For this one: You must persuade your friend to take your place as a warrior's apprentice.
DRUNKEN MASTER (any gender, mid teens through mid twenties)
I tell you I can't take it anymore. You HAVE to take my place. Don't worry about the master's cruelty. He has none. In fact, he's not even challenging. I actually have to take walks every morning just to keep my muscles from turning soft. All the master wants me to do is "stay in the moment." As if that's going to help me fight, without any further skill.
But you-- you have some abilities, don't you? I've known since we were young. Well, we ARE young, but even further back in time. When we were small children, playing in trees? You were somehow able to jump from tree top to tree top without falling. Even when the trees were thirty paces apart. The master might have use for that. Perhaps it would inspire him to teach YOU how to fight. I fear he's just given up on me.
But you see, I can't just leave him. You know how it works. If the master doesn't have a pupil, he despairs. He gets drunk in the taverns then picks fights. The last time he was without a pupil, it was said he shattered the bones of ten farmers then drank all their mead.
Look: This apprenticeship could be at least a chance for you to hide. You're abilities are becoming the stuff of gossip. I feel proud that I haven't spread the word. Would you like me to? Because I'll do what it takes to get on with my life.
Copyright 2016 by Matt Haynes. If you would like to use this piece, please credit: "Courtesy of Matt Haynes and The Pulp Stage"