My entry for the contest. It is a short story, so I thought I may as well post it here. It's exactly 1500 words. It came out way over, so I had to pare it down. That's why it's a bit clipped.
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'An all shall show mercy . . .'
It was one in the morning. Christmas day.
The young man entered though the gate of Varrock, walking quite slowly, thoughtfully. His clothing was plain, though not poor, and coloured in dark, rich, tones. In spite of the hour, there were still people on the streets, some trying to obtain the perfect gift for a loved one, some walking together in fashionable groups to greet the dawning of a cheerful day, some on their way to taverns or bars, meeting friends for a comfortable drink.
He didnt seem to fit in to any of these hurrying, happy, things. It was snowing gently, and the air was crisp and wintery-smelling. Still, he did not look cold, despite his lack of coat or gloves. A hat he had, pulled down tightly over his dark hair, as though to make up for the others missing presence.
Currently he was unhappy, and tired. This was the one day where he felt the most absent from the human race, the day where everyone was glad and merry, and tried to make others so, as well. Even the poorer homes were happy, bedecked with holly and ribbons, an evergreen tree in the family room hung with ornaments and chains of coloured paper.
A busy tavern loomed up in front of him, windows shining with light. Voices came from it, arguing, cheerful, drunk. Slowly he looked up at the sign, Blue Moon Inn, then, with a last glance at the hurrying street, made his way inside. Sliding onto a stool, he waved away the harried bartender.
"Merry Christmas!" the old man next to him proclaimed, a little tipsy.
"Amen to that," cried the next over, emptying his glass.
14-Dec-2007 23:14:02
- Last edited on
14-Dec-2007 23:14:43
by
Anne Lauten
