When the Statuesque Gerudo approached them, she was obviously different, her hair prodominently silver in place of the typical fiery red of the Gerudo. Kaythenia suddenly felt very short, there was almost a foot and a half between them. Even after she sat down, Kaythenia felt like she had to tilt her chin to make eye contact. When Sivilu queried if The Magess was the companion mentioned in the story about the dragon. Kaythenia presented a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes, she was still trying to get off the topic.

"Yes, that would be me in this case..."

Raven distracted her when he picked up one of her cards and looked at it with interest. The card he had picked up was the Hooded man, it just happened to be on top of the deck after her own reading that morning. He started to decline her offer, claiming that prophecy did him no favours and started mentioning that it wasn't appropriate for a Knight of Hyrule...then he stopped and looked down at his tunic as if something was missing. There was a pause and Raven seemed to change his mind.

Interesting.

Kaythenia shuffled the deck and spread the cards out in a fan, face down across the silk.

"Take seven cards but take your time and focus on what you want to know."

Kaythenia knew that Raven was talking and she was trying to pay attention, really she was. But...she was just a bit floored by what had happened and his apparent casual attitude about it. What had she landed herself into? The Magess had her own problems, now she was in the middle of something between a Knight and a very...well, wrong, Sorceress. Cia and Davik would get on like a house on fire. That thought alone went a long way at making Kaythenia feel like she'd swallowed a rock. She shook her head to bring herself out of her reverie.

She caught the back end of his speech about earning his respect. Unshaken Kaythenia would have probably opened her mouth and said something about it was either help him, burn to death when her energy ran out or even more fun, Dragon snack. But Kaythenia right now? Didn't have the fire to banter that with Raven. When he wanted to know if there was anywhere nearby to get a drink, normally she would decline. But there was an exception to every rule. Also, he didn't look like he'd stay upright on that horse for long.

"Not far, there's a village a couple of clicks away by horse. Are you going to stay upright for that long?"

It was an honest question, she walked over to the tree where her own horse was still tied and undid the knots, it gave her a look as if to say 'Finally! What have you been doing?!' Kaythenia patted the flank of the piebald mare as to say 'Sorry' before mounting her, squeezing gently to make her walk.

When the dragon locked it's gaze upon her, Kaythenia braced. Expecting it to up the pressure, she felt the flames intensify, a last ditch attempt. Although under her magic they parted like a wave, clearing a path for the Knight to act. The Magess' head pounded fiercely but she gritted her teeth and bore it. Keeping her hands thrown forward like a shield. Every muscle in her body tensed, as if she were trying to hold up something that was beyond her strength.

'Hurry..'

Despite his multiple injuries, the knight was efficient in his dispatch of the beast. His sword plunging deep into the Dragon's skull, it gurgled and twitched but most importantly, was it cut off the blaze coming from it's maw. Kaythenia was able to let go, she staggered, as if she had been holding up a wall that was no longer there. The world spinning around her for a moment, she held her head and clamped her eyes shut, trying to will everything to come to a halt. The idea of seeing breakfast again was not an appealing one. It took her a minute to realise that the Knight was formally trying to thank her for stepping in, she opened her eyes to look at Raven and there was still two of him so she shut them again. He was saying something about her being brave, Kaythenia waved vaguely in his direction. "Erm, it was either that or burn to death..."

She opened one eye cautiously and things were gradually settling. Another reason she hated using big spells, it always made her feel like she'd been run over by a horse and cart after drinking her weight in ale. "And I couldn't just sit back and watch." Only one of Raven now, thank Goddesses. Also the feeling that she was either going to possibly vomit or faint had passed, leaving her feeling tired. "My name is Kaythenia, Kaythenia Maverick."

The Magess was about to acknowledge Raven's introduction but his condition shifted that thought to the back of her mind, the 'nice to meet you's' could wait for a bit. As he fell to one knee, Kaythenia moved to his side. She was no expert, but this looked bad and was well beyond her ability to deal with. Her brow furrowed in concern, she needed to get him somewhere to be treated, soon. Even his horse seemed to realise this, but then again, animals always seemed to know. Her own horse had finally stopped throwing a fit and was waiting where it had been tied. "I'm no healer, but this looks bad. You need treatment." She laid her hands on Link, trying to gauge how bad some of the cuts were. One thing he would notice was that her any skin was exposed, her fingers, forearms, even through the leather gloves she wore...it was burning hot. But Kaythenia herself did not seem to feel this or notice it.

"Will you even be able to ride? You can hardly stand."

The concern was clear in her face, her magic was hardly going to help now.

When the roar shook the forest, Kaythenia paused, wide eyed. Her hands gripping the saddlebag, Oh Goddesses that didn't sound friendly...Her mare whinnied and pawed the ground, but was unable to go anywhere as the bridle was firmly tied to a tree. Then she saw it, and her stomach hit the ground. Dragon, very very big dragon. Kaythenia's mouth went dry as she saw the forest going up in flames. Her fingers sparked involuntarily.

'No, no, no. Not now.'

She shook her hands as if that would stop her magic having a mind of it's own, it was never fantastic in a crisis. So she would be able to try and remove the bridle from where it was firmly tied, all Kaythenia could think about was getting out, getting away. Dying by dragon flame was not on her agenda. The mare reared on her hind legs at the sight of the Dragon, black scales glinting in the early sun light, it was all Kaythenia could do to try and bring her to heel, but the horse's eyes were rolling and her mouth foaming in distress.

That was when the Magess heard someone shout and turned her head to look, hanging onto the slack of the bridle to try and stop the horse from rearing. A blonde stranger clothed in green with a red cloak flowing behind him as he galloped. His horse dashed through the flames without distress, like they were of one mind. Kaythenia realised he was heading her way, although he didn't seem to notice her immediately. The total focus being on the creature. He was ready with bow in hand, it was like she barely had time to register in the chaos that he had knocked and loosing the arrow. Or notice herself flinching when it hit it's mark, right in the eye. It's collision with the ground shook the vicinity like a quake, Kaythenia had to plant herself to deal with it. This was not what she had expected to be dealing with when she woke up this morning. But then again...'Blasted oak card!'
Whatever Goddesses were watching, Kaythenia was not currently feeling appreciative of their sense of humour.

Although that train of thought was interrupted when the stranger drew his sword, she felt magic, unfamiliar but comforting, wash over her. It helped steady her nerves in this ridiculous situation, he seemed like she was going to face the thing one on one! Was she meant to help?!
When the Dragon lashed out with a guttural screech and collided with the stranger, he was off his feet and crashing through the nearest tree. The sword out of his grasp. Reacting without thinking too much about it, she grabbed the hilt of the sword, it was heavy and needed two hands for her to lift it. Adrenaline pumping through her system she ran headlong towards where he was struggling to get to his feet after the impact. Honestly, Kaythenia was surprised he was even getting up after that, let alone getting up so quickly! She could feel sparks from her fingertips again but tried to ignore it.

'Like I'm of any use! Fire against an angry dragon? I'm more likely to burn the forest down than actually hurt it.'

Kaythenia planted the sword in the ground at an angle, it was too heavy for her to lift high. If she had sense she would have run for the hills, but apparently the Magess was lacking in sense as she put an arm around the stranger's waist and wedged her shoulder under his arm to support him getting back to his feet.

"I'd ask you how many fingers, but I think it's a bad time."

Name: Kaythenia Maverick

Age: 24

Other Aliases: Kay

Gender: Female

Race: Hylian


Physical Description: Kaythenia stands at an average height of 5'5 with an hourglass figure, weighing in at about 120lbs. Her features are extremely typical of the Hylian race. Almond shaped, deep blue eyes. Classical face with high sculpted cheekbones and porcelain fair skin. Her hair is fiery red and worn to the nape of the neck in choppy layers, framing her face and keeping it out of her eyes whilst she travels for the obvious practical reasons.





Her clothes consist of a crimson over-shirt in heavy cotton, trimmed in black and white, the neckline sitting just over the bust line, swallow-tailed sleeves that split from wrist to elbow for freedom of movement and drawn in at the waist by an underbust corset in soft, brown leather, tooled with an intricate pattern. More practical than it appears, it’s loose enough laced to allow for freedom of movement and to hide her purse from thieves. The back of her crimson shirt is long in a similar style to a gentleman’s tail coat, splitting at the back and ending at calf length. A belt around her hips that holds the sheaths for her daggers, this is mostly for show and to put off thieves. Mid-thigh shorts in dark brown soft leather, extremely well worn and supple. Kaythenia also wears a pair of deeper brown leather fingerless gloves, strapped across the wrists to prevent them from slipping, partially to protect her hands while handling weapons and fighting and for other more personal reasons…Last of all her boots are made of sturdy leather and without a heel for ease of travel which lace up at the front.


Personality:

Kaythenia is generally good natured and open minded although no one really seems to know who she really is. She has much experience at keeping any companions at arm’s length without seeming unfriendly. She is perhaps slightly volatile when it comes to her temper when pushed past her limits Preferring the company of only a few and becomes introverted if overwhelmed by unfamiliar faces. Perhaps a slight contradiction to her choice in profession although like most in her line of work she can put on a mask for convenience sake. Although those that know her well, consider her power to have huge potential... Kaythenia has serious issues controlling and limiting that power, and the results are usually explosive. Generally her talents are more of a help than a hindrance to anyone. Kaythenia keeps her past to herself and will go out of her way to avoid discussing it...she's more likely turn the question on you. She isn’t an idiot by any stretch of the word and has a very sharp, quick mind. Excelling in problem solving, the ability to think on her feet and if necessary…to lie through her teeth. Often classed by many as having ‘an old head on young shoulders’. Despite all her faults expect much from her. But behind Kaythenia’s smile she hides a dark secret and the only thing she has yet to face is herself


Family: Calhoun Byne (Father-Estranged.)

Eayeth Maverick (Presumed Deceased.)


Magical Talents:

Fire Magic: As a descendant of the Sorceress Evalle, her blood runs in Kaythenia's veins and imbues her with power over Fire. There are many creative uses for it, both offensive, defensive and more obscure methods such as scrying.


Weapons and Talents:

Weapons: Twin Daggers- Although these weapons are mostly carried for show, Kaythenia isn’t without skill although she is somewhat limited, she is gradually working on this as her magic is not the most dependable method to rely on.


Barding: Growing up in a Gypsy community has given her a range of Bard skills, she’s a creative story-teller, has a pleasant singing voice, can read palms and tarot.


Strengths and Weaknesses:


Quick Thinker: Kaythenia is known for her ability to think on her feet, it’s what has kept her out of the wrong hands for so long. This ranges from being able to lie through her teeth in a way that would make con-men green with envy, to her somewhat individual problem solving. She has a mind for puzzles and is good at keeping her head in a bad situation.


Control: Kaythenia's control over her powers can be somewhat inconsistent, some spells cause more damage than they save. She has before been questioned about her problem and to give other players an idea I'm inserting an excerpt from a previous roleplay she was part of.


Kaythenia had the grace to look embaressed at her mishap and she glanced evasively off to the side, fiddling with her supple leather of her gloves. There was a few moments of tense silence before the Magess realised she was going to need to explain her lack of control. Not something she relished talking about but in this situation it was apparently a necessity. Joy.

"Well, no. Not exactly. You see there's very few remaining specialists to learn the arts from and other I found that other resources are scarce. You might think after the practice I've had that, I might have more control over my powers but it isn't the case sadly. To make it worse I can be somewhat...accident prone."

As she glanced over and noted the expressions on the face of her companions, she held both hands up as if to say 'Let me finish'. "It's not that I couldn't deal with an enemy if confronted, it's just I could end up botching the casting in some way and blowing up several things in the process. So if I ever shout 'Duck' it's generally an intelligent plan to listen to me.

Braigh: The Braigh, is a silver chain carried by those hunting her. It's links are bright, shining silver and upon close inspection are engraved with runes. The same runes that were used to strip Evalle of her power all those years ago. Upon contact with Kaythenia's skin, it burns. If she tries to use her magic with it in contact, she experiences severe head and eye pain and nausea.

History:

Kaythenia’s story begins in a tiny Hamlet on the outskirts of Hyrule, she was born in the summer. With the assistance of the local midwife helping her Mother along. They had asked no questions as to why Eayeth had come to live amongst them, her belly already rounded with child and no husband of which to speak of. After a long, hard night, the midwife handed Eayeth her squalling baby girl. Eayeth carried on her healing, creating poultices and tinctures from her home, the local women would come to her regularly. All were of course curious about the identity of the missing father, but no one saw fit to ask outright. After a while, they just blended into the scenery of the Hamlet. Kaythenia started to walk and play with the local children. Life was quiet and unassuming and continued so for 6 years. Eayeth made sure she started educating her daughter, teaching her to read, write, about history, geography and even Hyrule’s legends. When she saw her daughter light a candle without matches or a flint in sight…that was when Eayeth felt her heart sink. She has hoped that this wouldn’t happen, that her Kaythenia would not ever be subjected to Magic. For a time she tried to ignore it. She kept it quiet, until a Gypsy Caravan rolled into the Hamlet.

Calhoun Bryne and his troupe had made a stop at the Hamlet to make some money, selling wares, charms, fortune and storytelling. They didn’t plan to stay long, this was just a convenient stop on the way. When Calhoun spotted Eayeth.


“Eayeth!” He called out, hoping this wasn’t just a woman who bore resemblance to her. When she turned her gaze upon him, he realised it was indeed her. Eayeth tensed, she hadn’t expected to see Calhoun again, not since their passionate coupling which had produced her Daughter. He leapt down from the wagon and strode over, drawing her close in for an embrace. Hardly noticing that she did not make an effort to return it “Eayeth!”

“It’s been years! I thought you had vanished off the face of Hyrule.”

“Hardly…I just needed a change, somewhere quiet.” She shrugged, trying to keep the exchange as casual as possible. Although that was soon broken when Susanna started calling her name.

“Eayeth! I was starting to wonder where you had vanished off to.” Kaythenia followed behind the woman and her face lit up at the sight of her Mother. The little girl ran to her Mother’s side and threw her arms around her.

“Thank you for watching Kaythenia, Susanna. I was checking up on, Leesha, she’ll have a fine, healthy babe in a few months.” Eayeth smiled at the older woman.

“Good to hear, must be getting on! The washing won’t do itself!”

As Susanna left, Calhoun looked down at the little girl next to Eayeth. She regarded him with curiosity. There was something about the way she cocked her head as she examined him. He crouched down to her level.

“Is that your name? Kaythenia?”

The little girl nodded and Calhoun got a chance to study her face, she looked like Eayeth, except for the eyes. Deep blue instead of Eayeth’s brown. Eayeth saw Calhoun studying her daughter. “She’s nothing to do with you.”

Calhoun stood up and faced Eayeth again. “You never could lie worth a damn, your nose wrinkles.” He crossed his arms loosely over his chest and stared her down. It would explain why after just one night together, Eayeth vanished.


Calhoun made a point after that of being a regular visitor, despite Eayeth’s reaction. She always seemed to be on the watch for something although exactly what, was something he could never prise out of her. But he was interested in knowing his Daughter. Over the next several years Calhoun brought his Caravan back to the Hamlet to spend time with her. Eayeth had conceded that Kaythenia was his Daughter as much as hers. This went on for a number of years until Eayeth came to Calhoun and requested something unexpected.


"When you leave…I need you to take her with you.”


At long last, she explained the mystery behind her vanishing all those years ago. The truth that every Heir to Evalle’s blood has carried. That they are being hunted down and having any power they possess ripped from them. That Kaythenia had growing talents and that would soon bring the Hunters down upon them. Calhoun agreed but broke one promise to Eayeth, he did not tell his Daughter the truth about why she would be leaving.


Kaythenia spent much of her life on the road with the caravan, never questioning why she had to leave the Hamlet. She grew up being taught how to read palms and tarot cards, bard, tell stories and entertain. As well as keeping up with the education that her Mother started, Kaythenia was like a sponge with a love of books and learning. Due to trying to keep her abilities a secret, no tutor could be approached so all she learned about her powers was from books. What little they could come by, resources were scarce. Aside from this her life remained unassuming, all the years with the caravan gave her an excellent sense of direction and understanding of the local villages, towns and all their individualities. Until a few weeks after her nineteenth birthday, her world was turned upside down.


A group of men, hooded and on horseback, surrounded the Caravan. All armed and holding silver chains with a noose. There was general panic, they didn’t seem to care who they struck down. It was obvious that they were looking for someone, in her terror that they were harming the only family she had really known. Kaythenia damned the consequences and summoned fire, she caught two by surprise who had been circling another girl about her age. Flames and screaming only adding to the general chaos, one of them whipped by and threw out the chain, catching her around the wrists, yanking the noose tight. Kaythenia had never known pain like it, it was like it was burning her, searing her skin. And worse, when she tried to reach her powers, her knees buckled, a wave of strong nausea and splitting pain behind her eyes the only reply.


An arrow from somewhere overhead landed it’s mark, right in the throat of the hooded man. He dropped the chain but when she tried to remove it, it pained her again. The person responsible for the arrow was her Father, who removed the chain for her. The skin around her wrists was puckered and blistered, like she had come into contact with a red hot iron from the blacksmith. With three of their number dead, the hooded men retreated, but it was no victory.


‘Kaythenia sat by the remains of the fire, staring blankly, there were blankets nearby over bodies, some of them small ones. Her throat closed and she fought the urge to heave. Calhoun knelt before his shell shocked daughter, taking her wrists carefully to assess the damage.


“What did they want? What was achieved by that?” She choked out. “If they wanted money, why didn’t they just take it?”


It was a pointless question really, they didn’t want money and deep down. She knew it.

Calhoun sighed deeply and embraced his daughter. “It’ll be alright, we’ll protect you. They won’t get to you.”

“Wait, you knew?! “ Kaythenia struggled out of the embrace and looked her Father in the eyes, willing him to say that he knew nothing of these people .

But that was not the case.


“Your Mother told me about them, before we left her. She wanted you moving, she wanted you safe.”


He told her, every word that Eayeth had told him before he had left. That she was one of the only members left of Evalle’s bloodline. A powerful Sorceress who had, according to history. Been a traitor to Hyrule and was executed, but her children survived. Gradually being hunted down and put to death for a crime they did not commit. As this all sank in, Kaythenia realised one thing. Glancing back at the blanket covered bodies, she couldn’t stay here, not for another instant. Not for more people to die on her account. The survivors tried to stop her, her Father tried to stop her. Tried to chase her down, but lost her, just as she intended.