It was a dark night. And the emotion clinging to the city matched the dreariness. The darkness had come many years ago in the form of the wandering monsters. Somehow a rift had opened leaving a gateway to untold horrors. Monsters never imagined now had a foothold in this world. This city was no different than the other four , except this was the only one that was predominantly human. Two of the other cities belonged to the Elves. Another was Dwarven, and the last was near the Plains of the Centaur. In only a few months the cities had small, but successful raids, executed in an organized manner not anticipated by anyone. The hit and run tactic had been good for keeping the forces of Light from massing against any one group of raiders. So they decided to try to close the rifts. After closing one of the Elven rifts, the successful team was split up and sent to the other cities to offer assistance.
The Elves sent the Humans four individuals. The leader was an Elven Druid. The rest of the team was a gnome mage, a man made of stone, and the mysterious Elven monk. They joined a contingent of human knights, mages, clerics and rangers.
A month later they returned.
Their returned to a sad city, knowing they would lift that veil in a few short moments.
Their assessment was correct.
Word traveled throughout the city within the hour...they had come back. That alone meant success. Even if more than half the party had failed to...
Sheila was the chambermaid assigned to The Monk. She was the newest addition to the staff, since the Queen thought her alabaster skin and auburn hair would fit the guest quarters well. She had a trim figure pulled taunt by the work offered to a servant. She smiled brightly thinking about how fun it would be to tell her family that she was picked as one of the girls chosen to take care of such important recipients to the castle's hospitality. Nervously looking down at her wringing hands, she awaited her turn to be introduced.
"Master Phenjo may I present Sheila." said the Queen.
"Thank you Majesty, I will try bother her as little as possible"
Sheila wasn't sure she heard right. She had never had anyone think of her before...ever. It was so impossible to think that anyone would think that she would be busy with anything but her charge.
"I do apologize Master Phenjo, I have to remind myself, I have been told you and Master Ambruce tend to be independent"
The large "Man of Rock", as he was beginning to be known as, tilted his head towards the Queen in acknowledgment.
"No need to apologize your Majesty, I'm sure I will find her guidance invaluable"
"Well, I certainly hope you would let me know if she is not..."
"Of course your Majesty." He swiveled his head and looked Sheila in the eyes.
Sheila was beside herself. With the obvious threat from the queen, she knew that if he where displeased in any way she may well find herself in the local moat. This person was a hero. A person who the King and Queen wanted to personally impress. A person who had just come back from fighting real live monsters, not just tales made to frighten children. But when she looked into his eyes she was pulled into the tea color hiding his thoughts...and she wondered...
Phenjo accepted the wishes of a restful sleep from the required individuals and his companions, then looked at Sheila after closing the door.
"Do you wish to stay?" He asked while looking her in the eyes.
Once again Sheila was taken back by his interest in her choice. She looked into those eyes. There was no malice or jest in him at all.
"I must Milord." she replied flatly. At that moment the thought that he might find her revolting, passed through her mind. He must find me vile, or at least not worthy of him.
"No, you mustn't. I would not force you to do anything that you would not want. Even if it where what you where expected to do. I have been in this situation before...and I promise you I am quite capable of washing myself...I've done it a couple of times" and he smiled at her. Nothing condescending, or mean, just a smile. Pure as a beam of light.
Sheila smiled. But she was still worried.
"Have I displeased you in some way, Sir?"
"Not at all. I am just offering you the chance to do something you might want to do. I know you are here for me. But I will be asleep soon, and you are not required to sleep with me, for any reason. Show me where the things are that I need and go do something fun."
Fun? She couldn't believe this. He was nice. She had heard that the Elves where beautiful, and he certainly was, but to be this caliber of warrior and considerate was nothing she expected.
Sheila steeled herself, looked him in the eye and said "Sir, I have no beau, and my family is not but my Mum and Da. I am new to the Guest Quarters Staff, and have no friends. I can think of nowhere I would rather be than here."
He looked at her. She felt he was looking into the farthest reaches of her soul. Then she felt she was looking into his.
"Alright, bring a bottle of wine over to the table, you win."
She bowed went to the wine case, pulled a bottle, and put it down on the tray next to the glass.
"Two glasses" was all he said.
Surprised again, she put another glass on the tray, and placed it on the table. He pointed to the chair opposite, indicating that she should sit. Tentatively she lowered herself onto the seat.
"First time?"
"I beg your pardon, Sir. I don't know what you mean." She heard him open the bottle, then pour.
"Being invited to sit with your ward."
"...umm, yes Sir."
"Well drink up, and relax. Do you have any questions?"
Great! He reads minds also. She decided, might as well have some fun before she was given her swimming lessons.
"I do Sir. Why did your large companion refer to you as the "mysterious elf?"
After chuckling, and sipping some wine, he smiled and answered flatly, "Because I am."
