Aachi 🔥

A lowborn cat from a small town, Aachi was a poor child just trying to make her way in the world. Her family had little, and with no budget for toys or tutors the child had to make do with what she could get her paws on. Watching townsfolk to pass the time, Aachi saw an old man cast a magic spell as he chopped wood. The scene awe-inspiring for the five year old, and she immediately tried to imitate him. Aachi was only able to produce a meager puff, but it was reminiscent of the spell he had just cast and it awakened something inside her.

The old man praised her, saying she must have an innate skill for magic to preform something so young and untrained. The mystical feeling she got that day never faded, and an endless love for magic was born. The arcane arts became an all-consuming passion, every moment now filled with a burning desire to become a grand mage. Her new quest was quick to hit complications however, as very few mages or wizards lived in her small home, and those that did were either retired or poor at the craft. With sparse few options to learn from, and driven by an insatiable, desperate desire, the child committed to teaching herself. Their local library was small, but the old worn tomes were a wealth of information where she had no other. Pouring over book after book, the kitten struggled as her education did not meet the standards to which she was studying. Forced to double major, Aachi dedicated herself to her books, learning all she could manage about both general education and the magical arts.

Her fervent efforts did not go unnoticed. While she was a long call from being a scholar the self-made education had boosted her well past her grade and served her well in assisting her townsfolk. From odd-jobs to strange fixes, she was able to help little by little, and some fellows even offered to show her some basic spells in person. Those who couldn't proved herbs or other materials to aid in her endeavor, even small amounts of coin, and Aachi every opportunity that came her way no matter how small.

However, even that could only go so far. By the age of ten summers she had outgrown the the knowledge her country town could offer, and had to go further afield. Making near daily trips to the nearest larger settlement Aachi would pour over the more advanced tomes and walk back home before the sun set. The trip was arduous, wearing on her poor paws and practically breaking her spirits, but the fruits of her labor were showing. With minor spells now under her control she dared to spend the meager coins so had saved on a staff in town, and without enough to pay for a tutor practiced learning how to wield it.

The pink kitten became a common sight in all surroundings libraries; the studious one, the prodigy mage, the poor girl trying to become high-housed. Further from home people. Many worried about a young one straying so far from home in a dangerous world, but the cat would tell them not to. Others weren't so kind, belittling both her passion and her patchy clothing. The mocked they fact she could not afford a room at night, or fast travel, or even a ride home that wasn't on the back of a cart. If she truly wanted to improve she should become a sellsword, and take up a real quest to afford to 'real' lessons, they'd say.

It was a jest more than likely, just a snide remark against her as kids weren't allowed to take real quests, at least not ones with any real danger (or any that paid well). Despite this, the seed of thought was planted and Aachi was determined to prove her worth. Sneaking calmly into the adventurers guild, she snatched the first quest flier she could get her paws on and tore off into the woods. Looking at her mission she saw it was for culling raptors, and marching into their nest she believed in her ability and refused to let fear get the better of her.

Alas, she should have. While her spells were effective and had the potency needed to cull the beasts she had no combat training. She had not expected them to out speed her, to be able to dodge, and to attack her so viciously. With such overwhelming numbers the battle quickly devolved into a desperate flinging of spells rather than rational attacks. The child was frightened, all her training barely enough to save her life, and by the time she had finished her quest she was beaten and bloody. With no potions to her name she trekked back to town with broken bones and profuse wounds, barley making it back to the adventurers guild to turn in her note before blacking out on the spot.

An uproar ensued seeking the ones responsible for sending an ill-equipped child into such peril. Nevermind the fact that she had succeeded, and even got her reward, Aachi's parents were mortified. They had almost lost their middle child, and, in fear of her not being so lucky next time, confined her to home. For Aachi, it was more than a devastating blow; the event should have seeded fear but instead made her painfully aware of her own shortcomings. Bedridden while she recovered, the cat realized she was still eons away from being the mage she wanted to be, and worse, she had no way to improve anymore. Without access to spells, training, masters, or materials, she came to a harsh and sudden halt as she hit both a plateau and a brick wall. Once she recovered she never wavered from her personal training, but her spirits suffered greatly and it felt like a waste of time. No matter how much effort she sunk into her craft the glass ceiling grew more and more prevalent and seemingly impossible to shatter.

As she approached her twelfth summer, many townsfolk thought she would finally break. She was bound to find a new path, or at least snap back to reality, and perhaps she would have if news had not reached her ears. A traveling band of mages would be making a stop in her town as they progressed further north. It was a name she had heard of, a glorious guild that occupied many of the books she read and chatter within the adventurers guild. Hope was rekindled inside the feline. Aachi knew deep in her bones that this was her chance, likely her only one, to both get out of her town and become the apprentice she yearned to be. Her parents were noticeably on edge, excepting their daughter to do something rash, but the pink cat was not going to let this opportunity slip through her paws.

When they arrived it was like something out of a dream. The palpable feeling of magic in the air made her skin tingle, and while they sophistcated mages didn't show off they use some few spells around town while they were there. Approaching them stars in her eyes, Aachi flaunted what she safely could, and nearly begged for an apprenticeship on the spot. They were polite, saying she had massive potential, but one so young couldn't travel without a guardian and hers vehemitly said no. It was crushing, as she knew she could not pursuade her parents, but the cat refused to take no for an answer.

She pestered the mages constantly during their short stay, learning more than she would in a month on her own. It was everything she longed for, and on the day of their departure it killed her to see their coats disappear in the distance. Her parents thought it was finally over, though they locked up the house and slept by the front door, and told their daughter to move on like her "heroes" had. That was never an option. Packing a small ruksack and leaving a note on her bed, Aachi crept out through her window in the dead of night to chase down her dreams. Their carts had left visibly marks in the natural pathways, and she managed to catch up to them just before dawn. In her hastiness, she had not thought about what she would say, and the exausted cat stowed away in one of their carts to sleep it off.

It was the most activity she had had in a while, and wether it was that or the excitement from the past couple days she slept heavier than expected. She had no idea how much time or distance had passed before she was ripped from her hiding place by the scruff. Aachi squealed, paws dangling in the air as thought she was under attack. Groggy, terrified, and panicked, she only settled when she heard voices around her. "We got ourselves a stowaway!" "Its a kid, it's that kid." "What are we supposed to do with her?!"

The mages were not ruffians, and set her down as they discussed her forced entry, but it was not the warm welcome she had hoped for. Never getting the chance to make a plan the kitten was silent as bickered. "We don't have time for this." "We can't turn back now." "This is kidnapping!" Whenever she dared to speak her voice was drowned out, and instead she listened helplessly to the argument. There were no towns between here and their destination to drop her off, and they didn't have the time or bodies to spare to take her back now. It seemed kinda hopeless, that she not only caused her idols grief but would get nothing out of it when a new voice entered the chat. "I will take her home after our quest is complete. Another trip to Praire Village will not hinder my sabatical." The male voice was firm but not cold, in a way more comforting than all the others had been. It was like someone was finally on her side, despite his actual words not being what she wanted.

Bringing her downcast eyes up the kitten meekly looked for the voice's owner, and was surprised to find it was a Cleric, or perhaps a Paladin, sitting idly against the caravans. "A support?" She muttered aloud, not recalling him back at home. "But of course," he responded with a laugh, "balance will make a party do its best." She didn't understand, a handful of supports did not make balance, but she did not aruge. It was late, and with a temporary plan in place the party relaxed for the evening. Aachi was not a prisoner, and was allowed to travel and move freely with the other members, but she was clearly an outsider. They wouldn't entertain her ponderings like they did back at home, and everytime she stepped out of turn the Cleric, Akeshi, Despite the rocky start the group quickly took a shine to her, and enjoyed having a new baby of the group.

It truly was like magic. Suddenly, everything she had ever wanted came to a head. It wasn't perfect; she had never been so far from home, deep in nature and danger, and had such harrowing teachers barating her magic. But that didn't matter. Finally given the opportunity she needed Aachi's skill blossomed in those following summers.

| Quiet | Hard to Read | Concise | Reserved | Sleepy | Humble | Headstrong/Rash | Frugal | Sophisticated | Intelligent | Helpful | Kindhearted | Bleeding Heart | Fixated | Persistent | Never Gives Up on Her Dreams | Unafraid | Does not Think of Consequences | Bookworm | Appreciative | Giving |

Aachi appears as a very quiet and reserved character. She's not very expressive, and has a hard time expressing herself in general. She has a blank look to her eyes, hardly ever smiles, or even raises her ears. It makes it hard to tell whats going on in her head or what shes feeling, and mixed with the fact she often does what comes to mind without giving things a second thought, she may seem a bit unpredictable or simple minded. However, she's a pretty honest and straightforward girl if asked directly. Others would describe her as affectionate and passionate, as this very kind cat cares for everyone around her, it just takes a minute to understand her.

Her usually blank face often comes off as unintelligent, but she's a very sophisticated and worldly cat. It took years of hard dedication to get to where she is now, something she's very proud of, but she would never brag about her accomplishments and is very humble. Her persistence and perseverance has made for a very dedicated student and fast learner, and even now she's constantly reminding herself that there is so much she has yet to learn. She will never pass up on opportunity to learn and grow, nor will she skip a chance to teach (though she's not the best teacher). If asked anything she will answer as accurately and clearly as possible, hoping not to over explain.

However, she firmly knows her limits in both knowledge and ability. She is not invincible, and past failures have made her grateful to have companions at her side. She knows you can't do everything alone, and values both the input and contributions of her fellows. Though she is now a dedicated companion Aachi usually keeps to and cares for herself, having learned a certain amount of independence very early in life. It also taught her to appreciate time on her own, especially now that she has constant traveling partners. She will always try to take on a task by herself before asking for assistance, but isn't above accepting help and does so gratefully. After reading so persistently she has grown both a fondness and love for books, and often reads in her spare time when she can find a quiet moment.

This country girl grew up with very little and is subconsciously very frugal. If she can go without, still use something, or make/find a cheaper version she will always gravitate to that first rather than buying a new one. It's made her thrifty as well as crafty, and the cat knows a damaged item is not a useless one. She gets very attached to her patched up and old items, and is heartbroken when they finally fall apart. She is not used to having much money to her name, even though her questing pays moderately well, and after sending most of her coin back home still lives very cheaply. What little she does keep is usually spent all at once, and more often than not its spent on others rather than herself. She does not have many possessions and is a very thoughtful gift giver.

With that in mind Aachi is very aware of her humbling roots and appreciates a lot of small things. Everything that comforts her carries some memory of home, such as wildflowers, dandelion tea and salads, humble treats, handmade crafts, wooden homes, honest work, ect. Thinking back to what she would do for her community, Aachi will help anyone in need but seems especially attracted to the poor or unfortunate. A helping paw goes a long way, and if she can effect someones life that truly needs it she will volunteer in a heartbeat. She is very thankful for food, and usually only takes a small portion, which may contribute to her small size.

She's grown to love adventuring and traveling, as seeing the world is a true blessing. Books may paint lustrous pictures but nothing compares to experiencing it herself. Aachi's still young and often lets her excitement get the better of her. While she is very intelligent she's not always the brightest, as she's headstrong and often acts before she thinks. After all, whats the fun in overthinking everything? As such, she has a small problem of charging into danger and inappropriate situations, but thankfully her partner or charisma help to work things out most of the time.

Aachi also has a "small" problem with getting fixated on things. When she wants something she goes for it, and has a one-track mind until such fixation is sated. It becomes all consuming, the only thing she can think of and act on. Her passionate love of magic was one of those things. Its consumed and shaped every part of her life and she doesn't regret a single moment. But its not always for the best. Sometimes her fixation is too strong, hooking on something long term or impossible, making her feel sick or on edge. She may forget to eat or go too long without sleeping, and wear herself ragged with lack of self care.

She seems to be tired nearly all the time, though she never draws attention to it. So many years with minimal sleep have left her in a sort of low energy state, and cat naps are a common occurrence. Sleep is a precious commodity for her, and a comfortable bed is a luxury at that.

While she can/has used a tome, rod, and wand, a staff is her primary and most favored weapon. Her paw gloves on the other hand were a gift from the family as a child. They were meant to be a plaything, an alternative to practicing magic all day, but they are very much a useable weapon. After her terrifying solo mission she has learned to carry them around at all times as a panic melee weapon, something to keep her safe whgen her magic can not. Even if her occupation is against her family's wishes having the gloves with her is a reminder of her family's love and desire for her to stay safe.