Alfinians Rise

Wonderland

  I slid into the frothy, steaming hot water slowly, a gasp escaping my lips as the almost scorching water envelopes me. My muscles cry in relief as they soak in the herbal bathwater. Closing my eyes, I began to replay tonight's events over and over in my head.

It was too late to turn back. Taking a deep breath and gluing my eyes to the floor, I hurried through the mass of laughing shadows. My thundering heartbeat drowning out their words beyond recognition.

 Taking a seat at the wooden bar, I kept my face down. The last thing I wanted was to be recognized or even seen by the likes of them. I fidgeted my thumbs nervously, desperately praying to the lord that the living shadows couldn't hear my heartbeat. I was so nervous that I didn't even notice the bartender's approach. 

Good evening miss," his raspy, tenor voice rang, startling me half to death. "Whoa, easy now" he giggled, "I didn't mean to startle you."

I remember shaking my head and waving my hand dismissively without a word. My face was still covered and downcast. I couldn't take a chance with so many Ravn's around. 

"Sorry about all the ruckus. These moronic fellows showed up about three days ago with their big mouths and even bigger appetites. Between the lot of 'em, they've drunk up most of our alcohol supply. I swear I haven't the slightest idea where they put it all. Unfortunately, all we've got left is the hard stuff." The bartender sighed dramatically. 

"That's fine. Water please." I said in a low voice as I surveyed the room. Not with my eyes, heavens no. Rather, I used my ears, listening as his footsteps disappeared. It didn't take long before his heavy strides returned, setting the glass of water in front of me with a "clink", before once again vanishing. Left to my own devices I wondered how much longer it was going to take to prep my room. Growing anxious, I started listening to the bubbling conversations around me.

 One man was rambling on and on about his adorable 3-year-old little girl and her fiery attitude. "Just like her mama, " he said, his companions groaning as they heard the story for what must have been the thousandth time. Meanwhile, on the other side of the room, a small group talked in hushed tones. I strained my ears to hear what they were saying.

"I'm telling you, someone saw me!" A smooth, vibrant voice sneered defensively. I froze. It couldn't possibly be a coincidence...could it?

"Yeah right, " an older, raspier voice sorted, "and I'm the richest man in the world."

"I'm serious!" The first voice exclaimed, louder this time. "I saw someone looking directly at me!"

"Just give it up Xayben, you probably just imagined it. There's no way anyone other than an Alf could spot us when we're cloaked. And lord knows there aren't any around here no more" A sharp, rusty female voice whined. It was then that I felt a rap on my shoulder, startled once again I whip my head around to see the waddling "panda man" as I've now nicknamed him. With a small exchange, if you could even call it that, I stood and followed him back the way I came in. 

And then I made a mistake... I looked up, staring straight into the eyes of the beast.

"Ugh! I'm so stupid!" I exclaim, running my fingers through my wet hair. I grab the bar of herbal soap and begin scrubbing ferociously at the grime on my body. By the time I feel satisfied that I'm totally free of dirt and shame, the water has turned into a watered-down, murky brown and my skin is bright red, raw from the heat and the violent pressure from my failed attempt to scrub away the memories. Swiping my right hand over the metallic faucet, a holographic screen appears. I select the option for drain and wait the few seconds it takes to drain before selecting the fill button and the lavender scent. The white porcelain tub with a few rather suspicious stains instantly begins to fill with sweet lavender water. I take a deep breath before submerging my entire body underwater, lying beneath the surface. I open my eyes to watch the rippling wood ceiling through the water's surface. I can still see his face. The strong jawline shadowed by afternoon stubble, jet black, choppy hair, that's shortened into cornrows along one side, and piercing raven-like purple eyes, framed on the left side by a brilliant cobalt blue tattoo. He was beautiful, just like a raven. Might as well be the poster boy of an ideal Ravn soldier.