Standing at 5’8, Kaya Terran is slightly above average height for a woman. She is neither sinuous nor stocky. Her flaxen hair reaches midway down her back. For practice purposes, Kaya keeps her hair pulled back most of the time. Her dark green eyes mirror the surface of a lake prior to a storm: calm before the fury. Her skin is just tanned enough for her work at the market. Overall, Kaya’s physical presence is rather unremarkable.
Kaya observes situations before inserting herself into them. By doing so, she can better influence others to her will. Perhaps this seems manipulative, but to Kaya, this is just good business savvy. To those who have not had and or many dealings with her, Kaya seems relaxed or perhaps even simple. Rarely do they realize that she is mentally taking note of everything in preparation for when it will be most valuable. Despite her insights, Kaya frequently lacks the presence that others possess. Instead relies on the wisdom of her words, and not mannerisms and magnetism.
Despite this seemingly calculating exterior, Kaya is fiercely protective of those she cares for, however, she has a tough time letting others close, as people always seem to leave her. This is not to say that she does not desire camaraderie, companionship.
Backstory:
Kaya is the first born of Gerald and Lillin Terran. Although not poor, the Terran’s were far from well off. Nearly obessed with increasing their standing and getting his family out of Old Korvosa, Gerald worked long hard days at the Ironworks, trying to earn enough to secure his families well being. Do not think this means he did not care Lillin and Kaya. He loved them more than anything, but in doing so, lost sight of them; money alone does not make for security. Lillin worked at the Reefclaw Run Market. Kaya frequently accompanied her mother here. The meats and trinkets that found their way to market held little interest for Kaya. Instead she was amazed by the people. Talking, arguing, bribing, bartering, and so forth, all over any number of things. But what was most amazing, was how rarely she could tell who would be triumphant in these interactions. Young, elderly, beautiful, unsightly, charming, or crude, any person seemed to be able to win their way. And so she watched, and listened, and learned.
At ten, Kaya became a big sister at the price of their mother. Gerald, consumed by the loss of his wife, became obsessed with working, obsessed with providing for his daughters, for his last links to his lost love. Kaya was left to care for Maddie on her own; she loved her sister as a mother loves her child.
Time passed and soon so do Gerald. In his destitute state, Gerald had turned to crime, but lacking vision or skill, he was simply expendable. Although Kaya had suspected her father was involved in illegal activities, she could no longer deny his actions on the day he hung, nor could she blame the judge for the decision. Just thirteen years old, Kaya became singularly responsible for little Maddie.
Fortune smiled on Kaya then; old man Jenks, her mother’s former employer, hired Kaya to work in his stall, preparing and selling various catches of the day. Jenks had taken a fondness to Kaya when she was younger and came to market with Lillin. Kaya was quiet, withdrawn even, but she was focused and wiser then a child had any right to be. If it had not been for his bitter wife, who had been able to bare him no children in their youth, Jenks would have adopted and cared for the girls as his own, but instead, the best he could do was offer Kaya a job, and pay her just a bit more then he should.
Just like with Lillin with Kaya, Jenks allowed Maddie to come in with Kaya. While Kaya was reserved, however, Maddie was rambunctious. Not content to observe people, Maddie would toddle off. At firs this would leave Kaya in a panic, but she quickly learned that Maddie would return to Jenks before closing. Until one day when she didn’t.
Kaya searched to no avail. She reported Maddie missing, but the local enforcement officer simply told her that children went missing these days. Simply went missing? Children do not disappear. How could this officer be so indifferent?
The golden key of Abadon had been ever present in Kaya’s life. Her father looked upon it and had hoped for wealth and riches for his family. The judge who passed judgment on him had revered it as well. Meager merchant that he was, old man Jenks kept it nearby as well. It was then that Kaya knew what she must do. If children were suddenly missing, surely there was something or someone responsible. Whatever was at fault, Kaya would bring it to face the law. Thus Kaya took up the Order of Numbers, promising to find not just Maddie, but the other children.
