JOURNEYWOMAN HERDER VALESKA

Persona : Valeska
Writing Status : NPC/Owned
Age : 19 (Turn 35, Present Pass)
Rank/Craft : Journeywoman Beastcrafter (Herder)
Residence : Ierne Island Weyr

Physical Description : Of average height at 5' 6", Journeywoman Herder Valeska has shoulder blade length midnight-black hair which, with her skin tone and oval, sweet face, give her a strikingly gorgeous appearance. Her bright blue eyes are truly windows to her soul, open and reflective of her inner thoughts. She is slim and fit, with a wirey strength concealed by her frame.

Personality : Valeska is quiet, especially around those she doesn't know that well, but usally a very fun enjoyable person. Raised in the North with parents in the Herder craft, she was a far cry from the typical Hold bred girl - thoroughly enjoying the physical work of the Herder craft - but still more reserved than those raised in a Weyr. Abandoned by her soon to be espoused girlhood love, Taolin, she eagerly accepted the assignment to travel to the newly created Ierne Island Weyr where she blossomed, gaining both confidence and personal strength. Befriending one of the Weyr's Healers, Tekva, while recovering from an injury, Valeska went through a period of confusion regarding her sexual preferenc which seemed to resolve itself when she openly stated her love for Tekva.

Life Story : The beautiful Herder was raised in the North with parents in the Herder craft, both of Journeyman status. She was encouraged from the time she could walk to assist her parents, her responsibility increasing with her age. It was no surprise when she apprenticed to the Herdercraft as soon as she was allowed at the age of 12 Turns. With the early training by her parents, it was of little surprise (and truly expected) when she passed all of her tests easily. At 17, she walked the tables to become a Journeywoman to the delight of her parents and herself.

Her first assignment was for a rather large Holding under the Lord Holder at Tillek. It was here, shortly after she arrived, that she first met Taolin, a sailor. Their relationship was intense and a little after a Turn had passed, he asked her to agree to a handfasting. Happily, she did so but, after only a few weeks of intimacy, he set sail one night on a ship, leaving a message that he had changed his mind and wouldn't return.

Heartbroken and ashamed, Valeska requested a reassignment since her initial contract was completed and was delighted when she was assigned to the new weyr under construction. Immediately she traveled to Ierne Island Weyr and fell in love with her new home. The only dark cloud was when she realized she was with Taolin's child. Then, in the eight month of the 35th Turn of the current pass, her life changed.

An accident in the stables sent her to the infirmary where she met Tekva, a Journeywoman Healer. Far from beautiful, there was still something about the Healer that drew the Herder. A friendship sparked and grew, but it brought with it feelings she could quite explain away. Finally, she admitted to herself and to Tekva that she truly loved the woman and, if she would agree, stay with her and help her raise her child when it was born. Tekva, who had long since realized her own feelings for the woman, happily agreed.

Last updated on 5-Jan-04