Nessa was born as the youngest of 7 Dark Elven siblings in a small settlement. Despite her 6 siblings being quite a bit older than her, their bond was as strong as any other Dark Elven siblings, though there was always great pressure to perform to standard and live up to her siblings’ successes (while in her youth her parents were fiercely protective, like most of her race, they were also extremely demanding). In her youth, she enjoyed learning the art of swordsmanship, both pursuing the art herself as well as receiving teachings from a retired swordsman near her home. She also always looked forward to when entertainers would travel to or near her settlement, for she had a passion for the arts, like many of her kind. Growing up, her family placed just as much emphasis on history/culture, science, and skills as they did on faith - they placed great importance on respect towards their ancestors (as opposed to some families, though, they are not glorified or seen as “god-like” Aenguls or Daemons). Before her birth, her family lived in Llyria, but in a raid (which were very common in the Concord before it dissolved) her parents lost much documentation of their family history, deciding to migrate so as not to lose more. Because of this, it has never been proven to her, but her family claims to be distantly related to the Klaren line (supported by their lighter grey skin and red eyes), and brings up children in the same way they would- having them learn both swordsmanship and a science. Nessa, when asked to choose a scientific subject, claimed that she had the desire to pursue arcane magic and eventually she wants to become one of the few Dark Elven mages in the realm. Her parents, wanting her to be like her siblings and to follow a more normal path that would easily bring accomplishments to the family (as is emphasized in their culture), did not approve of this, leading to an argument. Such an argument, as Nessa did speak out against the leaders of her family to whom she is supposed to show utmost respect, led to her banishment. The banishment devastated her, as she knew she would no longer have that familial support system, but it was at that moment that she decided she would put in twice the effort to succeed. At that time, she was still young at 17 years old, but made her way across Arcas to the land of her peoples’ allies: the Wood Elves in the Forest Realm of Irrinor. In her travels, she hopped from villages and towns, gaining as much worldly experience as she could and making connections where possible. While many other Dark Elves she met frowned upon her banishment, those (Dark Elves or otherwise) that accepted her further fueled her drive. She knows she has a long time to succeed in her goal, so she is learning all she can about the world before she dives into intensive magic study. She may no longer have a traditional family, but is determined to make her own family from friends she meets in her travels.
