In the Kingdom of Twilight sound and light are crimes. Its
citizens whisper; its slaves have their vocal chords
slashed. The Quiet Queen, from her throne, issues silent
decrees. "None shall wander during the day", "None shall see
by the light of more than one candle", "None shall fear the
night". Her Shadow Guard is always vigilant, always about.
One can walk freely through dark fields, by cavernous
forests and starlit streams, and never see the knife of a
bandit. I visited there, once, and was full of admiration.
There is no fear. Only dark silence. I decided to stay.

I was caught listening to my walkman, and so was brought
before her Majesty, to stand trial. I pleaded ignorance and
foreigness, and begged for my life, for their punishments
are harsh. She listened to my pathetic whispers, and then
took the headphones from the guard, placing them over her
royal ears. She pressed play, and then stop. "Release him at
the border", she whispered, "his taste in music is
punishment enough".

Now I sell life insurance in the Duchy of Funk. It's noisy
and smelly, and the streets aren't safe even during the day.
I miss moonlight. I miss smiling instead of saying hello. I
miss blowing out a candle before making love. Music, ah,
music. It just doesn't sound the same to me anymore.