Rosethorn

Rosethorn (born Niva, surname unknown) is a dedicate in Winding Circle temple and an ambient green mage. She was the primary teacher, and later traveling companion, of Briar Moss, as well as secondary caretaker to him and his foster-sisters, Daja Kisubo, Trisana Chandler and Sandrilene fa Toren. Rosethorn is bisexual and polyamorous; she has a committed, long-term relationship with Lark and a more causal sexual relationship with Crane, her occassional colleague.

History
Rosethorn was born and raised in a family of farmers in Anderran. When bandits raided her village, the trees and plants defended her, which led to her father and brothers discovering her green magic. Her effect on the crops benefitted her family financially, and Rosethorn has said that her father loved the money she brought in, rather than her herself.

It is not known how Rosethorn became a novice or came to Winding Circle, but during her novitiate she worked closely and competitively with Crane. There is frequent speculation about the natureof their relationship at this point, although canon does not indicate that they were romantically involved before or during their sexual relationship. It's also not known when she met Lark, or how their relationship progressed prior to canon.

Rosethorn spent four years traveling with her former student, Briar Moss, joined shortly by his student, Evumeimei Dingzai. They visited Chammur, where Evvy joined them, Yanjing and Gyongxe, where they were caught in a war-zone when the Emperor of Yanjing occupied Gyongxe. Upon their return to Summersea, Rosethorn did not show the same signs of post-traumatic stress disorder that Briar did.

Rosethorn will appear in Melting Stones, a book taking place at the same time as The Will of the Empress, in the course of which she and Evvy will travel to the Battle Islands together. The book will be released in audio format in summer 2007, and in print in 2008.