Ch. 51: No Compassion

She looked into my eyes with confusion, "Why did you let them offer the choice to me in the first place then? Were they aware of this outcome if I had agreed?"

The woman didn't realize that I had spoken to the Elders before she came into the banquet earlier, "No they weren't aware, they simply thought that I was seeing which choice you'd make. I always feel it's better to allow people a choice, regardless if they know the consequences."

"How can someone choose the right path if they don't know what awaits them?" She asked. The way she looked at me was evident that she thought I was cruel.

I pursed my lips unconcerned, "Then that someone should reflect on their past experiences and all the choices that could be available. Why should I point out the consequences for them? If they are too foolish to even do this, then they deserve to meet their chosen fate."

"Heavens you have no compassion at all do you?" She whispered.

"I'm assisting you with your wound." I pointed out.

She raised one delicate eyebrow but said nothing. After another moment of silence I decided to ask a question myself, "What did Grand-Elder Horace mean when he asked if you were a doxie?"

Ezran stiffened at the word, just like she did during the banquet. I knew some about her race - Once Eurosia was defeated the women began servicing out their bodies for resources. If Ezran was any indicator, they had been learning some fighting skills; albeit this didn't seem to be a well-known fact. The women possessed a skill to lure in men, which it seemed she currently was unaware of. Luckily I was immune - at least I hope I was. Anytime I looked into those vengeful eyes I could feel it therefore I remained on guard.

"I'm surprised that the all-knowing 'Prince' isn't already aware of the meaning." Ezran finally retorted sarcastically.

Her attitude didn't deter me, instead it was somewhat liberating. Most of the time I was intensely bored, hence I didn't speak much. It was rare indeed to find someone who could peak my interest, and even more so to speak with. Kovin seemed to be the only exception, except perhaps my brothers.

"You're mistaken. I have never tried to imply that I was all-knowing. I simply like to think things through and unknown things interest me. Hence I would like to know what a doxie is."

Her honey green eyes turned to slits, "You couldn't deduce from what was said?"

Let me think . . . The man was obviously talking about her culture, how they were more like prostitutes than their own race. Perhaps, "So a doxie is a woman of the night?"

Her cheeks took on a pinkish hue but she nodded. I briefly stopped my stitching and couldn't help but ask, "You said you didn't follow in that line of business . . . Why not?"

Clearly she could have been a 'doxie'; she was definitely attractive enough. With her prominent cheekbones, pert nose and tapered chin her facial structure appeared flawless. This included those damnable rosy lips and long eyelashes outlining her fierce honey-green almond shaped eyes . . . Any man would practically give away their gold. Her body wasn't so bad either, purely speaking in a business light. She was fit with golden skin and I did notice a hint of her stomach that wasn't marred from the wound, and what I saw was perfect. She appeared shapely and very womanly; any customer would've been calling on her regularly if she was a doxie. Instead she wasn't which probably caused quite a stir in her community.

She looked uncomfortable with the question (and probably the unnerving examination I was conducting), nevertheless she replied, "Like I said about the Zantarkans proposition - It's demeaning."

I narrowed my eyes in interest, "So you hate me for destroying your civilization however you despise the way your own race lives and don't assist with their survival . . . You left them for a reason, what was it?"

She looked down at the almost complete stitching and back into my eyes, "Is this an interrogation?"

I pursed my lips, "No."

She tilted her head up a little and gave off a smirk, "Then I suggest you finish with your 'assistance' and leave."

I nearly chuckled. Here I was helping her and she had the audacity to tell me to hurry and leave. This woman knew I could kill her at any moment yet she held no fear, just that continuous hatred. It was very interesting indeed.

Without further ado I stitched up the remaining wound and stood. As she was straightening her tunic I washed off my hands. However instead of leaving, I sat calmly in a chair near the entrance, far enough away to give her sufficient space. She turned and remained seated on her cot, eyeing me warily.

I clasped my hands together and with a more business like tone I began, "How has the campaign been fairing?"

She furrowed her eyebrows but answered in kind, "Very well I suppose. I'm sure Kovin could give you all the details."

"Sir Kovin has already relayed his portion, but I like to gain different perspectives."

She scratched her head and nodded, "We've been following the plans you laid out, with some slight variations due to the change in leadership."

Yes I could see the variations with the one-on-one battle in Gorvant. They would've never agreed with a Champion battle if I were presented, but it was her instead. That was an excellent move, yet I chose to keep that praise to myself.

"How's the army's morale?"

Her lip twitched, "It's taken some getting used to since they are very unfamiliar with women, however I believe they are coming around. They seem in good spirits and not defiant."

I raised an eyebrow and leaned forward, "Not defiant? What was with the scuffle earlier then?"

She looked up exasperated causing her to appear very appealing, "That WOULD happen while you're here." She shrugged her shoulders looking back at me, "That was Gustof - part of the Tyslantavian Envoy. He just joined our ranks and apparently did not care for my leadership. I believe I handled myself well."

I leaned my head to the side, my eyes not straying from her face. "You walked in without armor and got yourself injured. How is that handling yourself well?"

I could see her perfect jaw clench, "What should I have done then?"

I waved a hand nonchalantly, "You could have simply ordered someone to escort him for punishment."

Her eyes looked down with her brows furrowed and she bit that lip again, "That didn't even cross my mind."

Obviously.