Part 1: Her story
Zephrya was born to Madria and Azipheil Sattar. Her father was the nephew of their tribe’s leader. Back when Zephyra was only a toddler, her family lived in the region named Arelia which was across the sea north of Elforam. She was too young to remember much. Her entire tribe was forced to flee after humans waged an unfair war against them to seize their lands. Many members of her tribe died and only a few managed to flee. Her own father was killed whilst trying to protect them. Her mother could only stare as the humans trampled over his corpse trying to eliminate the rest of the tribe. The leader of the tribe took both her and her mother away and hid them on a wagon. Over the next few months they would go from place to place never settling in one place for long for fear of further persecution. Not long before Zephyra turned 2 , whilst hiding in a deserted church, did news of a safe haven reach them. Many around her tribe were ecstatic to find out the news was reliable and that other tribes of their same race have actually managed to make it there. The excitement was short lived however when a young boy came into the church crying and covered in blood. It turned out humans have been able to track them after one of their members took his son out to go stargazing. The humans killed the boy’s father and chased after the boy shortly after. The tribe was in a panic and quickly set out to leave, but the humans have long since arrived. A massacre ensued dwindling down the already low number of members to nearly half of what they were. Madria took her daughter and fled with the remaining members of the tribe heading south towards the rumoured safe haven. The tribe had been travelling for about a year and half and were now in the region of Malterri, just south of Arelia near Elforam. The region was known to be vastly empty but just as dangerous. Many wild animals along with savage and blood hungry tribes resided here, so they had to be careful. They successfully made their way down to a village near the edge of Malterri and were met with other races seeking to take refuge in Elforam. The village itself was founded by Centaurs native to Malterri and offered free passage to Elforam for all who sought it. That night whilst on a boat heading to Elforam, the ship encountered a tremendous storm. The ship swayed from side to side as the waves came crashing onto it. Many saw that Elforam was just a few miles away and told others not to panic as they had basically arrived, but the ship ultimately capsized. Many managed to get on lifeboats however and row to safety, Madria and Zephyra included. Once there many didn’t know what to do. Madria took Zephyra to a small inn near the cove they had just arrived in and proceeded to leave her in the care of another mother named Anya, who she had made acquaintances with aboard the ship, whilst she went on to buy food. Later on Madria and Anya would go on to become best friends, basically sisters. A year would pass, Madria, Anya and her husband forging a close friendship whilst Zephyra, now 4, would go on to befriend Anya’s daughter Aurora.
Part 2 of Zephyra’s backstory:
Anya’s husband returned to the small, cosy cottage with news he had overheard in the bustling market. “Madria,” he began, a spark of excitement in his eyes, “there’s talk of a new settlement forming on the mainland. Members of your race have gathered there, building a home. A place where you and Zephyra could belong once again.”
Madria’s eyes widened, a mix of joy and disbelief painted on her face. “A settlement? For Izmirians?”
Anya, who had become like a sister to Madria, smiled warmly. “Yes, Madria. It’s a chance for you and Zephyra to find your people, your home. We can join them.”
Over the following days, the decision was made. Anya’s husband, having come to regard Madria as family, agreed to accompany them. The journey south to Isdrilune, the mainland of Elforam, was embarked upon with hope in their hearts.
As they traversed the unfamiliar terrain, the air thick with the scent of pine and the promise of a new beginning, they encountered a disturbing scene. Riding through a dense forest, the wagon suddenly slowed, and Madria’s eyes widened at the sight of shady figures involved in a sinister transaction. An exchange that reeked of exploitation and desperation.
Quick-thinking, Anya covered the kids under a blanket, signalling for silence. Anya’s husband, sensing trouble, quietly moved to investigate. The horrific truth revealed itself as he stumbled upon the trafficking of a small child. Shocked and outraged, he couldn’t stand idly by.
An argument erupted, and the two men turned their aggression toward Anya’s husband, thinking him alone. It was a cruel reminder for Madria, who ran over to intervene, her past haunting her in that tense moment. Anya, reacting to the unfolding tragedy, chased after Madria.
Under the blanket, Zephyra and Aurora, innocent witnesses to the unfolding nightmare, peeked out in confusion and fear. Madria placed herself between Anya’s husband and danger, taking a fatal blow meant for him.
Anya, frozen in shock and rage, unleashed her magical abilities to torture and kill the assailant, the raw power of her emotions fueling her actions. They quickly loaded Madria onto the wagon, and Anya went back to free the little girl the men had targeted, placing her with Zephyra and Aurora under the blanket.
As they arrived at the settlement, a curious tribe of Izmirians watched, observing the strangers with a mixture of suspicion and curiosity. They helped carry Madria out of the wagon, offering a sense of belonging even in the face of tragedy.
In the sombre moments that followed, Madria succumbed to her wound, leaving a void in the hearts of those who had come to love her. Yet, in the midst of sorrow, the trafficked girl revealed herself to be a resilient four-year-old named Kleo, whose fate had become intertwined with the trio in ways unforeseen.
Kleo’s Impact:
The news of Madria’s untimely demise cast a shadow over the settlement, but life pressed on, as it always does. Anya, Aurora, and Zephyra found solace and support from the Izmirians, who, despite initial suspicions, began to see them as a part of their extended tribe.
Yet, amid the communal mourning, the silent presence of Kleo remained a mystery. Shy and withdrawn, the traumatised four-year-old clung to the safety of the blanket, her eyes wary and filled with the remnants of fear. The Izmirians, respectful of her evident distress, gave her the space she needed.
Anya and her husband, recognizing the special connection forming between Zephyra and Kleo, approached the task of unveiling the girl’s story with gentle patience. Anya, a motherly figure to both, began to spend quiet moments with Kleo, offering reassurance through shared silences and gestures.
One day, as the sun dipped low on the horizon and the sky painted hues of pink and gold, Anya sat beside Kleo. She spoke softly, weaving a tale of resilience and strength, sharing stories of bravery and overcoming adversity. Through this, she hoped to create a bridge to the trust that Kleo had yet to extend.
Anya, sensing the time was right, delicately broached the topic of Kleo’s past. The little girl, initially hesitant, gradually opened up. Her story unfolded like a fragile blossom, each petal revealing a piece of her harrowing journey.
Kleo, born to a distant tribe on the outskirts of Elforam, had been orphaned at a young age. The details were hazy, a traumatic blur of violence and loss. She found herself in the clutches of those who saw children as commodities, the cruel transaction leaving scars deeper than any physical wound.
As Kleo spoke, Anya could see the resilience in those young eyes. The same strength that had allowed her to survive such darkness.
The Izmirians, attuned to the emotional currents within their tribe, decided to take a collective step. They approached Kleo with offerings of friendship—small gestures, like shared meals and gentle smiles. They respected her boundaries, allowing her to observe from the fringes until she felt ready to step into the warmth of the community.
Anya and her husband, moved by the Izmirians’ acceptance, began to consider the idea of adoption. They saw in Zephyra and Kleo not just the remnants of a tragic past but the potential for a shared future—a family forged not only by blood but by the resilience of the human spirit.
In the midst of this healing process, Zephyra, too, found her place within the Izmirian tribe. She became a bridge between the newcomers and her newfound family, her lively spirit and kindness acting as a balm for the collective wounds.
The sub-story culminated in a heartfelt ceremony, where the Izmirians formally accepted Anya, her husband, Zephyra, and Kleo into their tribe. It was a moment of unity, a testament to the strength found in shared sorrow and the bonds that could be formed from the ashes of tragedy.
Part 3: Zephyra’s Journey of Resilience
After the tragic events during their journey to Isdrilune, Zephyra found herself grappling with profound emotions that would shape her character. The loss of her parents weighed heavily on her young shoulders, and the unjust burden of self-blame began to define her internal dialogue. Thoughts like “If only I was stronger” or “If only I could have protected them” haunted her, creating a deep-seated desire to become someone brave and resilient.
However, Zephyra, even at a young age, knew the importance of putting up a front. The world, as she perceived it, was filled with uncertainty and danger, and revealing vulnerability seemed like an invitation for more tragedy. She developed a distrust for the world, a defence mechanism against the pain she had experienced. Yet, instead of letting this mistrust consume her, Zephyra chose to wear a mask.
Outwardly, she projected an image of a happy and obnoxious girl, always trying to lighten the mood and bring laughter to those around her. This persona became her shield, concealing the inner turmoil and fear she harboured. Zephyra adopted this facade not just for the sake of others but also as a coping mechanism for herself. If she could make others believe in her strength, maybe she could convince herself too.
Despite the smiles and laughter, Zephyra was haunted by the constant pressure to appear strong. It became a lonely journey for her, a struggle hidden behind a cheerful demeanour. The weight of loss and the fear of further pain drove her to push herself to the limits, to become the brave and resilient girl she believed her parents would have wanted her to be.
In her pursuit of strength, Zephyra unknowingly embarked on a path of self-discovery. The journey ahead held challenges that would test her resolve and force her to confront the raw emotions she had buried deep within. Little did she know that the resilient spirit she sought was already blossoming within her, waiting to be recognized amidst the shadows of her past.
Additional Facts
Birthday:
February 14th
Appearance:
Younger: Zeph is a little girl with tanned skin and fiery red eyes, she has short wavy black hair and has a mole on the right side of her neck just like her mother. She is dressed in a purple and pink dress that resembles a skirt more than a dress and has cute adorable little black sandals. She has a gold necklace that seems too long for her to wear.
Present:
Matured into a beautiful girl, Zeph now has long wavy hair, often tied up in a ponytail. Her fiery red eyes glow with determination. She wears a black crop top with red accents, a black and red skirt, and a face veil made of see-through black cloth with gold designs. She also dons a black shawl inlaid with a phoenix design made of gold. Zeph carries a dagger made of iron and bone she made herself. and wears a gold circlet, later going on to don her ceremonial horned crown.
Race: Izmir/Izmirian
Physical Features:
skin tone: Tanned Skin
eye colour: Ranges from Amber brown to Fiery Red
hair: Black hair, ranges from modestly wavy to straight.
- Clothing and Adornments:
- Traditional Attire: Ranging from beautiful Indian inspired Lahengas to the beautiful Spain inspired flamenca all the way to the beautiful Arabic Haik. Most of the clothing ranges from a colour spectrum of purples, oranges, pinks and reds that complement their skin colour.
- Jewellery: Jewellery includes intricate ornate bangles and circlets, along with many gold accessories inlaid with vibrate gems and stones that match the colour of their clothing. With simple yet elegant necklaces and earrings.
- Values and Beliefs: They place huge importance on protecting one another and sharing what little they may have with those who need it most. They believe the Goddess from one of their old folktales will come back one day.
- Language: They speak Arelic; a Language originally from the Region of Arelia.
- Traditions and Celebrations
- Zeph’s race is the only race to practise a ceremony where they ‘crown’ a member of their race whether male or female with a light, but intricate crown resembling horns that resemble those of the horned goddess. They practise this ceremony at the end of the 5th month. On that day they take all of the members of their race who have become of age since the last ceremony and hold a huge feast and festival to celebrate them turning 15. Its a celebration of coming of age and departure, with then having them crown near the end of the festival.
- Social Structure: Tribal hierarchy. Consisting of 3 Chiefs that are in charge of the three things Izmirians find most important: Defences, Agriculture, and History and Education. The Izmirians live in Tribes consisting of anywhere from 40-70 people. They are said to become adults at 15 and at the age of 17 are eligible to run for a political post. The hierarchy positions from most important to least are: Chiefs, priests, Advisors, Regiment, Educators, Farmers, traders, interns, the people.
Bibliotheca Vetitum 