PC: Shalee Brinstryggr

[Shanara Windwalker]

Before the Gates Fall: A Little Girl


He watched her playing on the bank of the stream, her red hair flying unchecked around her face, the fur-lined cloak tangling around her legs as she chased falling leaves and tried to catch the tiny fish she saw swimming through the water. Her giggles and laughter assailed his ears and he winced. It would have been easier if he had hated her, yet, she was such a bright, happy child how could he. Still, he remained aloof and cold to her. It was better that way; better for both of them.

His resentment of his brother ate at him making him bitter and angry. She should have been his. She would have been if his brother had conveniently taken the arrow that day. But his brother rarely did as he was expected.

His eyes narrowed coldly as they settled on the elven woman sitting quietly keeping an eye on the child. Had she found out, warned him? He couldn't press it, couldn't learn the truth. Well, she was being punished as much as he was. He turned his face away, annoyed at the sad look he always saw in her eyes.

Suddenly he stood and moved over to the child. He grabbed her roughly by the arm, ignoring the silent tears.

“Enough, there’s work to be done.” His voice harsh and cold.

Throwing a venomous glance at the woman, he stalked off, dragging the child with him, knowing the sad elven beauty would make no move to stop him.
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"I am excessively diverted. But it is so strange!"

[Shanara Windwalker]

Before the Gates Fall: A Young Girl

Shalee sighed heavily. It wasn’t easy, this secrecy. Why did it have to be such a secret anyway? Why was it so bad to learn the language of her mother’s people let alone the stories of her mother’s people. She loved the flowing words and almost lilting accent, and the stories of Guinemere Elven Clan filled her young heart with wonder. Her mother thought it would be difficult for her to grasp, but Shalee was eager to learn. Not just in defiance of her uncle even if he were not aware of it, but because she was truly fascinated by her elven mother.

She scowled as she thought of her uncle, her gaze leaving the pages of the book she had been reading, to rest on her mother as she quietly set about cleaning. Shalee could not understand why her mother was so willing to give up her Elven ways for human ones. Why she stayed among the humans and with a brother-in-law that cared nothing for her. The child had confronted her mother once, asked her why only to receive a cold stare and a warning to never to bring it up again. That had scared her more than her uncle’s anger, for her mother was always gentle and loving to her even if she seemed distant and sad.

“Hide your book now, Shalee, and get busy with your work. Your uncle will return soon.” The soft, urgent voice cut into Shalee’s thoughts.

With a quick nod, she gently closed the precious book and carried it to her secret hiding place in her room.
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"I am excessively diverted. But it is so strange!"

[Shanara Windwalker]

Before the Gates Fall: A Young Lady



“Pull back harder, girl! More! You’ll never hit anything, otherwise!” he scowled at her. Privately, he was proud of her, but he would never let on. Just on the verge of womanhood, she was beautiful, strong willed and compassionate. If only he could tell her.

Shalee pursed her lips, anger and determination swirling in the green depths of her eyes. Wordlessly, she did as her uncle instructed carefully lining the target up in her sight and just as careful not to let loose a string of angry elven. Her muscles burned as she held the bow steady, concentrated on the makeshift target, drew in a breath and let the arrow fly.

With a satisfied smirk, she lowered the bow and turned to face her uncle. His cold gaze remained fixed on the almost perfect bulls-eye. Finally, he acknowledged her with a small nod. “Keep practicing and you may become a decent shot.” He spun on his heels to leave the forest.

“Uncle! Why?”

Without looking back, he chuckled striding away, “Because your mother doesn’t wish you to learn.”

Shalee turned back to the target and drew another arrow from the quiver. She laughed softly, “That is not what she told me.”
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"I am excessively diverted. But it is so strange!"