07 Kathan and Zarehn

Whorlp! My two lovebirds TAT. They make me happy inside. Everyone needs a happy couple in their OC troupe, I swear.

The irony is that while Kathan isn't represented a lot in my 'BIG EPIC THING' story, he's probably the character with the most current representation (He was the subject of my Generation 2007 comic, and he and Zarehn have an unfinished short story)

How they got together: They first met when Kathan was in an Andarin scouting party requesting right of leave on their land. Staying for a few days, they instantly clicked. For Kathan especially it was an important anchoring point, having become increasingly disillusioned with the war and his reasons for fighting it. They parted ways, and it wasn't until several years later that they met again. In her heart Zarehn had never quite forgotten him or given up on ever meeting again. She too had reached a place of uncertainty in her life, and their chance second meeting steeled her resolve to pursue the life she wanted.

Name: Zarehn Sadeir
Age: 35
Height: 5'11"
Appearance (in words): Wavy auburn hair with suntanned and freckled skin. Grey-blue eyes. She has a tall and athletic build with strong features. Her necklace is similar to a Celtic Torque. She wears dresses like these: [link] [link] [link]
Occupation: Waifu :U. She's also an adept bouzouki player in her own right.
Family: Brother (Tael), Grandfather (Rel). She is married to Kathan, and they have two children; Fedora (8) and Eadin (6).
History: Zarehn was raised for much of her teenage years by her grandfather and aunt. Her mother died when she was very young, her father later from illness, and so she grew up with a very protective brother. Like many Roanai she has a strong sense of place and cultural identity, but as time went on she longed more and more to define her own sense of self. Like many villages in northern Andar it was hard to escape the war. It never visited upon them directly, but hung like a shadow when Andarin patrols requested a right of stay on their land. It was during one such time that she fell in love with a young soldier, but when he left she found herself stifled more than ever by the limits imposed on her. When chance reunited them, she took the opportunity to escape as she had always wanted to.
Personality: Her mother had come from another village, and when she was a child she use to read her stories of far-off lands and adventurous tales. Whether because of the early loss of her mother or her own innate stubbornness, Zarehn grew up with a restlessness she couldn't place. She didn't feel content with her role as dutiful granddaughter and humble sister. She wanted to be free to pursue her own life and ambitions. Zarehn is willful and passionate about what she wants, and is not afraid to speak her mind when she thinks it's important.

Name: Kathan Darlehm
Age: 34
Height: 6'1"
Appearance (in words): Tall but not particularly broad shouldered. Long limbed and long fingered. Tanned skin, dark brown hair and eyes, with a hooked nose. He has a small scar on his jawline, and various other souvenirs of war. Has worn his hair longer during war campaigns, but tends to keep it the length pictured. Has worn manly scruff facial hair since his mid 20's.
Occupation: Ex-Inradei student (Andar's oldest university); he's a talented bouzouki and violin player. Currently a high ranking military officer.
Family: Older brother Sorehn (deceased), older sister (Seila), younger brother (Faelan). Married to Zarehn.
History: The history of the Darlehm family is one of service to the war that knows no end. It has been in their blood since it began, each generation sacrificing sons, husbands and fathers. Like all protracted conflicts, there are hot and cold flashes. It was in one of these lulls that Kathan and his brother's grew up; while his older brother learned the sword, Kathan had a gift for music, and in this time of peace was afforded the opportunity to embrace that talent. But Fate is a cruel mistress, and a sudden flash of wartime aggression claimed his father's and brother's life. Like all foolish young men trying to make reason out of tragedy, Kathan couldn't bring himself to touch a musical instrument after that day, believing it a frivolous indulgence while other men were fighting for their country. Against the vehement wishes of his mother, he joined the war. And as men in conflict do, he began to lose sight of the reason why he was fighting.
Personality: As a youth Kathan was full of vigor and optimism, and being of a very similar age to his older brother Sorehn, they had a very strong bond together. Sorehn was the adventurous extrovert, with Kathan his willing accomplice. Their own goals and ambitions led them apart, and for Kathan it was a double tragedy to have been away from home when the news broke. The loss hit him hard, and the ensuing war further distanced him from the person he had been in his youth. At his heart Kathan is a person who wants to do what is right, but isn't always certain what that is. He's calm and measured, with a tactical eye and respectful manner. Emotion can and will get the better of him, as a man of music and self expression forced to play an entirely different role.

Additional References: [link] (younger version), [link] (old artwork with military outfit), [link] (comic page with Sorehn in their youth), [link] (scout armor reference)
Commissions: [link] (by Ewnci) [link] (young chibi with Sorehn, by Porkbun)

------CHARACTER COMPENDIUM I GUESS------
01. Sanabhi
02. Raushan
03. Isaia
04. Sar
05. Rahela
06. Anakania
07. Kathan & Zarehn