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Being an elf was both a blessing and a curse. An enemy could be lulled into a false sense of security but all secrets,
no matter how painful or shameful, always reached those delicate, enhanced ears. A drop of a pin in an empty room was maginfied
to a loud whisper to those with enhanced hearing. Oh, how she wished at that moment that her hearing was that of a human,
at least it would be easier to ignore the whispered questions that bounced across the main office as her peers wondered about
the reason behind such a secretive surname.
Shania Greywolf could feel her cheeks acquire a bright, rosy complexion
of both anger and embarassment. Beneath the laughter and mischief, the elf was a trully private creature. That had been part
of the reason behind her sudden move from the offically named Shirlaya owned by the Order to Second Eden, Seijirou's castle.
Even though she had been blessed with the privacy of her own room in both places, the one at Second Eden had a door. Even
if Seijirou was the only person she could not keep out of that room, at least she could lock anyone else out should she need
to. Just knowing she had that luxury was a sense of comfort...it was the closest thing she could come to Ro'vasar.
At
home, she grew up with a place in their cave-dwelling where she was allowed to hideaway if she needed to. In reality, 'Shani's
Study' was nothing more than a natural hole in the far eastern approximately four and a half feet by five feet. Shania's father
had initially placed several shelves in there, and had even provided a pair of doors with a glass window as it was supposed
to have been the best place to store the missu's china. Obviously, Shania had other plans in mind when she fell into the habit
of locking herself in there whenever she needed a place of her own. Eventually the shelves came out and the dimensions expanded
so little Shani had three more feet between the doors and the end of the wall. Her mother made her a pair of throw pillows
so the floor wouldn't harm Shania's skin, along with a set of curtains. Poppa had provided several books and an oil lamp.
Oh, what she wouldn't give to go back there right now.
The doors to Gilgal's office closed behind her with
a soft click. "You wished to see me, sir?"
Gilgal lifted his gaze from the files he'd been studying only to offer
the young sentinel a broad grin. "Indeed, Constable Greywolf, I wish to speak to you regarding your progress in the force--
is something the matter?"
"Nothing of importance, si--" but before the elf could finish, she was met by a stern look
that informed her that lies would not work with him. There was something about the man, perhaps his former paladin training,
that not only inspired, but demanded trust. With a soft sigh, the elf slumped into the chair he had offered, her gaze lowered
to study the folds of her coat. "Its just.. that... my surname, sir. Nobody knew of it."
The guild master shifted in
his seat as rest his massive elbows upon the equally giant desk only to clasp his fingers beneath his bearded chin. "Are you
ashamed of the name Greywolf, Shania?"
Silence prevailed for a good minute and a half as the tension grew to such proportions
that it could be sliced with a knife. At last the raven-haired elf shook her head. "No, I'm not ashamed of it. Greywolf is
a name that belongs to the werewolf pack of the north, sir. It is a name of honor and pride...I am not ashamed of it. I cannot
be ashamed of the name my parents have given me...."
"Go on."
Green, cream and oak blurred into one another
as tears welled up in her eyes. A knot the size of an apple made speaking difficult but after a few moments, the young elf
managed to speak once more. "Try as I might, I am not worthy enough of that name. It signifies all that I am not and despite
all the hopes that my parents have, I cannot live up to them. I'm an elf, for Sikkar's sake, not a werewolf. I'm not strong
like those of my pack. I stun easily. What they can do in a single blow takes me three or four, sometimes more. I tire easily
in comparison...to put my name before Greywolf, it.. devalues it, sir. And add to that the preconceptions that come with the
name...When people hear it, they expect that which I am not. Once the shock has settled in, they laugh. The choke on their
own glee without realizing that they're not laughing at me; they're laughing at the people who raised me. And sir, they're
not people who deserved to be laughed at."
Gilgal Regigald allowed the woman before him struggle with unshed tears
with the patience of a saint. As soon as words ceased to escape her lips the only sound that could be heard was that of a
soft sigh. Despite his size, the titan had the ability to be as gentle as a breeze and to speak with the outmost sincerity
that even the loudness of his voice, or at times lack thereof, could convey.
"As I said, I wished to speak to you
about regarding your progress in the force. Before you make up your mind about the worthlessness you owe your pack, listen
to what has to be said. In all my years as guild master, I have seen many recruits come and go through this office and only
a few have done well enough to attract my attention. When you first came here, you were a shy, waffish creature not even capable
of slaying a squirrel. Last report I got, I hear you're slaying enchanted wolfhounds at the retreat. That's quite a feat for
an *elf*, especially one that relies on her muscle and not magic. Shania Greywolf, I dare say that you have been excelling
at what you do in a rather magnificent fashion. On top of all things, you are a bright young woman and it your addition to
the force will be an asset upon your graduation."
"However," he added, "It is obvious that there are a lot of things
swimming in that head of yours. Things that I am sure, you have not mentioned to either of your mentors. Had that been the
case, officer Cadnos and or officer Isu herself, would have brought this up to my attention. The issues would have been
resolved. I can see things myself, Constable Greywolf. I see all and it is why I wished to speak to you. In the last few weeks,
I have noticed a certain... peace that has not been present since the day that you donned that uniform. Jelly donuts have
gone untouched... those dolls you work on have nearly doubled in the last four days alone. Have you anything to add to that?"
Through
out his speech, Shania had managed to compose herself. Despite it all, she still couldn't smile and words failed her. Gilgal,
on the other hand, studied each gesture that crossed the elf's countenance.
"At having heard the last remark regarding
your last name, Constable Greywolf, I have come to a decision. It pains me to say the following but it is for your own good;
I will not have one of my most promising recruits burn herself out. I want you to leave your badge on my desk and go home."
"What?!
Y-you can't, sir! Its...why?" Upon her exclamation, the elf had jumped to her feet, hands clasped onto the badge she'd worn
with so much pride as if her life depended on it.
"Go home and rest, Constable. I am suspending you until further
notice. Oh, and do call Watchman Vladnis to my office. There are a few words I wish to have with that kit."
With shaky
hands, as well as the sense that she was losing a life line, Shania abandoned her well-polished badge at the hands of the
sentinel guild master, only to turn around and head home.
( To be cont.... )
.: Shania "Shani-shan!" Greywolf
:.
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