This is a continuation from the recent Pratchett book 'Thud!'. It follows Sally as she continues to try and fit into the society of Ankh-Morpork. This starts after Vimes' talk with Sally at the end of 'Thud!'
DISCLAIMER: I don't own any of these characters (except in my imagination) but I still love them all dearly. They all belong to Terry Pratchett. The rest of the story is mine.
RECONCILIATION
Walking from Vimes and Angua, her composure not revealing her true feelings, Sally left the room with Angua's last words in her head. 'You're going to keep her?' How easy it would be if she could just remain in Bonk. But no, she had joined the City Watch so Ankh-Morpork was to be her new home. And after the whole spying fiasco would she ever be accepted properly by the watch.
'Just a great start to life in the city,' thought Sally. With a name like 'Salacia Deloresista Amanita Trigestra Zeldana Malifee . . . von Humpeding it was hard to fit into the modern society of Ankh-Morpork. The new force in Bonk tried to imitate the style that was managed down on the plains, but at least in Bonk people understood what went with having a name three pages long. The urge to fly as a bat, the counting of a person's heartbeat, the constant calling of you addiction, the support required to resist the call of blood.
Down in the city they only saw vampires as stylish creatures of the night, perfectly safe with their addictions. It was hard, and yet Sally was determined to try to fit in. Not because she wanted to be human, but because she craved a better life.
Sally wandered along Koom Valley, the significance of this place to so many. One geographical location that had sparked endless fueds, traditions that involved the extermination of a race, and a problem that required unification to solve. Sitting down on a rock, she wondered at what life held in the future.
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Angua watched as Sally walked from the room, and she detected a sense of sorrow from Sally's posture. Angua felt a bit of pity for the vampire, but then shook it from her mind. 'How could I feel sorry for a vampire? That is completely un-natural. But she seemed so sad, but what's that to me? Why should I feel sorry for her?' Puzzled at her thoughts, Angua turned to Vimes.
'What do you think of her spying, sir?'
Vimes calming stood there, Young Sam playing at his feet. 'Well, its all the rage in politics, spying on your friends. Don't look so gloomy over it, I am sure once she settles down she'll make a good policeman. I really think she needs a friend, sergeant.' With that Vimes scooped up Young Sam and carried him underground.
'Friends with a vampire? How absurd!' cried Angua, but her voice fell on empy ears. She then thought, 'Friends with a vampire? Well, I guess if we have trolls and dwarves not murdering each other on sight, then why can't a werewolf be friends with a vampire. Afterall, we do live in Ankh-Morpork.'
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'You mind is I sit down?'
Sally looked up and saw Angua walking out of the shadows. She still admired the way the werewolf always seemed so calm and in control, no matter what the situation. Sally motioned to the space on the rocks.
Angua continued, 'I know I haven't been very welcoming to you since you joined the watch.'
Sally looked up, 'You just treated me the way a werewolf treats a vampire, perfectly normal.' Angua looked ashamed, quite startled by Sally's tear-stained face.
'But we are all Watchmen! That's what's made me a bit ashamed at how I treated you. I mean, we have trolls, dwarves, humans, gnomes, even a Nobbs all working together without fuss, so why shouldn't a vampire and a werewolf get along?'
Surprised, Sally considered the other girl. 'But why are you changing your mind on me now? I thought you hated me, firstly because of me being a vampire, and secondly because of Carrot.'
'I guess I was a little jealous. You vampires are so charismatic, but I forgot that and saw you as a threat. But Vimes mentioned that maybe you need a friend in the city. I forgot how hard it can be to fit in. There still is a rumor about a werewolf in the Watch that sometimes cause speculation, and I guess Ankh-Morpork isn't Uberwald. So maybe we could be friends?'
Sally looked shocked. Here was the girl who had been so outwardly judgemental of Sally, now suggesting friendship. But it made sense, if we expect it from trolls and dwarves, why not for other races. And Angua seemed serious.
'Well, I guess we can try. Afterall, we are both Watchmen. Anyway, I am going for a longer walk so I'll see you later.' Sally turned to walk away. 'And one hint, go and spend some time with Carrot. Not doing anything in particular, just something besides work. You might enjoy it.'
Angua sat in silence as the vampire disappeared into fading light. Maybe there was something in what she said.
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Much later Sally returned to the room she shared with Angua. Lying in the dark she noticed the other bed was empty. Oh well, at least Angua was probably enjoying herself. 'Tomorrow,' Sally thought, 'I will have to face the Low King. And then its back to Ankh-Morpork. I have no idea how that will work.'
This is my first fanfiction so be nice. I know its only short but I will try and write more within the week. Hope its ok.
Thanks to my boyfriend vampire phoenix for beta reading for me.