Sift

Love Runs Out // OneRepublic

Chapter 5

My hand grazes against the bark of a nearby tree, one I've passed many times before while Drue and I walked this very stretch of forest. Memories of that first day, the first time he'd ever told me one of his stories, roll on.

After a few yards of wandering among the trees with Drue that day, I wondered about the promise he'd made . "Will you tell me the story now?"

His eyes glanced over to mine, the sparkle of hope still glowing brightly, "It would be my great pleasure.

"Long ago there was a Ruler, selfish and cruel. He asked one of the kings of his land for a favor. 'Give me all of the grains from your field and all of the fish from your lakes and I shall grant prosperity for your lifetime.'

"The king obeyed and gave the Ruler his grains and fish. The Ruler kept his promise and allowed the king to prosper. But the Ruler was selfish, the grains and fish were not enough. He returned to the king, ordering him to hand over all of the fruit from the orchards and vegetables from the gardens. The king refused, saying 'What will we eat?' But the Ruler insisted, telling the king he would destroy his name in the kingdom if his demands were not met.

"The king was angered by the Ruler's demands, but did not want his name to be a curse upon the tongues of his subjects. He gave the Ruler fruits and vegetables, but kept a stock hidden away in a dungeon. The Ruler was powerful and knew the king had kept some for himself. To punish the king, the Ruler cursed his daughters, giving them horns on their heads and husky voices. Their good looks were turned to homeliness, so that no suitors would wed them. The stocks that the king hid away rotted and withered before they could be eaten."

Drue's story had captivated me as he spoke, his stories always had that effect. It was nothing due to the events he retold, but more about the tone of voice he used, the little glances he gave me as he spoke. He was an excellent storyteller. So when the ending came about, dark and depressing, it was as if a spell had been broken and I was once again aware of my surroundings.

"What a terrible ending!" I told him with a shake of my head. Drue laughed in response.

"I'm sorry to have chosen that as our first story, Daralis. But it was the one that came to mind as we walked."

Something about him referring to his tale as our "first" story, indicating that there would be more, created a little spark in my heart. There was just something about him that called to me.

"It's fine. I've always loved a good story. It's been ages since I've heard one, ever since..." I couldn't continue that memory out loud. The pain had never gone away.

Drue said nothing in response. He had nibbled the bread as we walked, now left with just an end in his palm. His other hand came up and spread out in front of us, presenting his destination. A small village of tent-like structures was strewn among the trees. Some were made with heavy cloth, others with stick and brush. There must have been at least twenty.

"What is this?" I said in a breath.

"The undesirables. It seemed a better place than the streets of town where they'd be beaten or dragged away. Most are down on their luck, others are here as the result of poor choices. But we work together to survive."

I remember looking at Drue, seeing him in a new light. He was a leader, someone who could pull others together for a common cause. I wondered again to myself, who was this man? "How long have you been here?"

I can picture him looking back at me, how his eyebrows rose as he took a deep breath. "The people have been here longer than I know. I stumbled upon them as I journeyed and thought it would be a good place to rest a while. I've only been among them for a short time." He looked back at me, pointedly, daringly. "They don't have much. Next to nothing in fact," he eyed the bread I was still holding. "But some bread, baked with love and given freely..."

I understood at the time what he was asking me, challenging me to do. And of course I would do it. "Yes, without question!" I replied. "They are welcomed to these loaves. And...I could bring more."

His eyes sparkled in happiness at my decision. "I was hoping you would say that, Daralis."

I've been bringing them bread ever since. Even after Drue left us.

These last two scenes have a strange past/present time warp feeling in order for you, the reader, to meet Drue. In the present, he's already left town but his impact on Daralis is so important we need to see it. I had the hardest time writing these parts so if you have comments or suggestions please share!!

See you tomorrow for more!