Kerena is the Incarnation of Night, Nox and the lover of Sir Gawain, Knight of the Round Table, and mother of the original Gawain who was tainted at birth and destined to die early. Kerena's quest to save Gawaine is what eventually leads her to become Nox, the Incarnation of Night and Keeper of Secrets. Gawain (Orlene's ghost husband) is the direct descendant of Sir Gawain, and carries the family taint, so the second Gawain, born to Orlene and Ghost Gawain, is also tainted and destined to die early. Nox is also the great-aunt (many times removed) to Niobe and her children and grandchildren.