Elfsong - Elaine Cunningham [12]
"In that case, I'll consider myself forewarned, and we'll take our leave," Caladorn said in a jovial tone, encircling Lucia's shoulder with one massive arm.
Dan watched them go, noting the solicitous manner in which Caladorn bent over the tiny noblewoman. So that's why Caladorn was lingering in Waterdeep rather than going off to pursue adventure somewhere, Dan noted. Although Danilo was not exactly envious, he was in no mood to be confronted with other people's happiness. Feeling very alone and in sudden need of a stiff drink, Danilo ducked into the nearest tavern.
He regretted his choice immediately. The scent of a rain-washed forest greeted him, and the taproom's roof soared up at least five stories to accommodate the five trees that grew here and there in the room. Gentle, floating motes of blue light drifted among the clientele, who were almost exclusively elven. The reason for this was immediately apparent a pair of well-armed gold elf sentinels guarded the door like a pair of glowering bookends. They looked him over, considering.
"I know you," one of them finally said. "You're that… mage that was discussed in the last innkeepers' guild meeting."
Dan smiled at them in his most engaging fashion.
"You've obviously heard about that unfortunate incident at the Fiery Flagon. Rest assured, I've paid for the damage in full. Except for the dwarf's beard, of course-hard to determine a market rate on those, don't you know-but it should grow back in, say, another decade or two. Not that the spell would affect any of your clients, of course; no one here appears to be bearded, so having ale suddenly turn to flame couldn't set anyone's beard afire. If I cast that spell, that is, which of course I won't."
The elven guards seized Danilo by his elbows and spun him toward the door. From the corner of his eye, the Harper saw an ancient elf lift one long-fingered hand in a peremptory gesture. Immediately the guards halted. The elf-marked by his fine white robes and platinum torque as a personage of some importance-whispered a few words to his hostess, Yaereene Ilbaereth. Her delicate face lit in a smile of genuine pleasure, and she came to meet Dan with outstretched hands. The door guards melted away at her approach. Dan noted this development with puzzlement He had fully expected to be thrown out of the tavern, and indeed he had no wish to linger, but he could hardly ignore the regal elven woman who approached him.
Yaereene was tall and slender, with the silvery hair and eyes common to moon elves. She wore a sparkling gown that was alternately blue or green, for it changed color to match the whim and color of the tiny faerie dragon perched on her shoulder. The creature grinned and flapped its gossamer wings as the pair approached, and its jeweled scales were echoed by the fine blue topaz woven into the intricate silver mesh of the elf's necklace.
"Welcome to Elfstone Tavern," Yaereene said, holding out both hands to Danilo in a manner common to ladies of the Waterdhavian court It was a gracious gesture, accepting the human by his own custom Danilo took her hands and kissed the slender fingers, and then responded in kind. Holding both hands, palms up, before him, he bowed low to her in a uniquely elven gesture of respect. Yaereene's smile widened and then turned into a delighted laugh when Dan addressed the faerie dragon with a few words in its own tongue. In response, the tiny creature graciously craned its jeweled head to one side, allowing Dan to scratch its neck as he would that of a house cat.
Yaereene claimed Danilo's arm and led him deeper into the taproom Tonight you are the guest of Evindal Duir-sar, patriarch priest of Corellion Lathanian," she said, indicating the aged elf who had interceded in Dan's behalf. "May we call on you later, after you have supped and shared a drink?"
"Of course," Danilo replied graciously, although he hadn't the slightest notion of what he might be called upon to do.
The elven priest rose when the Harper approached, and after the rituals of greeting were accomplished