Night Watch I: Eliza, Ward of Andrew

*Blasko’s POV*

I motioned Eliza over to somewhere we could sit that was out of earshot of others. “Eliza, you don’t need to say anything, but it might be helpful for me to know, if you understand what I am saying, with regards to strategic planning...” I hesitated, wanting to be sensitive about approaching the subject. “If there’s anything unique in your past, that you would like to disclose in confidence, it could be of aid.

“Though, please be advised, if you chose to share such information with me, there is the possibility I might be forced to explain my strategic decisions with other Officers of the Watch. It is your choice.” I paused, then added, “Along those lines, if you ever encounter any negativity, let me know immediately. That sort of thing is not tolerated, not by the Wild Ones in general, but especially not on the Night Watch, ok?”

Eliza looked at me with intense appraisal, clearly trying to gauge my character. Her eyes were green, and very penetrating. “First Officer Blasko, my grandfather was a Dark Mountain Elf. I am not ashamed of it, nor is it a secret. You may share that with anyone who asks, if you desire, as you see fit. It is why my combat style is so… unusual. But most Fae do not care for my grandfather’s kind. Perhaps it would be best not to advertise, and to let it come to light…” Eliza hesitated. “More organically? More gradually? After I have gained some acceptance?”

Gods. Few species are more hated, if any. Poor girl. "Agreed. Now, you should know, Ronnie has gone to fetch Pete. Pete is a good man, if a bit different. Because of his ancestry, he also encountered a great deal of bigotry. He’s very quiet. I don’t feel it’s my place to share his story, but I think he may be the only one here who’s willing or… up to the challenge of facing you, without a lot of… encouragement, so that I can see how you like to engage opponents. What is your weapon of choice?”

“Battleaxe. Andrew and I are going to see Christian tomorrow to have one made.” Eliza smiled, excited.

Normally, I would have laughed if anyone on the Watch (except Pete) had said such a thing. But I knew about Dark Mountain Elves, I had seen them fight, a long time ago. “Just one? Or one for each hand?” Eliza chortled. I hadn’t been joking.

“I’m not as strong as my Grampy, by any means. I imagine I’d get tired with two after a while. Besides, that would be cost-prohibitive.” Fair point.

“Well, I can’t really see you work with an ax today, we don’t have any practice, uh, axes, but maybe you and Pete can go a round with some wooden staves. Can you use a sword at all?” Eliza nodded.

“Not as well as an ax. I’m not fast, obviously.” She paused. “In the past, I’ve used claymores, and, well…” She looked uncomfortable for a moment. “When I swing it generally results in decapitation, so my Watch, as a gift after an orc raid, had an oversized executioner’s sword made for me. It would never have worked for most Fae, there was no point for thrusting, but I thought it was a nice gesture, a bit of a joke, really.” She smiled sheepishly. I had never seen anyone lop an orc’s head off with a single sword swing. I decided, most definitely, never to make Eliza truly mad at me.

“Ah, well, I see. We have some wooden practice swords, and though some of them are large, I don’t think they’re quite that large, not really classically two-handed grip. But for right now, they’ll do. I’ll round up some poor fucker and make them face off against you. Do me a favor: please don’t kill them?”

I had been joking, forgetting Eliza was a murderer, but she took me deadly seriously. “Never, First Officer. I give you my word I have never taken a life that didn’t deserve to be taken.” Ahh, unexpected, out of nowhere. And I believed her.

I nodded. “Good.” And, lo and behold, I could see Pete approaching in the distance. Perfect timing. I loved it when timing was perfect.

Notes

hmmm... i wonder what Pete is like? how it will go?.... :D

an example of an executioner's sword: