Leirria

Princess Leirria was born into the beautiful, tropical kingdom of Lahsk. The shamanic clan lived a secluded existence, nestled into a small gulf surrounded by powerful, looming opposing societies. For centuries, the Lahsk resisted invasion and persecution, holding their own against much larger militaries through sheer force of will. While a largely peaceful society, the Lahsk were seen as barbarians due to their shamanic customs and frequent sacrifices made to the deities they worshiped.

As part of their custom, only the men of the royal family could become King, but the female descendants had an important role of their own. At the time of crowning the eldest son as King, any female siblings were to be ritualistically sacrificed, so that their life force would be imbued into the new King, empowering him for a long life of leadership. As the only princess of then King Eyhr's ten children, Leirria was of upmost importance. She was raised carefully and attentively, tended to in every way to ensure she remained perfectly healthy and pure. She was forbidden from sex or alcohol, and even her diet was carefully monitored based on ancient beliefs.

Leirria was well aware that someday, inevitably, she would meet her end by way of sacrifice. There was fear, of course, but she'd been raised to believe this was her absolute purpose, and she accepted that fact. She knew no other alternative, after all. As King Eyhr aged, and as the strain of withstanding invasion and war weighed on him, talks of passing the crown to his eldest son began. It was decided that the ritual transference of power would occur that harvest season. Leirria, as part of it, was to be put to death.

It was on the eve of her would-be sacrifice, that the borders of Lahsk were breached by enemy forces. Seeking to conquer the highly sought territory of the Lahsk Gulf and all it offered in resources, a neighboring kingdom launched a surprise attack in the dead of night. The capital of their small clan fell into chaos, war and bloodshed spilling into the streets. Leirria, at the time, was undergoing an all-night bathing in herbs and oils, when the royal quarters were breached by the enemy and her handlers were slain. She was recognized as the young Princess of Lahsk and taken by the enemy, to be leveraged against the kingdom's surrender.

The Kingdom of Lahsk fell, the royal family slain or imprisoned. Leirria was to be sold into slavery herself, only for the carriage she was held upon to crash in the night. She managed to flee into the darkness of the woods, wandering wherever her feet could take her. She found her way to the nearest village, where she sought any way to survive.