Naja Avanas
Naja Avanas is a norrabian activist. Her early life was spent fighting against adamnans, but now she fights for them, advocating for unity between the two species.
Early Life
Naja, leave that poor kid alone.But he's one of the mean ones!But he's a child. Leave him alone.
As a child, Naja was taught to hate adamnans. For hundreds of years, hatred was ingrained into norrabian culture, and children were taught to fear and oppose the people that took everything from them.
Naja kept to herself in school, avoiding everybody, not just adamnans. At home while her parents would discuss politics and world issues, she would mindlessly chime in, exclaiming how much she hated adamnans.
Naja was born in a time where the global view on adamnans shifted. Norrabians became more accepting of these other people, finding solidarity in knowing they fled their home planet and lost everything, too. Despite this, modern views are still strongly divided.
Hatred to Passion
Naja's hatred was entirely influenced by her family. Historically, her family had directly suffered at the hands of adamnans, losing properties and land, resources, and even family members. Anger controlled Naja until she was around twenty years old.
Her anger dissipated almost immediately upon meeting Mantella Barona. A bright young woman, she was shy and respectful, and had nothing but love for norrabians. Seeing this personality plastered upon an adamnan left Naja with many unexplained emotions.
Several years later, after many run-ins with Mantella as they both attended the same university, Naja detangled the web of confusing emotions, coming to one conclusion. Love. She had never met an adamnan so kind, thoughtful, and genuinely made her happy.
One breakdown and an awkward conversation later, and the two starting dating.
Naja and Mantella are now activists, fighting for peace and unity between norrabians and adamnans. They believe both species have more in common than originally thought, and could co-exist on Norrab peacefully.
This character hits quite close to home. I myself had a lot of anger in my youth (I arguably still do in my early 30s as well) and it was definitely directed, sometimes justifiably but sometimes excessively towards groups whom to me represented the problems of society. As I've aged I'm no less angry about much of reality, however I've come to understand that it is generally a more complex thing, and that blaming groups writ large, instead of seeking accountability for every individual and their actions, whilst easier, is just as problematic as the behavior and problems that upset me so. Definitely a relatable individual whos story and growth touches close to home. Really love this one Mochi, might be my new favorite you've written so far this SC <3
I am proud of you for working on that! It is a difficult thing to do, and you're spot on with things being complex. I am so honoured that you felt this connected with a part of my world, and I am so glad you enjoyed it! <3