Zayn Noname
"Zayn... one day, when you get the chance... just go. Don't come back for me. Don't keep looking for me." The words seemingly came out of nowhere, completely unexpected for the young Zayn, who was prodding the little campfire he finally managed to get going. "Mum? Why do you say that?" "Listen to me carefully. You must be your own man. You must survive and thrive, for both our sakes. Do you hear me?" She looked at him, unblinking, waiting. "Yes mum... but..." "No buts. I have taught you everything I know. Which is regrettably little, I will be the first to admit that. But what did I always tell you? Well?" "Be kind. Be polite. Listen well, don't stand out. Follow your gut." "Yes. And?" Zayn sighed. "I want to hear you say it." "Do the right thing." "That's my boy." "But how will I know? How will I know what is the right thing to do?" At that Zayn's mother shrugged and kindly caressed her son's green cheek. "Only you will know."
The dream of a distant memory fades into the back of Zayn's mind as he wakes up. He is far away from that day, that place, that person. But her words still ring true to this day, even though he doesn't understand half of them. Careful not to wake his new companions he unfolds the small wood carving from a piece of cloth and eyes it in the small bundle of moonlight that falls through the curtains. He has been aimless for a while now. Even with the events of the caravan, his lost memory, the mutilation... it feels hollow to him. Unremarkable almost. He tries to force his mind to give it importance, to make it seem worthwhile. But if he is completely honest, he ponders almost everyday if he should just leave. The only reason he hasn't is he does not know where to go to.
To the temple where his clumsy but honest attempts at prayer or meditation go unheard or unanswered? To the mercenaries? It did not work out that well last time. And besides... It doesn't feel right. Sure, it pays for a bed and meal, but other than that it is not fulfilling. Back to the Arena then? With enough training he would be a force to reckon with. Money would come easily enough. But that option feels almost as hollow as wandering aimlessly. Should he mayble just retreat into nature? The animals are mostly good to him and he has always thrived in solitude. But is that really the answer? How is he supposed to do the 'right thing' if he is alone all his life? His mother wanted more for him, that much was clear to him. And he was not going to find his destiny by himself living in a cave like a hermit.
Zayn sighs and eyes his sleeping companions. He finds them strange, yet comfortingly familiar. When they rescued him, he felt instantly comfortable telling them his mission for the gem, even though they could have easily killed him right there and then and taken the gem. His mother taught him many things, but being trusting so easily was not one of them. So what is it that is so appealing to them?
Odrik's leadership, though funny, seems genuine, authentic even. Zayn doubts whether Odrik has ever lead any regiment or even a small squad. But Zayn would be curious enough to follow him anyway. Boldrek seems the silent type, but has a wicked sense of humor. His goals or reasons are a complete mystery to Zayn, but the dwarf's honesty, kindness and twinkling eyes are endearing. And Izzy... by the gods... Izzy. Or 'Troubles', as Odrik likes to call her. A nickname well earned. Zayn would be in the right to be angry at her. Or at the very least indignant for endangering his life so many times already. But she only makes him smile and have faith in the future. Even though she can't have a lang one... with the way she has been behaving lately.
It suddenly dawns on him. What makes this trio different from anyone else is how they treat him. Some would say rudely, poorly, teasingly and maybe even hurtful. But it FEELS like he is beeing treated as an equal. They don't see the poor excuse for a human, nor the nauseating green of his orkish skin. They just see Zayn. They never even asked his last name. Not because they don't care (they probably don't anyway), but because they don't feel they need to. They value him for being there. Even though it has been for a short time. How long is it? A few days? Weeks? It feels like months, and THAT is exactly the point.
Zayn lies his head back down on his pillow, the wooden carving in his hands. He suddenly feels more content now. He still has no idea of his place in this world, or the destiny that awaits him. But somehow he feels that these three unique individuals are a good place to start finding out. It is decided then. For now, he will stick with them. See what they are up to. Maybe that is what his mother meant with 'do the right thing'. She meant: "do the right thing that feels right to you."