Tear Jerker / Tyranny

• Practically all of Sirin's backstory, though her mother's death stands out, especially since asking her for details actually generates a Fear increase with her.
  Sirin: "It's amazing what details stay with you in times like this - what burns itself into your memory. Something insignificant will remain forever while major details fade, become hazy. We were walking toward our house. The only detail I can recall with clarity is the bird. It was blue with red splotches on its wings and it was so beautiful. It landed on a fence post and was sitting still as the village had become. My mother was bringing me home from being the Songbird. I don't even remember what it was for. Someone's son was sick? Someone's slave had a sore foot? Everything they asked me to do kind of blends together now..."
  "We were almost home. I was entranced by the bird and my mother was talking about dinner when we both noticed how quiet it had gotten. 'Sirin...' she said, looking around when a rock hit the fence with a thunk, sending the bird into the air. She was looking over my shoulder at the people gathered behind us. One of them shouted 'That little bitch killed my crops!' It's the last thing I remember being said. Such ugly words from such an ugly man. He leaned over and picked up another rock as he spoke, then shook it in my direction for emphasis. My mother put a hand on my shoulder and stepped in front of me, saying something I don't remember. The bird had landed in a tree above us and I couldn't stop watching it. Its wings flapped occasionally, almost lazily. In the back of my mind, I knew something was wrong, but I knew my mother would take care of it. Suddenly people were shouting and throwing things. A group began to rush us, swinging sticks. My mother turned and grabbed me, picking me up, wrapping herself around me. I don't think she even tried to run. She must have known there was no getting out of it. The rest is a muddled mess. I remember blood and screaming, utter chaos. I was lying in the mud with my mother's body on top of me. Even in death she was trying to protect me..."
  "And that bird. As I lay there in the mud, staring at my mother's lifeless eyes, feeling her weight crushing me with each ragged breath I took, it landed on her cheek. The splotches on its wings mirrored the blood spattered on her face. That's the memory that stays with me the most vividly."
  • A high enough Lore check reveals that her father had fanned the flames of the rumors so he could get Sirin's mother out of the picture, allowing him to sell her ability more freely - or more specifically, to Kyros.
  • Prior to this, Sirin managed to lose her mother's trust by exercising her ability. Since her mother was pregnant, her comparatively-uncaring father was the one taking her out to make money. So Sirin's solution was to sing to her brother and ask that he be born soon... but it was too soon for him to survive.