Lost at sea

The Beginning

It was very confusing how the Oretsev siblings worked. Lena was the youngest but she honestly didn't act or look the part. She looked mature, her facial features sharp and defined, her body practically taken from a book. Her dark hair soft and wavy. It complimented her lightly tanned face. Her face had a few scars from injuries, a couple beauty marks on her cheek, and very very faint freckles that showed. She didn't care to much of her appearance, she wouldn't wear makeup and most often she would wear the most ragged of clothes. Her roughspun was always ripped and dirtied , its color faded and worn. But when you looked at her she was still the most stunning in all of Ravka.

Her beauty was unchallenged and she was well known throughout Keramzin. Despite being orphaned she was prized and wanted by many fine suitors. But what made her most prized, was her eyes. They were almost pure white, as if made of snow. They were outlined in a cold blue, like the sea. They always looked sharp, alert. But her eyes always wore the same expression, distant and cold.

Despite her sharp, rugged looks, Lena was one of the kindest and most polite people anyone has met. She was caring and thoughtful, never put herself first. She wowed everyone with her charm and wit, it would be a hefty mistake to take her for granted. She loved academics, she would excel in everything she was taught. Though Lena was known for her kindness and charm, she was also known for her sarcasm, agility, and skill. She was an excellent swordsman and knew how to handle herself. After all she did take after her brother.

In Lena's eyes Mal was the perfect older brother. Growing up in the orphanage he took care of her, watched her, and stayed by her side. He was the kind of person who would drop anything for her. Except when it came to Alina Starkov. She was the moon and stars to him, she meant the world in his eyes. Lena loved Alina just as much as she envied her.

Lena envied Alina the day her brother fell in love with her. Alina was perfect for him and Lena hated it. Mal was lena's best friend and Alina stole him in one fell swoop. Eventually Alina had Mal all to herself and they left Lena and the orphanage without a single word.

Lena soon learned they went to serve in the first army. She was happy and proud of Mal but she did miss him dearly. He would write to her frequently but as the time passed Lena barely even heard from him.

Lena soon got over this whole thing and moved on. She moved to Os Alta and took up a job as a blacksmith. No one minded how young she was, she was great at her job and that was all that mattered to them. She earned her fair share and worked her way up. By the age of 12 Lena as fending for herself and was doing a rather good job at it. Although he was doing great she hated it there. She disliked how different it was from Keramzin. The people, the food, everything. She was scared and lonely. A small portion of Os Alta knew her well, they adored and loved her. Everyone thought she was stunning and wouldn't stop talking about it. Lena hated that the most.

She desired a place where she could live her own life. To be loved for her talent and not for her looks. To not be sought out by drunken men or stuck up worthless suitors. Every time this would happen to her, her thoughts would trail back to Mal. The way he protected her, the way he nurtured and loved her. Her life was lonely and sad without Mal, or anyone for that matter.

At the age of 13 Lena found out something life changing. She was a late bloomer. A grisha. A tidemaker.

But she wasn't any ordinary tidemaker. She was able to bend and move water from anything containing the smallest bits of it. Plants, air, people... she loved the thrill and surge of power in her every time she would use her gift. The way it would pulse through her body, they way it gave her an adrenaline rush. She tried to lay low and keep it a secret but eventually her efforts were in vain. The second army soon sought her out and made her join.