Editing Dreams of a Fallen Crown:Characters:Oath-Graven Diamond (section)

== Adulthood ==
<P>Leaving behind the politics of the houses, Suraga discovered that his high cheekbones and fine skin earned him more success with the ladies than he could have imagined.  He filled his time with carousing and romance, though no woman truly touched his heart.  Even the woman chosen to marry him, the plain-faced Radiant Crane, failed to catch his love.  He didn't bother to keep secret his several mistresses throughout The Lap.  He performed his duties adequately, but no more than that, unable and unwilling to bring more to the task than obligatory effort.</P>
<P>That spring, however, the armies deployed to fend off Dune People raiders from the small settlements south of the Lap and Suraga was placed in charge of a Scale. Still a young and inexperienced commander, he allowed his troops to be drawn off by a feint, pursuing raiders who seemed to melt into the sand once they were away from the settlement.  When they returned, Suraga found carnage.  The settlement had been brutally raided and set aflame, every inhabitant put to the sword who wasn't kidnapped.  Suraga realized then that he wasn't here merely for family or obligation, but for these people who relied on him to protect them and their way of life.  With new resolve to lead his men as best he could for the sake of those under his protection, he trailed the escaping raiders and exhorted his troops to bring righteous justice to these barbarians.  The battle was bloody, but the survivors were finally rescued, and his Scale made an excellent showing.  It was a bittersweet victory, however.  Suraga helped to cremate the dead of the village with his own hands.</P>
<P>In time, Radiant Crane bore him a daughter, Jade Singing Sand, and grew large with a child he would never meet.  He hardly saw his wife longer than necessary to perform his duty anymore.</P>