Travelogue 10 — Henrietta, the lady of cats

Lord Neberius set on a visit to the Elvish bathhouse. Before going there, we had some pastries from an Elvish baker while Bazim brought a message to the gentlemen who invited us yesterday.

The bakery was not on Aspis’ Guide, since technically not an inn or tavern, but had some benches outside, and they sold watered-down elderberry syrup, so some clients were hanging around. The pastries were flaky and crumbly, dripping with maple syrup and garnished with nuts. They were delicious, and we couldn’t help but have another go, this time some miniature sponge cakes glazed and filled with rose petal jam.

While eating, a peculiar figure appeared.
An old Elvish woman slowly walked to the baker’s shop with a trail of cats following her. She didn’t have the usual elvish turban but a peasant cuff, and her simple dress had seen better times, as had her make-up, smudged and fading. Despite her humble look, she was welcomed like royalty by the baker and his wife, both deeply bowing and having their kids come and pay homage. The elder woman asked for something, and the baker’s kid quickly fetched four plates full of milk and a big loaf of bread. The elder woman looked for his coin purse, but the other elves stopped her: no need to pay.
The woman then gave the plates to her feline retinue, then sat on a nearby step, eating the loaf a crumb at the time, while…