Minwe stepped onto the Monorail, adjusting her hair nervously. It was not often that her hair was down, but she wanted to be at least presentable for the first day. She tugged at her sleeves, making sure that her arms were covered up. She also had made sure she was wearing longer socks. If anyone was going to recognize her as a dark elf (which she was absolutely positive will happen at first glance), at least they wouldn't have to see her scales. She wasn't entirely sure on how she landed into the academy into the first place, but any sort of education she would accept. She could<span style="font-style: italic">at least</span>read, learning from sneaking into classrooms with her newly discovered illusions while she was young, though the teachers always seemed to know that she was there. She knew because they would glance from time to time in the corner that she was sitting in while she tried to learn how to read and write.<br/><br/>Yes, indeed, those were harsh times, to see privileged light elvish children learning, having proper care and nurture but always taking it for granted. She wasn't the only dark elf in her city, Minwe knew that, but she was certainly one of the lesser privileged. She has seen a few other dark elves with their parents, though they, too, would receive disapproving glances.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">No,</span>she thought to herself.<span style="font-style: italic">Now is not the time to live in the past. This is the next step to a better future. I will not become a victim again,</span>she vowed.<span style="font-style: italic">Perhaps I'll make friends. Real friends, not people that want to exploit you.</span>She took a deep breath and repeated her vow like a mantra.<span style="font-style: italic">You will not become another victim, Minwe. You will become someone better. Be strong, you can do this.</span>