The evening sun had just dipped below the horizon, casting a warm, fading glow over the city of Babylon.
The Shamash Festival, renowned across the cosmos, was about to begin. The vibrant lights and lively music were ready to draw in crowds from every corner of the universe, but for now, the streets were still relatively quiet as the final preparations were made.
Inside the dimly lit, now-empty bar of an inn, Hollow sat alone, his half emptied glass of whiskey in front of him. The inn had emptied out as its residents flocked to the festival venue, leaving Hollow in solitude.
He appreciated the silence, a rare moment of peace .
"Mister Hollow!" a voice suddenly shouted from the distance, disrupting the tranquil ambience of the bar.
Hollow turned slightly, recognizing Elyas but showing little interest, then turned back to resume his drink, staring into the amber liquid.
Elyas, undeterred by the lack of response, entered the bar and made his way directly to Hollow.
"Mister Hollow!" He called again, his excitement palpable.
Hollow sighed, setting his glass down and turning to face the young man.
"What?" Hollow asked, his tone a mix of curiosity and mild annoyance.
"The Shamash Festival is starting! It would be a shame for a traveler from beyond like you to miss such an opportunity. You have to come with me to the festival venue!" he exclaimed will all enthusiasm.
Hollow raised an eyebrow, considering the offer.
It was an opportunity to experience the vibrant culture of Babylon and perhaps uncover a clue or two amidst the revelry.
"Very well," Hollow said, setting down his glass. "Lead the way." he said as he stood up from the desolate corner of the bar.
Elyas then noticed Hollow's outfit: his dirty black cloak from all the events of the previous days, his white shirt and his messy, poorly knot, tie.
Those were no clothes to enjoy the spirit of the festival.
"You know, you can't go to the festival looking like that," Elyas said, eyeing Hollow's disheveled attire.
"Let's get you something more fitting for the occasion."
Hollow glanced down at his attire and then back at Elyas.
His clothes were, in fact, how Elyas described them.
"Whatever," he admitted in defeat.
______Some moments later________________
"So, what do you think of the clothes that I picked for you?" Elyas asked, unable to contain his curiosity any longer.
Elyas couldn't be more proud of himself for having found the perfect festival attire for Hollow.
They had already made their way through the bustling bazaar, selecting each piece of clothing with care.
Hollow glanced down at his new ensemble, taking in the intricate details of the garments with an indecisive expression.
Around his waist, a black
"Sumeria's fashion is... peculiar." he remarked. If it were up to him, he would've went with something less colorful, like a black or grey tunic.
Elyas raised an offensed eyebrow.
"Well, I think you look fantastic ," Elyas said brightly, determined to lift the mood. "And I'm sure you'll fit right in at the festival."
Hollow offered him a small, appreciative smile, a silent acknowledgment of Elyas's efforts.
But it was the peculiar black tattoo in the middle of his chest that drew Elyas's attention. He couldn't help but ask about it.
"What's this?" Elyas asked, pointing at the intricate shapes on his companion's torso.
Hollow glanced down at the tattoo, a shadow passing over his features.
"A reminder," he said quietly, his voice barely more than a whisper,
"Of who I am..."
Elyas opened his mouth to ask more, but something in Hollow's expression stopped him.
Was it nostalgic melancholy?
Suppressed anger?
Defied acceptance?
The boy couldn't figure it out.