Lady Mariah Wilem

Mariah, painted after her marriage, in 73 ME

**Lady Mariah Wilem** born **Mariah Damius** is the wife of Prince Silas Wilem and a member of the Wilem Royal Family by marriage. She was born into the peasantry in Media, in the country town of Lenovos near Pilos.

## Biography

Mariah was born into a peasant family; her mother was a weaver and her father a fisherman. She grew up on the shores of the smallest of Median islands to house a city. Her childhood was filled with seaside work and play. Mariah was one of seven siblings, though she was the only daughter.

In 64 ME, Mariah was bathing in the tidal pools near her home when she was spotted by Prince Silas Wilem of Fleur, who was training in sailing. He had been winding his sailboat through the rocky shores near Lenovos to prepare for a trip to Kaiya. When he saw Mariah nude and submerged in the water, he immediately fell in love with her. Two days later, as she lay by her mother's feet drawing up yarn, Silas arrived at her home and begged for her hand in marriage. Mariah was confused; the man spoke Median though with an accent and she had never seen him before. Assuming he was from Daotos, she humored his proposal but was not convinced until he spoke those famous words, "No reason in this world I could give that would justify thy acknowledgement of me, but if given the chance I would everyday do my best to crawl up to thy corner of Heaven." She accepted his offer.

After marrying at the temple to Dagon in at Lenovos, the young couple spent time together in Silas' modest lodgings before returning by boat to Fleur. Mariah was informed at the time that Silas was of noble birth but was unaware that he was a prince. When they arrived in Wilemberg there was great fanfare for Silas, however, his mother was far from happy. Queen Minerva Wilem of Flowers did not want to see her son married to a common foreigner, so she confiscated his boats, withheld his allowance, and placed him under house arrest. Silas was unswayed however, because he had his bride and Mariah was in awe of even their confined room at Evermere.

Eventually, in 67 ME the couple was able to win over Minerva and have their marriage officiated, in part due to Mariah's humble nature and gentle personality. In this time she had already given birth to their only child, a daughter called Helena Wilem II, after Silas' grandmother whom he loved deeply. The baby girl was kept secret until after their public wedding in 67 ME. Mariah was called a Median noblewoman so as to not arouse suspicion in the public. As a wedding gift, Minerva gave the couple Sea Star, a palace in southern Fleur.

### As Lady of Sea Star

As the new Lady of Sea Star, Mariah proved most capable of hosting, managing, and entertaining her new peers. She was an excellent mother to Helena, raising her on her own breast and adoring her all her youth. She loved sailing with Silas, often accompanying him on trips. When she did not go with him, she would remain behind and run Sea Star in his leave. Mariah was well loved by her subjects.

When Minerva Wilem II took the throne, tensions began to arise after her husband's death. Minerva's fragile mental state led to an attempted coupe in 109 ME that led to the exile of Prince Johan Wilem and the execution of traitors. Nervous about losing their status, Mariah and Silas pulled away from court life. It was at this time that their daughter went missing, presumed dead to this day. Helena had sailed west, attempting to sail past Carcosa into uncharted waters, where she was never seen again. Mariah was devastated. Her and Silas retreated far into Sea Star to grieve.

When Guinevere Wilem became queen of Fleur, the couple returned to court life. While Mariah was deeply affected by the disappearance of her daughter, she tired her best to remain positive. She was not incredibly close to Guinevere, however. When Guinevere died in the Two Years War in 116 ME, Mariah fled Sea Star with Silas to live in secret in Pilos.

## Appearance

Mariah has brown hair, green eyes, and a Median nose. Her skin has an olive complexion, and she tends to tan easily in the sun. Her face is boxy, but comely and fair. She prefers to dress in Median style, with loose flowing cloth garments. She keeps her hair up behind her head.