Benefit of the Doubt
Chapter 1: First Meeting
The guests of Lynn's Tavern and Inn gasped as the stranger entered and sat at one of the vacant tables. The tavern maids whispered among themselves fearfully, but none would go near him. Finally, one of them, a young woman with long black hair and teal eyes, scoffed and pushed passed the others.
"You're being ridiculous." she scolded them. Hearing her approach, the stranger looked up, his violet eyes resting on her. Unaffected by his long silver hair and ebony skin, the tavern maid smiled at him.
"Good evening. What can I get for you?" she asked.
". . .An ale and perhaps a slice of meat and bread, if you can spare it for a Drow." he replied. The young woman nodded and went to get what the Drow had asked for.
When she returned, she set the food and drink in front of him and he gave her the silver pieces to pay for it.
"Can I get you anything else?" she asked him. The Drow shook his head.
"No. But thank you." As she turned to walk away, he grabbed her arm to stop her.
"On second thought, there is one thing. You could tell me your name." he said. The girl smiled.
"It's Selene. And yours?"
"Drizzt."
"Well, Drizzt, it's a pleasure to meet you. I apologize on behalf of the local fools. They're very…closed-minded, I'm afraid. Please don't let them rush you out of the village." Drizzt shook his head.
"It doesn't matter. I'll be leaving tomorrow morning. I must reach the next town quickly if I expect to beat the rain." he said. Selene nodded in understanding.
"I don't blame you for wanting to beat the rain. The storms here in this part of the country are rediculously feirce this time of year. The fact that it hasn't rained yet is surprising." she said.
"I've heard. Tell me Selene, how old are you?"
"Seventeen."
"A bit innocent to be working in a brothel, aren't you?" Selene gasped.
"How did you know this was a-"
"I saw one of the other girls leading one of the men upstairs. I may not be from around here, but I can tell where they were going and why. I mean no offense, but... are you...?" Selene shook her head.
"No, I'm not. I work only as a waitress here. And actually, I'm not as innocent as you think. You see, my parents died when I was seven, and for a while, since I was too young to work, I had to steal to live. But when I was twelve, I was finally old enough to start work." she explained.
"How did your parents die?" Drizzt asked.
". . .A raid from the Underdark. So uhm... what about you, Drizzt? Why did you leave Menzoberranzan?" Drizzt looked up at the ceiling.
"It's a long story, but I'll keep it short. The ways of the Drow in the Underdark are barbaric. I've known that all my life. One day, I refused to stay any longer. I left, vowing never to return." he replied, drinking from his ale. Selene was about to speak when a woman approached the two. She had long dishwater blonde hair and light brown eyes. It was Lynn Crawford, the owner of the tavern.
"Sir, if you are finished and you don't plan on renting a room for the night, I must ask you to leave." she said coldly.
"Lynn-" Selene started to protest.
"Quiet, Selene." Lynn commanded strictly. Drizzt stood.
"Forgive me. I didn't mean to keep your waitress from her duties. As he turned to leave, Selene grabbed his arm.
"Drizzt, if you have nowhere else to stay for the night, I can put you up in my home. It's the house closest to the edge of the forest." she said. Drizzt couldn't help but crack a small smile.
"Thank you, Selene. You're very kind." he said. Once he had left, Lynn shuddered.
"Thank goodness he's gone! You're brave, child. Brave, but foolish. How you can find it in yourself to trust a Drow is beyond me. Oh well. It's late. Perhaps you ought to go home for the night." Selene scowled.
"Lynn, I can tell he's not like the other Drow. He's kind. Had he intended to kill anyone, he would have done so on arrival." she said simply before walking out the door.
When Selene entered her home, she saw Drizzt asleep on her loveseat. Smiling softly, she picked up a blanket and laid it over him. This caused him to stir slightly and open his eyes.
"Good, you made it home safely." he murmured tiredly. Selene half-shrugged.
"I always do. Sorry for waking you. If you like, you can take my bed, and I'll sleep out here." Drizzt shook his head.
"No, I'm alright. You needn't give up your bed for me." he replied.
"Are you sure?" Drizzt closed his eyes and nodded. Convinced, Selene let him be after that.