I'm often asked when visiting places outside of the republic, what do my tattoos mean?

The answer, is that these are the marks of my people, earned through my actions. They tell the world, for all time, that I am Kikia Ilinea Truzhari, Shaman of the Star-Fire Clan, Daughter of Msani and Stird; Mother of Maeve. Apprentice of Avlynka. CEO of of Teraa Matar, and freedom fighter of the Sebiestor Tribe.

These marks are my successes and my failures. My triumphs, and my disapointments. I wear them proudly, I show the world the sum of my actions, and am not afraid of judgement for them. I live with the consequences of my choices enscribed into my skin for all time.

This is what it means to truly be free. To have the freedom of your own mistakes. Never give that up, as hard as freedom may seem, it is all that defines you in the end. Never surrender yourself. Better to die standing, your last breath spent fighting off the one who would deny you that birthright.