Scars of the Fallen

Chapter 3

Lizelle sprints immediately after leaving Zachary determined to focus on something more important, finding supplies for the colony. She ran until she came across a town. The buildings look like they had been abandoned. The foundations of the homes not even being held together.

There was one of the buildings that had a broken wooden sign lying on the ground outside of it. It was hard to make out that it used to say Lionel's Tavern.

As she studied her surroundings, the tavern door flung open in a flash. She only had time to place her hand on the handle of her blade. Curious eyes stare at her. "I thought someone was here. Would you like to join us?" His flaming hair up in spikes but straggly and his deep-set eyes appeared friendly. I found a treat inside. It's called alcohol!" He flashes a smile waving Lizelle to come in.

"Alcohol?" Her voice is perplexed but her body is stiff. They don't drink anything in the colony but water.

"Oh, you have to try it!"

She follows him inside. It's dirty and a lot of tables are broken or worn down. At the bar there are a few stools that remains intact and there is another fallen sitting in one taking a swig of something. Concentrating hard into the depth that is hard to grasp. His black hair is short but is unkempt like he doesn't care to take care of it, but when he turns and glances over his eyes pull her in like a silver bullet. They somehow seem to mix the perfect shades of blue and not even grey but silver into one. There is no doubting his beauty is that of an angel.

The one who led her in jumps behind the counter and he focuses his attention back into the abyss.

My name is Marcellous and this moody guy over here is Damon. He raises his bottle, but he doesn't gaze at her again.

"I'm Lizelle."

"Here we go! Try some of this!" He takes a drink from a bottle and drops it on the countertop.

She takes a swig from the bottle and gags on the bitter taste. "What is this called?" Her throat remains tight as if still trying to repel the taste and her throat burns.

"Whiskey! You know they had a song with this in it. It must have been special to some." He admires the bottle.

"I think she would prefer something a little better tasting." Damon interjects. "Just to warn you, first time you can feel a little woozy, but we adapt to this stuff pretty quick and honestly you will feel better even after 15 minutes." He sips some of his own small bottle.

"I think I'm done with alcohol."

"Come on, try this one. It's called champagne." There is a pop and foam leaks out of the long stemmed bottle. "Wow, this stuff is cool!" When the foam stops, he places it on the countertop.

Her head is suddenly a little foggy and as she reaches for the bottle, Lizelle's arm drags low and her shirt catches on the bar. Just like that, her sleeve rescinds, and her scar becomes visible. As if in stealth she grabs the bottle as shield and takes a swig. Bringing the bottle into her lap she pulls her shirt back over her wrist, but she could feel the gaze of Damon next to her. It was intent.

She takes another swig and then puts it on the counter. "That does taste better."

Lizelle is uncertain if he saw the scar. She could have sworn he looked down at that moment. Looking at his face, he doesn't seem to reveal any change from his non-discerned demeanor before.

"I think I'll head out." He says as he places his hand on her shoulder and her stomach flip flops. "It was nice to meet you, but I'd stop soon if I were you." She is afraid to look at him, so she just nods. "Marcellous, it was a pleasure as always."