Character Interview: Pynn
I sit behind the large desk in the king’s private library, glancing at the innumerable books surrounding me as I wait for Aven to send Pynn in. All the titles are in Elvish, making them illegible.
A knock comes on the open door. A dwelf waits there. His mixed blood is obvious, with every feature balanced between elven and dwarven.
I smile. “Come in.”
Returning the grin, he crosses the room and sits in the chair across from me. “I’m told it’s my turn.”
“Yes. Just start by introducing yourself.”
“Pynn Gilraene.”
“You aren’t going to use your title?”
“Captain Gilraene, but I didn’t know this was to be formal.”
“It’s not, but Aven was very formal when introducing himself.”
“Aven is… different. He takes things more seriously, often when he doesn’t have to.”
“He also didn’t want to be here.”
“That could have been part of it. He doesn’t enjoy this sort of thing. The Torrench line isn’t like you may expect royalty to be. They’re humble, and don’t seek attention.”
“Sounds like you know them pretty well.”
Pynn chuckles. “I should. I’ve lived with them nearly my entire life.”
“Really? How did that happen?”
“Well… it’s a long story. And I’m not sure if telling it would break the no spoilers rule.”
“A condensed version, maybe?”
“I could do that.” He pauses, likely getting his thoughts together. “I’m half-dwarf and half-elf. Such a thing is not… acceptable to certain people. I had to leave Deirmond, the dwarven kingdom, when I was a child. My uncle brought me to Bysra, to King Lyren and Queen Jesinia. They agreed to house me. I worked in the castle, and quickly made friends with Aven and Eryna. When I was of age, I joined the military and was assigned to train under General Cailean the same as Aven. I’m Aven’s second in command now.”
“You consider each other brothers, right?”
“Yes.”
“What about Eryna? Is she like a sister to you?”
Pynn stiffens slightly. “No, I do not consider Eryna my sister.”
“Why not? You grew up together.”
“Yes. We’re lifelong friends, but she is not a sister to me.”
I raise a brow but don’t push the matter. “So you’re a captain and Aven’s second in command. How do the citizens of Bysra feel about that, considering your mixed blood?”
“After living in Bysra for more than a hundred years, I’ve proven myself, and they’ve come to accept me,” he says. “They didn’t like it at first, though. It was rough when I first came here. Aven and Eryna were the only friends I had. It was just like in Deirmond; no one wanted to associate with the half-blood. But, unlike the dwarves, the elves were more civil in their rejection and didn’t try to…” Pynn pauses and takes a deep breath.
“It’s okay,” I say. “You don’t have to tell the whole story.”
He nods and composes himself. “I’ve lived in Bysra for one hundred and twenty-two years, but the memories of Deirmond still hurt.”
“That’s the way it is sometimes. We can’t forget our past.”
“No, but we can heal. And not letting the past control our present is part of that.” He sighs. “It’s hard to let the past go. But with God’s grace, healing is possible. It’s been a long road, but, I’m thankful to say, I’ve learned much.”
“Do you think the trials you’ve overcome are partially why you’re often the voice of wisdom among your friends?”
“What?” Pynn’s eyes widened in confusion, or maybe disbelief.
“You don’t know? Your friends value your advice. Between your wisdom and sense of humor, you’re an invaluable strength to your friends.”
Pynn blinks. “What… I… What?”
I chuckle. “Never mind.”
He wouldn’t believe it even if his friends themselves told him.
“Let’s move on. Aven and Eryna quickly became your friends. What about King Lyren and Queen Jesinia? How did they feel about you living here?”
“They offered me protection, which is probably the only reason I survived. They both accepted me rather quickly, but Queen Jesinia wasn’t as reserved as her husband and it didn’t take long for her to see me as no different than any other child. She taught me right alongside Aven and Eryna, often gave me things like sweets or toys, was supportive when I started training with the sword.” Pynn smiles. “She was the closest thing to a mother I’ve ever known.”
“You never knew your mother?”
“No. My birth was difficult. She died not long after.” He glances away. “She was an elf. Some people say that’s why she died. Because she married a dwarf and had a half-blood child, death was the result. I know it isn’t true. But the last I heard, many of the dwarves still believe it.”
“People are cruel.”
“Very.” Pynn shakes his head. “But it turned out well in the end. I grew up in a castle, have friends, a high rank in the military, and lessons I may never have learned otherwise. As hard as my life has been, I don’t think I’d trade a moment. I wouldn’t be who I am today without those hard times.”
I smile. “You don’t let anything keep you down, do you?”
“I try not to, but I can’t take the credit. On my own, I’m nothing. Everything I’ve learned or overcome is by God’s grace.”
“This may be why you’re the favorite.”
“What?” Pynn's bushy brows furrow in confusion. “I’m… a favorite?”
“Yes. I expected Aven to be the one with fans, but so far, more people like you.”
Pynn blinks. “I… I’m a favorite.”
He snaps his mouth shut and shakes his head, the shock fading. “That was unexpected.”
“Yes, honestly, it was.” I glance at my papers on the desk. “We’ve gotten a little sidetracked. Next question. Other than how people treat you, what’s it like being a dwelf?”
“It’s like being a person. Nothing different.” He flashes a teasing grin. “Other than being short and having hair that looks like I’ve been struck by lightning.”
I laugh. “It’s not that bad.”
“Maybe not.” He plucks at a frizzed curl. “But next to the elves, I look like I brushed my hair with a pinecone. Not that I care, at least, not anymore. And being a foot shorter than most elven men gives me an advantage. People tend to underestimate you when you’re short, making sparring more… interesting.” He grins again.
“You can use your height as an advantage.”
“Exactly. Most men at the castle barracks have learned I’m not an easy opponent, but occasionally a new soldier will spar with me thinking it will be a quick win. It is—for me. But it’s a good lesson for them. Underestimating an opponent can be deadly. We can’t judge by looks.”
“Besides, there’s a reason why dwarves are so strong in battle.”
“That’s also true. But that has more to do with their stubbornness and warrior culture than strength. Elves are stronger, which irritates dwarves to no end.”
“Which did you inherit? The stubbornness of dwarves or the physical strength of elves?”
“The strength of elves, thankfully. But I inherited other things from my dwarven blood, like metabolism. Speaking of which, I’m hungry.”
I laugh. “Okay. We’re finished here. Go find a snack.”
Pynn stands but pauses. “I think I’ll head back to the sitting room first, maybe bring Aven along when I leave. If that’s all right. He probably needs a break from humans.”
“He really doesn’t like them.”
“No, he doesn’t. I worry about him. He can’t see what he’s becoming.” Pynn sighs and straightens. “But you stand by your friends. I just pray he sees the light before it’s too late.”
With a nod, Pynn heads out the door.
I turn back to my papers, shuffling through the questions. I think it’s time to interview another human, so I’ll call Jay in next.
Check back Tuesday for Jay’s interview. If there is anything you want to know about any of the characters, be sure to drop your questions in the comments.
