Valeria Ashcroft.

You had grown up very differently from your brother. Being the last male of the bloodline your mother always gave him more attention. But it also meant that you had more freedom. Even before your time at the Academy you often sneaked out to explore the streets of Kelredia using illusions to hide your absence or your identity.

Twins like you two were a rare thing but apart from the chestnut hair and Grey eyes typical of all Ashcrofts you shared little.

Your interactions with others were tinted by the main difference between you. Where you were a pretty girl with a strong bloodline that would be the mother of powerful males for the lucky family that could put a ring on you, he was a nearly penny less young noble with a title that gave him no wealth, land or influence. You had to bid your time and choose the right one amongst your many suitors while he failed to trigger interest in the few girls which he managed to make notice him.

Your talents were very different from your brother's, while he studied hard and used very advanced magic you just used the magic strength in your blood for two things that came naturally, fire and illusions. Even in childhood you could call upon colorful lights and imaginary friends, all thought it would be your best gift until you accidentally set fire to the pear tree in the garden at age 10. Now you could control illusions so well that you once got outside only wearing a dress that wasn't here and create fire so hot that your brother often asked you for help rather than use a forge to make his trinkets.

At the Academy you spent most of the time having fun and socializing. You had had a few romances and a kiss or two but went no further, the name of Ashcroft had been tarnished enough that you wouldn't had to it the reputation of you being a whore.

Having just turned 18 you had now to enter the service of a mage to become an apprentice, only in 3 years could you be your own woman and start your real life.