Selesnyans tend to consummate their marriage with the intent of conception shortly after the union rituals are complete, continuing marital practices that date back roughly 10,000 years before Via was conceived. Many took Azor's departure from Ravnica negatively as he was one of the chief architects of the Guildpact and a Supreme Judge who dictated Order between the Guilds. Perhaps an early precaution in case other Guilds tried to advance aggressively to fill that vacuum, preying on the "weaker" ones first, the Selesnyans felt it important to keep their numbers abundant. A dryad named Ifra, known colloquially as "Aunt Ifra," was said to be looked upon as a fertility goddess, blessing hopeful mothers with successful pregnancies. While it was not law for children to be bore from marriages, the act was revered with the highest esteems. Newborns were doted upon by the entire community and the parents received a celebratory treatment for a couple of months. The status boost helped to move some into higher positions of prestige.

One such man who took advantage of this was Raught Areva'ji; already a cunning soldier of the Selesnyan Guard for his defense against the aggressive Gruul Clans, but felt his accolades were still underappreciated. To rectify this, he attempted to court a woman named Rosan'hi, an Elvish druidess who too sensed she was getting overlooked—namely by Trostani—at each opportunity to join the High Council. While Rosan'hi was not initially attracted to centaurs and the idea of mating with one repulsed her, she came to terms that the ends may justify the means if it got her out of the shadows.

Koriand'r was born shortly after. As a result, Raught moved on to be promoted to a division head in the Guard, while Rosan'hi was brought into an apprenticeship under one of the Council Elders who was looking to step down, a druid named Nafrad. Kori had just reached her 2nd birthday when a violent surprise attack came upon Selesnya by the Gruul.

The assault was said to be orchestrated by Borborygmos even though he was not physically present. Raught was swift to rally others to defend, fighting with all their might against the raging clan. Rosan'hi inserted herself into the battle despite warnings, perhaps as a way to further prove her prowess. Summoning numerous wood and earth elementals to fight in her stead who were successful in beating back the Gruul. Knowing the elementals were linked to their creator, a Goblin assassin managed to sneak through and locate where Rosan'hi was channeling from. The druidess was run through and her throat slit for good measure which halted the elementals. The Selesnyan Guard still managed to fight the Gruul and forced a retreat. Soon after, Raught learned of his mate's demise among the dozen others.

Raught grieved for several months. A hatred for the Gruul swelled in his soul but it would be a suicide mission to attempt and retaliate against them, especially since Selesnyan infantry numbers had not recovered. While not an overly religious man, Raught found himself going to the Temples to seek guidance and rage question why his mate was taken. These numerous occurrences were overseen by a high-ranking Mender within the Council, a woman by the name of Zenia. Sensing Raught was on the verge of doing something drastic, she began to speak with him and attempt to cull his vengeful heart. Cautioning him that despite his fighting prowess, his anger may lead to making reckless actions, which could result in him failing and Koriand'r should not have to suffer in losing both her parents in such short succession.

Heeding her sage words, Raught reneged on his heart's desire to seek revenge. He continued to go to the Temple to further cleanse his mind and temper, as well as to speak more with Zenia. A relationship between the Guard and Mender blossomed perhaps on accident but led to the two mating after a couple of months. Koriand'r soon became a big sister as Viviaxna was born shortly thereafter, Zenia's first child.

The routine check of a newborn centaur took place to make sure everything was accounted for: ten fingers, four hooves, two hearts—all normal. However, Zenia was informed by the midwife that one issue is … unique with Viviaxna. What was prematurely thought to be an excess lump between her hind legs turned out to instead be a preputial sheath. Meaning Via had fully-functioning female and male genitalia—a dualsex. While this phenomenon was not unheard of, it was incredibly rare. So much in fact that the last recorded instance in Selesnyan history was 10,000 years ago when Ifra was around.

Zenia was asked if she wanted Viviaxna to undergo a procedure to perhaps "fix" Via's gender. Appalled that such a request was made, she vehemently refused. Saying her daughter was born the way she is for a reason, and it would be an act against the gods to fix it.

As healthy and active as any child, Viviaxna was an explosion of energy day in and night out. Kori sometimes had a difficult time keeping up with her younger sister, not feeling she had as much stamina as Via did. Constantly on the move, galloping around the wilds of Selesnya to explore and get into mischief. Also growing at a rate more accelerated than typical female centaurs. Zenia and other medical sources chalked it up to a chemical imbalance due to her dual gender as Via grew to be larger than her older sister when Kori was 10 and Via was nearly 8. It didn't stop for a while with Via growing more than average male centaurs at that same age, causing both Zenia and Raught to question if they mistook what gender to raise Viviaxna under. It is when Via entered puberty—developing breasts and having an estrous cycle—that it was concluded Via was otherwise no different than cis-female fillies, just possessing an additional reproductive organ.

The fuss concerning Via's body tapered off as she matured into a teenager, and her raging spirit also grew exponentially. Raught was noticeably piqued because now Via was at the age where she was allowed to be educated in Selesnyan combat. Believing she might be interested in joining the Guard where the two of them could develop into a father/daughter duo to safeguard the areas together. The bookish Kori had no interest in spending most of the day in cumbersome armor getting sweaty in the fields, but Via welcomed the prospect. True to heart, Via enrolled and immediately found her stride under the tutelage of older, more experienced warriors. They were impressed at how easily she handled weapons and learned advanced techniques. Able to pick up a new weapon and ease into her comfort level to wield it near-flawlessly. Raught proudly watched on as his daughter was inducted as a member of the Selesnyan Guard when she turned 16 autumns.

An invigorated air of duty came with Via as she was eager to right wrongs and protect her home from potential threats. This was in contrast to other young, new recruits to the Guard who lacked that same motivation; oftentimes, they were more or less forced to join by their parents to instill a sense of responsibility into them. Even tenured members appeared lax despite what happened to Selesnya years back at the hands of the Gruul. But not Via; no, she wanted to get out there and make a difference!

And she did. Armed with her two blades, she was vigilant in her patrolling of her section of Selesnya. Taking on matters such as petty theft, and mild trespassing, and … well, that was about it. What Via did not know at the time was that after the Gruul attack that left many dead, the High Council was strict in defending Selesnyan territories from then on. However, instead of putting resources into training their own to take up that mantle, they absorbed the Ledev Guardians who were originally an independent sect that were watchdogs for all of Ravnica's roads and trade routes. Now, they act as Selesnya's personal bodyguards to protect officials and interests, including the perimeter to make sure another surprise attack doesn't occur on their lands. Via understood why so many other members of the Guard had such lackluster incentives because they were reduced to just handling frivolous tasks.

Both Zenia, now a member of the High Council, and Raught explained to their daughter that the Guard still held worth in their duties, but may be ill-prepared to handle the savage fighting nature of outsiders. Feeling it was in the best interest of future Selesnyan preservation to just adopt those—the Ledev—who were already trained to handle such tactics instead of reworking the teachings of the Guard. Hearing that explanation did not sit well with Via, but felt she could give little argument to the contrary. Others appeared to be comfortable with the way things were anyway.

Despite that realization, Via continued to train and work as a Guard though with dispassionate fanfare. It felt neighborly to help people with tasks, but nothing was fulfilling to her. These were not the exciting adventures she had been hoping for. At times Via would catch glimpses of certain Council members being led into Greater Ravnica with Ledev escorts, curious on the reasonings. She had never left Selesnya's borders and was interested in all those towering spires that marked portions of the vast ecumenopolis.

It was when Via was nearing her 18th nameday that her life would change forever. She and her Father were out patrolling together along the perimeter of the Greenbelt, nearing the time in the evening when they would be relieved from duty, when suddenly the alarm bells chimed. They witnessed other members of the Guard abandon their posts to quickly head northward, weapons drawn. Was it an attack? Raught and Via hastily headed forth to join where the other Guards had gathered not far from Selesnya's border. Moving past the others to the frontline, Raught's stern face centered on the one who looked to be the leader of this invasion. When Via joined at her Father's side, her swampy green eyes came upon a being she had never seen before.

An angel—or more exact, a firemane angel. A stunning female warrior with a figure of perfection and radiant golden eyes who looked over the collection of Guards before her. Armor that appeared to have been crafted by an absolute master of metallurgy, combined with the finest mesh and decorated with divine sigils. Her wings were a plume of wonder, spanning to either side like a living cape of feathers and flame. Illuminating the evening atmosphere. That brilliance had Viviaxna in such awe that she did not immediately notice the army of nearly two dozen fully armored knights stanced behind her. Their weapons were not drawn, unlike how many of the Guard had, to not cause provocation.

“Boros. You're far from your jurisdiction, so you better have a hell of a reason for being in Selesnyan territory. What do you want here?” While Raught's words didn't have venom, they showed he was not pleased to see this other Guild here.

“Closure.” The angel's tone was as firm as her stance, her golden gaze never stirred from the large centaur standing only a few yards away. “We are upholding an arrest warrant for one Nafrad of Selesnya. We'd appreciate your cooperation to handle this swiftly and without incident.”

“Elder Nafrad?!,” Via chimes out with wider eyes after hearing the name of someone she was familiar with. "What do you mean arres—?!” Interrupted when her Father sets his large muscled arm out in front of her.

“What you're spouting sounds like pure shite, angel. On what grounds do you have for this so-called arrest of one of our figureheads?”

One of the helmeted knights approached the angel's left, removing a rolled-up parchment from his knapsack. Handing it off to his winged superior, who then extends it toward the centaur. “Conspiring with mercenaries—assumed to be of Dimir origin—to obtain banned weaponry, connections with stolen goods, and connections with illegal weapons trafficking. There are also some details concerning possible outstanding debt, but the Orzhov have their own ways to … handling such.” The angel did not flinch when Raught snatched the warrant from her hand.

Raught's narrowed gaze rests upon the Azorius emblem imprinted into the parchment's wax seal before it is ripped open. Ignoring the angel's words and instead reading what was documented. Murmurs began from the Guard standing around behind Raught.

“Father? What's going on?,” looking from the Boros collective back to her Sire as he was still reading. "Is any of what she's saying true?" Via's eyes watch when her Father's burly fists crush the paper before it is dropped to the dirt. The ground rumbles when Raught's hoof slams down to crush the warrant.

“Get out of our lands—NOW. If there is any whit of truth to these … accusations, it will be handled here with accordance to our ways.”

“It's too late for that.” Despite Raught's increased anger, the angel remained poised and professional. Her piercing golden eyes firmly lock onto the Head Guard's pair unwavering. “The Azorius have deemed this being too dangerous to remain unincarcerated any longer, and if Selesnya have been blind to one of their own's heinous misconduct, that may be grounds for a further investigation.”

“I've heard enough of this shite, and we will not be talked down to by the likes of you. Angel or not, if you and your chrome soldiers do not leave here, we will escort you out.” Setting his hand upon the handle of his weapon, but did not draw it yet.

The angel lifts her hand back toward the Boros soldiers to keep them settled, never taking her gaze from Raught. “That is not wise, Guardsman. I ask that you and your people reconsider your actions. We are not looking for a grievance with Selesnya, only justice.”

“Wise tah heed her words, old friend. Nae sense wastin' energy quarrelin' over lil' ol' me.” The rough tone that blows out from the nearby treeline caused Raught, Via, the angel, and most of the other Boros and Guards to avert their eyes. The cloak of night was disturbed by the orange spark of spiritual flames that ignited around the heavy steps of the approaching loxodon garbed in druidic robes. Eyes as ablaze as the leaves and grass turning to cinders in his wake, looking over the collection of warriors from the two Guilds. His weighted footfalls finally pause several yards away as he stands his quarterstaff beside him. “Besides, it's best tah save yah strength.”

"E-elder Nafrad?" Swampy emerald eyes reflecting the flames starting to slowly spread around the large loxodon. Via had seen this man work alongside her Mother and aid fellow Selesnyan for years as a child. This was a completely different persona for one who was looked upon as a spiritual wise man.

“Brother Nafrad, what is this about! What are you doing?!” Raught's attention split between the loxodon and the flames starting to kick up in the grass and along the barks of nearby trees to set them aflame. The heat rising around them all gradually.

“Selesnya has grown 'placent with their weaknesses, Brother! Mat'Selesnya does nae listen tah her children, and Trostani is bias with her blessings. It is time fah a change!” Lifting his staff to slam the end of it against the grounds, Nafrad's eyes intensify in their crimson glow. An intense rumbling along the earth begins to intensify, making people begin to manage their footing.

“Boros, to arms!” As if in a hive-mind, every single member of the Boros drew their weapons and awaited their next orders. Looking around their positions as the rumbling continues.

“If Selesnya will nae once again take care of these sacred lands like our ancestors did, then perhaps it is you that needs tah be escorted out, and leave it those that will!” The loxodon points his staff head out toward Raught. From behind Nafrad and breaking through the fiery trees around him came members of the Gruul. Brandishing new weaponry and riding atop elementals made of wood and mud. They charged toward the collective and attacked. Immediately, the Guards drew arms to defend themselves against the incoming clan of berserkers, fighting alongside the Boros Legion.

The landscape erupted with the Boros and Selesnyan Guard clashing intensively against the elementals and warlike Gruul berserkers amid the forested district. The spreading flames and heat had no love for either party and caused both of them disruptions and opportunities. Even Via was caught up in the combat, the most severe situation she had ever experienced to date. Wielding her two swords, she defended herself against some of the Gruul who might have assumed the teenage centaur would be easy pickings. Their erratic attacks versus her more structured technique forced Via to think and react faster than she ever had before. She managed to disarm and knock a couple of them out with the pummel of her sword, but the danger escalated swiftly. It was this night that Via inflicted her first kill, having to run her blade through an attacker who attempted to cleave her head from her shoulders. His blood painted her face before watching the man crumple to the ground by her hooves.

Not having the time to process what she just did before one of the elementals got the drop on Via and flung her into a tree mercilessly with a vicious backhanded blow of its massive wooden fist. Raught called out to his daughter when he saw that, doing his best to fight through to get to her. The firemane angel was nearby in the middle of unleashing a ferocious array of strikes against her attackers. When she witnessed the elemental close in on the young centauress to finish her off, she flew toward it and slashed her righteous blade through the hulking beast and its rider to rip them in twain. “On your hooves, young warrior. Fight through that pain and use it.” Extending her gloved hand toward Via. Via's blood-stained face looking now at the angel's, her swampy greens meeting the golden pair. Clasping the angel's hand, she rises and secures her weapon to continue fighting alongside the angel and Guards with a rejuvenated fervor.

Whether by being driven away or by their own choice to retreat, the Gruul eventually pulled back from the fighting and out of Selesnya. It was likely due to not wanting to continue in a 3-on-1 when the Ledev eventually showed, especially after losing a few of their elementals. Casualties were inflicted on all sides, but the fires had to be quelled first before they spread further. Luckily, other residents of Selesnya hurried to the battle area to help extinguish all the flames.

The Boros remained to aid in transporting the wounded, as well as making sure the Gruul had vacated. There was no trace of Nafrad anywhere. Raught immediately found his daughter and made sure she was okay, Via reassured him that she was despite a couple of new bruises. Still, she was confused as to why the once respected Elder did what he did, and Raught had no answers. When the angel also approached, Via thanked her for doing what she did to save her life. Raught also apologized on behalf of Selesnya for his defense of a man who turned out the way he did, and for the Boros's assistance in fending off the Gruul.

“You may call me Asaph, warrioress,” when Via asked her name. “You fought boldly alongside your people to defend the lands. Never give up heart, regardless of fate.” Those words filled both Viviaxna's heart and mind, a credo she has never forgotten to this day.

“We will continue the search for Nafrad. I trust we can count on Selesnya should the need arise.” Raught and Asaph shook hands before the army returned to the greater city. Via watched the Boros Legion leave while her mind continued to play over all the events that happened that evening.

Over the next week, Via did a lot of thinking and soul-searching. Both about the past event, as well as how she wanted to become stronger in the future. Despite the recent attack that happened here in her home, not much had changed with how the Guard trained. Most others besides Viviaxna still had an apathetic approach toward strengthening their resolve. Was all that Nafrad said true? Had most of Selesnya's natives lost their drive to protect their lands?

The day after Via turned 18, she had made up her mind on what she wanted to do with her life. Her Father was away on business, unfortunately missing her nameday, so she presented her news just to her mother. Telling her that she wanted to go into the greater city and enlist herself in the Boros. While Via could tell that her mother had a tinge of disappointment in her wanting to leave Selesnya, Zenia also noted the determination that rested in her daughter's eyes. Wouldn't be able to stand in the way of such, so she gave Via her blessing and reminded her she always had a home here to return to if she ever needed it. Zenia escorted her daughter to the edge of Selesnya's borders, giving her a heartfelt embrace—as well as some Ravnican coin to help her get where she needed to. After the teary goodbye and promises to visit often, Via hoisted her bag onto her shoulders and ventured outside of her homeland for the first time, stepping her hooves into the Greater part of Ravnica.

Fascination hit immediately the further Via traveled past the Greenbelt. Seeing some of those tall buildings and beautiful spires through the canopy of trees over Selesnya was nothing compared to gazing upon them up close. Vibrant green eyes were wide in allure to soak in as much as she could while walking through these newfound streets. Had to make sure she did not bump into anything as best she could! Numerous new sights and different smells as she passed different types of architecture, eateries and bake shops, and crossed several overpasses. Throngs of people walking and riding through the streets; the whole of Ravnica was larger than she imagined!

Via didn't notice that she too was being looked upon in a similar fascinating light by many of the cityfolk she passed, especially the younger ones. Centaurs were not everyday sights outside of Selesnya or running with the Gruul, so seeing one casually walking through the city was akin to spotting a leprechaun. So much so that she caught the attention of a patrolling Boros soldier who approached her. Via didn't see him in front of her as she was still sightseeing, so a pair of meaty palms came down upon her shoulders before she ran into him. Via's hooves scratch to a halt as she looks up to the massive man—or rather, a minotaur—in armor towering over her. Another race she had never seen before! Huge, intimidating, standing somewhere between seven and eight feet in stature not including the curved horns atop its head, the left one having a broken tip.

Believing she was in trouble or was trespassing, the minotaur's baritone voice reassured her that she wasn't and just assumed she was new around and might have been lost. To which Via informed that she was looking for where to go to recruit with the Boros. He appeared surprised at that answer. Men and women of many races and species enrolled in the Boros regularly, but this was the first he heard of a centaur doing so. Instead of giving her directions to risk her getting lost, he introduced himself as Bavas and offered to escort her to the bastion of the Boros's operations: Sunhome.

They talked much during the trip toward the neighboring Tenth District where Bavas gave her insight on what to expect during basic training. Learning how the hierarchy worked in the Boros from the Grunts to the Commanders, with the Angels being in a higher echelon over the rank and file. After telling him how she met one of the Angels a week ago, Bavas emphasized she must have been on a highly impactful assignment because the Angels do not normally involve themselves in business that can normally be handled by the mortal Boros members. Was Nafard so dangerous and powerful that only the might of an Angel could apprehend him?

Bavas chuckled when he took notice of Via's swampy green eyes growing as wide as saucers when she arrived in front of the immense guildhall. They also darted toward other armored individuals moving throughout the vicinity. Humans, minotaurs, … and goblins?! Everything here had a far more professional perception to it compared to the barracks back in Selesnya. Bavas told her where she should head next, and he watched as Via immediately took off in a gallop to go enlist. Turning a page to begin a new chapter of her life.

Viviaxna Areva'ji—the first centaur to join the Boros Legion, and is still the only one of her race in their ranks. Her training was intensely rigorous and backbreaking as the Boros did their best to break recruits, only accepting those who would not yield, and Via kept getting back up every time she fell. “Never give up heart, regardless of fate.” Those words from Asaph were Via's mantra whenever she felt herself getting close to a breaking point. She saw others quit and withdraw, saying they couldn't go on, but Via pressed forward. Through sweat and bloodshed, she became a hardened and dedicated soldier, rising in rank alongside some of her new sisters and brothers who also endured the training to this point.

After she reached 22 autumns, Aurelia knighted Viviaxna as a paladin with her holy blade and promoted her to the rank of Commander. Asaph, Zenia, and Koriand'r were all present at the induction. Currently, Via leads a troupe of dedicated soldiers to safeguard Ravnica's Tenth District domestically and is dispatched to handle sensitive retrieval missions abroad. Despite its potential dangers, this were the type of adventures Via has looked forward to since she was a child. She found her calling within the Boros Legion. Her ambition to protect Ravnica and defend those who do not have the means to do it themselves is what continues to drive her onward.