Sal'Elgar

Settling In - Part 37

Manean walked the grounds in awe of the splendor – and the caress of magic on her skin. She had a nice room that she shared with another young girl named Kira, that had been rescued not unlike herself had been. She had told her that she should get familiar with the castle and grounds before choosing a position to work in.

"I may choose?" she had asked the girl surprisingly.

"Oh yes – Fen'Harel prefers that we enjoy our job and encourages us to try out many before choosing."

So that was what she was doing – getting to know the grounds. She found the small play area for the children and not surprisingly she found the children and their mother occupying the space. She hadn't meant to intrude and began backing away when she heard the woman speak with a soft accent she had never heard before.

"You don't need to leave da'len," she said gently while wiping the dirt from her knees and standing.

"I did not mean to intrude my Lady," she said quickly bowing deeply.

Salihn gazed at her for a moment wondering if this was the one that Solas had spoken about and seeing her fear of reprimand, she felt a swift hatred for the slavers that caused such a reaction. With a heavy sigh at the injustice done to the young girl she motioned her to come in.

"Come in here and let's get to know each other a bit," she said calmly before sitting on the small bench.

Manean took hesitant steps into the garden and the small girl child ran towards her holding a doll up to her to look at. Taking the doll she looked at it and then handed it back thinking she had never had such a thing as a child. She saw that the Queen motioned her to sit next to her and moved to do as she asked quickly.

"My name is Salihn, what is yours?" Salihn asked her watching the young girl twist her hands.

"I am Manean, my Lady," she said keeping her eyes downcast.

Ah, so it is the one he spoke of.

Shy girl

I would be too if all I knew was beatings and work

What should we do about her magical abilities?

Teach her to use them as Solas taught me

"I was hoping that I would get a chance to meet with you – my husband was very curious about you," she said calmly not missing the fear that dashed over the young girl's face at the idea of being the Dread Wolfs focus.

Salihn watched her for a moment and recognized that the young girl would not speak any further she continued as if it were nothing.

"He said that you had magical abilities – has anyone taught you how to control them or use them properly?"

Manean shook her head no, at the question and snuck a chance glance at the Queen and yanked her eyes from her quickly as she was startled by the two different colored eyes that watched her interestedly.

"Well then that tells me what needs done first," she said in a matter of fact tone stunning the young girl to look at her.

"You must learn," she said frankly before laying a gentle hand on her shoulder.

"My Lady," she questioned her hesitantly.

"Magic, Manean – you need to learn what you are capable of and how to direct it, control it when needed. You must also learn to read, write, numbers...oh there is much we must do. How old are you?" she asked her suddenly throwing the young girl off.

"Thirteen," she said hesitantly and finally relaxed as Salihn smile at her.

"Good age...boys are still gross and your brain is sharp," she said with a small giggle making the young girl smile.