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Shadiya had a rich childhood. Her father was a wealthy merchant in Oba who was married to a young lady from a lower noble family. In truth the family only married their daughter to a "lowly" merchant due to the lack of funds in their own family registry. Their desperation for money led them to the young Eskel who was born into nothing and had climbed his way up the ranks in the markets. His wit and charisma had won him much and even Shadiya's mother the Lady Irissa had fallen hard for him.

Despite her family's shame at having to rely on a common man to carry them through their hard times the young couple blossomed in love. Eskel always dotted on Irissa and gave her everything her heart ever wanted. Even when she was found to be pregnant the man was delighted to see that he would have a daughter rather than a son.

"Another beautiful woman in my life to love? I'm delighted to hear the news~

When Shadiya was born they said the sun broke through the clouds to celebrate. Even as a baby she was a fiery beauty who took the hearts of all who knew her. Despite her mother's family trying their hardest to raise a lady of worth and elegance Shadiya found herself wandering from the beaten path. She was always learning books from her father and the ways of the lower markets from the slaves and servants. She played with everyone who caught her interest and held no disdain over anyone for their status.

She truly was a gem in a struggling world.

One important part of her play time was with the Matori. It was through a slave, only slightly older than she, that she learned the first steps of dancing. For her family's slaves a good past time was dancing when they had a free evening and from them Shadiya first learned about her talent. Her father's travels of course only brought more news of dancers and in the rich markets of Oba she witnessed even more to bring about her passion. Dancing for her was a way to express that freedom she always longed for. Her parents loved her dearly, but the strain of living up the family name drove her restless. Through dancing when her mother's family was gone the girl found a form of happiness that could truly be her's. Sneaking out into the streets to dance among others also filled her with joy and she would often do this during festivities and such.

Unfortunately things could not always stay happy.

When she was yet a child tragedy struck. Her father was out in the markets and suddenly collapsed. Shadiya to this day still does not know what it was that exactly took her father from her, but the mystery does haunt her heart. ((They say it was over stress from work and a weak heart, but it does tend to wonder that such a healthy man suddenly developed such a disease...) Her mother, grieving, seemingly shut herself up in her rooms for days. Shadiya was told that she was dealing with a broken heart when in truth her mother had more plans. She was determined to find out what had happened to her husband and then later she found documents showing how the estate's belongings were being handed over to her brother. In shock and anger Shadiya's mother went to confront him and it was that day which the news was released that she had simply passed away from a broken heart (in reality a flight of stairs awaited her mother as her uncle shoved the woman away in their heated argument to her death).

Lost in a suddenly dark world the young beauty was quickly taken under her uncle's wing. In his house the rules became strict and her streets ways became "tamed". Often she was guilt tripped by her uncle who spoke about how her parents had been shamed by her old wild ways. For a time she became meek and mild, easily controlled by her guilt while mourning the loss of her parents.

Still it was two years later that she finally snapped after reading over some old notes between her parents (love letters and other correspondents) that she had found in a hiding spot shared between her mother and her while she was growing up. Often it would be a game to hide treats and other such toys there for each other to find. This time, however, her dying mother had left this gift as a ray of hope for her daughter's future. Shadiya found no shame in any of the letters, but only love from her parents for her and each other.

With this revealed all of the frustrations and depression collapsed inside of her and she had to get out. She had to find fresh air and to see those who had known her parents. Her uncle's words were only poison to her memories....surely an old slave could reminisce with her. When she went down to the kitchens the girl was surprised to see changes and slaves in worse condition than she had ever known. It was then that secretly (save for rare market days out with her uncle and other diplomatic visits) Shadiya started to wander around when her uncle's back was turned and took to wearing scarves and cloaks to disguise herself in the marketplace.

It was a cruel thought to see how her uncle took the love and the happiness that her father gave all who worked for them and turned it into fear and dread. For the past two years Shadiya had lived with him and taken all of his lies for granted. When she finally managed to get out of the prison her uncle had built around her the girl was in shock.

Nothing was right...nothing was the same.

Her desperation to get out lead to Shadiya's slow plan for escape. Day after day she would manage to sneak away savings (in a hidey hole by her window that she had used as a child for smaller trinkets, now her most cherished belongings were there from her uncle's sight) and to build her resolve and supplies. Once the war happened and the water earthlings and Matori was freed she found a chance. In the chaos that distracted her uncle who was desperate to keep as much profit as possible the girl slipped away. His worry and concern over keeping his caravan took him out of the home on business. It was then that some willing (former) slaves easily slipped her out before heading back to their own homeland. Now she lives on the streets (dancing from town to town) with the few gems and gold she managed to steal away with.

For years she spent time just wandering around and picking up dancing from various instructors in the different countries. Along the way she picked up a dear friend, Dexurn, who helped her to truly explore the world. The pair eventually fell in love, moved to Matori and raised a family. Her uncle tried to interfere with her life again and Shadiya finally confronted him and got him arrested for the murder of her parents. Now she has regained her noble title and while still living mostly in Matori she has opened a dancing school in Oba at her parent's old estate.