Chapter Text
It was an average day for the ScrollKeeper and the Collector. They went to Ha’rar to get the latest tithings from the Vapra Clan. The Collector wasn’t pleased. His nose was dripping with mucus. “What a boring day.”
“Oh hush!” SkekOk scolded. “We’ve just been halfway through the tithings and already you're complaining. Just hold on a little longer.” He adjusted his spectacles. As much as he viewed Gelflings as lower beings that needed to be educated, he knows that they provide them much tribute. He watched as the latest tithing given was another stack of carpets. He raised a brow when he saw the next tithing coming towards them. Of all the tithings he’s seen, he’d never had a living one before. Before him was a Gelfling couple that was in their mid-50’s holding a young baby with a face that was whiter than any Vapran Gelfling. “What’s this?”
The couple bowed. “Forgive us my lords.” The male of the couple spoke. “We’ve gotten short with crops due to a bad snowstorm. All-Maudra, we wish to give you this child as a tithing instead.” They held up the child in front of them. The female Gelfling pulled away the blanket to reveal a shock of pure white hair. Whispers erupted from behind them. No Gelfling had ever heard of such a thing. A baby given as a tithing?
“Why would you wish to do that?” All-Maudra asked.
“This isn’t an ordinary babe.” The female Gefling said. “She belonged to our daughter who passed away a few weeks ago. She had an affair with a Grotten Gelfling and now her child is what’s left of her.” She turned to the Skeksis. “Look at her eyes. You’ll see that she is something different.” She stroked the tiny head.
On command, the baby opened her eyes. She indeed was different. One eye was the traditional blue of the Vapra Gelfling. The other was an orange color which showed her Grotten Heritage. What shocked the Skeksis was actually her pupils. They were shaped like a four pointed star. It made her look alien, frightening. The little baby had a weak smile on her face and reached out to the Scrollkeeper.
“We have no room for her,” The male, who is the child’s grandfather, said. “We think that maybe being in your castle can provide a special place among the lords. You set so many blessings to us through your connection to the crystal. We simply implore that you take her as a special tithing.”
The Scrollkeeper thought for a moment. The baby Gelfling looked weak, but she might be a useful experiment to Skektek. Maybe even a meal if The Emperor allowed it. “Of course.” He elbowed The Collector before he could protest. “We’ll take the little one off your hands for you. You shall not have to carry this burden any longer.” He reached for the child and had it cradled in his arms. The little baby gently reached out and patted the beak.
“Very well then, my lords.” All Maudra said. “You may have the child, but make sure that your Gelfling soldiers take care. She needs to be among other Gelfling.”
The Scrollkeeper bowed. “We shall.”
************************(In the Carriage)*************************************
“Why in Thra did you do that?!” SkekLach shouted. The Collector was not happy by the stunt that was pulled. He didn’t mind a few treasures from the sorry weaklings, but a living baby? He didn’t understand what SkekOk was thinking. “Why would you take such a troublesome thing? You know how babies are constant criers!” He sneezed. Mucus poured out of his nose. He wiped it away from his face and soured when the little infant giggled. “Ugh...She’s going to be a pain.”
Scrollkeeper shrugged. “Maybe, but let’s keep her around as a little plaything for us. See how much use she could be.”
The Collector rolled his eyes. “Well...Might as well give it a name. I’m thinking...Wimp.”
“You know that would never do with the other Gelflings. I was thinking of a more...simple name.”
“And what’s that?”
The Scrollkeeper adjusted his spectacles. He felt little warmth from the baby’s smile. “Ghost. On the account how otherworldly she is. She may not last long, but let’s see what the other will do in her presence.” He was startled as the cart went over a large bump and scared little Ghost. He rocked her until she fell asleep in his arms. Her head leaned close to his chest and listened to his heartbeat.