Saldin Ephar

Played by: rakein

Saldin has a broad build, very broad shoulders. He is very strong, but his muscles are hardly of the sculpted type. He is naturally built very strongly and stocky – he is not easy to move once he has planted his feet. He shaves his head because he is going bald – he makes up for the lack of bells in his hair with bells on his boots; his hair was a light brown. His skin is on the pale side; he tans but only slightly. He wears a loose fitting shirt and pants tucked into his boots, both of dark, somber colors – he is almost always neat. He ties bells to the laces of his boots. He has two small scars just underneath his eyes where he was bitten by a dog in his early teens. Saldin is typically Arafellin in many ways – he has a strong sense of honor and follows strictly his own code, not that anyone really knows what that code is. He is relatively soft-spoken, but is very opinionated and is not one to make sure that he pleases everyone. He has no issue telling someone when he thinks they are wrong, unless his code of honor does not permit him to – this most often occurs with superiors and with women if he respects them. His tongue can get him in trouble, as he is not the most socially capable person and can say things which are out of what most would consider good taste or kindness. He usually lacks subtlety and can be awkward. He is level-headed (except for his code of honor, which some think is madness) and not quick to anger with anyone except himself. He gets easily frustrated, though he is very disciplined and will usually channel his frustration into working himself harder and harder, as a form of penance. He is very honest and reliable. He is not a very approachable person outwardly, but he is a good listener and is good at giving people straight answers.

Total Points: 800

Saldin Ephar grew up in the Borderlands, and thus he was shaped by the Blight. His father was a blacksmith, one of the few occupations which always sees work in the Borderlands. His mother had been raised to sew, cook, and raise children, and to treat wounds and stand fighting till her last breath to protect her household. Saldin was the second eldest of his family, with three brothers and a sister for younger siblings. His mother would complain sometimes of how she had been cursed to bear many sons whom she would have to see march to the edge of the Blight never to return. And she was right to complain. Saldin's older brother perished in his first battle.

Saldin was luckier, for he survived several battles in defense of the kingdom after he came of age. But he did not see himself as lucky – in fact he was ashamed that the only scars he bore were from an accident with his dog. Saldin only felt more shame when he was unable to protect his younger brother, who also fell to the Dark One's forces. When the next brother came of age, named Edas, Saldin swore to his mother that he would not let anything happen to him. So when the time came that they were forced to fight side by side, Saldin never let his brother out of his sight, and was constantly fearful for him. He would not even let Edas fend for himself, he feared he was too weak. But the worst seemed destined to happen. Saldin found himself disarmed, and he watched as a Trolloc charged at his brother – he acted on instinct, grabbing his younger brother and pulling him out of the way of the creature, so that its weapon found a home in the back of another Arafellin soldier. Saldin could only stare at the dead man, the man he had killed…he had killed him, the Trolloc became like a tool… It was then his little brother's turn to protect him, and Edas did so admirably.

No one pointed an accusing finger at Saldin – a battle, particularly against the Dark One's creatures, was chaotic. All they knew was that another Arafellin was dead, caught in the back with a mace that crushed his spine. But Saldin knew better, and so did his brother. Edas never looked at his elder brother the same again. Saldin could see the accusation in his gaze, or at least that is what he considered it. Perhaps it was partly accusatory, but mostly it was disappointment. He went almost a year without admitting to anyone what he had done, the guilt and disgrace eating away at him. Edas kept silence, as well, except that at times he might refer to the incident in subtle ways when speaking with Saldin, particularly when they fought, which became increasingly often.

Finally Saldin confessed to his father what he had done to disgrace himself and his family. His father was quiet, filled with sadness mixed with anger. He took a knife from nearby, which frightened Saldin, but he would never harm his son. At least not physically. His father cut off his braids at that moment, for he was not fit to wear them. Saldin did not disagree, though he shamed himself more by letting tears fall along with his bells. He left his home immediately to seek penance and a life he was worthy of, his father the last person in Arafel to whom he spoke.

He found a life at Tar Valon, though he did not think himself worthy of it. But the training to become a Warder is a long, hard road, and few reach the end of it. He doubts he will, either, but he will try, and all the long days and the aching muscles and working for the Light will serve as his penance – though he must work harder than any other man there, to be worthy even to eat in the mess or share a barracks with him. Saldin's hard work of course made him a prime candidate for raising to Manshima after a few years, an honor which has helped wash away pieces of his shame. He still bears a great deal, and though many think him rather ridiculous, he explains himself to no one. If he grows angry with someone for mocking him or demonstrating a lack of understanding, he only becomes angrier with himself and requires of himself more penance. At times it seems he might implode at any moment.