Jori’s Backstory

  Seems I've got terrible luck with women. Didn't realize it until recently, but my first problem was my mother, Nimes Lialaran. She works as an ambassador from the Aquatic Elf settlement of Natania in the Royal Court of Andovarra. Always pushing for a minister position but never gets it. Not that I'd blame anyone—she's controlling and obsessed with appearances. For some reason, she's fixated on me following her into politics, working at the palace. I find that stuff mind-numbing. Give me open water and the outdoors any day.

  She kept pushing me to join the Order of the Dawn's Light (ODL)—those palace security warriors who end up in politics. Funny thing is, Mother accidentally showed me my real path. She was forcing me to attend some ODL recruitment thing when the rangers were holding a two-day trek in the Sepina Mountains. Told her I was going to that instead. Ended up joining the rangers. Simple as that.

  Spent the next few years taking jobs that kept me away from Candibaru and Mother as much as possible. Joined the Sapphire Society, which handles environmental issues along Andovarra's coasts. As an Aquatic Elf, I took to it like a fish to water. Started specializing in hunting sea predators. Got good at it, too.

  Five years ago, met the second problem woman: Jyssandra Tortholien. Mother had been nagging me to settle down, always trying to introduce me to "suitable" women. Usually avoided these setups, but a friend suggested I try one. Couldn't hurt, right? Wrong.

  At first, Jyssandra seemed okay. Reasonably smart, practicing mesmerist, attractive with dark hair and eyes. Few months in, I noticed a pattern. We only ever did what she wanted. Whenever I suggested something different, she'd have some excuse and call me selfish for asking. Usually gave in to avoid arguing. My best friend Neric finally pointed out how unfair this was.

  When I tried breaking up with her, she cast Telempathic Projection on me. Suddenly felt "better" about our relationship. She also used Unnatural Lust on me—making me kiss and touch her when I didn't want to. Hated that.

  One advantage: Jyssandra can't stand water after nearly drowning as a kid. So I took every underwater job the Sapphire Society offered. That's where I met Kere.

  Was freeing a sea turtle from abandoned nets when this woman appeared—black hair with teal streaks, tanned skin with silvery-blue scales in places. On her shoulder, the scales formed a dolphin. She calmed the turtle with a spell so I could cut it free.

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  Kere was different. Half-Aquatic-Elf, never pushed herself on anyone, knew more about sea creatures than anyone I'd met. Had a dolphin companion named Meri, plus other dolphins always showed up around her. She never summoned them—they just came.

  Felt comfortable with her. Eventually told her about Jyssandra. She listened, then simply asked what I planned to do about it. Couldn't answer. She just said I couldn't keep avoiding my problems. Few weeks later, asked if she'd pretend to be my girlfriend to shake off Jyssandra. She refused, saying she didn't fake relationships—but if I wanted to ask her on a real date where Jyssandra might be, she wouldn't say no.

  Wasn't sure I was ready, but respected her honesty. A month later, asked her on a real date. With Kere around, felt stronger somehow. We had fun, even when Jyssandra would find us and cause scenes. Kere even tried befriending Jyssandra, but Jyssandra just tried casting spells on her. Kere shook them off, which made Jyssandra furious.

  Jyssandra eventually disappeared. My relationship with Kere deepened. Started thinking she was the one.

  Then everything fell apart. Found out Kere was my half-sister. Gut punch doesn't begin to cover it.

  Now Jyssandra's back. Worse than just targeting my reputation—she's going after what matters most to me. Started spreading rumors that I'm sabotaging conservation efforts. Claims I'm secretly working with poachers. Some Society members are buying it—my latest assignment requests were denied. She's even gotten close to Galaren, the Society's director. Three times now I've overheard them talking about my "concerning behavior."

  Then she filed a formal complaint claiming I've been harvesting endangered coral for profit. Society's investigating me now. But that wasn't enough for her.

  Two weeks ago, learned she's been pushing Director Galaren to approve the Afa Masina auxiliary port expansion—a massive project that would destroy Whispering Tide Cove. Twenty-three species of rare coral, the largest kelp forest on the entire Andovarran coast, breeding grounds for rare sea turtles. I've spent three years documenting the ecosystem there, writing reports, building the case for permanent protection.

  She knows exactly what that place means to me. Knows I proposed creating Andovarra's first underwater nature preserve there. Knows every hour I've spent cataloging the life in those waters.

  Yesterday, found a note slipped under my door. Just two lines in her handwriting: "You can't just ignore me, Jori. Even when I'm not around, I can still touch everything you care about." Today, Galaren is supposed to fast-track the harbor expansion for final approval.

  Years of work building trust, gone because of her lies. And now she's destroying the place that represents everything I've fought to protect.

  Could leave—find another organization far away. But this is my life's work. The Society's the only place I've truly belonged. And Whispering Tide… that ecosystem can't be replaced. Once it's gone, it's gone forever.

  Promised Neric I'd do the Trials of Eight with him, and I'll keep my word. After that though, something has to change. Can't keep running from Jyssandra. Can't let her destroy everything I've built—or everything I'm trying to protect. For once in my life, might have to actually stand and fight.