Rose

The Viridian Labyrinth taught Rose about the creeping, grasping life that populates darkness. Slick grubs white as lost fangs, mighty roots that transfer food and information through massive nets of mycorrhizal fungi, fruiting bodies that glow faintly, when they surface, like hazy memories.

She remembers that education with both gratitude and confused resentment. When she was ready to study the Arcanist’s runes, she joined his realm without saying goodbye to her family. But although she still struggles with intimacy and disguises her true feelings with dry wit, she cares passionately about her children, friends, and mate.

In addition to scholarly pursuits, she takes joy in martial power, providing for her chosen clan by routing enemies on the battlefield. (One such former enemy—Merlin—befriended her almost immediately after his defeat in battle.) If she once had another purpose, she no longer remembers it.