Zayn
Zayn
Physical Description
General Physical Condition
Slim
Special abilities
Shapeshifter
Mental characteristics
Personal history
A Street Urchin turned Cleric, Zayn does not forget what it means to be without. Ever since the church took them in 6 years ago, they have been making efforts day by day to become the person they needed when they were younger. Sent to Novandria by Fodla herself, they want nothing more than to help the people that have since started calling Zayn a friend.
Gender Identity
Genderfluid, ever shifting between male, female, and neither.
Employment
- Cleric duties at the Temple of Bountiful Harvest
- One of the head cooks at the South Ward Clinic
- Occasional mission from the guild
Mental Trauma
Their past as a Street Urchin.
Morality & Philosophy
"I help. It's what I came here to do."
Personality Characteristics
Motivation
To leave wherever they go better than they found it by helping those around them.
Savvies & Ineptitudes
Fond of baking and cooking. Not the best dancer, but they're trying.
Likes & Dislikes
Likes:
- The color Blue
- Flowers
- Food
Virtues & Personality perks
Courageous, Selfless, Loving
Vices & Personality flaws
Can be stubborn, not knowing when it's best to run from a fight. Loses grip over whatever form they are holding if under extreme stress.
Social
Family Ties
None.
Religious Views
They live by Fodla's example to the best of their ability, crediting Her and the church for everything they feel so lucky to have.
Hobbies & Pets
Gnocchi, a tiny pet mimic that often takes the form of a clay honeypot, but has been known to shift into other objects depending on who is present or what Gnocchi themselves may be up to.
Wealth & Financial state
Low Class, their housing is a cabin at the edges of the temple's fields. Their food and shelter needs are met by sponsorship of the church of Fodla.
A humble cleric devoted to Fodla, doing whatever they can do help the people around them. This is most often expressed with food.
View Character Profile
Honorary & Occupational Titles
Ava/Ama, the title for a cleric of their level.
Age
Mid-20s, Exact Age Unknown
Birthplace
Capistrello, Vodacce
Children
Current Residence
Temple of Bountiful Harvest, Novandria
Gender
Genderfluid
Eyes
Silver/White
Hair
Silver
Skin Tone/Pigmentation
Light Grey
Height
5'5
Quotes & Catchphrases
"I will find a way, or I will make one."
Recipe #4
Blueberry Tea Infused Gin
What you need:
750 ml of Gin
3 Bags of Blueberry Tea
A vessel to hold the steeping gin
A funnel
Patience
Pour the gin into whatever vessel you have (I use a 64 oz glass jar), and throw tea bags in there as well. Close the vessel and let it steep for at least 3 days; that's where the patience comes in. Once that time has passed, remove the bags of tea and return the gin to the original bottle with a funnel. That's it. Simple, and delicious.
-
Blueberry Gin and Tonic
2 oz Gin
4 oz Tonic Water
Lime or Lemon Wheels to garnish
In a highball glass of ice, add the gin, top with tonic water and gently stir, then add your garnish of choice. And of course, don't forget you can always change recipes to your taste. Enjoy!
Letters to Nonna: 1
Nonna,
So many things have happened since I left in the summer. But there are a few that stand out.
You told me once that I may find someone who I would want to spend all my time with, to give the world to, and you were right. My heart has been given to a Halfling woman named Mirabella. I call her Bella…because she is. She’s a noble woman with a heart of gold. She’s a dedicated cleric, healer, and mother. She has two children that I want to help care for and support. I have never seen so much light and love in one person, she has become my everything. When we are around each other I forget that we are of two different worlds, with her nobility and my, well, lack thereof. I hope to introduce you both soon. I plan to marry her one day.
I am still more than dedicated to the temple and She Who Waits At The Hearth, and I always will be. I’m currently gathering resources for the local Temple of Bountiful Harvest. I’ve also been working at a local clinic as a cook, it’s been wonderful to help make a difference in the community I’ve become a part of.
A close friend of mine, Nel, took Bella and myself with her to check the streets for orphaned children in need of care and a home. A young Tiefling boy was found on a ship, a stowaway from Avalon. He had been without food and water for days, and was practically half frozen when the dock workers found him. As I write this to you, the boy is in bed recovering in the clinic. His name is Amos. Bella and I adopted him together, so… He is my son now.
And now I can’t help but think of you, when you took me in. I finally understand. This will not be the only letter from me, I promise.
All my love,
Zayn
Interlude 2
It was just another morning at the clinic.
As Ceros and Baro were working on the usual morning tasks and preparing the ingredients for the day, Zayn was baking bread for the kitchens, softly humming to themselves. Vola was with them, a helping hand. Abigail, who just finished her morning coffee, waited patiently for the bread that Zayn was working on to be put in the oven, and she gently called out to them.
"Zayn, my dear, can I talk to you for a second?"
Zayn looked up from the oven, confused, "Huh?"
She makes a "come here" motion with her finger, prompting Zayn to follow her as she walks out to the alley for a more private conversation. Zayn looks at everyone, who all seem just as confused as Zayn is. They wipe the flour off their hands and onto their apron as they walk outside to meet Abigail.
"Did I do something wrong?"
"No, dear, you didn't. I just want to make sure it stays that way." Abigail says softly.
"What do you mean?"
"The gossip papers. Congratulations on the new name, by the way- but about you and Bella-"
"We already spoke about it." Zayn gently interrupts, "She was worried I was going to leave her because of it. I told her I wasn't going anywhere, because I'm not. I'm not afraid to admit that either."
"Oh good, that saves me from having to tell you that if you ran like a coward and broke her heart, I'd beat you with my shoe." She says this a little too casually.
"Ma'am, the last thing I'd want to do is hurt her."
Abigail looks at them, hearing the conviction in their voice and their dedication. She nods, satisfied with this response.
"You're a good person, Zayn. And from what I've come to understand, a good partner. You two deserve happiness." She waves her hand to shoo them back inside, "I won't keep you, I just wanted to touch base about that in case you were unaware, but since you two talked about it, that made this much shorter."
"Yes ma'am, thank you." Zayn bows their head to her before walking back to the door.
"And Zayn?" Abigail calls out one last time, "...Be good. To her, to yourself. Be good."
They stop at the doorway, turning to look at her with a smile, nodding, "I will, ma'am."
Zayn walks back inside; Ceros, Baro, and Vola continuing their work as if they didn't stop everything to try to listen in.
Recipe #3
Pumpkin Soup
2 Tablespoons of Olive Oil
1 Sweet Onion, Chopped
4 Garlic Cloves (or to taste)
1 Bay Leaf
29 oz Pumpkin Purée
2 Teaspoon of Ginger, Grated
1 Teaspoon Salt
1/2 Teaspoon of Cinnamon and Nutmeg
1 Teaspoon Smoked Paprika
1/8 Teaspoon Ground Cloves
Black Pepper, to taste
4 Cups Vegetable Broth
8 oz Goat Cheese
1/2 Cup Heavy Cream
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium high heat. Add the onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and bay leaf and cook for one more minute. Add the pumpkin, ginger, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, paprika, cloves, pepper, broth, and goat cheese. Stir until well combined. Simmer on low for 10 minutes, then remove the bay leaf. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup in the pot until smooth. Stir in the heavy cream. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper, if necessary. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with a splash of cream or goat cheese crumbles. Serve Warm, and Enjoy!
*Note: I also use this as a sauce for cheese tortellini.
Journal Entry 10
[The pages are taken up by random words, most scribbled out, some kept. Bits and pieces of poetry...attempted poetry. Words, feelings, scattered thoughts that were in the process of being acknowledged and immortalized on paper. At least, the words that survived and weren't blotted out by ink.]
"I think I have finally found my way
And in that cottage in the forest
I was at last Home"
-
"And the adrenaline gave me one last kiss goodbye
Taking whatever energy I had left
From the pit of my chest
And left me on my knees to beg for a chance
To try to catch my shaking breath"
-
"Please
Write something nice
... Her."
Journal Entry 9
It's been too long, I had lost my journal for a while there.
At first I was staying at the clinic more often so I wasn't home to write, and now home is somewhere new. I live with Cardinal, Nel, Bella, and everyone's children now. They're all good mothers, and they have good kids. Ric's gotten bigger since I first met him, which is crazy to think about.
It's weird waking up in this comfortable bed, on soft sheets under perfectly warm blankets. Bella and I shared my bed and when I woke up I almost didn't know where I was, like it was just a dream. I only knew where I was and that it was real because Bella was still there. I'll get used to this, it's just been interesting adjusting. Oh, I officiated two weddings, and I've offically been a cleric for 6 years, so that's exciting.
I can't write about everything, I'll overwhelm myself trying, but I'm glad I found my journal again.
I'll try to remember to write in it.
Interlude 1
Zayn stood in the kitchen as the staff were cleaning everything up to close for the night. The dishes were all cleaned, the perishable ingredients back in the icebox, the dry ingredients for the morning's first dishes already measured out and staged, and yet Zayn wandered looking for something to do, or maybe they were distracted.
"What's on your mind, kiddo?" A gruff voice inquired from behind the cleric.
This was Ceros, a middle-aged Dwarf. He had black hair braided just as neatly as his beard to keep it out of the way while he was working on the kitchen. Zayn turned around and blinked.
"Uh, yeah, but...it's nothing."
"Nothin' huh?" Ceros crossed his arms.
"Just some stuff I'm trying to figure out. I'll be okay. I promise."
"Alright...well, if you need anything. Anything at all. Don't hesitate alright?"
'Yessir."
"Good. I'll see you in the morning."
With that, Ceros gives Zayn a nod before leaving through the back door. Zayn bows their head, and continues their distracted "tasks." Their eyes keep finding the door that connected the clinic to the kitchens. They sigh, apron twisted in their hands.
A woman's voice softly calls from the counter beside them. The owner of this voice would be Abigail. A human woman in her 50s, "You're in love."
"I...I think I am." Zayn quietly answers, as if afraid to admit it. Because they ARE in love. But they can't find themselves to say it.
"First time falling in love?"
"...how did you know?"
"You know exactly where you are, but you still look lost. You probably feel lost too. I'll let you in on a secret; Where you are isn't where you want to be, but where you want to be isn't a Place. It's a Person." She nods in the direction of the door, "You love her, Zayn. I can see it in the way you smile when she walks by, and the way your head shoots up from the mixing bowl when you hear her laugh down the hall. And she loves you too, doesn't she?"
"She gave me flowers."
Abigail smiles at Zayn, and like a mother comforting a child, puts a reassuring hand on their shoulder. This was normal for her, she has already more or less adopted Zayn and the half-orc siblings; Baro and Vola. They look at her and give her a nervous smile in return.
"Oh, sweetheart..." Abigail starts, "You're scared out of your gods-damned mind, aren't you?"
Zayn manages a light laugh, "Just a little. You were right on the money; I've never been in love before, let alone with someone like her. I don't want to mess it up."
"You got a good head on your shoulders, hun. She fell in love with YOU and what you're doing. Keep doing that, and I doubt you'll mess it up. Besides, like Ceros said, if you need anything, you know we'd help you out in a heartbeat. Like dance lessons, for starters. It isn't a secret that she likes to dance, and I've see how you can move on your feet, it just...needs some work. We'll start tomorrow night, alright?"
"Y-yes ma'am... I appreciate that."
"Of course. Goodnight, Zayn."
"Goodnight, Abigail."
Abigail waves them goodbye and also leaves for the night, leaving Zayn by themselves in the kitchen. They continue to fidget with the apron in their hands, and start to pace around, unsure if they want to wander the halls and see if they can find her or if they want to just go home to their little cabin and stare up at the ceiling for a few hours. Their feet start taking them to the back door. Lying in bed and staring up at the ceiling tonight it is.
Journal Entry 8
August 27
Bell flowers, carnations (pink + white) , celandine, cosmos, daffodils, daisies, freesia, hawthorn, lilac, petunia, snowdrops, sunflowers, Sweet Williams.
(She thinks I'm brave?)
= There is a sprig of lavender pressed into the page =
Note To Self: Buy her orchids
Oh gods, this is love.
Journal Entry 7
August 25
I went on my first two missions. One was actually back in Vodacce, and...wow it was certainly an interesting first adventure. All the sand, the shield surfing...which I ended with landing flat on my back and dizzy. I'm sure it's fun when you actually control where you're going and not hit every obstacle on the way down. Ancient puzzles, a dracolich...they thought we were there to hurt them but we weren't. They were just afraid and manipulated. I'm going to see if there's anything I can do to help them. I have to.
The next mission was investigating a warehouse. There was lots of cake, the kobolds didn't see it coming.
That is a real sentence I just wrote. Anyways, we ended up fighting a Beholder. A real Beholder. We were victorious but the bastard damn near took me out with a disintegration ray. I try not to think about what would've happened if my armor wasn't there to soften some of the blow, at the extent of my ribs...when I went back to the clinic I found out there was a break by Bella promptly lecturing me for not telling her how bad my injuries were sooner. I really didn't think it was that bad, but the bruise on my ribs told a different story. She healed me and I'm on healer's orders to get plenty of rest. To keep myself from going out and doing anything else until it heals, I'm going to hold off repairing my armor until I'm good to go.
She and I had carrot cake and rum after. And I learned a few more things about her. I do every time we spend time together like this, but =the remainder of the sentence is scribbled out=. Not my business to write.
I don't think I've ever been so drunk, she filled that cup plenty.
She accidentally called me love when she said goodnight at my side.
Why does the back of my mind wish it wasn't an accident? Maybe it's the rum.
Journal Entry 6
The nightmares started coming back.
The nightmares where the next time I open my eyes, I'm back in the alleys of Capistrello with a knife in my stomach. Maybe writing about it will make me feel better. To remind me that it's not real anymore.
I've had my fair share of knife fights. Like street cats fighting in alleys, I too would show fangs and flash a dagger to keep others from messing with what was mine. Which, wasn't a lot. It's shameful to think about my behavior back then. Gods, what the hell did I get myself into that night, anyways? I can barely even remember. All I remember is just Blood. Blood, pain, cold. When I made it to the temple steps and Nonna quite literally saved my life, I remember just crying in her arms telling her I wanted something better. I wanted to BE better. She took me in, fed me, and started teaching me Fodla's example. Maybe She was there that night too. Maybe I'm not supposed to remember.
My body did not die that night. But the boy that got in knife fights, took what wasn't his, and wore a hundred different faces to fool everybody? He did. I didn't like him anyways, I only present masculine to feel safer.
I started taking on a different face, closer to my true self, and Nonna started calling me her granddaughter. That's when I knew I was on the right path to being better.
The nightmares aren't real. Not anymore. 6 years later, waking up in my cabin next to the fields, in the clinic, getting to spend my days helping whoever I can because I actually have the means to? That's real. This is real. I can't let this weigh on my mind so I will give that burden to this entry. And when the nightmares stop, I'll tear this page out and burn it so they never come back.
I'm okay. I'm going to be okay.
Recipe #2
Carrot Cake
* 2 Cups All Purpose Flour
* 2 Cups Sugar
* 1 Teaspoon Baking Powder
* 1 Teaspoon Baking Soda
* 1 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
* 3 Cups Finely Shredded Carrot
* 1 Cup Cooking Oil
* 4 Eggs
Pre-heat the oven to 350 (Fahrenheit)
In a bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon. Add the carrot, oil, eggs. Beat together until everything is combined. Pour the batter into 2 (greased and floured) 9 in round pans. Bake approximately 30-35 minutes, don't forget to test the cakes with a toothpick to make sure they're done. Cool for 10 minutes BEFORE removing them from the pans, and then let them cool thoroughly on a wire rack after removal . Assemble/ice with cream cheese frosting.
Optional: Mix in 1/2 cup of raisins or currants, and 1/2 cup of chopped nuts.
Journal Entry 5
August 16
Bella took me to the night gardens on her estate. We snuck in through a passage off to the side, she said it would be more fun that way. (It was.) I got to see so many flowers I didn't even know existed before.
Don't Forget: Her favorite flower used to be roses, said she's more partial to carnations these days.
She taught me about the constellations, and the story they tell.
Tiberon, Osin, Diadria, The Sword, Wilhelm, The Vines
I asked her to not call herself boring, because she's not. She's colorful. And that if she has a hard time loving herself, I would love her enough for the both of us. (Because I do, she's quickly become my closest friend)
She kissed me on the cheek. I certainly didn't expect that.
We fell asleep under the stars together.
= The pages are littered with sketches of flowers from the garden, as well as a few sketches of stars as scattered as their written thoughts =
Journal Entry 4
August 6
You learn a lot about a woman when you find her crying on the stairs. Bella and I talked, about many things. I wont write them down. That was between her and myself, and totally not because I had a good deal of cherry bounce after the matter.
We went to her room for a drink and some cake, and I decided to let go of the disguise I was wearing.
I promised her she'll she every face I wear.
She's part dragon, it seems. She showed me golden wings that were of light, and she has beautiful golden scales.
She called my face- my True face beautiful. She called Me beautiful. And my many masks works of art. I never heard that before.
I wonder if she knows she's beautiful too.
Journal Entry 3
There was a ball at Nita's home. I dressed fancy and put on a pretty face. Bella taught me a little about how to dance, and I think I did okay! I didn't step on her feet, and that's what matters. Cardinal and I took a break from all the people and such and chatted, it was a nice moment of respite.
The food was absolutely amazing, the meadows were beautiful, it all felt like a dream.
I also finally got to let Nita know if she and her family needed my services as a cleric, she could call on me. At the same time, I got to meet her parents. The Merrymoss family are all good folk.
I think I'd like to visit the Meadows more. I should make the time. Between the temple and getting a job at the South Ward Clinic Kitchens (oh yeah that happened), I've been so busy. But this is good busy. I'm actually helping people. Not just adventurers, normal everyday people. What I do actually makes a difference.
Maybe this is what Fodla meant?
Recipe #1
Vegetable Empanadas, for Bella
Dough:
* 1 Cup Of Water
* 1 and 1/2 Sticks Unsalted Butter
* 2 and 3/4 Cups Flour
* 2 Teaspoon Salt
* Pinch of crushed black pepper or paprika
Filling:
* Corn
* Black Beans
* 1 Potato (diced)
* 1 Red Bell Pepper (diced)
* 2 Stalks Celery (diced)
* 1/2 Cup Shredded Cheese
* 1/2 Teaspoon Spices (Cumin, Black Pepper, Paprika, or Spices of Choice)
* 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
= The next two pages of the book are consumed by instructions, as well as going into needing different types of dough for different types of empanadas. The dessert empanadas have a different dough than this recipe. There's a tiny note tucked in one of the corners =
No meat, find other sources of protein for her.
Journal Entry 2
June 28
I was visited by Muse and Lady Bella, who insisted I can just call her Bella. Muse is a towering Warforged friend with beautiful antlers, it seems they're connected to nature like Nita. They are a unique individual and I hope I get to see them more. Despite being Warforged, Muse apparently CAN eat. But not taste? Which is tragic.
I taught them both how to make fruit empanadas, most of the empanadas I make are either dessert or have meat, but I'd like for Bella to be able to try a savory one, so I think I'll find a way to make some with just vegetables. If I do, I'll write it down. And they got to meet Gnocchi! Gnocchi seems to like the two of them, so that's a good sign.
Bella has what she calls a "Cake Safe" and seems to carry it around with her most times. You can place your hand on the lid and it conjures whatever cake you want to appear. I do not know how this works, but it makes a really good carrot cake. And caramel tarts. And just about every other cake and tart from what I understand. I don't know if it'll be as good as from the safe, but maybe I'll bake for her one of these days as a token of friendship. I still wish Muse could experience food, like cake.
I was also given cherry bounce, which I have never had before. It's amazing, and I'm glad I was given multiple bottles. I may be drinking some as I write.
I'll be sure to save some for the winter.
Journal Entry 1
June 16
I have met so many people, and so many of them have titles. I should've wrote everyone down so I could remember them all.
I remember Lord Aloysius and Lady Bella, both of them seem like such kind individuals. There was also Kevan, who is currently a scarecrow, but was not always a scarecrow? I hope he gets that fixed soon. He was the first person I met, and he was very welcoming. There was also Cardinal, I think she's a bard? I can't remember her full name, but she noticed I was starting to get a tad overwhelmed and brought me back. I appreciate her.
Oh, there was also Sera and Nita! Miss Sera is Lady Bella's bodyguard, soft spoken and seems very kind. Miss Nita is nice too, and can shapeshift into animals? I met her as a crow, and apparently Fodla is very dear to her family. I'll have to offer my services as a cleric next time I see her.
So many people. And they're all so nice.
---------------
NOTES:
Lady Bella doesn't eat meat. Apparently loves cake. For future reference.
Also a cleric??
Wants to talk more, especially since we both speak in Halfling. I think I would like to talk to her more too.
Love is defined by many things. He's right, and I need to remember that. Thank you, Lord Aloysius.
I think he likes fighting? Maybe I'll spar with him one day. (Note to Past Zayn: Do Not.)
= In the fashion of a bookmark is a folded up paper containing a list of bakeries throughout the city. It's in Bella's handwriting. A few of the names have checkmarks next to them =
A Single Step
June 10th
6 years ago, I started devoting myself to Fodla and the temple. Now, like any other early morning, I was awake with the other early risers to make the first batches of bread for the day. That's when I met Fiona. Fodla. She's beautiful, and kind. She gave me breakfast and we talked. The next thing I knew, she asked if I could go to Novandria, a city far from here. There are people there that need my help. I don't know why me specifically, but who am I to question her? I can finally see new things outside of Capistrello, and I can hardly contain my excitement. Nonna gave me this journal as a parting gift. She wants me to write things down, saying it's easier to hold on to the little things that way. It's the little things that make life worth living, so I will cherish this journal and I'll try to remember to write things down. If nothing else, I can always use this to copy recipes of foods I make or learn while I'm there. Yeah. That's a good place to start.
I leave for Novandria soon. I hope I can help, but I'll never know unless I go. The journey of a thousand miles begin with a single step.
Good thing I have a wagon.