Chapter #6A midnight talk by: Unknown "Me? I will eat this fine repast of breadcrust and stew, and sleep. I am but recently ill, and need my rest." She says nothing, but looks at you, and then at the floor. "And I will sleep on the floor, on a blanket if you have one. Your bed is yours."
"I do not want the bed. It is not mine; it was never mine. It was his."
Between bites, you watch her, even as she watches you. "Why did you stay, then?"
"Promises had been made."
You snort, then wipe your mouth. "Who can make those promises? Were you a slave?"
"Of a sort. I was happy as an elf, but I quickly outgrew my playmates. I had the body of a woman, but not the wisdom of a real woman."
"An elf woman, you mean."
Even in the darkness you can see her blush. "Yes."
"The elders sent me away. Two of the rangers of our tribe escorted me to find humans, my other family. To get what they said was my birthright."
"Perhaps they were ridding themselves of temptation."
"They would never-- They are purer than humans."
"I'm sure."
"You're mocking me."
"I'm listening to you, and thanking you for the food." You stand and stretch. "If you do not want the bed, I will take it. I have long leagues to travel, and I will take the comfort of a straw tick whenever I can."
"Where are you going?"
"Greyhawk city."
"I can sing some small enchantments. I could be of use."
"You are a constant temptation to those I meet. You are beautiful, and they will want you."
"You will protect me?"
You sigh. It is madness to make a promise like this so soon, when you know so little of the road ahead.
"I will," you say. "I will keep you from harm."
Rather than gladdening her, your words bring an oblique sadness to her face. She does not say anything more, so you blow out the candle and pull the quilt around you.
She settles down at the foot of the bed. Just at the edge of sleep, you hear her say, "He promised the same thing."  | Members who added to this interactive story also contributed to these: |
<<-- Previous · Outline  · Recent Additions © Copyright 2025. All rights reserved.
Aeroblade has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work within this interactive story. Poster accepts all responsibility, legal and otherwise, for the content uploaded, submitted to and posted on Writing.Com. |
View Portfolio
Visit Notebook
Send Gift Points
Awards
Badges
Send Email
Community Newsfeed
General Discussion
Sponsored Items
Book of Trinkets
Static Items
Books
Groups
Interactive Stories
Audio
Campfire Creatives
Community Notes
Crossword Puzzles
Documents
Folders
Images
In & Outs
Madlibs
Photo Albums
Polls
Product Reviews
Quizzes
Survey Forms
Web Pages
Word Searches
