What was wrong with some cheerful-looking elves? At first glance they looked like tall, slender teenagers in costumes, but there was something about the trio that made me think they were way older. The elves were all dark-haired and green-eyed with pointed ears and sharp features, and might have been brothers or at least relatives. Theyw ere also dressed in loose, sweat-stained tunics and wore some sort of leather slippers.
They stopped and smiled at us, and the taller of the three approached. "Well met, Imp! We have some heavy logs to move and would appreciate the aid of your powerful-looking centaur there." He spoke to Runt, which seemed odd, since he wanted my help.
Runt patted my side. "He's a strong one, alright. But you should ask him, rather than me."
The elf looked surprised. "Oh!" He looked at me curiously. "So, do..you..understand..me?" He spoke slowly and carefully. Did he think I was retarded?
"Yes, I can. You want me to help you move some logs, right?" Actually, I was anxious to try out this body and see what my muscles could do. "How far do you need them moved?"
One of the other elves said "Not far. About a thousand paces through the woods to the river. Then we can roll them into the water and they'll float downstream to the village."
Runt shook his head. "We have places to goa nd things to do. No time for side errands."
The first elf cocked his head. "I thought you told us to ask the centaur?"
Runt flushed slightly, the first time I had seen anything like anger or embarrassment on his features. "Sure, it's up to him."
"What say you, centaur? A few hours work and we will compensate you well. Some gold, or perhaps some magic? One could do worse than make friends with elves."
"He's a handsome beast, isn't he?" The second elf was remarking to the third, who nodded. They were both looking at me admiringly. "Bet he'd clean up into a perfect stallion."
The compliments were nice, but also a little puzzling. I was already spotlessly clean, my coat shining. That was probably weird, given we were in the middle of a forest. There wasn't as much as a single twig or leaf caught in the bright white feathering round my hooves.
The first elf came up to me, but just stared when I offered my hand to shake. He took it in his hands and inspected my fingers, then shrugged and patted my chest like it was a horse's neck. "Fine specimen. Handsome and smart. Good boy. You'll use those wonderful muscles and strong legs to help us out, won't you?"