Rowan (Familiar)

Rowan was a red squirrel with chocolate brown eyes. She served as the familiar and companion to the Magister Hawkeye of Vektren, before her death during the Hive Wars, when she sacrificed herself to save Hawkeye. Rowan was created and RP'd by 4everhound.

## Personality

* ***Gentle.*** Rowan is a kind and caring spirit, and whenever she isn't foraging or gathering, she's providing emotional and moral support to her friends and family. Being a smaller animal than most, she opts to use sympathy and modesty over pride or arrogance. There isn't any harm in showing a little kindness to someone, no matter who they are.
* ***Resourceful**.* Rowan can be crafty when she needs to be. While she is a bit absentminded sometimes, she is perfectly capable of using her environment to her advantage, particularly when it came to making escapes. A testament to her survival in a predatory world, she knows all the ins and outs, and she is not a squirrel who can be easily caught.
* ***Optimistic**.* Despite everything, Rowan still maintains a fairly positive outlook on life. It's not always grounded in reality, but if she sank into despair whenever something terrible happened to her, she never would have made it past her first (and worst) winter. She still worries a lot and it may take her some time to adjust, but she does, eventually.
* ***Hesitant**.* Rowan is not one to try new things. She likes routine, and unexpected changes in that routine can make her fearful. Her caution does not make her very social, but she does think before she acts, a crucial skill for any prey animal.
* ***Impartial**.* ...might be too nice of a word. In reality Rowan avoids conflict however she can, which means she can't be counted on to take a stance on anything. Her goal is to remain as unnoticeable as possible, and would rather let whatever issue sort itself out without her being dragged into it. If she absolutely *must* give an opinion, it will be as noncommittal as possible and appeal to both sides or neither.
* ***Flighty**.* Being a squirrel in a world ruled by predators has left Rowan a skittish creature who is easily frightened. She is never truly relaxed, even when high up in a tree or in the presence of her bonded wolf. Unfortunately this means it doesn't take much to set her fur on end, and it can be a while before she calms down again.
* ***Stringent**.* Rowan yields to the law of the land, or whoever is in charge of it. Their rules are her rules, and must be followed to the letter. She does not approve of laws being broken for any reason; it can only lead to trouble, and that was something she avoided at all costs.
* ***Timid**.* True to her kind's nature, Rowan is a shy one. She's not someone to stand out or draw attention to herself, and a lot of the time she appears not in full view, but underneath or behind something else. She encourages her friends to open up, but hardly ever opens up about herself.

## Pre-Group History

Up until her first snow, Rowan's life had been that of the typical squirrel's. She had never known her father, instead living out her childhood with her mother and two siblings. From the time they were able, the three kits learned everything there was to know about how to forage, cache and, most importantly, stay out of danger. Nowhere, they were told, was safe. Not even the trees they called home. Nothing took priority over over their own individual safety, and as long as they remembered that, they would have better odds of survival.

Rowan thought she understood the lesson well enough, until her family's drey was attacked by a pine marten. Her memory of the event was hazy, but she did recall waking up in a tree hole some time later, when her mother came to collect her. Then she was told the news that her siblings, her two brothers, hadn't been able to escape. Unfortunate, but not unheard of. Then her mother explain in a confused, disappointed tone that one had had freedom within his reach, but chose instead to go back for the other. And as a result, both were killed.

It was bizarre, most unnatural behavior, and so naturally led to certain death. That day and her mother's words stayed with Rowan, even long after she grew old enough to leave her side. Heroics were for those strong enough to be able to protect themselves and others. It was not a lifestyle a squirrel could afford. So when winter came, and every animal scrambled to find food and shelter, Rowan put herself first. She stayed with other squirrels when she needed to, and the moment she didn't, she left for elsewhere.

No one held it against her, nor did she hold it against those who did the same. It was simply the way of things. Move, then hide, then move, then hide some more. It was a neverending cycle. But Rowan liked cycles. She liked when things operated the way they should. So when the snow and ice obscured her path and stole her sense of direction, Rowan could only panic. She no longer had any idea where she was. But surely things would be clearer when the thaw came? Then she could orient herself and make her way home.

Only, it never did.

Sure enough, the snow melted. And when it did, Rowan didn't recognize anything. Not the land, the sky, or even the plants. Not only was she far from home–she didn't even know where "home" *was.* She was well and truly lost, and soon she came to learn why being lost in a place like was not ideal for a squirrel...

## Group History

Rowan spent most of her time with Hawkeye, who took her in when he found her, all alone. Only occasionally did she meet other wolves get properly introduced to them, like Theodosia. Ultimately, she offered support to Hawkeye when he was questioning his life, his beliefs...and he was there for her, too.

She helped him as they navigated the battlefield during the Hive Wars, for Hawkeye chose to run messages and deliver medical aid. When Hawkeye was attacked by a Hive wolf, Rowan leapt down from the trees and clawed at the creature's eyes, giving Hawkeye a chance to escape...though ultimately, with a single bite, the brave young squirrel was killed.

Hawkeye grieved the loss of his companion terribly, but honored her for her sacrifice.

## Trivia

* Calls everyone "Sir" or "Lady" regardless of rank.
* Miss Apologizes-A-Lot is a perpetual worrywart.
* Is almost never seen on the ground unless she's with Hawkeye.
* You may be a 36'' tall carnivore but she will still tell you to mind your language (politely).

## Quotes

* “I may not be a wolf, but I can be more than just a squirrel. I can be brave. Like you.” (to Hawkeye, *There for Me*)

## External Links

* Official Application Sheet
* 4everhound's deviantART Gallery