Well this was bad. Not that Than was going to admit to as much. He calmly stood, hands in pockets, between his two assailants. Surrounded, a position he did not normally allow himself to be in. Too lost in thought. Too long without food.

"Your kind aren't welcome here."

Than looked around. The area was comprised of hills. Near desert. The closest settlement, his hoped destination, was still a days walk away.

"I see." He offered. He didn't want a fight. But the dagger in the first man's hand didn't raise his hopes of avoiding one.

"Go back from where you came from."

Than gave each man a discreet glance. Much taller than him in both cases. Not extremely well armed, but armed. Muscular and skin tanned dark. Probably laborers of some sort.

"I can't." He responded in what he tried to make a neutral soothing tone. "I don't have the supplies to make the journey."

"Not our problem. Start walking."

But Than wasn't even given the chance. He felt it before he saw it. The man behind had made a move, was charging forward and he could hear a metallic ring. Well this was bad. He quickly stepped to the side, and dropped low while turning as his hand reached for one of his hidden weapons. He saw the dagger coming in an arc, the motion easily revealing the wielder to be untrained at using weapons to fight. Even the dagger itself was for nothing more than skinning.

Than saw his chance, though it was risky, and took it. He quickly stood up and moved inside the dagger swipe and with as much strength as he could manage gave his would be assailant's face a personal introduction to his hand. He didn't want to hurt the man too much if it could be avoided, so he struck with his palm, fingers curled back in what had been likened by the overdwellers to a tiger blow.

The man's own momentum did more damage than Than's own strength and he was knocked back and out in the one blow. But Than could sense he had not acted fast enough. The second assailant had already moved to join, and the young drow knew he would not be able to turn and defend in time.

"Rek-rek-rek!"

What was that? Than thought as a shadow passed over him.

*Thwump!*

He heard the hit before he managed to make the full turn, and for the first time in a long time he found himself shocked.

The other assailant lay on the ground, a duck corpse firmly planted in his face.

"Rek-rek-rek!"

Than found himself surprised for what was far too many times this particular day as a barbary falcon landed on his shoulder.

"Did you do that?" He asked, wincing slightly as he felt the claws pierce skin. "Well then I suppose I owe you my life." Than quickly surveyed the two men. Both would survive. It was best if he was gone before they woke up.

He looked to the falcon on his shoulder as his hands slipped into his pockets once more.

"Well new friend. Let's start the journey, if you want to stay. I'll have to think of a name for you."

Than paused long enough to pick up the duck corpse. "Saved me and provided dinner. If anyone ever attempts to touch you. I'll kill them."