Night Watch I: Eliza, Ward of Andrew

*Eliza’s POV*

Only another being with Dark Elf ancestry could have caused this kind of reaction. Dark Mountain Elves were despised by all Elves, but over the millennia, the enmity between the Dark Mountain Elves and all the other Dark Elves had manifested to the point of becoming physical. Dark Elves of the Highlands, Sea, Savannah, or Desert, caused a reaction, as well as reacted, to the presence of a Dark Mountain Elf, and it was not pleasant. Nausea, migraines, and irritability were usually the extent of it. It was said that, when nobility met, there was even a physical force that prevented contact, but that wasn't generally put to the test. The Dark Mountain Elves were so hated, they were generally left alone. However, if stragglers were found, they were quickly disposed of, without remorse.

Each race had its own culture and language, but there was an Ancient Common Tongue. It was not used often, mostly for diplomacy. It had an advantage: though not impossible, it was physically uncomfortable for any Dark Elf to lie in Ancient Common. I had no idea why. And because my mother was an irritating harridan, she made me learn it. Here’s to hoping Jinxx’s mother was an irritating old snog too.

I straightened myself and thought through my sentence carefully before speaking. “{Do you speak Ancient Common?}”

Jinxx looked surprised. When he spoke, it was much smoother-sounding, but recognizable. “{Yes, but slow, please.May I approach?}" I nodded, and Jinxx came forward slowly, keeping his hands raised at chest-level. As he got closer, I started to feel nauseated, and my head started to throb harder. I could tell Jinxx was affected as well, though not as severely, as he was making an atrocious face.

I made an effort to speak slowly and enunciate. “{You must have Dark Elf ancestry.My grandfather was a Dark Mountain Elf.I am an exile for murder.What say you?}” Jinxx considered me for a moment, before nodding.

“{My great-grandmother was a Dark Elf of the Sea.I am not ashamed of my bloodline, but I do not hold with its ugly stains.I trust the Council, and I trust Andrew.I am a Watchman, I welcome you to our Watch as a fellow Watchman, and I would die to defend you on the battlefield}” Whoa, those were strong words, and said in Ancient Common, no less! Andrew was right: Jinxx was a good man.

I considered my words carefully. I elected to use an ancient saying. “{As long as I have breath, you have a brother.}” Jinxx smiled, albeit briefly, though he still looked a little green.

“{I have heard that the effect,}” Jinxx indicated the two of us with his hand, “{will dissipate with repeated exposure. I look forward to our next encounter.}” We clasped hands, both of us feeling an instant wave of revulsion, and I knew I would be sick any second. I gave a quick, formal Elven bow, and Jinxx tore ass up the path.

I ran for the bushes to vomit. As I was puking, I could hear Andrew coming after me, and in the distance, I could hear Jinxx retching pathetically. That had gone well, but next time I met my new brother-in-arms, we would keep it shorter. Way shorter. With more distance and no touching.

Notes

booyah!