Bath

As Joshua entered the back room, he found a massive pool of twelve feet by twelve feet. The linings of the pool were of polished stones, and it was filled with warm water. "That is our bath." The tailor said. "Go on and strip out of those dreadful clothes and follow me. You can place your belongings on that shelf over there."

He walked over to three large full body mirrors and picked up a measuring tape that was draped over the side of one of the mirrors.

Joshua knew it was important to be unclothed for a tailor's measurements, but something about this tailor made him feel uncomfortable about it.

"Hurry it up now deary." The tailor said. "We have a lot to do. There is no need to be shy about it, we both have the same equipment."

"Right." Joshua said as he reluctantly started to remove his clothes. They sat loosely on him, and his body would not be well seen through the tattered fabric, but when he removed his clothing, it was clear. He was severely malnourished. A sunken stomach and visible ribs were accented by his pale skin. He had small sores on his body from his lack of cleanliness.

He was a small lad standing only five foot six inches with blue eyes and long unkempt blonde hair. He left his undergarments on and walked over to the tailor.

"You poor lad." The tailor said. "I wish I could say this sight was uncommon, but sadly it is all too common among the low born. To think you slew a demon with this body. It looks like a strong wind would best you in a fight." He took a deep breath. "Trevor, please prepare a hot meal for Joshua here. I want it done by the time he finishes his bath."

"Yes, master." A man in the back of the room said that Joshua didn't even notice until then.

"You don't have to do that." Joshua said. "I just need a new outfit."

"Nonsense boy." The tailor said. "What you need is a sandwich. Hell, you need a whole damn cow. Just accept my kindness and be happy. Now arms out so I can measure you."

Joshua put his arms out and as he did, he got a good look at himself for the first time in the new world. The dungeon of rotten wood and dirt where he and his mother resided was void of mirrors. [I guess Joshua really did die.] He thought to himself. [What a horrible life he lived, only to die so young and broken. Don't worry Joshua, I will carry on with your life and memories. I will fix this world so that no one ever has to suffer as you did.]

"You alright?" The tailor asked, as he completed his measurements. "You look deep in thought."

"Just thinking about what a terrible world this is." Joshua said.

"I have no arguments there." The tailor said. "Alright all done. Hop in the bath but ditch the undergarments first. You need a good cleaning. The waters are magically enhanced. They stay at the perfect bathing temperature, heals light wounds, and cleanse the body of dirt and grime."

"Sounds amazing." Joshua said, not realizing such fantastic magic existed in this world. He took off the last bit of clothing as instructed, eager to try the bath. As he walked in, he could feel the water's warm embrace tingle on his skin. The small scabs and cuts all over his body were immediately healed and the constant itching he had been experiencing faded.

Wanting to fully clean himself he took a deep breath and dove into the waters. He could feel his matted hair getting cleansed. As he emerged from the water his long hair felt like silk to the touch and his skin was radiant and shining. His hands which were browned from a lifetime of living in the dirt were clean for the first time.

"If you are done, I have your food here." Trevor said as he placed a sandwich next to the waters of the bath. "We were all like you once. Gerald saved us all. He saved us and gave us a purpose and a home. He is the best thing to ever happen in any of our lives, be sure to thank him."

"Gerald is the tailor?" Joshua asked.

"Yes, he is better than any man in this wretched kingdom." Trevor said. "Without him we would all be dead on the street. I will never be able to repay him for everything that he has done for me. None of us will."

Joshua felt a little guilty of his reservations earlier, it seemed like the tailor was a genuinely good guy. Joshua got out of the bath and picked up his sandwich. It was good! His eyes lit up with the ecstasy of having delicious food! He had only eaten stale bread since arriving in this world; he could not help but be overwhelmed by joy with each bite of the sandwich. He devoured it as fast as his body would allow.

"Careful!" Trevor called out. "Don't eat so fast! You'll hurt yourself if you do."

Trevor was right, Joshua felt a pain in his gut and was slightly lightheaded. This caused him to stumble a bit.

"When someone hasn't eaten well in a long time, too much too fast can make them sick." Trevor said. "I am sorry I should have warned you."

"It's my fault." Joshua said. "I should have known."

"Right well, again it was really my fault." Trevor said, grabbing a towel from the shelf near him and tossing it over to Joshua. "I know you must be proud of it but try to have a little bit of modesty. Besides, you are dripping water on the floor."

Joshua caught the towel, and it took a moment for him to process what Trevor just told him. Then he remembered he was naked. He blushed as he quickly wrapped the towel around his waist. "Sorry, I forgot all about being naked." Joshua said.

"Food does that when you haven't had it in so long." Trevor said. "Just relax a bit and digest. The master will be back with some clothes for you soon. Remember to thank him."

With that Trevor took the plate and departed for the kitchen.

"And who are you?!" A woman's voice yelled out from behind Joshua.