Kenna

Kenna is still a very young woman by elf standards, but any naïve views she had before were stripped away by the Cult of the Eternal Flame. Now, she struggles to find balance between her head telling her survival is all that matters, and her heart telling her to be a better person than what the cult did to her. She takes inspiration from her wildfire spirit – a fiery bird – in seeking freedom through peace with nature.

Appearance

Kenna’s most defining physical feature is her unusual bright orange hair, which is usually in a bit of a mess. She also has warm light skin full of freckles, and golden eyes. She is about 170cm (5’6”) tall with a nimble figure. Kenna is moderately vain about her beauty.

History

Kenna was born in a small village on the edge of the Dessarin Valley's Westwood, in 1347 DR. Her father was a wood elf, and her mother a high elf.

In 1489, Kenna's village was attacked by the rising Cult of the Eternal Flame. Both of her parents perished in blaze, while Kenna herself was captured; the cultists believed her unnatural looking fiery hair was a sign she was either destined to join them, or be a sacrifice to Imix.

Kenna spent two years working with the cultists in their temple. She told herself she was just playing along to survive, but in doing so, she committed to some truly horrible acts. Still, when heroes from the Emerald Enclave arrived to defeat the cult, she was able to convince them to spare her. The druids did so on the condition that Kenna vow to atone by learning the ways of the Circle of Wildfire; a purer understanding that fire is a natural source of both destruction and healing, not just raw power.

Relationships

• Lae'zel: At first, Lae’zel reminds Kenna too much of the cultists she worked with. But after realizing Lae’zel has the opportunity to break free and challenge Vlaakith, she encourages this path.
• Shadowheart: Kenna sees some of her past self in Shadowheart. Her encouragement to question Shar initially does not work well, but as their journey progresses, Shadowheart appreciates the support.
• Astarion: Many druids would be off put by Astarion’s vampirism, but Kenna thinks the truth of what defines someone as unnatural is who they are, not what they are. She wants to believe he can become a better person, because if he can, then there must be hope for her, too. She loves him deeply.
• Gale: Kenna is a tad afraid of Gale’s relationship with magic and Mystra, believing his fervency could lead him into crossing lines he will regret. This is, of course, projection from herself onto him.
• Wyll: The fact that being so good-natured seems to come so naturally for Wyll is a trait that makes Kenna envious of him. She tries to follow his example... Though she does not always succeed.
• Karlach: Kenna feels like she doesn’t have to worry when she’s with Karlach, because Karlach is so laid-back about almost everything. Kenna appreciates this greatly.
• Halsin:Kenna and Halsin’s bond rapidly grows from mutual respect, to great friendship, to casual lovers. They are capable of speaking on regrets and forgiveness in nature, in a way that few others can understand.
• The Emperor: Kenna is initially trusting of the Dream Visitor, believing they are perhaps celestial in nature. After finding out she couldn’t have been further from the truth, she is afraid of what the Emperor is capable of.

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