They called her Nehani. She came to Bree months ago, offering her services as a private guard. Her qualifications were extensive, in her own opinion. She had served for several years as personal security to the leader of a large trade organisation. At least, that was her claim. It was not long, however, before those around her began to notice that her professed experience seemed entirely probable. She appeared to be soundly capable of each task assigned to her. According to some, too capable. She never seemed to relax her watchful eye. There was a coldness to her exterior. A stoic silence and a failure to reveal any emotional attachment to anything. Her duty seemed to be her sole concern, and many whispered of her presumed inability to smile or laugh. It is for this reason, perhaps, that almost no one had attempted to question her about her life before she arrived in this land. Intimidating as she may appear, her beginnings reveal much more about her character. They paint her not as a cold-hearted warrior, but as something very, very different...
She was born on the Winter Solstice. The second daughter of the Escobar tribe Chieftan's personal medicine man. Hidden away, deep in a vast forest, the tribe exists unknown to the rest of Aman. Nehani's story begins with a name. To the Escobar, that is where everyone's tale begins. The birth of a child of the tribe begins a three month long ritual. Family standing, the season of birth, significant identifying features, and early personality traits may all factor into the choosing of a child's name. The most important contribution to a new life, in the eyes of the Escobar, is that of a percieved alignment with a particular aspect of the natural world. An element is attributed to each child, representing the foundation of their identity to any they might meet from then on. The first word in a chosen name indicates their elemental appointment. In Nehani's case, the word "Nahl" leads her title, meaning "Water."
Her youth was privilaged compared to the other children in her village. All young girls among the Escobar are taught to fight. They are trained to be strong so they may survive and produce strong heirs, and therefore ensure the survival of their people. Nehani recieved further education, being permitted to study mysticism and medicines, so that she might assist her father with his duties. But, her father's position resulted in a sheltered existence for her. She was kept away from the village children so that she might be raised with a higher standard of dicipline. In exchange for her obedience, she was given the rare opportunity to study a craft taught only to the most fortunate among the Escobar. Metal was in short supply. Only a precious few were trained to manipulate it. By the time she reached her teens, Nehani was an accomplished maker of talismans, adornments, and ceremonial jewelry.
Families that produce fit warriors are held in high regard. More so when they produce many of them. Nehani is a natural leader, best known for her tactical precision, whether in crisis or in times of peace. She has no reservations about making suggestions and providing alternative ideas to those above her rank. It is this outspoken behaviour that often gained her the attention of the village Chieftan, and caused considerable jealously between her and her sisters. The deepest rift was clearly driven between her and her sister Khardis, who still holds animosity toward Nehani for her undeniable achievements.
When she turned fifteen, Nehani was sent out into the world. This tradition is a right of passage all Escobarian warriors must endure. It is a time to hone the skills they have learned, and apply them to their surroundings in order to survive. Those sent upon this journey may return to the village no sooner than one month for every year of life, but they are encouraged to venture out longer so they may gain experience, and return ready to serve the tribe's defenses. Three days after Nehani left her village behind, she came upon the ruins of a modest crop farm. The house was still smouldering. The fields were scorched and reduced to patches of black earth. A single horse had survived, and wandered uncertainly around the yard. Hiding beneath an overturned cart, Nehani discovered a small child.
Unable to abandon the little girl, Nehani befriended her. This was no simple task, as the child refused to speak. Nehani fed her and watched over her for several days, and when she'd finally gained her trust, she packed the child, and what little supplies that could be salvaged, onto the horse. They traveled together until they reached a peaceful hamlet, with a cozy orphanage run by a sweet old woman. Nehani left the little girl in the old woman's care, and continue on her way to carry out her task. She headed north, into the harsh tundra where few in her tribe had dared to tread. Perhaps, if one asked the right questions, they might hear her tales of the adventures that found her there.
By the time Nehani reached her eighteenth year, she had seen more of the world than her own father had. She had tirelessly traveled the lands, near and far, often offering her assistance in fighting the clusters of orcs that had been springing up all over the countryside. She was trained along the way, and learned to use several kinds of weapons. Even the coveted steel blades her people had never managed to master. But, she still preferred her tribe's traditionally favoured weaponry. She had not been home in three years, and the spears and staves held great sentimental value to her.
Fate, it seems, had a fondness for sentiment as well...
(Continued in part two.)
