Content Warning: This section of the guide discusses psychological abuse, murder, and suicide.

Tarisai is a young girl who lives in the land of Swana in the Arit empire. Swana is a large region filled with elephants, sprawling savannahs, and magic. Tarisai lives in Bhekina House and is raised by maids and tutors. She rarely sees her mother, whom everyone calls The Lady. One night, Tarisai decides to sneak out and search the savannah for her absent mother. She encounters a mythical being called an “alagbato” who has large blue wings. The alagbato, whose name is later revealed to be Melu, calls Tarisai by name, although she has never met him. He picks her up, but Tarisai resists because her mother does not allow anyone to touch her. (Tarisai has the magical ability to take the memories or “stories” of anyone or anything that comes into contact with her skin.) The alagbato is not fazed and offers to show Tarisai her mother. Tarisai warily accepts his offer, as she has spent most of her young life seeking her mother’s attention and praise. She has spent the majority of her time with her servants and tutors, who routinely coach her on languages, puzzle-solving, and history to please The Lady.