Character Interview: Eryna
I tap my papers into a neater stack on the desk. Light footsteps draw my attention. A young Elven woman stands in the doorway to the private library.
“I was told it’s my turn,” Eryna says.
“It is. Have a seat.”
Eryna sits across from me in one of the chairs in front of the desk. She smiles. “So what’s first?”
“Introduce yourself.” I’m not going to forget that again, like I did with Jay’s interview.
“I am Princess Eryna Torrench.” She glances around the room, her smile turning wry. “Sorry if I seem a bit distracted. It just feels a little odd being here when I’m not in trouble.”
“What?”
“This is my father’s library, where he tends to all his kingly duties. As a princess and the younger child, I don’t have to study as much as Aven does. He works with Father to learn how to be a king, so he’s here every day. But I never frequented this room. Growing up, I usually only came here when I’d done something wrong.”
“So you were a mischievous child?”
“You could say so. But I prefer the terms curious and adventurous.” She smiles again. “I was always climbing trees or jumping in rivers. But I wasn’t the only one who was a rascal. Aven had his share of lectures, too. We often had to face them together, because we were fighting.”
“You and Aven fought as children?”
“Yes. Just the usual way siblings do. He’d steal my doll, I’d push him in a pile of used hay.”
“Used hay?”
She laughs. “Yeah. That one was maybe a little too mean, but he deserved it.”
I shake my head. “You get along better now, right?”
“Yes. Actually, we got along back then. We’d tease and fight, but we were close. We always have been. Aven was always one of my dearest friends.”
“So he’s a good brother?”
“Yes. Well, usually.” Her smile falls, replaced by worry. “But he’s been so different since our mother died. He doesn’t sing anymore. Doesn’t laugh or smile as often. He’s so angry. It’s like a part of him is gone.”
“It must be hard to see him like this.”
“It is. I pray for him all the time.” She sighs. “But it’s Aven’s choice.”
“You can’t force someone to change.”
She nods. “But you can pray they will.”
“Yes. Pynn said he’s praying for Aven, too.”
“I don’t doubt it. They’re like brothers. The change in Aven isn’t easy on Pynn, either.” She frowns. “Pynn has been worried about him, too. And so is Father. Aven doesn’t realize what he’s doing to everyone.”
“Hopefully, he’ll realize soon.”
“I hope so.” She stares at the floor, worry still filling her eyes.
Time to change the subject. I glance at my papers.
“So, that’s where things stand with Aven,” I say. “But what about the rest of palace life? What’s it like being a princess?”
“Honestly? A little boring. Like I said, I don’t have to study as much as my brother does. I’ve finished everything I’m required to learn, but I still study on my own just because I enjoy learning. Thankfully, the main library downstairs is huge. I like it, but I’m more often in the archery field. There is nothing like the bow.” She smiles again.
“Is it normal for Elven women to learn the bow?”
“Not really. It’s considered less than ladylike. If not for Cailean giving me a bow as a gift and my mother talking Father into letting me use it, I never would have learned archery. It’s just not done.”
“Cailean? No one has mentioned him yet. Who is he?”
“General Cailean is the leader of Bysra’s military. He’s the best warrior we have and knows more about the shifters than anyone else. He’s also Aven’s and Pynn’s mentor. And mine, in a way. He not only gave me a bow, he also taught me to use it. And how to mount a griffin. Cailean has been serving in the military since before Father was born, and has always been here. He’s like a second father to Aven and me.”
“Sounds like he’s well loved.”
“He is. I’m not sure there is a person in Bysra who doesn’t respect him.”
“So he’s your friend? Does being a princess make it difficult to make friends outside the castle?”
“Yes, it does. It’s hard to make friends inside the castle, too. Being royal means being protected at all times. I’m guarded whenever I go out. There are certain social expectations. A princess must be kind and hospitable, which is easy for me, but most of the common folk are too respectful to engage in real conversation.” Eryna sighs. “Being royal can be lonely. But I’m thankful for the few friends I do have.”
“Other than Aven and Cailean, who else is your friend?”
“Pynn is a dear friend. And now Maddie is here.” Eryna grins. “It’s been so nice to finally have another woman to talk to. For so long, all my friends have been men. The only women around are maids, and they’re all too professional to really be friends. Besides, they’re paid to be friendly; it’s not the same thing. But Maddie is different. As a human, she isn’t intimidated by my title or bound by the norms of Elven culture. We’re free to actually be friends.”
“Sounds like it’s a good thing she found the Door and entered Exterrah.”
“I’m glad she did. And Father likes her, but I think he’s just happy I have someone to talk to. He’s also been trying to get Aven to be nice to her. Maybe having Maddie around will show Aven that not all humans are bad.”
“That might work,” I say.
“So far, it hasn’t.” Eryna sighs again. “I’m not sure what it will take to get through to him.”
“Maybe more humans?”
She chuckles. “More humans? Didn’t you see the way he and Jay were glaring at each other earlier? I don’t think Jay trusts him.”
“He’s just protective of Maddie. You know how brothers are.”
“Yes, I do! Aven is the same way, sometimes. We may not always get along, but Aven will go to battle against any man who so much as looks at me the wrong way.”
“As a brother should.” I glance at my papers. “Looks like that’s everything.”
“Already? It didn’t seem like we talked that long.”
“Maybe that’s just because you enjoy talking, so it never feels long to you.”
Eryna laughs. “Maybe.”
She stands. “I’ll head back to the sitting room. Do you want me to send in the next guest?”
I look at my papers again and grimace. “Alexis is next.”
Eryna makes a face. “Good luck with that.”
I think I’ll need it.
Check back Friday for Alexis’ interview. If there is anything you want to know about any of the characters, drop your questions in the comments.
