The sunlight beamed down through the window of the room. An almost unbearable occurrence that one had to sadly get used to. The ruffling of bedsheets, cleaned two days prior when the week had just begun. An extra five coppers had to be paid on top of the weekly silver. The smell was... less than pleasant, but not wholly unbearable. Groaning awake, the older-looking gentleman in bed had realized he'd not gotten used to beds quite yet. He was more used to heaps of stones and damp caverns.

Sitting up in the bed, sheets fell from his chest to cover his unmentionables. He didn't mind any. Standing up and going to put on his tunic and trousers. Moments later, he sighed briefly and opened the door to his room. He was not simply hungry, as he usually was these past couple of days. The desire to eat dozens of oxen was still present in his body, even if he had the stomach of a human. He passed through the hall, through the reception, and left.

I'll eat before a bath. He thought. Walking with his sword and shield on his back, connected to straps that made an X over his torso, the gentleman walked to the nearest tavern. He'd been to this tavern plenty recently. Not for any particular reason, either. The food was average, the clientele was your run-of-the-mill hopeful adolescence trying to become famous. Coming to the older man's table was a frail-looking boy, who set down a tankard full of water.

"The same as usual then, mister Victor?" The young man asked, causing him to look up to the boy. "Just the same." He responded, taking a swig of his tankard and setting down five coppers. While the youth walked to the counter with the money in his hand, he said something to the man behind, setting the coppers down. Victor would wait some minutes, watching the young man run back and forth between the counter and other tables. Finally, Victor was met with a platter of simple lamb chops, seasoned with local herbs. He tore into it without a care while the youth watched with a subtle smile.

"You eat the same as always, mister! Dad's cooking isn't that great, but you make it seem like it is!" They laughed before a ladle came crashing against his head. "Shut your mouth and get to work you little f-" The young man chortled. "Of course, father, on it! Have a nice meal, mister." He smiled politely before returning to his work of bringing dishes to and fro the counter and tables. Victor had taken a gander around the tavern. And, as per the usual, there was the bard in the corner, playing his lute, the local drunks at another table, and the whores in the other corner, trying to seduce and suck up to some start-up, so-called "adventurers". With much success, apparently.

Licking his lips and cleaning the lamb chop of all its meat until all that remained was a bone, Victor stood up and made his way out of the tavern. The same young boy who took his order delivered his food, and took his money turned to the door as Victor was leaving, waved, and offered a polite "Be safe out there!" before continuing. Victor moved along as well. There was only so much a human body could do in a day, and he planned to make the most out of it. Next up: bathing.

You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

A good fifteen minutes of walking passed, involving going to the market, buying a bucket and cloth, and walking to the nearby river to clean himself in private. When he had finally gotten to his destination, he stripped out of his clothes, climbed into the cold river, and began to clean himself of any filth. His body didn't feel much in the river, be it because he wasn't cold, or was too cold, he didn't know or care. Any grime that got into his human body could likely spell his end if he wasn't careful about it. Damned curse. These weak, fleshy bodies are so irksome. He'd curse to himself.

Every so often, Victor would climb out of the river and sit on the bed, deciding to make a simple fire in his spare time to keep his body warm. While he was sitting by the fire, washing his legs with the cloth he'd just bought, he caught the scent of something.

"Come out. I can smell you." And before he could even turn around, he heard a woman's voice. "Wh- how rude!" she yelled. And again she spoke "You can't just say that to a lady! Women take care o- why am I explaining this to you?" She questioned angrily. "I could have you arrested for sa-" She couldn't get another word out, suddenly feeling a chill down her spine as she slowly turned to her side to see a tall, masculine figure standing there. He towered over her currently squatting figure, his piercing golden eyes and chiselled jaw making it seem as though he'd come from a painting. He was almost... no he was completely naked.

"OH MY G- PLEASE put on some clothes first before you stand in front of me!" The woman said, covering her face with her hands in an attempt to either stop herself from looking or stop Victor from seeing her flushed face. Perhaps both. Whatever it was, Victor's scowl remained as always, but he did walk away to put on his clothes. "Do you even know who I am?" She asked, hearing the ruffling of cloth and assuming he was now dressed. Standing up, she turned around the tree and looked at Victor, who was currently staring back.

She had short, hazelnut hair, only down to her upper neck and looking rather boyish. Her eyes were a naturally calming green that was only enhanced by the freckles over her face. She was lean, but not anorexic, with enough meat on their bones for one to be able to tell they were a woman without needing to hear their voice. Their chest was meagre, however. She was pretty, for a human that is.

"No." Victor told her, and her face became deadpan. "I don't know you." He added blankly. She stood still for a couple moments, before snapping out ofher stupor when she realized Victor had already begun walking past her. Flicking around to look at his back, she felt a chill down her spine again. Inhuman... he doesn't... fell human!

"W-Wait!" She called out, but he didn't stop. "This might seem rude but you... you aren't human are you?" She finished, gulping down a breath as she looked at his back. He paused for a second, rubbing his beard, before turning around half-way. Victor stood there for several long moments, before he finally began walking to her. Slowly, the whole while, but it was no less intimidating as she was soon against a tree with him staring down at her for the third time.

"No. I am not."