The Sailor and The Barkeep

Amongst a busy coastal town consumed by seafarers, trading ships and men and women alike searching for the opportunity to find work sailing and trading between foreign lands, a chance to explore and make enough money to return home to their families with. Lived a young woman named Mabel Lillian Rose. Mabel had spent her life travelling with her father searching for work until they found a beautiful coastal town after hearing stories of peace and prosperity, abundant with marine life and wealthy sailors from far away lands spending their hard-earned coin on fancy servings of seafood and grog that would satisfy the most affluent kings. This town was called Allura named because of its rich alluring environment and captive atmosphere, a place like no other.

Mabel's father, William Frank Rose, After arriving at Allura. Opened up a tavern in an old boatbuilder shed; he fixed it up using his carpentry skills, opened a deck on the waterfront and used old bits of ships and unused parts. It soon became the most famous Tavern in Allura, and he named it The Rosetta Tavern. A year after The Rosetta's opening, William became sick and passed from an unknown condition, leaving the Tavern to his daughter Mabel.

On a ship, the HMS Bragi sailing towards Allura was a young man named Felix Samuel Hallaway. With a heart and mind influenced by the stories of brave seafarers adventuring the world, discovering new lands, he pursued the same life. As a child, he read books on cartography, navigation and continued to learn what he could to advance in a navy career. Going against his father's desire at 15, Felix got his first taste of adventure as a midshipman on the HMS Bragi. The ship officers noticed Felix's great skill and dedication. A few years later, at 21, he made it to the rank of officer and was once again aboard the HMS Bragi and heading towards Allura with bountiful goods from distant lands.

As they sailed around the steep cliff face, the sun rose from the waterline illuminating the coastal town. The ship sailed into the harbour, breaking the smooth surface of the early morning water. Felix ran to the bow hanging from the ropes in excitement; as they rang the bell, it was nostalgic, like he was there for the first time. "Prepare to dock!" commanded the Captain, "land at last!" shouted one of the crew. "It's been months!" claimed another. Lieutenant James Robert Smith approached Felix, "the men are excited to be here." "it is a beautiful place", replied Felix, "that it is. You have been here before, Felix; what was it like?" "It's a land of dreams, a place you'd only hear about in storybooks. Unfortunately, we didn't get to stay very long, and it seems this time won't be any different." "That is unfortunate. I'd love to stay awhile."

The time was 0600, and Mabel was preparing to open the Rosetta. The tables and bar were clean, and the new stock was coming in today; wine, spirits, beers from foreign lands, seeds and other delicacy arriving. Mabel was preparing for a busy day. Luckily, she had assistants dedicated to the Rosetta, and they were locals of Allura. "Matt!" called Mabel from the kitchen, "clear out the storage area; we have a lot of new stock coming in." Matthew Henry Jones worked at the Rosetta, a young boy of just 14 working at the Tavern to help his mother after his father passed. "On it, boss!" Matt is always jumping at the opportunity to do his best work, and Mabel always appreciated that and let him take home dinner and wine for his mother. Mabel also had another assistant, Anna Madison Hays, a hard worker; she would often keep the customers in line if they got too rowdy. Anna wasn't someone to aggravate; she was tough.

The Bragi crewmen were unloading onto the dock, and Felix made his way into town. Last time he was a midshipman and didn't get the opportunity to explore much of Allura, so he was determined this time to sightsee. Walking along the docks into the streets, they were filled with seafood markets with unbelievable size fish and varieties. The town was made of beautiful white marble and birch wood with cyan roofing, open shop fronts decorated with blue and gold hanging banners of a ship and fish. It gave Felix a sense of peace and community; this place surely is a dream.

Towards the afternoon, Felix returned to the ship and found the crew completed their job exchanging cargo and to celebrate, they headed to the local Tavern to have a fresh meal and feel the sturdy ground for just a night.

The time was 1630 on a Thursday night in Allura. The Rosetta was quiet. Mabel looked to her staff and excitedly shouted, "If the dinner rush isn't big, we could have an early night. I know we all deserve it." Just at that moment, the front door swung open, and in came fifteen of the scruffiest sunburnt crew Mabel had ever seen. She walked up to the door and welcomed them in, telling them the ground rules and welcoming them to sit anywhere. "Welcome to the Rosetta. Ask for our 'catch of the day' menu, cause any trouble, we can happily escort you out." Felix walked into the Tavern admiring the architecture; it felt like he walked right back onto the Bragi, but the scent of hot meals and burning candles created a warm atmosphere; it gave off a homely feeling. Felix sat down at the bar; all the crew filled the tables, a handful sat at the bar. The men weren't too comfortable sitting next to an officer.

Mabel walked back behind the bar and towards Felix, asking, "What will it be, Sailor? We've got brand new stock in today; ask for anything you like, and we will accommodate." "your nicest Ale will do." Felix looked up and saw the most stunning woman. He couldn't look away, tan skin with long tattoo sleeves, long brown wavy hair that bounced when she walked and bright blue eyes mixed with a smile that makes you feel missed. Felix was hypnotised. Unbelievable, he thought, this land is truly where the Gods and Goddesses live. Mabel smiled and looked at the man; he had blonde hair that curled at the ends and was obviously at sea for too long. His cheeks and tip of his nose red with sunburn; it looked sore, resulting in a mean-looking stare. Mabel poured a pint and handed it to the man.

"Who is paying for this crews drinks?" Felix handed Mabel a pouch of 200 coins. "This should be more than enough, and what we don't drink, you can keep." Where are you from? I don't believe I have seen you here before." "I am from lands far, far away from here. It's a long journey, but I love this place. It's so beautiful and peaceful a man could happily live here. It's just great to have a fresh beverage. Are you from here?" answered Felix. "Not originally. My father and I moved around a lot, searching for work. we heard rumours of Allura, and the next thing I knew, my father was building the Rosetta and here we are." "If he built this, he must be a very skilled man. Where is he?" "He passed a couple of years ago." "Oh, I'm sorry. What is your name? Mine's Felix." "Mabel. It's nice to meet you." "The pleasure is all mine, Mabel," Felix replied and took a chug from his Ale.

Most of the crew had left to the beach or back to the ship. Mabel and Felix had fallen deep into conversation. Telling stories of their parents, childhood memories and their dreams. It was well past midnight, and it was only Felix and Mabel together. "Do you want to try this new wine with me? We just got it today, and I need to do a taste test," asks Mabel and winks at Felix. "I'd be delighted." He said with a zaniness smile

Mabel walked into the back room and pulled out a dusty bottle of Merlot, and returned. She placed it on the bar in front of Felix. "We just got this in today its the latest wine from France; I've been very excited about this."

Felix picked up the bottle and examined it closely. "Ahh, we were the ones to import this wine 'Merlot' France was our last stop before Allura." "Well, your hard work sailing earned you a reward, a free taste test of the wine." Felix grabs the bottle, "allow me; I've brought it this far." He pours two flavoursome glasses of Merlot. They each pick them up and toasted, then took a sip of the Merlot. After that first sip, they looked at each other "Wow, that is delightful, thanks for the delivery." Mabel laughs at herself. Felix laughs. "I will have to bring more next time" Mabel looks at Felix curiously and asks, "Would you stay here if you could?" Felix lets out a laughing sigh. "It's very tempting, but there isn't anything for me here, and I seek adventure."

The night went on. "You know it's a full moon tonight." "Oh? I think I have a place to show you then, Mr adventurer." She smirked. "I'll close up shop, and you grab that Merlot and meet me outside." Felix waited outside the Tavern. Mabel ran out giddy, swiftly locks the door, grabbed Felix's free hand. Mabel pulled him along in anticipation to the top of the cliff that overlooks everything the ocean, the port and the town. Felix and Mabel had reached the top and were sitting against an old wooden lighthouse that went out of commission years ago before a new one was built on a cliff more visible to the expensive reefs.

The town was dark and was only lit by the shining of the full moon, exposing the ocean, the coral that reflects the moonlight, and making the town's darkest corners evident. Upon that cliff, Mabel turns to Felix and asks, "Would you stay here? If I asked you to?" "All my life, I've only wanted one thing now that one thing is changing. But I can't deny I am conflicted. I want to stay but the sense of adventure." Felix stares at Mabel. "I've sailed to countless places, but this place captures me and meeting a Woman like you; that's enough to change my mind. I have to complete this last trip, and I will return for you." "Promise me you will be back, and you will be back for good Felix, and I promise I'll wait."

"I promise Mabel, I'll be back. I swear with all my heart." "I'd adore that, Felix. If you know how to pour a drink or clean up spew, I could have a job for you" Mabel laughed and winked at Felix. That night they spent together is one neither would forget. "Once I take the Bragi out tomorrow morning, it will take me a year and a half to return, and I'll be back for you." "I believe you, Felix." They shared the rest of the night, star gazing and falling asleep in each other's arms. The next day the ship set sail, and Mabel waved Felix off from the cliff. A few months later, a severe tropical storm pushed the Bragi onto a reef, leaving no survivors and the ship undiscovered. Mabel walks out onto the cliff and has a glass of Merlot waiting for Felix to return every month on a full moon.