Katya

Katya is a seemingly a trustworthy lady's maid to Princess Listelle, and the long-term partner of Janavier Rance, but beneath her quiet exterior, she harbours deep-seated resentment over the loss of her family during The Reconstruction, and has been meticulously planning her revenge for years. She makes an attempt on Terys III, ultimately proving unsuccessful, and is executed shortly afterwards, her actions shocking all.

Background

Unknown Past and Enslavement

Very little is known about Katya’s life before The Reconstruction. She never spoke of her past, her family, or her experiences before enslavement, keeping all personal history a mystery. By the time she entered service, she was already focused entirely on long-term revenge.

941-945: Service in the Chisely Household

Katya was purchased by Devon Chisely, wife of Rhaisin Chisely, Duke of Easlea, and served as a personal attendant in a noble household. Her skills in etiquette, discretion, hairstyling, and personal care made her a highly valued servant. She was also fluent in Favontille and Perenx, an asset in the diplomatic circles of the Chisely household. Always patient, polite, and deferential, she never displayed resentment and blended seamlessly into her role.

When Devon Chisely moved abroad, Katya was left behind and transferred to the Royal Household. Though this appeared to be a natural decision, Katya had subtly positioned herself for this opportunity, ensuring she was placed close to King Terys III, the ultimate target of her revenge.

945-948: Service in the Royal Household

For three years, Katya served as Princess Listelle’s lady’s maid, maintaining absolute trust and discretion. She attended to Listelle’s daily needs, styled her hair and clothing, and managed her private chambers. Never once did she hint at resentment or draw suspicion, ensuring she was considered a trusted and unremarkable presence.

September 948: The Attempted Assassination of King Terys III

During Princess Galaday’s engagement party, Katya attempted to assassinate King Terys III using her water-based Ananan magic. She transformed part of herself into liquid, slipping her hand into his body to seize his heart. The attack failed. Though gravely wounded, the king survived. Katya was immediately captured and swiftly executed, her method of attack further fuelling suspicion and fear of Ananan magic. Her betrayal left the royal household shaken, as no one had ever suspected her.

Personality

Katya exhibits traits associated with the INTJ-T (Architect) personality type, marked by intelligence, strategy, and emotional restraint. She is highly perceptive and calculating, presenting herself as a model employee while concealing her true motives. Her ability to manipulate situations without suspicion speaks to her long-term thinking and deep understanding of human behaviour.

Strategic and Calculating

• Katya never acts impulsively. Every move she makes is part of a long-term strategy.
• She had deliberately created a reputation as a polite and competent lady’s maid, ensuring she was seen as too valuable to suspect as anything other than loyal.
• Her transfer to Listelle’s service was not luck. She saw an opportunity and subtly influenced others to make it happen while making it seem like their own decision.

Highly Perceptive and Observant

• She notices small details that others overlook, allowing her to anticipate needs and adjust her behaviour accordingly.
• She remembers personal preferences, habits, and conversations.
• She reads people well, adjusting her tone and mannerisms depending on the situation.

Emotionally Guarded

• Katya never discusses her past and keeps a strict divide between her personal thoughts and outward persona.
• She maintains perfect composure under stress, never showing frustration or resentment in public.
• While she has friendships, she never fully trusts anyone, keeping emotional distance even in close relationships.

Adaptable and Pragmatic

• She knows how to present herself as unthreatening, ensuring she is liked and trusted.
• If a plan needs adjustment, she recalculates without hesitation, never clinging to ideas for emotional reasons.
• She has no interest in ideology or martyrdom. Her revenge is personal, not political.

Manipulative but Subtle

• Rather than lying, Katya guides conversations so that others reach the conclusions she wants on their own.
• She is skilled at making other people believe they hold the power, while she quietly ensures events unfold in her favour.
• Her relationship with Rance was genuine in many ways, but also served to maintain an image of stability, a factor that made her actions even more shocking to those who knew her.

Katya is a woman of patience and control, never allowing emotion to dictate her actions. She is not reckless or driven by raw hatred. Her revenge is measured, methodical, and deeply personal. Even in failure, she does not lash out or panic. Instead, she accepts the consequences of her actions, knowing she played her part exactly as intended.

Appearance

• Height: 5ft 7in
• Build: Slim and lightly toned
• Complexion: Pale
• Hair: Black, sleek, and straight, typically tied back for practicality
• Eyes: Bright blue, striking against her dark hair
• Facial Features: High cheekbones, a sharp jawline, full lips, and arched brows that lend her a naturally intense expression
• Clothing: As a slave, she wears simple beige or grey cotton dresses, always neat and pressed, without embellishment

Demeanour

• Posture: Upright but fluid, carrying herself with quiet confidence
• Speech: Soft-spoken but articulate, with a measured and deliberate tone
• Mannerisms: Rarely fidgets or makes unnecessary gestures, maintaining a composed and controlled presence
• Movement: Precise and efficient, avoiding sudden or wasteful motions

Katya possesses a natural elegance that contrasts with her status, making her a respected figure even in simple clothing. While her expression is often neutral, there is an intensity behind her gaze, as though she is always calculating something. She carries herself with quiet self-assurance, making her presence noticeable without being overtly attention-seeking.

Skills and Abilities

• Water and Sand Manipulation: As an Ananan, Katya possesses elemental control over water and sand, as well as forms in between, such as mud and mist. She can transform her body partially or fully into water, allowing her to pass through small gaps or evade physical attacks. She can also solidify and reshape sand to create tools or obscure her presence.
 
• Precision Hairdressing and Makeup Application: Years of serving aristocratic employers refined Katya’s ability to style hairstyles and apply makeup. She understands trends, facial structures, and how to subtly enhance features, making her employers always look and feel their best. This makes her highly valued as a lady’s maid.
 
• Sewing and Garment Repair: Skilled in mending and altering clothing, she can carefully repair and adjust dresses, and understands how to keep garments pristine, even with minimal resources.

Limitations

• The Law on Magic: Use of Ananan magic is illegal, even in private, which restricts how often Katya can practice.
 
• Lack of Formal Combat Training: While her magic is powerful, she has no structured combat or strategy training, relying fully on her magical ability.
 

Katya’s abilities are practical, precise, and deliberate, serving both her role as a lady’s maid and her long-term goals of revenge. Her strengths lie in her unseen skills, ensuring she remains underestimated and unsuspected until the moment she acts.