Zeyra Leryn

You might have heard about Zeyra Leryn, a name that is now synonymous with success, grace, and artistic brilliance. Her performances have captivated audiences, earning her accolades and admiration from all corners of the kingdom. Perhaps you've witnessed the mesmerizing dances she choreographed, or felt the emotional depth in her artistic interpretations that have left viewers in awe. Yet, while many are familiar with her onstage persona, what remains hidden from most is the incredible journey she undertook to reach the pinnacle of her career. The story of Zeyra's rise to fame is not one of mere talent, but one that is woven with resilience, courage, and a relentless pursuit of greatness. Her path to success is as dramatic and layered as the performances she now commands, and it is a tale that speaks not only to her extraordinary abilities but to the depths of her character and determination.

Too bad I'm way too young to have ever had the chance to see one of her performances.

Early life

The next section is only for Adventurers that are brave enough to face the ugly, brutal or spicy parts of Mirintha.

Career

The first thing Zeyra did after gaining her freedom was securing passage on a ship that would take her close to the nearest official harbor, so she could take a ship to Idizice, capital of the Kingdom of Sadavaren and homeland of the Kadal. After arriving at the shores of Idizice she straight away visited the Royal Theatre, determined to obtain a position. When asked for any references or were she received her training, she couldn't name either. Her former work at the Crimson Rose was something, she most certainly did not want to mention in any way. Due to this lack of references, she was dismissed. She tried her luck at several other theaters in Idizce, but after visiting all of them and getting rejected by each and every single one, she decided to try her luck at other theaters, in other cities. After traveling for several months through all the bigger cities of Sadavaren, she decided to go back to Idizice.

Quite the ordeal ...

As soon as she returned, she went to the biggest market and negotiated a deal with some street musicians. While they were playing music she would dance and tips would be shared equally among all of them. This deal paid well for both parties, as her dancing was elevating the already excellent music to a whole new level. It didn't take long for one of the owners of a smaller theater to become aware of her. Mesmerized by her talent he decided to hire her despite the lack of references. And this decision was a wise one. Soon his theater was sold out whenever Zeyra was performing. Of course this did not went unnoticed by the director of the Royal Theatre, Jerhar Cheltinas, and after talking to both Zeyra and her employer at that time, he offered her the position as First Dancer when she was 27 years old. Not without his producer having to pay an exorbitant transfer fee.

Painting of Zeyra performing at the Royal Theatre

They should have just given her a chance in the first place!

Zeyra had a very successful carrier at the Royal Theatre. Several performances were rewritten to support her unique style. She guaranteed a full house at the Royal Theatre with each performance. Until her retirement at the age of 40 she remained First Dancer. Her last performance was sold out months before and the standing ovations she received lasted for minutes. You sometimes say, that somebody is getting buried in flowers during such applause, but for this one it was literal. There were so many flowers being thrown on stage, that Zeyra was indeed completely covered by them.

After her professional career as a dancer came to an end, Cheltinas and the producer of the Royal Theatre were smart enough to offer her a position as choreographer. Her experience allowed her to excel in her new role and when Cheltinas himself retired, she got his position. Now, at age 53, she still is director of the Royal Theatre. And successful at it. Due to her keen sense of talent, her musical inclination, and the artistic execution and interpretation of the pieces, she was able to elevate the theater to a new artistic level.

There were times, when things seemed to take a turn though. At the age of 43, she published a biography that had been written for her by an author. This work caused quite a stir, as it revealed her dark past. There were those who demanded her to be removed from the Royal Theatre. But somehow she remained her position, and as already mentioned, even was promoted later on. Some say, this was the result of years of dedication, hard work and lots of money she earned her employers. Others say it was only possible due to a wealthy, probably even aristocratic patron that has been supporting her over the last 20 years. She herself never comments on those rumors. Although some people claim to have seen her smile meaningful when addressed with the topic.

Ohhh, who might the mysterious benefactor be? And is it really true?

Personal life

In all these years, Zeyra never married and, of course, never had children of her own. Which is, according to gossip, not due to a lack of lovers. It seems to have been a personal decision. But she is known for donating huge amounts of money for underprivileged children and orphanages. It is said, that she wants to give as many children the chance for a good education, so they will never have to resort to more shady ways of earning a living. She is known for spending a lot of her free time walking through the many parks of Idizice, drawing inspiration from nature and the people around her.

I guess you could say Miss Leryn is quite the philantropist. The amount of money she is donating every month really does make a difference.

— Head Caretaker of the Dragon's Nest orphanage

Over all those years, Zeyra never cut ties with the street musicians who helped her gain the attention she needed to start her career. While she was still actively dancing, she sometimes visited them and gave a special performance for them. Nowadays, she supports them financially, for example by securing them lodging in the city or offering them opportunities to play at private events. Either at those she is hosting or at the parties of one of her friends. She is also still strongly connected with Jerhar. There are even rumors that the two of them once were, or still are, more then (ex-)colleagues. Rumors, which both of them deny.

Incredible that she never gave up hope or that fame didn't went to her head.