OOC Minecraft Username: zcad Are you at least 18 years old?: Yes Have you read the rules? (Link): Yes(Optional) How did you hear about Avalore?: referred by my friends(Max. 1) Were you referred by someone? If so, please provide their in-game username: MsTorii — In-Character Read the following prompt: The rhythmic lull of hoofbeats are a marching drum to the small group of pioneers and variety of folk you have found yourself amongst, packed into a wobbling wagon. The rolling plains of the Southern Reach and a clear sky stretch out all around you, the buzz of excited chatter a dull wash in your ears as your mind strays to your former life and what has led you here to new lands. “Nervous?” You blink, returning to the present moment. A kindly older woman sat near you is smiling warmly with a crinkle to her eyes. “I can tell it’s your first time. Still remember mine,” she flashes a grin and leans in. “Tell me my dear, why have you come to the Reach?” How do you respond (in character)? (250 word minimum - please make sure to include at least three references to our lore in your response, with two coming from different pages in the Compendium.  Two of the three selected should also be in-depth, avoid simply name-dropping lore terms. Tie the terms into your character's backstory. Why are they important to them?) They adjust the strap of their pack as the wagon rocks along the trail, the plains stretching outward in all directions. When the older woman asks why they’re here, they hesitate - then, with a slow breath, they speak, softly, silently, so that Iselle doesn’t hear. “Why am I here?” They glance towards her - Iselle - who’s half-leaning from the wagon to feel the wind on her face, laughing at something the breeze probably said. A familiar tightness knots between their shoulders.“Because she wasn’t supposed to leave.” They pause, the words are heavy. “I was born to a minor house under Clan Kensho. That means duty. Means knowing your place in a long chain of decisions made by people whose names you only ever speak in reverence. We’re taught that order is sacred. That the smallest actions ripple out, cause cracks in things meant to hold. You don’t just …” - ‘hah’ a sigh of exasperation -, “you don’t just go wandering off because the horizon happens to shine.” They glance back at Iselle again, though no malice can be seen in their gaze. “But she’s from Clan Moon. They say there that silver talks louder than tradition and tides wash clean what yesterday left behind. They raised her among sails and songs, not books, blades nor meetings. She was always chasing stories. Asking questions she shouldn’t have. Trying to live like she didn’t carry a name that mattered.” Their fingers tap absently against the bench of the wagon. “They assigned me to keep her on the path. ‘Offer stability,’ they said. As if I was to be a weight tied to her ankle.” They rub the back of their neck, grimacing.  “Then came the Mist Isles. She stuck her nose into smuggler business in Marionsport - rumors of shipwrecked relics that sang under moonlight. I told her to leave it. She didn’t. Next thing I know, we’re ducking in the back alleys. Three dead, a fire on the dock, and half a crew looking to put our names in the sea” “She doesn’t understand what she is to Ko’Ram. What happens when word reaches back. To her clan. To mine.” “I could’ve returned home, said she slipped me. But I didn’t. I followed. Not because she asked. Not even because I was ordered to. But because she’s walking toward something sharp, and I’ll be damned if she gets there alone.” A long, tired exhale. “She thinks she’s writing her own song. And maybe she is. But even songs have endings. I’m here to make sure she doesn’t reach that last verse in just one breath.” — Character Name: Saeko Character Race: Arsa Sidhe Character Age: 24 Brief Physical Description: long auburn hair upon a tall and thin frame. Her skin is light and her eyes are dark. (Skin TBD)