[Maikadilwen]

Vlad looked at the unconscious Elf on the ground by his feet and had to admit to himself that he was impressed by the speed and skill he had shown, especially considering his bad condition. It was all that had kept Vlad from killing him on the spot. After all, he had attacked Khalad.
A loud groan turned his attention toward Fidrohir who lay on the ground, clutching his side.
With a slight nod toward Melost, Vlad looked at Khalad and sheathed his sword. "Tie him up!" he growled as he stepped over the Elf and crouched down next to Fidrohir.

Examining the wound as well as he could, Vlad could see that it wasn't as bad as it had first seemed. The man's clothes had prevented the blade from making much damage with a deep entry and unless the wound became infected, Fid would be in no danger.
With a heavy sigh he tilted his head and looked at Fidrohir, remembering that Jaheira had told him that she had seen this man crying like a child and a malicious look appeared in his eyes.

"I'm sorry, Fid. It appears that nothing can be done for you...the wound is too deep."
The look on Fidrohir's face was more rewarding than Vlad had imagined and he had to control himself so he wouldn't laugh as the large man started weeping again.
He pulled at the wound, just a little, but still enough to make Fidrohir gasp from pain and then he pulled out his long knife and held it close to Fid's throat.
"I could make it quick, you know. You would hardly feel a thing."
Truly enjoying the fear he saw in the other man's eyes at the slightly sadistic smile which showed on Vlad's face, Vlad didn't notice Jaheira until she placed a hand on his shoulder, a concerned expression on her face. He gazed at her for a moment, wondering why she suddenly seemed to be concerned about someone, especially since the wounded one was Fid.
"Is it really that bad?" she asked Vlad as he rose in front of her.

"Of course it's not that bad! It's merely a scratch! Fetch your kit and fix him up and he'll be fine in a couple of days."

He went to take a look at Melost and smiled as he found that Khalad had placed the Elf against a tree, bound on hands and feet. Wounded as he had been when they found him, he now looked rather miserable as Vlad knelt down and checked Melost's head where he had delivered the blow, then sat for a moment, just looking at the warrior in front of him.
"You sure put up a good fight, ancient one! I could certainly use someone like you to show these idiots how to defend themselves."

"So you are not going to kill him, then?"
A tinge of hope in Khalad's voice revealed his thoughts to Vlad, who glanced at him sharply.
"You have always been soft, Khalad. Be careful not to become weak as well. That pretty sword of yours is too good to not be used."

[ August 02, 2003: Message edited by: Maikadilwen ]