Role

Chapter 9

Ethlerrereva has settled into her role as Drillmistress. It comes with headaches but
it also comes with great fulfilment. She finds herself perhaps doing more
than others before her, because the Commander suffers from an affliction
of falling into deep meditation without intent. But so far he has not
complained or changed anything she has done, and so she is comfortable in
the leadership she provides.

She is only middling happy regarding growth. A few new fighters, but not enough.
Even so, she does what she can to encourage others. Which extends to everyone.
Indeed, she speaks to the most ardent enemies, including, for instance,
Narra, offering help to change, to put aside magic, and begin life anew.
Few accept the offer, but she does not lose fervor. By word or deed, change
or death, they will come to the right end. As Lord Ergush says, everything
dies. It is helpful if some deaths serve a purpose. Dismaying as many are,
she is not discouraged. Their foolish taunts are water on a duck.

What does frustrate her is that most mages no longer engage. Ydane is a perfect
example. After a few tangles very early on, not once have they fought.
She will fly to others, fight others, but never Ethlerrereva any more.
Worse, the few times she has the opportunity, they almost always escape near
death. It is a great frustration. Again, something to deal with.

Because the mages avoid her, or enemies rest, she spends much time obtaining
items for Tahren. Useful, though not exciting. But necessary. She also seeks
to adventure in new places, to explore the remaining mysteries of Thera.
But again, she often has no one to travel with and the places to go are not
suitable for lone traveling. The village holds no bards now, and those she knows
become more and more dependant on magical clothing, and so less and less acceptable
for traveling together. That, too, is frustrating, and another reason she
tries to grow the village. And, to be honest, to build some huts that are not
filled with dark elves or duergar or black hearted giants. People to travel with.
She shall see.

Finally, she has tried once more to speak to her father and grandfather and
again, both were silent. She is not old yet, and will have time. But hope
begins to dim. She will try again, in time. And hope they will see the light.
Until then, she spends only brief time in Darsylon, the coldness of her former
people an almost physical assault.