The Ugly Duckling

393 AC - Unable to concentrate, I close the book and set it on the table. "Nye Eventyr. Første bind." This collection of tales has always been on my nightstand for obvious and childish reasons. Rejected by everyone. Mocked. I'd always been considered the ugly duckling of my class and neighborhood. The question was whether I'd eventually become a swan, or if I'd always be the unloved offspring. I can't stop myself from chuckling. This is no time for moping. By now, the results of the elections must be known. If the spar in the City of Scholars had been working, the Gestalt would surely already be full of delighted cheers or cries of disappointment, depending on the result.

I pick up a pen and write a few words in a notebook. The Ugly Duckling answers my call and stares at me with its big eyes. I calmly pet its head. Yes, little guy, you and I are are a lot alike. But this chapter isn't about me. If fate is on our side, this one will be about my sister and her future husband… I pace up and down my cabin with the Ugly Duckling resting in the palm of my hand. And I realize that I'm happy to suffer the consequences if it works in Anuncia's favor. I smile pathetically. Maybe I'm not so selfish after all? The door suddenly opens, and she barges in, completely out of breath. In her hand is a paper herald, and her green eyes stare at me…

Hans Christian Andersen's famous tale The Ugly Duckling tells the story of a young duckling who, rejected by his family, wanders far and wide to escape the insults and mockery thrown at him. At the end of a long journey, during which he continues to be ridiculed by everyone he meets, he realizes he has grown – and isn't a duck after all. He is in fact a magnificent swan. This rite-of-passage story highlights the idea that we must accept who we are, despite the mockery of those around us, and that a difference can ultimately be an asset, and a sign of recognition.

SIGISMAR