The Pianist of the Lost Hearts

Chapter XI

The shy sun had already said goodbye after an hour of tenuous daylight, giving way again to pitch-black night, whose melancholy moonlight burst through the skylights of the hall. It was late winter afternoon, like all the other days that had passed in Ludwig's new life in that place. All of them would flip through sheet music after sheet music, in the silence of the music room, in unshakable peace.

In those hours, he remembered Apanii's words about starting a new life. And, in the maestro's eyes, it seemed that the young friend had some reason in them. For him, he would spend all day closed in that infinite room, learning more and more from master musicians that he had never had the opportunity to study in the great cities of Europe or in his homeland, the kingdom of Joseon. That place had strengthened his passion for music that was almost extinguished the night he entered Elunaria.

With a quiet step, he walked to the bar counter and sat down on one of the empty stools, his eyes thoughtful.

"Any stiff drinks after work, mate?" The sound of the ice rattling inside the metal container resounded close to his ears.

Ludwig looked up at the bartender, recognizing the wanton face. It was the captain, or, as he was known in that bar, Jahan. His hair was loose this time, the unruly hair falling to his shoulders, some of it framing his face. The sleeves of his shirt were rolled up to reveal his tanned arms and one of his wrists with a braided leather bracelet. His hands played with the cocktail shaker, turning it with acrobatics that surprised some of the maidens who were sitting there. The pirate winked at them and returned to the maestro again, waiting for his answer.

"No, just a coffee."

"How depressing." There was a certain irony in his voice. "How can you enjoy an evening like this, with lovely ladies, without a good drink."

"Not everyone has your reputation, Jahan." He replied in a dry tone. "Not everyone wants a crazy life."

"But they should, life is too short." He began decorating the drink he had prepared. "We must enjoy each moment as if it were the last."

Ludwig rolled his eyes at the brunette's philosophical speech. I don't think surrendering to futility is the answer to that life motto. He thought aloud in his mind.

"How would you like your coffee, musician? Turkish, Viennese, dark or icy?"

"Ice Vianense."

"As you wish." He answered sarcastically. "You're the one who knows."

With that, he turned to the coffeepot and began preparing the order. The smell of coffee hung in the air as the brunette mixed it with a generous amount of cream. Finally, he added ice and poured the drink, setting it down in front of the maestro.

"Here it is, mate."

Without making much eye contact, he picked up the cup.

"Thank you." And he sipped, trying the taste.

Jahan stared at him for a few seconds, thoughtful, until, going unnoticed, he started to clean some already empty and washed glasses, and tried to continue the conversation:

"So tell me, are we counting on you at the next meeting of the Lost Hearts?"

"And that would be when, exactly?"

"The day after the full moon."

"Make life easier for me, I don't have a lunar calendar in my pocket per se, Jahan." He took another sip of his coffee, his expression impatient.

Seeing his reaction, he escaped the pirate's mouth with a laugh.

"Three weeks from now, partner."