Night Watch I: Eliza, Ward of Andrew

*Jinxx’s POV*

I waited at post, listening quietly. Ronnie was doubtless on his way to switch me out. I was apprehensive. Tonight Andrew would be bringing his new ward for her first shift on the Night Watch with him. The Changing of the Guard Ceremony was likely underway.

I wasn’t worried that Ashley would cause any problems with Andy anymore. Ashley was an incredibly intelligent man who loved the Dusk Watch, I was pretty sure he’d behave himself from now on. What concerned me was Andrew’s charge, and not for the same reasons as everyone else.

Granted, she was probably a murderer, perhaps a multiple murderer. But, unlike some people, I was willing to accept the judgment of the Council, and just try and keep an open mind until I got to know her, or until she shared her story on her own time. But for me, there was more to it than that.

Jake, the Day Watch’s First Officer, was a smart man. None of the Councilmembers had even thought to tell me that a Dark Mountain Elf hybrid was joining the Wild Ones, it hadn’t even occurred to them that it might be pertinent. I gather James and Ashley didn’t know enough to recognize her kind. Either way, Jake had sought me out immediately after the Council Meeting to let me know that the woman exile was in very rough shape, and that our ancestors had not gotten along very well, so to speak.

While I had nothing against Dark Mountain Elves, it would remain to be seen if she held any of her familial biases. If she did, I wouldn’t stand a chance. If I used anything in my favor to try and anticipate an attack, even just to buy me enough time to flee, she would know it instantly. I was still trying to decide how to play the situation.

I hadn’t asked how Jake had been able to tell I was a hybrid, or who had told him. It wasn’t a secret, and I was not ashamed. Instead, I thanked him. Oddly, he had inquired about my experiences playing fiddle, which led to a bit of discussion about guitar, and then mandolin. Interesting fellow.

I looked into the dark of the woods. I remembered back, to when I had first arrived. A Dusk Fae without purpose, and the Dusk Watch had accepted me. I was a Dusk Watchman now, and I had heard Andrew’s ward had always been a Night Watchman, and a good one. I made my decision: I would approach her in good faith, one member of the Watch to another.

Notes

hmmm- what do you think is in Jinxx's background that he's concerned might set Eliza off?