The Original 13

The 13 founders of Jadali were hand-chosen by Terabi and Osai themselves. They all had a previous life before their life in their new country but not much is known about them. Here is the tiny bit of information that is known about the originals, compiled by Ari Salo and Stanton Bridger (with help from Terabi and Osai themselves).

The original 13 founders of Jadali can be grouped in the following Keòen rhyme:

Madel Osai ddw Terabi ddar,
Jadali thoseth del tech tiar.
Da Osanokai taibheid thema.
‘One del Eldin kaiseth-cha.
‘One naneth del Taibhwn.
Tho del Vadir-Drakon kwn:
‘One Thokwn, ‘one solo.
‘One Thokwn naneth ahr.
Ddw, tho naneth osiel-sar.

(translated)
Made of Osai and Terabi both,
Jadali was founded of 13.
A Man of Osai to lead them. (Freloch)
One was related to the Eldin. (Lochgren)
One was royal. (Balthòr)
Two (families) were of Dragon-Dodger's party:
One pair, one solo. (Montàlo and Hieldin)
One pair were farmers. (Ardin)
And, two were quiet ones. (Lochmont)

A Man of Osai to Lead Them
Born in 984, Eagle Cry Ennel (also known as Eagle Warrior) was discovered to be a Man of Osai at the age of 8. He lived somewhere around Tevernid, probably within the boundaries of Tensk, and was one of the last in the generation that came of age at 16 (in the year 1000 coming of age was raised to 18). Like most Kiillra his lineage is relatively unknown but it is known that he has the blood of Sorela and that his father’s name was Faraway Fellow. Eagle Warrior married Rose of the Lake in 1000 and had a daughter named Lily of Green Lake in January of 1002. His whole family was highly involved in the Enemy Uprising of 1013 and he lost his wife, who fought in battle (women had a choice of whether they wanted to fight), in 1014. When the battle was over and Kiillaana had won, Eagle Warrior took then 12-year-old Lily of Green Lake and settled in Tevernid, knowing that they were to become people of high importance but having no idea in what form.

The answer came in early 1019. Eagle Warrior was presented a very strong vision of Osai telling him to take his daughter and her fiancée and meet at the tree of the castle where they would be joined by five couples summoned of either him or Terabi. They were to go to King Bedan and tell him that they were chosen of Osai and Terabi to form a new race and make their way north east to the coast near the giant uninhabitable island, which would serve as their home. They were chosen to form a race signifying the friendship of Terabi and Osai. Eagle Warrior accepted this immediately and found his daughter and her fiancée already waiting, for they too had seen this vision. They were surprised at who else was called and knew that it was all meant to be. One of the women was a daughter of King Bedan himself and the Queen’s father, being a Man of Osai himself, knew that all of this was true and therefore it was all celebrated and encouraged. When they reached Taleah around the summer of that year, Osai and Terabi appeared to them, promising that they would always have a Man of Osai to lead them.

Eagle Cry Ennel, Eagle Warrior, became Isiador Freloch when he was transformed. He ruled Jadali for 100 years and was succeeded by Kalo Freloch in 1120. He brought with him the art of the sword.

One Was Related to the Eldin
The only child of Eagle Warrior, Lily of Green Lake, was born in the very early days of 1002. She was a very talented craftswoman, making everything from jewelry to clothing. Her mother was killed in the Enemy Uprising and her father was a Man of Osai. She lived in Tevernid most of her childhood and was 17 years old when she received word she was to become the mother of a new race. She wasn’t yet married but was engaged to Red Rapids, the son of a sailor. Because of circumstances she was allowed to get married at 17 when the group reached Taleah in around June of 1019.

Lily of Green Lake became Akèli Lochgren when she was transformed. She brought with her the art of crafting.

Red Rapids was the son of a Kiillaanian sailor named Ocean Oliver who traveled between Kiillaana and Catarika almost exclusively with little time for much else. Red Rapids accompanied him often, learning all he could about astronomy, navigation, and sailing. He was not involved in the battle of Enemy Uprising but was sent to Tevernid at the age of 15 to attend some formal schooling. It was here that he met Lily of Green Lake and fell in love with her. They were engaged at the age of 17 and soon after he was discovered to be a chosen father of the Jadali race. He and Lily were the youngest couple of the 13 and were allowed to marry at 17 instead of 18 when they reached Taleah.

Red Rapids became Barthàl Lochgren when he was transformed and brought with him the skills of Astronomy, Navigation, Riedlore, and Sailing.

One Was Royal
Ailena Redwater was the second of three children of King Bedan and Queen Jeneiyl Alihi. She was born in the year 999 in Tevernid and was 14 when the Enemy Uprising happened. She fought in the battle and survived along with the rest of her family. She married Nate of Numbers in 1017 when she was 18 and was later chosen at the age of 19 to be a mother of the Jadali race. She had the full support of her family and eagerly traveled to have a hand in creation and history.

Ailena Redwater became Tania Balthòr when she was transformed and brought with her many talents in music.

Nate of Numbers, also known as Ennel Nome, was the son of villager Wolverine Hills and was born in 998. He was gifted with an incredible logical genius that he used for trickery and manipulation in his early years but soon learned to control and use for good. He became a friend of the royal family and married their middle child, Ailena Redwater. He fought in the Enemy Uprising in which his father and brother were killed. He gladly accepted the invitation to become a father of the Jadali race and worked closely with the Eldin writing documents and setting up the history center.

Ennel Nome became Henal Balthòr when he was transformed and brought with him Logic and Law.

Two of Dragon-Dodger’s Party

One Pair
Nemo Knight, son of River Glenn and Heartslove, was born in 995. He was a great warrior who was also adept at hunting and had an amazing hand at caring for livestock, coming from a farming family who lived in Endor. He was a very close friend of Dragon Dodger and accompanied him on the journey down the Wise Trail to the remote settlements around Tavener, spreading the word and gathering an army. He fought in the Enemy Uprising and was triumphant. He later married Medieval Myley in 1015 at the age of 20. He was very honored to receive the call to become a father of Jadali and enjoyed all aspects of the journey.

Nemo Knight became Eahron Montàlo when he was transformed and brought with him Mountaineering, Falconry, Hunting, Leathercraft, and Animal Medicine.

Medieval Myley, daughter of Seka Sword and Jenyil Whirlpool, was a city girl from Tevernid whose family was close to the royal family and Dragon Dodger’s family. She was Nemo Knight’s best friend and she too traveled down the Wise Trail. She was a very talented cook, able to make something out of nothing. She was also an amazing surveyor, learning the art of mapmaking from her parents. She was very excited to become a mother of Jadali and honored to be able to do so with her best friend.

Medieval Myley became Nathàli Montàlo when she was transformed and brought with her the arts of cooking and mapmaking.

…and One Solo
Dani Dungeness, daughter of Gypsy George and Jenny of the Lake, was born in 996 and was from the southeastern coast, probably from present-day Bedan or Denzeltonia. Being a nomad, she traveled alone and learned to survive with her surroundings. She was gifted with an amazing sense of the flora and fauna and discovered several potions for various uses. She found her way into Tensk with her parents and befriended Medieval Myley and Carla Castle. She eagerly agreed to accompany them on the Wise Trail and proved invaluable with her knowledge of the herb. She married Cosmic Curtin in 1015 and was the farthest away, living in Pyra on the edge of Endor, when she and Curtin had an undeniable dream that they were to be called to found a nation.

Dani Dungeness became Aranel Hieldin and brought with her when she was transformed and brought with her the art of Herblore.

Cosmic Curtin was the 10th child of Canyon Flyer and Wandering Willow and was from Tevernid. He was one of 8 men of their school year born in 995. His entire family fought in battle and many were killed. His mother and two sisters survived and moved to Jadali on the first fleet when the borders were opened in 1040. Curtin had a vast interest and knowledge in astronomy and surveying as well as nature and was a good friend of Red Rapids/Barthàl Lochgren. He always knew he would move somewhere far away and was eager to receive his call.

Cosmic Curtin became Kalo Hieldin when he was transformed and brought with him Astronomy, Mapmaking, and Architecture.

A Pair Were Farmers
Born in 998, Branded Brandon lived his whole life in the outskirts of the kingdom, a farmer’s son of Pirate Parlin. His role in the war was to help store and provide food and livestock for the armies and give them shelter in the large storehouse. Most of his family voluntarily fought in the war and almost all were slain so he returned to his farm with some other orphaned teens and rebuilt it. He fell in love with Jemima Soaring One and the two were married in 1017. When they learned they had been called to be founders of the Jadali race they handed the farm over to Branded Brandon’s younger brother, Eltan Osiel, and hurried to Tevernid for instruction.

Branded Brandon became Viervan Ardin when he was transformed and brought with him the skills of Farming, Herblore, and Animal Medicine.

Jemima Soaring One was an excellent cook who hailed from Tevernid. She was the daughter of Alaina Springwater and the two fought in the war, doing their part of helping make food for the warriors. As a result of the war, Jemima Soaring One became an orphan and moved with about 20 other orphaned teens to the farm of Branded Brandon. The two fell in love and were married. Being a visionary young woman, she always saw herself doing something great and eagerly accepted the call to found a race.

Jemima Soaring One became Sofia Ardin when she was transformed and brought with her the skills of Cooking and Food Storage.

Two Were Quiet Ones
Brand Badger, son of Silent Hawk, was a young warrior born in 990. He lived all his life at the center of the kingdom and fought valiantly for Kiillaana. He was a quiet and reserved man who tended to himself most of the time but who loved others and was fiercely loyal to those close to him. He fought in the battle of Enemy Uprising with honor and survived without incident, thanking the gods for sparing him when so many around him fell. He married Emerald Crystal after the war ended in 1018 and almost immediately afterwards he received and accepted the invitation to become a founder of Jadali.

Brand Badger became Saldin Lochmont after he was transformed and brought with him the skills of the sword and the bow.

Emerald Crystal, daughter of Tree Maiden, was a dark young lady who lived in the rolling hills north of Tevernid. Born in 992, she was already out of her teens when she took part in the Battle of Enemy Uprising, helping to watch the children of the war. She met Brand Badger sometime after the war ended and the two were married in 1018. She was very moved and honored to be chosen to mother a new race and took her call very seriously.

Emerald Crystal became Iria Lochmont after she was transformed and took with her an immense maternal instinct.

The Eldins of Leena

With the 10th Eldin having just been born (but not quite yet discovered!), here is a list of the Eldins past and some facts about them! Obviously I know some better than others and hopefully one day I'll be able to add more fun facts about them to this list.

The 9th Eldin
Name: Ilonwyn Lochmont
Birthday: January 1, 1908
Date of Death: Still alive, just turned 104 years old!
Age:
Birth City: Thahro-del-Mont, Balthòr
Crest: Lochmont
Class: 883

Notes
Ilonwyn became the 9th Eldin on his 20th birthday, succeeding Lore Hieldin. He is the current Eldin, having just turned 104 years old. Though he is a Lochmont, he was born and grew up in Balthòr, attending secondary school at the University of Leena where he studied history. He loved being in the company of Lore Hieldin and the two were a lot alike. Among other things he was the Eldin and a personal witness at the time of the discovery of the man with both gifts (S. R. Sorela) and is the most traveled Eldin. He can be described as tall and poised, with long and straight black hair, a signature of his Lochmont blood. He is somewhat quieter and introverted than the average folk but still very much enjoys the company of others. He is well known for his friendliness, memory of people and events, and the animated way he recounts personal stories.

A drawing of Ilonwyn Lochmont

The 8th Eldin
Name: Lore Faron Hieldin
Birthday: July 11, 1792
Date of Death: January 1, 1928
Age: 135
Birth City: Lott, Hieldin
Crest: Hieldin
Class: 767

Notes
An outgoing, bright man, Lore Hieldin is very famous for his fairy tale wedding and love to his wife, Naidel. The two were celebrities, their lived followed and themselves adored. Both traveled the country, speaking to the people and mingling among them, helping out and really being on their level. In addition, Lore is also famous for translating the entire works of Mera Visi into Kevian. He welcomed visitors to Jadali with open arms and a warm smile and was very proud of his people. He became the 8th Eldin at the age of just 13 years old, succeeding Trevin Riedlore, and was also pretty famous for being such a young Eldin.

The 7th Eldin
Name: Trevin Chobhal Riedlore
Birthday: January 7, 1670
Date of Death: September 6, 1805
Age: 135
Birth City: Jiorèl, Balthòr
Crest: Balthòr
Class: 645

Notes
Trevin Riedlore became the 7th Eldin at the age of 20, succeeding Riedlan Migala. He was of a large family of ferrymen, hence his last name. He could be described as a dark but caring man.

The 6th Eldin
Name: Riedlan Hieldin Migala
Birthday: September 24, 1559
Date of Death: January 28, 1690
Age: 130
Birth City: Arioch, Hieldin
Crest: Hieldin
Class: 534

Notes
Riedlan Migala was a nature-lover from the beginning. His family adopted the Migala crest from the Migali crest, signifying their knowledge and love of flora, centuries earlier. He was as signature of a Hieldin as one could be at the time! He became the 6th Eldin at the age of 24, succeeding Meiro Bhangren.

The 5th Eldin
Name: Meiro Bhangren
Birthday: March 26, 1460
Date of Death: October 12, 1583
Age: 123
Birth City: Bir-Tael, Lochgren
Crest: Lochgren
Class: 435

Notes
Meiro Bhangren was among the third generation of the Bhangren crest (meaning "green-thumb"), helping to popularize it and solidify it as a pure crest that is not one of the original 7. He became the 5th Eldin at the age of 19, succeeding Arador Montàlo.

The 4th Eldin
Name: Arador Frelan Montàlo
Birthday: June 21, 1342
Date of Death: July 5, 1479
Age: 137
Birth City: Rengoll, Montàlo
Crest: Montàlo
Class: 317

Notes
Arador was born amidst much conflict in Kiillaana and was foreseen by Drakon Lochgren to fight in battle, so he was trained from a young age as a warrior. He began fighting in small battles at the age of 12 and was was made commander of the Jadali Army at the age of 16 in 1358. When Terabi's War reached Whaven in 1359, Arador sent the entire Jadali Army to Kiillaana to honor their alliance. With the help of Terabi, Arador slayed the last of the three great and powerful enemies, ending Terabi's War on March 29, 1360. Honored by his country, he was crowned a hero. Osai was especially pleased with Arador's nobility so he presented him a gift of easily recognizable children. Starting in 1376, three sons and two daughters were born with red hair, adopting the 'Airbhroch (red-hair) crest. This trait can be found in small populations in Jadali and in fairly large numbers in Dahhod. Arador became the 4th Eldin of Leena at the age of 21, succeeding Drakon Lochgren, and would live almost as long.

Arador Montàlo as a new Eldin

The 3rd Eldin
Name: Drakon Lochgren
Birthday: May 14, 1223
Date of Death: October 3, 1364
Age: 141
Birth City: Leena, Freloch
Crest: Lochgren
Class: 198

Notes
One of the longest-living Osanokai ever, Drakon Lochgren was a strong man who was well versed in military things. Though he didn't ever travel to Kiillaana or Catarika to serve in their army, he personally met with every warrior that Jadali sent. He helped to really organize the records of the people and spent a lot of time condensing, clarifying, and cleaning all of the loose records and artifacts that had accumulated over the past two centuries. He was well-loved as an Eldin and enjoyed his role as Eldin very much, keeping a detailed journal of the dealings of his life. He became the 3rd Eldin at the age of 16, succeeding Kalo Freloch.

The 2nd Eldin
Name: Kalo Freloch
Birthday: November 9, 1100
Date of Death: September 22, 1239
Age: 138
Birth City: Aradd-Aurora, Freloch
Crest: Freloch
Class: 75

Notes
Kalo was born of parents who settled near Leena to build up the capital. He became the second Eldin at the age of 19, succeeding Isiador Freloch. He is most famous for his friendship with Mera Visi, the most famous Terabikai in Jadali. Kalo was a nature-loving man who loved music and theatre along with sports. He was well-loved by the people and saw the colonization of many cities and lands. Many of the country's most famous figures, such as Mera Visi, Aranel Balthòr and Iaso Montàlo were around in his lifetime. Kalo made close friends and enjoyed traveling the country hiking, skiing, sailing, and rafting with those he loved.

The 1st Eldin
Name: Isiador Freloch
Birthday: January 31, 984
Date of Death: March 21, 1120
Age: 136
Birth City: Tevernid, Tensk
Crest: Freloch
Class: (none)

Notes
Isiador Freloch was born in the kingdom of Tensk under the name Eagle Cry Ennel (he was also known as Eagle Warrior because of his Osanokai status). He was married at 16 and had one child, a daughter, when he was 18. In 1013, at the age of 29, Eagle Warrior, his wife, and his daughter all fought in the Battle of the Enemy Uprising. His wife was killed in battle but his daughter was spared and in 1019 they were instructed of Osai to colonize Jadali along with 11 others and the rest is history. His name was changed to Isiador Freloch (meaning Eagle with the Heart of a Warrior) and he became the first Eldin of Leena in 1020. He ruled for 100 years and saw Jadali unfold and take root before his eyes.

More Fast Facts

• Longest-living Eldin: Drakon Lochgren at 141
• Shortest-living Eldin: Meiro Bhangren at 123
• Oldest Successor: Isiador Freloch at 36 (if that's cheating, then Riedlan Migala was 24)
• Youngest Successor: Lore Hieldin at 13
• Crest Frequency: Freloch- 2; Lochgren- 2; Lochmont- 1; Balthòr- 1; Montàlo- 1; Hieldin- 2; Ardin- Finally 1 with the newest future Eldin!!!
• Those from a province other than their crest: Drakon Lochgren (Freloch) and Ilonwyn Lochmont (Balthòr)
• Eldins without an Original 7 Crest: Meiro Bhangren, Riedlan Migala, and Trevin Riedlore, all in a row!
• Ever wonder what happens during that period when the Eldin and his successor are both living? Well, this gives the older of the two more opportunities to travel all over the world while his successor learns how the country is run. Certain dealings are shared between the two and, above all else, they have a great time being in each others' company. Every successor is different in personality but the same in their love for the people so the transition is pretty seamless.
  

The Osai and Terabi Forums

Since the introduction of the internet, there have been official international forums established to help quickly spread ideas, news, and questions among those of the Great Catin Gifts. Both are set up in the same format and style and were created by Ari Salo, who has enlisted the help of the ministry to maintain them.

Features
Both forums provide, above all else, a place for those possessing one of the two Great Catin Gifts to talk to each other. This is a great way for them to meet others with the same gift and to discuss happenings. It is also a place for those who are in the know, curious, or scholars of these gifts to discuss and receive news. Both forums have three levels of membership.

Three Levels of Membership
Level 1 of membership is restricted to those who possess either Osai Naori or Terabi Tana. Members can discuss in private threads not visible to anyone else and have full moderation capabilities.

Level 2 of membership is for siblings, parents, relatives, scholars, and experts on the Great Catin Gifts. Also included in this level are news reporters, government officials, those of the other gift (if they so choose), and those with the knowledge, capacity, worth, and desire to have high level discussions. Someone is appointed to level 2 by invitation after an interview by a level 1 member.

Level 3 of membership is open to all who want to learn more about the Great Catin Gifts and post questions, comments, and stories. Any news that is permissible to tell to the general population is visible to all members and many check often for anything noteworthy that they find interesting.

The Osai Forums
This forum is for those with Osai Naori and those interested in learning about the Gift of Osai. Its level 1 circle contains 26 members (two are too young to have an account thus far) and has quite an extensive base. The most common and obvious topic restricted to level 1 members is that of visions which are not to be shared openly until a further time, if at all. Since the level 1 is so small, it is fairly easy to get into an actual discussion with a Man of Osai and to learn about them firsthand. The most popular feature of the Osai Forums is the Genealogy Wall which traces every Osanokai on record back to the original 6. The official language of the Osai Forums is Catin, but plenty of posts are made in Kevian as well. As the forum is international, posts can be translated into every major language.

The Terabi Forums
More commonly known as the Teracor Forums, this is the place for those with Terabi Tana and those interested in learning about the Strength of Terabi. There are well over 500 members in the level 1 circle with an also quite extensive base. The most common topics restricted to level 1 members are Realm meetings and Realm happenings. Since Terabi Tana is more universal than Osai Naori, it is much bigger. The most popular feature of the Teracor Forums has proven to be the Terabi Sightings page which lists the firsthand and secondhand accounts of times Terabi has visited people on the earth (obviously verified by a moderator). The official languages of the Teracor Forums are Catin, Keòen, and Kevian with posts able to be translated into every major language.

The Next Eldin

The Osanokai forums are completely abuzz today as confirming news of the next Eldin of Leena has descended into the eyes of all those on his business. Yes indeed, the number of Osanokai can be raised from 27 to 28! While he has not yet been seen by the Eldin, Ilonwyn has definitely confirmed that he is out there and will be arriving in Leena within the week. Here's what everyone does know:

• He is of Ardin blood!
• He has a twin brother! This makes him the 3rd ever to have a twin.
  
• He was born on 11-11-11!
• He is unlike any Osanokai who came before him (well, this is true for most Osanokai, especially SRS, but the reason why is different from anyone).
• He has a long name to go with his unique time and date of birth.

His name and birthplace will be announced as soon as they are discovered by Ilonwyn. What an exciting time!

The Shared Secret

He knew Dr. Kye would be coming up to his office before he even heard his footsteps. He was comfortably sitting at his desk, a CD of clarinet solo music playing softly on his computer as he got to work making some new reeds to try out for the upcoming school year. Earlier that morning, he had arrived from a long holiday and had finally finished adding books and music to his shelves, pinning up new pictures and cards on the various bulletin boards around his cozy office, and tidying everything up to be ready for the next wave of incoming students. He wondered what Dr. Kye would want today and only when the footsteps grow louder did he gently set down the reed he was working on and look up at his closed door.

“Come in,” he said cheerily in a soothing, whispered voice. As the jovial round face of Dr. Kye appeared from behind the door Dr. Sorela smiled at him, inviting him to come forward. He casually walked up to the desk, placing both hands down and leaning forward.

“What is it, my friend?” Dr. Sorela continued, his tone inviting and warm. Based off of what Dr. Kye was doing, he could tell that he wanted to ask him to do something.

“Well, I was wondering—if you’re able to, of course—if you would be willing to… ah… sit behind the screen for the woodwind auditions for orchestra.” Dr. Kye raised his eyebrows as he said this and looked at Dr. Sorela with a sideways grin that conveyed more pleading than asking.

Dr. Sorela thought for a moment, amusedly pondering this request in his mind. Finally, he spoke.

“Hmmmmmmm… why do you ask me, dear Blaze,” he said with a smile, “why can’t you do it?”

“You see, I would… ‘cuz I normally do, but I’m gonna be out of town ‘cuz Lucas is going down to college and I want to be there, plus I’ll get to see Harrison when I’m down there, and their families of course.” He said all this rather quickly and then, out of the blue, finished by interjecting “…Is that clarinet music?”

Dr. Sorela stifled a laugh. “Why yes, this is Restaru Migali’s latest recording that he gave me as a gift when I saw him this summer… I need to get working on another one myself.” He thought a moment and then asked, “Why not Kenyon? My aura would probably give me away, don’t you think?”

They both laughed and then Dr. Kye went on. “Does it really matter?” he said laughing, “This isn’t a very… serious… audition. They’ll probably know who’s behind the screen anyway, and if they don’t, your aura is sure to do nothing but make them feel better about it all. So, whatcha say?”

Dr. Sorela thought a moment before saying, “All right, I’ll do it… And also… what is the real reason you want me to do the auditions?”

Blaze knew that Sorela could sense something about his voice or demeanor that gave him away. “Well, I wanted you to do them because, you know…. You’re quiet.”

At this Dr. Sorela laughed, putting his hands together saying “Oh Blaze you treasured friend! You humor me so much!" After a moment he went on, "…So, am I hearing all woodwinds or just my kind?”

“All the woodwinds. Also, you’re gonna be there with Kenyon, if that helps make up your mind,” he said laughing.

“Oh, it most certainly does!” Dr. Sorela exclaimed with a smile. I’m now much looking forward to these auditions. Tell Dr. Matthews I’ll do it.”

“Most excellent! I’ll go let him know right now!” Blaze said happily. “Be there at noon Saturday!” he added as he closed the door behind him. Dr. Sorela smiled and went back to fine tuning the reed he was making, as images of the students he would encounter flashed across his mind…

****

It was now Saturday and auditions for the orchestra were well underway. The strings had mostly all been done and it was now time for the woodwinds to have their chance to play for the panel. During a short break Dr. Sorela and Dr. Nihael had quietly slipped into the small classroom that would serve as their audition studio and were whispering excitedly, chatting about life and school, while getting their copies of the music in order. Both knew exactly what sort of things to look for and were excited for a chance to hear a lot of the new and old musicians that they’d be listening to at all of the various concerts they would no doubt be performing in.

“All right, come right in,” they both heard Dr. Matthews say. “...All right, this is Flute 1 and this looks like an excerpt from Yehai Sorela’s 8th. Off you go!”

Sorela could tell that this flute player felt nervous but once the notes started playing that nervousness turned to confidence. As the audition went on and this player began playing through all of the excerpts, much was very nice, with a few expected errors. It was just after summer break, after all. As this audition ended they heard Dr. Matthews thank the student and the door close. As Sorela and Nihael wrote their notes and comments he came around the corner.

“Well, I thought that went well, Dr. Matthews said, quietly. “This is really odd, there’s only 3 flutes auditioning.”

“Actually, that’s pretty common,” Dr. Nihael said, “Usually only four people max try out because everyone else is too nervous to be exposed.”

“Also, the flute studio is very young. All of them except Annie are first and second years, according to my records.” added Sorela.

“Ah. Well, this is my first time auditioning everybody for an ensemble. Thanks for the heads up. I guess all you’re going to be doing is seating people then! I’ll send in the next one now.”

The next student to walk in immediately felt familiar to Sorela and he knew right away who she was. He enjoyed her solo and really liked the way she played through everything. As soon as she left the room, he could hear her speaking to the people waiting outside.

“Do you know who that was, Kenyon?” Sorela asked, turning to Nihael.

“Well… no, not really. I couldn’t see… her? him?”

“That, Kenyon, was Moira Lochgren, one of the two Jadali Kiillra students we are welcoming into the music program this year!” Sorela whispered, happily.

“Is that right!” Dr. Nihael asked, smiling. “How wonderful!” He then raised his eyebrows and continued, “So, Sorela, who was the first person then?”

“I’m pretty sure it was Quinn. She has a unique sound.”

After a little more discussion they finally heard Dr. Matthews come in with the third and final flute student who was auditioning. Immediately upon entering, Sorela felt a very dark, cold shadow descend over him, a feeling quite familiar but one he hadn’t felt in a very long time. In addition he could also sense that familiarity that he had felt with the last person and could sense a strong amount of confidence also. Immediately after, images of a black-haired boy danced across his eyes, fear in his eyes, silent cries only audible to Sorela echoing, images of flames, twisted shadowy figures, a pit with no end, all playing rapidly across his vision.

This all was interrupted and came to a halt as a hauntingly beautiful excerpt from a famous flute solo began to play, and Sorela was once again focused on the feelings of this particular person. As the audition went on, both Sorela and Nihael enjoyed the way the solos were played and the interpretations of them. As the final flute audition ended and the marks and notes were completed, Dr. Matthews took them and left the room for a moment. Once everything was quiet, Dr. Nihael turned to Sorela.

“I saw your eyes flash. What did you see?”

“I… I can’t tell you exactly,” Sorela whispered, “but this person carries a burden that few can comprehend…”

“Is this… your burden? That you carried?” Nihael asked, his eyes wide.

“Kenyon, I believe that it is…”

As Sorela sat there, he knew right away what he saw. This boy has the Curse of the Realm…

Oja's Vision

Oja Diamond was standing outside his Great Catin Gifts classroom with two of his usual best friends- Gile Veda and Ronan Gaubert. He had an hour to kill before his next class (Advanced Catin History) so he decided to get into a discussion with some of the other students who were still hanging around. This class was fairly small, with only about 12 people, since it wasn't officially part of the history curriculum at University of Baydi, Tarra; it was more of a "bonus class" which was taught by Professor Breckenridge, a grad student with a love for the ways of Terabi and Osai who was working on his doctorate and looked hardly older than any of them (though they all knew he was really 32). The look on his face when he read Oja's name on their first class meeting was absolutely priceless and one that nobody would soon forget.

This class took place in a small wing of the history building that was most commonly used for tutoring or small group studies but had decent classrooms for small lectures. This particular class was started a year earlier as a club but "Brecky" as he was called, with his charming personality and wonderful persuasion, managed to get the class to count for credit, and with its wild success in the following year it was well on the way to being an officially registered class. It was held upstairs in a small classroom but was often so full that students had to stand. Nobody minded at all and learned a ton more in depth about the two Great Catin Gifts- Terabi Tana and Osai Naori.

Today they had talked in depth for most of the hour about a question asked by Kelsey Montàlo: "What exactly is an Aikada?"

A vary large and informative discussion followed, in which they all learned or were reminded that Aikada is a somewhat untranslatable Catin word that, loosely translated aurally, means "one who can recognize and call forth gifts." They were people, some born and some given this power later in life, who could call forth the defining marks of the two Great Catin Gifts and could identify a whole host of not only other gifts but curses as well. The discussion was filled with much awe and soon they were out of time and forced to splinter off and continue the discussion on their own time.

The people that didn't have class right away stayed and continued to ask questions. It was well known to all of them that Osai's Gift, the powerful gift which Oja possessed himself, was always confirmed by the town Aikada and that every single one of them had done this. It was the Aikada usually who submitted the names of newfound Osanokai or Terabikai to the official presidencies of both. Oja had obviously met one, as it was the Aikada in Tarra that happened to overhear his mother talk about his fast healing and no need for sleep and suspected correctly that Oja had Osai Naori. As he thought, he realized he knew another one- Hector Peak, the father of his pair Jeffrey Peak, was an Aikada also and discovered his own son.

"So wait-" started Kelsey Montàlo, "it's true that all Osanokai and Terabikai are inherently Aikada themselves, right?"

"Yes," said Oja, smiling, "As I am an Osanokai, I am an Aikada by birth. This power is one given by Osai and not Terabi, although Terabikai can obviously pick up the auras of their kind and us and therefore have been given this power as well, of Terabi, with Osai's permission. That's how I understood it when Osai showed me anyway."

"So if you're neither, how old do you have to be to be called to be one?" Kelsey went on, enjoying learning about this with eager eyes.

"Well I've thought about that myself. I mean, I'm not an official Aikada of Tarra yet although I'm sure there's a point when we come of age and I've always been wondering when Osai decides when it's time to choose someone. I mean, someone's got to be called sometime soon from our generation, or someone we know, or-"

Oja suddenly stopped short, his eyes wide with surprise, his mouth open. His hands flew to his mouth as he gaped in total surprise and shock. It was very clear to everyone that his deep, dark brown eyes were glowing brightly with that unmistakable mark of Osai and that he was, right at that moment, receiving some obviously very important information from Osai himself. He just sat there muttering "Osielo idanda... osielo idanda! Furil na!..." under his breath.

"What is it!" exclaimed Gile.

"It's ok," said Oja still in shock, "It has nothing to do with any of you and nobody's in peril..."

Even though he did not verbally speak his next thought, it carried through just the same to Osai, an unmistakably clear vision of someone he knew extremely well who had obviously just been bestowed the Aikada gift blazing in his mind. He couldn't believe his eyes but knew that Osai was smiling down at him as he showed him this small vision and realized that he knew someone close to him who would be receiving that ability. He and Osai began conversing back and forth in Catin:

Can I tell them?

Not yet Oja. Wait until he finds out himself, which he will tonight.

By the Darkness! I never would have thought... Can I tell him?

Yes of course you may tell him. He'll get the call shortly after anyway.

By the Darkness Osai, thank you for making this known to me!

With a smile, Osai concluded the vision and left Oja standing in front of many curious friends.

"Whoa! A real vision from Osai! That's awesome! What did he show you?" asked another wide-eyed girl.

"I'm afraid I can't tell you that until after tonight," he said with a smile, as if bursting with pride, "but as I was sitting here just now wondering if anyone I knew would become an Aikada, Osai told me that it just so happens that there is! Obviously he hasn't found out yet and Osai has told me to tell him first before any of you but if you check my facebook page later tonight you will most likely find the answer in your status." he paused, letting these words sink in, before continuing. "So I guess the answer to your question is whenever Osai decides the time is right... or... 21 and up?"

At this, everyone was satisfied and parted ways, excited and curious as to who Osai had shown Oja. They didn't want to eavesdrop on him and once he was alone, in an empty classroom, he got out his phone and called someone he knew wouldn't be expecting but would answer no matter what, for he just had a brief flash that told him this person was walking to the station and not in the middle of a final exam.

"Oh my goodness it's Oja!"

He fumbled in his pocket for his bright green phone and, putting it to his ear with as much extra motion as possible to look overly important and for a laugh, smiled and said "Mah-haaaaaaaaliiiiii!!"

"Thank goodness you answered. I have something important to tell you!" Oja said, breathless with excitement.

"Uh... I didn't have a... problem... that I didn't notice, did I?" asked the man on the other end, humor in his voice.

"No!" said Oja, trying not to laugh. "This time it's for something different! I've just received an extremely important vision about you from Osai that he has given me permission to tell you. Today in class we were talking about Aikada and what exactly they do and..."

Oja began a quick explanation and recount of events before finally reaching the big moment.

"...and there emblazoned in my mind was the clear description of someone who is going to become an Aikada!"

"I'm... I'm not sure what this means. Who did you see anyway?" asked the voice, as if not quite sure what would come out of his moth next.

"By the Darkness Lesko! Don't you see?? The person I saw was you!!"

It was now Oja's brother's turn to stop dead in his tracks, his eyes wide with shock and his mouth open. "Are you serious!!" he shouted, a strong Catin accent suddenly present in his voice. "Me? An Aikada?? What an amazing honor! I- I can't believe it! This is amazing! Oja! This has got to be one of the best days ever! But are you sure? Me? Is it possible for someone with my... condition?"

"Oh Lesko you don't see things do you?" Oja asked laughing.

"Well no. I see your point. But me? An Aikada? Wow! The honor! ...I'll be getting a call tonight won't I?" asked Lesko, beaming. Eric and Rebecca, who had obviously overheard and knew what was going on, were staring at him in awe.

"Yes you will, but I'd suggest telling your wife first," Oja said with another laugh. "she would love to hear this bit of news. I know Eric and Rebecca ought to have heard it just now?"

"Yeah they're looking at me in awes now. Thanks so much for telling me this Oja!"

"No problem Bro, and I'll be seeing you very soon."

Lesko could literally hear the smile in Oja's voice. As he hung up, he looked at two of his best friends and all they could do was embrace in a big group hug and smile all the way to the trains.

Fun Facts of Randomness

Just for fun because I'm bored... Due to the fact I don't know how or have time to make one of those cool graphic flowchart things on Graphjam I'm doing a boring bullet list. Hehe

Facts about Dr. Sorela
(Specifically his uniqueness in his Great Catin Gifts)

• Silanu Ravosilu Sorela is the only person in the entire history of the world to have both Terabi Tana AND Osai Naori. This means that nobody like him came before him and nobody like him will come after him. This is the only shot of a carnal representation of the friendship of Terabi and Osai. How privileged that we know him RIGHT NOW and that he's "very young."
• He has the honor of knowing exactly when he will die. Don't worry, it won't happen until the year 2249, at the ripe old age of 300.
• At the time of this post, he is 61 years old and has another 238 and a half years left.
• Think about it- if he died today, his birthday would be April 21, 1711. That's before America was even a country!
• He is the only person to triumph over the Curse of the Realm, which he was afflicted with all of his young life until he was 14 years old.
• He is also the only person besides Terabi to actually defeat, slay, and kill a beast of evil in the Realm. He was able to do this because he had Osai Naori, making him able to withstand 3 times the normal attack power. This also makes him unable to die or be killed. The beast was weakened as it kept trying to kill him, and in the final moments before Sorela was going to be utterly destroyed Terabi appeared with a new Blade of Lovelight which Sorela took and thrust into the beast's soul with all of his remaining might. This caused his carnal body to become overrun with dark energy which burned him from the inside out, creating a large scar in the shape of a clawed hand slashing his chest.
• Sorela wears his black clothing, long robes, and long hair to hide the burns that are over the majority of his chest, neck, and right arm. It also spreads down his thighs and along his back. He only shows parts of his burns (on his wrist) to people who have a certain aura and has only shown his chest in its entirety to his family and his best friend, Kenyon Nihael.
• Before this violent initiation which shattered history as anyone knew it, Sorela was a very twitchy and jumpy child who appeared crazy and often staggered around alone in the woods or along the coast. Afterwards, he obtained the poetic, fluid movement and particular speech that he is so famous for today.
• It took him only 3 months to completely heal from his 3rd degree burns. He was cared for at the home of Isli Loch and Meiro Freloch and treated with potions that made him heal into flexible scars. This home was built and inhabited by none other than Mera Visi almost 1000 years ago.
• Despite not having many opportunities to save people from the Realm firsthand, he is very actively in the Realm, usually at night, and has fought in several great battles worthy of books. He is an asset to the Realm and is not the typical quiet person people know in the world.
• Having the power to sense auras in addition to foreseeing at the same time is something many are envious of. How cool would that be!
  

Lesko Diamond's First Day of History {A Narrative}

It was a nice Summer day. The sun was shining brightly giving off very warm rays that were perfectly balanced by the slight breeze that was rolling through the campus. Lesko Diamond was sitting on a bench outside the door to the music building holding his 8-month-old son in one hand and his class schedule in the other. Sitting to his left was his beautiful wife, Avicile Mohaili, who was both enjoying a little game with Sterling and looking over Lesko's schedule with him, discussing the rooms of all his classes. To his right were Eric and Rebecca Latham, two of his very best friends. They too were looking over their schedules and were getting quite giddy. Finally, the time had come for them to have the high honor of taking a class from none other than the highly respected and most talked about teacher of the entire music department, Dr. S. R. Sorela.

"That room's the one next to the room with the good speakers..." Eric said, gesturing loosely to the building with his hand.

"Nah, isn't that the room next to Leeden's old office?" Lesko replied.

"No that's 215," replied Rebecca, "217 is the big room where all of us will fit!"

"I'm so excited to take a class from Dr. Sorela I can hardly stand it!" Lesko exclaimed, rubbing his now free hands together and tapping his feet on the ground as if he were wanting to spring up and fly to class. Eric and Rebecca laughed and agreed, adding their own gestures of excitement.

Finally, after another morning class, they all met up in the hallway. Time seemed to slow down to a halt as they waited for Dr. Sorela to come down the stairs from his office tucked away in the back of the top floor. Not many people that they knew walked by but they did come across the newly married Declan Loch and his best friend Jeffrey Mohola, fellow trumpet players, who they found out had gotten special clearance to take Music History with them. As they exchanged hugs and greetings the door to the stairwell opened slowly and in he walked.

As soon as he was even the slightest bit visible the whole floor filled with an aura of peace and great power. An arm clothed in a black sleeve poetically appeared, moving with a ballet-like precision. Next, a leg ending with a fine black boot made its way around the door. Finally, in a complete fluid motion as if he were floating, the tall and immense frame of Dr. Sorela slowly rounded the corner, coming into full view. His dark eyes were full of light and life, even though they appeared to be shadowed and deeper than almost anyone around. They were not stern in any way and instead seemed to smile. His rounded but long oval face was framed by his long, black hair that had a very slight wave to it. It seemed to float as it glided beautifully down his full cheeks, past his pondering etched frown, and over his shoulders like the fur of a perfect image of a lion. He had a slight smile that instantly changed him from the intimidating man most see at first to what he truly was- a man of power so great it was almost unbelievable that he would place himself in the lives of so many ordinary people.

He glided over to another teacher's office to discuss something so Lesko, Eric, Rebecca, Declan, and Jeffrey all made their way quickly to class. The only seats left were in the front and center, which they gladly took, eager to watch Dr. Sorela's every move. There was an eerie silence in the room and an aura of nervousness and excitement was present like the fog of a Spring morning. The door opened and in he walked. He was so tall that he could easily reach up and touch the door frame, and probably the ceiling as well. He was carrying a small briefcase which he gently placed on the table in front of the class, and he took out a pen and some papers. Lesko couldn't stop staring at him, totally beside himself that he was actually taking a class from THE Dr. Sorela! He had seen him in passing and from a distance, but this was the first time he could really see him up close and get to know him. As he watched him move, and especially as he watched his dark black eyes, he could see his own brother looking back at him, sharing that common rare gift, and this brought him great comfort and maybe a slight twinge of 'reverse homesickness' for his brother, who had long since moved back to his birth city of Tarra, 4 hours away by trains.

"Hello.... everyone! I send my warmest welcome to my Music History class... This semester is about... the study of Catin music. My name... is Dr. Sorela... and I am the Oboe professor as well as... a musicologist here at the university."

Lesko was amazed by his strong and yet soft Keòen accent. His voice was light and airy, almost like a whisper but speaking at the same time. He'd never really heard him speak before and was amazed by how softspoken he was. His voice was certainly very unique and surprising in many more ways than this. Besides his beautiful timbre and his slow, crisp articulation and pauses in speech, Dr. Sorela's voice was not as low as he expected for someone so tall. It was soothing and gently reflected his gift Terabi Tana which he so obviously possessed. With that, Lesko suddenly realized once more than he was staring at the only man in the world to possess both great Catin gifts- something that will never happen again. He was staring at an amazing piece of history and importance, and here he was in a classroom about to lecture them about the early days of Catin music!

He recollected his thoughts and once again focused all his attention on this incredible man.

"Now, I want everyone... to state... your name... instrument... and major... I want to get to know all of you better..."

Lesko eagerly looked around at all the people who were beginning to share a bit about themselves. When it finally reached him, he smiled and said confidently, "Lesko Diamond. Trumpet. Music performance and business!" Dr. Sorela smiled at him and gave him a look that seemed to convey that he knew of his connections with Osai Naori and that they would have many great discussions together. Lesko didn't know how he did it exactly but he spoke through aura which made him able to convey huge amounts if information in very few words. He was astounded at the greatness of everything and felt like a teen meeting a movie star. He had definitely found his niche and was in the right place to meet the people he respected most!

"Diamond... Hmm... That's very interesting," Dr. Sorela said with a slightly amusing tone, "Are you... related... to Oja Diamond by chance?"

Lesko's heart skipped a beat and with excitement proudly exclaimed, "Yes! He's my brother!" smiling all the way.

"I knew it!" Dr. Sorela replied with a soft smile, "A very good man Oja Diamond is... a wonderful man indeed..."

He went on after the introductions to carefully explain the workings of the class. It was clear that although he was dark and intimidating he truly cared so much for what he taught and was easily able to convey his love for music to everyone in the room. There wasn't much of a lecture as it was the first day of class but as class was dismissed and everyone began to leave the room, Lesko stopped to shake Dr. Sorela's hand and gave him a nod of understanding that they would be visiting very soon to eagerly discuss Osai's Gift.

The Next Eldin

In a flash no doubt seen by all, the dark yet caring face of the next Eldin of Leena has been shown! Osai has given a rather large window for his birth, from June 2011 to June 2012. Oh my goodness that will make 28! Soon it will be time for Ilonwyn to take on the duty of passing on his wisdom and knowledge to the next ruler of Jadali.

S. R. Sorela was the first to see his face. Exactly why is unknown but he has a very sneaking suspicion that the reason he saw his face a few minutes before everyone else is because he is an Ardin, which is of course Dr. Sorela's own pure Jadali line. Verified just minutes later on the official Osai forums, this important fact was soon published to the common folk and the speculation has begun! Everyone (who is into Osai Naori, that is!) has been camping the forums, hoping for any new piece of news to eagerly analyze and speculate on. Really, at this point it's still anyone's guess but his mature face has been seen and recorded! It may be some time before the next little clue is revealed by Osai, who is widely known for loving this sort of fun guessing game. Not until the introduction of the Osai Forums has any important piece of information been so readily available to all, and because of this, Osai has gladly released more clues on a variety of topics to be discussed with great joy and fun.

Dr. Sorela has a strong suspicion that this successor is an Ardin. There have been a few of Ardin blood before but none purely of that crest! Oh how excited he would be if he was right! We shall find out soon enough!

Jeffrey's Monologue

I have a gift… a gift so powerful only 26 people in the world have it. I am one. I am here to see of things to come, as they will happen; as Osai sees fit I can see a great many things to help others. I can see far into time while you can only see your next chances for temporary pleasure. So long you have relied on the help of others when you cannot help yourself. Don’t forget who is always there to help you, Kyle. It’s not Jeremy. It’s me. When darkness falls and takes your soul I am there, holding the lantern, preparing to take you back. I do not need sleep so that I can watch over people like you who need it. Never fail to see that because someday I will not be here to save you from your choices. Temporary pleasure always produces great pain, not just for you, but for all those around you. You are 20, I am 15, and yet I know this to be true. One day your choices will come back and change you forever. How you ask? I have seen it.

Don’t go to the party, Kyle. If you do you will sacrifice yourself. I have spoken. The choice is yours.

This was one of the first things I wrote about Jeffrey Peak, right after I connected his name to my redrawn list of Men of Osai. In fact, it's probably the first thing I did right after the opener story of him tending to Kyle. I did it on the bus on the way to school one random Spring morning in 2010. I had just envisioned him ranting about Kyle and decided to write it down. The notebook it was in was lost for about a year and it made me so incredibly happy to find it with this totally intact! It's not much but it's still pretty cool!

Osai Spotlight: Elstan Wade Taylor

Full Name: Elstan Wade Taylor
Birthday: April 17, 2004
Nationality: Kiillaanian
Birth City: Weston, Vetonia
Bloodline: Kribana
Current City: Tamila, Kiillra
Title: (Future Musician)

Fast Facts

• Elstan was one of the only Men of Osai to be foreseen by all men, in fragmented pieces which they enjoyed discussing and piecing together. Osai also gave an acrostic paragraph in which he spelled out his full name, given to Kaitano Kitala to be read on the forums.
• He is the son of Lore Taylor and Leslie Cherise Mayberd. His siblings are Amira Taylor (1995), Vaughn Taylor (1998), Kuyson Taylor (2001), Marjorie Taylor (2005), Keraine Taylor (2007), Orson Taylor (2009), and Adrian Josiah Taylor (2010).
• He was taken to several doctors because he was always found awake but they told the parents not to worry so they just got used to him needing very little sleep.
• He moved from his birth city of Weston (only 2 hours west of Kalta, the hometown of Jeffrey Peak) to Tamila when he was 4 years old to be a little closer to C of A as well as their family.
  
• His brother Kuyson has a neurological disease and Elstan could predict things before or right as they were happening to him.
• He was discovered in 2010 after his sister Amira stumbled across some articles for a history paper and realized that her own brother was being described. Their parents weren't so sure at first but after he predicted several things that he had no way of knowing they took him to the local Aikada where he did indeed call forth the mark from his eyes.
• He is currently the youngest Man of Osai and many have foreseen that besides the next Eldin he will be the last Osanokai for several years.
• Even at just 6 years old he is already showing a great interest and talent in music and is studying piano. He doesn't know what he will play in school but has foreseen himself as a composer more than anything and has already begun to compose.
• His maternal grandmother, though only a fraction Catin herself, has the last name of Kribana and Elstan has been traced back to the Kribana line.
• His pair is Daniel Battistone and they are planning to meet for the first time over spring break.

A Short Description

At last he was found. Osai had been entertaining the 26 Osanokai for months by giving them small and different hints as to his status and location, but never fully revealed who he was until he was discovered. As he sat alone in his room after browsing the Osai forums with his family which had been flooded with posts about him, he suddenly saw himself much older. His brown hair was combed back and his dark eyes were shadowed but warm. He had a soft smile that was unique and made him unmistakable. He could see a piano in the background and knew that he would become a composer. He had no idea what he would eventually end up playing as his main instrument or if he would even be much of a performer at all, but above all he saw many works that would be under his pen. One day he will be old enough to know and make those visions a reality.

Osai Spotlight: Daniel Battistone

Full Name: Daniel Ryan Battistone
Birthday: May 4, 2001
Nationality: Kiillaanian
Birth City: Fosse, Allotonia
Bloodline: Migali
Current City: Fosse, Allotonia
Title: (Unknown at this time)

Fast Facts

• Daniel Battistone is the son of Eugene Battistone and Laura Eyre. He has 3 siblings- Eugene R. Battistone II (1998), Maria Battistone (1999), and Dean Battistone (2003).
• He lives just at the base of the mountains and lives on a large farm.
• Like Ashton Caleb Roland, Daniel was discovered by his valiant tirelessness. From a very young age he was out in the fields harvesting crops, weeding the fields, tending to what animals he could, or just walking among the rolling fields and thick groves of trees. He also, like the rest of his family, loved the flora of his homeland.
• He was discovered in 2009, almost immediately after Eugene and Laura were exploring their genealogy and realized that they both have Migali blood. This got them into figuring out the significance of that and led them to Osai Naori. Upon reading about it, they were absolutely certain that their Daniel had it. They got into contact with the "gift-caller" of their area and brought Daniel. He quietly looked right into his father's eyes and as the Aikada called forth the mark, it glowed brightly. All he could do was quietly smile and remark "Daddy I knew this long before you did. I thought everyone was like this! Am I special?"
• Armed with this knowledge he is now a very strong hand on the ranch. Even at just 9 years old he is up building houses, tending the horses and chickens, harvesting and tending to the fields, and helping to landscape his home and others.
• He is very quiet, even among his family, but is very loving with a tender heart.
• His favorite place to ponder and rest is not just in the quiet grove of trees by his house but among the branches of his favored tree.
• He was the youngest Osanokai for a year and a half until the discovery of his pair, which he foresaw along with every other Osanokai.

A Short Description

Much is not yet known about this very young Man of Osai, but Daniel Battistone is fully aware of his gift and has set off to do great things. Being a Migali through both sides of his family, though pretty far back, he identifies with the farmer role taken by men such as Ashton Caleb Roland and Kaitano Kitala. He has met all of the Kiillaanian Men of Osai except Elstan Wade Taylor, his pair, who was not yet discovered. In fact, it was around that meeting that pieces of vision were given to all of the Osanokai, Daniel included, that they would piece together and eventually find him when he was discovered.

Daniel is a very dark but kind soul and as he ages into maturity he will no doubt become widely known and has foreseen himself traveling all over the world to visit with those given the same rare gift as him.

Osai Spotlight: Ravokar Vichukoda

Full Name: Ravokar Evgeni Vichukoda
Birthday: February 8, 1998
Nationality: Ranian
Birth City: Havadi Iha, Iya Rani
Bloodline: Sorela
Current City: Havadi Iha, Iya Rani
Title: (Unknown at this time)

Fast Facts

• Ravokar is the only son of Kaltos Vichukoda and Kaisa Imadi. He has three sisters- Sinita Tigaro (1990), Aisla Vichukoda (1994), and Rela Vichukoda (1996).
• He is one of 2 Osanokai from Rania currently.
• He was discovered in 2006 at the age of 8, 9 years after the previous discovery.
• His parents noticed that he did not sleep and was much darker in looks than their other children and thought that he may be meant to do something great. Ravokar's uncle, Everi Vichukoda, happened to be an Aikada so they visited with him. They were not expecting the events that followed, when Everi immediately thought he had Osai Naori and called the mark forth. He became the 25th Man of Osai of the time and immediately was taken to meet Mikai Sorela, the other Ranian man living in Iri Rani.
• Ravokar Vichukoda and Mikai Sorela are a pair and although Ravokar is too young to visit him freely they speak nightly through the internet.
• He plays the flute in band.
  
• Ravokar is still growing up and maturing, as he has just turned 13 years old, but he has foreseen himself as becoming a musician and a man of great influence.
• Even though both Ranian men are of Sorela blood, they share no common ancestors within the past 500 years and are therefore not closely related.
  

A Short Description

An aspiring musician, Ravokar Vichukoda can already be found in the small practice room at his school chipping away at various passages from the pages of his etude books until they are good enough for him to deem worthy and go on. After learning of the other musicians of Osai he has chosen the flute as his outlet of expression. Though he has only been playing for a couple years he has foreseen himself in magnificent halls and his long name standing out among large orchestras. It will only be a matter of time before Ravokar Vichukoda will be thrust into the world of musicians and his name well known around the world.

Osai Spotlight: Jeffrey Peak

Full Name: Jeffrey Ferrous Peak
Birthday: June 14, 1994
Nationality: Kiillaanian
Birth City: Kalta, Vetonia
Bloodline: Mohola
Current City: Kalta, Vetonia
Title: Paramedic

Fast Facts

• Jeffrey Peak is the son of Hector Peak and Andrea Bisa. He is the youngest of 2 boys and has an older brother, Jeremy Peak (1989).
• His father is an Aikada and therefore Jeffrey was discovered at only a few weeks old when he was given his name.
• Growing up knowing he had Osai Naori, his parents knew that he would not need to sleep. Living on a ranch on the northern outskirts of Kalta, they gave him materials to build a fort and helped him build it. He still spends many of his nights there.
• His mother is a history professor and Jeffrey has visited her class on occasion to speak about his rare great Catin gift.
• His father is a real estate agent and owns the house next door to their own, renting it to college aged students that he knows. Currently it is inhabited by Jeremy and his friends and Jeffrey goes there often.
• Being armed with insight, Jeffrey has been told time and time again to care for Jeremy's elementary school best friend Kyle, who is a drug addict and would often return home so drunk or high that he could not function. He did this from the time Kyle moved next door until the time he moved out, but he still cares for Kyle to this day when he has to.
• Jeffrey's best friend, Taylor Kingston (known as Kingston), has Terabi Tana. Armed with both gifts, Jeffrey and Kingston are able to do many things together that have only been done a few more times in history. The most notable Osai/Terabi friendship known is that of Mera Visi and Kalo Freloch. They are known as the "Jadali Twins" by their friends.
• Even at 16 years old, Jeffrey is already pursuing his career of choice and wants to become a paramedic. He and Kingston, along with a few others, take the last 2 hours of school and catch a bus to Kaytue General Hospital where they go to classes and seminars about basic first aid. They even get to accompany paramedics in the ambulance on occasion.
• Because of his known gift and his ability to forgo sleep, the city has made an exception to the under-18 rule and Jeffrey is allowed to actually work as a junior paramedic on the ambulance several nights a week, sometimes going quite late. He loves being able to do this and has already seen a variety of conditions and circumstances.
• Jeffrey has foreseen who he is to marry and is dating his beautiful longtime friend, Michaela Johns. All he is waiting for is to be the legal age to be officially engaged and then married. The two of them are so fun to watch with their quiet love and unique and very different styles. Michaela fits right in, as she always has, and is a very sweet and loving person herself.
• Jeffrey is one of the few Osanokai who has never really been exposed to a lot of the Catin language, making his inherent fluency of Catin something very special and unique.
• His pair is Oja Diamond and the four of them (including Cameron and Michaela) have a special friendship. They often visit each others' houses and cities and always come back with lots of great stories to share.
• Jeffrey's brother Jeremy is a history major and most of his friends are as well, and go to Jeffrey all the time with questions which he happily answers.
• Being very young, and in the age of electronics, Jeffrey has an official emoticon: }:-|
• Jeffrey is somewhat famous in the Osanokai realm for being one of the very few with brown hair and blue eyes as opposed to black hair and brown eyes.
• He looks very similar to his older brother in appearance but is much shorter, at only 5'7''.
• He sleeps sitting up, and doesn't even own a bed in his room.
• He is planning to name one of his sons after his best friend.

A Short Description

The bell rang. Jeffrey got up from his seat quietly, stretching before grabbing his bag and heading out the door of his math class. With the conclusion of Tuesday Block 2, it was time for the juniors and seniors of Jacob Traiborn High School to go to lunch. He made his way down the hall, slipping through the mass of people, finally arriving at the door of Michaela's history class where she was waiting, that sweet smile on her face. They embraced and then he gently took her hand and they made their way down to their locker, which they shared, and got out their lunches for the day.

Smiling, they headed down to the tables outside. They preferred eating outside, for the scenic, rolling hills of Kalta were all around them. It was now autumn and before long everything would become blanketed by thin layers of snow, so they were enjoying one of the last days outside before they would have to move indoors or go to someone's house to enjoy lunch. The day was very clear and not terribly cold, although colder than it had been in recent days. There was no wind, but a slight breeze ruffled the bright leaves on trees and the ground nearby. They sat down and as they saw their friends they motioned for them to come by.

Kingston, Jeffrey's best friend, hurried over, his bright blue eyes sparkling in the noon sun. He sat down next to them and they began to eat. Jeffrey's dark eyes sparkled as he smiled and laughed. With his whispery voice he began another one of his comically dramatic recounts of his earlier class. For being mostly very dark and quiet, he could sure become very animated! That was why he was so well loved. When he felt like it, he could brighten a whole room with his darkness. He was very concerned about other people being happy and knew how to cheer anyone up.

He looked at his watch and realized that the time had come for him and Kingston to depart for the bus that would take them to their afternoon class at the hospital. Today would be another hands-on day of first aid, one of Jeffrey's favorite things. As he and Kingston boarded the bus, Jeffrey turned around and gave Michaela one last hug and a small kiss on the cheek. As he turned around and got on the bus, he turned back once more and, smiling, blew her a kiss. She giggled and smiled as she pretended to catch it, and waved as the bus pulled away.

Osai Spotlight: Oja Diamond

Full Name: Oja Sanfono Diamond
Birthday: January 9, 1990
Nationality: Kiillaanian
Birth City: Tarra, Baydi
Bloodline: Res
Current City: Tarra, Baydi
Title: History Teacher/Musician

Fast Facts

• Oja Diamond is the 2nd oldest son of Elko Diamond and Jenny Kotolain. He has 8 siblings: Rally Diamond (1988), Jumanji Lusk (1988), Lesko Diamond (1990), Sokphair Charles (1991), Janessa Diamond (1993), Dagon Diamond (1995), Toby Diamond (1997), and Lyonal Diamond (1998).
• He is the only Man of Osai to have a twin brother!
• He was a very quiet and antisocial child growing up and was well known for being in complete contrast to his twin brother, who had a very light complexion in contrast to Oja's very dark look.
• His parents noticed he never slept and would often lie awake. They took him to a doctor who said there was nothing wrong so they didn't worry. He would go on to become famous for sleeping in the most random of places whenever he felt like it was time for a rest.
  
• Oja has played baseball since he was 4 years old and continued to play until he moved to Kennywood in 2001. He has also played basketball but never on a school team.
• He decided to be in band along with his twin brother when he started 6th grade and chose the clarinet, the instrument that first came to his mind and stayed strongly in his mind.
• He is well known even still for being a klutz, having broken many things and gotten stitches more times than he cares to admit. He is also a pro at getting into really funny accidents.
  
• He was one of the only people to be discovered by his fast healing.
  
• He was discovered in 1997 when he was 7 years old. Earlier that morning his twin brother had fallen down the stairs and broke his nose, sending him to the hospital. Oja had a baseball game later that night and was in the field. He went to catch a fly ball by standing right below it and the ball came down squarely on his face, breaking his nose as well! The story became well known and they went about the next week healing from their breaks. However, the family noticed that Oja healed eerily quickly and after a week he had literally no signs that his nose was ever broken, whereas Lesko still could barely open his eyes. At church the following Sunday his mom made mention of it and the town Aikada, who was there, tapped her on the shoulder and whispered, "I think your son has the Gift of Osai." Oja met in a room with him and his parents where the mark was called forth and all of his little quirks fell into place.
• From then on he realized that he could foresee things before they happened and began to realize his power.
• As a teen he was a very quiet person who did not really talk to anyone. He was in band but didn't really think much of his playing ability and spent most of his time reading, talking to people on the Osai Forums, or playing basketball at his neighbor's house.
• Just before his 17th birthday, two major events happened in his life that would change him forever. Both harnessed his power to receive vision from Osai and shaped him into who he is today.
• The most famous story involves his twin brother, who lost consciousness and fell headfirst into a sharp table. Oja was upstairs in his room and heard the loud crash and immediately a flash of vision so strong came into his mind that he didn't even notice that he was flying down the stairs, where he found his brother curled around a table just to the left of the stairs, blood everywhere. He got him situated and then shouted for his sister who called an ambulance while he pressed on his freely bleeding forehead with a cloth. Oja rode in the ambulance with him and once at the hospital went to the waiting room while they stitched Lesko up. as he sat and let what happened sink in, he heard the loud voice of Osai say "Stay near your brother. You are connected for a reason. You must watch over him." Oja cried as he realized how much his brother really meant to him and all hints of his previous antisocial nature was gone. From that day on Oja and Lesko became almost inseparable.
• A very short time later, Oja volunteered to pick up Lesko from his JKSO (the city youth orchestra) rehearsal, as he can't drive and his parents were both busy that night. As he walked up to the windowed door and peeked inside, the following story, called Oja's Big Epiphany, happened:

Oja's Big Epiphany
"On January 10, 2007, something amazing happened to Oja Diamond. He was at the KSB Office (the building that the orchestra rehearsed in- stands for Kennywood Symphonic Band) waiting to pick up Lesko, and he walked inside [the room] to listen better. It could not have been at a better time, because at that moment, Bug Tabb was playing a clarinet solo. As the beauty reached Oja's ears, he was suddenly thrown forward in time. He saw, from Bug's spot, himself sitting with a clarinet- Marcellus and some unidentifiable people to his right. He was laughing and having a great time. Then suddenly [another vision came to him and] he was playing a beautiful solo with the strings playing. He then saw this same scene in third person. Almost as quickly and distinctly as he saw that, he heard a voice that whispered, Oja, you know this is exactly what you want to do. You are very good. Now is the time to use your talents to the best you can. He thought suddenly of the pile of money he had been saving under his mattress. He had always been saving it for "something special" but he couldn't figure out what it was for. Now he knew exactly. It was for a brand new instrument, reeds, everything.

He finally realized that he was still standing in the rehearsal room and that [the orchestra] had finished playing. As he drove Lesko home, he thought with amazement and excitement at what he was about to do..."

• From that point on he became an incredible musician, stepping up his ability tenfold and tapping into a hidden talent he never knew he had.
• He and Lesko both got hit very hard with a very bad case of the flu in November of 2007 and Lesko was never the same after that- his medical condition worsened drastically. From that point on, Oja moved his laptop into his brother's room and watched over him every night.
• Despite his very, very dark and quiet nature, Oja is surprisingly outgoing when out with friends.
• He also became notorious for purposely hearing things wrong and then repeating back something totally random and different for a laugh.
  
• He married his beautiful wife, Cameron Charles, in 2009. They met in band and although he liked her a lot, Osai clearly told him not to date her yet, or anyone for that matter. He later knew why- because it was more important to care for his brother, which took a lot of time.
• He clearly saw not only who he was to marry but his entire future family in a vision given of Osai. He would not find out until he was finally dating Cameron, but she saw the exact same vision at the exact same time.
• He moved back to his hometown of Tarra after he graduated from Lionel High School in 2008 and is currently at University of Baydi Tarra (UBT) pursuing a major in Catin History and a minor in Music. He wants to become a history teacher and plans to do music on the side in his free time. He is in the orchestra there and sits right behind his wife, who plays flute.
• Oja and Cameron are expecting their first child in June 2011!
• Oja has traveled all over Kiillaana visiting distant friends and the Kiillaanian Men of Osai. He is very social, despite his antisocial past, and loves to meet people and see old friends.
• He regularly takes the trains over to Kennywood to surprise Lesko at school, whenever his afternoon classes don't meet.
• His pair is Jeffrey Peak and they finally tangibly met for the first time in early 2010. Since then, they visit each other often and both fit into each others' friend circles.
• Being a Catin History major, he has attracted a lot of attention from everyone in the field familiar with Osai Naori. When his name is read, heads turn and jaws drop more often than not. He is even in a Great Catin Gifts class and got to do his own spotlight!
• Oja's sister (Sokphair) married Cameron's brother (Lleyton Charles) and therefore their children will be double cousins.
• Both Oja and Cameron have a twin! Oja has a fraternal twin brother (Lesko) and Cameron has an identical twin sister (Jillian).
  

A Short Description

He may only stand at 5'7'' tall but he is a man of immense power. His wavy, black hair is parted down the middle and calls attention to his large, brown eyes which are so deep behind his shadowed, furrowed brow that from a distance, all one sees is darkness. He is actually a little more than half Catin, but his dark Kiillaanian side that he gets from his mother is the one that shows through on him.

One of his favorite things to do for his friends at UBT is to go out on a moonlit night and look into the full moon, which causes the mark of Osai to glow brightly in his dark eyes. He also enjoys going on late night trips with his circle of friends to the store to get lots of junk food and then have parties at his house involving board games, video games, or other fun games like Charades or Improv Acting. Hand in hand with his beautiful wife, he also enjoys just walking alone through the maple forest, looking at her with immense love. They can often be found in Dahhod on long weekends, at Sothrey Tavern, enjoying the Tarralan Ried Ohrley as it runs by, sipping the season's drink whether it be hot chocolate or lemonade and chatting with themselves and Ashlan Sorela while listening to the local music on the stage nearby.

He is a very young man but a man of great power who loves nothing more than making like better for everyone else. His family and friends are more important than about anything and he loves them so very much.

Osai Spotlight: Kasari Tima

Full Name: Kasari Jeffrey Tima
Birthday: December 24, 1985
Nationality: Catin
Birth City: Rihanu, Catarika
Bloodline: Res
Current City: Rihanu, Catarika
Title: Caregiver

Fast Facts

• Kasari Tima is the oldest child of Sero Tima and Murieli Kala. He has a younger sister, Ashlavani Sorela (1990) and a younger brother, Zekarias Tima (1995).
• Growing up in Riahnu he was very familiar with Osai and Terabi and the Great Catin Gifts. His parents noticed that Kasari didn't sleep but thought they were looking too hard and dismissed it. As he aged however it became increasingly apparent that he had Osai Naori.
• He was suspected by the time he was about 4 years old but was not formally discovered until he was 5 years old in 1991. He was taken to the Aikada who called forth the mark and was then taken to meet Yehai Sorela and Drakon Visai.
• His favorite place in the world as a child was Osai's Palace where he could literally see the faces of every Osanokai to ever live blaze brightly in his mind. He learned all he could about Osai and proudly displayed his Res crest and colors.
• He saw himself clearly as a caregiver and got his first job at the age of 16 at a group home.
• He is currently in college where he is obtaining a nursing degree. When he graduates he hopes to become a traveling nurse like Kaso Jonu.
• He got married to his longtime girlfriend, Allirae Saba, in 2006. They currently have one child, Alison Tima (2009).
• He loves to sleep under the desk in his office, saying that it is "more comfortable than any place ever."
• He makes it a point to visit Osai's Palace once a week.

A Short Description

A man of extreme quietness, Kasari Tima doesn't even make a sound when he walks. He spends most of his time these days tirelessly studying. He clings to that vision of him caring for others someday, free from school. He is an extreme introvert and is hard to open up but once he does he is a very kind and caring young man who loves life and making life better for others. When he is not at school he is with his lovely wife and beautiful baby girl, two of the most important people in his life. With a soft smile to light up those deep, dark eyes, he will become something great.

Osai Spotlight: Zaichi Kere

Full Name: Zaichi Ske Kere
Birthday: November 2, 1982
Nationality: Rakian
Birth City: Rochi, Rakia
Bloodline: Res
Current City: Qopara, Rakia
Title: Doctor

Fast Facts

• Zaichi is only the 3rd person in Rakia's history to be a Man of Osai. He is not related to Teqa Niahan in any way either. Teqa is a Migali, and Zaichi is a Res!
  
• Zaichi has pure Res blood from a very distant female relative who was documented in the very early 1800's. He is generally known for being the Osanokai most distant from any of the pure blood lines, since his country is so isolated from Catarika.
• He is an only child and the son of Kala Kere and Qo San Tua.
• In addition to being a small part Catin he is also a fairly large part Tellish, although he certainly looks fully Rakian from appearance.
• He stands at 6'8'' which is actually on the shorter side of average for Rakian men.
• Because of the isolation and lack of general knowledge about Osai Naori, Teqa Niahan was shown exactly where to go to find his pair. Zaichi was discovered at the age of 7 in 1990 after Teqa Niahan came to their town to visit and explain Osai to them. The Kere parents knew in their hearts he was speaking about their son and this was confirmed almost immediately.
• Zaichi used his newfound powers to try and better himself. There was a sort of cave in their yard which he would hide in at night and just ponder things.
• He felt led to become a doctor so he applied for college in Qopara and made it into the medical program.
• He married the love of his life, Ai Hsa Bao, in 2002. They have two children, Iban Kere (2009) and Iyel Kere (2011). They hope to have many more in the years to come.
• He currently works at Qopara Medical Center where he is an ER doctor. His ability to understand a vast array of medical issues has gotten him national recognition.
• He and Teqa Niahan visit weekly and enjoy playing golf or basketball.

A Short Description

The other Osanokai of Rakia, the one somewhat lesser known because of his young age, is Dr. Zaichi Kere, a humble and yet very powerful and skilled ER technician in Qopara, in the very south of the country. Standing at an impressive and intimidating 6'8'' he is considered short by Rakian standards but incredibly tall for the rest of the world. With eyes of smoke and a countenance of darkness he quietly goes about his business. He is very kind and easy to get along with and seems to know a lot about many things and is very thorough when he answers questions. When an emergency arises he springs into action, his eyes glowing as he receives the correct facts and flashes of other information that Osai gives to him. With a deep breath he is a completely different person and is able to react extremely quickly to what is going on and help make things right as they should be.

Osai Spotlight: Yetanga Barra

Full Name: Yetanga Alsuvo Barra
Birthday: January 18, 1980
Nationality: Catin
Birth City: Tumira, Catarika
Bloodline: Migali
Current City: Nialli, Catarika
Title: Neurosurgeon

Fast Facts

• Yetanga is the youngest son of Eron Barra and Vani Ard. He has two older brothers- Kasari Barra (1976) and Kiesu Barra (1978) and two younger sisters- Inala Barra Tiano (1983) and Katya Barra (1986).
• He grew up with a brother (Kiesu) and a best friend with serious health issues. This got him motivated to study the H-Gene.
• He had an almost freaky knowledge of things to come and was known for being the first on the scene of Kiesu's often bloody attacks. It wasn't discovered until much later however that he actually saw it before it happened and not the other way around.
• His parents often found Yetanga sitting at the foot of Kiesu's bed making sure he was ok. Even at very odd hours of morning he could be found there, never in his own room, and almost never asleep.
• He was discovered in 1988 at the age of 8, when it became really solidly obvious that he had the power of foresight and hardly ever slept. He was taken to the Aikada where his mark was called forth. Immediately his name was added to the list of Osanokai and he met with all the Catin Osanokai that summer.
• He became increasingly interested in neurology and decided to become a neurosurgeon. He went to a medical charter school for several years and worked at a local Tumira hospital. When he graduated in 1998 he was accepted at Nialli Medical University on a full scholarship.
• He went through an intensive study program and graduated in 2008 with several degrees and sub degrees.
• He became one of the chief surgeons and neurologists at the newly-established Nialli Neurological Center (Chan-Nialli) which opened in 2010.
• He married Tanya Auru in 2000 and they have 2 children- Andre Barra (2006) and Emilie Barra (2009).
• He is very passionate about his work and has a pin on his jacket with his brother's and friend's initials, the two he credits for bringing him to his profession.
• He loves to go boating on Lake Amiumuri in his free time.

A Short Description:

Yetanga Barra is still a very young man but with a true heart. His talent and knowledge on such a personal level of his profession has made him intensely popular and the first choice for recruits at the brand new Chan-Nialli center, which has just opened. He stands tall and proud, radiating that dark power for the good that is so inherent in all Osanokai. He is a quiet and pondering man when left alone but when surrounded by colleagues and patients he is animated and bright. His vast knowledge continues to expand and he is eager to improve his skill and art to better the lives of countless people.

Osai Spotlight: Mikai Sorela

Full Name: Mikai Visi Sorela
Birthday: October 22, 1978
Nationality: Ranian
Birth City: Nialli, Catarika
Bloodline: Sorela
Current City: Au Resa, Iri Rani
Title: Council Advisor

Fast Facts:

• Mikai Sorela was named after Mera Visi. His father, a Jadali historical scholar, had a dream similar to Trevin Loreloch's and named his son in a similar way. Mikai is Catin for "man of a vision" and Visi is Keòen for "of vision."
  
• He the only child of Iano Sorela and Ashlavani Gesla. They had tried for years to have a child but never had one so they both dove deep into their history studies. Mikai was first seen in a dream and was then born about 8 months later.
• Growing up, he was always immersed in history. He enjoyed it very much and often joked that he was born into the right family for that.
• Even though he was born in Catarika, his parents had moved there from Iri Rani to teach at the Nialli Historical Institute, a new branch of the Orelie Historical Institute. Therefore, Mikai was actually considered a citizen of Iri Rani.
• His parents immediately noticed Mikai's ability to forgo sleep and after they both dreamed that he was a Man of Osai they immediately took him not to the town Aikada but to Auhari Res, who they knew well since they were familiar with all the Osanokai of the time. Auhari had been told of Osai that he would discover a Man of Osai and knew in his heart that the time had come. Sure enough, when he looked into the eyes of then 2-year-old Mikai Sorela their eyes both glowed with that ring.
• His parents were beyond floored that they, of all people, would have a son with a great Catin gift! They did not promote this fact loudly but instead took the time to learn even more about Osai Naori and were so happy to be able to witness it firsthand.
• Mikai grew up knowing many profound things about his life, including the fact that he would live and work in Iri Rani.
• As much as he loved history, he did not want to study it since he knew so much already so he decided to use his knowledge and join the royal government. Getting much advice from Drakon Visai, he moved to Iri Rani after he graduated in 1997 and went to college to pursue History with an emphasis in Government.
• Once in college he met his wife, Aumuri Mio, and they were married in 1999. They have two children- Yarran Sorela (2001) and Mirikeli Sorela (2004).
• He earned his PhD in 2006 and was elected as Council Advisor of the Iri Ranian Royal Court. He is currently serving in this seat although he foresees himself rising in ranks in the coming years and will likely become the president of Iri Rani.

A Short Description

Mikai Sorela is a man of great power who looks strikingly similar to the man his name portrays. He stands tall, his dark eyes shadowed by his dark brow. His hair is a little longer and he has a soft smile. He is pretty quiet and somewhat mysterious but his ability to foresee many things has proved very valuable and useful to the country of Iri Rani as a whole. He loves everyone he works with and though quiet once he gets started on a topic of history he could go on for hours, the whole time captivating, and then conclude by relating everything to a once seemingly tiny thing. He is a master of this and is very beloved in his country.

Osai Spotlight: Thomas Keery

Full Name: Thomas Landon Keery
Birthday: January 22, 1976
Nationality: Kiillaanian
Birth City: Tovre, Toshanna
Bloodline: Sorela
Current City: Darkenshire, Toshanna
Title: Caregiver

Fast Facts:

• Thomas is the son of Lionel Keery and Alana King, and right in the middle of 7 children. His siblings are Daniel Keery (1969), Jessica Sotoson (1971), Michael Keery (1974), Alvin Keery (1978), Joanne Hill (1982), and Mary Roh (1982).
• He was born in the far southwest city of Tovre but the family moved several times throughout that general area before finally settling in the highly rancher town of Esero, Rikitonia.
• Thomas loved to go to friends' houses and would play for hours. He never spent the night anywhere but dinner parties were among his favorites. One thing that his family found interesting was that he preferred to stay up late and talk to the older generation rather than play games with the youth.
• His love for working with people emerged very early on and he could be found on the playground talking to the more different kids, making them feel special.
• He has always seen a particular image of his future family, including a multicultural family built by adoption.
• He was often found up late, way past bedtime, but efforts to get him to go to bed did not work. More often than not he could be found in his room reading a book. When his parents turned off the lights he would continue on reading, even in the total darkness. They found this quite odd but really thought nothing of it.
• He kept his visions to himself for the most part, assuming that everyone could see things with the crystal clarity that he did. He also thought that everyone could see in darkness and was always puzzled that his siblings were afraid of the dark.
• One day he ran into the living room and began talking about an event that was about to happen, but in a way that made it seem like they all knew about it. They looked at him in amazement and after the event happened they realized that there was no way he would have known that his sister Joanne had gotten out into the yard and was in danger. She was saved and her life fully spared, and his family all convinced that there was something more going on. They took this story to the local Aikada who met with them and called forth the mark of Osai, which shone as bright as ever. Thomas was just 9 years old and became somewhat of a celebrity in his small town.
• Almost immediately after his powerful gift was made known he went up north to meet with Dr. Sorela and Midnight Fastbird, the closest Osanokai to him at the time. They all had Osai Naori through Sorela blood and therefore shared a special bond. Thomas learned a lot at this special meeting and the reunions that would follow for years. He was inspired to use his compassionate side for good and from Midnight he chose his profession to be a caregiver.
• In high school he began working for a care facility and was exposed firsthand to the wonderful joys that come from international adoption. He would later also work at an adoption agency and decided to pursue that noble cause.
  
• He graduated from high school in 1994 with his lovely girlfriend, Patricia Reslan, at his side. He then moved to the city of Darkenshire where he studied nursing and continued to work at an adoption agency, eventually becoming a spokesman for the Landon Foundation, which he joined in 1995. His work, along with the work of his girlfriend and many others who were just as dedicated, helped to open up the small country of Jangen open up for international adoption.
• Thomas and Patricia were married in 1996 and spent two years living in Taigana acting as ambassadors for the Landon Foundation. However their efforts soon turned back to Jangen and moved there, working in the newly established adoption office from 1999 through 2001. He continued to work for the Landon Foundation until late 2005 when Osai led him away from that position and into the world of high risk nursing care.
• They had 3 of their 8 biological children while living in Jangen- Avery (1999), Jacob (2001), and Sheldon (2001). When Jangen opened its doors for international adoption in 2000 they adopted Brandon (1999) and Jeanette (2000). After they moved back to Darkenshire in 2001 they had the rest of their biological children- Samantha (2002), Ashley (2004), Jason (2005), Andrew (2007), and Mariela (2009). They further adopted 3 more children- Haven (2005)[adopted in 2006 from Taigana], Lizette (2002)[adopted in 2007 from Taigana], and Angela (1993)[adopted in 2008 from Jangen].
• Thomas is only 17 years older than Angela, who is by far the oldest but been with them the shortest. She lived her life in the drab confines of a crib and was very tiny and near death. With the love of Thomas and his family she has completely changed in just 3 years. He says she is one of the most precious souls he has ever gotten to care for.
• In 2005 Thomas retired from his position with the Landon Foundation to pursue a career as a caregiver in a mental hospital. He still works closely with the Landon Foundation and his wife remains there to this day.
• Since 2007 he has worked at Southridge Care Facility, a group home for the most advanced, forgotten, and ill people, destroyed and on their last years of life from rare terminal genetic illnesses of both mind and body. Thomas is in charge of 2 of the 20 patients and generally works every night and a couple of days a week.
• He has a special way with his patients and even if they do not seem to respond on the outside he still treats them as if they hear every word, giving them dignity and respect. He loves to read and often will read aloud to his patients. He also enjoys describing what is going on outside and sharing stories from his own youth. With the help of Osai he is able to know a lot of the things that are otherwise a mystery and is able to connect with them on a much deeper level.
• He is famous in the Osanokai world for not having the typical dark features like the furrowed brow and etched frown that the other men have. His eyes are slightly dark but not deep or shadowed and he is not an introvert at all. He has been affectionately dubbed the "Light Man of Osai."
• He is always there to get his children ready for the day each morning.
• He often takes Angela to work with him on his short day shifts and then spends the afternoon before everyone gets home from school being with her.

A Short Description

He enters the room where Rick spent his days and found him exactly as he had left him. He was propped up against some pillows, his body rigidly fixed with his knees drawn to his chest and his arms raised as if he were about to escape but had been turned to stone. He had been like this for a couple days now, ever since he received his evening meal that day. His eyes were tightly shut, in fact, Thomas had never seen his eyes. He did not utter a single word and was as silent as the bed itself.

As Thomas walked in, with his charming Rikitonian drawl that he had never lost, he smiled and said, "Good morning Rick! It's a beautiful day outside! I see lots of green leaves forming on the trees and the old winter getting swept away by spring! Oh and over there! There's some spring birds flying by!" He went on describing what he saw, the whole time with Rick's stiff hand in his. Thomas had a look of compassion that made his eyes almost sparkle, for it was so pure. He continued to tell stories and describe the surroundings as he changed Rick's clothes and bedding and then got him hooked up to the machine that would pump a special formula into his stomach, for Rick had quit eating and been unable to eat for years now.

The whole time, he did this gently and with respect. Even though Rick seemed to be completely oblivious to the outside world and Thomas often wondered what scraps of mentality were going on in his head, he knew for a fact that he was aware of a great more than he could ever possibly let on, and Thomas set out to give him the same dignity as anyone. When he was finished with all of those things he sat down with a book and began to read aloud from its pages until the feeding pump had finished and it was time to administer Rick's nightly medication so that he would sleep.

Thomas is well known at the care center. His bright face always had a smile and he was often nicknamed "Thomas Cheery." Even when Rick had a rare outburst of nonspecific violence and Thomas had to use his gift to predict what he would do and dodge his swinging arms he did so with all the patience and understanding in the world until he stopped and Thomas could carry on. He looked way younger than 35. His black hair was cut short and his bangs stood up from his forehead. His blue eyes were bright and he had a wide smile with a very wide gap between his front teeth- another thing that made him unique and easily recognizable. His voice was that of a loving father with an adorable Rikitonian drawl that further identified him. He looked like a college man who had been plucked from class and taken a few years ahead and placed in his line of work.

As he finished his night shift, a few hours later, he gave everyone a hug or a handshake, saying individual goodbyes before heading out to his car where he would be home in 10 minutes, right at 6:45 this day, just in time to see his children off for school.