El'iaija (El-ee-eye-ja)

El'iaija was the great tribal singer and keeper of songs from the Jinri'an tribe who was known for his magnificent voice and his encyclopedic knowledge of the songs of the Bane'ile as well as for his many children. He fathered a grand total of nineteen with five different mothers, some of whom would go on to become tribal singers as well. Monogamous relationships were not common among the Bane'ile, and children were generally raised communally, so it was not unusual for people to have them with more than one partner, but even so, nineteen was considered a lot.   Some attributed El'iaija's popularity with women to his attractive physique and soulful eyes. Some thought it was because he was kind and jovial, quick to smile and laugh, but yet, he always took his responsibilities seriously. Others speculated that it was simply his talent and fame that drew attention to him. Whatever the reason, El'iaija never lacked female companionship, but his focus was always on his duties as a tribal singer, and later, as a keeper of songs.  

---

 

Famous Progeny

  When it comes to children, everyone says that you shouldn't have favorites, but El'iaija always had a special place in his heart for his first born, Umbajin. He was delighted when Umbajin showed potential as a singer at an early age and was sent to be raised among the people of song where El'iaija could teach him everything he knew. He marveled at the joy he felt watching his young son grow and learn.   Umbajin idolized his father and wanted to be just like him, but even though he was every bit as talented as El'iaija, fate had other plans. He turned out to be one of the few who was kissed by the eternal flame, and while he was still a young acolyte, Umbajin met Salelu, the only woman he would ever love. Unfortunately, their relationship came with many challenges, and try as he might, he kept getting side tracked from following in his father's footsteps. Yet through all of life's twists and turns, El'iaija stood by his son offering love and advice. He was a wise man who understood that Umbajin was meant to have a journey all his own like no other who came before.   Umbajin gained great respect and fame among his people by the end of his life, but never advanced beyond the rank of tribal singer. In the years after El'iaija's death, he sometimes wondered if his father would have been disappointed in him, but El'iaija could not have been more proud of the man his favorite son had become.