Byrlai

Byrlai was a vain young noble lady who had no interest in military affairs despite being part of a clan that ran the Empire's prestigious military academy. Most of her clan were militarily inclined, but Byrlai preferred to spend her time flirting and socializing. She fancied herself a courtier, and her only wish was to be seen at the imperial court. She had little desire to participate in the rigorous routine of the academy. Byrlai's interests were aligned with the matters of the heart, not those of war and strategy. Her family's expectations of her weighed heavily, but Byrlai refused to be swayed. She would do everything possible to follow her dreams of becoming a courtier and an admired socialite.

The Flood changed everything for Byrlai's clan. The unexpected loss of life left her as the next in line to assume leadership. But for Byrlai, the prospect of leading was not as glamorous as the thought of marrying into a higher-ranking family. She viewed the role of clan leader as something that she was not prepared or interested in. Her ambitions lay in securing a good match, one that would increase her standing and prestige at the imperial court. Nonetheless, the title of clan leader was attractive to her. She thought it could be fun, a way to showcase her innate sense of style and sophistication. But it was only a passable plan B.