Ryo Arai comes from a family called Momoe, ''a hundred blessings''. The closest family members and ancestors had a deep connection with their own tradition, strongly believing that each member was born with one out of a hundred blessings gifted by a remote god. These included types of art, dance, combat and looks, which were all passed down orally. If a family member didn't reflect any of these blessings, they would've been kicked out and cut contacts with.
Ryo's father, Kazerui Momoe, being born without a blessing, decided to run away from the eastern lands, settling in Norland. There he met a beautiful woman, who he would've had a baby with, that is to say Ryo Arai.
At just ten years old, Ryo learned about the family's history by reading books and hand written letters, and soon noticed the corruption her dad had in his body. After her mom disappeard unkowningly, Ryo was forced to get into hand-to-hand combat by her father. The reason why is intricate, but can be simpled down into him wishing he had a combat blessing when he was born. He wanted to force the blessing he wanted all along on her daughter.
Ryo, during her adolescency, learned how to use katanas, daggers, shurikens, her own fists. The weapons were all stolen, as her dad could barely afford food for the day. If she failed her training, she would be beaten as a punishment. She always wanted to escape her household, but was too scared to. Despite that, she rapidly learned how to cook, hunt, clean and take care of herself, hoping that someday she would find the courage to escape.
Once Ryo turned 19, while her dad was asleep, she packed her supplies, put her coat on and ran away from home. She fought the woods, hunger, all kinds of dangers, but managed to survive thanks to her skills previously learned at home, while also getting help from adventurers that passed by during her journey. She ought to find combat kind of interesting after a while, without her dad's presence, and finally started to enjoy life. Meanwhile, she managed to get cheap clothing and a yukata from a few farmers.
At the end of her journey, she came across the Empire of Men, where she decided to stabilize.
The traveller has just arrived in a small town. As they look around, their gaze is met with run down houses and shops. They duck into one of the shacks, illuminated by a series of candles suspended in the air. At the back of the small room, an old hag raises her head, “What brings you to this dingy town?" She begins, then pauses to study their face—”Ah, it’s you. I’ve been expecting you. Sit,” she gestures at a chair, “Where do you come from? What do you hope to make of yourself?”
As soon as she entered the room, Ryo felt the thick air engulf her, thinking in the back of her mind that she wished to leave. Still, she managed to compose herself and fix her posture, while holding her cape to her chest. ''Dingy town? I can sense the respect you have for the lands you live in.'' she said, in a sarcastic but deep tone. As soon as the lady began to study her appearance, Ryo felt the pressure weigh down on her, while secretly holding a dagger underneath the cape she wore, in case of a needed counter-attack. She wasn't aware of who this person was, let alone fully trust her. However, when the lady spoke again and ordered Ryo to sit, she finally felt ease enter her lungs after holding her breath for so long. She realized this was no enemy- at the moment. Ryo let loose the grab on the dagger and decided to sit down, while studying the contents on the table in front of her. The candles shined through her eyes, as if they were telling her not to worry. ''I..'' she took a moment to recollect her thoughts after the awkward entrance. ''I come from the Kingdom of Norland. I am here to find freedom.'' Small sentence with big words, apparently. Her tone was bitter, seeking for a response. As Ryo began studying the room with the corner of her eye, she noticed the absence of windows, no way to look at the outside world. She crossed her legs, biting her inner cheek. ''Would I be able to find freedom here?'' Her gaze raised, as if she wished to take control. She patiently waited for a reply, while the candles lighting up the room started to melt.
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