Here and There

Here the red-brown brick of the fireplace is roughly comforting against my back.

Here even the flames are welcoming, casting warm half-shadows over the ancient stone walls of the room.

Here we gather, individuals from all walks of life, united as one by a communal sense of camaraderie.

Here tales are told, stories brought to life in voices exotic and familiar alike, snatches of old tunes sung and reminisced over.

Here new friendships are forged, old ones rekindled, and hearty laughs echo across the room.

Here we come together, the boundaries of time and space ignored and frankly not cared about, to share the simple joy of one another's presence.

Here, though the room is immense, the atmosphere is pleasant and warm, and the space is seemingly smaller than it is because of the closeness of the people.

Here every available piece of furniture is occupied, as well as the floor and other nooks and crannies.

Here pretenses are dropped, false masks discarded, and enmity thrown off.

Here the bizarre and the commonplace, the Fey and the mortal, the ethereal and the earthbound reside in one another's company.

From here to there is a quick step, yet the difference is astounding.

There, without, a storm rages, harsh and impersonal, and any caught in its unfeeling anger come towards the light that shines through the window.

Here they are welcomed, regardless of station, appearance, or occupation, into our circle.

Here each lifts the other up, wounds healing and then forgotten.

Here we are one, kindred spirits come together across a divide, to love one another and share in the comfort of friendship.