Dream System Of Seven Sins

Eevie found herself in a spacious hall. The focal point of the room was a giant crystal chandelier hanging in the centre part of the ceiling that shimmered generously.

In front of her was a well-stocked confection booth. Red plush carpet covered every inch of the floor and thick luscious curtains dr.a.p.ed the beige walls.

Two staircases leading upwards with intricate railings fringed the hall.

Posters advertising classical plays like A Streetcar Named D.e.s.i.r.e, Hamlet, The Importance of Being Earnest were strategically placed under lamp cornices.

There were also corridors that led off to what Eevie assumed to be performance halls.

The overall decor was modern with a classical touch. It was a high society gathering spot to enjoy the performance arts. However, the place was mostly deserted.

The previously mentioned confection booth was unmanned and there was not even one patron in sight.

The place was weirdly deserted considering the glitz and glamour of the hall. The only exception was two gentlemen in matching black suit standing perfectly still in front of an alcove, that according to the sign on the wall, led to one of the performance halls.

They stood like statues so much so that Eevie had the suspicions that they were not alive. However, their most curious feature was the fact that each wore the iconic masks for theater.

One was tragedy that had the permanent frown and the other comedy that had the permanent smile.

Eevie went near for a closer scrutiny, the masks were white and elaborately made. Suddenly, the gentlemen bowed.

The comedy mask said in a cheery voice, "Welcome, I am Sock, glad to be of your service". He was followed by the grumbling tragedy mask, "Wonderful, an audience, and to think poor Ol' Buskin can rest tonight."

After Eevie recovered from her initial shock, she asked, "Who are the both of you and what exactly is this place?"

The two straightened themselves and Sock answered, "We are the ushers for this place," and Buskin continued, "And this place is the Theater of Nascent Dreams."

Their sentences flowed into each other seamlessly, like they were one person talking. "The place where stars are born," Sock began and Buskin continued, "and dreams of stardom goes to die."

"What are there no other people here?" Eevie posed another question.

"Because we've cleared the schedule to put up a show especially for you," "...and no one person with good taste is willing to attend the show tonight."

"May I know where is Emily?"

"She's in there preparing for her grand showcase," "...where she'll fail in a grand manner."

By then, Eevie realized their pattern. Sock, the one with the comedy mask would always began the sentence and Buskin would end it.

However, they surprised her when she asked the question, "What kind of showcase is it?"

They both bowed again and answered in unison, "Why don't you go in and find out?" as they pointed at the alcove behind them.