Name: T'sal -- previously Toresal
Age: 28
Sex: Male
Sexual Orientation: Homosexual
Weyr: Other
Rider Rank: Not Affiliated to a Weyr
Previous Rank/Craft: Trader // Holdless // Trouble
Physical Description: The first things that jump out most about T'sal would be his roguish features. He is almost always sporting a smirk, as if he knows something that you don't. There's an impish air about him, and his bright, green eyes are always twinkling with some sort of mischief or mirth. He's got natural olive skin that tans well in the sun, and blackish hair. His hair is medium length; long enough to be shaggy and unruly when down, but just long enough to tie into a small bun or tail. T'sal has a sharp, hawkish features, and a bit of a crooked nose; he's had it broken a time or two, and a few scars only add to his rugged handsomeness. He's an attractive man, and doesn't he know it. He has pierced ears with some sort of gaudy gold jewelry hanging from them, an eyebrow piercing, and more than a few tattoos. He's thin, but strong; wiry muscle is hidden beneath his trim frame. He's light on his feet and quick -- where he might not be a physically imposing brute, he's scrappy, and can give a punch as good as he can take one.
Personality: T'sal is, and will always be, trouble. He's the sort of man mothers warn their children about, and has a trail of broken hearts -- and empty coin purses -- behind him. Those who meet T'sal are often taken in by his natural charm. This man has no trouble making friends; he's full of good humor, laughter, and absolutely exudes confidence. He does well in the limelight, and has quite the silver tongue. He gives compliments freely, and seems to always know exactly what to say.
T'sal is a people lover. He isn't shy, and loves meeting men and women from all sorts of places on Pern. There isn't anyone on Pern that the dark haired man couldn't befriend, and fewer still that he couldn't charm out of their marks. That is, perhaps, something that gets him in trouble. What he seems to love more than people are things. He is truly hedonistic, and believes that the Pernese people should enjoy their lives, and surround themselves with pleasureable things. Oh, yes, he knows, Thread has returned, and hey need saving from it, blah, blah, blah. But just because it's returned doesn't mean they should obsess over it. It is a danger, but why should they live, breathe, eat, and think only about Thread? Why should they live a life in fear, when they could live life happily?
Besides, if death is so imminent, shouldn't they spend what time they've remaining to love every second of it?
T'sal thinks so. The green rider spends much of his time drinking the best wine, eating at the best Holds and Halls, and wearing the finest of clothes. While he wasn't always naturally rich, he's made friends in high enough places who generously keep him cared for; sometimes unbeknownst to them or their stash of marks. Furthermore, T'sal is a creative individual; if he's that pressed for money, he knows more than a few tricks on how to make more. No, not all of them are illegal, though he does have a bit of a habit of taking things that aren't always given or offered. If the offended party doesn't notice its missing, does it really matter? Surely it couldn't have been that important...
While T'sal is a very relaxed green rider, he can have a stubborn streak. When he gets an idea in mind, or decides to do somehing, very little will convince him to change his mind. This also means he can dig his boots in when it comes to challenges. He's always been an adventurous sort, and isn't one to shy away from a challenge. He doesn't always think of himself first, but he will always think of Zayinth. She's perhaps the one creature that has kept him from losing his head -- literally.
While she is known to temper his more crazy and wild ideas, she does appreciate being spoiled, and as such, hasn't pressed him hard to return back to the Weyr. While T'sal knows he has new duties with Thread's return, he doesn't want to return to a Weyr. It would be like clipping a wherries wings, or grounding a dragon. T'sal has a need and desire to be free, but caring for Zayinth, and knowing that maybe, just maybe, she'd be happier with her kin has lately kept him awake at night.
For now, though, he plans on enjoying every ounce of freedom and pleasure he can find.
Positive Trait List Confident, Good Humored, Charming, Adventurous
Negative Trait List Hedonistic, Thievish, Stubborn
History: T'sal doesn't remember much about his family. He was born in a small Hold in Keroon, where his mother, a kitchen worker, didn't survive his birth. His father had never been named; nobody knew if it was one of the local boys or one of the trading groups that passed through. Whoever his father was, he was unknown to Toresal, and he was immediately put up for fostering.
Unfortunately, the Hold he lived in was poor. There weren't many families who could spare room for another child, and so he was given to an older Auntie who offered. The woman was not the most maternal; she was incredibly strict, and demanded much of the young boy. She was quick to remind him that she had taken him in, and that she could turn him out at any point Toresal was a sweet child, but could often be stubborn when he felt wronged; the more rules and rights Auntie -- for that is what she demanded o be called -- stripped away, the more Toresal grew resentful. The woman wasn't abusive, but she didn't know how deep her remarks wounded the sensitive boy.
He was well aware he'd caused his mother's death, and it was something his foster mother would use to get her way. "You'll be the death of me too, boy," was her favorite exasperated line.
As the Turns passed, Toresal grew more and more bitter. His Auntie was a frugal woman; while other boys could go to Gathers, he needed to stay home and save his marks. While other boys could feast on bubbly pies or sweetrolls, he wasn't allowed any else his teeth might fall out, and nobody would want an ugly boy. The old Auntie was trying to do her best by Toresal, but simply went too far; while she tried to keep him from becoming spoiled, instead, he grew up wanting it all. His childhood envy consumed him as he grew; he wanted marks, he wanted silken sheets, and custom fit clothing. He wanted more food than he could eat, and every sweet. He wanted friends, he wanted to be admired, he wanted love.
At Turn ten, the old Auntie expected him to start working for a living. He was given the opportunity to either work as a drudge in the kitchens, or to go out into the fields like some of the other men. He chose he latter, but hated every minute of it. He hated the heat of the sun; he hated the physical labor of picking weeds, and getting dirt beneath his fingers. He wanted to learn -- to read records, to tell stories, to play music. He thought he wanted to be a Harper, but was discouraged -- he wasn't nearly talented enough, or so his guardian claimed.
So it was, T'sal spent another Turn failing miserably in the fields of Keroon as a farmer, until a small group of travelers moved through. They were selling their ware, though much of the Hold turned their noses up at the Holdless Caravan. While most of the Hold thought little of them, all Toresal could see was freedom. They looked happy. They looked free. So it was, the boy decided to make his escape; he snuck on board, and stowed away. While he wasn't discovered right away, he was inevitably found. Thankfully, the folk were understanding of his plight; he looked earnest, and if he was willing to work the craft, there was no reason they couldn't keep him along. The Head of the Caravan gave him until they reached Fort Hold to earn his keep; if he hadn't made himself useful by then, they'd drop him off at Fort and let him disappear into the crowd there.
Thankfully, Toresal didn't disappoint. He was clever enough, and got along swimmingly with the other children. He could charm adults out of their marks by making them have pity on him; and when that didn't work, it was discovered that he took to pick-pocketing like a fish did to water. He was taken under wing by an ex-courtesan, Hedrea. Unlike his old Auntie, this woman, though older, was sweet. She had no children her own, and she found Toresal's impish ways more endearing and amusing than upsetting; especially when it turned out he could be loyal to the group.
So it was, she taught him what she knew. A little bit of acting, a little bit of the art of he con, and most importantly, how to love himself, and stay confident n he midst of catastrophe or judgment. While he was grateful for his old Aunties upbringing -- she had kept him from sleeping on the streets or going Holdless -- it was from Hedrea that he learned how to shine.
So it was, for the next six Turns Toresal lived as the Holdless lived. He found self-confidence, and greatly enjoyed his life travelling all over the Northern Continent. At Turn 18 he finally decided to go study at the Courtesan Hall on the Western Continent. He didn't wan to give up his life of freedom, but the Caravan promised he could return. He would always have a home with them.
So it was, he began to study the craft officially. Unfortunately, he didn't stay long. Surprisingly, within the first Turn of his arrival, he was found on Search by High Reaches Weyr. He decided hat the prospect of dragon riding sounded appealing, and it certainly would open up new freedom he'd never had before. Toresal hated his time at the Weyr. It reminded him of his life back home in Keroon. Thankfully, before he had time to pack up and flee -- surely no dragon was worth such a strict lifestyle -- , Toresal Impressed to the prettiest and daintiest pale greens. Zayinth changed his life -- for once, instead of thinking about himself, he had someone else to live well and truly for!
Unfortunately, T'sal's experience with High Reaches didn't get any better. As a green rider he was given no respect, and often looked down upon. He fought. He got in trouble. He wasn't well liked. Thankfully, though, he somehow managed to graduate, and it didn't take long for T'sal to flee. He had no interest in staying, and while he considered going back to the Courtesan Hall to continue his training, he wanted time to enjoy his life. He was done with lessons, done with studies, done with exams, and done with other people's judgment. He wanted open air. He wanted lovers. He wanted marks. Most importantly, he wanted to be his own man.
So, for he past 9 Turns, T'sal has been doing exactly that. Sometimes he returns to travel with his old caravan on the Northern Continent; other times he picks up odd jobs here and there, or warms some man's bed for awhile. He knows how to make marks, and enjoys his freedom. With Thread's return, he did suffer some tragedy; many in his caravan were lost, including Hedrea. This has kept him coping the best way he knows how -- spending lots of marks on the riches of Pern, and seeking out his current lover for ample distraction.
T'sal avoids Thread as best he can, and tries to ease his dragon's absolute need to fight it by jumping to new locations until the fall is officially over. He knows it's likely not a good long-term solution, but he's not ready to return to a Weyr.
Other: He likes sweets. He really, really, really likes sweets.
DRAGON
Name: Zayinth
Age: 9
Color: Green
Size: 24'
Physical Description:
Personality: Zayinth is a sweet green. She's on the larger side of the spectrum, though not as massive as some. This dragon loves to be spoiled, and certainly enjoys the gifts that T'sal gives her; from jewelry and gems, to treats, and lengthy baths and oilings, she knows well that T'sal treats her like the proper lady she is. Generally speaking, Zayinth is a friendly creature. She is as sociable as her rider, and certainly enjoys being the center of attention; from fire-lizards to other dragons, Zayinth craves any sort of positive attention.
She is a very loyal green. Though she, like all dragons, desires to fight Thread she also knows how much her rider loves to be free. So,she does her best to hide her desire to return to the Weyr. Though she might look enviously at the flights of dragons that gather at the Weyr, or yearn for a mate all her own, she tries to keep her desires from cramping T'sal's style. They're happy together, after all, and she has never lacked finding males to chase her when its time to rise.
