shadows and dust

“I am definitely not here for that kind of stuff.” She explained before looking straight into the gladiator’s eyes. “Do you wanna get out of here and see the world? My previous guard fell in love with a local woman so I told him to stay here - but I need a guard. And everyone here has such hopeless and dead eyes, they’d be more like dolls awaiting a command - I need someone who can still use his head. You seem to be the only one fitting that criteria. So, what do you say - would you be interested in switching your lifestyle?”

“I don’t believe that I’d be any better. And, either way, it’s not my decision, but my master’s. I honestly don’t care...”

                  “Mm, I bet the ladies in the crowds went wild over                    you, didn’t they?”

“I suppose they didn’t visit me for my nice personality...” He eventually responded with a shrug.

“As far as I know women of royalty aren’t born to prostitutes in some little tent in the slums nor do they die and just come back. The world is just fed up with what is regarded as usual. Because usually you would not be free and the world would not be nearly entirely ruled by a man who was, just like us, born in poverty.” She laughed a little at her own words even if it sounded dry - when did she just become such a sarcastic person? “Well you are fine and alive, you might not be used to it but it seems you are doing a fine job at thinking for yourself. But if you need help you know you can always ask me, right?”

“Don’t you have more important stuff to worry about than me? Like, that weird thing you were advertising for?” Yeah, your stupid ads even reached him.

“I am a woman of royalty it is my duty to be a virgin until the day of my marriage… or something like that.” Not that she truly believed in such things. But at least it sounded like some sort of excuse for her rather inexperience in such matters. “Are you having troubles finding a job? Otherwise I’d tell you finding another person and caring for them… maybe caring together for a smaller person - maybe that’s what you could do with your life. It’s not a bad thing, you know?”

“As far as I know women of royalty usually don’t hang out with former slaves, pirates, thieves or whoever else. A fine princess you are, your highness.” He sneered with a roll of his eyes. “No, that’s not it, it’s just... kinda strange having to think for yourself. I’m used to having other people do that for me.”

          “Bath him and bring him to my room. I also wish to speak with             his master.” She told her companions before stepping closer to             the cell. “What is your name, warrior?”

“If you’re here for sex, you can just give the money to one of the guards... no need to call for my master....”

“Then try it without smiling… be the kind but silent and slightly grumpy knight. Help a woman if you think she needs help and blush a little when she thanks you! Women love that stuff… and maybe one of them will make you smile. I bet yours would be beautiful too.”

“I don’t know if I should rely on the flirting tips of an eternal virgin.” Well, right now he was actually grinning a bit. “I’m not really interested in a relationship, I don’t even know what to do with my life right now, so how am I supposed to care for another person? No, thanks.”

“Maybe they were more impressed with what you did back then? Whatever, you don’t need women like tha—- did you just say my smile was pretty? That’s cute!”

                       “Any other skills?”

“Well, I managed to survive up until now...” The gladiator replied monotonously, trying to hide his nervousness. “I’m afraid, I’ve only been trained in swordsmanship ever since my childhood. I can also use some other weapons, but other than fighting... I can’t think of any remarkable skills.”

“But a smart one ! …Oh come on. A smile would suit you, I bet the ladies would love it - or the gentleman, whatever you prefer.”

“I don’t know, the ladies seemed to like me more as a messy slave. Besides, my smile isn’t as pretty... as yours.” Yeah he actually just said something nice.

“Oh I’m good at that - running around and grinning like an idiot I mean - I could teach you!”

“Perhaps because you are an idiot. But no, thanks, that’s not the kind of skill I am aiming for.”

“But you aren’t a slave anymore thanks to Sinbad. Wouldn’t that be a reason to smile?”

“Yeah, I am happy, but I won’t run around grinning like an idiot.”

“At least my face is capable of more than one angry expression!”

“If I had reason to do so, I’d maybe change my expression.” He only knows anger, embarrassment and hunger.