Tepest

Ilena has an ethereal beauty, with pale lavender-tinted skin and long, flowing black hair. Her bright, violet eyes are framed by faint silver streaks in her hair, and a delicate eldercross of intertwining vines wraps around her temples, a subtle reminder of her fey heritage. She dresses in a simple yet elegant ensemble of flowing gowns in muted tones of green and violet, and she carries a beautifully carved lute on her back. Her soft, melodic voice draws the attention of all who hear it, and her graceful movements seem almost otherworldly.

Ilena often hums softly to herself when deep in thought, and she prefers to solve problems through words and charm rather than conflict. She is an optimist on the surface, always seeing the best in others, but beneath that, she hides a sense of bitterness and guilt over not being able to protect her brother. She uses her bardic magic to entertain and uplift, though her performances often carry a hint of sorrow. Ilena’s defiance of the fey is subtle, and she carefully treads the line between rebellion and obedience.

Born after her parents made a fateful deal with a hag, Ilena grew up as a Hexblood in Viktal, beloved for her singing and storytelling. Her brother was taken by the Tithe, leaving her devastated, but she concealed her grief beneath a mask of joy for the village’s sake. Though she performs in the village festivals, she secretly despises Mother and the fey's hold over Tepest. Ilena dreams of using her bardic talents to break the village’s curse, but fears what might happen if she defies the fey too openly.