My name is Ranei Courcelle. I was born in a small fishing village on the coast of Jinhan. My father was a fisherman who made a living off the sea, and my mother a seamstress who not only made the most beautiful dresses, but wove the most enchanting tales as well. A few Yuris after my birth, pirates invaded the village and my father, being an able-bodied man, was called to arms. I was left with my mother to survive on our own. Luckily we had enough money to keep dinner on the table and ourselves warm for a few moons, but too soon did we run out of food and supplies.
One day, a friend of my father arrived at our doorstep panting with the news that my father had died. My mother was grief-stricken, but she knew we had to take action before we starved to death. We had no choice but to escape from the village, so one day, we packed what little belongings we had and left. Following the directions of a neighbor, we took a shortcut through the hills; a path which would lead us to the nation of Buya. At the time I was but five years old or so and the long trek was proving itself to be much too arduous for me. My mother had no choice but to carry me on her back.
After a few days or so, we happened to pass by a trade caravan which was heading in the same direction. The merchant offered to give us a ride, but before my mother could answer, she fainted to the ground from fatigue and dehydration. She passed away a few days later. The merchant offered to take me into his care until we reached Buya, and though I was young, I knew that it was my only choice.
Buya accepted its two new citizens with open arms and we quickly adapted to our new lives. Besides the Buyan Library, my favorite spot in all of Buya was the Muse Garden. The plays and events, colorful costumes, vibrant atmosphere and wonderful Muses continued to draw me towards the Garden one day after another. A muse guide noticed my continual presence and offered to take me under her wing. Through her I learned many skills and arts. My mother's talent for telling stories seemed to run in my blood and I soon became known as the local tale-spinner. I also learned how to play the P'iri, an instrument which when played properly can warm even the coldest of hearts.
I encountered a problem when the tavern innkeeper announced that I could no longer live under her roof. I had no shelter and refused to impose upon the generosity of the Muses who invited me to stay (temporarily) in the Garden. One day, Arionchui, who is now my mother, espied me out of the corner of her eye and bent down to examine me. I felt a shadow looming over me and peered up to see a beautiful lady with glossy curls framing her face. She accepted me into her family as her daughter, and there I met my new relatives. To my surprise and joy, I found out that her sister, Carlein, was also my muse guide! Together they taught me the values of love, honor, courage and perseverance.

Ranei Courcelle.