A Note on Names

I have been asked more than a few times about the complexities involving my names. I write this in an effort to explain, and so that I will not have to repeat myself another hundred times.

I was born Viria Ra'Ashpir, daughter of High Lord Tarhaend Ra'Ashpir and his wife Lady Vraire Ra'Ashpir, nee Fireleafe. The name Viria (Vye-ree-ah) is the one that usually gives people the least trouble. My close friends and associates refer to be by it. Some of my very intimate friends call me "Vie," at least one person calls me Iria (I personally like this one).

When I was adopted (only because I had no recollection of my family or past, as often happens with young traumatized children), Liteik Ciixiil became my mother. Livix Ciixiil became my sister. Liteik was human born, though her daughter was decidedly a giantess. (We never found out who her father was, upon asking Liteik she would always jokingly reply 'Kai, of course!') In any case, I took their name, though Liteik decided to "elf it up" by spelling it Cixel. Thus I have become known as Viria Cixel to many.

My heritage was eventually revealed, and I came to remember much of my past. I have since taken the name Viria Ra'Ashpir. However, since much of my business transactions had been under the name of Cixel, I have also kept that name when doing business. Also, I am known by it to many I had known when I was a girl growing up with Liteik. I prefer to be called by Ra'Ashpir, and use it much more often these days than Cixel.

In reference to titles, I received Lady upon reaching the appointed age dictated by custom in my homeland. The title High Lady would have passed to my older sister upon the death of my father, the cantyr of my family. Both my father and older sister have since passed beyond the Gates, and the title of High Lady is rightly mine. However, for personal reasons I have chosen to wait before ascending the social ladder. Therefore, my proper title is currently Lady.

When I was married, it was fashionable to take the last name of one's husband as one's own name. I have been Viria Gryphonus and Viria Winterfox. If one sees something penned by be under those names, that is why. If I marry again, I may perhaps take my husband's name, though I would not abandon my own. Custom would dictate that unless he was a higher ranking noble than myself, he should take my name; but most men these days are disagreeable to such things.

~ Lady Viria Ra'Ashpir

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