Untitled Part One

I sit at my desk, doing my studies as I do each and every night.  I am reading up on the history of our counsel on this eve.  1

"Elia?"2

I turn around and look into the face of my mother.  Her deep blue eyes and thick brown hair.  Her high cheekbones.  Everything about her is far different than mine.  Instead of dark hair, I have white hair.  It's still thick, but it looks nothing like my mothers.  Instead of blue eyes, mine are green.  In fact, if you put me next to my mother and father, I wouldn't look a thing like either of them.  I turn back around to my studies.3

"Elia?" says my mother again more sternly, walking across the room to me.4

I turn back around.  "Yes?" I ask grimly.5

"That's enough studying for tonight dear," she says firmly but kindly taking the book away.  "You're going to work yourself to death.6

I reach up for the book.  "I'm not done," I say.7

"I said that's enough studying tonight Elia," she says with a warning tone.8

"Alright mother," I say, sitting back down.9

"Why do you work yourself so?" my mother asks, setting the book aside on the table and sits down.10

"I don't want to talk about it," I mumble.11

"But I cannot help it we don't talk about it," mother says quietly.12

"Alright," I give in, "I have the theory that maybe if I have more knowledge than the other kids, maybe they'll think me elven enough."13

"Oh my dear," she says, embracing me, "you don't have to prove yourself to the other children.  You are elven enough."14

I spot my reflection and pull away from my mother.15

"But I look so-" I break off, "so different."16

"We're all different," she replies.17

I give no reply.  We sit there for about five minutes.  Finally, my mother stands up.18

"Well," she says, turning around.  "I cannot change your opinion about yourself, but there will be no more studying for you tonight, understand?"19

"Yes mother," I mumble.20

Without another word, she leaves me alone in my room.  I get up and climb into bed.  Soon, I am fast asleep.21