Ashlyn Kaistra

Ashlyn Kaistra

**Ashlyn Kaistra** is an Aseri Princess, Noblewoman, Scholar, Architect, and Economist living in the nation of the Asharalyn. She is currently the Aldareina of the Kingdom of the Asharalyn.

## Biography

### Childhood

Ashlyn Kaistra was born Ashlyn Aspen Kaistra on the 8th of Delite, in Asariana. She was the first born-daughter of Astarial Kaistra, the Aldareina of the Aseri, and Simiral. Upon her birth, it is said that a star scraped across the sky, bathing the sleeping city of Asariana in it’s light. This star was a special omen for the Aseri, even though it was not a rare occurrence. Feasts were held throughout the Lakewood to celebrate the birth of a new heir and the Aseri celebrated for three days and three nights. Upon the approach of sunrise on the third night, Ashlyn Kaistra was doused in the falling waters of Ventria’s tears and baptised into the faith of her ancestors.

Ashlyn's childhood was marked by the attainment of knowledge pertaining to Aseri culture and faith. She grew up hearing the ancient stories of the Aseri, of her ancestors and of the gods and goddesses of Ventrism. By the age of 20, the ending of infancy for the Aseri, she could both understand, and vocally read passages from the Zandari, the holy text of the faith.

### Coronation as Princess of the Aseri

When Ashlyn turned 100, she immediately claimed her birthright as heir to the Moonstone Throne. She was then challenged by the Karida to complete the three challenges expected of Aseri heirs: Body, Mind, and Faith. A festival then was held on the following three days. As ordained in the Zandari, Ashlyn would have to complete every challenge, in order, one day after the other.

#### The Challenge of Body

> Your strength is the strength of the Aseri, daughter. Where you go our people will follow.
>
> - Astarial Kaistra

As Asariana was bathed in the feigning light of dusk and glow of sunset, Ashlyn stood at the foot of Ventria’s Tears. Her first Challenge was of Body. At the top of the waterfall was both of her parents and members of the clergy. With her at the foot of the waterfall were her friends and the People of Asariana. If Ashlyn wanted to rule one day, she would have to climb and show strength for all of her people. Her ancestors and forbearers had accomplished this challenge, and she was not going to be the first in her family to fail the test set before her.

Ashlyn did not show any fear as the last tendrils of sunlight slipped beneath the moonlight sea. In the sun’s place, the stars twinkled high above her and would guide her way. She began to climb, rock after rock as she grappled the sides of the cliff with both her feet and hands. As she ascended, she was careful not to slip, though a fall into the pool below would not mean death, it would mean failure. Ashlyn shook the feeling from her mind and instead glanced to the top of the cliff, her goal, and continued to climb. As she climbed, the people who rested at the bottom of the waterfall cheered her on. Their utterance of phrases such as ‘Aiya! (Hail)’ and ‘Ave! (Rise)’ encouraged her to continue. Eventually, the young Princess reached the top of the waterfall and was wrapped in a black cloak dotted with white stitchings which resembled the stars.

The feasts and celebrations which followed lasted into the night. Ashlyn attempted to retire early but her mother told her to stay. Ashlyn pondered why she hadn’t been permitted to sleep, but she continued to watch the festivities below. Her question blazed deep into her mind and would not be answered for what felt like hours. Suddenly her mother turned to her:

”Your strength *is* the strength of the Aseri, daughter. Where you go our people will follow. The Blood of Anarion flows in our veins. You must not show fatigue in face of these challenges, despite the adversity of them. You are the example upon which the next generation of Aseri will look to for guidance and strength.”

Ashlyn nodded in assent and continued to watch the feast, newly rejuvenated with her mother’s encouragement. At times she danced with her people, and at times she played with the children in attendance. By the time the sun arose however, the festivities came to an end and Ashlyn quickly went back to her chambers to rest.

#### The Challenge of Mind

Hours before the sun began to set, Ashlyn was awoken by her handmaidens and fed.