The City on a Hill

by RcuteGrl63

There once was a bright and glorious city that prospered like no other, until the people turned on each other. They didn't realize that they were only as great as they were when they were together and would search everywhere for what they left behind - even if they don't realize it.

2. The Dancers

The King of the city was a good King who loved all of his people equally and wished only for everyone to work together towards peace and prosperity. In all of the lands there was no such community as his shining city which lay on top of a large hill like a beacon to guide weary travelers home. The city was beautiful and full of vivid colors and cultures - a mirror image of its people. The King's dancers lived in the city in their guild, Lifesong.

Lifesong housed many dancers of all ages and abilities, "If dancing is what you love, then enter for you are most welcome here." The dancers ranged from classical ballet to new age and they all danced whoever they went, inspiring all who watched them. The King dearly loved the dancers and often left the castle to see them dance whenever he could.

Now, every place has its genius, a little protégé. At Lifesong, however, there was not one, but three protégés and they were named thusly; Salome, Fred, and Mai. They were three fairly young dancers who were awestruck by the passion of dance and felt a sense of belonging that came from being a part of Lifesong. They possessed such different dance styles and yet fit them seamlessly together - an embodiment of the King's hopes for the city.

Their dances were a wonder to members of the Lilt, the Poets' guild of the city, who found much inspiration from them. In fact, the poets often found their brightest and most wondrous works came from the dancers' light and grace.

Salome (who had a twin sister known as Layla of the Lilt), Fred (who laughed often and was always merry), and little Mai (who was not yet thirteen) made a trio like no other; they felt it was their duty to the King to share with others the hope and joy they felt from dancing. They did not focus on the latest news or on politics, but lived for dancing. Maybe it was for such reasons that when they did get into the rate spat with the poets it became quite nasty. For the poets who wandered around in search of inspiration also concerned themselves greatly with what was happening in their city and the rest of the world; and so looked down on the dancers for their seemingly shallow thoughts.

"What do they know of life and its difficulties?"