Elif
From FiranMUX
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Overview
Scamp, rascal, dreamy iron wearer, hero, rapscallion, soldier - there are many words to describe Elif's life. Born to a whore, never to know whom his father was, Elif's young life was that of companions of those who would in the not so distant future be on the lips of everyone. Prince Sadin took a liking to him, but it was Lord Sabinus Rissik whom Elif seemed to hitch his wagon to.
Seen often with a companion monkey, Elif's association with Sabinus and Lady Yasha might have influenced more than a few decisions. When Sabinus was executed for his treasons against the Clan Council, along with Sabinus' mother, Clan Leader Akinita, Elif was one of the few not to abandon the Rissik family and was seen often in Lady Yasha's company. As young Sharin was growing up, Elif was frequently seen helping the boy learn his ways, in between small heroic actions such as saving the heirs to the Hydran throne during the (first) Hydra Civil War.
Captured by Shamibelians, Elif and those with him, broke lose from captivity and met their rescuers half way, along the way the young man happened across former Gold Dragon clan leader Judano's armor, which he, after a time, returned to the Gold Dragons, earning a set of his own as a gift from Lady Emyeela, wife of then clan leader Jalil. Known for his exploits in the Ranger squad, he zipped up and down the Republic ranks, at one point being a captain, but later during reorganizations dropped down to a centurion and ultimately, where he started, a sentry again.
Archery was Elif's hallmark on and off the battlefield, from winning the team archery gold medal in 29AU to flying behind Faedrus as the young man flew the griffon in battles.
Elif's exploits gained the attentions of the young women of the city, and many is the time where reports would come in of groups of women sighing in appreciation of the young man's charms. But like many things, Elif never ended up where he expected to. After a long courtship of future Dame Balinda Garkansen, Elif married the daughter of Delegate Priestess Karana in a quiet ceremony, with a child soon after appearing. If that was or wasn't his child, Elif never mentioned, as he treated both of his girls with great attention, the few times they were seen in public.
Elif's service to the clan ranged up and down, like much of his life, the high point assisting the Clan Leader Inaya Eliksta with the heavy duties of trade - who would have guessed that the scamp would be given the keys to the clan treasury, after being charged as a thief as a child? His military service also ranged in duties, from assisting in investigations to assisting in training - as much as some viewed his efforts as seeking the limelight, most of his life was quite tame.
The last few weeks of Elif's life saw him helping to perfect methods of using volleys effectively on the battlefield, and accepting a secondary position on the battlefield. But woe be those who tried to neglect his past accomplishments and service, as he had a sharp wit and quick rejoinders for those who treated him, or his skills, lightly. He wasn't chosen to lead the archers in the ambush squad, and he was content to that. But contentment did not lead to not being assertive with his opinions, even in calling for his fellow squad members to flee the overrunning of their position, while he covered their retreat. The squad ultimately held their position, and not one was lost, aside from Elif himself.
Currently
The Liberation of Ellish was Elif's last fight, at Judano's climb, one which he didn't live to see the end of. He passed away after being overwhelmed by Shamibelians while protecting his fellow archers in a sniper position. Elif's luck ran completely out when a Shamibelian warlord lifted his sword and plunged it into Elif's neck, giving him the dubious distinction as the first soldier slain after the Shamibelians noticed that the Firans were fighting for keeps and taking no prisoners.
Family Life
Being the child of a whore means that anyone out there can be your father. A lot of people don't know that about Elif's mother, but those in the know remember. That there would be a rogue born from such a situation is to be expected - His brother Wendos did a good job leading the family for many years, even reaching the level of a commander within the Republic's 5th Division, but his downfall also wasn't unexpected. Nor Salih's sudden disappearance after more than a few rumors went around town.
Odd as it was, Elif became a bit of a rock in the family, especially after Ceylin married Bastien and chose to take his last name, leaving the family.
Siblings
Wendos(d) Ceylin and Salih(missing)
Wives
Nica was Elif's first and only wife. Married to a guard; some shook their heads over such a match, yet Elif and Nica had an outwardly tight relationship, being attentive to each other when their duties didn't take them in opposite directions. Some have perhaps suggested that there was an external pressure on the marriage - that either Nica needed watching, or Elif - or perhaps both, and that was why they were forced together.
Children
Elsabina and Ajilana
Accomplishments
- First Medal of Honor: Won for rescuing the Hydran heirs during the (first) Hydra Civil War.
- Granted an iron armor permit
- Given a set of armor from Emeelya, Clan Leader Jalil's wife.
- Second Medal of Honor: Postumous award announced on the fields of Ellish for his valiant fighting to save the members of his ambush team when their position was uncovered.
- Assistant Clan Minister for Trading
- Song about Elif: MonkeySeeMonkeyDo
- Gold Medal - Team Archery/Thrown Weapons 29AU
Allies
- Yasha Rissik: Elif appeared to be quite devoted and enjoyed a strong bond with the noblewoman, even before she married Sabinus Rissik. He served the Rissik house for a number of years as it's protector.
- Balinda Garkansen: For a number of years, Elif was engaged to marry the future Sharinar of the Chimera clan and legendary healer. Perhaps there was some outside influence, as that marriage never took place, but Elif and Balinda were never seen to be opposing each other, and actually had a good relationship.
- Fadreus Garkansen: Many is the time that Elif would be seen riding backseat to this Garkansen pilot, firing arrow after arrow into the Shamibelian hordes. Off the griffon, they were tight friends, each ready to defend the other should a conflict risk one or the other.
- Sharin Rissik: Elif's dedication to Yasha and the Rissik family was most tightly expressed with Sharin, and many is the hour one could walk by the Chimeran home and see the warrior teaching a new generation the art of the bow.
Enemies
- Shamibelians - Until the battles leading up to the liberation of Ellish, they had never succeeded in killing Elif, but many, many close calls.
- Some claim his brother Salih, in the end, was Elif's enemy, or rather, Elif enemy to Salih.
Scandals
- Accused of thievery by then respected Draugik in 18AU, no resolution to the case.
- Chased by most every woman of the city for a time, if not to meet them, then to meet their eligible daughters.
- A far too long engagement to Balinda, which raised eyebrows
- Considered to be likely the next clan Sharinar, but didn't apparently make the grade in the end
- Associated with the Rissik family, and was living with them during the Antonian Apastosy when Lady Yasha was convicted of treason, the family stripped of their noblity, and chucked onto the street.
Elif Quotes
"You're just not looking with the right eyes. Why, just yesterday, I caused a little girl who hadn't eaten in a week to smile just as wide and happily as any you could imagine. It was a beautiful smile. Perhaps a little smeared by raspberry tart at the time, but beautiful all the same. I suprise myself every day of my life, My Lord. I think, if you truly thought about it, you would too." -- Elif explaining the power of life's small joys to a somber Sabinus.
