066: About to Begin

You enter quietly. Behind you, the door clicks shut. The room is small, only illuminated by a fireplace at the back, and the flames reflect in jars and glasses on shelves under the ceiling. It smells warm and enclosed, and a little sweaty. It is already filled with patrons and travellers. Excusing yourself as you go, you find an empty spot on a bench in the corner. Next to you sits one you think you recognise from one of your own journeys, in the southern deserts or on one of the many ships. Well, at least you think you recognise them, but then again, you have seen many, and it might be a perfect stranger. You nod politely, and they do too. You would not have been able to tell their name, even if you tried. Luckily, they do not initiate conversation. Instead they turn their attention to the stage everyone is facing. You follow their gaze. The stage is bathed in the glow of the fireplace. A dull thump sounds through the room, like a slow wooden drum. The story is about to begin.

Written by: Katrine H. (@katrinehjulstad on Instagram)