The Enigma's Harem

The only light came from the hearth fire in a small stone cottage. The room was sparsely furnished, but there were rugs woven with a deep crimson and black that covered the floor and warm furs to throw over the bed. The fireplace was large enough for cooking, too. Simon had made sure of that, after a rather unfortunate incident with one of the girls.

“So… you’re a sorcerer?” Lovell asked as he squatted near the fire, roasting some meat on a spit.

Simon leaned against the wall and took a sip of wine. “I suppose so. I don’t know how or why I can do it.”

Lovell looked up at him, brown hair framing his face and glistening with sweat in the light of the fire. “What do you mean? You have powers! You can walk through walls!”

Simon shrugged. “I don’t know how that works either. I think it just has to do with what people expect of me. I used to try to figure it out, but I gave up on that long ago.” He smiled wryly and held out his cup for more wine from Gulla, who sat nearby on a stool by the bed, naked except for a necklace made of ivory teeth around her neck. She poured him some wine into his cup and then fetched her own from where she set it on the floor beside her stool. “Have you ever tried going through something solid while you’re asleep? It’s really hard!”

Lovell snorted lightly and shook his head. “I can barely get myself up to piss in the night without waking up completely! Do you have any idea how cold it is when you open that door in winter? No thanks! Sounds like slavery to me! And if anyone could manage it, it would be you! It seems like whatever power you have is very flexible! Where did you learn magic? Was your parent a wizard or witch? Did they teach you? What about your parents? Were they elves or dwarves or goblins? How did you end up here anyway? I bet there are plenty of stories about an Elven prince like yourself wandering the woods aimlessly until he stumbled across this poor little village in need of saving! What happened? Did someone kidnap you!? Did- Did they take your clothes!? Did they hurt you!? Did they try to kill you!? You must tell me everything right now before I die of curiosity! Do your eyes change color when it gets dark outside? Can you read minds!? Are you immortal!? Are there other wizards!?"

Simon laughed, amused by Lovell's rapid-fire questioning. He took another sip of wine and settled into a more comfortable position by the fire. Gulla watched the exchange with a small smile, her dark eyes filled with warmth.

"Calm down, Lovell," Simon said, holding up his hand to stop the barrage of questions. "One at a time."

Lovell leaned forward eagerly. "Alright, alright. I'll ask one question at a time. Let's start with where you learned magic. Did someone teach you?"

Simon's smile faded slightly as he stared into the dancing flames. "No one taught me how to use magic. It's something that just... came naturally to me. As for my parents, they were ordinary people. Not elves or dwarves or any other fantastical beings. They loved me and raised me as their own."

Lovell's excitement dimmed a little, sensing the sadness in Simon's voice. "That sounds...unusual. But why did you end up here? In this village?"

Simon's gaze shifted to the floor as he recounted his past. "I was on a journey—a quest, you could say. But it wasn't for glory or riches. I was searching for answers. Answers about my powers, my purpose. Along the way, I stumbled upon this village and felt a connection, a sense of belonging. And maybe, just maybe, I could find some of the answers I seeked here."

Lovell's eyes widened. "So, you came here willingly? No one kidnapped you?"

Simon chuckled. "No, Lovell. No one kidnapped me. I am here of my own volition. And as for my clothes," he said, glancing down at his simple tunic and trousers, "I prefer practicality over extravagance. I am not an Elven prince, just a mere wanderer."

Lovell leaned back, absorbing the information. "That's...unexpected. I never would have guessed."

Simon took a deep breath, contemplating Lovell's remaining questions before deciding which one to answer next. "Ah, the one about my eyes. No, they don't change color with the dark. But they do have a way of reflecting the emotions I'm feeling. As for reading minds, I cannot do that. My magic is more rooted in the manipulation of the physical world around me."

Lovell nodded, absorbing the new knowledge eagerly. "Fascinating. And what about other wizards? Are there any like you?"

Simon's expression grew more serious as he considered the question. "To be honest, I haven't encountered many beings with similar abilities to mine. Save for the tales and legends passed down through generations, there is little knowledge about others like me. Though I suspect there may be more out there, hidden away, just as I once was."

Lovell leaned forward, his eyes shining with excitement. "Maybe we could find them, Simon! Form a group of extraordinary individuals with extraordinary powers. Imagine the possibilities!"

Simon's gaze softened, warmed by Lovell's words. "Perhaps, my friend. But for now, let us focus on understanding and honing our own gifts. The future will reveal itself in due time."

As they continued their conversation, the fire crackled, casting soft shadows upon the stone walls. The scent of roasting meat filled the air as Simon and Lovell's voices filled the humble cottage. Outside, the moon rose, casting a gentle glow upon the village nestled amidst the darkened woods. And in that moment, they felt an underlying promise that their paths were entwined, destined for adventures that would shape not only their own lives but the lives of those they would encounter on their journey.