The dinner crowd slowly made their way from the dining hall towards the small theater, time enough for the casino later in the evening. With drinks in hand, they trickled in, pairs and groups to the collection of tables. The floor, covered in a rich lush maroon carpet with a muted gold and bronze pattern. The chairs upholstered in a crushed velvet of a similar shade, luxurious and comfortable. The tablecloths a stark white and distinct contrast to the vibrance of the other furnishing. All the exposed wood, darkened oak, perfectly aged and stained. Each table had a single lit candle in a blackened holder. The back of the room was dominated by the stage. High enough so those standing could be seen, but hardly high enough as to cause a viewer to strain themself. Curtains, also of the subtle sanguine hues hung, keeping the remains of the chamber hidden.

The would-be audience settled in. Pipe smoke drifted lazily, gifting the room an aromatic haze. Murmurs in the dimly lit room, shared comments and laughter, the clinking of glasses all filled the air as they readied themselves for the evening’s entertainment.

The guests didn’t notice as the doors were closed and the attendants slowly made their way along the bulkheads, extinguishing the wall sconces, leaving just the flickering tapers as the only illuminations. The whispers hushed into an almost uncomfortable silence, save for a muffled cough somewhere out in the darkness.

The anticipation grew as no one spoke, shifting in their seats, taking smaller and smaller sips, most wondering about what might transpire.

A booming voice, its origin unknown, caused the group to jump slightly in their seats. Gasps and sighs of relief as the voice announced. “Ladies and Gentlemen, The River Dancer would like to bid you Good Evening and Welcome you to The Rostrum Adrift. Please enjoy the show and now without delay, The beguiling and infernal charms of Ozakius!”

At the edge of the stage, starting from the far ends, slowly working their way towards the center, the floor lights begin to ignite. Their dull glow starts to give definition to a form, a shadow crouched in the middle of the platform. The audience all now leaning forward to get a better glimpse of what is there.

 Rising in a single fluid motion, the being made its presence known. The light, dim as it was, caught and danced across his features, A cruel smile developed as he craned his neck, scanning the sea of faces, some in fascination others in muted horror. A collective gasp as his wings, bat like in appearance unfolded and stretched out.

Before anyone could let loose the shriek that was sure to be heard the monstrosity leapt out with a grace that defied all logic and landed precariously upon the second table on the right of the stage. Neither candle nor drinks were disturbed by this sudden intrusion. The couple seated, however, had recoiled so deeply, the likelihood of toppling became ever so real.

Still crouched, wings unfurled, the demon, lifted his hands up, from his left a scroll spilled open, the runes and sigils glowed and writhed across the parchment in a language unknown to the likes of man or elf. In his right hand snapped into existence a pitchfork. Standing now without a pause, he jutted the barbed head of the weapon at the man.

Snarling in a demonic tone “Herbert!  Miller!…..it has been nine years since you made your pact with me….and now, I come to claim what was promised !”

The couple looked at each other with utter confusion.  Until the lady asked her companion “Bertie what is he talking about?”

Responding in astonishment “ I’ve no idea pet he seems to be off ‘is nut. I ain’t no deal wif no demon I swears it!”

The Demon roared back “LIAR!  I Will Have You All Know here AS MY WITNESS, That this man, Herbert said, AND I Quote”, the demons voice shifting from guttural and foul to that of a gruff patron  “ I would sell my soul if’n the lovely Loretta would do me the honor to being me wife”

The woman now named as Loretta, stared with tears building.” Did you Bertie? Did you really say that?”

Reaching out and taking the lovely Loretta’s hand, Herbert Miller, with tears now in his eyes declares, “ I did and I do it agin ma wee bonnie lass.”

 Relaxing his posture, the demon turns his head, adoring the captivation of his audience. His voice then softened to more of a jovial tone. “Let it be known, on this day, nines years ago, This man, with heart in hand, asked this woman to be his and his alone… so let us applaud and celebrate the anniversary of their betrothal.” The demon, whose hands now devoid of writ and wicked pitchfork, started to clap, and soon so did the crowd.

The attendants relit half the sconces to preserve the ambience.

 Deftly he returned to center stage, where a small table had been placed during the event and quickly slips off the wings, placing them down only to pick up a set of dishes.

“I am so very happy for the both of you, and remember if it gets a little slow later, I’m in room seventeen, “winking at the couple “I’m even happier that I got the right table….it can be embarrassing  …..you have no idea how many people will confess to deals they have made  when I have mistaken stage left for right. Now let’s see what happens next”

Carefully he tosses a single plate up, and easily catches it in the other hand, and follows suit by trying with another. And then finally the third, which while throwing, tucks the ceramic disk under his arm and then takes a theatrical bow. This elicits a few chuckles and scattered applause. “Thank you, you’re too kind, alright let’s try this again.” All three plates are launched up and quickly crash to the floor, shattering. “Should have mentioned, not a juggler.”

Jumping down from the stage he wades through the crowd, stopping and staring at each of the guests, as if on a mission for the perfect contestant. Arriving at a table with a older gentleman in the company of a much younger lady, one whose options in clothing was as equally thought provoking as her choice of paramour. “Delightful to meet you both, don’t tell me your names, I am not likely to guess, not part of my act you see, nor will I remember it, but off the top of my head I dare say it is well past your bedtime…. that statement, in the right context should be applicable to either and or both of you.”

The young lady, almost spilling out of her dress, stared past the three empty glasses in front of her merely said “Huh?”

“So, I was right, you are together for the conversation, well done you.” Swatting the gent on the shoulders in an encouraging way. “Tell you what, “Pulling from pocket a deck of cards “ Take a card, any card.” Hesitantly the man pulls from the fanned-out selection, careful to avoid contact with the demons’ claws.

“Very good, look at it, memorize it, and then slip it back in.” after following his simple instructions to the letter, Ozakius starts to shuffle the cards and continues “Now If I guess your card, I get to shag your lady friend.” The statement arousing a mixed degree of responses from the crowd ranging from whole heart support to utter bewilderment. Having playing this game too often he waited to continue, milking the situation, waiting to see what sort of reaction this fellow would.

“And if’n you guess wrong?”

“Well, I still shag her but you’d have the satisfaction of having bested me in a card trick no one will remember, save for the lady of course. “Flashing his fangs in a more than playful smile.

“I’m afraid we’re going to have to pass on your offer mister.”

Oddly enough he had similar retorts in the past, and on a few occasions, the lady would rest her hand on the gents’ arm with a sort of’ let’s not be too hasty dear’ but alas it was not to be this evening.

“Perhaps another time, but since we are here,” opening his right hand a card appearing out of nothingness. “ is this your card?”

The older man shakes his head.

Ozakius’  left hand opens “ is this your card?’

Again the gents shakes his head, now with a self-serving smirk .

“ Oh well, that’s a pity,  then let me ask this,” From between the demons leg, snakes up his tail, balanced upon the  the spade tip , held out for display, a final card “how about this one then?”

The reluctant contestants’ eyes went wide, in disbelief, sputtering “How did you…”

 His lady friends’ giggling didn’t help the situation, but true to form, Ozakius simply winked and said, “If you change your minds, room seventeen.” Mixed laughter and more applause fed the demon even more so.

The demon became very aware that someone had, ever so lightly touched his tail. Turning so abruptly that the party in question, a woman barely twenty years old. “I beg your pardon miss , may I help you?”

Immediately the lady struggled to speak as her cheeks began to flush.  No argument could be made against the beauty of this inquisitive maiden. Her hair could be described as spun gold, and yes, her eyes carried a blend of both blue and green.  The demon could have just let it go, but where would be the fun in that?

“You know in my culture after what you have done, custom and tradition dictate that we are now engaged.” He delighted in the sheer look of shock and terror flashed across her visage “since we are now in a committed relationship, tell me your name.”

The crowd had fallen silent, mostly out of morbid curiosity. A better part having already realize the playfulness in his banter.

The maiden let out in the tiniest of voices “ ….Penelope …”

“Ah…such a beautiful name, fitting for such and exquisite creature…with clearly impeccable taste….Tell me Penelope, my soon to be bride….are you prepared to feel the gaze of utter and sheer disappointment from your father and the lustful envy of your mother…and sisters…some aunts…..granny still alive? “letting the crowd chuckle for a moment before continuing ,” I vow that I will be dutiful in all my responsibilities and will remain faithful to you, for at least a fortnight.”

Penelope, buried her face in her hands as the collective spectators chortled. “ Now now, we’ll have none of that, “ carefully taking hold and lowering her hands “listen to me my dear, perhaps in the future you  don’t go yanking on a blokes tail….wait did I really say that?…. I absolve you of your obligation, we don’t have to get married…but as I mentioned earlier I Am in room seventeen! “ letting a wicked grin form” Let us give young Penelope some applause, she’s been a very good sport.” Stepping away from the table to give  his onetime fiancé a proper bow.

Strolling back towards the stage, nimble claws snatched a snifter of brandy from a nearby table. Upon return to the stage, he held it aloft. “Now remember I Am a Professional” he announced before downing the drink in single gulp.

There he stood, in abject silence for a moment before adding, “oh wait I got that wrong…. another brandy please.” Two members of the theater rushed up carrying both a bottle and several pieces of apparatus, placing them on the table. ‘Ah good, yes, thank you….now as I said, I am a professional…do not attempt this at home.” Downing the second glass just as easily at the first, again standing in silence as before” what am I forgetting? OH yes, silly me…the fire!”

Pouring a third glass, grabbing a lit candle, tilting his head back to slosh the amber liquid in, only to ignite it a moment later. The crowd gasped at the suddenness of the spectacle, only to cheer as he swallowed and then announced” I’ve had a hot toddy before, but this will really keep you warm on those chilly nights!”

As the laughter began to die down, he asked “should I do another?”

The roar of approval ushered another round, “have you ever heard of someone who was fired for not drinking on the job? In this case I’m firing myself!”

“Now for those with a desire for something unique and decadent “

From beneath the table, the demon pulled up a bowl containing several stark white lumps. “Allow me to introduce to you all to a delicious and sweet treat from my homeland. A Marshmallow…. now before you get the wrong idea, these do not come from any marsh, far from it, they are a pastry chefs creation….and as tasty as they maybe as they are…in the raw..like so many other things…they are even better…toasted.” Skewering the treat and holding over the candle, allowing it to brown, it’s scent beginning to linger” Of course….if you wait too long they will…..” the glob of sugary goodness ignites suddenly “ do exactly that!” holding the make-shift torch high enough for all to see…pausing  a moment before shoving the flaming gob into his maw.

Smacking his lips, wisps of flame escaping here and there as the onlookers oohed and aahed.  The attendants brought out several bowls of the sinful delectables for the guest to sample, along with skewers to allow toasting.

Selecting another of the soft pillowy delights and sticking it the flame again, letting it flare up , burning at his very clawtips. “Now once more I must insist that you refrain from some practices that you are ill equipped to handle, for as scrumptious as they maybe, they can be dangerous once lit….and as you will see oh so sticky, which lets al agree…makes them even more desirable.”

The murmuring and laughter returned as the crowd ate and drank, the demon navigated from table to table, commenting and joking, occasionally imbibing a guests’ beverage, flaming or otherwise. Until finally he was back at center stage.  Gathering their attention one last time “Ladies and Gentleman reluctantly I must bid you a good night,” the protests to his departure were like music to his ears, but still he had to press the issue” Please stay seated as the next production, ‘Pirates Pleasure’ will begin shortly”

All his efforts, charm and guile were rewarded with howls and cheers, a whistle or two and with one final bow he slipped behind the curtain Only to pop his head back out to blurt “Remember room seventeen!” before disappearing again.

For someone who can see in the darkest of places, backstage, with all the props and sets in place, held no difficulties to move around. In the wings he found Sardan, already in costume and biding his time before the show, taking a drink from a flask.

“What’s the word Sardi?”

“Not very much Oz, that was a good set, you really warmed the crowd up.” Offering him a nip from the bottle

“Thanks…I do believe you were supposed to add ‘no pun intended’” The tiefling grinned at the bard.

“Ozzie, you know all my puns are intended” returning the smile “let me ask you something…. does it ever bother you that we don’t in fact have a room seventeen aboard?”

Taking one more pull from the flask before handing it back to its’ owner “Not in the least, goodnight.”