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This Character Has Met Her Final Crusade
Background
One of only two survivors of the terrible tragedy that had befallen upon house d'Myrin. There are some that say Clara is a long lost Romante, but that simply cannot be true. If it was, then Clara d'Myrin's whole life as she knows it is a falsehood.
Or, are the whisperings true?
Clara Romante was born the youngest of several children to Ulfhain and Angelina Romante, towards the end of the 30 Year War. Young Clara knew of her father and older siblings little, one could say not at all, for they were doing their part fighting in the war when the girl was but a babe. However, her mother was a constant companion and it was quite clear to little Clara, even from a very young age, that her mother Angelina loved her dearly. However, being so young, Clara could not comprehend what was happening around her. She did not comprehend that, after the 30 Year War ended and the Succession War had begun, that her family was being hunted. She did not know that her father had been murdered and that all of her siblings she barely knew have either perished in battle or succumbed to sickness. She did not understand that she was a target simply because of her last name. All she knew is that her mother was growing more and more sad, while clinging to little Clara more and more. So, when Angelina told her daughter that they had to leave to go north to her mother’s family in Aequor, Clara complied, without complaint. For her mother said to go, and Clara loved her mother as dearly as Angelina loved Clara.
Together, with Angelina using the skills she had learned when she was an adventurous young woman in Aequor, the pair fled from Galenthia northward towards Aequor. The two had to cross through territory held by Lord Marco d’Myrin, a minor lord that was a vassal to the al’Sylenthar house. While traveling through the lands held by d’Myrin, they are stopped by the Wraiths, demanding to know who they are and the reason for their passage. Angelina, a truly noble and pious woman, attempted to fabricate a story, even going as far as to provide false names for herself and her daughter, but she was unskilled in subterfuge and it was her pious nature that was her undoing. The Wraiths suspected that Angelina was not being truthful and took them into custody, escorted them to the d’Myrin manor and separated young Clara, only 4 years old, from her mother, who was questioned further, out of the sight of young, innocent eyes.
Lord Marco d’Myrin was an ambitious man. He was the firstborn of the family and had inherited the land and title as appropriate. However, Lord d’Myrin harbored a secret that he kept as close as he could. He was infertile, incapable of producing an heir that would carry on his legacy. He had several brothers and sisters, all younger than him, that were able to produce trueborn offspring and he found this to be vexing. He was determined to produce an heir and, if he could not do it via the natural means, he would simply have to fabricate one from thin air. And little Clara provided that opportunity. After being in d’Myrin’s care for less than a year, Lord d’Myrin announced that Clara is his bastard daughter and recognized her as his own, thus providing the heir that he so desperately needed.
RIt is at this point that Clara Romante, daughter of Ulfhain Romante and first cousin of the future Queen of Galenthia, ceases to exist. In her place now stood Lady Clara d’Myrin, daughter of Lord Marcus d’Myrin
From the moment Clara was claimed by Lord d’Myrin, she is raised by him, with the full expectation that she will take over as heir designate for the house of d’Myrin. She is given a sound education, becoming a student of literature and history, though the history was decided bent towards Aequorian events and little in regards to Galenthian history. She was encouraged to play the part of court-raised Lady, developing a talent for dancing and always dressed in the finest fashion that could be afforded. She even took on tasks and hobbies that were expected of a Lady, learning to sew as well as garden. She also came to start her education on stewardship, learning to care for the task of running the estate, to which she found she had a sort of innate talent for.
There were other things that piqued Clara’s interest. Peculiar things that seemed only to make sense to her. Perhaps it was her repressed memories, or possibly her genetic inheritance from her mother. Or, perhaps Clara felt within her heart things she could not perceive with her senses, for she insisted that she be instructed in the means to defend herself. When archery was suggested, partly to satisfy this strange desire and also to keep the precocious child close to the estate, she took to it rather well. Her adopted father brought in tutors, upon her request, and she trained well. She also insisted to be instructed in melee skills, for arrows run out, and found to be adept with the staff, for it weighed similar to a longbow and allowed her to be able to improvise the bow as a melee weapon, should she need to. Not that she needed to, for she was rather sheltered, even for being a court-raised lady.
Yet, it was this sheltered existence that drove Clara to try to stretch the limits of her domain, to find an excuse to be outside the stone walls of the d’Myrin manor. Whenever she could, she would go swimming, if only to simply be outside and enjoy the day. She grew fond of horseback riding, finding her rides every bit as calming as her archery lessons, for it allowed her to clear her mind and feel free. Always sensitive to the emotions of others, as well as being the only child within the manor, Clara intuitively took to the caring of animals…particularly the horse her father procured for her. With no others available, she often confided to her horse her greatest hopes and darkest fears, both of which seem to center inexplicably around her father Marco d’Myrin.
For, during Clara’s formative years, d’Myrin saw to it that Clara saw her mother sparingly. Lord d’Myrin doted upon his adopted daughter during the day…at night, he would steal down to Angelina and seduce her, twisting her already fragile psyche until she consented and became his lover. Then, in 1860, six months after d’Myrin’s wife dies of supposed illness, Lord d’Myrin brought out poor Angelina from her imprisonment and allowed her slightly more freedom. But, on one condition….that Angel, as Lord d’Myrin claimed Clara’s mother to be, became his consort and to accept the role that she is only a common woman, mother to his Clara. Angelina, now Angel, agreed, as the years of torture, both mental and physical, had preyed upon her mind, leaving her quite susceptible to suggestion…anything to bring relief to her state of being. With her mother now free, in a manner of speaking, to be with her, Clara once again grew close to her. Clara tried to spend as much time as she could with Angel, even claiming to wish to learn how to weave, just so she justify the time to her father.
For, despite her sheltered existence…despite never seeing a need to question her own father’s motives, Clara had been sensing oddness. The older she became, the more she grew into her role as Lady and as a woman, the more uncomfortable she felt around her father. He would observe her just a touch too long. His touch was no longer comforting, but disturbing. He hid it well, but yet, there was that sense…that feeling deep within Clara that something just isn’t right. It wasn’t so bad, at first…but the closer she came to her sixteenth birthday, the more agitated she became. Those looks from her father shouldn’t be so….longing. It was only a matter of time before her own father took advantage of her. Of this, Clara knew for a certainty.
Something had to be done.
And something was done, on the night of Clara’s 16th birthday. But certainly not in the manner she had expected.
The night had started pleasantly. Master Corvin Fremont was attending on behalf of house al’Sylenthar and, in an effort to impress, Lord d’Myrin had held a banquet and ball for his daughter. She and Corvin had shared many dances, with her father looking on in approval. These dances were more than merely a formality, for in the midst of the dances, whispered plans were propositioned between the heir of d’Myrin and the older Master Fremont. Expectations were established amidst murmured exchanges and promises made. It was Clara that had told Corvin where to meet and when…her chambers in the late evening. With the night of food and song, the few guards that the Lord could afford were listless, apathetic to their duties. When Corvin had entered her chambers, Clara tried to throw herself upon him, using all of her admittedly novice tricks she could muster to get Corvin to bed with her. And, when all her tricks failed, Clara told the truth…admitting to Corvin that she suspected d’Myrin’s affection for her is dangerously more than just fatherly. She couldn’t stand the thought of what may happen, and begged Corvin to please help her. Corvin had promised that she will not fall victim to her father’s whims….and then proceeded to tell her a story.
Corvin Fremont told Clara not just any story. He told Clara her story. He told her of the brave Aequorian warrior Lady, who married a lord of another nation to establish peace. He told her of the death of the noble husband, and of the mother’s flight from the warring nation to Aequor, holding tightly her only child left alive. As Corvin told his story, long buried memories started to resurface. It sounded so familiar…but why? When Corvin finished, Clara began to half suspect…but…it couldn’t be true. Her mother was a commoner. She…she had a father. What could all this mean? Poor Clara was so confused…why was she told this? Her confusion only deepened when Corvin summoned her mother into the room, escorted by a Wraith. He…he called her ‘milady’. But…it was just a story. It couldn’t be real…
Clara, with the help of her mother, was hastily dressed and taken away from the only home Clara could remember. They were escorted by the Wraith bodyguard…taken beyond the sight of the manor. There was little explanation. All Clara could think off was one simple question.
If she isn’t Lady Clara d’Myrin, then who was she?
On the Grid
“It's like everyone tells a story about themselves inside their own head. Always. All the time. That story makes you what you are. We build ourselves out of that story.”
― Patrick Rothfuss, The Name of the Wind
A young woman, about 5'9",with shoulder length brown hair and matching brown eyes. She appears to be shaped perfectly fine for a person of her stature, not overly muscular, nor overweight. The definition of her facial features, and her build, seem to place her age in the later teens, certainly no more than 18 at the oldest. The brunette has her hair pulled up into somewhat of a twist, with a few locks of hair curled and hanging loosely, framing her face and just barely dusting her shoulders. Her brown eyes are complimented by her hair beautifully, and seem bright enough, though distant at times.
The female figure is currently dressed in a simple white dress, with a shallow-cut neckline that maintains modesty rather well while still remaining rather flattering on her. The sleeves are full length, tapering to a point at the base of the index fingers, covering the back of her hands with white cloth. About her waist rests a silver belt resembling a cord. The hem of her dress drops to just brush along the bottom of her feet, which are adorned with a pair of what appears to be finely made leather sandals. Over her shoulders is a rather basic traveling cloak, fastened with a similar silver cord, in a bow positioned loosely over the woman's throat.
Personality: The Lady Clara d'Myrin, as she knew herself to be, was a pleasant, amiable person with a bit of an adventurous streak. She was caring and sensitive to the needs of those around her, always able to intuitively grasp what the other person was feeling. She was sheltered, being the only daughter of Lord Marco d'Myrin, but she made up for that by being as open as possible to family, guests, and what few friends she had.
However, as Lady Clara Romante, uncertainty reigns supreme. The once formerly outgoing young lady is now reserved, shy, and clings to that which she finds familiar. There are moments where the Lady she was and the Lady she is supposed to be meet and, when they do, the fog of confusion departs and all is well. It is only a matter of time before Clara manages to integrate her old self with the new…but it will take time.
Chosen Quirk - Kidnapped: Clara and her mother Angelina were kidnapped, with Clara only being 4 at the time. It is something that Clara only recently is coming to terms with. There is anger there, both towards her former 'father' for doing such a terrible thing and to herself, for not being able to see it. Mostly, though, there is fear, overt caution, and a deep seated desire to never have her or her mother taken advantage of ever again.
Chosen Quirk - False Life: Everything Clara knows of her life is wrong. She was an only child, the bastard daughter heir to a minor noble house for 12 years, only to be snatched away and thrust into a wholly different life. A new life that has a brother that knows little to nothing of her. A new life in which the mere mention of her new last name elicits such fear, such respect…and such hatred. She may now be Lady Clara Romante, daughter of Lady Angelina Romante, but she is also Lady Clara d'Myrin. She has lived too long in that guise to simply give it up.
Justified Quirk - Gifted Steward: Be it genetic disposition, some subconscious memory from before her flight to Aequor, or simply talent all her own, Clara finds herself to be rather adept at handling the duties necessary to care for house and land. Before her change of fortune, she was being groomed as the heir of house d'Myrin, being taught the rights and responsibilities of stewardship for that house. Those skills remain with her, regardless of what her current station is.
Logs and Events
(alphard angelique clara cynthia dario eisen elaine emilia event graham heather henric jaelynn log mattias melisande myrana ramius sonya sylvain tavi thomas)
(cassius claire clara elaine emilia event graham henric jaelynn jaren jarret letholdus log melisande sonya thomas wulfred)
(cassius clara elaine emilia faustius henric jaren log melisande raelyn social thomas wulfred)
(cassius clara elaine event fallow_lands henric log)
- 1866-06-10: Three Young Ladies
- 1866-06-12: Finding the Worst
- 1866-03-17: Diverging Deliberations
- 1866-03-07: Impending Departure
- 1865-12-23: Letters of Reassurance
- 1865-11-20: You Are Royalty
- 1865-10-24: Hard Thoughts from the Dusty Anvil
- 1865-10-20: Early Morning Missives
- 1865-10-19 Letters From Ironhold
- 1865-10-15: Strength in Pretending
- (1865-10-12) Creative Use of Resources
- 1865-09-20: Finding the Center
- 1865-08-29: An al'Morena Bedtime Story
Clara attended the Masque in Alasce on Octobre 19th 1865.
Costume Desc
A young woman, about 5'9",with shoulder length brown hair and matching brown eyes. She appears to be shaped perfectly fine for a person of her stature, not overly muscular, nor overweight. The definition of her visible facial features, and her build, seem to place her age in the later teens, certainly no more than 18 at the oldest, though it is difficult to ascertain for certain. Her soft brown hair hangs lightly down, covering her shoulders with a fine carpet. Her hair has been styled with tight, small curls, and a few locks framing her face. Her brown eyes are complimented by her hair beautifully, and seem bright enough, though distant at times.
The young woman is dressed in an rather avian-inspired ensemble, complete with mask. The dress portrays a firebird motif, holding true with a vivid red ballgown with yellow accents. The gown's design seems simple enough, resembling a basic ballroom design with a corset for the upper torso and a full length skirt. However, it is not the basic design that draws attention, but, rather, the alterations performed upon the dress that catches the eye. There are no sleeves for the dress. In fact, there are no shoulders for the dress at all. It seems that all the support for keeping the gown on the form is within the boned corset, which is cinched up tightly to the woman. Red fabric gloves adorn the arms, reaching up to the middle of her upper arm. Attached to the gloves, flowing down from wrist to upper arm, is a translucent silken material. It appears that these are the phoenix’s wings, the red cloth fading into a yellow highlight upon the edge. These stylized wings keep the ensemble tasteful, yet add a sense of the dramatic, flowing easily with the figure’s every moment. The dress is completed with the bell skirt, a fiery red with a wide yellow ribbon tied in a bow centered in the front. The yellow further reinforces the flame symbolism as the gown only uses it as trimming, with the edges of the corset, skirt and wings sharing the same yellow hue. Whatever shoes the avian female figure wears are well hidden beneath the flaming red cloth layers of skirt.
Mask Description
With the vibrant reds and yellows, it is certainly no ordinary bird that provided the inspiration for the visage presented, but rather a more fanciful fowl…a phoenix, in this case. The mask itself appears to be a leather mask, with the nose of the female covered with the hooked beak, leaving the lower half free. However, the leather base, which is already tooled to resemble feathers along the edges, has been enhanced with actual feathers. Obviously dyed feathers, but real, nonetheless. The bright red feathers fill the mask with yellow feathers lining the edges, emulating flames.