The Eclectic

Hassan sat at his desk facing the window looking out into the courtyard of the Serenity. Though he lives in one of the bigger apartments on the Penthouse level, his room is quite humble owing to the fact that a third of his apartment was converted into a private library, another third to a room where he entertains his guests and the last third divided into two, a bathroom and his humble bedroom cum study area cum sanctuary from his party-loving neighbours. His house was finely furnished though, with turkish carpets covering the marble floor underneath, french seats with cushions emblazoned with the fluer-de-lis, a gift from his friend while working as an interpreter at the french embassy. One thing that was kept aplenty was light. Candles and candles and oil lamps and oil lamps and a small chandelier in the hall and more lamps, especially in his room and the library. He doesn’t wear a coat at home for the sheer heat coming from the light even eliminates reason for lighting the fireplace. James constantly reminds him that if ever a fire broke out, his room would be the definite source. Light was essential for the young man who enjoys learning from the writings of the philosophical many which he met in his journeys. Light was essential for writing frequently to his mother in Cairo and his brothers in Sudan, India and Istanbul. Hassan stared out of his window, for once, doing nothing but that when he heard knocking on his bedroom door.

“Who is it?”
“James”
“That’s strange, I thought James had a male voice”
“Well, yes he does, now open up”

Hassan opened his door and a punch flew jokingly at his face.

“Oi, carefull, the pretty French wouldn’t want their handsome Arab to have his face bruised”
“To hell with the French,”said James still at the doorway, barefoot and in white robes.
“What on Earth are you wearing?”
“Robes,” said James, walking towards Hassan’s desk eager to see what his friend was up to only to be disappointed by an empty table.
“Whatever for? A new cult you are starting?”
“Alas, no. I just thought it would be nice to have some air especially when visiting your warm home”
“Oh. James, you should know that the produce from your cellars are a tad too strong”
“What do you know? You’re as sober as.. as…. a sober man who hasn’t tasted wine. You don’t drink wine.”
“Well, Elizabeth was very shaky after your party last night”
“That is normal, my friend. I must emphasize that we had a ver moral party in case you were worried. Elizabeth is a charm isn’t she?”
“I agree”
“Well,” whispered James “She has a liking for the sharp and intellectual. If you don’t mind, could you tone down a lot so that my traits will be more explicit?”
“Ah, I see you’ve taken an interest in her. I cannot promise anything, but I will try my best for a friend”
“Thank you.”

Both man stood staring out of the bedroom window for a moment before laughing together.

“Hassan,  I’ll see you tonight at the common room. It’s been awhile since the walls heard you playing the violin”
“Yes, I’ll see you later”