Speak Easy by E.S. Barrison

Author:E.S. Barrison
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: gaslamp fantasy, low fantasy, storytelling, speakeasy, tavern
Publisher: E.S. Barrison
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Of course, ideas often are harder to implement. In my head, it was a simple plan: convert the basement back into its glory days, where storytellers might prosper with drinks and tales.

In reality, it was harder than I ever fathomed.

First, I would have to renovate the basement without Elodie noticing.

Then I would have to sneak a bunch of people into the house without her hearing.

Then, I’d have to find storytellers without catching the attention of the Guard.

Ryon reiterated these concerns, and when I thought he was going to be the voice of reason, he pulled me close and said it was a brilliant idea.

We made love for the rest of the evening, enamored with excitement. By the time the morning came, grogginess lured us back upstairs, where our smiles painted our lips.

I spent the next few days taking inventory of everything in the basement. I didn’t mind hiding down there, despite how cold it grew when the furnace rested. The constant movement and action gave me a purpose...and a reason to escape Elodie.

Whoever lived in this building before Marietta and Elodie left almost everything: a bar, a box of glasses, aged liquors, stools, tables—even napkins! It was perfect! We had everything! It was a blessing, in a way.

But it left me wondering about the story of the building as well. What happened here? How did Marietta afford such a wonderful home? Ryon intended to peruse the state records, but Jaida kept him busy almost every day. It was best we stayed low, really. The last thing we needed was for the Guard to catch a whiff of our plans.

So, we kept our heads down, trying not to draw any unnecessary attention to ourselves. As far as it concerned the Guard, we were just two young lovers, toying around in undeserving places.

One day, when I thought I was alone, I ventured into the basement and began setting up the chairs, my mind wandering. I couldn’t wait to see the tavern open to storytellers galore. Already, after about a week of work, the basement had begun to resemble a tavern. With a bit more décor, the next step entered our vision: patrons and alcohol.

The creaking of the stairs pulled me from my reverie.

I paused.

Marietta stood at the bottom of the stairs with her arms crossed as she peered around the room.

“I knew you and Ryon were up to something...” Marietta stated.

“Marietta!” I jumped. “What are you doing home?”

“I took today off. Elodie is not quite well.”

“Oh.”

Marietta circled the room, running her fingers along the dusty glasses. She held her fingers up to the light to get a glimpse at the dirt, then frowned, her gaze caught in a distant reverie. “I remember all this...”

“I...I’m sorry?”

“My grandfather ran this tavern when I was a child. I used to play here all the time and pretend I was a barmaid. That’s how I ended up in this place. My parents didn’t want it, neither did my siblings...so it became my responsibility. It was falling apart when I arrived, though, so I closed it down.

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