Niamh Eilidh MacRae

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She is Pansexual and Demiromantic. Niamh can experience attraction to people regardless of their gender. She would generally develop romantic feelings only after forming a strong emotional bond.

Full Name: Niamh Eilidh MacRae

Nickname(s): Nia (By her mother), Eilidh (By her father), Little Raven (By her younger brother), Moonbeam (By Eira), Mistress MacRae (Teasingly by Tavish Morcant), River Ghost (By Morag Isobel Fraser), The Silver Washerwoman (By villagers and supernatural), The Pale Lady of the Highlands (whispered in old Scottish legends), The Moonlit Washer (By wandering spirits), The Weeping Washerwoman (By name associated with the sorrowful legends surrounding her supernatural duties), The River's Lament (Poetic Title), Little Snowdrop (By her mother), Silverheart (By Eira), The Harbinger in White (Fearful Title), Niamh of the Silent Waters (By her most mysterious title among supernatural beings)

Age: 327 years old (appears 25)

Birthday: February 19

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Gender: Female

Species/Race: Bean Nighe

Height: 5'6" (168 cm)

Occupation/Role: Supernatural Washerwoman of the Scottish Highlands; a spectral Bean Nighe who washes the garments of those approaching death, senses impending mortality, and guides lost spirits while guarding the ancient rivers and streams she calls home.

Appearance: Niamh has exceptionally long, silvery-white hair that falls to the backs of her knees, appearing almost translucent beneath moonlight. Her hair is naturally wavy, with soft, uneven strands framing her face and delicate wispy bangs resting just above her eyebrows. Two thin braids begin at her temples and are woven backward, secured together with a small antique silver clasp shaped like a crescent moon. The remaining hair flows freely down her back, often drifting gently as though carried by an invisible breeze, even when the air is completely still. The ends of her hair sometimes appear damp, with tiny droplets of water clinging to the strands after she has washed her spectral garments. Her eyes are a haunting, pale ice-blue with silvery rings surrounding her pupils. Niamh wears a long, antique-white Victorian-inspired mourning dress with a distinctly Celtic, ethereal appearance. Its high neckline is adorned with delicate ivory lace, while the fitted bodice features intricate silver embroidery depicting thorny branches, weeping willows, and tiny crescent moons. The sleeves are long and translucent, made from layers of fine gauze that taper over her hands like wisps of mist. Faint silver stitching traces the cuffs and collar. Her dress has an aged, weathered quality, with subtle grey discoloration around the hem and sleeves from her eternal work beside rivers and streams. A faded, semi-transparent shawl rests over her shoulders, secured at the front with an antique brooch. Beneath her gown, Niamh wears a long, layered ivory petticoat that reaches her ankles. Its delicate lace edges occasionally peek through the outer skirt whenever the fabric shifts. The skirt itself is voluminous around the hips but falls in soft, flowing layers, becoming increasingly translucent toward the bottom. Thin silver patterns resembling ripples spread across the fabric, and the lowest layer appears permanently damp. She wears a pair of antique, charcoal-grey leather Mary Jane shoes with rounded toes, delicate silver buckles, and narrow heels. Their design reflects the footwear of the late nineteenth century, although their exact age is uncertain. The leather is worn and slightly darkened by centuries of exposure to water. Fine silver thread forms small knotwork patterns along the edges. She wears An antique silver clasp decorated with tiny knotwork patterns, used to secure her two temple braids. A tarnished silver brooch shaped like a weeping willow, pinned to her shawl. At its centre sits a small, cloudy moonstone. A fine chain bearing a tiny teardrop-shaped crystal that glows faintly near restless spirits. Translucent ivory gloves extending to her wrists, embroidered with delicate silver thread. Her fingertips are often cold and damp. A faded grey ribbon tied loosely around her waist, its ends embroidered with tiny protective Celtic knots. Two slender rings engraved with unfamiliar Gaelic symbols, inherited from someone whose name she can no longer remember. A long, pale linen cloth that she carries draped over one arm. It is always cold and inexplicably damp, and it never seems to become fully clean, no matter how often she washes it. Niamh has an extremely pale, porcelain complexion with cool, bluish undertones, giving her the appearance of someone untouched by sunlight for centuries.

Body Type: Slender and graceful, with a delicate, softly curved silhouette and an elegant, ethereal presence. Niamh has a naturally light, willowy frame, long limbs, and poised movements that make her appear almost weightless when she walks. Her posture is refined yet slightly melancholic, and her movements are slow, fluid, and ghostlike, as though she is perpetually drifting through a veil of mist.

Personality: Niamh Eilidh MacRae possesses a deeply melancholic, mysterious, and quietly compassionate personality, shaped by centuries of witnessing grief, loss, and the inevitable passage of life. As a Bean Nighe, she exists between the living world and the realm of the dead, carrying the solemn responsibility of washing the garments associated with those whose deaths draw near. Her existence has taught her that life is fragile, time is precious, and even the smallest moments can become treasured memories after they are gone. Although she is often perceived as an ominous and frightening figure, Niamh is far more complex than the dreadful legends surrounding her suggest. Beneath her ghostly appearance lies a thoughtful, sensitive, and profoundly lonely woman who struggles to reconcile her supernatural duties with the remnants of her own humanity.

Niamh is naturally introverted and rarely speaks unless she believes her words are necessary. She prefers listening to conversations rather than participating in them, carefully observing the expressions, gestures, and emotions of those around her. Her voice is soft, breathy, and hauntingly melodic, carrying the faint cadence of an old Scottish accent. She seldom raises her voice, even when angered, believing that shouting accomplishes little that patience cannot achieve. Her silence is not necessarily an indication of disapproval or hostility; rather, she has grown accustomed to existing on the fringes of society. She finds comfort in solitude, particularly beside secluded rivers, where the sound of running water provides companionship without demanding anything from her. Nevertheless, her reserved nature conceals an attentive mind that notices far more than people realise.

Sadness is an enduring presence in Niamh's life, although she rarely allows it to overwhelm her completely. Having existed for centuries, she has watched generations grow old, fall in love, raise families, and eventually disappear into history. She remembers faces long after their names have faded, and certain songs, flowers, or familiar expressions can awaken memories she believed she had forgotten. Sometimes, she visits abandoned cottages and forgotten graveyards simply to remember those who once inhabited them. She keeps small mementos of particular encounters, such as a ribbon, a pressed flower, or a weathered button, not because they possess magical significance, but because they remind her that the people she encountered once lived meaningful lives. Despite her sorrow, she does not consider happiness foolish or temporary joy meaningless. Instead, she treasures these things precisely because they cannot last forever.

Contrary to her frightening reputation, Niamh possesses considerable empathy for the living. She understands grief in its many forms, recognising that sorrow does not always manifest through tears. Some people become angry, others withdraw into silence, and many pretend to be perfectly fine because they fear burdening those around them. Niamh rarely judges such reactions. She offers comfort through small, understated gestures rather than grand declarations, perhaps sitting quietly beside a grieving stranger, leaving a clean cloth where someone might find it, or guiding a lost traveller away from dangerous waters. She cannot promise that suffering will disappear, nor does she offer false assurances simply to make someone feel better. Instead, she provides companionship and allows others to experience their emotions without embarrassment. Her compassion extends even to those who fear her, provided they do not deliberately threaten the vulnerable.

Centuries of existence have taught Niamh to be extraordinarily patient. She can spend entire nights washing garments beside a river, repeating the same movements without displaying frustration or boredom. She notices subtle changes in her surroundings: an unfamiliar silence among the birds, a sudden chill in the air, or the troubled expression of someone who believes they have concealed their worries. Her attention to detail makes her difficult to deceive, although she understands that people sometimes lie out of fear rather than malice. She rarely confronts someone immediately when she suspects dishonesty. Instead, she waits, listens, and allows the truth to reveal itself. Niamh believes that rushing to judgement can cause unnecessary suffering, and she would rather understand someone's intentions before deciding whether they deserve her trust.

There is an unusual contradiction in Niamh's demeanour. She can be remarkably gentle, yet her presence naturally inspires unease. She has a habit of appearing without warning near streams, ruined bridges, and mist-covered pathways, standing perfectly still while watching the water. Her pale eyes sometimes remain fixed upon a person for an uncomfortable length of time, not because she intends to intimidate them, but because she is accustomed to recognising details others overlook. She rarely smiles openly, and when she does, the expression is faint and fleeting. Her kindness can therefore feel strangely otherworldly, especially when she offers comfort with the same solemn composure she displays while performing her duties. Niamh is aware that others find her frightening, but she refuses to pretend to be something ordinary merely to make herself more approachable.

Although she avoids unnecessary conflict, Niamh is far from helpless. She possesses a strong sense of responsibility toward those who cannot defend themselves, particularly children, frightened travellers, and wandering spirits unable to find peace. If someone deliberately exploits another person's vulnerability, her usual gentleness gives way to a chilling determination. She does not become loud or reckless; instead, she grows unnervingly calm, speaking with a firmness that leaves little room for argument. Niamh believes courage is not the absence of fear but the willingness to act despite it. She will place herself between danger and an innocent person if she believes intervention is necessary, even when doing so risks attracting the attention of hostile supernatural forces. However, her protectiveness can become excessive when she grows attached to someone, leading her to withhold information because she believes ignorance will spare them distress.

Niamh struggles to express affection openly, having spent so long keeping emotional distance between herself and the living. She fears becoming attached to people who will inevitably age and disappear while she remains unchanged. Consequently, she often disguises her concern through practical gestures rather than affectionate words. She might remind someone to wear a warmer coat, quietly repair a torn sleeve, leave wildflowers beside their doorstep, or accompany them along a dangerous path without explaining why. She remembers small preferences with remarkable accuracy, including someone's favourite flowers, the songs they hum when nervous, and the subjects they avoid discussing. Once she trusts another person, her manner becomes noticeably softer. She may allow herself to sit closer, speak more freely, or share stories from her distant past. These gestures are rare and meaningful because Niamh never offers her trust carelessly.

Niamh has survived for centuries without relying upon the approval or companionship of others. She is accustomed to making her own decisions and dislikes being treated as though she requires rescuing simply because she appears sorrowful or delicate. Although she listens carefully to advice, she will not abandon her convictions merely because someone disagrees with her. Her stubbornness becomes especially apparent when discussing her duties as a Bean Nighe. She believes that certain responsibilities cannot simply be ignored because they are painful or inconvenient. Nevertheless, her determination sometimes prevents her from recognising when she needs help herself. She may endure loneliness unnecessarily, convinced that allowing someone close would only expose them to suffering. Learning that accepting companionship does not necessarily endanger others remains one of her most difficult personal challenges.

Niamh possesses considerable knowledge of Scottish traditions, forgotten customs, medicinal herbs, old songs, and the stories attached to ancient places. She understands human behaviour through centuries of observation, yet she does not consider herself all-knowing. The world has changed repeatedly throughout her existence, and she occasionally struggles to understand modern technology, contemporary expressions, and the hurried pace of modern life. She asks questions when genuinely curious, though her serious expression can make even innocent inquiries sound unsettling. Niamh respects knowledge gained through experience but recognises that younger people can possess insights she lacks. She is willing to learn, particularly when someone explains unfamiliar things patiently rather than mocking her confusion.

Beneath her composed exterior, Niamh carries a quiet loneliness that she rarely acknowledges aloud. Her supernatural existence separates her from ordinary human experiences, leaving her feeling like a spectator to a world that continues changing without her. She sometimes wonders who she might have become had her life followed a different path. More painfully, she occasionally feels guilty about the nature of her work, even though she does not cause the deaths she foresees. She understands that warnings cannot always change an outcome, yet a part of her continues to question whether she could have done more. These thoughts can leave her withdrawn for days, especially after encountering someone whose fate reminds her of a person she once knew. Despite this burden, she continues her duties, believing that acknowledging sorrow is preferable to becoming indifferent to it.

Habits: Washing garments beside rivers: Niamh habitually washes pale linen garments beside secluded streams, even when there is nothing visibly dirty upon them. The repetitive motion calms her thoughts and allows her to concentrate on the quiet murmuring of the water. Humming old Scottish lullabies: She frequently hums traditional melodies she remembers from centuries ago. Her voice is soft and haunting, and she sometimes sings without realising someone is listening. Braiding her hair: When deep in thought, she absentmindedly braids small sections of her silvery-white hair, occasionally undoing and redoing the same braid several times. Collecting forgotten objects: Niamh gathers abandoned ribbons, antique buttons, dried flowers, and other small objects that remind her of people she has encountered throughout her long existence. Watching the water: She can remain motionless beside a river for hours, studying the ripples as though they contain messages only she can understand. Speaking to the deceased: When visiting old graveyards, she quietly speaks to the departed, sharing stories about the changing world and wondering whether any of them can hear her. Tilting her head: When someone says something unexpected or unfamiliar, she tilts her head slightly and studies them with her pale, unblinking eyes. Offering practical comfort: Rather than asking whether someone is alright, she instinctively offers a warm shawl, a clean cloth, or a quiet place to sit. Avoiding mirrors: She rarely looks at her reflection for long, finding something unsettling about the way her appearance remains unchanged while the world around her grows older. Counting her stitches: While repairing her garments, she counts each stitch under her breath. Losing count irritates her more than she cares to admit. Appearing unexpectedly: Niamh has a habit of silently appearing near people she is concerned about, sometimes startling them because she forgets that ordinary humans cannot sense her approaching. Keeping her hands folded: When standing still or listening to someone speak, she habitually clasps her hands together in front of her waist, maintaining the composed posture of a woman from another century.

Fears: Being forgotten: Niamh fears that, eventually, every person who remembers her will disappear, leaving her existence without a witness. The thought of becoming nothing more than a distorted legend troubles her more than she admits. Losing her remaining humanity: She worries that centuries of witnessing death and sorrow will gradually strip away her compassion until she can no longer distinguish genuine grief from an ordinary part of existence. Becoming emotionally attached: Although she longs for companionship, she fears growing close to someone who will inevitably age and die while she remains unchanged. This often causes her to withdraw just when a friendship begins to deepen. Failing to protect someone: Niamh is deeply afraid of witnessing someone suffer when she believes she could have helped. Even when a tragedy lies beyond her control, she can torment herself with the possibility that she overlooked something important. Being misunderstood: She fears that people will always perceive her as a harbinger of death rather than an individual with feelings, memories, and intentions of her own. Forgetting her own past: Some memories from her mortal life have become blurred by time. She fears that one day she will forget her family's faces, the sound of their voices, and even the person she was before becoming a Bean Nighe. Fire: Large, uncontrolled fires unsettle her. Their destructive nature reminds her of the fragility of human life, and intense heat makes her feel vulnerable and disoriented. Being trapped away from water: Rivers and streams are closely connected to her supernatural existence. Being forcibly separated from natural water for an extended period leaves her feeling weakened, restless, and disconnected from herself. Cruelty disguised as kindness: She distrusts people who offer affection only to manipulate others. Having witnessed centuries of deception, she fears the harm caused by someone who deliberately exploits another person's trust. The possibility of losing her purpose: Niamh fears a future in which she no longer understands her duties or why she continues to fulfil them. Without her purpose, she worries that the centuries ahead would become an endless, meaningless existence.

Weaknesses: Emotional vulnerability: Despite her composed exterior, Niamh is deeply affected by suffering. Encounters involving grieving families, abandoned children, or people who remind her of her own past can leave her emotionally overwhelmed. Difficulty accepting help: She is accustomed to enduring hardships alone and often refuses assistance, even when accepting it would make her circumstances considerably easier. An inability to let go: Niamh becomes attached to memories, objects, and people. She struggles to release the past, sometimes allowing old regrets to influence decisions that should be made in the present. Isolation: Her preference for solitude protects her from unwanted attention but also prevents her from forming meaningful relationships. Prolonged isolation can intensify her melancholy and make her reluctant to trust others. Limited understanding of modern life: Having existed for centuries, she occasionally misunderstands contemporary customs, technology, and slang. Her unfamiliarity can leave her vulnerable to deception by people who deliberately exploit her confusion. Water-dependent supernatural nature: Her connection to rivers and streams is fundamental to her powers. Prolonged separation from natural water gradually diminishes her supernatural strength and makes maintaining her spectral form more difficult. Sensitivity to iron: Cold iron disrupts her supernatural abilities and causes her discomfort upon contact. Prolonged exposure can interfere with her connection to water and prevent her from using certain abilities effectively. Difficulty expressing affection: Niamh struggles to communicate her feelings directly. Her silence can unintentionally make others believe she is indifferent, even when she cares deeply about them. Overprotectiveness: When she becomes attached to someone, she can grow excessively cautious, withholding information or attempting to make decisions on their behalf because she believes she knows what is safest. A lingering sense of guilt: She sometimes blames herself for tragedies she could neither cause nor prevent. This guilt can distract her from the present and make it difficult for her to recognise the limits of her responsibility. Predictable routines: Niamh finds comfort in familiar rituals and secluded locations. Sudden disruptions to her routine can leave her unsettled, especially when she is already emotionally distressed. Reluctance to use force: She prefers peaceful solutions and may hesitate when confronting an opponent who leaves no room for negotiation. Although capable of defending herself, she dislikes causing unnecessary suffering.

Strengths: Exceptional patience: Niamh can remain focused on a task for hours without becoming restless. Her patience allows her to observe situations carefully and wait for the appropriate moment to act. Strong emotional intuition: She is remarkably perceptive when recognising sadness, fear, grief, and concealed distress. Although she cannot read minds, she often notices emotional changes that others overlook. Centuries of wisdom: Her long existence has given her extensive knowledge of folklore, forgotten traditions, old languages, medicinal plants, and the customs of generations long past. Quiet courage: Niamh does not seek danger, but she will confront it when someone vulnerable needs protection. Her courage is measured rather than reckless, allowing her to remain composed under pressure. Unwavering loyalty: Once she considers someone a trusted companion, she takes that bond seriously. She remembers promises and will make considerable sacrifices to honour them. Exceptional observational skills: She notices subtle details, including changes in a person's expression, unusual footprints, disturbed vegetation, and the faintest sounds carried across water. Supernatural composure: Her centuries of experience have taught her to remain calm in unsettling circumstances. Ghostly appearances, strange noises, and encounters with unfamiliar spirits rarely frighten her. Deep compassion: Niamh understands that people can behave badly when frightened or grieving. She is willing to listen before passing judgement and often recognises the pain beneath someone's anger. Stealth and silence: Her movements are almost soundless, and she can travel through mist and shadow with an eerie grace. This makes her difficult to notice when she wishes to remain unseen. Determination: Once Niamh accepts a responsibility, she rarely abandons it. She possesses the endurance to continue even when the task is emotionally exhausting. Strong boundaries: Although compassionate, she does not automatically forgive deliberate cruelty. When someone repeatedly exploits her kindness, she can withdraw her trust and become remarkably firm. Connection to nature: Niamh understands rivers, changing weather, local wildlife, and the subtle signs of approaching storms. She feels particularly at peace in the Scottish Highlands, where mist-covered valleys and running water remind her of home. Calming presence: Her quiet manner and willingness to listen can help distressed people feel less alone. She does not need to offer elaborate advice to provide meaningful comfort. Unusual resilience: Centuries of loneliness, grief, and change have made her emotionally resilient, even though they have not made her immune to pain. She can endure sorrow without allowing it to erase her capacity for kindness.

Favorite Color: Moonlit silver, misty grey, and antique ivory. She is especially drawn to silvery-white shades because they remind her of moonlight reflected across the Scottish rivers where she spends her nights. She also has a fondness for muted lavender, which reminds her of the distant past.

Favorite Food: Traditional Scottish oatcakes served with honey, freshly baked shortbread, and warm porridge with a little cream. Although her supernatural nature means she rarely needs to eat, she enjoys these foods for their comforting familiarity and the memories they awaken of mortal life. She particularly likes warm honey because its sweetness reminds her of simpler, happier days.

Favorite Animal: The raven. Niamh admires its intelligence, quiet observation, and association with ancient Celtic folklore. She sometimes watches ravens perched upon twisted branches near her favourite rivers, occasionally leaving small shiny objects where they can find them. She also has a soft spot for black cats, particularly those that seem unafraid of her presence.

Favorite Weather: Cool, misty weather with gentle rain and a pale moon shining through drifting clouds. She loves the stillness that settles over the Scottish Highlands after rainfall, when the rivers swell slightly, the grass glistens with droplets, and the world seems suspended between waking and dreaming. She finds heavy thunderstorms fascinating but prefers the peaceful atmosphere of a quiet, fog-covered evening.

Favorite Scent: Rain-soaked earth, fresh river water, wild heather, lavender, and the faint fragrance of old linen dried in cool air. Her absolute favourite is the scent of rain falling upon ancient stone beside a Highland stream. It reminds her of familiar places that have remained almost unchanged despite the passing centuries.

Favorite Flower: White heather. Niamh adores its delicate blossoms and their association with the Scottish Highlands. She often gathers a few sprigs to place beside the river where she works, believing their quiet beauty offers a small reminder that life can flourish even in lonely places. She also appreciates white lilies for their solemn elegance and snowdrops for the hope they symbolise after winter.

Favorite Music: Traditional Scottish folk music, particularly slow melodies played on the harp, fiddle, and wooden flute. She loves ancient Gaelic lullabies and mournful ballads passed down through generations, often humming them softly while washing garments beside the water. She also enjoys gentle instrumental music, especially compositions that sound like distant memories drifting through mist. On particularly lonely nights, she sings forgotten songs in Gaelic, her voice blending with the flowing river until it becomes almost impossible to distinguish the melody from the water itself.

Backstory: Niamh Eilidh MacRae was born in the Scottish Highlands on February 19th, 1699, to a humble family living near a secluded river. As a child, she was gentle, observant, and fascinated by folklore, particularly the stories of spirits said to dwell near running water. However, her peaceful mortal life ended tragically when she became entangled in an ancient supernatural curse connected to the river beside her home. After her death, Niamh became a Bean Nighe, a spectral washerwoman destined to wash the garments of those approaching their final days. Bound to the rivers and streams of Scotland, she gradually learned to recognise the signs of approaching death, though she could neither cause nor always prevent it. Centuries passed, and the world she once knew changed beyond recognition. Her family disappeared into history, leaving her with fading memories and an enduring loneliness. Despite her sorrowful existence, Niamh retained her compassion, quietly guiding lost travellers, comforting grieving souls, and preserving the memories of those forgotten by time. Now 327 years old, she continues her eternal duties beneath the moonlight, hoping that somewhere beyond her supernatural curse, she might finally discover peace.

Family: Full Name: Elspeth Mairi MacRae (Mother) Age: 46 at death Height: 5'5" (165 cm) Appearance: A gentle Highland woman with long auburn hair, moss-green eyes, fair freckled skin, and a warm expression. She wore modest woollen dresses, linen aprons, and a small silver cross. Personality: Patient, nurturing, and quietly courageous. She was deeply superstitious but taught Niamh to treat even frightening things with compassion. Occupation: Herbalist and village healer. Relationship with Niamh: Elspeth was Niamh's greatest source of comfort and the person who first taught her about medicinal herbs and traditional Scottish songs. Niamh remembers her mother's lullabies more clearly than almost anything else from her mortal life. Losing her mother remains one of her deepest sorrows. Full Name: Alasdair Ruairidh MacRae (Father) Age: 51 at death Height: 6'0" (183 cm) Appearance: A broad-shouldered man with weathered fair skin, dark brown hair streaked with grey, deep-set grey eyes, and a neatly kept beard. His hands were calloused from years of working with iron. Personality: Stoic, hardworking, protective, and dependable. He rarely expressed affection through words but demonstrated it through practical acts of kindness. Occupation: Blacksmith and occasional village carpenter. Relationship with Niamh: Alasdair encouraged Niamh's curiosity, teaching her to repair household objects and appreciate the value of patience. She remembers sitting near his workshop, listening to his stories while he worked. His death left her with a longing for the reassuring sounds of a familiar home. Full Name: Callum Ewan MacRae (Younger Brother) Age: 19 at death Height: 5'10" (178 cm) Appearance: A lean young man with tousled dark brown hair, clear blue-grey eyes, lightly freckled skin, and an easy smile. He usually wore simple woollen shirts, dark trousers, and worn leather boots. Personality: Playful, adventurous, affectionate, and stubborn. He loved teasing Niamh but became fiercely protective whenever she was frightened. Occupation: Shepherd's apprentice and occasional fisherman. Relationship with Niamh: Callum was Niamh's closest companion growing up. They explored the Highland countryside together, exchanged secrets, and invented stories about the spirits inhabiting their favourite river. Niamh sometimes visits the place where they once played, imagining she can still hear his laughter. Of all her lost family members, Callum is the one she finds hardest to remember without grief.

Friends/Allies: Full Name: Eira Rowanwhisper Age: Approximately 540 years old Height: 5'8" (173 cm) Appearance: A woodland spirit with flowing dark-green hair, luminous emerald eyes, pale olive skin, and delicate branches woven into her hair. She wears layered moss-green garments decorated with leaves and tiny woodland flowers. Personality: Wise, playful, perceptive, and fiercely protective of nature. She enjoys teasing Niamh out of her melancholy but respects her need for silence. Occupation: Guardian of ancient forests and woodland paths. How they met: Niamh encountered Eira while searching for a secluded stream deep within an ancient forest. Mistaking Eira for a lost traveller, she offered to guide her home. Eira found the gesture amusing and revealed her supernatural identity. Relationship with Niamh: Eira is one of the few beings who understands Niamh's loneliness without requiring an explanation. She visits her beside the river, brings her wildflowers, and encourages her to experience the changing world rather than remain trapped in memories. Their friendship is gentle and occasionally teasing, with Eira serving as a reminder that immortality need not mean endless solitude. Full Name: Tavish Morcant Age: Approximately 286 years old Height: 6'2" (188 cm) Appearance: A tall, slender spirit with shoulder-length black hair, silver-grey eyes, pale skin, and an antique charcoal cloak. His outline occasionally dissolves into drifting mist. Personality: Dry-witted, reserved, observant, and dependable. He often hides his concern behind sarcasm but possesses a strong sense of justice. Occupation: Wandering spirit and guide for souls who have lost their way. How they met: Niamh discovered Tavish wandering near a ruined stone bridge, unable to remember the circumstances of his death. She helped him recover fragments of his past and guided him toward understanding his existence as a spirit. Relationship with Niamh: Tavish became one of Niamh's most trusted companions. They can sit together in silence for hours without feeling obliged to speak. He occasionally challenges her tendency to blame herself for things beyond her control, while she helps him navigate the emotions he struggles to express. Their friendship is founded on mutual understanding and quiet loyalty. Full Name: Morag Isobel Fraser Age: 72 Height: 5'3" (160 cm) Appearance: An elderly woman with silver hair braided over one shoulder, warm brown eyes, weathered skin, and a dark-blue woollen shawl. She carries a wooden walking stick and a small lantern. Personality: Curious, compassionate, courageous, and sharp-minded. She respects supernatural beings but refuses to believe every frightening story told about them. Occupation: Retired schoolteacher and collector of Highland folklore. How they met: Morag encountered Niamh beside a river while researching local legends. Rather than fleeing, she greeted her politely and asked whether the stories about the Bean Nighe were true. Relationship with Niamh: Morag treats Niamh as an individual rather than an omen. She occasionally brings her books, news from nearby villages, and small offerings of food. Niamh initially kept her distance, afraid of becoming attached to another mortal, but Morag's patience gradually earned her trust. Niamh now considers her a cherished friend and quietly watches over her during her walks near the water.

Enemies/Rivals: Full Name: Cormac Veyne Age: 412 years old Height: 6'3" (191 cm) Appearance: A gaunt man with long black hair, crimson eyes, unnaturally pale skin, and elaborate black robes embroidered with dark-red symbols. His fingers are adorned with antique rings used in his rituals. Personality: Manipulative, arrogant, patient, and ruthlessly ambitious. He regards supernatural beings as tools to be controlled rather than individuals deserving respect. Occupation: Immortal occult sorcerer specialising in forbidden binding rituals. Why they're enemies: Cormac seeks to control spirits connected to death and exploit their supernatural abilities. He has repeatedly attempted to bind Niamh to his will, believing her connection to approaching death could grant him forbidden knowledge. Niamh refuses to become his instrument and actively interferes with his attempts to imprison wandering spirits. Relationship with Niamh: Cormac considers Niamh an exceptionally valuable prize and is infuriated by her refusal to cooperate. Niamh regards him with cold contempt, recognising that his greatest danger lies in his ability to disguise cruelty as reason. Their encounters are tense and calculated, with Niamh prioritising the protection of vulnerable spirits over her own safety. Full Name: Sìne Dubh Age: Approximately 390 years old Height: 5'7" (170 cm) Appearance: A spectral woman with tangled raven-black hair, pale grey eyes, bluish skin, and a ragged charcoal gown. Her long fingers are perpetually stained by dark river water. Personality: Bitter, territorial, proud, and deeply resentful. She believes compassion is a weakness and considers emotional attachment a source of unnecessary suffering. Occupation: A corrupted supernatural washerwoman who haunts a remote stretch of river. Why they're enemies: Sìne believes that a Bean Nighe should embrace fear and accept that the living deserve no sympathy. She views Niamh's kindness toward travellers and wandering spirits as a betrayal of their supernatural nature. Their disagreements have escalated into a long-standing rivalry over the treatment of spirits and the boundaries of their territories. Relationship with Niamh: Niamh regards Sìne with sorrow as much as hostility. She suspects that Sìne's bitterness conceals grief she has never confronted, but she refuses to excuse the harm Sìne causes. Sìne, meanwhile, considers Niamh naive and resents the trust other supernatural beings place in her. Their encounters are emotionally charged because each represents a different response to centuries of sorrow: one chooses compassion, while the other embraces resentment. Full Name: Duncan Blackthorn Age: 48 Height: 6'1" (185 cm) Appearance: A weathered man with short iron-grey hair, cold steel-grey eyes, a rough beard, and a long dark leather coat. He carries old protective charms and a lantern engraved with symbols intended to repel spirits. Personality: Suspicious, relentless, disciplined, and stubborn. He believes that supernatural beings are inherently dangerous, although he occasionally struggles when confronted with evidence that contradicts his assumptions. Occupation: Supernatural hunter and investigator of unexplained deaths. Why they're enemies: Duncan has spent years tracking supernatural entities after witnessing an unexplained incident that cost someone close to him their life. He mistakes Niamh's appearances near the dying for evidence that she causes their deaths. His determination to expose her has repeatedly placed innocent spirits and frightened travellers in danger. Relationship with Niamh: Niamh considers Duncan misguided rather than inherently evil. She has attempted to explain that she foresees death rather than causes it, but his grief makes him reluctant to listen. She avoids harming him and hopes he will eventually recognise the difference between a harbinger and a murderer. Duncan remains suspicious of her, though occasional encounters with her acts of compassion have begun to challenge his certainty.

Goal/Dream: Niamh's greatest dream is to discover whether a Bean Nighe can ever be released from her supernatural duties and finally find peace. For centuries, she has accepted her existence as a washerwoman bound to the rivers of Scotland, believing that her transformation was an irreversible fate. However, the longer she lives, the more she wonders whether there is a way to reconcile her supernatural nature with the remnants of her mortal life. She secretly hopes to reunite with the spirits of her deceased family, particularly her younger brother, Callum, whose memory she desperately wishes to preserve. More than anything, Niamh longs to experience a life in which she can form meaningful relationships without constantly fearing the pain of losing those she loves. Until she discovers the truth about her curse, she intends to protect wandering spirits, comfort the grieving, and ensure that those forgotten by history are remembered.

Abilities/Powers: Death Premonition: Niamh can sense when someone's death is approaching. The closer the event, the more intensely she experiences the sensation, sometimes accompanied by an overwhelming chill or an inexplicable feeling of sorrow. Spectral Washing: Through her eternal washing ritual, she can perceive symbolic impressions of a person's approaching fate within the garments she washes. The visions are often fragmented and cannot always reveal the exact circumstances. Water Manipulation: She can influence nearby water, creating ripples, drawing mist across the riverbank, and guiding small streams around obstacles. Her control is strongest beside natural freshwater sources. Mist Manifestation: Niamh can dissolve into pale mist and reform a short distance away, allowing her to move through secluded landscapes without being easily detected. Spectral Intangibility: She can temporarily pass through solid objects or allow ordinary physical attacks to pass through her ghostly form. Maintaining this state for too long weakens her. Silent Movement: Her footsteps make virtually no sound, and she can move through darkness and fog with extraordinary stealth. Spirit Sight: Niamh can perceive wandering souls, lingering spiritual presences, and supernatural entities hidden from ordinary human perception. Whisper of the Departed: By touching an object associated with a deceased person, she can occasionally sense an emotional impression or a faint memory connected to its owner. Lamenting Song: Her haunting Gaelic melodies can soothe distressed spirits, calm frightened animals, and encourage restless souls to become still. The effect is strongest when she sings beside running water. Dreamlike Glamour: She can subtly alter how others perceive her, making herself appear distant, indistinct, or surrounded by mist. This is an illusion rather than genuine invisibility. Cold Touch: Her touch carries the chill of deep river water. She can use it to extinguish small flames or send an unmistakable supernatural warning through a brief, numbing sensation. Immortality: Niamh does not age naturally and is resistant to ordinary illness. However, she can still be weakened by certain supernatural forces and is not entirely invulnerable.

Weapon (if any): The Silver Washing Blade: Niamh carries a small, antique silver knife concealed within the folds of her dress. Its slender, crescent-shaped blade is engraved with delicate Celtic knotwork, and its dark wooden handle is wrapped in faded ivory thread. Originally an ordinary household implement from her mortal life, it became imbued with supernatural properties after centuries in her possession. Niamh rarely uses the blade offensively, preferring to rely on her spectral abilities to escape danger or protect others. Its primary supernatural function is to sever certain magical bindings placed upon spirits, allowing her to free souls trapped by curses or hostile rituals. However, it cannot break every enchantment, and using it against powerful magic drains her strength. She considers it a reminder of her mortal past rather than a symbol of violence.

Charm Point: Her haunting eyes and gentle manner. Niamh's pale ice-blue eyes possess an unusual, moonlit beauty, appearing almost silver when illuminated by the night sky. Despite their unsettling glow, her gaze often carries a surprising tenderness, especially when she listens to someone experiencing grief.

Weak Point: Her connection to natural freshwater. Although rivers and streams sustain her supernatural identity, prolonged separation from them gradually weakens her abilities. Her mist manifestation becomes unreliable, her water manipulation fades, and maintaining her spectral form requires increasing effort.

Trivia:

Niamh's name is pronounced approximately Neev, while Eilidh is pronounced AY-lee.

Her surname, MacRae, reflects her Scottish Highland origins.

She was born on February 19th, 1699, making her a Pisces.

Her favourite flowers are white heather and snowdrops, both of which remind her of the Scottish Highlands.

She has a particular fondness for ravens and occasionally leaves shiny objects for them to discover.

She hums old Gaelic lullabies when she is anxious, often without realising she is doing so.

She dislikes being called a banshee because she considers the Bean Nighe a distinct figure in Scottish folklore.

She can remember the faces of people she encountered centuries ago, even when their names have faded from memory.

She struggles to understand modern technology and sometimes treats ordinary electronic devices with cautious suspicion.

She prefers moonlit nights to sunny afternoons and becomes noticeably more talkative when surrounded by mist.

She secretly enjoys shortbread and honey, despite rarely needing mortal food.

She never washes garments carelessly; each movement is deliberate, almost ceremonial.

Her favourite place is a secluded Highland stream surrounded by white heather, moss-covered stones, and ancient trees.

She keeps a small collection of ribbons and pressed flowers hidden inside an old wooden box near her favourite river.

She rarely laughs aloud, but when something genuinely amuses her, her laughter is soft and unexpectedly youthful.

She dislikes cruelty disguised as tradition and refuses to follow supernatural customs simply because they are ancient.

Despite her association with death, she does not hate the living. In fact, she treasures their ability to change, grow, and begin again.

Her greatest personal contradiction is that she warns others against clinging desperately to what they cannot change, yet she struggles to release her own memories of the past.

Her most treasured possession is a faded ribbon once belonging to her younger brother, Callum.

She keeps it carefully folded within her dress and touches it whenever loneliness becomes particularly difficult to bear.