I've been around as Caty in First Age for somewhere around 2 years, and I've enjoyed reading the old Legends site and this one. Though few of you probably know me or what happens in this alternate universe, I'd like to post this little story anyways. Thanks for reading!
This is written from third-person point of view, sometimes with a little dramatic exaggeration, but otherwise honest representation of Caty’s life to date. Note: Yes, she is a little insane at the end.
Catyrial’s Biography – 27th of Midwinter, year 936 to Present day (year 1020) One of the most joyful and lighthearted mortals ever to be born, her youthful mind persisted for decades longer than it should have. Cared for by the ever so delightful Ellabella, an Animist who naturally cared for all living things, and protected by the loving City of Light, Caty thrived and energetically hopped each day away.
In the calm, relative peace around her entry into the world, she tended to veer away from violence and strived to learn all that she could about what the land and its people had to offer. Her exploring feet led her far and wide across Avalon: She visited Azrili as soon as she could, ventured within the cavernous halls of Mount Sapience, and delved into the very labyrinth that imprisoned the Black Sun herself. Her friendly nature alienated none and brought many to smile at her innocent antics.
Her guild of choice, for the simple reason of being least populated, was Bards. After one of her many learning sessions, she was humbly introduced to one of the most powerful beings within the realm, a deity. Caty had a large dose of a mixture of fear, awe, and respect for deities. If ever she encountered one in her wanderings, she would, like a frightened but well-mannered child, curtsey skittishly then dash away. This time she was to be brought under the direct attention of a deity. The deity she met was known among the mortals as Diomedes, the god of war, and over the years he would become a fixture in her life.
Caty slowly extended her friendly attitude towards most all gods, although it was not until recent years that she became Patroned. Her new attitude excluded only one, the god of darkness and Thakria’s patron, Thanatos. Towards Him of all gods, she retained her original mingling of emotions. Perhaps this was auspicious – the less she knew of something, the more she would want to hear of it. However, this curiousity was easily buried by her firm love of Mercinae. For most of her life, she belonged to Mercinae, heart, soul, and mind. She fought for the values and ideals she had learned to love, guided by the elders and the Barons of the city.
At a relatively young age she was elected as a Baron. She joined their ranks rather reluctantly, but like others before her, she would do her best. This role, and her role as the guildmistress of an often one-person guild, determined how her outlook on the world developed. Since she took the position reluctantly, she was quite willing to give it up. At some point, the citizens called for a Baron replacement due mostly to irregular appearances of current Barons. When an elder and more experienced ex-Baron presented himself as a candidate, Caty readily volunteered herself to be challenged. Later, she recognized the mistake, but the damage was done.
Rumours began circulating of Bedivere’s “power grab”, claiming he only wanted the title and was not looking towards the good of Mercinae. Caty was bewildered, refusing to believe these tales. As the election began, Mercinae’s patron, Brahadair, the god of the sea, took notice and promptly cancelled it. To Caty’s sorrow, Bedivere and another Mercinaen left the city. The patron reappointed her as Baron, and there her anger and disillusionment began.
Caty was ingrained with the belief in the ideals of Mercinae – honour, justice, kindness, forgiveness – all the virtues she connected to goodness. When a Mercinaen, especially a Baron, violated her beliefs of what a Mercinaen should be, brief anger and disgust flared. She was often quick to forgive though, perhaps too quick. At the time, she still doubted and second-guessed herself in her actions.
Caty was easily impressionable, though she would have denied this. She could be swayed by anyone she respected and held in high regard. Her main influence was the god Diomedes. God of war though he is, He also worked well with the young and maintained an approachable attitude towards all. His strong opinions slowly rubbed off onto the ever-attentive Caty. Although not His intent, the seed of disillusionment gradually grew and blossomed. His discontent with the land in general added to her increasing discontent with Mercinae. Mercinaens continually failed in her eyes, and though she was a Baron, she laid blame on each citizen, never herself. Bitterness rested in her heart at Mercinae’s degradation.
Eventually, one final spark set her off and she left as quickly as she could. Barony was ended by her request to the new city Patron, then citizenship and guild membership. Sorrow and disappointment gripped her at the moment of departure. She still loved Mercinae and its values, but she felt that its citizens were no longer worthy of the city. Catyrial applied and was welcomed to the Animists, vowing in her sorrow to return to her city of birth one day. That day would be when Mercinae was once again the city of light and good, for she believed such a shining pinnacle must attract her heart and make her love again.
In the few years of her time with the Animists, she was also welcomed in the Order of War, a moment of intense joy. Diomedes had long since become her closest mentor and friend over the decades. However, Catyrial soon found restlessness stirring in her heart. She found a freedom of spirit with her freedom of Mercinae. Although she looked kindly on the Animists, pacifism was not a path anyone, including herself, expected her to walk for long.
She left the Animists with their blessing to join the Warriors. As she learned the relative simplicity of the Warriors, Catyrial attracted the interest of Thanatos, god of darkness. Her reaction was that of curiousity and slight amusement oddly enough, but no instinctive hate or dislike that might be expected of a lifelong Mercinaen and follower of an opposing Order. Surprised – at both His interest and her reaction – she remained only thoughtful and attentive.
Thanatos presented her with visions of His darkness. When her curiousity went to explore that darkness, she discovered that her heart melded easily with it. Now she was free of Mercinae, her curiousity and desire to know the other side had reawakened. His encouragement fueled her changing emotions for her city of birth – sorrow turned to pity and disgust, disappointment to anger. She allowed herself to be led on His path and leaped willingly at the invitation to His Order and city. Many viewed this action as a betrayal to both her previous Order and city. Diomedes showed his disappointment with brief divine disfavour; others also showed their hurt with words and actions.
Catyrial readily cut her ties of friendship to those who called her traitor and looked upon Mercinae only with disdain. She realized that Mercinae could never be a pinnacle of light again and therefore sought to destroy it…
