Elara of Emesh

Elara is a veteran myrmidon from the Colosso on Emesh, born in the canal city of Borosevo, and the longtime companion of Pallino. The two fought together in the gladiatorial pits for years before joining Hadrian's circle, and she was raised to patrician status alongside him. She served as Quartermaster aboard the Tamerlane until her death during the evacuation from Akterumu, killed by a nahute wound as Pallino pulled her into the shuttle.

Elara carried an easy warmth and a motherly quality, and she was a grounding force for Pallino throughout their long partnership. She approved openly of Hadrian's relationship with Valka, and Hadrian counts her among those who died because of him. At the coronation feast on Eue, Hadrian names her alongside Crim, Ilex, and Pallino in his account to Governor-General Dorr, recalling the moment of her death.

Her memory endures beyond her death. Siran, who had asked both Elara and Pallino to stay behind at Thessa, later named one of her own daughters Elara. Valka reminds Hadrian that Elara chose to follow him. Hadrian notes that she and Pallino should have been buried on Thessa beside Siran.