Maia Drazhar

Maia Drazhar, or Edrehasivar VII, is the current half-goblin emperor of the Ethuveraz. He is the only child of Chenelo Drazharan and Varenechibel IV, and the only surviving male heir of Varenechibel IV. He is also the grandson of Maru Sevraseched, Great Avar of Barizhan. He is currently engaged to Csethiro Ceredin.

Appearance
Maia is a half-goblin, half-elf 19-year-old. He has "an ugly scrawl of scars on his left forearm, where a blow of Setheris' had knocked him into the elaborate and hideous wrought-iron antlers that adorned the fire screen" when Maia was 15. He has dark skin, knobby knuckles, and Drazhadeise pale grey eyes. His hair is dark, thick, and prone to knotting.

On the morning of Maia's coronation, after a bath, he was dressed “in a long, white, sleeveless and shapeless garment called a keb”. His curly hair was combed out until his curls "hung sleek and dark and wet down his back", and then rings were placed on his fingers: “silver set with jade and moonstones; bracelets like manacles, silver set with dull cabochon emeralds; a series of rings for his ears, more pale-green jade; a necklace of moonstones and cabochon emeralds that clasped tight around his throat; a silver and moonstone diadem.”

Personality
Maia is a quiet, shy young man, often intimidated by public speaking and responsibility, as he is still adjusting to having to have anything to do with it. Setheris would also punish him for speaking, and due to his isolation at Edonomee, he had little experience with people, so he struggles to carry conversation. He has grown into his role as a new emperor, and is often a gentle but firm diplomat. He has a temper, which he does his best to reign in, and works on not being vindictive. He was desperately lonely for much of his life, and mostly just wanted friends. He's curious, and enjoys learning new things. He is also a good listener, at least on a one-on-one basis. He sometimes fantasizes about a better life.

He supports women's and worker's rights, innovation, and generally progressive policies that help those most in need. He has a tendency to go all out in supporting those near him and within his power, particularly his staff. He is compassionate and warms easily to kindness. He can also be canny and slip into the mask of Edrehasivar VII, and increasingly quick to cut off feints by courtiers and politicians meant to trap him. He is proud, but also willing to ask for help and apologize, the latter of which aren't particularly popular traits for an emperor, but serve him well.

He is religious, and relies on meditation for calm. He enjoys listening to beautiful music.

He has low self-esteem, based on his father's cruelty and Setheris' abuse and prejudice against goblins. When he arrived at the Untheileneise Court to become emperor, his education was very lacking, due to the limited education of Setheris, which only worsened his low self-esteem. With the help of his staff, family, and government, he has grown his knowledge, and grown more confident.

Life
Maia was born on the Winter Solstice. After Maia's birth, Varenechibel IV relegated him and his mother to Isvaroë. Maia's mother died when he was eight years old. After her funeral, Maia was sent to Edonomee with Setheris as his caretaker. He stayed there, largely cut off from the world, under Setheris' abusive hand.

Maia was 18 when his father and brothers were killed in the explosion and crash of the Wisdom of Choharo. Uleris Chavar, Varenechibel IV's Lord Chancellor, sent Maia a letter informing him about the crash with the Csevet Aisava, a courier. On Setheris' advice, Maia (and Setheris) headed back to Cetho on the airship the courier came on, and Maia arrived at the Court quickly. Maia met with Uleris and put his coronation into preparation, ahead of Varenechibel IV and his sons' funeral. Maia was assigned his First Nohecharei, Deret Beshelar and Cala Athmaza, and attended the funeral for the crew who were killed on The Wisdom of Choharo. He appointed Csevet as his secretary.

Maia received a letter and nesecho from Vorzhis Gormened, the Barizheise ambassador to the Court. With Csevet's help, Maia consulted with Oshet on the significance of the nesecho (shaped like a suncat), and how to undo it. Maia was curious about Vorzhis' claim of kinsmanship, and treasured the nesecho.

Maia's Second Nohecharei arrived: Lieutenant Telimezh and Dazhis Athmaza, and they took over guarding Maia. Maia then met with Varenechibel IV's widow, Csoru Drazharan, and had her officially take the title of "Zhasanai" (widow empress).

In preparation for the coronation, Uleris "suggested" that Maia take Setheris and the Marquess Imel as his close friends to the vigil during the coronation, as Maia had no apparent friends at court and both men were his two nearest male relatives of age. Maia did not do so, as "he would under no circumstances allow Setheris Nelar to play a role of any ritual importance whatsoever in the process of his coronation."

Maia visited his mother's tomb, along with Telimezh and Dazhis.

Maia took Cala and Deret as his companions to his vigil during his coronation. After Setheris sent Maia another letter asking for what Maia's plans for him were, Maia told Csevet, Telimezh, and Dazhis that he hated Setheris and didn't want to deal with him, but also didn't want him punished. He had Csevet find a position for him.

When the Witnesses for the Wisdom of Choharo revealed that a bomb had been used to destroy the airship, Maia was unhappy with Uleris taking sole control of the investigation, and wanted his own, so he took up Csevet's suggestion of a clerical Witness: Csoru's kinsman, Thara Celehar. Maia accompanied Thara to Witness the bodies of Maia's family, delaying their funeral.

At the wake, Maia met with Uleris, who introduced his nephew, Nurevis Chavar. Eshevis Tethimar wanted to speak about Vedero, which Maia cut off. Sheveän Drazharan lectured Maia for his treatment of the body of her husband, and when Maia's attempts to calm her failed, Deret ultimately helped cut her off, and she left, with Maia's promise of an audience the next day.

Before the funeral for Varenechibel IV and three of his sons, Sehalis spoke with Deret and Cala, reminding them of the boundaries between emperor and their nohecharei, and that Maia had already treated Deret and Cala unlike how he should, as if they were his equals. At the wake, Sheveän Drazharan lectured Maia for his treatment of the body of her husband, and Maia promised to meet with her the next day. That night, Cala explained that he and Deret could not be Maia's friends. Maia was pained by this, and grew more distant from both his First Nohecharei.

Maia met with Sheveän in the morning, explaining why he'd requested Thara Celehar's help. She was dismissive and harsh.

Maia attended his first meeting with the Corazhas, with Csevet at his side, and was overwhelmed. Afterward, as Maia left the meeting with Cala and Deret, Maia was ambushed by Setheris. Csevet arrived and interposed himself between them, and Maia asked Csevet to arrange an audience for Setheris, and then fled to the Alcethmeret. He also arranged to purchase a gravestone for the families of those who died on the Wisdom of Choharo. Maia then spoke with Vedero about marriage negotiations with Eshevis during their father's reign, and asked why she did not do as she wished.

Maia visited Dachensol Habrobar to obtain his signet, and chose to use Chenelo's unused signet.

After Maia dined with the Court for the first time, he went to Nurevis' party and watched Nedaö Vechin's performance, where he was entranced by her. Nurevis introduced Maia to her, and also introduced Maia to Loran Duchenin, Uleris' niece and Nurevis' cousin, who sought to become Maia's empress. Nurevis had to rescue Maia from her.

Maia met with Setheris at last, and offered him the position of liaison to the City of Cetho, and refused to back down to Setheris' upset at the lowly position. Setheris accepted it and left.

After Uleris attempted to pressure Maia to accept the Count Bazhevel's suggestion that Vedero marry Dalera Bazhevar, Maia had Csevet send messages to Duke Tethimel and Bazhevel, telling them that due to Vedero and House Drazhada's mourning, negotiations for her marriage would be put off for at least a year. He told Vedero to study the stars, as she wished. The announcement infuriated many at court.

Maru sent word that he would be visiting the Court to celebrate Winternight, and Vorzhis Gormened, the Barizheise ambassador, invited Maia, Uleris, and the Witness for Foreigners to a dinner gathering to prepare.

After some discussion, Csevet presented "Maia's" remaining choices for his future empress - Paru Tethimin, Csethiro, and Loran - to the Corazhas, who argued over it, largely siding with Csethiro, who became the final choice.

Maia attended Vorzhis' dinner, and was overwhelmed (in a good way) by the sheer number of goblins. Maia made a brief speech, voicing his support. At Eiru Berenar's suggestion, Maia began taking lessons from Eiru on his government and history, to better be able to govern.

Maia continued to attend Nurevis' parties, where he felt like an outsider from all. Nurevis and Nedaö often spoke with him, and he spent time with Nurevis' brainless friends, and felt foolish. At one party, Csethiro confronted him about Nedaö using him, to which Maia responded that of course Nedaö was doing so, and reproached her for calling him stupid. Csethiro apologized.

After receiving an invitation from Nurevis during a meeting with the Corazhas, for which Deret reprimanded Nurevis (and Maia) while Maia, Cala, and Deret were leaving the meeting, and Maia angrily reproached him for calling Maia stupid, then stormed back to the Alcethmeret. At the party later, Maia accepted a request from Nedaö to meet with her sister, Avro Halezho, and the Clocksmiths' Guild of Zhaö, about bridging the Istandaärtha. Maia appreciated learning more about the bridge, and promised to present the idea of an audience to the Corazhas, but was hurt by how Nedaö used him, though he blamed himself for encouraging her, and rebuffed her offer of a night together.

Maia negotiated varying issues over a dispute between the town of Nelozho, the estate of the Dorashada, and the Prince of Thu-Cethor, which led to the building of a bridge over the Upazhera, and gave Maia confidence that he could perform his duties.

In exchange for the dinner with Vorzhis, Maia attended a dinner with the Marquess Lanthevel, Presider of the House of Blood, Lord Pashavar, Verer, Iviro Lanthevin, Ailano Pashavaran, and Reneian Orthemo. Maia learned about the reason for Setheris' relegation, his history with Uleris, the Evressai Steppes, and Varenechibel IV and his wives.

Sheveän and Uleris talked Dazhis into their employ, promising him that he would become Adremaza after the death of Sehalis Athmaza, and that he would be Idra's First Nohecharis, and used him to knock out Telimezh, and thus allow Sheveän's armsmen to kidnap Maia to Idra's apartments, in an attempt to get Maia to abdicate. The plan - at the idea of the Witness for the Prelacy - was to then send Maia to a monastery dedicated to Cstheio. Maia asked to meet with Idra, who disagreed with both conspirators' plans and ideology, and called on his armsman to turn against Sheveän, in time for the Untheileneise Guard to break down to the door to where Sheveän and Uleris were keeping Maia to rescue him. Sheveän and Uleris were arrested, and Idra, Mireän Drazhin, and Ino Drazhin were moved to the Alcethmeret nursery, where Maia did his best to reassure them.

Two days later, Sehalis presented Kiru as Dazhis' replacement. Maia figured out Kiru was female, and Sehalis reassured Maia she could be trusted. Maia insisted they check if Telimezh objected. Although Telimezh clearly wanted to check with Deret first, he did not, and said, "If you do not object, Serenity, it is not for us to be obstructive. We will be pleased to work with Kiru Athmaza."

Maia appointed Eiru as the new Lord Chancellor. Maia also met with Tanet Csovar, Witness for the Emperor in the upcoming trial of Sheveän and Uleris, and Maia related his thoughts about the coup.

Maia successfully persuaded the Corazhas to grant the Clocksmiths' Guild an audience, and they appeared before the Corazhas on the day before Maru's arrival. Maia was particularly fascinated by their steam and maz-driven bridge model.

Maia greeted Maru when he arrived at the Court, and observed Maru's first inspection of his rooms. He asked Maru why Maru never responded to Chenelo's letters, and then noted they were expected at luncheon in Vorzhis' dav.

At the ball to welcome Maru, Maia spoke with Csethiro about her family, Csoru, and Maia's own life, but was called away to attend Aro at her deathbed.

During the Winternight Ball, Eshevis attempted to assassinate Maia, and was blocked by Deret before being killed by Cala.

Maia visited the Curneisei connected to the Tethimadeise Conspiracy imprisoned in the Nevennamire.

Maia went to watch the eclipse with Vedero, and evinced genuine interest in meeting Vedero's scholarly friends.

Thara requested leave to become a Witness vel ama, and was released from Maia's household. Teru used the opportunity to offer Maia a chaplain, and Maia requested that they be able to teach him more about Barizheise religious practice. On the return to the Alcethmeret, Cala evinced surprise that Maia meditated, and Maia admitted he thought Cala would think less of him, to which both Cala and Deret denied they would. Maia then noted that Sehalis was wrong that Cala and Deret could not be his friends, and stated that he was fond of both of them, and there would be, by necessity, closeness in their relationship due to their physical closeness. Cala and Deret noted their own loyalty for Maia, and agreed that they would "be a different sort of friends."

Skills
Maia is a good arbiter and judge. He is also skilled at navigating the difficulties of court and complicated relationships. He is also supremely patient and compassionate. Due to his heritage, he lacks at least some of the prejudice of his elven forebears, which serves him well in politics.

Arbelan Drazharan
Maia and Arbelan were close, and enjoyed each other's company. She told him court gossip and let him practice conversation.

Aro Danivaran
Maia greatly appreciated Aro looking after him during his mother's funeral, and did his best to be kind to her the two times he met her as an adult.

Cala Athmaza
Maia appeared most fond of Cala of all his nohecharei, and was most comfortable with him. Cala was fond of Maia.

Chenelo Drazharan
Maia deeply loved his mother, and missed her greatly. Her treatment was the principal source of his ire for Varenechibel IV and the Untheileneise Court.

Csethiro Ceredin
Although things between them started rockily, Maia had a firm friendship with his fiancee, and enjoyed her company.

Csevet Aisava
Maia relied heavily on Csevet for many of his duties, and had a close relationship with him. Csevet was fond of Maia, and often confided in him.

Csoru Drazharan
Maia tolerated Csoru. Csoru disdained him, and hated him for coming between her and being empress.

Dazhis Athmaza
Dazhis was publicly protective of Maia, and became angry when people showed him disrespect. Maia felt more comfortable around Dazhis for a time than around even Cala. Maia was angry at him for hisb betrayal, but prayed that his anger would die with Dazhis, and that Maia would not hate him. Maia did not wish him to die.

Deret Beshelar
Maia was often intimidated by the weight of Deret's expectations, but enjoyed his support and valued his friendship. Deret was, in his own way, fond of Maia, and loyal to him. He was annoyed when Maia apologized to people, or otherwise broke from proper decorum for an emperor. He did not approve of Maia's infatuation with Nedaö Vechin. He did not approve of Nurevis sending Maia invitations during meetings.

Eiru Berenar
Eiru reached out to help Maia learn more about the politics of Court, and Maia appreciated his guidance, to the point that when Uleris was arrested for treason, Maia recommended Berenar for the Lord Chancellor position to replace him.

Eshevis Tethimar
Eshevis seemed to forget Maia's existence in pursuit of his goal for the throne of the Ethuveraz, and as more of the Tethimadeise Conspiracy unraveled, Eshevis came to despise Maia entirely, to the point of attempted murder. Maia greatly disliked Eshevis, particularly for his presumption and bullying, his sliminess, and how awful Eshevis had been to Csevet.

Hesero Nelaran
Maia was friendly to Hesero. Hesero was shocked by the knowledge of her husband's treatment of Maia.

Idra Drazhar
Idra and Maia were initially wary of each other, but warmed to each other. Eventually they grew to care for each other.

Ino Drazhin
Ino cared for Maia after she came to reside in the Alcethmeret.

Kiru Athmaza
Maia had a good friendship with Kiru, and appreciated her background as a hospital worker.

Maru Sevraseched
Maia had a good friendship with Maru, albeit one built on regret and some anger. Maru went out of his way to attempt to mend bridges with Maia after Maia's coronation.

Mireän Drazhin
Ino cared for Maia after she came to reside in the Alcethmeret.

Nadaro Gormened
Nadaro was friendly to Maia, and supportive, and possibly worked to help curry his favor on behalf of her husband/Barizhan.

Nedaö Vechin
Maia was infatuated with Nedaö for some time, but fell out of it after she used his affection to obtain an audience for her sister, and out of his own shame. She apologized for her actions, and they have a warm friendship.

Nemriän Imaran
Nemriän was indifferent if not disdainful towards Maia, and was his dinner partner at his first dinner with the Court, where she ignored him in favor of her other partner.

Nurevis Chavar
Maia and Nurevis had a comfortable friendship before Uleris' treason, and Maia regretted Nurevis' suffering.

Lord Pashavar
Pashavar advocated for Varenechibel IV to bring Maia to the Court when Chenelo died, again when Maia turned 13, and again when Maia turned 16, but Varenechibel IV refused. Pashavar initially terrified Maia "more than the rest of the Corazhas put together", but during Maia's initial reign, Pashavar and Maia grew more cordial and friendly with each other, even when they disagreed politically.

Setheris Nelar
Maia and Setheris hated each other. Setheris abused Maia, and Maia did his best to avoid ever seeing Setheris again.

Sheveän Drazharan
Sheveän despised Maia because he got in her way of being the mother of the emperor. She seemed to view him as superstitious. Maia believed that she planned to have him murdered after he abdicated.

Lieutenant Telimezh
Maia had a good relationship with Telimezh, and Telimezh revered him.

Teru Tethimar
Maia greatly respected Teru, and often noted how beautiful he was.

Thara Celehar
Maia and Thara had a warm friendship, and Thara approved of Maia's actions as emperor.

Uleris Chavar
Uleris disliked Maia, and disapproved of his progressive policies. Maia disliked Chavar for his patronizing attitude, racism, and conservative leanings.

Varenechibel IV
Maia greatly disliked his father, particularly for his treatment of Chenelo, and had no wish to continue any of Varenechibel IV's bad policies, particularly that of the relegation of mass numbers of Varenechibel IV's enemies. After Maia became emperor, he noted that he did not hate his father, for he knew him too little to hate him. Varenechibel IV seemed to have a low opinion of Maia, if not outright hatred.

Vedero Drazhin
Maia was afraid that Vedero hated him, or at least viewed him with distrust and skepticism. At the celebration of Maia's birthday, she evidenced a fondness for him and his compassion. She was still nervous around talking candidly to him about her interests, expecting condemnation. They came to an understanding, and Maia noted that they had something like friendship.

Vorzhis Gormened
Vorzhis was sympathetic to Maia's position, and wanted to assure Maia that he wasn't Maia's enemy.

Quotations

 * “Sometime, Chavar, Maia thought, you must try living for ten years with a man who hates you and whom you hate, and see what it does to sharpen your wits.”
 * To Deret: “We realize, Lieutenant, that we do not measure up to your idea of an emperor, but do us the justice to believe that we are not entirely stupid!”
 * To Vedero: “We were not considered worth educating, either"

Trivia

 * Maia's augury of favor is Cstheio Caireizhasan, the Lady of Stars.