Ahn'naexi

A work in progress

"Each tomorrow is new. It's what you do today that matters." As a youngling, the words of her grandmother settled deeply within Ahn'naexi's heart. Live in each moment without wishing for tomorrow, for a better time or a better place. Such words were not often easy to live by. Thankfully, as a young kitsune the girl didn't have to stress about it for her earliest years, which she spent happily scampering through the treetops of her jungle home.

One day, just after her 14th year, casually forgetting the warnings of her elders, Ahn'Naexi adventured to the jungle floor with two of her age-mates, a challenge daring them to find a rare flower and return unharmed. That day her life would change forever as she was stolen away, and sold as a slave across the sea.

For 10 years she moved from owner to owner, some using her, stealing her sense of self, others merely giving her household tasks. With each new master, Ahn'Naexi 's old life drifted further from her memory and she became more and more reserved, quiet, clinging to the shreds of self and dignity that she'd yet been able to maintain. During the days when she strayed farthest from herself, it seemed the only tether reminding her of who she used to be, was the talisman hanging around her neck. At her lowest, it seemed to carry an almost physical warmth. One day she remembered her grandmother's words from years before, the memory kindling a new strength within her. Perhaps it was this newfound fire, resolve, and the strength in her eyes that prompted Das Joreign to purchase her.

Ringmaster of the travelling circus Joreign's Troupe Spectacular, the man had a soft spot for Ahn'naexi from the beginning. The large hearted Das seemed to be a magnet for those who needed a fresh start. Each member of his troup was rescued from one life and given a new one. Freed from slavery, and trained to find yet more freedom as an aerial acrobat, Ahn'naexi thrived in her new life, throwing herself into it and holding nothing back.