Stab a Dagger Down the Middle

Zero-One (Chapter 1:3)

Okay, the usual booze scent is around me. That drunkard always brings us out for drinking. I don't feel drunk, so that's a plus side. Wait, what is this uncomfortable feeling?

I gaze down, separating my legs. Vaesio, please tell me I'm mistaken. What made the idiot like this? Surely not this chubby piggy. My stomach aches; he didn't eat either? Ten needs to get his priorities straight. Why does he even kill females? I've never understood that.

With a blank face, my bright, yellow eyes look this soft blue on directly. Her orbs have an annoyed glint for whatever reason.

"Why are you counting down? You even messed up at the end," this hog asks, her voice soft for an animalistic woman. Ten didn't mess up. He just said my name at the end, foolish pig. "Is something wrong?" She questions, suddenly appearing grim. Really grim. I don't see why she'd be greatly worried over Ten... unless he offered our body to her. "Did something happen in Savite? Is it okay down there?"

Savite? Ten always uses that place for an excuse for free garbage. He must be pretending we're a knight or captain or something. This is irritating, but I suppose I can use this. I'm so hungry.

I clear my throat, deciding to speak deeply instead of my ordinarily cynical tone; I don't think it's cynical, but I've been told it is. Apparently, having a shrill sound to a voice that fluctuates between deep and high can come off as such, but I can choose to speak regularly in either pitch. I just need to focus, but the high tone occasionally will break through. It's a negative quirk of mine.

"I'm afraid the situation is dire. I received a telepathic message from a lower ranking officer. He said that the savages have already begun to take over, and it's not long until they reach the townspeople we've evacuated. More men are coming, but I need to get down there. I just... feel weak from the little food I've had the past few days, and I haven't slept either," I tell, hoping that she'll pity me. I need food. I seriously need food. I'm so hungry.

The woman begins to cry. Why would she cry? No one cares about Savite. Maybe she cares for all life? She may be one of those odd folks. No, that's doubtful. Perhaps... I'm actually not sure.

"Sure, I'll get whatever you'd like. Anything. Would you like more wine too?" She's very eager to help. Hmm. She must have some reason, but Ten likely asked or knows, so I can't question. I guess I'll be left to puzzling. But I don't know what to puzzle.

I don't like wine. I used to, but I grew out of it. However, Ten got some, so I need some to blend in. She can't become curious of us. It'd raise problems.

"Please and thank you. And where's a menu?" I question, my stomach growling. How couldn't Ten tell how hungry we are? I was hungry when I arrived, but I timed out within a few minutes of arriving at my dismay. I'm so hungry.

"We haven't one, but I know what we serve. We have venison with garlic, steak cooked with beer, chicken in a ginger glaze-"

"Can I have all three of those? But doubled? Also, do you have bread?" I eagerly question, holding my growling stomach. I'm so hungry. I need to eat.

Her eyes widen, and she combs back her black hair while staring in shock. "We have rolls. I'll send out a basket. B-But are you sure you can eat all of that? Or are you meeting with a party of other knights here?" I crack my neck, sighing. I'm asked about my eating so often.

"It's just for me. I'd like two baskets of rolls if that's alright," I tell, my voice slipping to its shrill tone. Quickly, I clear my throat again to adjust back to the serious voice. I don't think she noticed it.