The Trailokya Trilogy Companion is a continuing online manuscript that illustrates and explains some of the details of the story, helping readers to keep things straight while they travel through the series. Readers can view this live companion book on Wattpad (either using the website or an app for their phone) absolutely free.
The companion is alphabetical for reader convenience. In each section, the entries listed in dictionary form along with original artwork and excerpts from the Trailokya Friday blog posts. In the coming weeks and months the blog will feature specific entries, to give you a taste of what is available in the companion.
Ciajah. (n.) Principality and mother of Gediel the Wolf Leader and wife of Zadakiel, Captain Maiel’s council member.
That Ciajah hasn’t come up prior to this moment is due to the mystery surrounding this Alder. Her actions seem questionable, which makes her history of interest. Yet, there is little said of it, except from the perspective of her eldest, the watcher Gediel.
Ciajah is a member of the Order of Fenrir and a Principality. Her duties include alder service instead of guardianship, however. This odd fact should be a clue as to her history as a watcher. Extensive knowledge and field experience in Samsara has lead her to be a powerful councilor. In this role, she oversees other duta who incarnate among souls. These special missions are considered of high sensitivity and require deeply experienced hands.
One of Ciajah’s assigns is Captain Maiel. Their ties go back to when Maiel was close to her eldest. It was determined that their history was a benefit to both their roles. To those observing, it seemed to make matters more difficult for the young legionae.
There are other matters, too, that make Ciajah’s role on the councils somewhat precarious. Her husband’s father, for example, burned down in the Conflict. Currently, he reigns over one of the states in Jahannam. Ironically, this is the duta that inspired the naming of her first born. Some believe that Ciajah was removed from her watcher post and made an alder to keep better watch of her, under suspicion of burning down due to her ketu. Yet, Ciajah rose to the rank of Principality despite them. This rising quelled many rumors, but the nightmare of this past and the suspicions that enveloped the family soured her attitude toward her kind.
Duta are not the only species that create bitter feelings for Ciajah. While serving as Watcher, Ciajah’s post was on Aghart. There she saw the damages done by human infiltrators brought by Jahannam to overtake that world. Although the majority of these souls were not aware of their use on behalf of Jahnnam, those that were left a bad impression that taints her view of humanity to this day.
Ciajah was newly stationed svarg watcher at the time of the conflict. Her rising, did take much longer than those of her cohort because of the affects of the war. There was much to come to terms with. Although that time claims lasting effects, Ciajah has proven herself to be an astute alder with an even temperament.
Since her reassignment, Ciajah has enjoyed raising two svarg younglings to maturity in her order. Both attended the Ordo Priori with distinction and were returned to the order which raised them (not all that usual). Her son claims similar skills, even exceeding her performance while serving as watcher. Her daughter, Gierney, however, chose to become a guardian. She is more like her father, Zadakiel, risen to Dominion, and serving in similar capacity within Otzar.
An interesting aspect of this family is that they are splintered. Gierney remains at the order, while her brother maintains the canid training grounds in the furthest reaches of Zion. Ciajah, if ever still, keeps apartments in the White City, but does not often interact with Zadakiel.
The rifts are attributed to the conflict affects, but there are other matters that have come and past between them. Gediel, after all, did abandon his place at Fenrir to focus on the training of canids , and his mother was overseeing the incarnations of his former companion. Some whisper that he blames his mother for their falling out, although no particular incident marks the end of the friendship. Likewise, rumors persist that, because of the first Gediel’s fall, she forced her son into this isolation.
Ciajah is an intimidating erela, who is capable of commanding even the Wolf Leader of Fenrir, it is true. However, she did not command him to leave the order or their family. Her position among the alders is highly respected, and her expertise often sought on similar matters to which she oversees for the captain. So respected is she, that she is able to speak to queens as if their superior. Yet, Ciajah has never abused this strength. Rather she leverages their deference to accomplish the best outcomes for all interested parties.
Jahannam would love nothing more than to push this Alder to the edge and watch her burn down just as her husband’s father once did. Thus, Ciajah is careful to watch for treachery. This watchful eye often makes others feel too clearly seen and therefore uncomfortable, causing them to give her wide berth. To see her in action, start with The Shadow Soul.
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