Seshka Váradi is a slim, athletic young woman whose strength shows in her forearms, shoulders, and hands rather than in bulk. Her light olive skin is roughened at the knuckles and darkened in the palm creases by years of rope work, bow use, and handling rust-red mineral dust. Her enormous glossy brown eyes convey gentle warmth until they settle on a threat, when they become still and measuring. Her rounded cheeks and small chin make her look almost soft-faced, an impression contradicted by the way she stands balanced on the balls of her feet, poised like a hunting cat. Wind has reddened her nose and knuckles. Her severe braided crown is neat enough for inspection, but rebellious chestnut curls escape around both ears and tremble whenever she turns her head. She moves quietly despite her armor, with an odd habit of stopping completely before changing direction. She smells faintly of pine resin, cold iron, wool, and the sharp red dust of the mountain road. The unexpected contradiction is her smile, which is broad, crooked, and almost mischievous when she is frightened.