Chi Chi Lina, Yainae (Yay-Nay)

Has a very thin frame which has diminished in her old age. Not one for physical prowess, not even in her youth, the most exertion she made came when Ander needed help pushing the Silver Archangel all the way back to the estate grounds.

Many wrinkles and age lines.

Graying lavender hair, indicating she was once a natural blonde.

Never one for opulence even with her family's new fortunes, she tends to wear full-length robes and gowns with a veil and hood and very little jewelry.

See Thangien History : Enter The Far Star Traveller

 

Early Life

  Formerly the least and youngest of her siblings, Yainae initially found her calling at the Traedeskaton serving as one of the esteemed Rithind. Though she loved her siblings very dearly, her brothers squandered their lives needlessly in futile duels and after the passing of her parents, Yainae found herself the last survivor of her household. Despite being a member of the Third House of St'lur and descendant of the legendary Queen Danaetanera III, she held court in an empty estate and occupied a mostly honorary seat at the Council of Houses. No man from another house sought to court her, and fearing such a storied family would die with her, she made a pilgrimage to the tomb of her ancestor and prayed to the gods and her ancestor for a miracle to save her bloodline.   Yainae's fortunes would change when an Oldworlder entered Bainshaebo seeking aid. Distraught after Yainae told him the truth about his current location, she took pity on him and invited him into her home. Initially a guest, the Oldworlder named Aleksander Vanstandtvoort took to helping Yainae around the empty halls, cleaning dusty corners and tending the disheveled grounds. Aleksander pursued his labors with such vigor, working up such a sweat, he inadvertently washed his hair with g'thru extract, causing it to turn bright blue, much to Yainae's amusement. Their relationship grew over time, and Yainae wondered if perhaps this was the answer to her prayer.  

Spoiler Warning: Unpublished Content!

  The Far Star Traveller   Now going by the name Ander Vai Stel Vethu, the Oldworlder had fully acclimated to the life of a Thangien. After he spent nearly an entire night cleaning his recovered aircraft, Yainae sent him to the Pavilion for a simple errand. She never expected him to return having tamed one of the legendary Royal Twins, bringing Skybolt Sunhammer to the estate. The first of many such incredible feats of daring, Yainae believed she had indeed found the answer to her prayer and asked Ander to Pair with her, to which he readily agreed. Yainae would soon give birth to a son, Azuro, then eventually a daughter Aurora.   Yainae had seen much through her long years: the slow decay of her house, its meteoric rise from the ashes, the outbreak of fresh hostilities with the Thunthen, and the horror of the Battle of Banguk that would leave her a widow. Yainae prayed for the strength to persevere, and it seemed Roth was not yet done with her. Ander's Nobeyl friend Bak Thraplek took his sword into his keeping, vowing to return it to one of Yainae's children someday. Perhaps the greatest anguish she'd felt since Ander's passing came when her daughter Danae agreed to accompany a transformed Paigasurin into exile. Tearfully hugging her goodbye, Yainae feared she would never see her again.  

He raised a dark blue-and-gray eyebrow when he saw a pair of glittering amethyst eyes peeking at him from behind the folds of the woman’s robe. “Who’s this?” he cocked his head to the side.   “She is Ander’s youngest…at least for the time being,” the woman placed her hand over her abdomen briefly. The Noble knelt onto the floor and coiled his tail around his ankle. He leaned forward slightly, extending his muzzle towards the awestruck pair of eyes.   A child of less than a cycle stepped out from behind the woman cautiously. Wispy curls of lavender hair hung from her head and above her eyes. The Noble watched bemused as the girl reached up and patted his muzzle and stroked his beard, combing her chubby fingers through the scaly fibers.

— Foes From Another World Ch. 23

  That all changed when Danae unexpectedly returned but a cycle later astride a restored Pegasus, bearing tales of what could only be the Oldworld from which Ander came and heroes wearing legendary Armors. After hearing Danae's full report, Yainae asked her to seek one among these warriors who would be worthy of being a pairmate, but of the warriors who toured the city, Danae found none. It was during the Battle of the Citadel that Danae found one who would be worthy of inducting into the household, and Yainae asked her to bring this man to Thanged for her to judge for herself.  

Events of Aftermath

  Danae mentions Yainae before taking her leave of the visitors from Earth. Yainae's elder children Azuro and Aurora arrive to accompany the team on their tour through the city while Danae meets with her mother.  

Events of Foes From Another World

  Yainae makes her first full appearance in Ch. 4 "Trael de Nuca" when Danae invites Dais of Illusion to Thanged. She explains that of all the Ronin Warriors, it was Dais who caught Danae's attention at the Battle of the Citadel and offers her daughter's hand in marriage. Dais declines a political union in favor of trial by combat, as is Thangien custom. Dais is perplexed when Yainae goes out of her way to study his face, as if recognizing him somehow. She dismisses it as a figment of her old age. After nearly losing to rival suitor Na Na Kulk, Rolinilo, Dais perseveres and is betrothed to Danae with Yainae's blessing. Immediately following the duel, Yainae and Aurora see goddesses Witheren and Ritho observing the outcome, interpreting it as divine favor.   Much later after a brush with death against Beast Warden Dygra in Ch. 16 "The Bloody Oath and the Grim Pact", Danae learns she is with child, and formal preparations are begun for a public Pairing ceremony. All of the Ronin and their allies are invited to attend the festivities in Ch. 20 "Pairing of Bloods" and Ryo's tiger companion Whiteblaze graciously carries Yainae on his back to her seat in the front row. Yainae is overjoyed to see her daughter Pair with an Oldworlder, much as she and Ander did decades ago.   Festivities would be cut short with a sudden outbreak of Weeping Death in Ch. 21 "Plague of Thanged", jeopardizing the lives of many of Yainae's family including Danae, Australa, Ko'li, and Rona as well as one of the Ronin. Yainae feared that perhaps this was punishment from the gods for their pride, but eventually it is learned the outbreak was orchestrated by the Thunthen led by the Daggur Clan. Upon attending an emergency meeting of the Council of Houses and hearing her son Azuro's impassioned speech, Yainae reluctantly votes in favor of war.   Not long after, the Ronin are personally challenged and defeated by Supreme High Overlord Mal Daggur in Ch. 22 "Claws and Daggurs". Just when things seem their darkest, Ander's old friend Bak Thraplek and his dissidents reveal themselves and offer to join the Ronin's cause in Ch. 23 "Truly Noble". Azuro is staunchly opposed to any association with Thunthen, and his friend Geiro attempts to insult Yainae when she greets Bak cordially only for Yainae to put him in his place, demonstrating she still has the strength and lungs to shout down opposition. Bak keeps his promise to Yainae and turns Gold Wing over to Danae.  

Events of Fight Alone

  When Dais learns he is losing sight in his remaining eye in Ch. 1 "Old Warrior Pride", he travels with Danae and Dr. Charles O'Connor to the Traedeskaton. They meet with Master Physician Kin Kin Aega, Coval, who mentions that Yainae once suffered a similar ailment and needed surgery to save her failing eyesight cycles ago.  

Events of Cataclysm War

  Yainae learns of the death of adopted daughter Rona during the first rout against Beastlord and his Menagerie in Ch. 3 "Enter Beastlord". Such a tragic turn of events is soon followed by the curious appearance of Captain Caroline Wendell, widow of Ander's friend Gage and shockingly enough Dais' biological mother in Ch. 6 "Phantoms of the Past". Caroline abducts her son and attempts to reconnect with him, claiming the treasure she seeks will help everyone and commenting that Yainae didn't always enjoy such good fortune before she met Ander.   Caroline leaves behind a portion of treasure to Danae who in turn cedes it to Yainae as weregild for enduring such an ordeal. After the final defeat of Beastlord and his hordes, the Ronin and their allies arrive on Thanged to attend the Blood Dawn in Ch. 15. Yainae leads the House of St'lur in the opening procession.  

“Did you get to see Tatiante during the last Blood Dawn?” Ko’li asked Yainae.   “No, of course not! He had not yet arrived on this world back then. No...I saw my siblings, who had all passed before me. Know this: my time draws nigh, and I will not be alive to see you die in the Entide, but we will be together at the end of all things,” Yainae said to her grown children Azuro, Aurora, and Australa. Yainae blinked and frowned, searching the crowd. “...Where is Danae?”

— Cataclysm War Ch. 15

 

Events of Spacequake

  When Phitdaitiarona launches an attack against the Oldworld itself, the Ronin's allies are forced to flee aboard Sky Platform Argonauth in Ch. 1 "Spacequake". While in transit, Danae gives birth to her and Dais' son and Yainae's third grandchild. Eventually they return to the Mortal Realm and the Ronin are safely recovered. Yainae is next seen attending a baby shower alongside Caroline to formally welcome young Darius into the world in Ch. 6 "Captain Caroline Wendell and the Secret of Immortality". Caroline pokes fun at her by mentioning Yainae was well ahead in years when she had her many children, which Yainae takes in good humor. In Ch. 15 "Twist the Daggur Slowly", the Ronin are captured by Mal Daggur and Myr Chedryn before anyone realizes what has happened. The Ronin are unceremoniously thrown into the Spectra Pits, and the fate of Yainae's son-in-law Dais remains unknown...

Yainae is familiar with all manner of home remedies and treatments from her time at the Traedeskaton. She studied under Coval's predecessor before being forced to retire to tend to matters at home.

Spent most of her early adulthood as a Rithind, earning a modest income in an effort to escape the shadow of her family's misfortunes. After taking over the household, she lived on a dwindling inheritance and what she could barter for at the Pavilion. After the taming of Skybolt Sunhammer, Yainae found herself suddenly showered with funds from other Houses requesting Skybolt's services as a stud. Thanks to Skybolt and Ander, she would never have to worry about money for the rest of her life.  

Spoiler Warning: Unpublished Content!

  The Far Star Traveller

Oversaw the revival of the House of St'lur and its rise to First House. Built a bridge with the Oldworld by pairing with Ander. Encouraged Danae to pair with Dais, further cementing alliance with the Oldworld.

Nearly suffered the complete and total collapse of her House. Had to endure schemes hatched by rival Sixth House of Eklan.

Yainae suffered terrible isolation after the death of her siblings. She believed Roth had forsaken her and nearly lost her faith in the Queens. It took Aleksander and his Oldworlder mannerisms to buoy her spirits.

Yainae has a knack for listening attentively and patiently, something she learned in childhood growing up around her many boisterous siblings, something she put to ample use during her brief time as a Rithind listening to the grumblings and lamentations of patients under her care. When she had to take over the estate, she had to be as self-sufficient as possible but could not do everything. Thankfully Aleksander's arrival helped a great deal. Now with her family's fortunes secured, she strives to impart her patience and wisdom upon her grandsons Ph'li and Ko'li, with mixed success...

A devout follower of the Four Queens, Yainae knows her House was established through divine favor but worries that favor diminished because of the her reviled ancestor Payina the Plague Queen. She forgot that Roth promised to Wuelro that the House of St'lur would ascend once more in due time. She is quick to ascribe tragedies to the gods whilst forgetting that all things serve Roth's will. She believes Thunthen are innately good because of the pact forged between Das Anazhar and her ancestor Danaetanera III, so it came as no surprise that Ander kindled a friendship with Bak Thraplek.

Despite the well-known stigma associated with Natives, Yainae has welcomed Aurora's pairmate T'plaureth into the household, earning her more than a few grumblings from fellow Council members. They only tolerated the pairing because of Ander's support and T'plaureth's combat prowess, but Yainae knows they would never allow Aurora to succeed her as Everlasting Mother. To this end, Yainae hopes either Danae may one day fill that role, or that opinions may change in light of recent events.

Initially Yainae kept the House of St'lur on life support. With Ander's help, she rebuilt it into a respectable House once more. After his passing, she employs her wit maneuvering politics to ensure it perseveres until the End Tide.

Able to lend a sympathetic ear, but in the face of catastrophe is quick to fall back on superstition.

Quite fond of her children and grandchildren, but harbors a deep disgust towards the House of Eklan.

Exuded a stern but warm grandmotherly air about her. For all her beliefs she is open to accepting Oldworlder customs.

The same serenity she carries herself with is often used by detractors to portray her as a senile doddering fool. They quickly learn their mistake when push comes to shove...

Member of the Council of Houses

-Aside from King Torke of the Grand House of Taurit, Yainae's voice is heard first and foremost during meetings. Though she seldom raises her voice, she won't hesitate to put an upstart in their place.  

Grand House of Taurit

-Friendly. Ander was close friends with Torke before he became Watch-Rider. It is widely believed the House of St'lur will succeed the House of Taurit following Entide. Despite this, relations remain close between Houses.  

Sixth House of Eklan

-Very Hostile. Yainae has verbally sparred more than once against rival Ekaea, who has plotted numerous times to marry her son Rolinilo into the House of St'lur in an effort to continue the legacy of Ander's enemy, Nazi pilot Roland Ekrich.  

Master Breeder Norin

-Friendly. Close friend of Ander. Took over care for Skybolt after Ander's passing. Current leader of Mazzan.  

Master Playwright Khanphe

-Friendly. Close friend of Ander. Had to borrow some of Yainae's things while evading assassins during the Siege of Bainshaebo. Current leader of the Llaudaind.  

Gage Wendell

-Cordial. Deceased. Close friend of Ander from the Oldworld. Husband to Caroline Wendell and biological father of Dais. Killed during ongoing hostilities while rescuing civilians in the Redali System.  

Spoiler Warning: Unpublished Content!

  The Far Star Traveller  

Bak Thraplek

-Friendly. Close friend of Ander. One of the few Thunthen Nobles sympathetic to the Thangien people and a direct descendant of Das Anazhar. Leader of the Dissidents operating on the Oldworld and ally to the Ronin Warriors.  

Annalaise Vanstandtvoort

Neutral. Ander mentioned his first wife, whom he resigned to never being able to return to after so many years on Thanged. Yainae wonders if she might still be alive on the Oldworld and what her thoughts would be regarding Ander's adventures.  

Ronin Warriors and Allies

-Friendly. Yainae has primarily interacted with Dais but is gracious and cordial with the others as well. When Aurora mentioned that Bak knew Yainae, Cye asked her to quickly bring Yainae to Earth to speak on Bak's behalf.

Aleksander Vanstandtvoort/Ander Vai-Stel-Vethu

-Husband. Deceased. Formerly a fighter pilot from 1940's Earth, he inadvertently slipped through a Transgalactic Rift and ended up on Thanged. Became a famous hero to the Thangien people. Killed by Mal Daggur at the Battle of Banguk.  

Chi Chi Lina, Azuro/Azurotago

-Son. Yainae and Ander's first child and only son, he has grown to be an influential figure in his own right as leader of the Metraind and Watch-Protector of Thanged's current war-host.  

Ru Ru Tiki, Aurora/Aurorakhan

-Daughter. Yainae's eldest daughter. She befriended and would later pair with T'plaureth, the first Native allowed honorary citizenship in Bainshaebo. Current leader of the Northern Garrison on Earth. Mother of Ph'li and Ko'li.  

Chi Chi Lina, Danae/Danaetanera

-Daughter. Yainae's third child but the most successful abroad. Represents Thangien interests on the Oldworld and veteran of many conflicts such as the Battle of the Citadel. Paired with Dais, Warrior of Illusion. Mother of Darius.  

Chi Chi Lina, Australa/Australapaela

-Daughter. Yainae's final child with Ander. The youngest and most energetic, she is proficient with metalworking and used her skill to assist Sage of Halo in repairing his sword as well as creating a replica of the Sword of Deres which she gave to King Torke.  

Ru Ru Tiki, T'plaureth

-Son-in-Law. The first ever Native to not only set foot in Bainshaebo but be allowed to marry into a ruling House. Peerless warrior and combat trainer at the Pit of Spikes. Father of Ph'li and Ko'li.  

Dais, Warrior of Illusion

-Son-in-Law. Member of the Ronin Warriors. A former Dark Warlord, he now uses his powers for good and can calm troubled minds. Biological son of Caroline Wendell and father of Darius.  

"I instructed Danae to seek out a suitable pairmate among the Morindae, but among those who visited Bainshaebo, she found none worthy." Dais couldn't help but smirk. That meant even Anubis "hadn't made the cut". He composed himself when Yainae turned once more to face him. "She spoke of the bitter foes she faced in your recent battle, and the valor she witnessed from you in the defense of others. She saw in you the qualities she desired in a husband, and that I would desire in a son. If I were to offer you Danaetanera's hand, would you accept in in Pairing?"   Dais said nothing at first, trying to process what Yainae had said. Here she offered him a position of power and status among the nobility of Thanged, not despite his past as a Dark Warlord, but because of it. Thangiens revered the warrior, most of all those who had overcome great strife. In their eyes, he was the hero of the old tales, the Prince Charming who had found redemption against all odds. Such feats honored the gods they worshipped, and such a union would bring greater honor to Danae's family. Dais ran his tongue over his lips before taking a deep breath.   “I will not take your daughter’s hand, as it isn’t something that can be seized or awarded. I will earn it.” Yainae looked startled but remained silent. “Thangiens believe that passion is as much a part of existence as purpose, but marriage for the sake of politics serves no purpose without passion. Battle is the only politics I abide by, and if I am to Pair with Danaetanera, it will be as peers. If there is an enemy who would oppose me, I will fight him, and I will strike him down! I will do whatever it takes until I prove myself every bit her equal!!” Dais was surprised by the fervor with which he spoke and unclenched his fists.   “When I saw her for the first time, and watched her ride into the thick of battle…I was astonished, and humbled, that she faced the enemy with such ferocity. She threw all of her fury against the Dynasty, with no heed to her own safety. Completely fearless, completely selfless…she embodied the soul of the battle.” Dais shook himself out of his recollection and looked Yainae in the eyes. “I will accept Danae’s hand only after I have faced the one who would dare make claim to her as if she were a trophy, and beaten him soundly. That is the only Pairing Danaetanera is worthy of, and that is the only way she’ll accept me.”   Yainae stared at him amazed before closing her eyes and smiling faintly. “Well spoken, DaiTakin. I think...I think Ander would have liked you…”

— Foes From Another World Ch. 4

 

Chi Chi Lina, Shainie/Shainie O'Connor

-Daughter-in-Law. The newest addition to the House of St'lur and cousin to Shannon O'Connor. Married Azuro "off screen" after the Blood Dawn. Daughter of Jacqueline O'Connor. Helps Yainae around the estate.  

Ru Ru Tiki, Ph'li

-Grandson. Son of Aurora and T'plaureth and fraternal twin of Ko'li. Has much of his father's Native physiology only with brown hair instead of white, likely passed down from Ander. Often the target of bullies from rival Houses. Friend of Oldworlder Yulie Yamano.  

Ru Ru Tiki, Ko'li

-Grandson. Son of Aurora and T'plaureth and fraternal twin of Ph'li. More fully Human than his brother, he has some faint white peach fuzz from his father. Apprenticed at Mazzan along with his brother. Friend of Oldworlder Yulie Yamano.  

Chi Chi Lina, Darius

-Grandson. Newborn son of Dais and Danae. Inherited his mother's eyes and his father's hair but seems to suffer nascent symptoms of acute photophobia.  

Captain Caroline Wendell

-Sister-in-Law. Widow of Ander's fighter-pilot friend Gage Wendell and biological mother of Dais. Notorious but philanthropic space pirate operating out of the Redali System.  

Ki Ki Crol, Rona/Ronatane

-Adopted Daughter. Deceased. A former Freelander who befriended Danae during her tour. Fought alongside her in many battles including the Battle of the Citadel. Killed in battle against Beastlord.  

Cu Cu Lurn, Tornath

-Adopted Son. A childhood friend of Danae and former Lonesteader. Learned the basics of medicine from Yainae before pursuing deeper studies at the Traedeskaton. Formidable warrior and skilled field medic.

Because Everlasting Mothers must be all the gods to their families, Yainae adheres to the teachings of the Four Queens. She must be the Protector, the Retributor, the Crafter, and the Mother.

Despite her frail frame, Yainae carries herself with poise and grace reminiscent of her ancestor Queen Danaetanera III.

Skilled in crafting of various salves, dressings, and prophylactics from her days as a Rithind. Initially she bartered these at the Pavilion to supplement her dwindling income. She no longer has to worry about financial security but still practices her skill especially with rambunctious grandsons who enjoy getting in all manner of scrapes.

Has a very delicate, but firm voice. Think Akara from Diablo II.

For all the modesty she carries herself with, Yainae is quite well off thanks to the constant flow of income from Skybolt's services as a stud as well as income brought in from T'plaureth's combat lessons and Australa's commissions at Peirolyth.