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{{Royalnoble
{{stub}}
 
{{character
 
 
| image=
 
| image=
| name=Saraiyu Balitang
+
| name=Lady Saraiyu Hetnim
 
| universe=[[Tortallan Universe]]
| bgcolor=maroon
 
| fgcolor=gold
+
| hideb=
| bgcolor2=#FF8080
 
| universe=Tortallan
 
| hideb=Biographical information
 
 
| nickname=Sarai
 
| nickname=Sarai
 
| aliases=
 
| aliases=
| birth=446 [[HE]]
+
| birth=446 [[Human Era|HE]]
 
| death=
 
| death=
| race= Half ''[[Raka]]'', Half ''[[Luarin]]''
+
| race= Half [[Raka]]<br>Half [[Luarin]]
| nationality=[[Copper Isles|Copper Islander]] (until partway through ''[[Trickster's Queen]]''), [[Carthak|Carthaki]]
+
| nationality=[[Carthak|Carthaki]] {{comment|naturalized}}<br>[[Copper Isles|Copper Islander]] {{comment|former}}
 
| title=
 
| title=
| hidep=Physical description
+
| hidep=
 
| gender=Female
 
| gender=Female
 
| weight=
 
| weight=
| height=
+
| height=5' 7"
| hair=
+
| hair=Black
 
| eyes=Brown
 
| eyes=Brown
 
| gift=
 
| gift=
| hidef=Family information
+
| hidef=
| ancestors=
+
| ancestors=Rittevons<br>Haiming Dynasty
 
| grandparents=
 
| grandparents=
| parents=[[Mequen Balitang]] <font size=1>(father)</font>, [[Sarugani Temaida|Sarugani Balitang]] <font size=1>(mother, deceased)</font>, [[Winnamine Balitang]] <font size=1>(adoptive mother)</font>
+
| parents=[[Mequen Balitang]] {{comment|father, deceased}}<br>[[Sarugani Temaida|Sarugani Balitang]] {{comment|mother, deceased}}<br>[[Winnamine Balitang]] {{comment|stepmother}}
 
| wife=
 
| wife=
| siblings=[[Dovasary Balitang]] <font size=1>(sister)</font>, [[Petranne Balitang]] <font size=1>(half-sister)</font>, [[Elsren Balitang]] <font size=1>(half-brother)</font>
+
| siblings=[[Dovasary Balitang]] {{comment|sister}}<br>[[Petranne Balitang]] {{comment|half-sister}}<br>[[Elsren Balitang]] {{comment|half-brother, deceased}}
 
| husband=[[Zaimid Hetnim]]
 
| husband=[[Zaimid Hetnim]]
  +
| lover=[[Bronau Jimajen]] {{comment|former}}
| lover=
 
 
| children=[[Mequen Hetnim]]
 
| children=[[Mequen Hetnim]]
 
| descendants=
 
| descendants=
 
| other=[[Nuritin Balitang]] {{comment|great-aunt}}
 
| other=[[Nuritin Balitang]] {{comment|great-aunt}}
| hidea=Affiliation
+
| hidea=
| rank=Lady
+
| rank=Nobility
 
| position=
 
| position=
 
| occupation=
 
| occupation=
 
| affiliation=[[Copper Isles]]
 
| affiliation=[[Copper Isles]]
 
| mentioned=
 
| mentioned=
| appeared=[[Trickster's Choice]]
+
| appeared=
  +
| latest=
}}
 
  +
|house = [[Balitang family]]|firstappeared = [[Trickster's Choice]]|latestappeared = [[Trickster's Queen]]}}
'''Saraiyu Temaida Balitang''', also known as '''Sarai''' and later '''Saraiyu Hetnim''', is the daughter of [[Sarugani Temaida]] and [[Mequen Balitang]], and sister to [[Dovasary Balitang]]. She is considered by the ''[[raka]]'' as the fated queen who will restore order to the [[Copper Isles]], but Sarai falls in love with the [[Carthak|Carthaki]] student [[Zaimid Hetnim]] and elopes. She has a son who is also called [[Mequen Hetnim|Mequen]], after her father.
 
  +
'''Saraiyu "Sarai" Hetnim '''''([[Pronunciation|pronounced]] SAHR-eye HEHT-nihm)'', born '''Saraiyu Temaida Balitang '''''(pronounced SAHR-eye-yoo tehm-EYE-dah BAHL-ee-tahng)'', is the daughter of the late [[Mequen Balitang]], a [[Rittevon family|Rittevon]] duke, and the late [[Sarugani Temaida]], a descendent of the ancient [[Haiming Dynasty|Haiming]] ruling family. She is sister to [[Dovasary Balitang]], and half-sister to [[Petranne Balitang|Petranne]] and the late [[Elsren Balitang|Elsren Balitang]]. Until her elopement to [[Zaimid Hetnim]], a [[Carthak|Carthaki]] nobleman, Sarai was considered to be the queen mentioned in the [[Kyprish Prophecy]] and was a beacon of hope for the [[raka]] who suffered under [[luarin]] rule.
   
  +
As of 464 [[Human Era|HE]], Sarai is the sister of the Queen of the [[Copper Isles]] and the mother of [[Mequen Hetnim]]. As Petranne is not a descendant of the Haiming Dynasty, Sarai is her sister's heiress presumptive.<ref>Said by Tamora Pierce on multiple forums, confirming that Petranne is ineligible for the throne.</ref><ref>Heir presumptive, differing from heir apparent, means that the current ruler or aristocrat has no apparent heir, usually meaning no child. This varies, however, and Sarai would not be considered heiress apparent until her sister names her as such whereas a child would have a clear claim.</ref>
==Personal History==
 
===Early Life===
 
Sarai's mother, [[Sarugani Temaida]], died when she was nine years old in a riding accident. However, Sarai is like her mother and enjoys riding. She is a good horsewoman.
 
   
  +
==Biography==
===''Trickster's Choice''===
 
 
===Early life===
Sarai, her sister Dove, the rest of the Balitang family and a few household servants are exiled by King [[Oron Rittevon]] to another island that was part of their estates. [[Alianne of Pirate's Swoop]] goes with them as a slave, and was chosen to go with them because [[Mequen Balitang]] and [[Winnamine Balitang]] believe her to be [[Mithros]]'s vassal. Eventually, Prince [[Bronau Jimajen]] comes to court Sarai, and they fall in love. After many other events, Bronau leaves, promising to come back soon. He sends gifts to them, but the best - gems and jewels, go to Sarai. After the subsequent deaths of [[Oron Rittevon]] and his son from his first marriage, [[Hazarin Rittevon]], [[Dunevon Rittevon]] is crowned king, a boy of only three. Bronau attempts to kidnap [[Dunevon]], but fails to and escapes to the Balitangs. The Balitangs have already heard the news from Aly, and when Bronau arrives, are a bit wary. A few nights after his arrival, he attacks their castle to force Mequen to crown himself king, then pass the crown to Sarai, who would be married to Bronau. Many people there are killed or wounded. Some of the ones killed were [[Mequen Balitang]] by Bronau, and Bronau by Dove and Sarai. Even though Sarai liked Bronau, she never would forgive him for his heartless acts and the killing of her father.
 
  +
Sarai was born as the eldest child of Mequen Balitang, a [[Rittevon family|Rittevon]] duke. As such, she was chosen as the queen candidate for the [[raka conspiracy]] from her birth to Duchesss Sarugani. She was raised close with her mother and father, and was four when her younger sister Dove was born.
   
  +
When Sarai was only nine years old, her mother died in a riding accident by attempting a jump much too difficult. This hurt Sarai deeply, as she was very attached to her mother, and like her in many ways. Dove, who was only five, barely remembered Sarugani. Sarai was angry when her father chose to remarry, believing him to have replaced Sarugani. As a very excitable young woman and child, this was difficult. [[Winnamine Balitang|Winnamine]] had two other children with Mequen, Petranne and Elsren, and although Sarai's relationship with her youngest siblings was caring, she was still bitter toward Winnamine. Sarai, who had taken swordfighting lessons for a long time, was forced to end them because of Winna, as the duchess said it was not fitting for a lady to do so. Sarai was livid, and this unfortunately did not better her relationship with her stepmother.
===''Trickster's Queen''===
 
   
  +
Even though she was half-raka, Sarai was still a member of the Balitang family, and thus a member of an immensely powerful noble house. This allowed her to move in through the more racist social circles that would have scorned her if she had not been so well connected. Since she was also exceedingly beautiful, she acquired a lot of male suitors who were usually young noblemen. Many of these young men, while they had more openminded views about flirting with a raka noblewoman who was well connected, did not have the same views of their parents. [[Ferdolin Tomang|Ferdy Tomang]] was one of these cases, and flirted relentlessly with Sarai. His mother, [[Genore Tomang|Countess Tomang]] did not approve and did everything but send Ferdy to gather sunset butterflies to separate him and Sarai.
==Physical appearance==
 
  +
Descibed as having golden brown skin and black curly hair. Full lips, brown eyes with a curvy figure.
 
  +
===Exile to Tanair===
 
Sarai, her sister Dove, the rest of the [[Balitang family]] and a few household servants were exiled by [[Oron Rittevon|King Oron]] to [[Tanair]], lands that were part of Sarugani's dowry on [[Lombyn Island]]. [[Alianne Crow|Alianne of Pirate's Swoop]] went with them as a slave, and was chosen to go with them because Mequen Balitang and [[Winnamine Balitang]] believed her to be [[Mithros]]'s vassal. Eventually, Prince [[Bronau Jimajen]] came to court Sarai, and they fell in love. After many other events, Bronau left, promising to come back soon. He sent gifts to them, but the best - gems and jewels, went to Sarai. After the subsequent deaths of Oron Rittevon and his son from his first marriage, [[Hazarin Rittevon]], [[Dunevon Rittevon]] was crowned king, a boy of only three. Bronau attempted to kidnap Dunevon, but failed to and escaped to the Balitangs. The Balitangs had already heard the news from Aly, and when Bronau arrived, were a bit wary. A few nights after his arrival, he attacked their castle to force Mequen to crown himself king, then pass the crown to Sarai, who would be married to Bronau. Many people there were killed or wounded. Some of the ones killed were Mequen Balitang by Bronau, and Bronau by Dove and Sarai. Even though Sarai liked Bronau, she never would forgive him for his heartless acts and the killing of her father.
  +
  +
===Return to Rajmuat===
  +
After Bronau's death and the Balitang's return to the Crown's favor, the family remained for the winter in Tanair to have time to mourn their dead father and husband. In spring they returned to [[Rajmuat]]. Sarai, who had already been popular with the young noblemen and -women soon resumed her state. Among her suitors were [[Jevair Ibadun]], [[Ferdolin Tomang]] and [[Druce Adona]]. She often went riding with them and her other noble friends and also developed a friendship to the Carthaki student Zaimid Hetnim. Sarai was revulted by the way the regents treated the raka and when finally she decided that she couldn't bear the situation in the Isles any longer, she eloped with Zaimid.
  +
  +
They settled in Carthak, where they married and Sarai had her first child which, if it was a boy, she wanted to call Mequen.
  +
 
==Physical description==
  +
Sarai is described as having golden brown skin, lighter than a raka due to her mixed half-raka blood, and long luscious black hair worn in curls or pinned up on her head in various fashions depending on the occasion. She has delicate features with full, sensual lips, a barely hooked nose, perfectly arched eyebrows, high cheekbones and the brown eyes of a raka. She is a very sought-after girl because of her curvy, womanly figure. Saraiyu is an exceedingly beautiful, and exotic woman, her looks have charmed many admirers and captures the interest of Prince Bronau among others, it is her beauty as well as her personality and charisma that allows her to gain the intense devotion and almost, worship of the raka people for their Chosen Queen.
   
 
==Personality and traits==
 
==Personality and traits==
  +
Sarai was described as being very headstrong and stubborn. She usually spoke her mind and wasn't as calm as her sister. She was also a bit of an idealist, and did not understand the world and how little she would be able to do against the treatment of her people. She also lacked subtlety, and Aly feared that her headstrong blowups would reveal their position to the Crown's spies. She lacked tact, and governmental knowledge. One could also say that she was selfish, in that she ran away with Zaimid Hetnim in order to avoid a marriage with Dunevon Jimajen. Either she did not know the potential consequences of her actions on her family—which would suggest a lack of political knowledge, or she did not care, or did not think about it. In her actions, she left Aly to face the wrath of a god, her family to face the wrath of a couple of crazed rulers, and her people without a queen.
Very headstrong and stubborn. Usually speaks her mind, not as calm as her sister.
 
   
  +
Besides her negative traits, Sarai is a caring person. She loves her family with all her heart, and is quick to protect them. She also loves her people, and cannot stand to see them whipped or in pain. This could also be one reason that Sarai left; she did not want to be tied to a man who would do these things to his people, and she did not want to be around anymore suffering.
==Family relationships==
 
  +
  +
==Skills and abilities==
  +
Sarai is an exceptional horsewoman, like her mother Sarugani. She also was heading to proficiency with the sword, as she had taken up lessons again on Tanair after she managed to kill a potential assassin. [[Lokeij]] described her to be like [[Gunapi the Sunrose]], a raka goddess.
  +
  +
==Relationships==
  +
===Family===
 
{{Balitang family}}
 
{{Balitang family}}
Eldest daughter to [[Mequen Balitang]] and [[Sarugani Temaida]]. Sister of [[Dovasary Balitang]]. Step-daughter of [[Winnamine Balitang]]. Half Sister to [[Petranne Balitang]] and [[Elsren Balitang]]. Grandniece of [[Nuritin Balitang]]. Eventually marries [[Zaimid Hetnim]]. Mother of Mequen (the Second).
+
She was the oldest daughter of Mequen Balitang and Sarugani Temaida. Dovasary Balitang was her younger sister and Petranne Balitang her half-sister. Petranne's mother, Winnamine Balitang, married Mequen after Sarugani's death, making her Sarai's stepmother. Elsren is Sarai's half-brother. Sarai is the grandniece of [[Nuritin Balitang]] and eventually marries Zaimid Hetnim with whom she had a son, Mequen Hetnim.
   
==Romantic relationships==
+
===Romantic relationships===
  +
Sarai was involved with Bronau Jimajen during her family's exile on Tanair. Bronau even proposed to her, although it later became clear, that Bronau only wanted to marry her because it would bring him nearer to the throne of the Copper Isles.
Was involved with [[Bronau Jimajen]] during [[Trickster's Choice]].
 
  +
  +
After Bronau's death and the family's return to Rajmuat Sarai had several suitors and eventually eloped with Zaimid Hetnim.
  +
  +
==Appearances==
  +
Sarai appears in both ''[[Trickster's Choice]]'' and ''[[Trickster's Queen]]''.
  +
  +
==Notes and References==
  +
<references />
   
 
==See also==
 
==See also==
 
{{Nav-SeriesDaughter}}
 
{{Nav-SeriesDaughter}}
  +
[[Category:Characters of the 5th century HE|Balitang, Saraiyu ]]
 
[[Category:Nobility of the Tortallan Universe|Balitang, Saraiyu ]]
+
{{DEFAULTSORT:Balitang, Saraiyu}}
[[Category:Stubs|Balitang, Saraiyu ]]
+
[[Category:Characters in Trickster's Choice]]
[[Category:Females of the Tortallan Universe|Balitang, Saraiyu]]
+
[[Category:Characters in Trickster's Queen]]
[[Category:Characters from the Copper Isles|Balitang, Saraiyu]]
+
[[Category:Characters of the 5th century HE]]
[[Category:Carthaki citizens|Balitang, Saraiyu]]
+
[[Category:Females of the Tortallan Universe]]
[[Category:Characters in Trickster's Choice|Balitang, Saraiyu]]
+
[[Category:Nobility of the Tortallan Universe]]
[[Category:Characters in Trickster's Queen|Balitang, Saraiyu]]
+
[[Category:Characters from the Copper Isles]]
  +
[[Category:Citizens of the Copper Isles]]
  +
[[Category:Copper Isles Nobility]]
  +
[[Category:Luarin nobility]]
  +
[[Category:Carthaki citizens]]
  +
[[Category:Protagonists]]

Revision as of 01:04, 8 December 2019

Saraiyu "Sarai" Hetnim (pronounced SAHR-eye HEHT-nihm), born Saraiyu Temaida Balitang (pronounced SAHR-eye-yoo tehm-EYE-dah BAHL-ee-tahng), is the daughter of the late Mequen Balitang, a Rittevon duke, and the late Sarugani Temaida, a descendent of the ancient Haiming ruling family. She is sister to Dovasary Balitang, and half-sister to Petranne and the late Elsren Balitang. Until her elopement to Zaimid Hetnim, a Carthaki nobleman, Sarai was considered to be the queen mentioned in the Kyprish Prophecy and was a beacon of hope for the raka who suffered under luarin rule.

As of 464 HE, Sarai is the sister of the Queen of the Copper Isles and the mother of Mequen Hetnim. As Petranne is not a descendant of the Haiming Dynasty, Sarai is her sister's heiress presumptive.[1][2]

Biography

Early life

Sarai was born as the eldest child of Mequen Balitang, a Rittevon duke. As such, she was chosen as the queen candidate for the raka conspiracy from her birth to Duchesss Sarugani. She was raised close with her mother and father, and was four when her younger sister Dove was born.

When Sarai was only nine years old, her mother died in a riding accident by attempting a jump much too difficult. This hurt Sarai deeply, as she was very attached to her mother, and like her in many ways. Dove, who was only five, barely remembered Sarugani. Sarai was angry when her father chose to remarry, believing him to have replaced Sarugani. As a very excitable young woman and child, this was difficult. Winnamine had two other children with Mequen, Petranne and Elsren, and although Sarai's relationship with her youngest siblings was caring, she was still bitter toward Winnamine. Sarai, who had taken swordfighting lessons for a long time, was forced to end them because of Winna, as the duchess said it was not fitting for a lady to do so. Sarai was livid, and this unfortunately did not better her relationship with her stepmother.

Even though she was half-raka, Sarai was still a member of the Balitang family, and thus a member of an immensely powerful noble house. This allowed her to move in through the more racist social circles that would have scorned her if she had not been so well connected. Since she was also exceedingly beautiful, she acquired a lot of male suitors who were usually young noblemen. Many of these young men, while they had more openminded views about flirting with a raka noblewoman who was well connected, did not have the same views of their parents. Ferdy Tomang was one of these cases, and flirted relentlessly with Sarai. His mother, Countess Tomang did not approve and did everything but send Ferdy to gather sunset butterflies to separate him and Sarai.

Exile to Tanair

Sarai, her sister Dove, the rest of the Balitang family and a few household servants were exiled by King Oron to Tanair, lands that were part of Sarugani's dowry on Lombyn Island. Alianne of Pirate's Swoop went with them as a slave, and was chosen to go with them because Mequen Balitang and Winnamine Balitang believed her to be Mithros's vassal. Eventually, Prince Bronau Jimajen came to court Sarai, and they fell in love. After many other events, Bronau left, promising to come back soon. He sent gifts to them, but the best - gems and jewels, went to Sarai. After the subsequent deaths of Oron Rittevon and his son from his first marriage, Hazarin Rittevon, Dunevon Rittevon was crowned king, a boy of only three. Bronau attempted to kidnap Dunevon, but failed to and escaped to the Balitangs. The Balitangs had already heard the news from Aly, and when Bronau arrived, were a bit wary. A few nights after his arrival, he attacked their castle to force Mequen to crown himself king, then pass the crown to Sarai, who would be married to Bronau. Many people there were killed or wounded. Some of the ones killed were Mequen Balitang by Bronau, and Bronau by Dove and Sarai. Even though Sarai liked Bronau, she never would forgive him for his heartless acts and the killing of her father.

Return to Rajmuat

After Bronau's death and the Balitang's return to the Crown's favor, the family remained for the winter in Tanair to have time to mourn their dead father and husband. In spring they returned to Rajmuat. Sarai, who had already been popular with the young noblemen and -women soon resumed her state. Among her suitors were Jevair Ibadun, Ferdolin Tomang and Druce Adona. She often went riding with them and her other noble friends and also developed a friendship to the Carthaki student Zaimid Hetnim. Sarai was revulted by the way the regents treated the raka and when finally she decided that she couldn't bear the situation in the Isles any longer, she eloped with Zaimid.

They settled in Carthak, where they married and Sarai had her first child which, if it was a boy, she wanted to call Mequen.

Physical description

Sarai is described as having golden brown skin, lighter than a raka due to her mixed half-raka blood, and long luscious black hair worn in curls or pinned up on her head in various fashions depending on the occasion. She has delicate features with full, sensual lips, a barely hooked nose, perfectly arched eyebrows, high cheekbones and the brown eyes of a raka. She is a very sought-after girl because of her curvy, womanly figure. Saraiyu is an exceedingly beautiful, and exotic woman, her looks have charmed many admirers and captures the interest of Prince Bronau among others, it is her beauty as well as her personality and charisma that allows her to gain the intense devotion and almost, worship of the raka people for their Chosen Queen.

Personality and traits

Sarai was described as being very headstrong and stubborn. She usually spoke her mind and wasn't as calm as her sister. She was also a bit of an idealist, and did not understand the world and how little she would be able to do against the treatment of her people. She also lacked subtlety, and Aly feared that her headstrong blowups would reveal their position to the Crown's spies. She lacked tact, and governmental knowledge. One could also say that she was selfish, in that she ran away with Zaimid Hetnim in order to avoid a marriage with Dunevon Jimajen. Either she did not know the potential consequences of her actions on her family—which would suggest a lack of political knowledge, or she did not care, or did not think about it. In her actions, she left Aly to face the wrath of a god, her family to face the wrath of a couple of crazed rulers, and her people without a queen.

Besides her negative traits, Sarai is a caring person. She loves her family with all her heart, and is quick to protect them. She also loves her people, and cannot stand to see them whipped or in pain. This could also be one reason that Sarai left; she did not want to be tied to a man who would do these things to his people, and she did not want to be around anymore suffering.

Skills and abilities

Sarai is an exceptional horsewoman, like her mother Sarugani. She also was heading to proficiency with the sword, as she had taken up lessons again on Tanair after she managed to kill a potential assassin. Lokeij described her to be like Gunapi the Sunrose, a raka goddess.

Relationships

Family

She was the oldest daughter of Mequen Balitang and Sarugani Temaida. Dovasary Balitang was her younger sister and Petranne Balitang her half-sister. Petranne's mother, Winnamine Balitang, married Mequen after Sarugani's death, making her Sarai's stepmother. Elsren is Sarai's half-brother. Sarai is the grandniece of Nuritin Balitang and eventually marries Zaimid Hetnim with whom she had a son, Mequen Hetnim.

Romantic relationships

Sarai was involved with Bronau Jimajen during her family's exile on Tanair. Bronau even proposed to her, although it later became clear, that Bronau only wanted to marry her because it would bring him nearer to the throne of the Copper Isles.

After Bronau's death and the family's return to Rajmuat Sarai had several suitors and eventually eloped with Zaimid Hetnim.

Appearances

Sarai appears in both Trickster's Choice and Trickster's Queen.

Notes and References

  1. Said by Tamora Pierce on multiple forums, confirming that Petranne is ineligible for the throne.
  2. Heir presumptive, differing from heir apparent, means that the current ruler or aristocrat has no apparent heir, usually meaning no child. This varies, however, and Sarai would not be considered heiress apparent until her sister names her as such whereas a child would have a clear claim.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 3.9 Trickster's Choice (electronic edition), Ch. 2.
  4. 4.0 4.1 Trickster's Choice (electronic edition), Ch. 3.
  5. Given that Saraiyu and Dunevon Rittevon were second cousins (Trickster's Queen (electronic edition), Ch. 12), this was the logical point for the marriage. The Rittevon woman must have been Oron Rittevon's aunt.
  6. Trickster's Queen (electronic edition), Ch. 2.
  7. Zaimid was a distant cousin of the Carthaki emperor, Kaddar Iliniat. Trickster's Queen (electronic edition), Ch. 4.
  8. Zaimid and Saraiyu planned to name the child with whom she was pregnant in Trickster's Queen Mequen if the child were a boy, but it was not confirmed whether the baby was liveborn and male or not. Trickster's Queen (electronic edition), Ch. 12 and Ch. 21.

See also