Teskia Heavybane

There once was a minotaur, scarred and worn from years of battles. Who had seen and lived through more than most people could even imagine. Her name was Teskia Heavybane and, when she was but a calf, her herd was slaughtered and she was enslaved along with the other children. Forced to fight, these children, once friends and family, soon were each others’ murderers. Teskia, the bravest of the fighters, was soon the last survivor of her herd.   Years later, when the scars had solidified on her face and body and remained fresh only in her heart, she was once again to fight for the honor of her masters and prove that she was the fiercest of warriors.   It was the day before the fight when the revelries were being had by the rich and the warriors were preparing for their possible deaths.   It was during this preparation in the nearly underground cell that Teskia heard a voice calling down to her from the street above through the small barred window of the cell.   “Hello, my dear. Could I perhaps bother you for a chat?” He was a small man from what she could see of him as he bent down to peer in at her, and an odd looking one at that. His ears and features were that of the elegance of the regal elves, but his stature was that of a halfling. “The name is Raom.”   “I have no time for idle chat, I must prepare for my fight if I am to survive another day.” Called back Teskia, turning from the window and the first person to speak to her with kindness in such a long time. “Please, be off with you before the guards have your head for speaking to my master’s slave.”   “I have no worry for the guards,” replied the strange little man, “I only care about what is to happen tomorrow and I am hoping that I might be but able to save at least one life before it is forfeit. What say you to freedom?”   Teskia could not hold back the scoff that escaped her lips at this. “Freedom is a luxury that I am not to have again in this life. Why dwell more on it than that.” Her eyes burned from the salted tears now welling in them. “Be off with you. I am but a fighter of the pits, nothing more than a slave.”   "Well, how bout we at least get some nice hot stew in you first? Then you can decide your fate." And with that, Raom opened a gate in front of him that looked upon the firelight of a camp. The rabbit stew could be smelt wafting in from the other side, luring Teskia's soon to be amazed gaze from the point farthest the strange man. But, before she could say anything, he was gone.   Time passed slowly as Teskia mulled over the freedom she might have just given up, but it was barely a few minutes before Raom was back, this time stepping into her cell from a similar portal, now with two piping hot bowls of stew in his hand. And, wait, was that bread! This was simply too good to be true.   "Well, my dear, eat up!" And, with that, Teskia ate the first of many meals with the strange little man in front of her. The one who saved her life and set her free.