Bonus - The Meanings of the Fae Trees
A/N; Sorry it's all so chaotic
As you already know, each yasha in this AU gets a true form of an animal and a tree that reflects their character and energy (magic)
Since the 'species' of a yasha depends of their parents (in mixed breed marriages you can usually expect kids to be of the same breed the stronger parent is, but there are also kinds of the weaker parent, sometime) it's easier to figure that out. But trees don't follow that rule, they are bound to fae's spiritual side, not their physical form.
In short, for anyone who might be interested, below are the trees and their most basic descriptions I focused on trees you will meet in the story.
Now you can try and guess who has which one.
It kinda reads like a horoscope. but keep in mind that these characteristics can take a good or a bad vibe depending on the yasha's personality. Like a yew can be a good sorcerer and an evil warlock
Updated ca chapter 27
Alder - The tree of a priest
Those who are marked by alder are gentle souls, that dedicate their lives to serving the kami and mediating between them and the yasha kind. They are priests and priestesses and hermits, often accompanying the Emperor or helping the healers or sennin in their tasks.
Apple - The tree of caretakers
With the gentle nature the fae with this tree is most fit to be a healer, a guardian of young, caretaker. The ones with this tree are soft spoken and nurturing, selfless.
Ash - The tree of a leader
With iron strength, authority and respect for order, a yasha with that tree is fit to act as a ruler, warlord, administrator. Ash tree yasha are willing to fight and die for the sake of their people, but won't take unnecessary risks.
Elder - The tree of a hunter
With the persistence and drive for chase this tree usually belongs to a fae who is a hunter, a warrior or a trader. With the tendency to focus on one thing they are often paying no attention to other things, but when they have a good hunt they will share their joy and spoils with others
Elm - The tree of a judge
With the drive to guard the justice and these that can't fight for themselves, a yasha with that tree is most fit to be a judge, executor, rescuer. Many a time an elm tree yasha can go feral or vengeful in pursuing those that broke the laws.
Cherry - The tree of a warrior
With this tree one can expect the fae to be easy going, knowing that life can be taken or protected, that it is a path with new and exciting things to experience. With that tree the fae is most fit to be a guardian, a warrior or an explorer.. They want to protect, just like ash tree, but are lacking the same tendency to arrogance and cab become a tyrant.
Hazel - The tree of poets
With that tree the fae is most fit to be a poet, a traveler, a herald.. They find great joy in creating music and singing, keeping the lore of the yasha rhymed and alive, spreading history and news among different dwellings.
Maple - The tree of Mediators
Those, who are born with a maple as their tree are often fierce peacemakers, mediators and warriors for balance. They seek to right the misunderstandings and wrongs, not only between breeds of yasha,but also with humans. Empathy and iron will are what drive them to act in the face of unbalance. They will fight, but they prefer more evasive actions.
Oak - The tree of a sage (sennin)
With perfect control of spiritual powers a yasha is most fit to act as a priest, advisory, healer and such. These with an oak as their tree are wise and careful in action, often strong because they perfect their inner abilities.
Peach - The tree of gardeners
With the attitude similar to apple tree, fae with peach tree are more fit to caring for plants, so usually they become gardeners, herbalists and guardians of forests. The fae of the peach are dedicated to their tasks and the earth rewards them with a bountiful harvest for their patience and work
Willow - The tree of seekers
With that tree you can expect a fae to be one of the water-dwelling kind. Such fae will be most effective as seers, seekers and adapt in defensive magic. Often what they find they hoard and sometimes what they look for are spirits of humans that interest them.
Yew - The tree of sorceress
With that tree you can expect the fae to be a devoted scholar, but often if not overseen, the fae may cross to practicing dark arts. Most fit for alchemists, mages, healers. While the sennin are focusing on inner power and the priests are blessed by the kami with additional powers, the sorcerers often use artifacts and spells to bend the worked to their will.
