Sands Of Time

Magic Fingers

Bruno kept his hand on my back as we walked past the little fountain by the stairs, and turned the corner to where the bathroom was. It was a simple wooden door, nothing fancy, but the edges under the frame would glow a dim gold when the knob was touched. When I had used it during the party the room was simple, but beautiful, and tastefully decorated. The counter and sink was carved from a piece of natural tree trunk, and there were a few potted plants scattered through out. Some hung from the ceiling on white ropes and some sat on the floor. On the counter, there had been a little tray with small soaps that had various scents. I had chosen to use the one that smelled of mint and tea tree oil. The large mirror on the wall had a beautiful intricate inlaid pattern of butterflies carved into its wooden frame. Next to the counter top was a simple camode with another potted plant sitting on the back of it. It hadn't been anything more than a large powder room, but I liked it.

This time, when Bruno walked in with me, it was different. The counter was still the carved wood, and the large mirror with the etched frame was still there. Same with the plants, and the toilet. This time, however, there were two sinks in the counter, the tray of soaps had doubled, and two cups with a toothbrush in each had appeared as well. Also, sitting on the counter was the bundle of my clothes that Bruno had grabbed from my room. I hadn't even noticed Casita had whisked it away when we were in the dinning room. The inlay on the mirror's frame had changed to look more like flowing sand under the butterflies. The big difference was that there, at the back of the room, was an immaculate tub that was cut from a giant geode of emerald. Folded against the wall was a three panel privacy screen. The iron rod frame was dark against the light green fabric that stretched between the top and bottom arms. The hourglass motif ran over the edge of each curtain.

As I looked around, I saw that Bruno seemed to be checking out the decor, too. When he saw me confused by his curiosity of a room that, I had assumed he had seen thousands of times over, he turned to me, wiggling his fingers. "Magic house." It made me giggle, and a relieved smile laid into his features. "Um, so, yeah. Casita caters the bathroom to the person that goes in. If two people go in, it will mix what both people need and like into one." He waved his hand in the air to indicate what we saw in front of us. "Look at the frame of the mirror for instance. When I come in, normally I just have flowing sand around it. Now there are butterflies, for you. Casita knows you are staying the night so, it conjured you up your own toothbrush." He moved to inspect the tub. "Green beryl. Looks like we have the same need in tubs, too." I walked over, and pressed my fingers against the smooth surface of the gemstone.

"Beryl? I thought it was emerald." I looked up at him.

"Oh, well, yes. It's more well known as emerald. It's great for stress relief, adapting to a change...even helps the old," He clicked his tongue as he tapped his head, "psychic abilities be a little easier to control. Not by much, but everylittle bit helps, right?" I smiled at him as he spouted off facts about why the emerald tub was helpful. Bruno clapped his hands and rubbed them together for a moment. "So...would you prefer me to step out while you," He waved his hands in the direction of the toilet, and the clothing I was wearing. "Yeah, I think I'm going to do that. Let me just..." He leaned over, and turned on the tap. Sticking his fingers under the running water, he adjusted it a few times, and then flipped a little knob beneath it. The water started to pool in the bottom of the basin. "Go ahead, and adjust the temperature of the water to your liking. I'll be back in when you're ready." He walked to the door, but before he could leave I spoke up.

"Should I call out to you?" Bruno turned to look at me.

"No need. Casita will let me know."

"Is that how Julieta and Agustín knew we were here?" Bruno smiled and nodded before slipping out if the room.