Mary

Growing up in the North

Born in 385 WR, Mary’s life was fairly simple. She lived in a quiet village on the border of Abanarion and the North Kingdom. Her family often visited the city of Clearance a little ways northeast. Here Mary learned sword fighting from the Sword Trainers. Unlike villages deeper in the North Kingdom Mary’s home was not overly focused on war, especially in her youth.

Mary’s elder sister, Marila, was known through all of Clearance as being the prettiest girl. Unlike Mary she spent most of her time using this fame to her advantage. Mary was often considered plain, but a lot of that was because she preferred to wear more causal clothing and engage in activities most other “pretty” young women did not take part in.

In 392 WR James came to Clearance with his son Marcus. They called for Marila and James proposed an arranged marriage between his son and Marila. Mary’s mother was ecstatic and agreed. They moved into the capitol city a few days later.

From Peasantry to Royalty

While Mary and her family wouldn’t have been considered peasants, their lifestyle drastically changed. In Clearance Mary had gained the favor of the Sword Trainer which allowed her to learn. Marila gained most of her possessions by flaunting her beauty. Now Mary was allowed to enroll in the Royal Sword School. Here she trained vigorously earning top of her class.

The same year they moved, the war with the Jekaz broke out. Six years later, Mary put her name forward to join a youth battalion led by the Kings sons. She was officially denied because of her age, but she knew that was only an excuse. She was older then Jonathan, the younger of the two princes.

At sixteen she was admitted into the royal guard. She spend a year in the Capitol guarding the young princes while they weren’t abroad fighting. Marcus treated her like most guards, not feeling a need for them, but Jonathan took time to train with Mary. Realizing she was a talented warrior, Jonathan petitioned James to allow her to accompany them as their official traveling guard.

For the next four years Mary served alongside Jonathan as his royal guard. When the King was killed she led the healers and injured soldiers back to the Capitol. When Marcus arrived and the war was ended she returned to her position as a royal guard within the city. Her and Jonathan remained close, until the day she was exiled.