Maryam Sarokhova

"A person can only truly learn once they realize how little they know."

Maryam Arslanova is the sixteen-year-old protagonist of "Night Lanterns." She is engaged to Vikram and is the last remaining Heiress of Banu Tamān.

Appearance
Maryam is a human girl of Turkish (maternal) and Russian (paternal) descent. She is noted to be incredibly beautiful and not only as a descendant of Adam. She has sharp hazel eyes framed with full brows that some remark as cat-like with a constant curious sparkle.

She normally dresses in red hijab and clothing, seemingly obsessed with the colour. Otherwise, she dresses very modestly and neatly.

Personality
Maryam is open-minded and easy-going. She’s not afraid to show what she’s truly feeling or thinking, so she can be critical of other people. Maryam prefers simplicity over complexity, therefore prefers minimalism. She behaves quite responsibly and tends depends on herself instead of turning to someone else for help, most likely because she never felt the need to rely on others before.

She is very patient and supportive of people and has a strong sense of right and wrong. She is almost never seen being angry at other people and usually carries a calm demeanour, which she attributes to being a big sister.

She is very straightforward and will speak and move without hesitation; she always faces people head-on.

History
When Maryam was born, Saroch, being a doting father on Abdi-Batin, and in turn a doting grandfather, requested Abdi-Batin to bring Maryam, who was then six, to see him.

Abdi-Batin agreed, bringing Maryam to the Hidden Realm. During this visit, Maryam and Vikram met for the first time.

Sixth Sense
Maryam is able to see, sense and communicate with Jinn.

Influence
Maryam has an ability to force Jinn into a submissive state. This was first shown when she confronted Namudarki who knew who the traitor was within the Niska Kingdom was and yet wouldn't say, a strange blue aura came out of her arm and made him kneel before Maryam, feeling an oppressive force and aura coming out of Maryam that awoke out of her anger.

This ability is later revealed as "Influence". She has yet to learn how to control this.

Archery
Maryam is well-versed in archery, having taken up the hobby as a child under her father's tutorship.

Quotes

 * "Once you get used to the abnormalities, everything becomes mundane."