Kumari Adhikari
Overview
Kumari Adhikari is the younger sister of Akesha Adhikari, born three years after her. She suffers from Remanence, a dangerous affliction caused by ingesting pure Ether from The Well of Tears during a childhood accident. Now subject to visions and bouts of gentle madness, she remains interned within The Cloister at The Kadigir to ensure her condition does not worsen.
Early Life
Kumari was born into the opulence of a splendid troglodyte palazzo nestled in the heart of the aristocratic district of Kuth Kanat 1. Her parents, occupied with diplomatic duties, were rarely present. When Kumari was born, her older sister Kesh took it upon herself to watch over her, dedicating herself body and soul to the young child. Besides their stern governess—whom they enjoyed tricking—it was Kesh who became like a second mother to Kumari.
Childhood Adventures with Akesha
The isolation of their noble upbringing did not last forever for the sisters. Sometimes, they would sneak out of the palazzo and climb The Kadigir’s enclosure wall, exploring the magical gardens of the Yzmir Bastion. The two girls frequented the gardens, trying to dodge the Disciples and Initiates who walked its winding paths daily. Even though they were discovered several times and admonished accordingly, they gradually became the darlings of The Magisterium’s teaching staff. To the chagrin of their tutors, Akesha and Kumari were always ready for mischief, basking in the sun and fresh air rather than locking themselves in the dusty depths of their study halls.
At times, they also slipped into the dark underground of Kuth Kanat 1, exploring the labyrinthine network behind the luxurious residences. They could witness the choreography of cart drivers moving along delivery routes, and the strange procession of Axiom engineers and workers. Each outing was an expedition, every corner of their neighborhood a playground.
The Accident at the Well of Tears
During one of these escapades, the two girls stumbled upon a breach in the rock and entered, discovering a network of small streams and channels where water flowed upward instead of downward. They followed the carved chutes, their steps splashing their dresses and petticoats. Despite the darkness, a glow emanating from the rock transformed the walls into starry vaults. Unknowingly and unintentionally, they had entered The Well of Tears, the sacred sanctuary of the Yzmir.
Beneath the surface of the underground lake, luminescent shapes danced languidly. Kesh and Kumari observed these effluences for a long time, fascinated. Then Kumari stepped toward the edge of the water, reaching out to touch the spectral emanations. Her foot slipped on the slick rock, and she tumbled into the dark, iridescent waters.
Kesh rushed forward, grabbing her sister’s hand to pull her onto the ledge, but her own steps skidded on the mossy walls, and her strength was not enough. Kesh called for help, praying with all her might for someone to come to their rescue.
Rescue and Affliction
A presence appeared above them: a woman of great beauty, holding an immense sword in her left hand. The Eidolon effortlessly seized little Kumari, pulling her from the icy waters of the lake. But Kumari was not completely saved. She had ingested water, absorbing large amounts of pure Ether.
She was taken to The Cloister for treatment, but neither Baku nor Caladrius could fully restore her mental health. Now subject to visions and bouts of gentle madness, she remained within The Kadigir to ensure her condition did not worsen. The Remanence she developed became a constant burden, causing her distress and limiting her freedom.
Relationship with Akesha
Akesha Adhikari felt terribly guilty about the accident, and this regret upheaved her entire existence. As soon as she could, Kesh joined the ranks of the Yzmir Disciples and fervently dedicated herself to the study of esoteric arts, driven by her need to find a remedy for her sister.
Throughout the years, Akesha would visit Kumari during her rare periods of idleness, maintaining their close bond despite the tragedy that had separated them. Kumari remained at The Cloister, subject to Remanence episodes and the gentle madness that came with her condition.
Supporting Akesha’s Journey
Despite her affliction, Kumari maintained remarkable clarity and compassion during her lucid moments. When Akesha broached the possibility of joining the Rediscovery Endeavor to search for a cure beyond Asgartha’s borders, Kumari gave her a smile full of compassion, encouraging her to apply. Though Kesh initially refused, unable to imagine abandoning her sister, Kumari persisted.
Kumari shook her head when Akesha blamed herself. She insisted that Akesha was not guilty at all—that it was thanks to her that she held onto life. She could see how dedicated Akesha was in trying to cure her ailment. But it was time for her to look beyond their situation. There were many Yzmir Initiates suffering from the same affliction. If there was a way to save them by exploring the Terra Incognita, it was something Akesha had to do.
Suppressing a crisis, Kumari took Kesh in her arms, repeating many times that she trusted her. That if anyone could find a cure, it was her. On her part, she would hold on until Akesha returned with a solution. She stayed with her sister for long moments, trying as much as possible to put on a brave face despite her fatigue and Remanence episodes.
The Promise
Before Kesh left, Kumari asked her to make a promise. For years, Akesha had not allowed herself to live because of her sister. She had become her prison, and that was something Kumari did not want. In between her ramblings, when her mind was clear enough, she urged Akesha to live fully, not to lock herself away with her, to find her true place in the world.
Kumari wanted to explore the world, and Kesh was her means of doing so. When Akesha returned, she could tell her everything she had seen beyond the borders. Thanks to her, Kumari could then leave her cell for a daydream’s length. It was the best way for her to break the bars of her prison. In return, Kesh swore that she would find a way to cure her: a remedy, an ointment, a panacea.
Correspondence from Storvhit
March 26, 393 AC - Letter from Akesha
Kumari received letter at The Cloister (room 65) from Akesha Adhikari dated March 26, 393 AC, sent from Storvhit during expedition ascent toward Cais Adarra. Letter described harsh conditions of climb, expedition progress through taiga and tundra, and Akesha Adhikari’s collaboration with Saskia Averina who might help find cure for Remanence. Akesha Adhikari expressed constant thoughts of Kumari and cherished memories of garden walks at Arkaster. Letter represented final correspondence before resupply team departed and The Ouroboros retreated ahead of approaching Tumult hurricane.
Current Status
Kumari remains interned at The Cloister within The Kadigir, subject to visions, bouts of gentle madness, and Remanence episodes. Despite her affliction, she maintains hope that her sister will find a cure, both for herself and for the many other Yzmir Initiates suffering from the same condition. She waits, holding on to life and maintaining her bond with Akesha through the promise they made to each other.