Harper
Name: Isharra
Age: 53
Gender: Female
Craft/Ran: Harper

Appearance:
Isharra takes being a Harper seriously, and you will rarely find her dressed in any other color than blue. Her shirts and skirts are usually embroidered with various symbols of her trade, such as music notes and instruments. With her long auburn hair, which she wears partially up on her head, with the rest flowing down her back, she tends to turn the eyes of those who see her for the first time. However, upon closer inspection, it is clear she is no spring wherry. Her skin is weathered from her years on the road, and there is something behind her eyes that speaks of a great sadness within her. Her fingers are callused from playing her various instruments, but she keeps them well groomed none-the-less. For a woman of her age, she has managed to keep her body in good shape, and though she is a bit larger for her height, she is by no means overweight. Men tend to be attracted to her despite that fact. Her blue eyes tend to remind people of the sea, and are full of compassion, but can also make you feel as though she can see right into your soul if she stares you down.

Personality:
Growing up, Isharra was always the one to rescue any child that was being teased, bullied, or picked on. There was something in her manner that told the other children, "Don't mess with me". This side of her continued into her teenage years, and she would end up in an occasional tussle with other children, mostly boys. Her empathy and compassion for others showed itself anytime there was an accident, or storm. She would not hesitate to lend any aide possible to those in need, right alongside the adults in her fishing village. During her young adulthood, her temper tended to get her into more trouble while studying at the Harper Hall. She was not above playing simple pranks on her instructors, but she would never have thought to do so to her fellow students. She also acquired a stubbornness where her music was concerned while studying at the Hall, which her instructors tried diligently to eradicate from her. Many years later, as an adult, she learned to hide her feelings deep within her heart. She did not feel comfortable sharing her sadness and grief with others. She felt it was her job to lighten their mood, not bring it down. She can be very level-headed when a crisis arises, but she can also be a bit temperamental if she encounters a situation that upsets her.

History:
Isharra came from a fishing village close to Tillek Hold, and was discovered by a visiting Harper when she was 13. She had already been writing songs for a couple of years when he arrived in her village, and making her own rudimentary instruments from items she could find. Her skill in both song writing and instrument making convinced the Harper that she belonged in the Harper Hall. Her parents felt honored that their daughter was being picked for such a position, and eagerly gave their permission for her to leave. It was with a happy heart that she took her leave of the village and went to study with the Harper's.

Her years at the Harper Hall were some of her happiest and most frustrating. She loved having custom made instruments to play, and like-minded people to talk to, who had the same love for music as she did. However, the constraints placed upon her during her studies made her feel as though she were imprisoned. She spent a good deal of her time being disciplined by the various masters, even though they could see the strong talent she possessed. She had a style all her own, and it didn't conform to what her teachers were teaching. Due to her stubbornness, she was not approved for Journeyman status until well after her peers had been. Therefore, for some years, she was the oldest student in her classes, and the younger ones tended to make fun of her. It didn't take them long to realize that their taunting and teasing were not having the intended effect, and they eventually left her alone. The few students who found themselves being the butt of the joke, found a friend and defender in Isharra, whom they could run to if they needed protection from the other students. This compassionate side of her toward them helped to soften the hearts of her instructors toward her, and on her 30th birthday, she was raised to the rank of Journeyman, and deemed ready to begin her journey.

tbc