Heyna Blackstar

*You are right here in your story. Don't skip ahead.*
Massie Burnson, *The Wreck and Rise of Whitson Mariner*, p. 32
**WARNING: SPOILERS FOR *THE ARCHER'S CUP* ARE AHEAD; CAUTION IS ADVISED.**

Heyna Blackstar, as pictured on the cover of The Archer's Cup.

**Jo Shanks**: I'm afraid not, Heyna. As you so clearly understand, there's no one like you.

—*The Archer's Cup*, pg. 144 |  | ”

**H****eyna Blackstar** is the daughter of Victor Blackstar and the sister of Coleden. She served as Emma's personal bodyguard and lady-in-waiting during the War for All Natalia, and continued in the latter duty for Queen Heather Joveson.

## Biography

### Early life

**Heyna**: We had the best of her.

**Cole**: That's true. She had, still has, even now, a reputation for her excellence at court, but she spent most of her time with us. And we were very happy, even in the troubles.

**Heyna**: We were, up until that day.

—*Ember Rising*, p. 205 |  | ”

Heyna was born to Lord Victor and his wife Lady Blackstar along with Cole, her twin brother. In spite of living in the shadow of the High Bleaks, she and her brother had a happy childhood, due in no small part to their mother's loving attention towards them. She and her brother also interacted with other young rabbits, including Lokson, son of their father's fellow citadel lord, Lokken. Heyna developed an intense dislike of Lokson after he trapped her in a tree fort, and this enmity persisted for a number of years.

Tragically, Heyna was present when enemies came and killed her mother. Deeply grieved that she had been helpless to do anything to save her, Heyan later begged her father to allow her to learn how to fight. Though this went against the traditions of Kingston, Victor was persuaded. As such, Heyna added the skills of a warrior to the courtly conduct that had been passed down from her distant ancestor, Lucianne Blackstar.

Growing up after the fall of Jupiter Goodson, Heyna and her brother became friends with his youngest son and heir, Smalden Joveson. The trio shared a number of adventures prior to Smalls' true identity becoming known to the rabbits of the Cause at large.

### *Ember Falls*

**Picket Longtreader**: Good girl.

**Heather**: Agreed.

—*Ember Falls*, p. 192 |  | ”

Heyna and Cole accompanied their father to Halfwind Citadel and took part in a meeting of Smalls' council where they discussed the approach of the then unknown Terralain army. After the discussion of a number of topics, including the revelation that Halfwind doctor Emma was in fact Smalls' younger sister and chosen heir, Smalls introduced the pair to Picket and Heather Longtreader. His words prompted Heyna to smile at him, prompting an irrational sense of dislike in Heather. At Victor's suggestion, Heyna was tasked with protecting Emma, who was utterly unaware of her true identity.

During the Attack on Halfwind Citadel, Heyna acted to protect Emma from the invaders, but was knocked unconscious during the battle. Thanks to the arrival of the Terralains, the citadel was saved, but Heyna's injuries resulted in a permanent scar on her face. She was one of a number of rabbits to be confined to the hospital during the Terralain occupation of Halfwind. However, when Emma left Halfwind to travel to Cloud Mountain ahead of the Battle of Rockback Valley, Heyna insisted on going with her.

By this time, Heather had recognized the foolishness of her animosity towards Heyna, and both she and Picket approved of Heyna's accompanying Emma. Heather later saw Heyna keeping watch over Emma from a distance; however, Heyna was not involved in the subsequent attempt by Prince Bleston to abduct Emma and turn her over to Morbin Blackhawk.

### *Ember Rising* / *The Archer's Cup*

#### Touring the secret citadels

Following the evacuation of Cloud Mountain, Heyna-now acting as lady-in-waiting for Emma, whose identity had been made known to her and to the rabbits of the Cause-accompanied her to Vandalia Citadel. During their stay there, Emma was greatly impressed with Heyna, whom she recognized was far better trained in dealing with nobility than she herself was. For her part, Heyna shrewdly observed Emma's growing friendship with Lord Booker and his son Morgan. As such, she recognized that Emma's time at Vandalia was not a drain on her energies, as both Lord Victor and Captain Frye believed, but had instead made her eager to continue her work.

Acting on this knowledge, Heyna approached Emma with a bold plan to accelerate their travel to Blackstone Citadel, the next destination on their tour of the secret citadels. Heyna noted that arriving early would have a double benefit, as it would not only give them safer travel but would also give them the chance to catch the notoriously antagonistic Lord Ronan off-guard. After asking for input from Jo Shanks, Cole's comrade in the elite Fowlers squad, Emma asked him to fetch Lord Victor. She then turned to Heyna and asked her about her unusual abilities as a fighter.

With some reluctance, Heyna-with help from Cole-told Emma about her mother, with whom Emma had been acquainted, and her tragic loss. Seeing both Blackstar twins moved to tears, Emma apologized, though Heyna assured her she had done nothing wrong. Victor, who had arrived with Jo, comforted Heyna and her brother. Having learned that all four of them were descended from Whitson Mariner, Emma acknowledged the Blackstars as distant cousins. With this in mind, she insisted that all of them-including Heyna-address her as Emma, rather than any royal title, at least in private.

Following Heyna's recommendation, Emma decided to split her traveling party, with Lord Victor taking the majority south to the Great Wood. The remainder-Emma, Heyna, Cole, and Jo-continued on to Blackstone through the night. In this more relaxed company, Heyna became less formal, joining in banter with the other young rabbits. This involved a great deal of teasing aimed at Jo, though he had already become accustomed to it from the Blackstar twins during their acquaintance.

During a brief rest, Heyna remained with Emma while Cole and Jo spoke apart. Jo brought up the idea of marriage, and Cole briefly bristled at the thought that Jo might be interested in Heyna. Jo quickly alleviated his concerns, and the four continued on to Blackstone. Led by Cole, they created a distraction to draw away most of the guards from the main gate, before imperiously marching up to it and announcing themselves. The party was then brought to a chamber to await Lord Ronan. It was not Ronan who entered the chamber, however, but an old doe named Gallipot Grenda, who warned the group that Ronan was very ill and that Blackstone was on the verge of collapse thanks to a series of threatening letters.

#### Division of Blackstone Citadel

**Heyna Blackstar**: What about you? Should we trust you?

—*The Archer's Cup*, pg. 38 |  | ”

Before Grenda could explain the situation fully, the group was interrupted by Lead Captain Truff, Lord Ronan's second-in-command. After a tense exchange, Truff sent soldiers to escort Emma's party to quarters. The rude behavior of these bucks riled Jo, but Heyna-recognizing that they were all affected by weariness and hunger-managed to prevent him from acting out of anger. Heyna made a point of inspecting the room she was to share with Emma before preparing to leave with Jo to get food, with Cole noting that it might become necessary to evacuate Emma from the hostile citadel.

Their plans were interrupted, however, by the somewhat intimidating approach of a pale red buck and his army. The red buck introduced himself as Lokson, the son of Blackstone's lord before Ronan, whom Lokson was trying to usurp. Heyna received Lokson coldly, recalling that he had trapped her in a tree fort when they were younglings. Lokson claimed that he had come to insure that Emma was safe, and introduced Jo, Cole, and Heyna to his captain, Cheltham. Lokson invited the group to breakfast with him, then left.

Jo and Heyna met Lokson and his army in the mess hall, where Lokson introduced them to Slimmo, a tall, friendly chef who was liked at once by the two younger rabbits. After they ate, Slimmo invited Jo into his kitchen for tea and a chat; but the pair were soon interrupted by Heyna, who called on Jo to return to their quarters. Before they could leave, however, they were met by Cleeve Hapson, a messenger sent to inform Emma that her presence had been required by Ronan. As Heyna exited to fetch Emma, Cheltham informed Jo that Cleeve was in league with one of Blackstone's most forbidding forces, Matron Wilder's faction.

Heyna, Emma, Cole, and Jo followed Cleeve to Blackstone's hospital, where they were met by a frightened Grenda, the elderly doe from when they first arrived at the citadel. Grenda warned Emma not to trust "her," just as Matron Wilder entered the hospital with her guard. Matron Wilder had Grenda removed, then, asserting that she spoke for Ronan, led Emma's entourage into an adjoining room. Wilder sparred verbally with Emma, who was furious that the older doe would not let her attend to the ill Ronan. Just as things seemed about to escalate, Wilder's captain Devert entered through a secret door and informed her that Ronan had called an immediate council. Wilder told Emma that she might attend the council, then left through the secret door, leaving the company alone in the locked and sealed room.

A fire was lit from outside, and smoke began to creep in from under the door. Jo hacked at the lock on the door with his sword, then rushed the door. It gave way, and all four rabbits burst out. Though singed and tired, they made it to the Lord's Quadrant and were admitted to the council, where Emma immediately demanded to know the meaning behind the poor treatment they had received. Ronan apologized for his citadel's conduct, claiming that he had only just learned of Emma's arrival. During the council, Ronan told them about Blackstone's keymasters: Matron Wilder, Lokson, Truff, occasionally, and himself, who had access to three different citadel gates. Due to the placement of the letter, which was pinned to his wife Elisabeth's pillow, Ronan believed that Bane Graveheart was one of the keymasters. As the council members fired shots at one another, Lokson suggested holding an event to boost the citadel's morale; namely, an archery competition. Suddenly, Ronan's wife Elisabeth burst in, bringing a Bane Graveheart letter threatening the imminent destruction of the water gate.

#### The Ultimate Archer's Cup and First Warren

**Cole**: He'd have to be slow-witted, and a bad conversationalist.

**Heyna**: Not helping, Cole. Being a legendary archer would help. But listen, Jo, if I have to go-and I'm going, for Emma's sake-then you have to go. I am intensely displeased at the prospect of being near Lordling Lokson for an extended period.

**Jo**: I see your intense displeasure, and raise you profound disgust. That is what I feel around Cheltham.

—*The Archer's Cup*, p. 142-143 |  | ”

Luckily, the issue was quickly resolved, although another Bane Graveheart letter was found. Once everyone was back in the council chamber, Heyna announced that Ronan had retired to his chambers. Accusations flew between the gathered keymasters once again, with many of the jabs aimed at Matron Wilder as her alibi weakened. The last straw came when Matron Wilder accidentally misnamed one of Ronan's children, prompting Truff to arrest her.

As Matron Wilder was led away, Amber Hewson accompanied Heyna, Emma, and Cole to the mess hall. Heyna and her friends looked on in amusement as Jo blundered in the presence of Amber. Back in their quarters, Heyna, Emma, and Cole prepared for a dinner with Lokson, which Heyna insisted Jo should attend until he informed them that Nate Flynn had just arrived at Blackstone. While Heyna dreaded the prospect of the dinner, Jo made plans-which Heyna perceived-to woo Amber. Later that evening, a confused and dejected Jo, having been rejected by Amber, reunited with Emma and the Blackstars, who informed him that he would be representing The Cause by taking part in an elite archery competition the next day.

The next morning, although Matron Wilder had escaped, the Ultimate Archer's Cup was the hot topic. Shortly, the Ultimate Archer's Cup began, with Heyna, Cole, and Emma in attendance. Jo made it to the second round, which was more difficult, with all but Jo, Cheltham, Lokson, and Nate Flynn being eliminated. Just then, a worried Amber approached Jo, bearing yet another Bane Graveheart letter, this one threatening death and the citadel's destruction at nightfall. The archers took a break before the final round, and Jo and Amber informed Heyna, Cole, Emma, and Grenda of the news. Heyna, Emma, and Amber left to join Lord Ronan, while Jo, Cole, and Grenda made for the mess hall.

In the Lord's Quadrant, Heyna, Emma, and Amber were ambushed by Bane Graveheart, who was actually Slimmo. The crazed buck drugged the three does and left them lying in Ronan's family chambers while he continued on to kill Ronan. Luckily, before Slimmo could perform the deed, Jo arrived on the scene, having put two and two together to realize that Slimmo was behind all the attacks. Jo subdued the cook, after which Grenda began moving Heyna and the other drugged rabbits to the hospital. A day later, Heyna and the others looked on as Lord Ronan pledged his support to Emma and the Cause.

Together with Cole and Jo, Heyna came to Emma’s rescue following the princess’ secret meeting with Kylen of Terralain. The trio saved Emma from a band of Terralain assassins led by Tameth Seer, with Heyna herself thwarting his attempt to kill Emma with a knife. Heyna later accompanied Emma during the Battle for First Warren, stopping briefly to check on an injured Cole at the city square. The two led the way into the old palace, and Heyna once again saved Emma from an assassin, this time a member of the palace guard. After the battle, Heyna was among Emma's retinue when she visited Picket in a hospital set up inside the palace.

### *Ember's End*

**Jo Shanks**: I'm prepared to die by being caught, but not by heart attack because of you two idiots creeping up on me like that.

—*Ember's End*, p. 14 |  | ”

Heyna was sent with Jo and Cole to infiltrate the Terralain camp, which had been established not far from First Warren. The three moved with great stealth, with Cole and Heyna startling Jo at one point with much amusement. Upon reaching the camp proper, the group split, with Cole and Heyna setting out to sabotage Terralain war assets while Jo infiltrated Kylen's tent. Heyna later subdued a Terralain soldier who was about to attack a fleeing Jo, and the trio used a catapult to launch themselves into the air. Setting off several blastpowder explosions, the three then deployed glider packs to make their way back towards First Warren.

Jo, who was shot down by the Terralain archers, managed to regroup with Heyna and Cole at the gate, along with a force of rabbits led by Wilfred Longtreader. The four of them interrupted a meeting of Emma's council with dire news: the Terralain army had been joined by reinforcements under Kylen's brother Naylen. With an attack imminent, Emma prepared to leave with the Fowlers to visit the Terralain camp herself in hopes of finding a peaceful resolution. Heyna, meanwhile, was sent with her father to investigate a report of a group of rabbits approaching First Warren, one of whom was believed to be Lady Glen, Emma's mother.

Heyna and her father met up with the Pilgrim's band and continued with them towards First Warren. A couple of days later, Lady Glen sent a message asking for help, and Heyna was present when Jo arrived in response to the summons. Heyna later accompanied Lady Glen into the old palace where she was reunited with Emma, and Heyna resumed her duty of watching over the princess. Near the end of the Siege of First Warren, she gathered with the remnants of Emma's council atop the palace roof.

A year after the end of the War for All Natalia, Heyna was among those chosen to sit at a special table set aside for Picket, his family, and close friends at the first Feast of the Mending. Sometime later, she served as lady-in-waiting to Queen Heather Joveson, no longer needing to act as a bodyguard in the world of the Mending. She was asleep early one morning when Emma arrived to visit her sister-in-law. Heyna subsequently appeared escorting Heather's mother Sween Longtreader as she came to visit her daughter.

## Physical appearance

Roughly the same height as, but with a slenderer build than, her twin brother Coleden, Heyna has rich black fur and large blue eyes framed by thick eyelashes, as well as a long, dark scar running across the right side of her face. This feature came about only after the Attack on Halfwind. She was noted as being quite beautiful, with a natural grace and elegance.

During her time at Blackstone, Heyna wore a light-colored gown with a decorative gold belt around the waist. A gray cape was pinned around her shoulders with a purple jewel, and she carried a small dagger.

## Personality and traits

**Emma Joveson**: She's fiercely loyal, but obedient as well. I sent her and her father to investigate some rumors. A strange group was sighted by a patrol.

—*Ember's End*, p. 45 |  | ”

Due to her upbringing in the Kingston court, Heyna could be quite formal and reserved, at least in the presence of royalty, fellow nobility, and high-ranking officers. A shrewd observer, she was able to recognize Emma's state-of-mind after only being acquainted with her briefly, and to recognize when her father and Captain Frye felt their more advanced age and incorrectly assumed that Emma must share their weariness. Heyna was able to speak confidently regarding what she considered the best course of action and demonstrated a consideration for tactics and travel conditions in laying out what she proposed. She was somewhat hurt at the suggestion that she might ever have spoken falsely to Emma, though when she learned that Emma was curious about her history she was initially unwilling to share it.

Due to her training, Heyna initially found it difficult to address Emma informally, but soon warmed with the encouragement of her newfound cousin. Indeed, the connection between the pair allowed Heyna to reveal her true personality: that of a doe who enjoyed fun and jokes, particularly if they involved her brother and were aimed at Jo.

For all of her intelligence, Heyna had difficulty in letting go of her grudge against Lokson, holding incidents from their childhood against him for years. This prompted her to exhibit somewhat juvenile behavior in interacting with him or dealing with the subject of being around him.

Having been trained in such arts, Heyna was a skilled fighter, often employing her legs in devastating kicks. In terms of weaponry, she seems to have favored a dagger, possibly due to being able to conceal it.

## Family tree

 - The Blackstar Family -

\*Note: The identity of Lord Blackstar II and his relationship to Fleck Blackstar is currently unknown.
## Relationships

### Victor and Lady Blackstar

**Heyna**: Still, I was there. And from that day I begged Father to allow me to train to defend so that I might never be as helpless again if the worst happened. So taht I might do some good in the service of some highborn lady.

—*Ember Rising*, p. 206 |  | ”

Victor and his wife were Heyna's parents, whom she loved deeply and enjoyed a happy childhood with. Heyna was particularly fond of her mother who, though she was a model to her children in terms of courtly behavior, was fun-loving and affectionate as well. Lady Blackstar always made time for her children despite her own busy schedule, something that Heyna recognized and appreciated. Her murder affected Heyna greatly, particularly as she was present for the event but, due to being a child and untrained in combat, could do nothing to rescue her mother. This later motivated her to seek training as a fighter, which her father eventually agreed to.

Heyna also loved and respected her father, who did his best to relieve her irrational feelings of guilt over her mother's death. Victor loved his children but also respected their abilities and recognized that he couldn't keep them sheltered if they were to live full lives. As such, he left them at Halfwind Citadel when he accompanied Smalls' doomed trip to Kingston but recommended that Heyna act as protector to Emma. Despite this mutual respect, Heyna was capable of recognizing and pointing out to others that Victor was affected by his advancing age. She was also willing to contradict his council in the event she saw the potential to achieve a more desirable outcome.

### Coleden Blackstar

Cole is Heyna's twin brother and one of her closest friends, the two enjoying both adventuring and playing jokes together. The pair grew even closer after losing their mother, with both becoming dedicated to the Cause. They worked together well in service to Emma and in tandem with Jo Shanks, Cole's comrade from the Fowlers unit. Heyna readily acknowledged her brother's skill as a warrior, though she would also readily point out any deficiencies, such as his lack of ability as an archer. Heyna was quick to move to the side of an injured Cole during the Battle of First Warren, but after seeing him only lightly hurt was quick to turn her attention back to duty.

### Smalden and Emma Joveson

Smalden and Emma Joveson were both friends to Emma, and were distantly related to her, with both of their families being descended from Whitson Mariner. Heyna became acquainted with Smalls years before his status as Jupiter's heir was generally known, and the two enjoyed a number of adventures together with Cole. When she was introduced to the Longtreaders at Halfwind by the prince, Heyna smiled fondly at him.

**Heyna**: We are that, Your Highness.

**Emma**: Then we have a good excuse for you to call me Emma, since we are family.

—*Ember Rising*, p. 207 |  | ”

Heyna agreed to act as bodyguard to Emm before the princess was aware of her true identity and suffered grievous injuries in her defense. Despite not being fully recovered, she also insisted on accompanying Emma to Cloud Mountain ahead of the Battle of Rockback Valley. After Emma was revealed as Jupiter's heir, Heyna added the duties of a lady-in-waiting to her service, helping Emma during the visit to Vandalia. This allowed the pair to grow closer, though Emma was initially in awe of Heyna because of her grace and experience.

The pair eventually had a heart-to-heart when Heyna brought up the possibility of accelerating their journey to Blackstone, with Heyna noting that she had sensed how Emma had benefitted from her experience at Vandalia rather than being taxed by it. As she considered Heyna's suggestions, Emma found the courage to question Heyna about her ability as a fighter, a deviation from the ways of her mother. Heyna, together with Cole and their father, told Emma about their tragic loss; as a result, Emma learned of their shared connections and promptly accepted the Blackstars as cousins. In token of this, she insisted that the three of them call her by name in private or among themselves, which Heyna agreed to with some initial reluctance.

During the journey to Blackstone, Heyna relaxed her courtly facade around Emma, and was thus able to joke with her, Cole, and Jo. However, Emma's safety remained Heyna's paramount concern, as demonstrated when she insisted on entering a room the pair of them were assigned to first in order to check for threats. Heyna remained close to Emma throughout their time at Blackstone, only leaving her side when at least one trusted rabbit was keeping guard on the princess. She also resolved to accompany Emma to a dinner with Lokson, despite her own personal distaste for her childhood acquaintance.

Heyna continued to protect and serve Emma throughout the remainder of the War for All Natalia, saving her from assassination attempts in the Great Wood and in First Warren itself. She later traveled to the Terralain camp on a mission for Emma, before being sent with her father to investigate the approach of a party believed to include Emma's mother. Though reluctant not to accompany Emma in her own mission to the Terralain camp, Heyna submitted to her cousin's authority and left. Upon returning to the old palace in First Warren, she was quick to take up her position of guarding Emma. Some years later, while Heyna was serving as lady-in-waiting to Queen Heather, Emma felt no qualms about visiting Heather without alerting her sleeping cousin and remarked teasingly regarding Heyna's supposed lack of vigilance.

### Jo Shanks

**Cole**: Oh. So, just like every other day?

**Jo Shanks**: Yeah. Things were different an hour ago. Apparently, I was so right that I swayed the leader of the cause and the hope of all Natalia. Didn't hear a lot of naysayers back then.

**Heyna**: We were stunned silent. And since it was actually my idea, and you just came along and agreed with me, you were right then and wrong now.

—*The Archer's Cup*, p. 8-9 |  | ”

Jo and Heyna became acquainted sometime after her arrival at Halfwind and before their shared journey to Blackstone. Together with Cole, Heyna took great pleasure in poking fun at Jo; they were later joined in these games by Emma. This led to Jo coming to regard Heyna as a sort of honorary sister, to the point that he brushed off the notion of ever pursuing her romantically. For all her teasing, Heyna genuinely respected Jo as a friend and comrade. When he managed to work his way out of attending an unpleasant dinner, she was both displeased and acquainted enough with Jo to recognize that he hoped to instead spend the evening with Amber Hewson. She also complimented his skills as an archer when he complained of his own Blackstone nemesis, Captain Cheltham.

Even in the midst of the dangerous infiltration of the Terralain camp, Heyna wasn't above having some fun at Jo's expense, finding it amusing when Jo was startled by how closely she and Cole had followed him. When the time came for them to part ways in the camp, Heyna gave Jo's arm a parting squeeze before heading off with Cole.

### Lokson

**Jo Shanks**: Bad news, Heyna. I think he's our best friend here.

—*The Archer's Cup*, p. 43 |  | ”

Heyna and Lokson first met as younglings, and Heyna developed a dislike and mistrust of Lokson after the mischievous buck left her trapped in a tree fort. Heyna continued to harbor ill feelings years later and was disinclined to regard Lokson as a possible ally when they met again at Blackstone. She made no secret of her doubts about Lokson to either her friends or the lord's son himself, though Lokson mostly seems to have expressed mild exasperation at her jabs. Despite this dislike, Heyna forced herself to attend a dinner hosted by Lokson where the Ultimate Archer's Cup was organized.

### Heather Joveson and Picket Longtreader

Heyna first met Heather and Picket at Halfwind shortly before the citadel was attacked by Morbin's wolves. After learning of her history with, and seeing her friendliness towards, Smalls, Heather developed a dislike of Heyna. She eventually recognized that she had done so foolishly, and both she and Picket came to admire Heyna's determination and dedication to duty. At the first Feast of the Mending, Heyna was among the guests to join the Longtreader family at table. She would later serve as lady-in-waiting to Heather, announcing guests in the absence of having any enemies to protect the queen from.

## Trivia

* The surname "Blackstar" is of English origin and is derived from the Old English word "blaecan," which means "to bleach."

## References

1. ↑ [1]

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