Editing Dancers in Shadow/Beatrice (section)

==Background==

Beatrice was a captain in the Isoldin Guard; the regiment of troops tasked with guarding the passes from goblinoid raiding parties. Her luck changed when a new commander - an inexperienced noble - was assigned to her post.

The Creed, you see, holds that each person has their proper place and role in life. This belief, however, varies widely in its interpretation and application; and many overlook its spiritual aspect and focus only on social. The nobility command because it is their role; these ideas overruled any considerations of military experience or talent.

The crunch came when harsh winters drove a particularly determined series of raids down out of the mountains. In the midst of battle, the commander lost his nerve and fled the field, throwing his forces into disarray. Seeing the danger, Beatrice rallied her company and led them into the teeth of the enemy, holding the breach for precious minutes before being finally overwhelmed and left for dead amongst the bodies of those she had led.

After the battle and her convalescence, Beatrice quit the Guard, disillusioned at the system that gave command to an incompetent coward, whose face was saved with the lives of her men. More than this, though, Beatrice was frustrated by her own lack of strength. If only she had been stronger, her men would not have fallen. Somewhere, out there, was the answer she was looking for; a source of strength that would mean she could stand against any foe and prevail.