Welcome to Gaia! ::

The parting branches give way to a soft luring song echo of song on the trail to a small hidden tavern. Far off the beaten path, down along a gravel trail, the song continues to echo, like a siren’s call that encourages sailors to crash upon the shore. But there are no sirens and no jagged rocks, only a haunting melody that attracts the weary and the downtrodden.

The path winds and bends like a slumbering serpent before ending at a clearing. Trees tower over everything but yield to a large building tucked safely away within their confines. The brick and mortar look old but well kept, the shingled roof having been recently fixed from the storm that blew through a few days prior. The huge front deck was home to a trio of porch swings, a half dozen wind chimes and would easily hold a score of guests if need be.

But it does not hold the source of the singing.

That comes from farther inside.

The door opens at the lightest touch, revealing that this is indeed a tavern. The bar’s on the left, with a dozen stools. There’s a loft over head, no doubt home to pillows and cushions to make a wonderful nest. The rafters are open and hold the soft lamps that create a relaxing glow on everything. At the far wall is a roaring fire place, ringed with couches for a more private grouping. A handful of round tables, each with four chairs, bars the path to the open stage where a young woman is singing.

She pauses and smiles.

“Welcome to Eternity’s End!”