Of Gods and Elves - By Brian D. Anderson Page 0,45
felt the relief of cool air pour out. The room was large enough for four people, and well lit by the same strange orbs he had seen at the home of Kaphalos. The four of them hung from a silver chain near the wall. To his right was a single bed with fine linen sheets and a plump, round, comfortable-looking pillow. On his left stood a small, round, oak table with four chairs. A plush couch, with two brass tables on each end, sat at the far side of the room. But what caught Gewey's eye was the area between the table and the couch—the shower.
Gewey nearly forgot to close the door behind him before he threw down his pack and stripped off his clothes. It looked much like the one he had used in Lord Ganflin's manor, only the fixture were a bit more elaborate and a small marble table held the soaps and bathing implements.
Once inside the shower area he pulled the curtain around. Remembering the shock of the water from his first time, he carefully twisted the knobs. He lost himself in the feeling of steaming hot water pouring over his body. When he finished, he grabbed a towel which hung on the wall and stepped out. To his amazement a fresh set of clothes lay neatly on the bed, and a bowl of hot stew and fresh bread had been placed on the table. He had not heard anyone enter or move about.
He dried off and donned the clothes that the elves had provided. They were simple tan pants and shirt, with a thin leather belt. The fabric was comfortable, fit nicely, and was highly durable. A pair of calfskin moccasins and cotton socks completed the ensemble. Gewey sat at the table and began to eat, when the door swung open. It was Linis.
“You look very much the elf in those clothes,” remarked Linis, smiling.
“This is what elves wear? I've never seen an elf dressed this way.”
“Of course not.” Linis laughed. “This is what we wear at home while relaxing. Do you find it comfortable?”
“Very.” In fact, the longer he wore the clothes the more he noticed they had certain properties. His skin felt cool and alive, and the moccasins hugged his feet to the point he barely noticed he wore them. “I'd love to know how they're made. The tailors back home would go crazy for this. The cobblers, too.”
“I am sure they would,” said Linis. “You may find it is easier to sway the minds of the elf elders than to pry the secrets from our craftsmen. They are protective of their art.” He sat across from Gewey. “It may be some time before you can leave this room. Do you need anything? I can have it brought.”
Gewey thought for a moment. “Some books would be nice. About the elves, if possible.”
“I'm sure that can be arranged.”
“Have you seen Kaylia?”
Linis shook his head. “Not yet. I was going to see her after I came here. Do you have a message?”
Gewey hated that he couldn't speak to her when she was just yards away. “No. I'll deliver it myself.”
Linis frowned. “You must not leave this room. Give it to me and I'll convey it.”
Gewey flashed a mischievous grin. “I don't need to leave this room to deliver my message. I agreed to stay here and I will. But where my spirit travels is my business.”
Linis burst out with laughter. “I sometimes forget what you are, and what you're capable of. Mind that you keep it to yourself. Once the elders are told about you, many are likely to fear you. Give them no more reason than you must to do so.”
“I was wondering,” said Gewey. “The gate. How did it open?”
“By the same means you gain strength when you use the power of the earth,” Linis replied. “We can create tools and objects that can harness the flow just as you do. It is said that in ancient times the elves created things of such power that they could upend the very earth, moving entire mountains.”
Gewey’s eyes widened at the thought. “Incredible. Have you ever seen such a device?”
Linis shook his head, as sadness washed over him. “No, I have not. No one has in many generations. The wisdom and knowledge of our forefathers was said to rival that of the Gods. But I fear we will never regain what we have lost. ”