Callon pushed himself off the floor, his hand dug into the soft the rug beneath him. It was thick and woven in shades of crimson and gold, inviting bare feet to sink into its plush embrace.
A massive four-poster bed, its frame carved with intricate swirling patterns, dominated the center. Its thick curtains were currently drawn back, revealing a mattress that looked as if it could comfortably sleep three people.
Thick, plush drapes in a deep emerald hue pooled around the base, casting the space in a cool, inviting shadow. Moonlight streamed through a high window opposite the bed, illuminating a sprawling library that lined two walls.
Two entire walls were swallowed by floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, their dark wood groaning under the weight of countless leather-bound tomes. The spines of some of the books were faded with age, while others gleamed with gold inlay.
In front of a floor to ceiling window that overlooked a courtyard, a sturdy oak desk stood sentinel, littered with scrolls, inkwells, and quills. A worn leather armchair with its stuffing escaping in charmingly rebellious tufts, sat nestled comfortably in a corner.
The room was a haven of comfort and knowledge.
There were three does in the room, one which led out of the room, another on the left which led to the bathroom, and finally a single arched doorway on the right that offered a glimpse into another room.
The door was slightly ajar, revealing a sliver of what lay beyond it, it was a training hall.
The light streamed through, illuminating polished wooden floors and training dummies arranged in a fighting stance.
Silax's room exuded a sense of intellectual pursuit and physical prowess. It was a space designed for both contemplation and action, someone who valued knowledge as much as combat.
It was a scholar's haven, a warrior's training ground, and a sanctuary all rolled into one.
Callon looked around the room in awe. The room hummed with a comforting stillness.
Then he remembered that he had just being in a cabin and snapped out of it.
"Where are we? How did we get here?" Callon asked as he turned around to face Silax.
Silax stepped around a barrel and dropped his bags on the bed.
"We are in my room in Ullion. How we got here is not important."
Silax's reply did not satisfy Callon.
"Not important? How is that not important? Also why did we have to leave Scola in-"
Callon's voice got stuck in his throat when he saw the look on Silax's face. Silax had a serious look on his face, and the look in his eyes made him feel like he was being stared at by a predator.
He immediately recalled how Silax spoke before they left Scola.
Callon felt like the person standing in front of him, was not the same one he had come to know over the past month.
Silax stood up and started walking towards the door that led out of the room.
"Get your bags and follow me."
Callon didn't move immediately, still stunned by what he had just seen.
Silax opened the door and stepped out of the room, then he realized that Callon wasn't following him.
"What are you waiting for?"
Callon was shaken out of his stupor. He quickly picked up his bags and followed Silax out of the room.
They stepped into a hallway decorated with artworks that were illustrations of the different elf tribes. The floor of the hallway was covered in a green carpet that was adorned with detailed patterns which shimmered faintly in the light. The light in the hallway was provided by the lamps all along the whole stretch of the wall.
Callon looked around, admiring everything around as they walked past, heading towards a stairwell.
They went down the stairs, until they got to the last floor which was the lobby of the hotel.
There were elves walking about the lobby, some of them were dressed in a white and black uniform. The uniform had hints of red, brown, blue and silver.
Silax walked up to the receptionist, the elf at the desk had already noticed him before he got there.
"Good evening Mr. Silax. I didn't know you were back."
Silax smiled and greeted the receptionist back.
"Good evening Ewyn. I only got back today. How have things been?"
"Things have been great. The upcoming Synod Moot has increased the number of guest we receive. Although the number of vampyre attacks in the city have also seen an increase. I hear there's talks of changing the location for the gathering."
Ewyn bent forward and whispered the last part of her sentence, trying to make sure no one else heard.
"You don't have to worry about that. The Synod Moot is something that takes years to plan, changing the location at the last minute would bring more trouble than what a few vampyres could cause."
Silax turned and pointed at Callon.
"This is a Callon, he's a friend. He'll be staying on the fourth floor."
Ewyn flashed Callon a bright smile.
"Good evening Mr. Callon. Welcome to Ælf's Garden, Your home away from the regions. Relax, Reconnect, Renew."
"Good evening Ms. Ewyn. Just Callon is fine." Callon said as he blushed.
Ewyn giggled at his response.
"Give me a moment while I fetch the key to your room."
She went through a door that was behind her, and a minute later she was back. In her hands was a key and next to her was another elf, this one male.
"Here's your key, and Malu here will help you with your bags."
Malu took the key from Ewyn and walked around the counter. Malu gestured for his bag, and Callon handed it to him.
"Thanks, Ewyn. That would be all for tonight." Silax said as the three of them left the lobby.
They went up the stairs back to the last floor where they had just left some minutes ago.
Malu unlocked the door to the room and carried the bag inside, while Silax and Callon waited outside. He came back and handed the key to Callon before taking his leave.
"This will be your home for the foreseeable future. Get yourself acquainted with your new room." Silax said as he prepared to leave.
Callon stopped him before he could leave. He had a look of anticipation on his face.
"Silax, how about the coin? You said you would deal with it when you got back from the ruin."
Silax sighed, then patted him on his shoulder.
"We'll talk more tomorrow. I need to get some rest, I haven't slept in two days."
Silax didn't give Callon a chance to say anything else. He walked away and entered his room, shutting it behind him.
Callon was left standing in the hallway, keys in his hand, and a frustrated look on his face.
As soon as Silax entered his room, he let himself fall onto his bed, welcoming the warm embrace of sleep.
That night he had several dreams, all of which were memories from his past.
A woman named Lisa, whom he had planned to spend the rest of his life with.
A man named Michael, whom he had built a thriving business with.
The face of his parents, the people who had given him everything, except for what he truly wanted.
The one-eyed man, who had shared tales and words of wisdom with him.
The grand hall, in which the trajectory of his life had been forever altered.