Persona
Khalid is a nomad. His heart and soul exist to travel; to see new sights and hear new sounds. He stubbornly refuses to tie himself to one place, or one person, but thrives in a group. The Burning Lands demanded no less of a man, for to strike out on one's own would lead to certain death.
Among fellows of like mind, Khalid is a loyal and trusting man, and toils to better the group before himself. However, he is stubborn in supporting his own ideals, and refuses to back down from opposition. He is as relentless as the desert winds.
Character History
Even the desert-born can grow cold feet. Inability to commit, and strong curiosity have driven Khalid from his Tent, leaving his betrothed behind. Khalid traveled far from his beaten path, following trade routes north to Ahnatep, and the wider world.
Eighteen years ago, Hani of the sons of Aysaw turned his Tent in Yahebah to trade, and allow his wife to give birth in relative safety and comfort. As Hani traded horses for needed supplies, Fatin labored under the skilled hands of the Tent’s midwife. Fatin’s labor lasted deep into the night, but with the support of the midwife and her returned husband, she gave birth to her fourth child. Hani’s Tent remained in Yahebah for several months as Fatin and newborn Khalid gained their strength before returning to their rounds.
Khalid grew strong in the desert, playing among the animals as a young boy, and learning the history of the sons of Aysaw and the Benshira. And with each year Khalid grew, he earned more responsibilities. First he helped around the camps, mending holes in tents and clothing, carrying water, and helping prepare the meals. His responsibilities only grew more rigorous with time.
In Khalid’s teenage years, he began working with the lifeblood of the Benshira, their herds. Goats provided milk and meat, their sheep wool, and their horses transportation and trade. Khalid worked most with the horses: teaching them to take saddle and rider, brushing them down after travel, and helping to deliver foals. Khalid grew close to his herd; they would be the hardest to separate from.
Khalid came into his manhood a valuable asset to his Tent. Though not as experienced as his aunts and uncles, he proved an excellent assistant in all things related to the herd, and fairly talented with bow and spear. Khalid could overcome many of the desert’s surprise, with help, but one thing he could not stand – being tied down.
The marriage negations began early in Khalid’s seventeenth year. The mere fact that he’d be tied to any one person so permanently made Khalid balk. The negotiations passed rapidly, and before Khalid knew what hit him, he’d given his betrothed Jalila her wedding gift, and received a handsome spear in return. He ventured into the Burning Lands soon after, to utter his prayers to Yahal – but not with the intent to return.
Khalid carried with him every coin he’d ever earned, and the supplies needed to survive in the desert. Leaning on his spear, Khalid made for the coast. By the time he was missed, the Burning Lands had swallowed his tracks. He made for Yahebah, with every intention of making his way north, out of Eyktol.
Thread List
Fall 511 AV
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