Ethel in "From Belkush to Sedun"
Ethel Mezezi is one of the two protagonists in "From Belkush to Sedun," the other being Sezzlic Denk .
Her Ancestry.
Ethel's birthplace is uncertain, although it was likely somewhere within the Kuluij clan's territory. It is also not certain who her birth parents were, although she was adopted by Isora Mezezi . As a member of the Kuluij clan, she would be considered as a barbarian by those in Sedun. Fortunately, the hatred would not be so entirely focused on her as her adoptive mother was also half Kolkal and had earned some spite from local factions. From the moment of her adoption onward, though, she would be raised as a Seduni princess.Upbringing.
Barring her few years on the northern plains, Ethel was raised as a Seduni princess. Known first as Tala, her birth name, she had to adjust to the shock of her new life. Although Isora was often busy with stately affairs, she managed to make direct impact on Tala's life. She ensured that Tala would have a plethora of tutors to learn from. Ranging from Kryti sergeants in the west, to Ethain scholars in the south, and even to a Kathuri theologian from Kolaskyva in the east. Young Tala took to all of her subjects very well, impressing her teachers. It had seemed that Isora had found a diamond in the rough, a jewel whose potential would not ever have been exploited had she not been adopted by Isora. As she aged, Tala found herself being influenced in great part by foreign philosophies. Ethaine was prevalent in Ethernia to some extent and had been adopted by much of the nobility in the south. She was also greatly influenced by her Kathuri teacher, so far to the point of adopting his religion (in part). Drawing from Ethaine, Isora renamed Tala as Ethel- meshing her name (Shield) with Eth (Land, life, or People) to be taken as the "Guardian." She was constantly made aware of her role as a princess and heir and her duty that she must fulfill. Although she didn't much express it, Ethel chided at these expectations and began to resent this "duty" of hers. Even still, she kept up with what her mother desired.Entry into the Story.
As part of Isora's strategy for the future of Ethernia, she betrothed Ethel to Iglius, son of Aybeedef- king of Belkush across the bay. Due in part to this arrangement, Ethel left for Belkush when she was twelve years old. Isora also meant for this to be an opportunity for Ethel to observe and learn war from the king. She became acquainted with her betrothed and his father, although still remained distant from the two. Despite their accommodations, she still felt out of place. She became dissatisfied with her place and resented her role. Such worries were rendered moot by the arrival of the Ethain army on Ethernian shores. Her betrothed, Iglius, died in battle and Aybeedef was slain by an Ethain intruder. Although shocked at his death, Ethel worked to have the Ethain detained and interrogated instead of outright killed. She had been told by Aybeedef, before his death, that her life was in danger now that she had no ties to the kingdom. Sensing that she was facing danger in the castle, she planned to make an escape. She coerced the Ethain prisoner into serving her as her body guard and managed to escape the palace.Dynamics and Interactions.
Although initially very cautious and distrustful of the Ethain, she does eventually warm up to him. She comes to value his words and thought, and relying on him for her safety led to a close bond. She would find in him a friend, something that she had never had before. Whereas Sezzlic is dutiful to a fault, even surprising Ethel by his devotion to protecting her- despite her extending her travel plans to a year and a half-, Ethel is much less certain. Always chiding at her expectations, she contemplates leaving her life as a princess behind and starting anew. After deciding against faking her death (After convincing herself out of actual suicide), she decides to escape with the Ethain. Although initially set on just going straight to Sedun, she has a change of heart. She decides to take her "duty" by the reigns and sets out with her bodyguard to push her mother's agenda in Legan. Her path throughout the story will be a conflict between duty and happiness. By the end of the story, Ethel Mezezi is a more confident, and happy, woman.
Children
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