Minstrel

== INTRODUCTION ==
A Moroccan minstrel from the Middle Ages who takes up the mantle of her knight lover, Octavia Iden, after Octavia is killed in battle.
== ESSENTIAL INFO ==
Created and owned by Melody Werner.
== BIOGRAPHY ==
Saida Boukous was never very good at falling within the strict lines set for her by society. Though assigned a man at birth, she always knew that was wrong and began living as the woman she was from the very start in her mid teens. To hear her tell it, her parents were nothing but supportive; however, the truth is they had already abandoned her by then (forcing her onto the streets, where she picked up musicianship). Saida doesn't want anyone to pity or infantilize her--she wants them to forward her the dignity she deserves.
Saida moved to Rome to play for bigger and bigger crowds, but was mesmerized when she met Octavia Iden, a legendary, rogue knight who concealed her identity as a woman. Octavia took Saida up as her minstrel, and after some time spent traveling together on jobs, they fell deeply in love. For years, they journeyed and fought for each other. Saida knew Octavia better than she knew herself, and for Octavia this was mutual. So when Octavia made Saida swear an oath that, if Octavia were to be laid low in battle before Saida passed, that Saida was to live on and to move past--as much as it hurt Saida to think about, she knew that Octavia needed her to accept it. Unfortunately, this oath was all too prescient--Octavia was slain as Saida was aslumber, recovering from a sleep spell she was put under by a cruel, fearmongering wizard. Octavia had stayed by her side for as long as she could, until she needed coin to care for Saida. She took on a quest that was more dangerous than she would've otherwise, for its higher payout. Saida woke up the day after Octavia's death.
Upon reading the note Octavia had left for her, she rushed to the pagan village Octavia had gone to protect. Of course, this was too late, and Saida was chilled to the bone upon finding Octavia--lifeless and still. In her grief, she knew that she could not break her vow to Octavia by seeking revenge, so instead she took her love's armor and sword, buried, and began her quest to lift up Octavia's legacy.
== SEE ALSO ==
Boqorad
Ratbard
Krone
Gerda
Lilith
Ambra
Mabaki
Slagtand
Lizard Guard
Category:Heroes
Category:Women
Category:LGBTQ+
Category:Characters of Color