In the little town of Marksburg, all were asleep. No lantern shone, no watchman stirred, and young and old were bundled snug and warm. Not one gust of wind entered their ears, nor did any mouse scurry across their floors. All was quiet and peaceful until a strange and unearthly sound stoked not their hearing but instead brushed their most inner feeling.

"Come my dears, let us not be lazy. For there is drink to quench thine fears, and food to make thee hearty."

It seemed something of a dream at first, but steadily they all woke. They were not angry, nor mystified as of yet. They were only curious and wondering.

"Come my dears, and set down thy fears. March towards mine call, and all beauties that come with the Fall."

Up they lept. Away from their beds, and towards their doors. They walked with smiles on their faces and adventure in their eyes. Where would this voice take them? What sights would it show?

"You shall have servants, waiters, and all. If you only pursue mine call."

From their houses, and then past their fences. On they walked, some dressed for the morning, but most in robes and pajamas. All from the town did follow this rhymed seduction, save for one. From the church came a younger nun. She looked upon her fellows and wondered at their course, before once again hearing the source.

"You shall have bounty and comfort aplenty. For none shall wrench you from our luxuries, and none shall tempt you from such memories."

The nun knew the call for what it was, not hopeful but siren. Not joyful, but predative. So she cried out:

"Wake up my friends! Please wake up! You're walking towards an illusion. On a road of empty promises and hollow actions. Come back to your homes, and back to your families. Come back to your friends and all you've held dear."

But her cries went unheeded. And before she spoke again, a sudden wind brushed her hair and left a thin red line on her long neck. Before she fell, that same wind carried her back to the church and shut the door. Not one soul, from the most boisterous child to the most humble spinster paid it any heed. Instead, they marched on.

"Follow me, and see the fullness of life. Follow me, and be free of strife."

They came away from their town and found a single doorway, alone in the field, and humble in its building. Twas something that ought to be found in any cottage or townhouse, and certainly heralded nothing sinister or perverse.

"Follow me, and feel the senses you were denied. Follow me, and embrace the pleasures you have defied."

By their own hands did the door open, and through it did they go. Every man, woman, and child that called Marksburg their home. And in this new place, they found the grandest and most bountiful dinner table that was ever laid. Sweetened fruits, tendered meats, and tantalizing spices were presented for their every craving.

"Rest mine loves, and partake in thine feast."

They did so. They all sat in their cushioned chairs, while beers and sweetened drinks were served by muscled servants and hourglassed maids. The people of Marksburg ate and drank, with no cares or inhibitions.

"Rest mine loves, and indulge thine inner beast."

No one thought of how much time passed, nor of how much they consumed. Only that they did, and that there was always more. Perhaps it was hours, perhaps it was days...maybe even months. But they ate and indulged, binged and purged, and after so much time, they stopped. The food was still plentiful, but now the townspeople had ate their fill.

"Goodness me, what marvelous energy. Goodness me, such glorious synergy."

The servants and maids smiled, wider than before. While their bodies grew tall, their fingers twisted into bony blades, and their flowing robes grew thick and purple.

"For what is any meal without spices and flavor? For what is any soul, without body and blubber?"

Theirs faces contorted into masks of obsidian, frozen in shadowed smiles and eager eyes, and their slippered feet hovered above the ground as if even this grassy knoll were unworthy of their treading.

"Our farce is ended, and all fears are stoked within. Our mask is lifted, so let the real feast begin."

The screams of that feast did not go unheard. For the denizens of that Great Beyond, though immune to the temptations of their siblings, have all the time in the world for earthly sufferings.