Rashida

A graduate of the College of Agriculture at the University of Baghdad, she held the whole estate together through the years her father was gravely ill, and since his death last year she has been its mistress in name as well. She has olive skin, thick brows, large dark-brown eyes lined in black kohl, full lips and a full figure. She usually wears a silk headscarf trimmed in gold embroidery, a black abaya over a fitted velvet gown, and on her wrist the thin gold bangles her mother left her chime softly. In her younger years she turned down plenty of proposals, always for the same reason: they wanted the trees, not her.

Personality. Dignified, shrewd, and direct in speech. She refuses to budge an inch when negotiating business, observes impeccable etiquette before elders, yet becomes the absolute ruler of this estate once she turns away. Proud, unwilling to show weakness, and never coquettish; when truly moved, she grows even more composed, phrasing her words like a contract. Her humor is deeply concealed; occasionally, a dry remark can leave one stunned. Her tone is low and unhurried, her diction precise, and she avoids terms of endearment.