vegasaros

[vegasaros]

The hospital lights were too bright. Vega leaned against the doorway of Lena’s office, her silhouette backlit by the softer hallway glow. She looked like a shadow given shape; exhausted, elegant, and unraveling at the edges. Her scarf was loosely knotted around her neck, sleeves pushed up, fingertips faintly ink-stained from whatever project she’d abandoned before walking here. “You’re the only person I let poke me with sharp objects,” she said dryly, offering a lopsided smirk that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “That should mean something, right?” Her tone was teasing, but there was a tiredness in it that hadn’t been there a year ago; a tremble beneath the humor, like a violin string pulled just a little too tight. Vega stepped inside, closing the door behind her with a gentle click. “I figured I’d cash in on that whole ‘friends with medical degrees’ perk again,” she added, voice softening. “Just a check-up. Nothing serious.” A lie, wrapped in silk and delivered with a smile. She paused, gaze flicking briefly to Lena’s before settling on a patch of floor. “And maybe… stay for a while. If you’re not too busy saving the rest of the town.” @howmcnythings

[vegasaros]

The kitchen smelled like rosemary and roasted garlic, with something sweet warming on the back burner; honey and orange peel steeping gently into olive oil. Vega stood barefoot by the open window, sleeves rolled past her elbows, the soft hum of a folk song drifting from the record player in the other room. When she heard the knock, she didn’t answer right away; just called out, “It’s open, Blythe. I figured you’d come hungry.” She glanced over her shoulder as the door creaked, her smile easy, the kind that said you’re safe here. “I tested that chestnut and mushroom tart you asked about; needs less thyme and more patience, but don’t we all?” Vega slid a hand-written recipe across the counter, ink smudged just slightly in the corner. “And in return, I expect that elderflower risotto you teased me with last time. Fair trade, no?” She tilted her head, eyes sparkling. “Also, remind me... are you still terrified of using a gas stove, or can I finally let you near the flame?” @fikazephyr

[vegasaros]

Vega lingered in the side corridor of the gallery, where the late afternoon light slanted in like spilled gold across the marble floor. She watched Aleazara from a distance for a moment; not out of hesitation, but reverence. There was a rhythm to how the hybrid moved, a quiet precision that reminded Vega of someone trying not to take up too much space, despite holding oceans inside them. She approached slowly, fingertips trailing along the edge of a pedestal as if grounding herself. “You know,” she said softly, voice low and steady, “there’s a kind of art in how you carry tension; like you’ve mastered turning restraint into poetry.” She offered a small, sincere smile as she stopped beside her. “Lucien said you’ve been putting in extra hours. I figured the least I could do is bring coffee… or the company of someone who knows what it’s like to be made of more than one thing.” She held up the paper cup like a peace offering. @fairywilds

[vegasaros]

The bell above the museum door sang its soft, familiar chime as Vega stepped inside, the scent of aged canvas and linseed oil wrapping around her like an old friend. She stood for a moment just past the threshold, letting her eyes adjust to the dim, curated light; everything exactly as she remembered it. She spotted him near the back, silhouetted against a half-finished exhibit like something out of time, which, of course, he was. “Lucien,” she called gently, the sound of his name like a pebble dropped in still water. “You always did know how to make the past feel like it never left.” She crossed the space slowly, each step unhurried but deliberate, like she was letting the place reacquaint itself with her presence. “I was hoping you had a moment,” she added, offering that quiet, knowing smile he’d seen a hundred times during her internship. “The museum’s been… heavy lately. Thought maybe your ghosts and mine could keep each other company.” @hxrricvnes

[vegasaros]

Vega sat perched on the low stone wall at the edge of the wooded trail, one leg drawn up, chin resting lazily on her knee. The sun was low, filtering gold through the leaves, painting her in soft amber light. She didn’t flinch when she heard the quiet rustle behind her; just smirked. “You’re lucky I know that particular footfall,” she murmured without turning. “Otherwise I might’ve mistaken you for a broody forest ghost and thrown this apple at you.” She glanced back, eyes flicking to the subtle shift of his fur; the shade darker than usual, storm-touched. “Something tells me you didn’t come out here just to enjoy the view.” Vega tossed the apple up, caught it one-handed, and finally turned fully to face him. Her voice softened, the humor fading into something more sincere. “Want to run it out with me? Just for a while. No words, no weight. Just paws, breath, and dirt.” A moment passed. “Besides… the forest’s been missing its shadows.” @fikazephyr

[vegasaros]

Vega raised a brow, lips twitching with quiet amusement. “Relax, I’m not here to steal your donut or your job,” she said, leaning against the wall like she had all the time in the world. “Besides, that sign’s doing a fine job; radiates approach and suffer energy.” She paused, then smirked softly. “Mind if I sit? You look like someone who knows where they hide the decent coffee around here.”

"What?" Farraine asked as she sat in a hospital chair near her desk with half a donut in her hand, the other half in her mouth, "Yes, I know I'm the receptionist but I'm on my break. Can you not see the sign?" she asked, pointing to what she was talking about.

[vegasaros]

Vega didn’t look up right away; just ran her thumb along the rim of her mug, steam curling like secrets between them. “Balance is a tricky thing,” she murmured, voice like smoke over velvet. “You think you’ve got it, then the wind shifts.” Her eyes met Safiya’s, quiet and ancient and kind. “Tonight? I’m just trying to remember how to exhale without bracing for the next storm.” She offered the faintest smile, soft and aching. “Your tea smells like peace. Mind if I borrow the idea?”

Seated at a corner table inside Cool Beans café, Safiya cradled a cup of chamomile tea, its warmth spreading through her fingers. She glanced toward the person nearby and smiled faintly. "...Long day?" she asked, her tone gentle but knowing. "Sometimes I think the hardest part of living here isn't everything that's been happening lately, it's balancing it all and still finding time to breathe," she exhaled. It was nice to find some sort of calm in this moment, even if she wasn't sure it would last. "—What's on your mind tonight?" She questioned.

[vegasaros]

Vega paused mid-step, eyes flicking to the avalanche-in-waiting with a wry smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. “Chaos has its charm,” she said, voice low and warm like a dusk breeze, “but let’s keep gravity from having the final word, yeah?” With fluid ease, she stepped in beside him, steadying the top box. “Lead the way, Yard Sale King. I’ve got two hands and no urgent plans to watch your belongings reenact a slow-motion disaster.”

Lux slammed the trunk of his car shut with a frustrated groan, glancing at the mountain of poorly-packed boxes on the sidewalk. “Okay, so maybe I overestimated how much I could carry in one trip,” he muttered, mostly to himself, before turning to the nearest passerby with a sheepish grin. “—Hey, any chance you’re feelin' charitable today? I’m one second away from my life spilling all over the street, man.” He motioned toward the car, stepping aside to reveal a box teetering on the top. “Promise I’m not usually this chaotic… well, no, I am, but I could really use a hand before I get fined for turning the road into a yard sale.”

[vegasaros]

INFORMATION & STATISTICS FOR VEGA KATSAROS

“You do not have to be fire for every mountain blocking you. You could be water and soft river your way to freedom too.” — Nayyirah Waheed

ORIGINS & FAMILY:

Full Name: Vega Aisling Lior Katsaros

Nickname(s)/Alias(es): V, Kat

Date of Birth: October 21st, 1979

Age: 45

Gender + Pronouns: Cis-Female/Gender Fluid, She/They

Place of birth: Thessaloniki, Greece

Parents: Leonidas Katsaros (Leo; Animal Shifter) & Róisín Callaghan-Katsaros (Rose; Human Shifter)

Siblings: 3; Lysander & Ianthe "Thea" (Older), Elias (Younger)

Relationship with family (close? estranged?): Their relationship with their parents and siblings is estranged. She is very close with and fiercely protective of her daughter though keeps secrets from her out of love and habit. Doesn't want to burden her. With Vega's found family, it's the same fierce protectiveness and closeness but at arm's length.

Pets: None

PHYSICAL:

Height: 5′ 9.5″ (177 cm)

Build: Slim/Athletic

Species: Shapeshifter (Both Bloodlines)

Distinguishing Facial Features: She has a strong, angular jawline, high cheekbones, defined eyebrows, deep-set eyes, and full lips

Hair Color: Black

Usual Hair Style: Long & Tousled

Eye Color: Hazel

Complexion (freckles, acne, skin tone, birthmarks, scars): She has a warm, olive complexion; a few scars scattered around her body

Disabilities (physical or mental, including mental illnesses): Chronic Pain, Shifting Disorder, Mild PTSD

What do they consider their best feature?: Physically, her eyes; Emotionally, her resilience

Worst they’ve ever been injured (what, how did it happen)?: The worst injury Vega ever sustained was a botched shift in her early twenties when she was traveling through the Middle East. Due to exhaustion and stress, she attempted to shift into a panther but lost control mid-transformation, resulting in a painful partial shift where bones and organs didn’t fully align. She collapsed, suffering multiple fractures, internal bleeding, and nerve damage that took months to heal.

APPEARANCE:

Favorite outfit: A draped cardigan over a simple tank top, worn-in jeans, paired with ankle boots, and accessorized with silver rings, beaded bracelets, and a well-worn leather satchel

Glasses? Contacts?: Vintage-style glasses with thin, round frames but only when absolutely necessary

Personal Hygiene: Natural, low-maintenance, but mindful

Tattoos? Piercings?: A phoenix spanning her upper back, a tiny crescent moon on her inner wrist, a small compass tattoo on her ribcage, two lobe piercings in each ear, and a helix piercing in her left ear

What does their voice sound like?: Vega's voice is rich, deep, and raspy. There’s a natural warmth to it but also a gravelly undertone that makes everything she says sound a little tired, a little knowing

Accent?: Mostly neutral with a faint Greek undertone; when emotional, she slips into Greek or Irish inflections without realizing

Unique mannerisms/physical habits: She often taps her fingers against surfaces when deep in thought, absently traces old scars or tattoos when lost in memory, tilts her head slightly before answering a question, walks with a relaxed but purposeful gait, and has a slow, deliberate way of speaking

Left handed or right?: Naturally right but self-taught ambidextrous

Do they work out/exercise?: Yes through martial arts training, yoga, frequent walking/hiking, and physical therapy

BELIEFS & INTELLECT:

Known Languages: Fluent in Greek, English, and Hindi, conversational in Irish Gaelic, Spanish, and Arabic, and understands but doesn’t speak French and Hebrew well

Zodiac: Libra

Gifts/talents: Exceptional memory, Skilled in painting and sketching, Plays the guitar surprisingly well, Expert in nonverbal communication

Religious stance: Follows a mix of Buddhism, pagan traditions, and ancestral spirituality but respects all spiritual paths

Political stance: Left-libertarian

Pet peeves: Vega is particularly sensitive to people who refuse to think for themselves or blindly follow rules, loud, artificial noises (especially alarms and phone notifications), people who invade her personal space without invitation, wasting food or resources, and being interrupted mid-thought

Optimist or pessimist: A weary optimist; hopes for the best but expects the worse

Extrovert or introvert: Introvert

INTIMACY & RELATIONSHIPS:

Relationship status: Single but is crushing on their best friend

Sexual orientation: Demisexual

Ideal mate/qualities they look for in a mate: She looks for someone who is emotionally intelligent, has depth, independent, self-assured, resilient, strong, has a sense of adventure, unwavering loyalty, and is gentle beneath the toughness

Ever been in love?: Yes

What’s their love language?: Acts of Service, Physical Touch (Selective)

Most important person in their life?: Her daughter, Edeline

VOCATION:

Level of education: Master's in Cultural Studies; Bachelor's in Art History

Profession: Curator at Northknot Historical Museum/Mixed Bloodlines Coven Leader

Past occupations: She worked as a waitress, an interpreter, a tutor, a travel blogger, a musician (briefly), a tattoo artist's apprentice, and worked in art restoration

Passions: Besides self-acceptance and balance, she is passionate about art, history, cultural preservation, the ocean, and helping others find their own path

Which is more important – money or doing something they love?: Doing something she loves

SECRETS:

Phobias: Being forgotten or made irrelevant, Deep, isolated water, Losing control of her shifts completely

Life goals: Vega aims to leave something behind, whether through her daughter, her art, or her work, she wants to make an impact. She wants to open an art gallery/museum for underrepresented artists and cultures, blending history and contemporary expression. She yearns to experience love without fear. She struggles with vulnerability, but deep down, she longs for a love she doesn’t have to run from. And lastly, to find peace with her illness. She hasn’t accepted what’s happening to her yet, but part of her knows she will have to, eventually

Greatest fears: Her greatest fears are dying before Eddie, her daughter, is ready, losing her sense of self, her coven losing faith in her, and being forced to choose between her shifting abilities

Most embarrassing thing ever to happen to him/her: When she was 19 and pregnant in India, she was trying to shift discreetly in a safe space, but something went wrong, and she got stuck between human and panther form with fur on only half her body and her ears still pointed. She had to run through a crowded street in the middle of the night, half-shifted and naked, until she could regain control. To this day, she never talks about it; not even as a joke

Something they’ve never told anyone: Vega has a box of letters she wrote but never sent: to her family, to her first love in India who died, to her daughter. In them, she is raw, unguarded, and brutally honest in a way she never allows herself to be in real life. The letters are hidden in a wooden chest in her home, untouched for years. One letter, written on a particularly dark night, details her fear that she made the wrong choice running away all those years ago; that maybe, despite everything, she was meant to choose a side, and her illness is the universe punishing her for trying to have both. She would never admit this aloud. She believes in autonomy, in rejecting rigid systems, but in her lowest moments, she wonders if she was wrong all along

PREFERENCES:

Hobbies: Painting, reading, collecting old books, sketching, hiking/nature walks, playing guitar, cooking, yoga, meditation, learning languages, stargazing

Favorite color: Deep blue

Favorite smell: Petrichor & sandalwood; the scent of earth after rain and the grounding aroma of wood and spice

Favorite food: Moussaka & baklava

Favorite book: Women Who Run with the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés

Favorite movie: Into the Wild

Favorite song: Rhiannon by Fleetwood Mac

Coffee or tea?: Tea

Favorite type of weather: Autumn storms; the mix of crisp air, golden leaves, and the energy of thunder rolling in the distance

Most used word or phrase?: “Balance” or “Everything is temporary”

EXTRAS:

MBTI: INFJ (The Advocate) - Vega is deeply intuitive, independent, and private, but deeply cares for others and seeks deeper meaning in everything which fits her perfectly into INFJ

Alignment: Neutral Good - She does what she believes is right, guided by her own moral compass rather than laws or traditions

Enneagram: Type 4 (The Individualist) - Vega is creative, introspective, and independent, with a tendency toward emotional depth and solitude which gives her a wing of 5 but fits her perfectly into type 4

Celtic Tree: Willow - Symbolizing intuition, resilience, and adaptability, the willow bends but does not break, thriving in both light and shadow. Much like Vega, it is deeply connected to emotion, wisdom, and the unseen currents of life

Temperament: Melancholic-Phlegmatic - Thoughtful, introspective, deeply feeling, and steady, but struggles with emotional distance and self-imposed isolation is how I'd describe Vega's temperament

Hogwarts House: Ravenclaw - Vega is wise, inquisitive, and creative, but also strategic and protective of her autonomy which gives her slight Slytherin tendencies but all in all, she is a Ravenclaw

Element: Water - Reflecting her emotional depth, adaptability, and introspective nature, water is both tranquil and powerful, just like Vega

[vegasaros]

Vega's lips quirked up in amusement, though her sharp eyes didn’t miss the way Eddie laid it on just a little too thick. She folded her arms, weight shifting slightly as she regarded her daughter with an expression that was equal parts skeptical and indulgent. “Mmm,” they hummed, tilting their head, dark brows raising just slightly. “Nothing wrong ever? My sweet, innocent daughter?” Their voice was rich with disbelief, but there was warmth in it, the kind only a mother could hold for their child. “How very lucky I must be, then. A daughter with a flawless track record.”

They stepped closer, reaching out to flick a stray curl from Eddie’s face before letting their fingers rest gently against her jaw for just a breath of a second; grounding, a reminder, maybe for them both. “And yet,” Vega mused, golden hour light catching in the fine lines of her face, “it’s funny how people seem to come to me whenever something is amiss... Almost as if there’s a pattern.” Her thumb brushed against her own palm as she let her hand fall away, her gaze searching, thoughtful in the way only a mother’s could be. “But you say you’ve been busy all day?” she prompted, curiosity threading through her tone. “That’s what I’d rather hear about. Tell me, Edeline, what’s kept you so occupied?”

「 closed starter.」 eddie and vega. @vegasaros

THE YOUNGER KATSAROS GRINNED UP AT HER MOTHER. her smiling being one of mock innocence. "hey now, my lovely mother-" she laid it on thickly. "i have done nothing wrong... ever." she knew her mother would know she was joking. "i am just your sweet innocent daughter." she grinned again but this time with teeth. shifting slightly to show sharp canines. "i was busy all day, i didn't do anything this time." this time her town was nothing but truthful. she hadn't actually given her mother a chance to say anything before she started to defend herself. it wasn't surprising for people to go to her mother to complain about something.

[vegasaros]

Is that ANGIE HARMON? No, that’s just VEGA KATSAROS. They were born on 21/10/1979 and are a SHAPESHIFTER (BOTH BLOODLINES) living in Northknot Town. They work as a CURATOR AT NORTHKNOT HISTORICAL MUSEUM. Some say they're GROUNDING and INTROSPECTIVE, but I’ve heard others say they're AVOIDANT and INDECISIVE. When you think of HER/THEM, don’t you think of GOLDEN HOUR SHADOWS DANCING OVER WEATHERED SKIN, LOOSE-KNIT SWEATERS THAT FEEL LIKE AN EMBRACE and QUIET SMILES THAT LIGHT UP STORMY SKIES?

Name: Vega Aisling Lior Katsaros Nickname(s): V, Kat Birthday: October 21st, 1979 Age: 45 Zodiac Sign: Libra Sun, Scorpio Moon, Cancer Rising Gender: Cis-Female/Gender Fluid Pronouns: She/They Species: Shapeshifter (Luna & Selena Bloodlines) Orientation: Demisexual, Panromantic Occupation: Curator at Northknot Historical Museum/Mixed Bloodlines Coven Leader Faceclaim: Angie Harmon

HEADCANONS

Vega means "the swooping eagle" in Arabic, Aisling is Irish for "dream" or "vision" and Lior is "my light" in Hebrew.

Vega's favorite animal to shift into is a sleek black panther, which they find both empowering and comforting.

She enjoys painting and often uses her art to express her emotions and experiences.

She has a soft spot for Greek cuisine, especially moussaka and baklava.

Vega loves listening to a mix of traditional folk music from various cultures and modern indie rock.

They've collected small trinkets and souvenirs from every place they visit and keep them in a special box.

Vega practices meditation daily to maintain their mental and emotional balance.

They love autumn for its vibrant colors and the sense of change it brings.

She is fluent in Greek, English, and Hindi, and knows basic phrases in several other languages.

Vega's wardrobe is a mix of practical clothing and unique pieces from different cultures, reflecting their travels.

They have a small garden where they grow herbs and flowers, finding peace in nurturing plants.

She is more active and creative at night, often staying up late to work on projects or reflect.

She has a tattoo of a phoenix on her back, symbolizing rebirth and resilience.

Vega enjoys cooking and often experiments with recipes from different cultures.

Their favorite color is deep blue, which reminds them of the ocean and the sky.

She has a special fondness for the beaches of Greece, where she feels most at peace.

Vega believes in living a life true to oneself, even if it means going against societal norms.

They are surprisingly good at playing the guitar and often play to relax.

Vega dreams of one day opening an art gallery that showcases works from diverse cultures and artists.

APPEARANCE

Vega stands tall with a commanding presence, their dark hair framing a strong jawline that speaks to their inner strength. Her deep, raspy voice carries a sense of authority and wisdom, making her a natural leader. Vega's movements are deliberate and confident, reflecting their balanced nature and the fluidity of their shifting abilities. Their eyes hold a depth of experience and understanding, drawing people in and making them feel seen and valued. Despite the toll her illness has taken, Vega's appearance remains striking, embodying both her resilience and her vulnerability. She has a well-defined, athletic build that hints at her active lifestyle and her love for sports and physical activities. Vega's style is a blend of practicality and personal expression, often incorporating elements from the various cultures they've encountered in their travels. Their walk is purposeful, exuding confidence and determination, while their speech is measured and thoughtful, often leaving a lasting impression on those who hear them. Vega's presence is both calming and inspiring, making her a figure of strength and support.

PERSONALITY

Vega is a resilient and compassionate individual who has faced numerous challenges throughout her life. As a mother and coven leader, they balance strength and empathy, leading with love, grace, and a fierce protectiveness. Vega is deeply supportive and generous, always putting others' needs before her own. Despite their struggles with illness, they remain dedicated to helping those around them, though they tend to distance themselves emotionally. Vega values individuality and encourages others to find their own path and purpose, even as she grapples with the consequences of her own choices. Their ability to embrace both their human and animal sides, as well as their non-binary identity, speaks to their fluid and adaptable nature. Vega is also very introspective and thoughtful, often reflecting on her past experiences to guide their decisions. She has a strong sense of justice and is not afraid to stand up for what she believes in, even if it means going against the norms of their community.

AESTHETIC

the serenity of a quiet beach at dawn - the glow of fireflies on a summer night - golden hour shadows dancing over weathered skin - the comfort of a well-loved book - loose-knit sweaters that feel like an embrace - the earthy scent of a blooming garden - quiet smiles that light up stormy skies - the tranquility of a mountain retreat - the rustle of leaves in a hidden forest - worn leather journals filled with secrets - the soft hum of a guitar at twilight - delicate tattoos that tell a story - the warmth of a steaming cup of tea - whispered conversations under a starlit sky - the gentle sway of a hammock in the breeze - the embrace of a handwoven blanket

CONNECTIONS

Child (Edeline) Vega's child is a curious and adventurous individual, inheriting their parent's love for exploration and learning. They have a strong sense of justice and a compassionate heart, always eager to help others. Growing up with Vega, they have learned the importance of balance and acceptance, embracing their own unique identity. They are fiercely protective of their mother and often worry about Vega, noticing the subtle changes in her that others might miss. Despite their young age, 25-26, they possess a wisdom beyond their years and a determination to make a difference in the world.

Best Friend/Future Love Interest? Vega's best friend is a skilled and empathetic doctor who has been a constant source of support throughout Vega's life. They share a deep bond built on trust and understanding, often providing a listening ear and sage advice. This friend is perceptive and intuitive, able to sense when Vega is struggling even when they try to hide it. They are fiercely loyal and protective, always ready to step in and help, whether it's with medical expertise or emotional support. Their friendship is a cornerstone of Vega's life, providing stability and comfort in times of need. Though they’d probably never admit it, Vega is in love with them.

Museum Staff The museum staff at Northknot Historical Museum are a dedicated and passionate group of individuals who share a love for history and culture. They work closely with Vega, respecting their expertise and leadership as the museum's curator. Each staff member brings their own unique skills and perspectives, contributing to the museum's success. They are a tight-knit team, often collaborating on projects and supporting each other in their professional and personal endeavors. The staff admires Vega's dedication and resilience, and they strive to create an inclusive and enriching environment for all visitors.

Found Family Vega's found family consists of a diverse group of mixed bloodline shapeshifters who have come together to create a supportive and accepting community. Each member brings their own unique abilities and experiences, enriching the group's dynamic. They share a deep bond, forged through shared struggles and triumphs, and are always there for each other in times of need. This found family values individuality and encourages each member to embrace their true self. They have become Vega's sanctuary, providing love, support, and a sense of belonging that Vega had long sought.

Former Coven Leader The former coven leader is a wise and experienced individual who has guided the Mixed Bloodlines Coven with a steady hand for many years. They possess a deep knowledge of supernatural lore and a strong sense of duty to their community. Under their leadership, the coven has thrived, fostering a sense of unity and acceptance among its members. They saw potential in Vega from a young age and mentored them, passing on their wisdom and values. Even after stepping down due to illness, they remain a respected figure within the coven, offering guidance and support whenever needed. Vega often looks to them for advice as the rest of the coven looks to to her.

BIOGRAPHY

tw: violence, death, pregnancy, chronic pain & illness

"It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change."

Born in Thessaloniki, Greece, at night after her mother, a human shapeshifter, fled from Ireland by foot and boat to escape hunters, ran into her father, an animal shapeshifter who shifted into a large, powerful lion to protect her even though he didn’t know her. They fell in love, got married, and had four kids; Vega being the third. Growing up, Vega knew from a young age that they were different from their peers and even their family. Vega embraced all sides of herself: the human and animal shifting part and the other part that didn’t identify as just a woman. Their abilities made them feel like they were more fluid than anything. Vega was into sports, dolls and action figures, cars, and playing dress-up. They were always a very balanced child. It shouldn’t have been a surprise that Vega would grow up to reject their people’s way of living.

In the Katsaros family, at the time you hit puberty, you’re supposed to choose which path you want to go down as far as animal shifting or human shifting. It’s frowned upon in the supernatural world to utilize both because you can end up ill from overexertion. Vega couldn’t understand that. They weren’t hurting anyone and they weren’t in pain either, so it didn’t make sense to them to choose. Watching her two older siblings struggle in making their choice and their life after choosing only reinforced that she wanted different for herself. It was a couple of months before her 14th birthday that she wrote a letter to her younger sibling, the one she was closest to, explaining herself and her choice before running away from home.

"We must be willing to let go of the life we have planned, so as to accept the life that is waiting for us."

Having heard the story of their mother’s travel from Ireland to Greece, Vega decided to backtrack it; traveling from Greece to Italy, through France, the UK, and ending in Ireland by bus, train, and ferry. She lived in Ireland for a few months, working as a waitress to save up money. She spent her 14th birthday there and learned more about her family’s history without ever letting anyone know she was a part of it. Vega yearned to see the rest of the world and meet new people who were like her; ones who were seeking balance. They’d fallen in love with traveling and learning a place’s culture and history through indulging in it, communication, and art. So, they started their journey across the water to Spain by ferry, where they fell in with a group of hippies backpacking their way to India. Vega traveled with them through Northern Africa by bus, train, and plane; starting in Morocco and ending in Egypt before they crossed over to Israel, then caught their last flight to India.

Vega fell in love with India and its culture and decided to plant roots. She stayed in India for five years, started following Buddhism, finished school, and made a life for herself there; even fell in love for the first time. They would’ve stayed longer if the Kargil War hadn’t broken out in 1999, their partner hadn’t been killed, and they didn’t find themselves alone and pregnant. At only 19 years old, she found herself fleeing again. This time, heading west for North America on a direct flight. Vega had heard about the Rainbow Gatherings and needed something peaceful to counteract the war and tragedy she’d just experienced, so she made her way to Pennsylvania’s Allegheny National Forest to live communally for two weeks amongst like-minded people who wanted change and strove for peace and harmony. Eventually, Vega found a friend amongst the hippies who invited her out to San Francisco to stay with them and offered to help her raise her child. Their friendship turned into something more about a year into living together, then ended about a year after that.

"Home is not where you were born; home is where all your attempts to escape cease."

Freshly 22 and with an almost 2-year-old, Vega found herself picking up her life and moving again; this time traveling north to a city amongst the forest in Canada where she heard that the supernatural and humans co-exist freely. They met a dragon in the woods one night who was taking a break on their nightly flight and told them of Northknot and how to get there. Following the dragon’s directions exactly, Vega stumbled upon the city and was stunned to see that what she was told was true. She felt comfortable being herself there and had enough savings to rent a small apartment. She was invited into the Mixed Bloodlines Coven by their leader and found family within it. They worked various jobs while they finished school after transferring to the university there. Then after graduating with her degree in Art History, she interned at Northknot Historical Museum while pursuing her master’s in Cultural Studies.

Things were going well for Vega. She had found family, friends, a job, a roof over her head, and her child was happy. They found acceptance; they found home. She only thought about her family some nights, and it would keep her up, but as the years passed, that happened less. Vega had started to move up the ranks at the museum. At 30 years old, she found herself being handed the coven when the former leader fell ill. Vega was nervous in the beginning, but they took on the role with grace and led with peace, love, and acceptance. It was only a few years later, at 36, that they were promoted to being the museum’s curator. They were at the top of their game, managing both their professional and personal life with balance. It wasn’t until not long after her 43rd birthday that she started to feel a little off. She was lethargic all the time, concentrating was hard, and shifting was growing more and more painful each time.

"The strongest people are not those who show strength in front of us but those who win battles we know nothing about."

It was obvious that her body was starting to give way to overexertion from shifting into both humans and animals all her life, but Vega didn’t have time to be sick. She was a mother and a coven leader, so she denied it and pushed past it. But the illness pushed back harder. Now at 45, not only were they in chronic pain and feeling weak, but they were having difficulty maintaining a stable form, experiencing involuntary shifts and sometimes only partial transformations. Vega found herself more susceptible to illnesses and infections and taking longer to recover from them. Knowing that they couldn’t deny their problem any longer, Vega sought out a medical professional, their best friend, who was a doctor. Being a fairly private person, Vega hasn’t told anyone, not even their child, that they're sick nor the reason they think they're feeling so ill. She made her best friend believe that it was something she was just starting to feel with the hope that it was a human-related illness and not something she’d done to herself.

Vega is a strong supporter of letting people be themselves and find their own path and purpose, so knowing her choice to not choose and find balance has come with consequences has kept her in denial about her illness and is part of the reason she won’t ask for help; the other part being that Vega is a coven leader, and while she leads with love and grace, she is also strong and fierce. They are the protector in all ways and can’t be that if others knew they’d fallen ill. Vega is still supportive, generous, and helpful to anyone in need but has started distancing herself emotionally, becoming more and more private with even those she considers family. No one’s really noticed her distancing herself except her child, who nags her about closing herself off. Vega has always been the type to put everyone else’s needs before theirs, so people who don’t know them personally would think it’s just them being them. But those who know Vega personally are starting to see that something’s wrong.

[vegasaros]

Isn’t every human being both a scientist and an artist; and in writing of human experience, isn’t there a good deal to be said for recognizing that fact and for using both methods? - James Agee (b. 27 November 1909)

[vegasaros]