Gambler's Chance
My breath was smooth and steady, in and out, as calm as I was at a poker table, as unreadable. They had once called me the Gambler of Fate, they had once called me many things. But those names didn't answer who I was now, or where I was.
Gentle waves of blue lapped at my bare feet as I stood at the edge of the water, staring out at the horizon. The sky was turning crimson, the color spilling over into the ocean that drifted below it. This place, it was so carefree, so different from the home I once knew. At least, I knew of. I remembered what it felt like to be there, what it was like to stand in that dark place. It felt empty, alone, false.
What was that place? I can't remember anymore. But I see faces, every now and again, in my memories. I'm not sure how long I've been here, staring at the horizon, watching the sun set, watching it rise again, waiting for the stars come out. It's so beautiful here. The breeze rushes by me, swift and full of salt.
I feel so tiny standing here next to these endless waters, I feel as if the world really is bigger than just me, or my games.
I remember a time, long, long ago, when I felt like a king. With each hand won another crown was added to the pile. I never lost, and I never cheated. I bluffed, and folded, called, my way through the tables. But after that…Everything went dark. And I don't know what became of me.
All I remember after that, is that empty, aching, hollow feeling, the one that could never be satisfied. But those memories are gone too, they don't matter.
They don't matter, because that feeling is gone. I take in a sharp breath, practically feeling my heart beat within my chest, and feel everything around me. I feel the soft sand, the warm setting sun, the cool evening breeze, and I can enjoy it all…
Was there a time when I couldn't? I had bet my life on the line and lost, that I knew, though I don't remember the sting of losing, I remember things getting darker and darker. I wished with everything that I was (or was it what I wasn't?) that I would find the light again, that I would become the thing I once was. A gambler who put money on the line rather than his life.
A gambler with a real life to live. Suddenly, in that darkness I saw a light, and it saved me. I was wrapped in it's warmth, in it's presence. I felt love spring up deep in my chest as it (perhaps it was a He…He did have a rather kingly presence) dragged me far from that darkness and left me here.
He put me somewhere where my life would be lived anew. Where I would have a second chance. I smiled, Gambler of Fate was no longer my title, I'd have to find a new one soon. But for now I watched the stars peek out from their ever black curtain, and came to a decision.
I'd gamble my life in a different way, after all, this path could prove worth trying. The light came and wrapped around me again, at least I felt like it. I smiled.
Let the games begin.