Hijam Parel-faj niv Raida

**Hijam Parel-faj niv Raida** was a Najer nomad who lived from 20 BB to 74 AB. He was most notable for being the father of former Emir of Najer Hirudo Talvos.

## History

### Early Life

Hijam was born in 20 BB to Parel and Ankha, a young couple from the Najer Raida Seyohdom who owned a farm on the outskirts of the only village nearby, Raidamah. He was the middle child of three siblings- he had two sisters: the older, Yeztari, and the younger, Aleod.

Hijam spent his youth aiding his parents in running their farm, which supported much of their extended family. As was common for many Najer families, some family members would graze flocks, others would travel, and others would farm. They shared the resources they got between each other. Several of Hijam's family were notable travelers, and would often bring treasures from across the world when they stayed at the farm. He developed a love of the grand and exotic thanks to these and the tales that his aunts and uncles would tell him.

During his teenage years, Hijam would often go visit Raidamah, as it was the only established village in a large radius. His enthusiasm and passion led him to associate with many people in the town, and he became popular among them. He remained a dutiful helper to his family, but spent nearly all his spare time away from his family, which caused a bit of a disconnect between them and him.

As soon as he hit adulthood, Hijam obtained a decent-paying job working for the Seyoh of Raidamah. To compensate for his absence on the family farm, he used his wages to hire laborers for his parents. He was sorely missed by his family, but he somewhat childishly yearned for something greater and grander than what he had, and so stayed in Raidamah in hopes of finding such things. Eventually, his ambition came back to face him when the Seyoh he had been working under retired and asked Hijam to be his successor.

Hijam did not want to be Seyoh due to the obligations he would be expected to perform as the leader of a whole Pom. Despite this, he did not see a way to escape, now did he see any better option, so he reluctantly accepted. In spite of his reluctance, he took to the job well, which was also in no small part due to his friendships with the rest of people in Raidamah.

However, around this time, a massive wave of instability and chaos was sweeping across Najer. A massive influx of banditry coupled with a worldwide economic crash completely disrupted trade, making life in the Raida Seyohdom difficult. News eventually came in of the discovery of the Buried Bells, and the founding of the city of Najera'jad by the Basha Pom. Some rumors even floated around that said the Bashas even wanted to form their own nation.

This news immediately entranced Hijam. The stories of a beautiful new city, forgotten deities, and new hope were like a dream to him. They were so enticing that they overwhelmed his attachment to his duties and to his home- he decided to pursue his boyhood dream. Hijam abruptly resigned as Seyoh and departed for Najera'jad, not telling anyone besides those immediately nearest to him, not even his family. The entire Pom was shocked by his actions.

### Najera'jad

Hijam's journey to this new city was uneventful, and by 2 AB he had arrived at the "Mountain of the People" as it was called. He obtained a job as a clerk for a respected group of Poma, who operated as a trade syndicate. However, this syndicate collapsed soon after Hijam's arrival due to economic conditions. Hijam was in a rough place, but managed to leverage some connections he had made in the brief time he had worked there. He became a fruitseller, wandering around the city and selling pomegranates, cherries, and apricots.

While working in this manner, he met an exceedingly beautiful woman. Her hair shone an iridescent gold and her eyes sparkled brighter than the clearest amethysts. She seemed to be interested in Hijam, and he instantly reciprocated, with the two of them forming a connection. He would meet her several more times as she visited the locations he sold at. Eventually, their meetings would culminate in a night of passion together.

He eventually learned that the woman had become pregnant, and Hijam devoted his full attention to supporting her. He worked day and night to feed himself as well as her, who he also took into his residence. They were never officially married, but their love for each other only continued to grow. In 21 AB, the woman gave birth to a son, which made Hijam overjoyed. For the next year, the woman nurtured the child, whom she named Hirudo. Hijam did not understand the reason for her naming choice, but accepted the name at her vehement insistence.

When Hirudo reached one year of age, the woman told Hijam that she loved him and that she was proud of him. Hijam accepted these words, but didn't know why they were given. The next day, the woman vanished, leaving only a letter explaining things to him, the exact contents of which are unknown. Hijam was heartbroken at this, but vowed to raise his son right and well.

Hijam taught his son everything he knew- the histories of Raidamah, the legends of the Lost Gods, Najer traditions, and so on. Hirudo grew up to be very "street smart" as well, learning the ins and outs of Najera'jad.

Eventually, the Sterling Crownlands, which Najera'jad had became a part of, collapsed in 25 AB, leading to a wave of instability and uncertainty in the city. Hijam's merchant business floundered and struggled as people became tighter with their money. Eventually, four years later, profits were no longer enough to sustain Hijam and Hirudo. Hijam frantically looked for another means to support himself, and found employment as a caravan guard to a foreign nation.

### Death

The first few caravans went very smoothly, but one day Hijam's caravan was attacked by bandits, and although he fought valiantly to fulfill his duty, he was slain, leaving Hirudo an orphan. Luckily for his son, Hijam had already made arrangements for relatives to take care of Hirudo should Hijam not return, and that is indeed what happened.