Lydia Zane

Background

Lydia's mother was a happily married diplomat’s wife with a life of high standards and two wonderful sons. Her husband died in an accident, leaving her alone with her children and a very expensive lifestyle that she could not afford. She allowed herself to be "pursued" by several wealthy suitors who helped maintain her in the lifestyle she was accustomed to, for several years, long enough for both her sons to reach adulthood. Disaster struck shortly afterward when one of the much older suitors got her pregnant. The resulting mess left her shamed, almost penniless, and abandoned by her two sons, who could not believe the indecent and deceptive lifestyle their mother had been living. When Lydia was born, her mother supported them in the way she had learned how over the years, as a prostitute.

Lydia's childhood was tough, especially as her mother got older and older, and thus was bringing in less money, but she was happy, entertained by her mother's stories of the far off places her mother had visited before her husband had died.

Eventually, Lydia's eldest brothers forgave their mother for what she had done and would visit often and help support the family, especially after having his first child, who was only a year younger than Lydia. Lydia became best friends with her niece, and eventually lived with her brother after their mother died when Lydia was 10.

Lydia was a tomboy when she was young. Inspired by her mother's stories she would play with the boys, leading them on adventures though dark alleyways, in search of mystical lands far away, usually getting in trouble. Being the cute and darling little girl she was, she always managed to smile her way out of the worst of it, though.

Her wildness worried her brother, not only because of the trouble Lydia would get his daughter into, but what would become of Lydia when she was of age. He had become an armorer of some renown, and had even made armor for several upstanding Spokesmen. Fearing what would become of Lydia, he spoke to one of the Spokesman, looking for advice on what could be done to rein her in. After hearing the story, the Spokesman asked to meet Lydia, and so was invited over for a meal with the family. He saw potential in Lydia, and suggested that she be allowed to train with them for a few months, to see what could be done.

Lydia agreed to the training mostly to make her brother happy, since he had been nice enough to take her in. At first she was reluctant, but, much to her surprise, after a month, found that she really enjoyed it.

Personality

Very positive and motivated. She's adopted the paladin's code as her way of life, and strongly believes in it, but doesn't expect others to live it. Lydia is still a little wild, a fault that she is well aware, and tries to work on. That doesn't stop her from having fun when she can, though. Some passions of hers are fencing, horses, and music.

(At least I think she's a Cat)