Demons and Heroes

"Thank you." he said, taking the meat. He took the stick they used to cook the fish and stuck it through the meat.

 

Natalie put the firewood next to the fire and stoked at it to keep it going...She didn't get much wood because she was afraid of staying outside too long...

 

He started cooking the meat over the fire.

 

"So you insult me but still accept my food. You are really mixed up. maybe some manners are in order."

 

"I never insulted you. I respect you too much."

 

"Manners?" she asked...
"I'd say we are more polite than any demon I've ever seen," she said folding her arms...

 

"Natalie, please be more polite. He did bring us food and a fire."

 

"I resent that. I have helped you and shown friendship and you meet this with aggression. As for manners in demons, consider how you treat us before judging us too harshly. I put this to you, Why should we trust you? You would kill us given half a chance? Haven't I proved that I am relatively peaceful under the circumstances. I'm a hunter, pure and simple. I live to hunt and survive on my wits. I am not attacking you now, indeed I shared the spoils of my hunt with you. Maybe I should leave as I feel unwanted here."

Gharanth turned and walked very slowly away.

 

"Don't go." he said getting up. "I would like you to join us as thanks for your kindness."

 

Natalie nodded...
"I'm sorry Cole.. its just that I'm not used to demon's being so kind," she said...She looked at Gharanth...
"I am sorry Gharanth, for my behavior," she apologized..

 

"Really? Aren't I the enemy? I think Natalie sees me in this role though I helped to save her life. I may tease you but I have feelings as well and only finite patience. You cast me as the villain and eventually I will be glad to comply."Gharanth smiled showing a row of sharp teeth. He turned and returned to the camp. "Would you like some herbs for the meat?"

 

"Yes please." he said.

 

Gharanth dug through his bag and handed over a few pouches filled with dried herbs. He handed then to Cole. "If you want to know I have fought and defeated other demons and rarely fight humans unless I have to. I'm not as cold and heartless as I'm portrayed. Unfortunately a few minor events were blown out of proportion. I paid for the damage to that Inn, I swear. The Innkeeper kept that fact from the public though. You mustn't let the truth come in the way of a good story."

 

Natalie stoked the fire... She stared into it..
She didn't feel like talking so she mostly listened

 

"Thank you." he said, taking the herbs. "It is okay. I know you you can be good. You gave me confidence when I needed it."

 

"Most people in my life have seen me as either weak or evil, depending on when they knew me. Experience has I believe made me hard. You should have met me when I was a young General. I was completely different then." Gharanth stared thoughtfully into the fire which seemed to get higher in response to his mood. "I've never been a social creature really since that fateful event"

 

Natalie looked over at Gharanth....
"I feel so horrible now....Every living creature has feelings, and I never really gave you demons a chance....and I'm gonna put that behind me and start again...." she said softly..

 

"We are all guilty of prejudging at times. We are drilled that humans are evil. It's easier to accept the rhetoric than make your own decisions. I have never fitted to any group. My own people have committed terrible acts in front of me. I am neither human nor demon in my opinion."

 

Natalie stopped talking.. She thought about what he had just said over and over again...

 

Rikarne wandered aimlessly through the forest looking for somewhere to rest. He was cold and soaked. He was sure it was about 3 degrees but he kept going. He passed out.....