One of the consequences of living an existence that spans centuries instead of decades is the inescapable curse of continually viewing the world through the focusing prism employed by a historian.
I say "curse"-when in truth I believe it to be a blessing-because any hope of prescience requires a constant questioning of what is, and a deep-seated belief in the possibility of what can be. Viewing events as might the historian requires an acceptance that my own initial, visceral reactions to seemingly momentous events may be errant, that my "gut instinct" and own emotional needs may not stand the light of reason in the wider view, or even that these events, so momentous in my personal experience, might not be so in the wider world and the long, slow passage of time.
How often have I seen that my first reaction is based on half-truths and biased perceptions! How often have I found expectations and completely inverted or tossed aside as events played out to their fullest!
My thoughts often wondered to Artemis Entreri, who I often thought what I would become if the welcoming arms of Bruenor, the love of Cattie-Brie, or the friendship of Wulfgar did not come. Amidst all his skill and prowess, Artemis Entreri is a hollow man, devoid of any pleasure, existing only to kill.
The human was not without his saving grace however, those who do not stand in his way are unharmed and his determination is something I understand and admire. Instead of honing his skills to protect those he hold dear-or if he has someone to hold dear-he trains himself to stay in peak condition like I do.
Artemis Entreri himself views the world unlike any man I have ever seen from reasons unknown to me, he has developed an utterly pessimistic and pragmatic outlook, viewing the world as a hateful place where every creature exploits every other creature, unless they are too weak to do so; to survive, one must possess the power to exploit others and the ruthlessness to do so without allowing emotions to encumber you.
I have not seen the assassin ever since the aftermath of our battle, but I hope for his sake, whatever choler that is lodged inside his heart can be lessened or purged-if possible-as no man can bear the burden of solitude, the endless journey darker than the Underdark, the boundless paranoia that remains as a debilitating baggage.
Again, I hope for his sake, he will find closure, and to do that, he must allow his trust to fall more than unto himself, but to others as well.
-Drizzt Do'Urden