🌊 Character Profile: Winona

Species: Nymphacapra (Capra Variant — Waterborne Lineage)

Bonded Handler: Alaric of Marwenne

Elemental Affinity: Water / Reflection / Renewal

Traits: Scaled fins, bioluminescent mane, soft glow around horns in darkness, deep empathy and silent resolve.

🌑 Summary

Born of the drowned bayou that became the Ashlands, Winona is both relic and redemption — one of the last Nymphacapra to survive the forest’s burning. Her scales shimmer faintly like wet pearl, her tail fin glides with the fluid grace of the rivers that once fed the bayou. When she first bonded to Alaric, villagers called her a curse — a reminder of ruin — but her patience became her power.

Silent, steadfast, she bears Alaric’s anger and shame without returning it, enduring until his heart breaks open enough to see her light. When he fell to despair beneath the Black Wall, she stood over him, guarding his life until the Venyre’s light broke through the smoke.

🜂 Temperament

• Gentle but immovable in loyalty.

• Sensitive to emotional and spiritual imbalance.

• Her horns glow faintly when near divine presences or moments of truth.

🌊 Abilities

• Empathic Reflection: Feels the emotional state of her bonded, and in times of deep faith, can reflect their intent back tenfold as light.

• Blessed Breath: The warmth of her breath can purify ash and smoke — symbolic of forgiveness.

• Fins of the Bayou: Can traverse mud, tar, or shallow water without sinking.

🌾 Quotes

(Unspoken, but translated by those who witness her)

“When you feel lost and lonely, when you believe all has abandoned you, know that God still sees you.

Though you may never behold Him with your eyes, He will guide a companion to your side — one who will comfort you in your most desperate hour.

We seldom recognize the miracles that walk beside us, yet their unyielding love, their quiet courage, and their willingness to steady our steps are the touch of God made manifest.

Winona cannot speak, for she is beast of burden — but she was designed by His hand, sent forth to remind you that you are never truly alone.”