There was this little house by the sea, the windows lit up tangerine, a glow that felt warm and familiar to me. I was hungry and tired, my clothes moist still from the rains. I had no intention of knocking on the door, as far as I could see, it looked like any other home. But as I entered the gardens, on the white walls it read:
Tavern of Ruins
and so without giving it much thought, I curled my fingers into a fist and knocked.
~~~
An older man opened the door with a quizzical brow.
"Can I help you?"
His face was kind, the Fool decided before stepping back and taking off his hat.
"If this is a house of God, then yes, perhaps you can." The young man replied, casting eyes down with respect.
There was a moment of silence, in which the Fool stood uncertain whether to look back up or just remain as he was. He could feel the older gentleman studying him gently, as if reviewing the Fool's energy and deciding whether or not the young man was sincere with his intentions. After a moment, he nodded and ushered the Fool in.
The home looked ancient and cultured inside, as if he had traveled to another time and place. He took off his shoes and walked barefoot across oriental rugs to a corner of what appeared to be the entry room to a meditation hall. Curtains half drawn revealed others sitting in the hall, drinking tea silently. Music seemed to be coming from there, instruments as ancient and mystical as the writings on the wall. Curiosity came over the Fool. He wanted to go in, but his senses knew better than to ask. He decided he would sit and wait in the entry room. Besides, there were others there sitting next to him. All with eyes closed, and hands clasped one over the other.
What a strange place. Thought the Fool, feeling both curious yet intimidated by the etiquette he was not accustomed to.
He thought perhaps to leave. What was he doing there after all, he was not a religious man. His only belief was freedom, and he would follow it to the edge of the world alone if he had to. Yet as it began to rain again, he thought better of leaving and decided to stay until it stopped.
Little did he know the rains had only just begun. For three days it would pour, it would flood the streets ankles deep. Doors would remain closed during this time, the sea would rage. Trees in the mountains would topple over and electricity would go out. The Fool of course knew nothing of this, but the man who opened the door for him had. Just as he knew the Fool could not be trusted. Still, he invited the young man in regardless.