A Wanderer

[JIŘÍ]

The bag dropped to the ground and weary man settled onto rock nearby road. His eyes looked down to the waste cavern. The large city went further than his gaze could reach.

The man smiled. While majestic, Sshamath was nowhere to be beauty of his home, Menzoberranzan. He rested with back against the wall of tunnel and loosen his weapon belt. But when you desert Baenre forces, you might never see it again. The drow closed his eyes. He never regretted his decision nearly two centuries ago. Born to the street, drafted to the army, under fake promises of eternal glory, of power. It does not take long to find out your sort is forgotten as soon as battle ends. No one will ever remember names of common soldier whos bones were foundation of the elite`s glory. To the hell with nobles.

He took in breath. City ruled by mages. What sane man would settle for that. Life taught him mages are no better. Freed his weapon belt, folding both scabbards over the bag. There is no hurry. Eyes trailed to the ceiling, in his coming third century he felt so worn out, old. Time lost meaning.

Year ago the man left his old life behind. Entire century of banditry and murdering people spent with his band, and to what end. Rob, murder, endless loot spending in taverns. Rinse and repeat. And then you fall drunk into a shallow ditch, thinking you are going to die. So you lay there and try to remember a single worthy thing you have done, but what you may remember? How you pulled the child hiding under cart out to slice its throat. That gnome left fleeing across tunnel while you and your party have fun stalking him, driving him towards lair of a monster. And then, when the alcohol wears off, you figure out you just lay in shallow hole in the camp. But this crap can get a man to think.

Man pulled beer bottle from bag. Teeth tugged the cork out, spitting it aside. Last bottle, which he can finally drink. How many miles did he walk in past days, he has no idea. But he could already feel small rocks under feet trough holes in boots.

He took deep drink from the bottle. Then held it in front of himself. "Well friend, I wonder how your kind tastes here, and if beauty of our women blooms even under the wizard`s overwatch."
Laughter escaped him and he stood up. Let's fetch new boots. New beer. And meet local women. And leave that shit, called his life, behind.

[JIŘÍ]

Woman dropped her cloths and hopped from the rock down. The moonlight reflected on the water linie of the pond, and played few tricks on her skin. Hair shined in the dark night, as warrior observed her.

It had been a longer time since his arrival and their encounter, but first time what she took him above. He didn't feel necessary cesary to share he was visiting other surface regions in past. After all, the stories he might offer are all grim and gore.

He stood aside, and with laughter refused both proposals of her, to undress himself and to accept rite to become woman himself. The drow has no desire to hop around naked, and he likes to watch and touch women, not being one.

So he remained just shamelessly watching her to dance, to perform her rite. His eyes time to time took a quick look around, to ensure they are not watched by other people. Until his companion stepped forward, to offer hand. He tilted head and let out dramatically played sigh. She smiled and tried to comfort him about her leading.

Typical drow woman. Just because someone is hesitant does not mean he can't do that. There is no Menzoberranzanian who could not dance. Of course, the purpose is blatantly different. He let her lead him for a moment. Then his arms went boldly to her waist, taking firm grip of her body. Eyes of woman went wide in surprise, and the drow began to lead her instead. Leaving no room for her but to follow, bringing her close. He enjoyed her closeness and smell.

The former bandit took his time, selfishly enjoy the dance himself. Picking up her hand, to send her into spin, he suddenly abruptly ended the dance, holding her close. That moment he struggled hard to avoid kissing her. But he managed to restrict himself and release her.

He stepped aside. Entire life spending with various women, of different standing and origin, yet this was so ugly different. He felt drive to stay loyal to her, though nearly nothing was between them.

The abysmal truth hanging in the air. His skills are from from reliable defend her or anyone else from the group.