I am Llanae, daughter of Fergus. I have grown up in the country of France, though not a drop of it runs through my blood. My father and mother met and wed here, and here is where my father has taught many potentials to fence--to sword fight both honorably and beautifully. I have yet to see my home in Ireland, to breathe the air, to feel the soil, for my father has told me that the English have invaded it, never content with their own land; thus he teaches people to fight with swords, so that one day he may take back our land in Erin, so that our family may soon dwell at home.

Growing up, I probably spent too much time with the gypsies in the country--I learned arts such as dance and music, and developed a free spirit not seemly for a noble family. But while at home I learned well from my mother and father and took up an apprenticeship of sorts with a scribe who taught me to write stories, poetry, songs.. It wasn't a job fitting a lady, but neither was very fitting of a lady the next thing I took up: fencing. Seized by my father's passion, my mother's enthusiasm, and my brother Ryan's determination, I begged my father to teach me.

Not one to turn people down, or especially to deny his kin such a gift, my father took me on as a student and I began to learn. While I cherish the knowledge and skills that I gain, sometimes my free spirit draws me away when I hear the distant beating of gypsy drums, and I cannot help but forsake my noble blood in the midst of the night to drum and dance...