Shieldmaiden for my weekly Patreon sketch poll :)

A man and a woman platonically raising a child together and not falling in love has to be the biggest plotwist in the Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves movie AND my favorite part

(@leupagus tags) And they’re both sexy people! And are shown to be sexually attracted to the opposite sex! Just not each other. They have a whole child together and live in the same home, and the movie makes it very clear that Edgin values her opinion above all others, and you never see that in media without the assumption of sex/romance.

{Closed starter-Scorto & Rith}

Red, orange and rellow leaves were falling around her as she advanced carefully inside the forest, making a bed of foliage on the floor. I was truly gorgeous. She paused for a second looking up at the threes. No sound of people could be heard here.

Only birds and little animals seemed to be going on their usual day. It was truly soothing. For once, she could almost feel as she was alone in the woods. Not really alone, she thought, as Lathander always accompanied her in her heart. She thanked him for such a beautiful day, while admiring a tiny squirrel finding some kind of nuts she didn't recognize.

She could have done that all day. But she didn't have all day. And it would have been foolish to not be on her guard here, even in a time of peace. She knew fairly well that appearances could be deceitful. At least she would hear any intruders due to the creacking leaves. It was a relief at least.

Eroenin had sent her on a quest of her own to fetch some herbs and mushrooms. She, of course, had described with plenty details what she wanted. The matron knew that the paladin was no expert. But with explanations, and some drawiing on a parchement she could do as well as anyone. That's what she said.

Still Rith could find one of these annoying herbs, she didn't find the mushrooms easly, but the herbs were even harder to find. She flet the limits of her knowledge about nature. It was a bit upsetting, as her mother had taught her some basics. She obviously didn't retain that information well.

She was about to give up completly when she found something who matched vaguely Eroenin's description. A bit unsire, Rith was ewaming her options. Going home without evrything would be terrible, knowing her friend...

She nodded when he talked about his brother. If he was human, they weren't blood related. That wasn't anything though. Family was much more than that. She knew that more and more as Sharwyn, Linu, Tomi and the others helped her and accepted her fully during her quest. She was still learning actually. Leandre was her family too now. Maybe it was a similar situation for Scorto and Casavir.

The paladin raised a brow, and looked puzzled for a second. She couldn't imagine a god hugging someone. But maybe Ilmater was closer to his followers than other gods. It was possible that Scorto was one of his favorite priests. The One who Endures was known for his empathy after all.

"It's okay, I guess it's a bit weird to find "kind" elves after what happenned to you. How strange... Every surface elf knows horrible stories about drows being awful and cruel. You're nothing like that. And I hope I'm nothing like those who hurt you."

She paused. It as really strange actually. As if the situation was inversed and she was the scary monster mothers used to scare their children when they were disobedient. She didn't know how to eplain it simply to Scorto. All her youth, she had been taught these tales. Was it all false? She supposed it was more complex than that. Horrible people didn't have a peculiar ethnicity. They were good drows and bad elves.

"It's difficult to explain... I mean we're both living creatures that can love, laugh and cry. elves, humans, dwarves or orcs... We're not that different after all."

She hoped Scorto would understand her, even a little. But it seemed hard to explain how Rabbit was wrong, and how what he did was bad. It seemed like the drow didn't have any code of morality taught to him as a child. But she couldn't blame him for killing Rat to get away, she probably would have done the same after being tortured for so long. It's extremely hard to have mercy for your own abusers after all.

"I... Rabbit chose his own path. A criminal one, as the others. What they did was wrong, it wasn't justified or anything... As you said they just needed someone to blame to feel better. As for killing Rat...well you did what you could to get away, I can't blame you. He knew the dangers of acting that way anyway."

She didn't mean that he deseved such a fate, even if deep down she thought it was kinda a right ending for somone like that. But her reason was still there reminding her that all the elves should have face a fair trial. Justice had to be served by other hands that those who suffered.

She felt surprised at his plea, but understood how much warmth Scorto needed after telling her all this. She remembered what a mess she was after Aribeth had been executed...

She approached the drow in a timid way, and ankwardly put her hands on his head, petting him like a child at first. Then she very slowly hugged him in a very warm and gentle way.

https://www.deviantart.com/darekzabrocki/art/Elimination-736307839

Dream of a Thousand Cats

{Closed starter-Scorto & Rith}

Red, orange and rellow leaves were falling around her as she advanced carefully inside the forest, making a bed of foliage on the floor. I was truly gorgeous. She paused for a second looking up at the threes. No sound of people could be heard here.

Only birds and little animals seemed to be going on their usual day. It was truly soothing. For once, she could almost feel as she was alone in the woods. Not really alone, she thought, as Lathander always accompanied her in her heart. She thanked him for such a beautiful day, while admiring a tiny squirrel finding some kind of nuts she didn't recognize.

She could have done that all day. But she didn't have all day. And it would have been foolish to not be on her guard here, even in a time of peace. She knew fairly well that appearances could be deceitful. At least she would hear any intruders due to the creacking leaves. It was a relief at least.

Eroenin had sent her on a quest of her own to fetch some herbs and mushrooms. She, of course, had described with plenty details what she wanted. The matron knew that the paladin was no expert. But with explanations, and some drawiing on a parchement she could do as well as anyone. That's what she said.

Still Rith could find one of these annoying herbs, she didn't find the mushrooms easly, but the herbs were even harder to find. She flet the limits of her knowledge about nature. It was a bit upsetting, as her mother had taught her some basics. She obviously didn't retain that information well.

She was about to give up completly when she found something who matched vaguely Eroenin's description. A bit unsire, Rith was ewaming her options. Going home without evrything would be terrible, knowing her friend...

Rith raised a brow, intrigued at the mention of the little brother. The dow was small, so she was suprised he had an even younger brother.

"Yes Tyr is part of the triad with Ilmater and Torm. Lathander is allied with them."

Did his god talk to him? Or was it a way of speaking? Scorto could be some kind of priest of The One Who Endures*.

She nodded, clearly the elf had not given up on Scorto, if he showed up in such a big city. Here there were laws and guards to prevent this kind of thing, but it wasn't always enough to scare away criminals of this kind. She would have to see for herself and maybe talk to the captain of the guards. She didn't like that Captain much, but he was efficient and could get the job done. At least in cases like this she could still used her past glory. It was useful for once. She reaxed a bit, unclenching her fists, it was good if she could do something about that awful situation. And he felt relieved that the people at the tavern had managed to avoid the worse.

When the drow replied, she took her time to answer. She wasn't embarrassed, but wanted to be clear and honest. She put her hand on her neck pensively. What happenned to the drow was truly awful, and she couldn't help but feel deeply sorry for him. She felt like Ilmater was truly a fitting god in a way. But it wasn't good that Scorto had to endure so much at the hands of elves to find that faith.

"Maybe it's because we're not that different, or because I believe in Justice. In a way.... I'd say I feel responsible for what an other elf did to you. It is a bit hard to explain honestly. "

She then listened to his story. She was a bit surprised he would confide in her as much, so she listened even more carefully to his story. It wasn't the first time she would listen to these kind of story. She had seen misery, she had seen abuse in its multiple forms; but this... made her blood boil. She felt sick that someone could have been tortured like that. She didn't know if that awful man told the truth but it was no excuse for such vile crimes. She took a bit breath and calmed down. She then spoke in a steady voice.

"Revenge is never the solution, violence always calls for more violence. It's a vicious circle that never ends. Even if some drows burned his village, it is no excuse for what he did to you."

She paused at his question which felt like a plea to her.

"Sadly they felt like you owed them compensation for what they lost. Payback, as they call it. I'm sure they felt they were right to do this. But vengeance is not Justice. It never is."

https://www.deviantart.com/juliedillon/art/Taking-Flight-470627845

{Closed starter-Scorto & Rith}

Red, orange and rellow leaves were falling around her as she advanced carefully inside the forest, making a bed of foliage on the floor. I was truly gorgeous. She paused for a second looking up at the threes. No sound of people could be heard here.

Only birds and little animals seemed to be going on their usual day. It was truly soothing. For once, she could almost feel as she was alone in the woods. Not really alone, she thought, as Lathander always accompanied her in her heart. She thanked him for such a beautiful day, while admiring a tiny squirrel finding some kind of nuts she didn't recognize.

She could have done that all day. But she didn't have all day. And it would have been foolish to not be on her guard here, even in a time of peace. She knew fairly well that appearances could be deceitful. At least she would hear any intruders due to the creacking leaves. It was a relief at least.

Eroenin had sent her on a quest of her own to fetch some herbs and mushrooms. She, of course, had described with plenty details what she wanted. The matron knew that the paladin was no expert. But with explanations, and some drawiing on a parchement she could do as well as anyone. That's what she said.

Still Rith could find one of these annoying herbs, she didn't find the mushrooms easly, but the herbs were even harder to find. She flet the limits of her knowledge about nature. It was a bit upsetting, as her mother had taught her some basics. She obviously didn't retain that information well.

She was about to give up completly when she found something who matched vaguely Eroenin's description. A bit unsire, Rith was ewaming her options. Going home without evrything would be terrible, knowing her friend...

Scorto moved as quietly as possible, witch wasn't easy in the dry leaves from the trees. He didn't hear anyone near by as he moved. He smiled as he spotted a mushroom he wanted to cook with. He knelt down to pick it. Humming softly to himself.

It was the third mushroom he'd found he wanted today, his basket he brought with him was half full. He carefully picked the mushroom. It had almost been hidden by the leaves only knowing exactly what to look for helped him find it. His voice is soft as he whispered.

"Thank you llmater." He just wanted to say it. Plus llmater hopefully would be pleased he was cooking for people. He planned to ask Duncan if he could ask half price for the soup so more people could buy it that might not have as much money on them. Hopefully Duncan would agree.

Rith was considering carefully her options. Now wasn't the time to go and pick the wrong herb. Especially if that plant could be poisonous and all that jazz. She felt that she knew so little about nature that it was kinda annoying at this point.

She almost wished that Eroenin had send Leandre and not her. But the young boy didn't know the forest any better than her. At least she could navigate though it easily, it had been years since she first came here. Fugitive memories flashed before her eyes. Back then there was... more bandits and orcs as well. The forest wasn't very safe.

Now it was way better. After all Nasher had done one good thing by sending patrols to the forest and nearby farms to help the people living there. The paladin sighed. She still had to make a decision about that mysterious herb.

She was about to pick the thing when she thought she heard something. As fast as ever, her hand found her way on the pommel of her sword. Even if she wasn't heavily armored, Rith never went out without her precious sword "Dawnbringer". Maybe she was paranoid... But she was certain she heard a voice. She didn't understand it though. She couldn't be certain, maybe it was her imagination? After thinking about bandits it wouldn't have been that weird.

"Is anyone here?"

She felt silly. But it didn't hurt to ask.

Scorto went completely silent, he froze where he was. His eyes the only thing moving as he looked for the owner of the voice he'd heard. It sounded female, and he didn't recognize it belonging to one of his friends or family.

Very slowly Scorto moved not standing and edges for the shadow of the closest tree. Being as quiet as he could be. Holding his basket handle tightly in one hand, the other he used to help try and brush leaves out of his way, he tries to do it as quiet as he can. He's not sure who the voice belongs to, and if there is more then one.

Finally he reached the shadow of the tree. He put his back to the tree. He looks around again trying to find the owner of the voice. Scorto bit his bottom lip. Finally he picked up a stick he found and threw it away from his as hard as he could. Hopefully the noise would draw the person, or persons out so he could see them.

Afterwards he moved his hand to grab the symbol of Ilmater under his shirt, carefully bringing it out, at times seeing it helped people calm down seeing he was a drow.

"Ilmater protect me." His voice is softer then before. He squeezed the symbol for a moment wanting comfort. He's completely still exept for his eyes still moving to see who called out if anyone was here.

Rith was almost certain she heard something. But after speaking, the whole forest seemed silent and still. She couldn't even hear the usual birds noises. Huum that was unusual for sure. She couldn't be too careful, but at the same time she felt silly with her sword up like that.

If it was an ambush of some sort, she was already in a pretty bad place, all alone in a clearing. It wasn't indefensible, but the forest was very dense and it wouldn't be easy to flee or maneuver. At the same time, it could also be an advantage for her, she could take cover behind a tree or even hide.

She began to advance a bit, just to do something really. Rith tried to be as quiet as she could. The leaves didn't help, but it wasn't that bad. She put away her sword, it wasn't that helpful now. After a few minutes she heard a loud thump, like some wood or stone that would have fallen somewhere near her.

So she went in that direction but there was noone here. If someone wanted to attack her, they could have done it already. All of this was a bit weird. But her instinct was telling her there was someone. She tried to focus again, and walked back where she heard the first noise.

There she saw him. It was quite a shock to see a drow in such a calm forest. But as strange as it could be, the stranger seemed almost nervous. Yet he didn't attack her. For once Rith felt like she had to be bold and approach first.

"Hey! I can see you, you know"

She approached carefully, with no weapon in her hands. The paladin tried to look reassuring. She then stopped, leaving some distance between them. He didn't seem hostile, but she couldn't be so sure. Even if Arizzan was very nice, she knew fairly well most drow weren't that good to humans and elves. The drow was clutching a pendant, but she couldn't see it well from there.

Scorto stayed still, he thought he could hear the person who'd called out coming closer, he pressed himself more against the tree. He saw her then, a surface elf, his heart felt like it wanted out his chest with how fast it started beating.

He knows not all surface elves are bad...are work for Rabbit, but he's not sure who to trust, he cant remember them all. Her voice didn't sound familiar but that didn't always mean anything. He relaxes when she went by, she hadn't saw him.

He slowly put his basket down, and shut his eyes. It was alright she didn't see him.

His eyes snap open hearing her voice again, and she's looking right at him, his eyes widened he shrinks more into the tree. He's alone far away from the tavern. With a surface elf he doesn't know.

He looked at her hands, no weapons that's good, but still. He looks around the clearing checking for anyone else. Before looking at the surface elf again. He didn't notice at first but he's shaking. He clings to Ilmater's symbol. Moving his other hand up to where he's holding it in both hands now.

His voice is shaking, he stumbled over his words. "I.....I'm....I just want...wanted to collect mushrooms....to cook.....I'm....I....please...Mistress....please...i don't...i dont want trouble....please"

He glanced at his basket, he'd been happy to find the mushrooms. But he could find more. He looks back at the surface elf, he swollows, glancing back at his basket, before moving one hand and grabbing the handle of the basket. He held it up to show what's inside.

"You.....you...can have them...if...if you wish Mistress." His voice still shook, he's terrified. This is much worse then at the tavern. He clings tighter to Ilmater's symbol. "Ilmater help me." The words are soft, he's still shaking. "Please." He whispered, he's not completely sure if he's talking to Ilmater or the surface elf, maybe both.

The paladin frowned. She didn't expect such a reaction at all. It was the first time someone acted that way in her presence. Usually people were happy to see her and tended to go to her for help. Well, maybe she had an intimidating aura towards criminals. Some used to flee when they saw her, that was true. It was actually pretty rare.

But never in her life someone had frozen like a rabbit facing a predator. That was new. But maybe it was normal, the drow was a male, and from what she knew matrons reigned cruelly amongst all in the Underdark. It seemed that down there, females were feared and respected. which was... quite different from here.

Of course she didn't want to be feared like that. But respect was sometimes hard to earn with some men. That was something she truly hated. However it made her very uncomfortable to be in that position.

So she took a step back, in order to look less intimidating. For a second she had thought of some kind of ruse, but if there were other drows planning to attack her, she was already alone and quite defenseless. It seemed like a unecessary plot. Still she had to be careful.

"Huum.. I'm not a "mistress". I'm sorry I startled you it was not my intention. "

The drow was clearly shaking, it was honestly saddening to watch. But she didn't really know how to act to reassure him.

"Oh no, I don't need your mushrooms, don't worry." Her eyes went wide at the mention of Imater. "What...? Are you a follower of Ilmater? You shouldn't worry then, I'm myself a servant of Lathander. Here look"

She then showed him her necklace, holding the symbol of her own god. The little disk looked just like a miniature sun.

Scorto went completely quiet when the surface elf spoke. He tried to press more into the tree. He was still scared. But did feel a little better when she stepped back. He blinks, she apologized for scaring him? A surface elf working for Rabbit would never apologize. He blinks again, it seems no females on the surface wanted to be called Mistress, but he couldn't help it, it came out when he's scared.

He relaxes when she said she didn't need his mushrooms. He blinks again putting his basket down and clings to his symbol when she asks about Ilmater, worried she'd take it from him.

He claims some when she said not to worry and shows him her symbol. Lathander was who Nadia followed right? Very slowly he held out his symbol so she could see it.

"Yes I follow Ilmater.....I'm Scorto...I work as a cook at the Sunken Flagon." His voice is soft. He frowned bitting his bottom lip nervously.

"Lathander and Ilmater are friends right?" He thinks but he's not sure. Very slowly he stood up but didn't move from the tree yet. He looks down.

"Sorry.....I.....surface elves hurt me....a lot...I get scared around them...."

He looked up then. "But I'm learning not all of them are bad. Some are nice....just I get afraid....especially..." He glanced around, nervously clinging to his symbol again.

"Not everyone likes drow....but normally if they find out I follow Ilmater, they are a bit nicer." He smiled.

Scorto paused again, nervously bitting his bottom lip. He'd never thought about if Rabbit or the other surface elves even followed a god or goddess. It wasn't something he'd ever wanted to ask even if he had thought about it. He's nervous when he asked softly, just wanting to make sure.

"Do you know a surface elf named Rabbit?.....he's got brown eyes and hair, he keeps in two braids and his front teeth are big....he repeats his words a lot"

He looked around again, worried that Rabbit might show up just by him taking about him. But the forest is quiet. He looks back at the surface elf.

"He...he hurt me...for two hundred years....before I got away."

Hes not completely sure why he's telling this to a stranger. But he's still nervous and more then a bit scared. Even if he's trying hard to not show it as much. He is a bit calmer knowing she seems nice, but he's still nervous.

"I'm sorry." He whispered quietly, looking down at his boots. He wrapped his arms around his stomach in a attempt at a hug, to self soothe.

Rith felt relieved as the drow seemed to feel a little less nervous. As he answered her, he wasn't hiding behing the tree that much. She wondered how he had come to the surface and how did he learn about surface's gods too.

"Nice to meet you Scorto, I'm Rith. I'm actually a paladin of Lathander. " She paused, she knew vaguely of that tavern, Durga had told her about it, she remembered now that he did mention drows one day, but she wasn't paying too much attention. "Well, they're allies. " She wasn't sure gds could have friends actually but well.

She understood why elves would have hurt any drow they could find. A long lasting and deep rooted hatred existed between the two races. And it wasn't for nothing, as war had raged and ravaged both sides. She didnt know that drow's story, and wondered what really happened between the elves and him.

Still she knew, she was beginning to learn actually, that drows were not all bad. It was a strange echo to his words. And this one follows Ilmater... Which is a good god. She couldn't help but feel some pity towards him, he looked so scared and skittish! That felt strange, it was nothing like the old tales.

"No, I've never seen anyone like that. Not here, not in my home region." She would have remembered someone like that Rabbit.

When he told her the rest, her eyes went wide. Disgust and anger flashed before her eyes. Torture, that was it! Something she couldn't endorse for anyone. Even criminals deserved a legal trial and fair treatment.

She clenched her fists, almost grasping her sword as a reflex. But she tried to take a deep breath to calm down. She didn't want to frighten him more.

"I'm the one who is sorry for what happened to you. Despite our differencies, noone should be treated the way you were."

She paused, she didn't know if he knew a lot about her order and Lathander, so she tried to explain it plainly.

"As a paladin of Lathander, it's also my role to help those in need. If you need any protection from that Rabbit I can help you."

Dragons, with jobs

Artist credit to Flamecraft!

{Closed starter-Scorto & Rith}

Red, orange and rellow leaves were falling around her as she advanced carefully inside the forest, making a bed of foliage on the floor. I was truly gorgeous. She paused for a second looking up at the threes. No sound of people could be heard here.

Only birds and little animals seemed to be going on their usual day. It was truly soothing. For once, she could almost feel as she was alone in the woods. Not really alone, she thought, as Lathander always accompanied her in her heart. She thanked him for such a beautiful day, while admiring a tiny squirrel finding some kind of nuts she didn't recognize.

She could have done that all day. But she didn't have all day. And it would have been foolish to not be on her guard here, even in a time of peace. She knew fairly well that appearances could be deceitful. At least she would hear any intruders due to the creacking leaves. It was a relief at least.

Eroenin had sent her on a quest of her own to fetch some herbs and mushrooms. She, of course, had described with plenty details what she wanted. The matron knew that the paladin was no expert. But with explanations, and some drawiing on a parchement she could do as well as anyone. That's what she said.

Still Rith could find one of these annoying herbs, she didn't find the mushrooms easly, but the herbs were even harder to find. She flet the limits of her knowledge about nature. It was a bit upsetting, as her mother had taught her some basics. She obviously didn't retain that information well.

She was about to give up completly when she found something who matched vaguely Eroenin's description. A bit unsire, Rith was ewaming her options. Going home without evrything would be terrible, knowing her friend...

Scorto moved as quietly as possible, witch wasn't easy in the dry leaves from the trees. He didn't hear anyone near by as he moved. He smiled as he spotted a mushroom he wanted to cook with. He knelt down to pick it. Humming softly to himself.

It was the third mushroom he'd found he wanted today, his basket he brought with him was half full. He carefully picked the mushroom. It had almost been hidden by the leaves only knowing exactly what to look for helped him find it. His voice is soft as he whispered.

"Thank you llmater." He just wanted to say it. Plus llmater hopefully would be pleased he was cooking for people. He planned to ask Duncan if he could ask half price for the soup so more people could buy it that might not have as much money on them. Hopefully Duncan would agree.

Rith was considering carefully her options. Now wasn't the time to go and pick the wrong herb. Especially if that plant could be poisonous and all that jazz. She felt that she knew so little about nature that it was kinda annoying at this point.

She almost wished that Eroenin had send Leandre and not her. But the young boy didn't know the forest any better than her. At least she could navigate though it easily, it had been years since she first came here. Fugitive memories flashed before her eyes. Back then there was... more bandits and orcs as well. The forest wasn't very safe.

Now it was way better. After all Nasher had done one good thing by sending patrols to the forest and nearby farms to help the people living there. The paladin sighed. She still had to make a decision about that mysterious herb.

She was about to pick the thing when she thought she heard something. As fast as ever, her hand found her way on the pommel of her sword. Even if she wasn't heavily armored, Rith never went out without her precious sword "Dawnbringer". Maybe she was paranoid... But she was certain she heard a voice. She didn't understand it though. She couldn't be certain, maybe it was her imagination? After thinking about bandits it wouldn't have been that weird.

"Is anyone here?"

She felt silly. But it didn't hurt to ask.

Scorto went completely silent, he froze where he was. His eyes the only thing moving as he looked for the owner of the voice he'd heard. It sounded female, and he didn't recognize it belonging to one of his friends or family.

Very slowly Scorto moved not standing and edges for the shadow of the closest tree. Being as quiet as he could be. Holding his basket handle tightly in one hand, the other he used to help try and brush leaves out of his way, he tries to do it as quiet as he can. He's not sure who the voice belongs to, and if there is more then one.

Finally he reached the shadow of the tree. He put his back to the tree. He looks around again trying to find the owner of the voice. Scorto bit his bottom lip. Finally he picked up a stick he found and threw it away from his as hard as he could. Hopefully the noise would draw the person, or persons out so he could see them.

Afterwards he moved his hand to grab the symbol of Ilmater under his shirt, carefully bringing it out, at times seeing it helped people calm down seeing he was a drow.

"Ilmater protect me." His voice is softer then before. He squeezed the symbol for a moment wanting comfort. He's completely still exept for his eyes still moving to see who called out if anyone was here.

Rith was almost certain she heard something. But after speaking, the whole forest seemed silent and still. She couldn't even hear the usual birds noises. Huum that was unusual for sure. She couldn't be too careful, but at the same time she felt silly with her sword up like that.

If it was an ambush of some sort, she was already in a pretty bad place, all alone in a clearing. It wasn't indefensible, but the forest was very dense and it wouldn't be easy to flee or maneuver. At the same time, it could also be an advantage for her, she could take cover behind a tree or even hide.

She began to advance a bit, just to do something really. Rith tried to be as quiet as she could. The leaves didn't help, but it wasn't that bad. She put away her sword, it wasn't that helpful now. After a few minutes she heard a loud thump, like some wood or stone that would have fallen somewhere near her.

So she went in that direction but there was noone here. If someone wanted to attack her, they could have done it already. All of this was a bit weird. But her instinct was telling her there was someone. She tried to focus again, and walked back where she heard the first noise.

There she saw him. It was quite a shock to see a drow in such a calm forest. But as strange as it could be, the stranger seemed almost nervous. Yet he didn't attack her. For once Rith felt like she had to be bold and approach first.

"Hey! I can see you, you know"

She approached carefully, with no weapon in her hands. The paladin tried to look reassuring. She then stopped, leaving some distance between them. He didn't seem hostile, but she couldn't be so sure. Even if Arizzan was very nice, she knew fairly well most drow weren't that good to humans and elves. The drow was clutching a pendant, but she couldn't see it well from there.

Scorto stayed still, he thought he could hear the person who'd called out coming closer, he pressed himself more against the tree. He saw her then, a surface elf, his heart felt like it wanted out his chest with how fast it started beating.

He knows not all surface elves are bad...are work for Rabbit, but he's not sure who to trust, he cant remember them all. Her voice didn't sound familiar but that didn't always mean anything. He relaxes when she went by, she hadn't saw him.

He slowly put his basket down, and shut his eyes. It was alright she didn't see him.

His eyes snap open hearing her voice again, and she's looking right at him, his eyes widened he shrinks more into the tree. He's alone far away from the tavern. With a surface elf he doesn't know.

He looked at her hands, no weapons that's good, but still. He looks around the clearing checking for anyone else. Before looking at the surface elf again. He didn't notice at first but he's shaking. He clings to Ilmater's symbol. Moving his other hand up to where he's holding it in both hands now.

His voice is shaking, he stumbled over his words. "I.....I'm....I just want...wanted to collect mushrooms....to cook.....I'm....I....please...Mistress....please...i don't...i dont want trouble....please"

He glanced at his basket, he'd been happy to find the mushrooms. But he could find more. He looks back at the surface elf, he swollows, glancing back at his basket, before moving one hand and grabbing the handle of the basket. He held it up to show what's inside.

"You.....you...can have them...if...if you wish Mistress." His voice still shook, he's terrified. This is much worse then at the tavern. He clings tighter to Ilmater's symbol. "Ilmater help me." The words are soft, he's still shaking. "Please." He whispered, he's not completely sure if he's talking to Ilmater or the surface elf, maybe both.

The paladin frowned. She didn't expect such a reaction at all. It was the first time someone acted that way in her presence. Usually people were happy to see her and tended to go to her for help. Well, maybe she had an intimidating aura towards criminals. Some used to flee when they saw her, that was true. It was actually pretty rare.

But never in her life someone had frozen like a rabbit facing a predator. That was new. But maybe it was normal, the drow was a male, and from what she knew matrons reigned cruelly amongst all in the Underdark. It seemed that down there, females were feared and respected. which was... quite different from here.

Of course she didn't want to be feared like that. But respect was sometimes hard to earn with some men. That was something she truly hated. However it made her very uncomfortable to be in that position.

So she took a step back, in order to look less intimidating. For a second she had thought of some kind of ruse, but if there were other drows planning to attack her, she was already alone and quite defenseless. It seemed like a unecessary plot. Still she had to be careful.

"Huum.. I'm not a "mistress". I'm sorry I startled you it was not my intention. "

The drow was clearly shaking, it was honestly saddening to watch. But she didn't really know how to act to reassure him.

"Oh no, I don't need your mushrooms, don't worry." Her eyes went wide at the mention of Imater. "What...? Are you a follower of Ilmater? You shouldn't worry then, I'm myself a servant of Lathander. Here look"

She then showed him her necklace, holding the symbol of her own god. The little disk looked just like a miniature sun.

'Wood themed paladin' was this week's winning sketch prompt :)

Hi-res, watermark free version is available on my Patreon.

{Closed starter-Scorto & Rith}

Red, orange and rellow leaves were falling around her as she advanced carefully inside the forest, making a bed of foliage on the floor. I was truly gorgeous. She paused for a second looking up at the threes. No sound of people could be heard here.

Only birds and little animals seemed to be going on their usual day. It was truly soothing. For once, she could almost feel as she was alone in the woods. Not really alone, she thought, as Lathander always accompanied her in her heart. She thanked him for such a beautiful day, while admiring a tiny squirrel finding some kind of nuts she didn't recognize.

She could have done that all day. But she didn't have all day. And it would have been foolish to not be on her guard here, even in a time of peace. She knew fairly well that appearances could be deceitful. At least she would hear any intruders due to the creacking leaves. It was a relief at least.

Eroenin had sent her on a quest of her own to fetch some herbs and mushrooms. She, of course, had described with plenty details what she wanted. The matron knew that the paladin was no expert. But with explanations, and some drawiing on a parchement she could do as well as anyone. That's what she said.

Still Rith could find one of these annoying herbs, she didn't find the mushrooms easly, but the herbs were even harder to find. She flet the limits of her knowledge about nature. It was a bit upsetting, as her mother had taught her some basics. She obviously didn't retain that information well.

She was about to give up completly when she found something who matched vaguely Eroenin's description. A bit unsire, Rith was ewaming her options. Going home without evrything would be terrible, knowing her friend...

Scorto moved as quietly as possible, witch wasn't easy in the dry leaves from the trees. He didn't hear anyone near by as he moved. He smiled as he spotted a mushroom he wanted to cook with. He knelt down to pick it. Humming softly to himself.

It was the third mushroom he'd found he wanted today, his basket he brought with him was half full. He carefully picked the mushroom. It had almost been hidden by the leaves only knowing exactly what to look for helped him find it. His voice is soft as he whispered.

"Thank you llmater." He just wanted to say it. Plus llmater hopefully would be pleased he was cooking for people. He planned to ask Duncan if he could ask half price for the soup so more people could buy it that might not have as much money on them. Hopefully Duncan would agree.

Rith was considering carefully her options. Now wasn't the time to go and pick the wrong herb. Especially if that plant could be poisonous and all that jazz. She felt that she knew so little about nature that it was kinda annoying at this point.

She almost wished that Eroenin had send Leandre and not her. But the young boy didn't know the forest any better than her. At least she could navigate though it easily, it had been years since she first came here. Fugitive memories flashed before her eyes. Back then there was... more bandits and orcs as well. The forest wasn't very safe.

Now it was way better. After all Nasher had done one good thing by sending patrols to the forest and nearby farms to help the people living there. The paladin sighed. She still had to make a decision about that mysterious herb.

She was about to pick the thing when she thought she heard something. As fast as ever, her hand found her way on the pommel of her sword. Even if she wasn't heavily armored, Rith never went out without her precious sword "Dawnbringer". Maybe she was paranoid... But she was certain she heard a voice. She didn't understand it though. She couldn't be certain, maybe it was her imagination? After thinking about bandits it wouldn't have been that weird.

"Is anyone here?"

She felt silly. But it didn't hurt to ask.

Scorto went completely silent, he froze where he was. His eyes the only thing moving as he looked for the owner of the voice he'd heard. It sounded female, and he didn't recognize it belonging to one of his friends or family.

Very slowly Scorto moved not standing and edges for the shadow of the closest tree. Being as quiet as he could be. Holding his basket handle tightly in one hand, the other he used to help try and brush leaves out of his way, he tries to do it as quiet as he can. He's not sure who the voice belongs to, and if there is more then one.

Finally he reached the shadow of the tree. He put his back to the tree. He looks around again trying to find the owner of the voice. Scorto bit his bottom lip. Finally he picked up a stick he found and threw it away from his as hard as he could. Hopefully the noise would draw the person, or persons out so he could see them.

Afterwards he moved his hand to grab the symbol of Ilmater under his shirt, carefully bringing it out, at times seeing it helped people calm down seeing he was a drow.

"Ilmater protect me." His voice is softer then before. He squeezed the symbol for a moment wanting comfort. He's completely still exept for his eyes still moving to see who called out if anyone was here.

Rith was almost certain she heard something. But after speaking, the whole forest seemed silent and still. She couldn't even hear the usual birds noises. Huum that was unusual for sure. She couldn't be too careful, but at the same time she felt silly with her sword up like that.

If it was an ambush of some sort, she was already in a pretty bad place, all alone in a clearing. It wasn't indefensible, but the forest was very dense and it wouldn't be easy to flee or maneuver. At the same time, it could also be an advantage for her, she could take cover behind a tree or even hide.

She began to advance a bit, just to do something really. Rith tried to be as quiet as she could. The leaves didn't help, but it wasn't that bad. She put away her sword, it wasn't that helpful now. After a few minutes she heard a loud thump, like some wood or stone that would have fallen somewhere near her.

So she went in that direction but there was noone here. If someone wanted to attack her, they could have done it already. All of this was a bit weird. But her instinct was telling her there was someone. She tried to focus again, and walked back where she heard the first noise.

There she saw him. It was quite a shock to see a drow in such a calm forest. But as strange as it could be, the stranger seemed almost nervous. Yet he didn't attack her. For once Rith felt like she had to be bold and approach first.

"Hey! I can see you, you know"

She approached carefully, with no weapon in her hands. The paladin tried to look reassuring. She then stopped, leaving some distance between them. He didn't seem hostile, but she couldn't be so sure. Even if Arizzan was very nice, she knew fairly well most drow weren't that good to humans and elves. The drow was clutching a pendant, but she couldn't see it well from there.

https://www.deviantart.com/lasahido/art/Batleech-471544715

{Closed starter-Scorto & Rith}

Red, orange and rellow leaves were falling around her as she advanced carefully inside the forest, making a bed of foliage on the floor. I was truly gorgeous. She paused for a second looking up at the threes. No sound of people could be heard here.

Only birds and little animals seemed to be going on their usual day. It was truly soothing. For once, she could almost feel as she was alone in the woods. Not really alone, she thought, as Lathander always accompanied her in her heart. She thanked him for such a beautiful day, while admiring a tiny squirrel finding some kind of nuts she didn't recognize.

She could have done that all day. But she didn't have all day. And it would have been foolish to not be on her guard here, even in a time of peace. She knew fairly well that appearances could be deceitful. At least she would hear any intruders due to the creacking leaves. It was a relief at least.

Eroenin had sent her on a quest of her own to fetch some herbs and mushrooms. She, of course, had described with plenty details what she wanted. The matron knew that the paladin was no expert. But with explanations, and some drawiing on a parchement she could do as well as anyone. That's what she said.

Still Rith could find one of these annoying herbs, she didn't find the mushrooms easly, but the herbs were even harder to find. She flet the limits of her knowledge about nature. It was a bit upsetting, as her mother had taught her some basics. She obviously didn't retain that information well.

She was about to give up completly when she found something who matched vaguely Eroenin's description. A bit unsire, Rith was ewaming her options. Going home without evrything would be terrible, knowing her friend...

Scorto moved as quietly as possible, witch wasn't easy in the dry leaves from the trees. He didn't hear anyone near by as he moved. He smiled as he spotted a mushroom he wanted to cook with. He knelt down to pick it. Humming softly to himself.

It was the third mushroom he'd found he wanted today, his basket he brought with him was half full. He carefully picked the mushroom. It had almost been hidden by the leaves only knowing exactly what to look for helped him find it. His voice is soft as he whispered.

"Thank you llmater." He just wanted to say it. Plus llmater hopefully would be pleased he was cooking for people. He planned to ask Duncan if he could ask half price for the soup so more people could buy it that might not have as much money on them. Hopefully Duncan would agree.

Rith was considering carefully her options. Now wasn't the time to go and pick the wrong herb. Especially if that plant could be poisonous and all that jazz. She felt that she knew so little about nature that it was kinda annoying at this point.

She almost wished that Eroenin had send Leandre and not her. But the young boy didn't know the forest any better than her. At least she could navigate though it easily, it had been years since she first came here. Fugitive memories flashed before her eyes. Back then there was... more bandits and orcs as well. The forest wasn't very safe.

Now it was way better. After all Nasher had done one good thing by sending patrols to the forest and nearby farms to help the people living there. The paladin sighed. She still had to make a decision about that mysterious herb.

She was about to pick the thing when she thought she heard something. As fast as ever, her hand found her way on the pommel of her sword. Even if she wasn't heavily armored, Rith never went out without her precious sword "Dawnbringer". Maybe she was paranoid... But she was certain she heard a voice. She didn't understand it though. She couldn't be certain, maybe it was her imagination? After thinking about bandits it wouldn't have been that weird.

"Is anyone here?"

She felt silly. But it didn't hurt to ask.

Day 14: Aribeth's doubts

“I am falling, in the dream. Always falling. Surrounded by a heavy blackness which chokes and drowns me. Grasping hands reach out to me, and the voices…a cacophony of whispers that plead to me for help.”

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