Help from the OtherSide

51. Euphoria

I got out of the tub staring at the grand mirror beside it admiring my soaking wet self. On closer inspection I realised the stubbles on my face had regrown; not remembering the last time I shaved.

But I can't complain either; it added to the rugged charm that might be useful to regain a certain woman's friendship in the near future. I took my time to put on some clothes that didn't spell royalty.

Fine grey tunic made from cotton like material and the complimentary pants. I said complimentary because even without them, the tunics' length would cover all that's necessary. Although I doubt if Glorian would approve if he found me walking around half naked.

Liam and I spoke for a while on my bed, till he fell asleep mid sentence. Guess I'll never know what happened to his favourite pair of underwear. 

Not having the heart to wake him up and drop him back to his room; I left for a night stroll. 

I peered down from the banister and saw professional looking elves piling out on the hall discussing a grave matter. King Glorian walked out and the others ceased talking and stood in full attention. He muttered something, as if fully aware of eavesdroppers. The serious looking elves nodded and marched out. 

Carefully skipping this flight of stairs I wandered in the corridors till I found a back stairs that lead to the main hall. Walking in the shadows I tiptoed around till I reached polished door ajar that spilled dimmed candle light on my feet.

Poking my head in, it appeared to be a library of some sort containing rows and rows of massive mahogany shelves lined with thick spine books. 

Assuming that no one would try to assassinate me in the library of all places, I sneaked in. Footsteps wouldn't be a problem because of the two inch dense embroidered carpet that engulfed my toes. I passed aisles reading the covers of ancient documents only to find something unusual.

The book that caught my eye the most was titled Elven Reproduction: Do's and Never Do's.

I stood before the book, contemplating if I should open it or not. The cover page didn't help with my curiosity. It depicted two inadequately dressed woman cuddling on a bed with two buff, pointy eared dudes standing before them bare bodied.

Am I a horrible person for wanting to open it?

Filthy thoughts invaded my head as I reached for the book. It weighed as much as three Oxford dictionaries combined. 

They really did a thorough research on this topic. Very thorough if I may add.

"Need help?"

A soft voice called out startling me. I frantically juggled  the book in my hand desperate to shove it somewhere. I hid it behind me and turned around quickly. Anarzia stood at the aisle entrance with a smirk. 

-THUD-

My fingers couldn't hold the book any longer and it slipped from my grasp. The hardbound grazed my calves landing noisily behind me.

"I'm fine actually! I was simply b-browsing-- wrong section--" I sputtered.

Witnessing my obvious struggle she tossed her head back and laughed. "Come on." She said holding back another wave of laughter.

She's standing pretty far, I hope she didn't see which book I was holding.

Anarzia held my hand and guided me to one of the elevated study tables that appeared to be reserved for her family. I clumsily sat in the corner with adrenaline of being caught subsiding. She sat beside me gathering a new pile of books.