Melanie Satoru

> *"I've failed, my only hope is this miracle child. She will carry on my legacy, in my name, swear to me at least that."* **- Melanie, Fallen Shadows**
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Melanie Satoru is the mother of Astrid Melanie Satoru and was a notable member of the Satoru Clan. She never agreed with the beliefs of the clan and so decided to end her life instead of living under their ideologies. The truth of her death was covered up and was instead used as an example to younger Satorus to never cross authority.

### Personality

Melanie was very headstrong. She was known to be prudent and rowdy, always challenging authority and getting into trouble. Her attitude inspired others, eventually befriending Navier, Zamira, Ezra and Pollux.

### History

Melanie was born into the Satoru Clan to young parents. Her mother died in childbirth, like every other Satoru, and it was believed that her father died in the 'Trial of the Greatest'. She grew up with all the other Satoru children, but all the children steered away from her because of her strange personality. Eventually she became friends with Navier, Ezra, Pollux and Zamira who admired that she voiced her defiance and shared her beliefs.

When she was 14, they all became eligible for the 'Trial of the Greatest' and it was revealed to her that her father never died. He instead disowned her and became an authoritative member, as a means for survival. Melanie called him out, but he pretended that she was spitting nonsense and disregarded her existence.

Whilst they were preparing for the Trial, which was to happen in one year, Melanie decided that she did not want to continue with her life. She sought out contacts, used her father's name to access files, and finally met a pregnant woman who told her that there was a way to become with child without a man, but it wasn't proven.

She told Melanie about a woman who lived on the outskirts of the Southern Empire who could make you pregnant with a simple concoction, but the price varies. With this information, she stabbed herself with a knife in demand to see her father.

She was taken to a cell for her insubordination and awoke to her father watching her. She told him that he would never have to speak to her, acknowledge her or hear her voice ever again if he granted her authority to leave Satoru for 3 days. He initially denied her request, but she eventually got him to agree. She set out without anyone knowing and her father made everyone believe that she was being kept in the cell so she would learn her lesson.

Melanie met a woman called Olivia, who said that she could make her pregnant if she was willing to sacrifice her child's purpose to the gods. Melanie didn't understand anything she was saying nor did she believe in the gods, so she just agreed in a desperate effort to be pregnant. She knew that even if she survived the Trial, she would become the people she hated. She couldn't do anything but hope her child would have a better chance than her.

Olivia was able to make her pregnant through intense, painful sorcery - unlike what the woman told her.

When she told her friends she was pregnant, they made a pact to help her child within Satoru. However, this failed:

* Pollux ran away, covered up to be exiled
* Ezra fled since he fell in love with Aluna Begre
* Navier was taunted by the voices of the Bloody Citadel and fled before Trial
* Zamira went through with the Trial, surged up the ranks and eventually became the Reaper

Melanie gave birth 3 months before the trial, Pollux and Ezra had already fled. Navier and Zamira cared for Astrid for those 3 months.

Zamira became Astrid's caregiver.