[Maegaladiel]

Nahai looked at this boy before her in wonder. He seemed so lost now, as though he had no idea of what he had spoken only moments before. The great strength and power his voice had held had vanished, leaving only the frightened child sitting beside her. He was alone, in a strange place. And he asked her to be his friend.

This small gesture of trust, this tiny show of innocence and kinship touched Nahai. It was rare that anyone bothered to give her the time of day, let alone call her ‘friend’.

“I would be honored to be your friend, Master Elhor, if you’ll have me.” She said with a smile. Suddenly a pang of guilt struck her heart. He didn’t know her secret. She couldn’t lie to the boy any more. Taking a ragged breath, she looked Elhor in the eye.

“There is something you must know, however.” Nahai looked at everyone in the group. “There is something you all must know.” She paused, trying to think of the best way to approach the subject.

“I told you before that I am not what I seem. I did not lie. I am not truly of men, or of elves. Because of this, I have been hunted and feared my entire life. My parents were killed in front of me when I was but a child because of what they were. So forgive me if I seemed cold and untrustworthy when we first met. I can’t help but feel paranoid when I’m around people I do not know.” She stared at her hands. “To tell the truth, you’re some of the only people I’ve ever met who I feel I can trust. I’m sorry if I sound bitter, but my experiences with other people haven’t been pleasant ones.” For a split second, the others thought they could see tears rimming her emerald eyes as memories of the past pushed their way into her thoughts. She quickly blinked them back.

“I didn’t tell you earlier because,” she paused, “because I wanted you to see me as a person, not as a monster. I didn’t want you to fear me like everyone else does.” The tears returned as she remembered every scream of terror, every dirty and accusing stare, every harsh word and violent act that she had faced before. All because of what she was. Nahai dabbed her eyes with her sleeve. She was determined not to cry.

“I am a skin-changer. A Beorning, I believe they are called these days. In fact, Beorn is my uncle. It was he who raised me when my parents were murdered. Please forgive me for not telling you earlier.” Her eyes rested once more upon Elhor. “I will understand if you no longer want me as a friend.” There. It was out. Heaving a sigh of mixed relief and agitation, Nahai stared at her boots, waiting for a reply.