And art on the walls. Tiny decorative statues littered alcoves, some carved in stone, others in wood. A couple had that unique golden color of citricite, carved into little Kantenans, with big horns and weapons. The contrast between his put-together self and the old, cozy vibe exuded from every centimeter of the place.
“This is my home,” Stron said as he led her through a small foyer into a larger open area. The wood and nooks in the walls continued, creating such a contrast from the apartments she’d been staying in, it almost seemed unreal.
Old, plush furniture that looked comfortable and well-used created a warm feeling, and honestly, it was the most welcoming looking place that Adryel had ever seen. She wanted to run over and plop on the couch and just take a nap, without a care in the world.
Run her fingers over the imperfect, hand-carved frames. Like she could feel the essence of the log it had been carved from. The pillows and cushions looked like a lot of butts and heads had pressed against them, giving the place a feeling of an old person’s home.
A cozy place with so many small things and little touches, he must have lived there a very long time for this to be his place. It made her wonder the story about all the little figurines on the walls.
Were those his toys as a kid?
She glanced around, stroking the edge of a little table. “This is not what I expected you to be living in.”
“Why not?” He asked.
“It seems, well, old. Magical or something. Like from a story. It doesn’t look like something a big red guy like you would live in. Someone with your fancy clothing.”
This did make him smile. “I am glad I can surprise you.”
“I don’t know if I’m surprised or if I’m worried.” She started walking toward the food prep area, and saw that mixed in with all the older pieces were some modern touches. Shiny mixed in with the antique.
Her stomach growled as she automatically headed for the food prep area.
Food seemed like a really good idea.
She inhaled a breath.
Something smelled good over there.
“I cannot say that it has always been mine,” he said as he followed her. “It’s been in our family line for many generations.”
He pulled out two clear cups from the antique cabinet that was high enough that Adryel would probably need a ladder to reach. “Drink?”
Adryel nodded. “Please.”
He made them both a cup of some kind of red tea that smelled divine as he spoke. “I always liked the house. My parents thought it was too small,” his words, punctuated by the click of a stirring wand. “My mother felt this place had become beneath her station, as a partner of a Coalition member. Too small for her to be hosting events in.” He waved his free hand in the air as he spoke.
“Oh, darn. Too small,” Adryel said sarcastically. Because while it wasn’t huge and open like the apartment in the tower, it was cozy and warm and felt more like a home than any place she’d been so far here.
She watched him move with practiced grace, barely looking as he picked up what he needed for the tea.
“Exactly,” he said and smiled that annoying half-smile of his. “The house remained empty for a while, until I was old enough to move in.”
He stood on one side of the counter, and she climbed up in the chair on the other side, and he placed the cups between them.
“Are all the homes here like this?” she asked as she sipped on the warm tea. “Like they grew out of the trees?”
“Here in Carvonday, yes. There’s a fantastical element that I adored as a child.”
“And now?”
“And now, it feels like home.”
She smiled. “Must be nice.”
He inhaled a breath, and glanced around. “I think…” he leaned to the left, and put his hand on a panel.
The counter shifted, opening up, and a platter began to rise.
