Raelyn Toranna

Childhood

Raelyn was born and raised on Mists, in the Duchy of Haven. While she knew her father, Mikal Toranna, he didn't have much of a role in her life. She was handed off to a nanny to be raised, and she sees the woman as her only real parental figure. The nanny, Jenice, provided Raelyn with a home, food, and moral guidance. Raelyn would see her father from time to time when he would come to check on her studies, but it was always a very formal event, and he never appeared truly interested in how his daughter was actually faring. When it came to her studies, however, he made sure she was doing well and learning quickly.

Magic

Raelyn has branched out into two elemental spheres. Using the abilities of air and water, she is able to manipulate the effects of weather around her. Clouds, rain, fog, and air temperature are just the beginning.

The Darkness

Starting at the beginning of December 505, she's experienced a rather... unpleasant series of events. After a seemingly unprovoked attack on the streets, she was brought to the jailhouse to be held and questioned about drugging Lord Dark Waters. A few days later, she was carried on a stretcher from the jailhouse to another area, secluded and warded. What happened between then and Jaunary 506 is not public knowledge. She was seen outside with two guards from time to time, but for no more than an hour or two. Duke Raziel had her released from her 'imprisonment' around mid-January of 506, but she had to report in to a Mistian guard twice a day until mid-February 506, which she dutifully did.

Meeting Family

In early February of 506, she received a message that her presence was required on Mists at Keep Movaros, located in the southwestern hills of Gryphon's Reach. What happened there isn't hugely public knowledge. Storms were kicked up in the area, and they held steady for a few days before beginning to settle. She returned to Gateway in the company of Serath and Petrova, acting as though nothing had happened.

Cultists

She isn't one. She once was associated with one. Actually, she was mostly kidnapped by one. During some time out in an open field, enjoying the fresh air, she was approached by a strange man. He soon took an interest in her and, after incapacitating her, poured a black liquid down her throat. This black liquid would later be revealed to be Taint. Unable to turn to anyone for help with his threats looming over her, she began to do minor tasks for him. Her reward? More of the drug, which now kept her alive. During her time with him, he began to dose her with other drugs, often when she was beginning to near her next dose of Taint. Using various methods, he began mental conditioning. She would feel physical pain if she considered betraying him. She began to truly believe that he loved her, and would give her influence and power. When someone finally began to notice a change in her mannerisms, she fled Crossroads with her new master, and he brought her to a cave where they continued their 'work' for a time. When she was finally apprehended, she was told to give up his name and location. She refused to comply, and three people were sent letters. In those letters, the cultist demanded that they release her or others would die. When she wasn't released, those three people later received heads of children. She still wasn't released, and was eventually sent through detox. Of sorts.

The Drugging and Detox

The truth? She did drug Lord Dark Waters. And she did something else as well, which was taken care of before it was too late. But she was never charged with anything. When she was captured and taken to the jailhouse, it was quickly discovered that she was addicted to a powerful, dangerous, and very illegal drug known as Taint (which can be found here under Illegal Substances). When this was discovered, and she began to experience some of the withdrawal symptoms, she was quickly taken to the Wellington Arms. While under guard, and the care of skilled alchemists and healers, she was carefully eased off of the drug. The detox procedure was physically agonizing, and took approximately three weeks. During this time, she was kept in bed in a dark room, unable to move without experiencing intense pain. Very few people came to visit her. Those that did heard pleas from her as she begged for someone to just kill her instead of forcing her to endure such agony.

Returning to Public

After she'd successfully been taken off the drug, she was permitted short trips outdoors, and always under guard. During one of the trips, the cultist made another attempt to reclaim her. The guards were, fortunately, able to fight off his minions, but it left a lasting impression on her. She became incredibly paranoid, constantly looking around and listening, almost expecting something, or someone, to jump out of the shadows. After having such a guided relationship with her 'master', she became aimless. She couldn't find a purpose, and didn't know what to do with herself. Her boss, however, stood by her side and helped her rebuild her self-confidence and independence, often giving her tasks to do during her employment. The news from her Duke that the cultist had been killed was met with mixed emotions. The mental conditioning still lingered, and the death of the man she genuinely thought she loved hit her quite hard.

Loyalties

A Mistian to the core, she's unwaveringly loyal to the isle. She is also, however, incredibly loyal to her old boss (and close friend), and his family. When she was asked to watch over his father, she did so without question, and without any hesitation. Her service was recognized, but never rewarded, by Duke Guardians. The Duke and Raelyn couldn't agree on anything that seemed appropriate, and after chatting quite amiably for a time, they parted ways, with Raelyn leaving word that if they required her services, to let her know.

Family

Though she'll be hard-pressed to admit it, Raelyn was bred for power, just like many other Mistians, and she has quite a bit of potential. She never knew her mother until 506, and the reunion didn't go well. She was summoned with Serath Evanor and Petrova Lismore, and met the woman with Duke Mists present. When the woman stated that she'd watched over her children, the term 'rage' doesn't entirely sum up her emotions. She was furious that someone who supposedly wanted to see her children survive would let her experience the things she did. This woman who called herself 'mother' just watched her children to see the strongest survive like it was some sort of game. She hasn't returned to see the woman since her identity was revealed.