Dame Zoja Albalaski

Stormcloud dark grey eyes dominate this young woman's oval face. Her cheekbones are sharp enough to cut glass, but only if she did not strike out with her lynx lithe limbs to smash said glass with honed precision first. Hair like straw spun into fine gold strands is often tied back and away from her usually serious expression. And though she is not too tall for a woman, she cuts an impressive figure that still maintains sleek, but muted curves.

Zoja is the younger sister of Eliza Albalaski, and a second cousin of Grand Duchess Zaria. Growing up within the walls of the Icespire, there was a presumption that it would be best to educate her alongside her sister. This was when Eliza was at the "being educated about the imperial court" phase. This was no more successful for Zoja than for Eliza, with precious little interest in imperial politics on display. Indeed, the main thing within civilisation to hold her interest is art, be that visual or performance, and she could most often be found in the Ice Gallery, or pining for the wilds beyond the walls of Vilslev.

When Zoja pivoted towards a more martial education, she fared rather better. She demonstrated strong aptitude for traversing the Whitewater Plain and the taiga of southern Lonin. When she reached adulthood, she was assigned to the Outer Watches, where she continued under the tutelage of Helena Albalaski and, later, Jadwiga Sikorin.

The Knights Custodian of the chapter at Voivode's Rest consistently drew her interest: they might as well have been figures out of myth, and even after meeting them in person, after fighting alongside them, this impression never faded. In 631, after proving her aptitude as a scout, Zoja was granted entry to the Knights Custodian.

Zoja is possessed of constant energy, poured into either her duty or her dealings with others, and a deep sense of duty. The security of the empire, indeed of the whole world, against threats from beyond, is paramount to her. Although she enjoys people, and has a way of making dramatic -- but always truthful -- presentations and retellings of the deeds of herself and others, she has no aspirations to lead. When she is engaged in her duty, it is to her no less than a continuation of the great deeds of the past.

As a warrior, she is cunning and careful. Her aptitude is in careful preparation in the wilderness and setting ambushes, and she is as fine with a bow as with a spear. She will ride with the main body of a force if needs must, but is as likely to be found far ahead of it, observing the foe. She still has a great deal to learn.

Zoja is a lightfooted, able scout, and a fine storyteller.