Chaie Rosespear
XI - THE ENCHANTRESS
Hail to Earth / Hail to the Sun / whose rays illuminate all things. / Turn your eyes, look down, / see this destroying woman, / before she sets her bloody hands / may it all perish, / crash down in ruins. Medea by Euripides [text 1260], translation by Ian Johnston
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Frida and Mani Rosespear, a merchant and a clothmender respectively, were two members of the Maaso tribe, a group of families living by the south of Ala Mhigo. The Maaso held many customs, like the tradition of 'emblempainting', where a newly-wed couple would design an emblem that them and their children would carry, until those children were to marry. The paint, a mix of jojoba oil, arrowroot powder and natural white pigment, was made by the family itself- and it symbolized pride upon one's family, unity, and equality amongst the families. The Maaso often faced marginalization and scorn from city-staters, and had a long-running tense relationship with the Ala Mhigan government over territorial and resource disputes. But what seemed bad then suddenly took a gigantic downfall when the Garleans invaded Ala Mhigo, taking land and lives- city-staters and tribesfolk alike. Together, they fled to Thanalan, settling in small camps that would be what is known as Little Ala Mhigo. Hearing news of the camp, the pregnant Frida and Mani fled their town as soon as they could, only carrying what food and water they could take and their son, little Duein, in arms. Their youngest and last child, Chaie, was born with many difficulties; the bad situation Frida has to endure not only affected mother, but also child. A weak, fragile child; the first to sicken upon the winter's chill, one who stumbled in heaps upon the shortest of jogs. Yet the child, as she grew, was able to counteract the bullying and scorn met from her weak body with an aptitude for natural healing, and despite still being fueled with an incontrollable envy for her fellow Highlander children and their standard-fitting appearances and aptitudes, decided to take on healing as a way to help her parents earn their bread. Yet her brother, Duein, who was by all means the perfect Ala Mhigan, strong and kind, decided to help 'regain the motherland', as he said, and took on to one of the first revolutionary groups near the stronghold- disappearing since. The anguish proved too much for Chaie, who deeply cared for her brother, and decided to try and 'follow after him', taking on to Gridania, earning money through her healing that she would split for herself and her parents. And thus hs she lived, fragile little Chaie, healing with herbs and oils and animal bloods, massaging and cracking bones, praying and chanting and singing her patients' woes away.
Dark of skin and thin of arm, Chaie stands at five fulms and six ilms; way below average height for the average Highlander. Stress, malnutrition and dehydration suffered by Frida Rosespear caused her child to be born with many health deficiencies. A virtually inexistent immune system causes the girl to sicken with extreme ease- and it is visible at times. During particularly bad days- these happening too frequently for her liking- her dark bronze skin tone blends with an unhealthy pallor, resulting in an almost yellow tint.
Mottled-looking skin usually coaxed with shea oils, obvious dark circles, blossoming in purples and dark blues, concealed with makeup; Wild, dull hair carefully taken care of, and on bad days, held up with cloths. Chaie carries the smell of lilies, sourced from a small cologne bottle she carries all the time, to hide the imaginary, imminent smell of illness that she is constantly paranoid about emitting. Never is she seen without her family's emblem facepaint- one she proudly wears, applying the white thick. As for her bone structure, her jaw is soft-lined; her lips are plump and the most notable part of her face, and she is naught often seen without rouge on. Her eyes are thin and slightly upward-going, with bushy lashes and straight, concerned-looking brows. Despite being a very thin and small child on her childhood, as of a couple of years she has gained a bit more weight, partly because of her illness itself; something she is, for once, undoubtedly glad about. Rounded hips and quite full thighs accompany a soft stomach, with breasts on the fuller side- considering her shape and conditions. Her muscle definition is practically inexistant, and it is quite easy for almost anyone to beat her in a hypothetical fight. Aspects That Stand Out:
Chaie is, in many aspects, a very contrasting person; while there is a sheer passion deep inside her soul, the body she was born in shows naught an inch of that fire, instead providing only a flickering, fragile flame. This, of course, did not befit the standards of Highland ideality and beauty, resulting in a deep grounding bitterness and rage.
She is quick to burn out, and as such, much of her energy is stuck within her, forcing her to keep her emotions to herself. Thus, she is secretive, and spins from periods of self-pity and self-rejection with ease. Prone to intense envy and wrath, she is not one to place her mind above her heart, and when scorned, she will almost never forgive with ease. Very supersticious and negative in her thoughts, she can be described as a 'bitter' person by one who sees into her thought currents. While a deeply caring person to those she loves and cherishes, she can be a bit of a 'smother', and can quickly overwhelm with her manners of showing affection, and protection. Overbearing and overnurturing. Despite her undeniable proneness to negativity and jealousy, she is a very strong sympathizer- and holds a very, very strong sense of condolence; a naturally nurturing person who wishes the best for her close folks and is wholeheartedly prepared to accompany them along the way. She is passionate, and easy to befriend; thoughtful, loyal, and eager to help. Likes her job as a healer, as she appreciates being able to improve people's lives without burning herself out in the process; she often likes to check on past patients to see how they are doing. However, she would rather take on adventuring in a job such as thaumaturgy- yet the danger upon her health would be far too great. Appreciates conversation, and likes being with individuals who she can joke with. Her speech pattern is quite peculiar, as she is often short of breath before finishing a full sentence; resulting in her taking breaths and sighs in-between words, and stopping talking before continuing once again. Firm opposer of the phrase 'the ends justify the means', and very hesistant to cooperate with anyone who fares from Garlean lands. She is a firm believer of karmic processes, and avoids doing hurtful deeds. Quite clever, yet easy to become distracted during lectures and academic purposes. Loves cooking, but can't afford the costs often.
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