women made their way up and down the aisles offering drinks, food, or other services to the customers within. Some of the women had tails which stuck out from their clearly visible behinds and others were adorned with horns on their heads. There was as great a variety of women within the establishment as those that were without.
Many of the clientele wore masks just as Aleks did. They were most likely of the nobility or rich merchants and other prolific citizens of the city who wished to remain disguised. They had reputations to uphold and it wouldn't do for the churches they worshipped from to become aware of their nightly endeavors. Of course, there were most likely many of the clergy within also wishing to remain just as discreet as the rest.
Aleks and Lenia were led down the aisle, straight to the front of the theatre. An entire row was reserved for just one person and his guests. That person being the Don himself who only allowed a very select few to ever be near him. His guards stood near at all times to ensure his safety. Aleks noticed that above were box seats where the most important guests would be seated and it seemed that in attendance this night, were many of the other Dons. Aleks knew that they were here to meet about the recent disturbances within the city, all of which had been caused by Aleks himself.
”Aleksandros!! Hahahaha, good to see you!”
Don Gregorio greeted Aleks with false enthusiasm and ushered him into a seat near him.
All of the Don's of the city wore rather flamboyant clothing with bright colors you couldn't miss from a mile away. It was as if they felt the need to announce themselves to the world through their clothing.
”Oh, who is this beauty with you? I didn't know such a woman existed in this city! I didn't know you had such exquisite tastes Aleksandros.”
Gregorio leered at Lenia as he spoke with Aleks.
”Enough with the pleasantries Don Gregorio, I am not here to socialize.”
His mouth twitched a bit when Aleks spoke, but the false smile soon returned on his face.
”Of course. I see you have the mask, then is the deed done?”
He was no longer smiling and a sinister look crossed his face.
”Don Jesef is dead and now I expect you to fulfill the rest of our deal.”
Aleks went straight to the point, not wishing to engage in frivolous banter.
”Haha, don't worry, I will fulfill the rest of our deal. Why not enjoy the show first? It is about to begin.”
Aleks glanced once more towards Don Gregorio and beneath his mask he wore a knowing smirk for he knew exactly what he meant by 'show'.
These foolish Humans and their twisted games. Dance fool, dance to my rhythm thinking you are the one in control.
At that moment, the lights completely darkened except for a bright light which was fixed on the large stage directly before Aleks. A solemn deep voice soon boomed outwards from somewhere atop the stage outside the light which had lit up the center.
”A mellow and solemn tune drifted from notes plucked from a harp. This sorrowful tune with no room for mirth or cheer, harbored vicious intent and narrow fear. The song, a fitting tribute to two lives living in despair. Two lovers held each other in their arms and whispered their hopes while danger drew near. Their love was forbidden for their great families warred and killed in the name of righteousness. Each wielding truth as their sword and lies as their shield, yet in their blindness, they trampled the hope of these two lovers.”
A tall actor in luxurious noble attire stood upon the dark stage regaling his enraptured audience with an elaborate story of two lover's tragic tale. It was not an original story, there were many like it, there were even those who had to tread on this unfortunate path. There was no stranger to a love that was not meant to be, and it came in many shapes and forms.
Thinking back, Aleks had one such memory, or perhaps many even. While he had experienced untold lifetimes, his memories had become a tangled mess. They fluttered like unkempt grass and basked in the shadowy embrace of whittled dreams. Which iteration was it? A hundred lifetimes ago? Or perhaps twenty-three? It could very well be that a multitude of memories had swirled and ebbed until they had become a garbled mixture, seemingly appearing as one solitary event. Except that every time he tried to remember the event, while the scenario stayed the same, the names did change.
'Ah yes… Jezebel… A name I shall naught forget.'
Through the sifting sand of his memories, a single name jumped to the forefront of his shattered thoughts.
”Carmine, we must flee immediately or else our lives will be in danger.”
Said a breathless woman who trembled in fear.
She turned her head left and right, frantically as if searching for an unknown threat. A dreary road spread before them into the distance, its cobblestone packed frame worn with the passing of time. A slumbering manor built from ancient stone bared its shadowed fangs in the listless night, stretching forth as if to swallow the unforbidden love of the teary-eyed couple.
All this, setting the stage for the tragedy that had yet to come.
”Jezebel my love, then let us depart. I have prepared everything we shall need to begin anew. Do not worry, we will settle in a peaceful place where we can live our lives together with no fear.”