It started small, someone knocking her books off of her desk, someone treading on her heel, someone giving her dirty looks. But it got to the point where she was afraid to walk into school. No one wanted her there, she didn't want to be there.
She had her head up, not too proud nor too humble, clutching her books to her chest, as she walked up to the schoolhouse. There was a larger group of adults there. As soon as she was spotted, they began to shout and jeer. An egg broke against the skirt of her uniform, and she slowed, uncertain.
Then she turned and ran.
"Hey, Nika," a gentle voice said. It was the beautiful woman, Éowyn.
"Oh, hi! I was daydreaming," she said. Although it was more of a daymare.
"Penny for your thoughts?"
"You'd probably have to pay me in gold."
"Ah, tight-lipped, are we?"
"Have a coin?" Éowyn smiled and flipped Nika a gold coin.
"Your turn."
