Rising from a flattened steppe, a decaying tower drew a long, final breath towards the dimming sky before collapsing into the persuasive gusts of wind that had tugged at it throughout the years. Its reverberating timber disturbed the long settled dust amassed on overgrown roads once well traversed. Only the faintest whisper of the ruin reached the creeping shadows of a town settling into the evening's embrace.
Swaddled in a burrow of coarse woolen blankets and worn, crudely sewn quilts, a slight child snuggled into her mother's cradling arms. Ears piqued for the anticipated bedtime story, she heard the far away rumble of stones crashing to the earth.
"Mother," she questioned "did you hear that?"
Stroking the girl's fine, flaxen hair, the mother tenderly replied, "Hush, child, that was only the ashes of a tale that needs to be forgotten."
Her cheek pressed against her mother's warm chest, she felt the gentle resonance of a low, melancholy humming. A caged ballad, eager to be let loose. Registering the curious gleam kindling her daughter's chestnut eyes, the mother allowed melodious lyrics to roll forth.
Within the crown of lonely tow'r
Fair maiden with tresses gold
Looked o'er the unknown world below
Wond'rin could she be so bold
Fateful wander on unpaved roads
Trav'lers footprints in the sand
Desperate to flee the coming storm
A prince and his caravan
They stumbled on the ancient tow'r
Stories spoke of siren ghost
With nowhere left but up to go
Drew near the song of their host
A golden vine descended down
The prince climbed up his fate
The maiden helped as best she could
To bear some of his weight
They each met a curious gaze
Surprise written on their face
Souls intertwined in that moment
A passionate embrace
The ballad trailed off in a gentle hum, as the woman felt her precious bundle's breaths deepen. Taking care not to tussle the little girl, she gingerly transferred the package of blankets and flaxen hair to the crib. Caressing her daughter's cheek, she delivered a final kiss goodbye and tucked the ragged quilt in snuggly around her petite body. Before turning to leave, she hesitantly placed an aged, leather bound book on the girl's nightstand before extinguishing the weary candle with a pinch of her calloused fingers.