KARANTHIR:

… This took place long ago. I was much younger and, quite full of myself.

ZYFAN:

You?

ZYFAN:

… Forgive me, it just slipped out. I cannot imagine a time

when you were not sure of yourself. Please continue.

KARANTHIR:

Nice save. As I was saying ...

KARANTHIR:

… Fin and I were on our own and I had not yet been infected with  

vampire blood. He insisted I attend school, so we got into the habit

of settling in small towns, periodically, so I could be schooled.

ZYFAN:

He has always been a good brother to you, Karan.

KARANTHIR:

… We were living in the inn where he worked. Winter came and he 

became ill, very ill. I had to bring the Healer. The remedies needed 

were quite expensive. So I needed money quickly.

ZYFAN:

What did you do?

KARANTHIR:

I went to one of those taverns, where the human traders congregated. 

After all, rumor had it that humans couldn't resist us pretty elves, 

and … I offered myself to the highest bidder.

KARANTHIR:

That's how I met Trey.

ZYFAN:

He … purchased you?

KARANTHIR:

I never caught his name, but it was him. All the arrangements were made and up to his room we  went. I didn't know quite what to do, next. 

I saw a book and glanced through it ...

TREY:

That's written in a language from my realm.

KARANTHIR:

It's directions, isn't it? To a specific destination, a map without drawings ...

TREY:

You can read that?

KARANTHIR:

Sorry, I didn't mean to pry.

TREY:

How do you know Latin?

KARANTHIR:
Is that what this is? I must have seen it before. I pick things up easily.

TREY:

Wine?

KARANTHIR:
There's no need to get me drunk. Really, I have no inhibitions.

TREY:

In my realm, it's impolite to drink alone. Please?

TREY:

Intelligent, quick witted, well-read, you speak my language perfectly and

yet you say you've never been to my realm. Why are you doing this?

KARANTHIR:

To get things started.

TREY:

That's not what I meant. Tell me how you came to be in this line of work.

KARANTHIR:

A lad's got to earn a living …

TREY:

OK, we'll play this your way. You do realize that once you entered this

room you became mine to do with as I please?

KARANTHIR:

Isn't that what you're paying me for?

TREY:

As long as we understand each other …

TREY:
Did that hurt? It looked like it hurt.I've been hit like that more

than once and there were times I actually saw stars floating 

about my head. Is that happening to you right now?

TREY:

… Feeling helpless are you? I could go on like this just for sport. 

What's to stop me from killing a pretty little whore like you?

KARANTHIR:

Get off!

TREY:

Hush! I'm teaching you a lesson. I want you to realize the danger of this profession you've chosen. Has it never occurred to someone as clever as you how much you could lose in one night?

KARANTHIR:

Let me go! I'm leaving.

TREY:

You're not going anywhere until I say so. I ask again, why are you doing this?

TREY:

I can cause you so much damage that you'll never be 

able to sell yourself again. Now answer my question.

TREY:

The barkeep told me you aren't one of the regulars. Why tonight?

What prompted you to do this?

KARANTHIR:

Money.

TREY:

There are other ways to make money, especially

for someone as clever as you.

KARANTHIR:

No! Don't!

TREY:

Tell me or I'll strike you again and again.

KARANTHIR:

No.  My brother's  sick. I thought he might …

Had to get the Healer. Pay him tomorrow. Promised.

TREY:

Now that makes sense. I believe you.

TREY:

Drink. If only you had just answered me the first time...

KARANTHIR:

I don't understand you.

TREY:

Once you take this path, it's very hard to get off it.
I know from experience.

KARANTHIR:

It didn't occur to you to just say that in the first place?

TREY:

You needed to be left with a stronger first impression.

KARANTHIR:

You could have at least done me the courtesy of removing your ring.

TREY:

You are a funny one. This will ease the pain and eliminate any swelling.

TREY:

… Apply pressure and soon, all traces of my hand will be gone.
Now we need to discuss this money you need.

KARANTHIR:

Am I to pay for this healing too?

TREY:

No, however I do have a proposition for you to consider.

KARANTHIR:

Is that gold?

TREY:

It is and it's yours. Consider it a loan.

KARANTHIR:

I'll never be able to pay back that ...

TREY:

I don't expect a monetary payment. The next time you meet someone

who needs help, give it. That's how you pay me back. And, you're 

never to sell your body again. Those are my terms. I want your word.

KARANTHIR:

… There was enough gold in that bag to last a few seasons.

ZYFAN:

He saved you.

KARANTHIR:

I suppose.

ZYFAN:

Do you think he remembers you?

KARANTHIR:

Yes, and now I understand why he won't acknowledge it.

ZYFAN:

It is very noble thing he did. Does Fin know?

KARANTHIR:

No and he never will, that's most important. Do you understand me?

ZYFAN:

He will not hear of it from me but, how did you explain the gold to him?

KARANTHIR:

I didn't. I kept the gold to myself and when things got tight, 

I'd tell him I acquired it, one way or another.

KARANTHIR:

… Oh I know that that sounds selfish on my part, but Fin's always 

prided himself on being the one who takes care of us, 

and I won't take that away from him.

ZYFAN:

That is very noble of you, Karan.

KARANTHIR:

I know.

ZYFAN:

There is that modesty of yours that I love so much.  

KARANTHIR:

It's very late my prince. Time for  sleep.

ZYFAN:
Or something else …

- OMAKE -

TREY:

… You're healing already. How are you feeling?

KARANTHIR:

The stars have stopped orbiting my head.

TREY:

That's a good start.

KARANTHIR:

You're not what I expected- that you should 

take an interest in what becomes of me ...

TREY:
I lived as the property of a cruel and sadistic man for years before getting

free. I swore to myself that I would not allow any who crossed my

path to suffer as I did. So, just think of me as your fairy godfather.

KARANTHIR:

Fairies are pesky little creatures that cause nothing but mischief. 

Why would I think of you as that?

TREY:

Sorry, I forgot where I am. It's just a little expression from my realm.

KARANTHIR:

Come closer.

TREY:

I thought I made it clear that your services 

were not to be performed tonight.

KARANTHIR:

Can't a fellow say thank you? Besides, I honestly didn't saunter

over to you just because I thought you'd be good for business.

Am I not your guest? Here in my realm, it would be impolite not

to grant your guest all that he desires – and he desires you.