High in the halls of the kings who are gone
Jenny would dance with her ghosts
The ones she had lost and the ones she had found
And the ones who had loved her the most
The ones who'd been gone for so very long
She couldn't remember their names
They spun her around on the damp old stones
Spun away all her sorrow and pain
And she never wanted to leave, never wanted to leave
Never wanted to leave, never wanted to leave
They danced through the day
And into the night through the snow that swept through the hall
From winter to summer then winter again
'Til the walls did crumble and fall
And she never wanted to leave, never wanted to leave
Never wanted to leave, never wanted to leave
The ones who had loved her the most - Early Life
Revati and Tarini were inseparable from the moment they came into the world. Born merely seven minutes apart, a distinction that much Tarini's irritation won Revati the title of "big sister", the twins were each others first friend. In adolescence they developed a language all their own, one that not even their parents could decipher. It was a mix of various syllables and languages that at a glance appeared to be random babbling but was in fact much more. Both girls were curious and playful, often playing pranks on their older brother and various staff members throughout the palace. It became well known that if one was out talking to an adult, the other was off somewhere wreaking havoc. For Tarini's part being a princess was glorious. All of the handsome boys fell over themselves for her hand and she had as many gowns and jewels as she could possibly want. Life was carefree and attractive. Even as her younger siblings came along and stole her parents attention Tarini never felt alone.
And she never wanted to leave - Doomsday
The Chola Princess can still remember the day. Each second notched into her skull. The way her sister clawed at her chest, pulse throbbing against pale skin. For the first time in their lives Revati and Tarini were no longer identical. Each labored breath pierced a dagger through her heart. When finally the light left the once bright eyes of her sister Tarini wailed. She through her fists against the Chola's healer. Begging that he do something, anything to bring her sister back to her. When he insisted that no more could be done, she called for his head. It took two of her brothers to hold her back as she attempted to claw her way to the man who had failed her sister. A part of her soul died that day. It withered like the flowers so often given to her. Blackening and shriveling until the part of her that had once been full of merriment ceased to exist.
Tarini vowed at that moment that the sickness would never take another so long as she had something to say about it. She threw herself into studies, apprenticing with a healer despite her families insistence that it was too dangerous. Five years was a long time and her knowledge grew with each tragedy laid bare before her. As her knowledge grew she could not shake the rage at the ineptitude of her sister's healer. Tarini fully believed there was more he could have done and yet he chose not to. She did the one thing she never thought herself capable of - she murdered him. Days later she left to begin healing those throughout the countryside and hasn't been home since.
From winter to summer then winter again - Present Day
Whoever the little girl had been was no longer present. An adult now prone to melancholy it took effort to bring a smile to her features. Her only relief came from the good work she performed across the countryside and beyond. Years were spent traveling with those treating the sick and ill. Tending to the wounded after a battle or siege. The world was cruel and the princess now carried arms. It was a small dagger gifted to her by a family member, always worn at the hip. An antidote to most poisons rests in the pendant that lay between her breasts.
She supports the trip to Scotland though worries for her families safety. After hearing of the incidents incidents at home and of a father killed she vowed to come home to her family. There were those in the summit who could still benefit from her skill. Tarini arrived shortly before they took their leave for Scotland and traveled among the caravan tending to the wounds of her people.
Misc. Facts
Tarini hoards her late sisters most prized possessions in a special trunk inside her chambers. Any one who dares disturb it is severely reprimanded.
Tarini abhors violence and though capable of defending herself, wishes men would use their brains rather than their swords to work out a problem.
She almost always has her nose in the latest physician's text; writing down antidotes and new ways of curing an illness.
Along her travels she picked up a faithful companion; a large boarhound. Wherever she goes it follows, woe to anyone but her who tries to pen up the beast.
Though forbidden, she had herself marked ink with Revati's name written in Hindi along the inside curve of her left breast. As close to her heart as can be.
