Life on Alera

My second cousin is the Head of House Ceres, and aside from that notable relationship, I grew up like any other Aleran, working and playing, discovering my talents, and expanding upon my furycrafting under House tutelage. I don’t recall any terrible events in my youth. When I think back, I do so fondly over the memories of my playmates and family.

A long time ago in our history, the head of House Ceres manifested a strong water fury, but as the fury was passed to family members as reward and gift, the fury’s loyalty began to fracture, leaving its power to dwindle and splinter as well. That doesn’t mean that these smaller furies aren’t useful, only that greater feats tend to come when the crafter and the fury have developed a measure of trust and understanding of each other. At least, in my opinion.

The first fury I could truly claim as mine, one I manifested and bonded with, was a little droplet I used to play with by the river. He would hop and skip, bouncing along the river’s edge as I ran alongside, twirling and dancing beside me. As I grew up, so did he, until my childhood magic became a formidable fury called “Tidal.” Along the way, I gained an air fury named “Aria”.

My talents lay within water and air, though I can touch upon earth, wood, and metal as well, which made me a phenomenal healer and valuable asset. I completed the trials required to earn the title of Knight. I served my house, and when it was time to marry, I was paired with a metal and fire crafter from House Phyrgia.

Broken Bones heal faster...

Bash and I were as polar opposite as any couple could be. Our first few years of marriage were tumultuous. He grew up as a soldier, conditioned to fight, never caring for the cause, only caring for the highest bid. He was brash, demanding, and expected things that I couldn’t provide. My world wasn’t free of politics, but it had been a peaceful one where we healed those who needed it, worked the land, and ensured that those who served our House were cared for. He saw me as a pathetic, spineless weakling that needed direction and a firm hand.

We avoided the subject as long as we could, but pressures to produce offspring and strengthen our furycrafting lines eventually led us to a mountain retreat, away from the city, away from interference, demands, and expectations. There, we let out guard down and found peace with each other. We found love and affection, trust and understanding. I saw his drive as his way of protecting others; he saw my gentleness as compassion. We began to mend the wounds we inflicted on each other.

...than Broken hearts

Before we could have a child, before we could have a full life together, he died.

There was a small war between House Ceres and House Phyrgia as both tried to claim me as their own. Their solution was to have me marry Bash’s brother, thereby honoring the original agreement, ensuring ties between the Houses, and settling the matter. My heartbreak did not matter. My protests and objections did not matter.

In the middle of the night, Tidal and Aria gifted me concealment and speed, aiding my escape from Alera.

Life in America

My path across America has followed the main waterways, leading westward. Now and then I stop in some city where I take a job as a nurse treating the ill and ailing, using my craft to heal wounds that modern medicine can’t. I’m disheartened by the idea that so many cannot afford the services that I usually work the free clinics and am on the substitute list for hospitals in lower income areas. Most assume I am a witch with an affinity for healing. I never bother to correct them.

I know that if I’m discovered, most Alerans will bundle me up and carry me back to our homeland, or alert my family and they will come for me. Alerans of my rank and power aren’t allowed to marry ‘down’. I’ve avoided any thought of love or marriage, keeping the broken pieces of my heart close.

It was never an issue until I met a Native American man who was giving a lecture at one of the hospitals. He was so out of place it was hard to ignore him, yet, he was unexpectedly kind, intelligent, and dutiful to his beliefs. We shared a few meals and a few nights in bed, and before we knew it, our official “friends with benefits” situation became an unofficial relationship.

When he was offered a job in Denver, he asked me to go with him. It might be one of the riskiest decisions I’ve ever made, but I’m willing to see where it goes.

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