Neferet was born into a very odd environment, being the daughter of a beggar and his wife. Anywhere else in the world, a beggar would be considered a filthy outcast, but in Apep they were considered some of the wisest and most helpful folk around. Beggars in Apep were in their profession by choice. They lived wearing rags, never ate at tables, and did not conspire to obtain fortune, only as much as people would give them. In return, they would often protect the common person, heal the sick, and keep the streets safe at night. If there was a beggar present, one could feel secure.
Raised in this environment and educated in the clan rules, Neferet became one of their more active members at an early age, mastering several martial disciplines and serving actively in assisting the diseased. Although mischivous, she never caused too much trouble, and certainly never had fun at the expense of a good person. For a good long time, she lived a fairly noble life, and was always ready with a smile and helping hand.
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The Kriegbesonnenheit invaded then, and with them came war. Refugees from invaded towns came in droves to Apep from Ibis clan territory. The Krieg butchered and enslaved whosoever they came across, and so a mass exodus to the East began. Soon, Apep was overrun with refugees and the oligarchy had to close its gates to any future travellers. The rulership lacked a good leader, and the war had come at a bad time. Soon the city was unable to support its swollen population and began deporting refugees back into Ibis territory, there to die either from starvation, cold, or Krieg soldiers.
The beggars clan, unable to brook such action, became one of the most active forces in undermining the government's deportations. They arranged food and supplies for refugees, brought in external help from surrounding villages, and helped travellers pass into Apep despite its locked gates. It also made them fugitives from the law, and soon a price was on each member's head, even youths such as Neferet. Nonetheless, they would not be silenced nor stilled. |