Changeling

Chapter 11

Cason timidly entered the cave. He carried two large bundles wrapped in animal hide and a couple satchels slung over his shoulder. He took a seat on a rocky out crop on the other side of the fire from Ariton and me dropping his load on the ground near his feet. It was difficult not to stare at his dark eyes. When he spoke the sharp tips of his teeth peeked above the edges of his lips sending an unconscious shiver down my spine. He reached down and grabbed one of the bundles and held it up to me.

"This is for you." I believed he was trying not to intimidate me by avoiding direct eye contact. Maybe it was working. I wasn't certain if I was intimidated, disgusted, or intrigued by him. His speech was accented but different from Ariton's. The gentle purring sound of rolling r's, like a Spanish or Italian speaker, conflicted with his harsh appearance.

"Cason, maybe you could..." Ariton swirled a hand in front of his face.

"Ay, of course. I don't know why I didn't think of it on my own." And just like that his features morphed into something much more pleasant to look at. There was no haze of magic around him like when Goldin transformed-- maybe because these changes were so small. The structure of his face did not change, only his eye color, which turned from solid black to hazel with whites and a pupil, and his teeth no longer sported points. Charming deep dimples scored his cheeks and in combination with the fine lines around his eyes gave an impression of warmth and wisdom. A face that urged me to believe he had my best interests in sight. I didn't take the bundle he offered, just stared at him, and reminded myself that what sat before me, was responsible for the violent death of my parents. I didn't need anything from a demon. Ariton rose and retrieved the bundle for me.

"Here. There are clothes and other things you may need." I took it from him and discarded it behind me. Ariton took his place beside me and we stared across the fire at Cason in awkward silence for several moments. Cason fidgeted and thumbed the tie on the other bundle of goods at his feet. He was the first to finally break the silence.

"Princess, there are clothes for you there," he nodded towards the bundle behind me. "You may find them more comfortable than your current attire." I looked down at the hospital gown I was still wearing. Slightly more substantial clothing would be nice. Looking at Ariton he said, "There are also the medical supplies you requested."

"Why do your kind call me Princess?" Ariton reached up and placed his hand on my arm.

"We can talk about that later," he said. I pulled my arm away from him.

"I want to know now." Cason's eyes met Ariton's and Ariton gave him a look steeped in caution. It was very clear Ariton was in charge here, at least when it came to that subject.

"You should change first Princess," Cason encouraged.

"Please, change into some fresh clothes and let me finish checking your wounds," said Ariton. "Then we talk." He grabbed the bundle and placed it in my lap and with reassuring eyes promised, "We will tell you everything."

I pulled the tie on the bundle as it sat in my lap and it unrolled down my legs spreading an assortment of clothing and personal items onto the cave floor. There were garments similar in style to what Ariton and Cason wore yet more feminine with colored feathers and touches of flowers. I picked up what looked to be a shirt but struggled to understand exactly how to put it on.

Cason rose from his seat and excused himself outside while I changed. Ariton wasn't as polite. I stared at the shirt and turned it around front to back to figure it out. It was quite lovely, woven from a type of grass reminiscent of seaweed. Thankfully, it didn't smell of seaweed. There were brown and red feathers trimming the high neckline and a colorful array of dried flowers woven through the midsection. It had no sleeves and no back only straps that secured it around the waist and neck. There was also a vest, similar to Ariton's, made of the same grass as the shirt. Unlike Ariton's though, it had short sleeves which was nice because it would cover my back and shoulders that the shirt left bare. A pair of trousers was also included in the bundle and to my surprise a set of sandals. They were simple flat leather bottoms with leather laces that looked like they would tie mid-calf on my leg. I needed a toga to match these.