Meet the Characters: Jelena Grithinshield

Jelena Grithinshield never quite fit in anywhere. The mother of Linvin and the wife of Dirk grew up as the oldest of 3 children in an impoverished elven family in the town of Varns, in the Elven County of Sartan. Her younger siblings were Caritha and Anvar. Jelena was a simple, honest woman who was not physically dominant or breathtaking but had a subtle charm. Try as she might, she could never please her parents. None of the suitors they brought to court her were at all interesting. Though she was proud of her heritage, she did not share her family’s hatred of Humans. Anvar openly liked Humans just as much as Elves. When he could no longer handle the backlash from his parents, he left to make his way in Fraylic, the Capitol of Sartan and the Human County. For a while Jelena stayed in Varns but she grew tired of the parental disdain for her. Finally she followed her brother to Fraylic. Once there Jelena met up with Anvar who introduced her to his best friend, Dirk Grithinshield. He was handsome and charming. At last she met someone who was not so caught up in ethnicity. For Dirk’s part, he found her simple goodness a refreshing change from the people always trying to get the better of him in business. He finally had met a woman with whom he could let his guard down and be himself. Dirk would see her extensively in between business trips and finally decided to make her the person he would come home to each night. Thus, the two were married. The Greenliths (Jelena’s family) all refused to attend the wedding. Over time Dirk’s business grew at an exponential rate. He was even named First Citizen by the King. Jelena suddenly found herself yearning for the spotlight to shine just slightly in her direction. Dirk was aware of this but had a problem. Most of Fraylic Society looked down their noses at Jelena because of her simple ways and elven background. Not being a man to stand for any insult to his wife, Dirk took action. He bought the finest mansion in town and hired instructors to teach Jelena the way of the bluebloods. His next step was to not do business with anyone who disrespected his wife. He possessed the economic clout to make it a painful point to the aristocracy. Finally, Dirk made the mansion the center for society functions in Fraylic. Even the King would occasionally attend. A requirement of attendance was the bringing of gifts and praise to the lady of the house, Jelena. Parties were held every month and sometimes more often. Jelena was finally accepted somewhere, so long as Dirk was around.