Disclaimer: I do not own "The Elfstones of Shannara", or any of the characters in it. They are the property of Terry Brooks.
A/N: "The Elfstones of Shannara" was the first Fantasy novel I ever read, and it's still one of my favourites. Over the years I've got to thinking that since most of the parts of the book concerning Amberle take place from the point of view of other characters, it might be interesting to attempt to write from her point of view. Hence the reflections; I've taken a few scenes from the book (but not the original text, unless somebody's speaking). To the best of my understanding, this is not an MST; however, if it is, I would appreciate being informed of this.
1. Pre-"Elfstones": Leaving Arborlon
I know that they will all believe that I am wrong.
I am a disgrace, they will say. I am insulting all Elves, betraying my people. They will say that I, Amberle Elessedil, do not value the highest honour that can be given to an Elf. It will make it worse that I am the famous "first woman since the time of Jerle Shannara".
It is easy for them to say so. They never had to make this choice.
They will never stop to think that I have my reasons for leaving her service. All that they will see is that a Chosen who should embody all that is sacred to the Elves has betrayed them, deserted them, cast away the honour of serving the Ellcrys as if it were a curse. They will never know how I have been torn between fear and duty--and loss, too. They will ask, "How could she leave?"
I ask, "How could I stay?" I cannot. Not now that I have left her service. They will never accept me again as one of them. Oh, Grandfather, I hate to leave you! I cannot bear to think that you will hate me when you find that I have gone!
I make my way to a small village. Nobody will find me here; they will not think to search. I can re-create my life here at Havenstead, away from the Elves who are more like the Men of the Southland than they care to admit.
