Chapter 7

After the Guardians left, Yua returned to the swamp, and Orube had spent the day exploring the area, trying to find any hint of what was going on. She kept an eye out for other Banshees, but as Yua had said, saw none.

It was full night when she got back to the camp, and she made dinner for herself. She was eating when her senses told her she wasn't alone. Quickly looking around, she saw eyes reflecting green in the dark.

"Come into the light, Banshee," she said, standing up, "I have your scent, and see your eyes."

Silently the swamp dweller stepped forward until she was visible. To Orube's surprise, the Banshee was very young. Judging by the standards of Basiliade, the girl was about eight. She looked pretty much like a small version of Yua.

"Um... hello," said Orube.

The Banshee stood with her arms crossed, looking at her.

"Did you want something?" asked Orube.

"I was curious to see one of the Guardians," the girl finally spoke.

"Sorry to disappoint you, but I'm not a Guardian. My name is Orube, and I came to protect them," she answered, sitting down.

"My name is Noi," said the other, "Will the Guardians be back soon?"

"I don't know, maybe tomorrow," said Orube.

There was silence for a minute, as Orube debated with herself. "Please, sit down," she finally said, gesturing at a rock, "Plenty of room. Would you like something to eat?"

"Why are you being nice to me? I thought humans hated Banshees," said Noi. She sat down and studied Orube,
suspicion plain on her face.

"Well, for one thing, I'm not a human. For another, I try to be nice to people I meet, unless they do something evil," said Orube. "Food?"

Noi hesitated, then nodded. Orube took a plate and put some of the leftover Chinese food on it, then handed it to the other. "careful, it's still hot."

"Then how do I..." started Noi.

"Use these," said Orube. She brought out chopsticks, and showed the young Banshee how to use them. In a few minutes the food was gone.

"That was good. I really liked the white crunchy vegetable," said Noi, handing Orube the plate.

"I don't know the name of it, sorry," said Orube, "But you're right, it is good."

Orube put the food and plates away, then came back and stirred the fire, making sparks fly upward into the dark.
Neither spoke for a while, watching the flames as they danced.

"Are the Guardians really going to save us?" asked Noi.

"They're going to do their best," answered Orube.

"I don't understand. All my life I've been told humans hate us, and only want us for our magic. And yet here are the human Guardians trying to save us. I can't figure it out," said Noi.

"Well, that I can help with," said Orube, "The Banshees are part of this world, and it would be a bad thing if they died out just like that. So the Guardians are here to see that doesn't happen."

Noi made no response, but sat thinking.

"What about you?" asked Orube, "Do you hate humans?"

"Yes. I mean, I'm supposed to, but I've never met one," said Noi.

"There's a difference between what you're told, and what you experience," said Orube, "I didn't like the Guardians either when I first met them, and their world is a madhouse. But over time and after some adventures, I saw how they really are. They have likes and dislikes just like everyone else, they bicker and fight sometimes (but not really very seriously), but they are true friends, and united in head and heart. I'm proud to know them."

Orube could tell Noi was listening carefully to what she said; her eyes reflected green in the fire, as she looked at Warrior of Kandrakar.

"Hating someone before you even meet them is not a good thing," said Orube, "It's always best to reserve your judgment until after. You might miss out on making a friend."

"Banshees have no friends," said Noi, "All species hate us. We stay to ourselves because we can be forced to use our magic for others."

"Can you do magic?" asked Orube.

Noi shook her head. "No, I'm too young. I won't get my magic until I become an adult."

"I see. Why do you think humans hate Banshees?" asked Orube.

"I don't know. The only time we have contact with them is when one of us goes and gets an animal from their pens for a special dinner," said Noi.

"Now we're getting somewhere," said Orube, "Stealing an animal from the humans is wrong."

"But they have so many, what difference does one make?" asked Noi.

The farmer did a lot of work to raise his animals, feeding them, keeping them safe, and just taking one hurts him"
explained Orube, "What you need to do instead is trade with him. Give him something he wants in exchange for the animal."

"Would that make them stop hating us?" asked Noi.

"It would be a start," said Orube. "If Banshees and humans worked out a deal, animals and other things in exchange for what they want, both sides would be better off."

"That makes sense..." said Noi, "But why DO humans hate us? Is that the only reason?"

"Well, they think you're evil," said Orube.

Noi got indignant. "We are NOT evil! Just because we keep to ourselves and protect our magic..."

"And steal from the humans," added Orube, "And try to scare them away when they come here." She poked the embers again. "See? Humans don't know anything about you, and think you're evil because of what they see you do and know what you can do."

She glanced at the young Banshee. "If that could change, there's no telling what could happen. This right here is a good example. You came to see a human, to see if there really was a reason to hate them, right?"

Noi nodded.

"I invited you to sit by the fire, fed you, and we've talked like two intelligent beings. We've learned things from each other, and it's been a good experience," said Orube. "Do you hate me now?"

"NO!" exclaimed Noi, "You're the first person I've met who wasn't a Banshee, and you've been very nice to me. My sisters would be suspicious, but I'm not. I... sense you mean no harm to me."

"You are young and have an open mind. That's good. Keep an open mind, and the universe will surprise you with what it will show you," said Orube.

"I like surprises," said Noi.

"Really?" asked Orube, smiling, "Just a moment." She went into the hut and came out with a small object in her hand. She gave it to Noi.

"Put that in your mouth and suck on it," she instructed.

Noi sniffed at it, surprise on her features. "What is it?"

"Hard candy. It's sweet. I heard Banshees weren't familiar with that flavor," said Orube.

Noi obeyed Orube's instructions, and she grinned. "This is wonderful! Thank you!"

Orube smiled. "You're welcome."

There was silence for a few minutes, as Noi enjoyed her first candy. Then she looked at Orube and said, "Do you think things can be mended between Banshees and humans?"

"Maybe. But it will take a lot of work on both sides. The Guardians and I have... issues with your sister Yua, but we've put those aside to look at the bigger picture. Saving the Banshees is more important."

Noi stood up. "Thank you, Orube, you've given me a lot to think about. I need to go home now." The young Banshee turned toward the water, and left the fire's glow. At the water's edge, she turned.

"Orube? Can I come and talk to you some more?" she asked, green eyes just visible.

"Of course you can. When the Guardians come back, I'll introduce you to them," she answered.

"I look forward to it," Noi replied, and was gone.

Orube smiled to herself. She found herself actually liking the young Banshee, and looked forward to seeing her again. She never thought she could be friends with a Banshee, but like she had told Noi, the Universe is full of surprises.

With that, she banked the fire, and turned in for the night. For some reason, she was much more relaxed now, and fell asleep quickly.