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Rosethorn is a very good gardener and skilled green mage. She has even managed to grow tomatoes at Winding Circle, although noone else has managed this so far; not even [[Crane]] in his greenhouse.<ref>''Sandry's Book'', Cp. 4 (p. 70; Scholastic paperback)</ref> She has also been the most successful of all the gardeners around the [[Pebbled Sea]] at growing new plants from the far side of the [[Endless Ocean]] like beans, corn and clover plants<ref>''Street Magic'', Cp. 6 (p. 111; Scholastic paperback)</ref>. Her green magic gives her very strong ties to different plants, thus also relaying the plant's hurts to her. But even though this causes Rosethorn pain she can't simply stand by when green life is destroyed. For that reason she tried to save as much trees as possible from the [[forest Fire of 1035|forest fire]] in [[Gold Ridge]]. She had already done a similar task the preceding summer, when [[pirate attack of 1035|pirates]] had attacked Winding Circle and the plants she and Briar had grown in the cove to protect the temple had been attacked. Rosethorn not only suffers with plants but also when there are no plants around her. Briar first noticed this when both were quarantined in [[Urda's House]] and no plants were around. He described his teacher as "wilting" at that occassion.
  
Rosethorn is a very good gardener and skilled green mage. She has even managed to grow tomatoes at Winding Circle, although noone else has managed this so far; not even [[Crane]] in his greenhouse.<ref>''Sandry's Book'', Cp. 4 (p. 70; Scholastic paperback)</ref> She has also been the most successful of all the gardeners around the [[Pebbled Sea]] at growing new plants from the far side of the [[Endless Ocean]] like beans, corn and clover plants<ref>''Street Magic'', Cp. 6 (p. 111; Scholastic paperback)</ref>. Her green magic gives her very strong ties to different plants, thus also relaying the plant's hurts to her. But even though this causes Rosethorn pain she can't simply stand by when green life is destroyed. For that reason she tried to save as much trees as possible from the [[forest Fire of 1035|forest fire]] in [[Gold Ridge]]. She had already done a similar task the preceding summer, when [[pirate attack of 1035|pirates]] had attacked Winding Circle and the plants she and Briar had grown in the cove to protect the temple had been attacked. Rosethorn not only suffers with plants but also when there are no plants around her. Briar first noticed this when both were quarantined in [[Urda's House]] and no plants were around. He described his teacher as "wilting" at that occassion.
   
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She not only grows plants but is also accomplished as a herbalist, making her own blends of tea as well as medecines. Those she delivers regularly to Urda's House, but also supplies Winding Circle with it. In addition to that Rosethorn is also an expert at finding cures to new illnesses and often collaborates with Dedicate Crane for this.<ref name=bb34 />
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She not only grows plants but is also accomplished as a herbalist, making her own blends of tea as well as medecines. Those she delivers regularly to Urda's House, but also supplies Winding Circle with it. In addition to that Rosethorn is also an expert at finding cures to new illnesses and often collaborates with Dedicate Crane for this.<ref name=bb34 /> Even when she didn't know a disease's cure at once she had been known to fend it off by pure will.<ref>''Briar's Book'', Cp. 3 (p. 50; Scholastic paperback)</ref>
   
 
==Relationships==
  
==Relationships==

Revision as of 19:03, 7 April 2010

Briar: "She's not so bad, is she? I mean, she's not sweet, like Lark, but she has her good side."
Tris: "You must be the only person in all Winding Circle who would say that."
— Briar and Tris refering to Rosethorn[src]

Rosethorn (born Niva, surname unknown) was a dedicate in Winding Circle temple and an ambient green mage. As a mage she belonged to the great mages; as a temple dedicate she worshiped Mila of the Grain[2]. She was the primary teacher, and later traveling companion, of Briar Moss, as well as secondary caretaker to him and his foster-sisters, Daja Kisubo, Trisana Chandler and Sandrilene fa Toren. Rosethorn was bisexual and polyamorous; she had a committed, long-term relationship with Lark and a more causal sexual relationship with Crane, her occasional colleague.[3]

Biography

Early life

Rosethorn, then under the name of Niva, was born on 21st/22nd of Hearth Moon in 1002 KF[1]. She was born and raised in a family of farmers in northern Anderran. The village was attacked by bandits once, who amongst others wanted to get at Rosethorn for her green magic. Her father and brothers fought them off. Her effect on the crops benefitted her family financially, making him the richest farmer in the district, and Rosethorn has said that her father loved the money she brought in as much, if not even more so, than he loved his daughter herself.[4] On her father's farm she learned not only grow crops but also about birds. She began nursing nestlings when she was in her early teens.[5]

At some time during her life she visited Lightsbridge and studied at the university. Presumably this was before she became a dedicate. At the university Rosethorn first met Crane.

It is not known how Rosethorn became a novice or came to Winding Circle, but during her novitiate she worked closely and competitively with Crane. There is frequent speculation about the nature of their relationship at this point, although canon does not indicate that they were romantically involved before or during their sexual relationship. It's also not known when she met Lark, or how their relationship progressed prior to canon.

Caretaker of Discipline

By 1035 KF Rosethorn has progressed to being accounted as a great mage and member of the Winding Circle Initiate Council, which takes part in the decision-making process for the temple and also supervises the abidance by the laws governing mages accredited by Winding Circle or Lightsbridge. By that time she has also become the second caretaker of Discipline cottage along with Lark and both have gained a reputation of taking young mages in. In the middle of Goose Moon of that year Sandrilene fa Toren—an orphaned Emelanese noble—, Trisana Chandler—a Capchenite merchant's daughter—, Daja Kisubo—an outcast Trader— and Briar Moss—a boy from the streets of Hajra—came to Discipline. Rosethorn immediately realizes Briar's green magic by the reactions of her plants to his arrival. Thus she takes him on as her student.

At some time prior to 1036 KF Rosethorn had written the quarantine instructions for Summersea.[6] In spring of 1036 KF Rosethorn and Briar discover the first victim of a new plague, the blue pox. After the quarantine is lifted Rosethorn works intensively with Crane to discover the cure. However, she contracts the disease and her health degenerates quickly. Thus even the administration of the cure can't save her anymore, because the fever has already taken its toll from her. Rosethorn only survives through Briar and his three housemates, who refuse to let her die and save her magically by following Rosethorn to the afterlife and bringing her back. But although she survives the preceding seizure has left her with some damage for her brain activity stopped for some time. She regains her speech after some time, although it isn't as clear as before.

Travels

In 1039 KF Rosethorn and Briar leave Winding Circle for traveling and giving Briar a change to learn how foreign gardeners and mages handle things. In autumn that year they stop at Chammur, where they are joined by Evumeimei Dingzai, Briar's first student. There Rosethorn helps the local farmes, who have great difficulties because of bad crops. The land had been cultivated for too many years and is tired. Thus Rosethorn grows special seeds for them, putting her magic in them and giving the locals a good storage. While staying in Chammur Rosethorn also has quite a stern talk with the local stone mage Jebilu Stoneslicer, who initially refuses to take Evvy on as his student, although this would be his responsibility. After Rosethorn reminds him of his duty and of the laws laid down by Lightsbridge and the Winding Circle Initiate Council Stoneslicer accepts his duty and it is Evvy who refuses to be taught by him.

After staying for some weeks in Chammur they continued their travels. They also visited Yanjing and Gyongxe, where they were caught in a war-zone when the Emperor of Yanjing occupied Gyongxe. Upon their return to Summersea in 1041 KF, Rosethorn did not show the same signs of post-traumatic stress disorder that Briar did. By then Rosethorn had to share Discipline with Lark, her new student Comas and Evvy. When Tris returns the following year she brings them another charge, the young Glakisa Irakory.

At some time in 1042 KF Rosethorn is called away from Winding Circle to investigate the plant-dying in the Battle Islands. She takes Evvy with her because the girl has caused some trouble at Winding Circle.

Physical description

Rosethorn has large, dark brown eyes[7] with delicate eyebrows[8] and auburn hair which she wears cropped manishly short and parted to one side. Rosethorn has a creamy complexion.[9] She is described as being a handspan taller than Briar, who is at that time five feet tall, and only an inch taller than Daja was at the age of ten[10]. She was shorter than Lark, however.[11] Rosethorn is broad shouldered, has long legs and a broad, firm jaw.[12] According to Briar she has a beautifully carved mouth[9]. She normally works barefoot and usually wears the dark green robe of an Earth dedicate.[2] In Mead Moon of 1035 KF Briar once noticed Rosethorns scent, which he described as a funny mixture of pine, dark soil and hints of aloe and basil. He also added that he felt as save with Rosethorn at his back as in the arms of the Living Circle goddess Mila of the Grain.[13]

Personality and traits

Rosethorn has a quite gruff character, which can be especially intimidating on children. Thus children normally see her with respect, if not even fear, when first meeting the dedicate. She encourages this attitude by threatening new charges with hanging them in the well, when they cause mayhem in her workshop or disturb her garden. Her sharp temper and her even sharper tongue don't help much, either.[14] However, she also has soft spots. Thus she often cares for nestlings when she finds them in her garden or other bring them to her. Rosethorn especially has a soft spot for starlings.[15] Even Briar is intimidated by her, when he first meets Rosethorn, but he begins to like her quickly. She mangages to surprise him when they are in Chammur and she anticipates the problems caused by Evvy's refusal of being taught by the local stone mage. He had fully expected to have to argue with his teacher because Evvy and her ten cats were to stay with them, but Rosethorn had already made all necessary arrangements, when they came home.

She "took her vows to serve the poor seriously"[16], although she hid her amiable character under a harsh and cranky mask and claimed not to like children. When at Winding Circle Rosethorn regularly brought medecines to Urda's House. She also showed her humanitarian side when caring for sick people in Urda's House, which was shown in the course of the blue pox epidemic. When tending for the sick her normally sharp voice became approriately gentle[17], even though she "disliked nursing above all things"[6]. Rosethorn especially dislikes people who "think they know more about [her] life, and their illness, than [she] do[es]."[18] She also helped people when travelling with Briar. Thus she aided the farmers around Chammur with their crops and later answered the Starns' residents' call for help when their plants were dying from reasons unknown to them.

Skills and abilities

Rosethorn is a very good gardener and skilled green mage. She has even managed to grow tomatoes at Winding Circle, although noone else has managed this so far; not even Crane in his greenhouse.[19] She has also been the most successful of all the gardeners around the Pebbled Sea at growing new plants from the far side of the Endless Ocean like beans, corn and clover plants[20]. Her green magic gives her very strong ties to different plants, thus also relaying the plant's hurts to her. But even though this causes Rosethorn pain she can't simply stand by when green life is destroyed. For that reason she tried to save as much trees as possible from the forest fire in Gold Ridge. She had already done a similar task the preceding summer, when pirates had attacked Winding Circle and the plants she and Briar had grown in the cove to protect the temple had been attacked. Rosethorn not only suffers with plants but also when there are no plants around her. Briar first noticed this when both were quarantined in Urda's House and no plants were around. He described his teacher as "wilting" at that occassion.

She not only grows plants but is also accomplished as a herbalist, making her own blends of tea as well as medecines. Those she delivers regularly to Urda's House, but also supplies Winding Circle with it. In addition to that Rosethorn is also an expert at finding cures to new illnesses and often collaborates with Dedicate Crane for this.[6] Even when she didn't know a disease's cure at once she had been known to fend it off by pure will.[21]

Relationships

"Somehow the boy had always known his teacher was uncomfortable with others. She seemed to like him well enough; she adored Lark, and enjoyed the company of Niko, Frostpine, and the duke. He even suspected she'd come to like the girls, but when it came to outsiders, she hid her softer nature and showed only thorns."
—Briar contemplating his teacher's relations.[src]

Dedicate Lark

Main article: Lark

Lark runs Discipline cottage together with Rosethorn. Both women have an intimate bond and help each other. Lark sometimes softens Rosethorn's temper and Rosethorn even accepts Lark's help when she does from nobody else. They even share a committed, long-term sexual relationship[3].

Dedicate Crane

Main article: Crane

Crane is a Air Dedicate at Winding Circle and has a greenhouse there. He grows plants out of season, which deeply goes against Rosethorns principles and is a regular point of argument between both of them. However, they can also work together, if need be. Thus they are a good team at finding the cure the new illnesses. They even foster a casual sexual relationship, but mostly it was in the past and around the time Briar and his foster sisters live at Discipline their relationship has died down to a point where it only exists in times when they work together. It's one of those things happening "when you're working closely with someone in an intense situation".[3]

Briar Moss

Main article: Briar Moss

Briar is Rosethorn's student. As such they develop a friendly bond. While first threatening him to hang him in her well, she later begins to trust him more and more. When they're in Chammur together Briar tells her about his nighmares and fears and Rosethorn gives him advice on the topic.

Appearances

Notes and references

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Daja's Book, Cp. 2 (p. 37; Scholastic paperback)
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Sandry's Book, Cp. 4 (p. 68; Scholastic paperback)
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Sheroes-Central; "TP, I heard that in your new book that you have a gay c..."; January 2004
  4. ↑ Tris's Book, Cp. 7 (p. 111; Scholastic paperback)
  5. ↑ Tris's Book, Cp. 4 (p. 50; Scholastic paperback)
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Briar's Book, Cp. 2 (p. 34; Scholastic paperback)
  7. ↑ Sandry's Book, Cp. 4 (p. 67; Scholastic paperback)
  8. ↑ Tris's Book, Cp. 4 (p. 47; Scholastic paperback)
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Briar's Book, Cp. 1 (p. 5; Scholastic paperback)
  10. ↑ Daja's Book, Cp. 2 (p. 28; Scholastic paperback)
  11. ↑ Daja's Book, Cp. 12 (p. 209; Scholastic paperback)
  12. ↑ Sandry's Book, Cp. 4 (p. 69; Scholastic paperback)
  13. ↑ Tris's Book, Cp. 9 (p. 151; Scholastic paperback)
  14. ↑ Tris's Book, Cp. 4 (p. 49; Scholastic paperback)
  15. ↑ Tris's Book, Cp. 4 (p. 51; Scholastic paperback)
  16. ↑ Briar's Book, Cp. 1 (p. 4; Scholastic paperback)
  17. ↑ Briar's Book, Cp. 1 (p. 17; Scholastic paperback)
  18. ↑ Briar's Book, Cp. 3 (p. 47/48; Scholastic paperback)
  19. ↑ Sandry's Book, Cp. 4 (p. 70; Scholastic paperback)
  20. ↑ Street Magic, Cp. 6 (p. 111; Scholastic paperback)
  21. ↑ Briar's Book, Cp. 3 (p. 50; Scholastic paperback)

See also

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