[hider=Ara/Sini] [img]http://i.imgur.com/LPemSGg.jpg[/img] [b]Name:[/b] Aresiniken Santerae [b]Alias:[/b] Ara, and Sini to those close to her [b]Race:[/b] sylph [b]Court:[/b] Spring [b]Position/Occupation:[/b] Sini has no official rank, but she is an advisor to the Archon Nyx [b]Age:[/b] ~900, appears to be early 20s [b]Personality:[/b] Sini has always been rather solemn, especially for a spring fey. She is level-headed in most cases, keeping control of herself well. She does her best to keep emotions from clouding her judgement. That is not to say she doesn't display feeling, for this is not at all the truth: her smile is bright and her anger flares hot. But she recognizes that such things have an effect, and does not rush into action. She prefers to take her time when presented with a choice, determining the different options, weighing the outcomes, and taking the one that is most likely to give the most benefit. Duska was similar, a mindset that served her well as the former Spring Guard Captain, and her daughter learned much from her. Sini sees those who let their feelings compromise them as silly, though she does not forget that emotion can be a powerful motivator. Her first priority, however, is always what is best for her Archon and her Court, and any personal attachments or grievances must come second. Publicly she tries to be guarded. She knows that she is still young, for a fey, and doesn't want to endanger the respect she's worked hard to earn. Privately she is more open and carefree, though still grounded. Sini refuses to let fear hold her back, and if something makes her hesitate she takes steps to overcome it. It helps that she has something of a fascination with things that might be considered dangerous, though not enough that she'd take unneeded risks. She has always been drawn to the strange and forbidden, notably humans, and she does her best to keep this in check. Pride and overconfidence are also shortcoming she avoids. She tends to be humble naturally, but it takes effort to keep from misjudging others. Add her preference for stability and her loyal nature, and it becomes clear why she has not sought any official position. When it comes to court intrigue, rank can be taken, and makes one a target. It is better to be the trusted, if unofficial, lieutenant than the one with the title, or even the designated second. She serves her ruler faithfully and well, out of respect for him as her Archon, regard for him as a person, and because it ensures her own position. She is not suited for intelligence work but Sini recognizes the importance of such measures, and she listens to the words of those with expertise in a matter when making plans. She herself will not agree with someone simply for the sake of agreeing, though when questioning her superiors, especially Nyx, she tries to do it quietly. She is honestly respectful of those she likes, and those she does not still receive courtesy. Making enemies is never productive, and those that think well of you are far more useful than those who do not. The tendency of others to refuse to work with those they dislike for no other reason than that frustrates her no end. [b]Appearance:[/b] Sini's hair is long and straight, a pale strawberry blonde color she inherited from her father. She prefers to wear it down or in a loose and simple style, though for formal court affairs she will sometimes have it woven into something fancier. Her slightly tilted blue-grey eyes change like the sky from clear to shadowed, though it is a subtle difference at best. Her face is fair, as is to be expected of the fey, though perhaps a bit rounder than most, but it suits her well. Her nose is small and snub, and her ears come to delicate points that are almost hidden by her hair. Her wings are usually visible, relaxed so they hang down her back like a shimmering cape. Spread for flight, they are paired sets of translucent membranes covered with a pattern of swirls and veins. Sylphs tend toward a lithe body type, and Sini's figure too is thin and not particularly curved. Her hips are only slightly wider than her waist, and she has just enough of a bust to be noticed and no more. But as with all fey, especially those of Spring, believing that a delicate appearance means a lack of strength is a deadly mistake. Her armor is a familiar sight to those in Spring's fighting forces, and her blades and magic cut down those that oppose her. Of her it is said she strikes like the lightning she calls forth, her tactics shifting to match the situation as easily as the wind shifts direction. When not in her armor, she wears modest clothing. She'll show some skin, but never too much, and never any midriff. Her style is simplistic, with flowing fabric and gentle colors. If she wears jewelry it is delicately worked but not flashy. Her glamour is nearly identical to her normal form, giving her features a bit less of the fey feel and concealing her ears and wings. She changes her clothing to match that of the mortals as well, though she has a tendency to wear things that are several years out of style, if not more. [b]Family:[/b] mother Duska, former Captain of the Guard under Cerunnos, Ceridwen, and Nyx [i]Competent and loyal, much like her daughter, Duska served three different Spring rulers. It was she who gave Nyx the title of Songbreaker. She was clever, and she'd seen him grow from a young boy alongside the Archon now dead at his hand. When her daughter showed signs of maturity she encouraged the girl's efforts and guided them, quietly presenting her with opportunities to prove herself and eventually win the trust of the Archon himself. She wouldn't jeopardize her people for her daughter, but there was no harm in small nudges. She knew that one who he could rely on might go far, especially with the way he was keeping himself busy, and bringing balance to those under Spring's rule would go a long way toward helping Sini establish herself. She stepped down as Guard Captain following the birth of her second daughter.[/i] father (absent) summer fey younger sister Kinna (less than 100) [i]Still a child, Kinna is bright and cheery. She likes nothing more than a good laugh, though hurting another to get it isn't something she enjoys. This doesn't keep her from making comments at the expense of others, but she stops short of deliberately hurtful. She's still learning her way around the intricacies of court, and doesn't always consider before she speaks. For now, she's sweet and carefree, unconcerned by the darker side of the fey.[/i] assorted cousins unofficial boyfriend Altan [i]A metalworker, though not able to touch iron, Altan is talented in his craft and known for his intricate designs. He prefers making ornamental pieces and jewelry, though he has worked with other smiths to make arms and armor. The two have been seeing each other semi-regularly for almost a century, though without any stated commitment on either side. He is gentle and thoughtful unless angered. It's hard to set him off, but if he loses his temper he is violent to the point of bloodthirsty. He's not the most clever, but Sini finds that they understand each other well, and simply spending time near him makes her happy, even if neither one of them says a word.[/i] [b]Ambition:[/b] stability for herself and those she values, brought about through the security of Archon Nyx's reign. Strength and respect are also nice. She'd love to have a thorough understanding of humans, and some of the clever things they've come up with (did you know they trap lightning and make it do all sorts of different tasks?), possibly use some of it for the benefit of the Spring Court, but that's more an idle fantasy than anything else, as it's very unlikely. [b]Background:[/b] Born a century and a half before the end of Ceridwen's reign, the court of Sini's childhood was a deceptively cheerful place. While she was too young to have the Archon target her directly, the young fey was affected by siren magic all the same. Certainly the subtle taste of fear left a mark on her, as she grew from a solemn but intensely curious child into an adult that considered her actions carefully. She's always had a fascination with things that are supposed to be dangerous or forbidden. Nyx himself has been the target of this interest, though after a few rebuffed attempts to approach him she learned to merely watch quietly instead of trying to talk. In her second century, her interest shifted more to humans, and she went off a few times into their world, hiding behind her glamour and watching them, or even daring to approach lone mortals. Her curiosity lead her into disaster during the first war for Scottish Independence, and she was severely injured. A healer, one of Maxwell's distant ancestors, saved her life and demanded her name in exchange. Injured, angry, and disillusioned with humans as a whole, Sini returned home to the Spring Court. She was no longer truly a child, though not yet an adult, and after her close call she realized that she needed to be more cautious. She began devoting serious effort to improving herself and her position among the fey, determined that she wouldn't be left at someone else's mercy again. Her childhood training under her mother served her well, and her new appreciation for consequences was reflected in her choices. She became a valued member of the guard, eventually winning a small command position, but she didn't care for advancement within the structure of the guard as much as she did her reputation in her own right. Trusted by her mother, who still served as Guard Captain, Sini had begun attending significant meetings, and gradually began to speak there, first through discussion with her mother, then directly. Her focus on weighing the risks and benefits of different options and shrewd strategy earned her respect, though she refused further promotion. By her fifth century she was known to be skilled, reliable, and above all loyal, and had managed to win a measure of the Spring Archon's respect. Her further efforts only increased this, especially as she accepted the blame for her mistakes and errors and judgement. When her mother stepped down as Captain of the Guard, Sini was offered the position but declined. She still has the Archon's respect, and now his friendship as well, and she works hard to protect and defend both Archon and Court. She's been seeing a certain fey smith now and again for the better part of a century, though neither of them has yet decided they wish it to be a permanent affair. She has also kept tabs on the mortal realm, moreso now that they are advancing so rapidly, though she is particularly cautious in this matter. Her fascination with humans remains, but it is tempered by wary respect. They may have forgotten the fey, but like many creatures they have the potential to be extremely dangerous, especially if underestimated. She has has spirited away the occasional human to the realm of the Fey, selecting those she thinks will be useful for various skills. A couple years ago she was infuriated to find herself summoned to the defense of a mortal man, threatened by two thugs. She slew both attackers and for want of a better solution brought the one who called her back to the Fey Realm. He has the potential to be of use, but she has yet to find a good purpose for him. [b]Notes:[/b] Sini carries two swords, one with an iron edge. She is descended from a line of loyal defenders of Spring.[/hider] [hider=Maxwell] [img]http://i.imgur.com/KGBuSV9.jpg[/img] [b]Name:[/b] Maxwell Adrian Thomas [b]Alias:[/b] Max, though he prefers Maxwell [b]Race:[/b] human (distant changeling ancestor) [b]Court:[/b] Spring, much to his dismay [b]Position/Occupation:[/b] former postgrad med student, had a year to go on his doctorate before he was taken. [b]Age:[/b] 27 [b]Personality:[/b] Maxwell has never been one for fighting. Even as a child, he tried to be the peacemaker. When teased he tried to talk it out or just ignore it, when hit he would defend himself but not hit back. Though more openly sensitive than most boys, he learned quickly not to let mocking bother him too much. An only child for many years and born in a gap between two clumps of cousins, he looked up to the elder ones and tended to look after the younger ones when at family gatherings. He's a soft touch and a pushover, often easy to take advantage of. He genuinely cares about people in general, and does his best to lend a helping hand or give a shoulder to cry on wherever it's needed. Those traits made him a number of friends, and while he was never one of the popular ones in school it was known that if you needed someone to talk to, Maxwell would listen. That's not to say he's good at giving advice. He will make suggestions if asked, but he's really better at letting a person just get things off their chest. Romantically, he has faced a few difficulties. Firstly, a number of people assume he's gay but in the closet. He doesn't tend to be immediately interested in an attractive women, finding a sharp mind far more appealing than a pretty face or other physical assets. Secondly, what makes for a good friend can also land you permanently in the friendzone, which has happened to him more than once. And lastly, when a woman does find his open face and trusting, gentle nature appealing, if he isn't interested in her, he has trouble handling it. His usual approach is avoidance. This, of course, feeds back into issue number one. He's had a couple girlfriends, but when he was taken to the Fey Realm he was not in a relationship, instead focusing on his studies. Even as an adult, Maxwell is still very idealistic and naive. He believes that people are good at the core. He tries to avoid judging people because of things they have no control over, though it's not possible to avoid completely, and he thinks the world would be a better place if everyone would just try to get along. He dislikes violence and unthinking hatred. If he sees a chance to help someone, he tries to take it, even at cost to himself. He might be accused of being a goody two-shoes, but it's better than being a jaded cynic. [b]Appearance:[/b] Maxwell is just shy of six foot, with the muscles of a runner. He's limber but not particularly strong, and his primary exercise back in the mortal realm was jogging. He has a fairly average build, not thin but not stout either. His brown hair is brushed up and back from his face in a tousled style that is more often mussed than not, especially as he has a habit of running his hand through it. He dresses well enough but he hates suits, preferring more casual attire. He always stands a little straighter, though, when he wears his lab coat. His face is more cute than handsome, with the start of laugh lines at the corners of his lively brown eyes. Now that he's not been in med school for a couple years, the persistent bags under them have vanished. Odd that being kidnapped would let him get more sleep, but there you have it. [b]Family:[/b] mother Mary Russell (divorced) father Stephen Thomas stepmother Louise Thomas siblings Brian (14) and Sarah (11) [b]Ambition:[/b] get free/back home and finish becoming a pediatrician. Long term, he'd like to make the world a better place, at least in a small way. [b]Background:[/b] Maxwell is descended from a long line of doctors and physicians, though not an unbroken one. His father is a respected doctor, and his grandfather was a pharmacist. His family was well off, and as a child he wanted for little. When he was seven his parents divorced, following several years of increasingly intense disagreements, despite their efforts to stay together for his sake. His father eventually remarried and had two children with his second wife. Maxwell adored his younger cousins, and then his baby siblings, and he was always patching up skinned knees and hurt feelings. He decided in late middle school that he wanted to be a doctor when he grew up, and has relentlessly pursued that dream since. He did well in high school and was accepted into his first choice of college with a scholarship. Four years later he started medical school. All was going smoothly until his junior year of med school. On a trip to visit out-of-state friends, he had a long layover between buses and decided he would see something of the city he was in. He ended up in the wrong place at the wrong time, and nearly got himself killed. In desperation, a phrase with forgotten origins came to his lips. Passed down from parent to child, it was a name invoked for protection only in the most extreme of cases, a special guardian angel to watch over them when death passed near. The name of a fey, combined with Maxwell's own spilled blood, formed a crude but effective summoning ritual. Sini was not pleased to be invoked in such a manner, especially when humans then threatened her with steel. She killed both of them, and took the now-unconscious Maxwell back to the fey realm. His name obtained from his state ID, she had him treated, but when he woke the first thing he heard was a command never to use her true name again, nor let anyone learn it from him. It has been a couple years since then, and Maxwell is still adjusting to life in the Spring Court. He misses his friends and family sorely, and all the comforts of home and the lifestyle to which he was accustomed. He hates the lack of technology, especially as it affects his chosen profession, and finds treating fey in particular frustrating, as there's no body of research on the field to work from. He has help in the form of a small and often pesky sprite who can use healing magic to supplement mundane methods. [b]Other:[/b] ~Maxwell has a gift for medicine and an aversion to making promises in as many words. ~Due to words spoken indiscreetly shortly after his arrival in the realm of the fey, he is unable to directly harm anyone outside the scope of his profession, even to defend himself. For example, he can administer a sedative if a patient is in need of one, or restrain them to keep them from harming themselves, but not simply to get someone out of the way. He could tell someone how to use certain poisons, and even obtain them, but he can't spike a drink.[/hider] [hider=Lei] [b]Name:[/b] Leilinlasia Lindaria [b]Alias:[/b] Lei [b]Race:[/b] sprite [i]Only 6½-7½ inches in height when fully grown, sprites are among the smallest of the fey. They are also some of the most troublesome, ranging from mildly irritating to downright infuriating. Most never live more than a few centuries, either taking a risk they shouldn't have or annoying the wrong person. Their survival as a species hinges upon their ability to get out of trouble once in it, and avoid the retribution of those they provoke. To this end, they are incredibly agile, and their speed relative to their size outstrips many larger fey. A number even have the ability for very short range line-of-sight teleportation. They are naturally able to blend in with their surroundings in most places, using subtle illusion, and their small size allows them to go where larger creatures cannot follow. Sprites tend to be short-sighted tricksters. A large number of them enjoy danger, and most are highly curious and very persistent. There is a whole set of spell wards designed specifically to keep them out of things other fey don't want them in, though it's a constant battle to come up with protective measures faster than the sprites manage to figure out how to get past them. They are often fond of pranks, though how mean-spirited such things are varies from one individual to the next. Most sprites are not particularly strong, magically speaking, and though they are capable of using more force than one would expect given their size it's still not a lot. They are pretty hardy, given that they are so tiny, able to take an average amount of damage compared to other fey. They come in a number of different varieties and are found in the lands of all four seasons, though Winter sprites have become considerably scarcer over the last couple centuries. Sprites as a species have a vendetta against pixies, and the two races very rarely get along, despite a number of similarities. Calling a sprite a pixie (or vice versa) is a good way to get a furious fey, and possibly a lifelong enemy. Sprites are almost exclusively elf-looking, while pixies often sport insect features, notably antennae. Pixies tend to group up with others of their kind, and their communities and families are much closer than the solitary sprites. Though equally gregarious, sprites prefer the company of larger fey over that of other sprites. This is probably a good thing, as having multiple sprites together can be downright dangerous, regardless of whether they are working together or squabbling. Pixies have a number of bothersome habits, but on the whole they are far more tolerable than sprites, and it's a common adage that a single sprite is as much trouble as a whole troupe of pixies. Both groups feel that's a compliment.[/i] [b]Court:[/b] Spring [b]Position/Occupation:[/b] doing community service; previously a general troublemaker with a side of part-time healer's assistant [b]Age:[/b] 250 or so (looks like a teen) [b]Personality:[/b] Lei is a tiny nuisance. She doesn't try to get into places she shouldn't as much as most sprites, nor is she excessively fond of danger, but she loves pranks and taunting. She is sassy and sharp-tongued, with little to no filter on a frequently dirty mind. She is often petty and vindictive, but her tricks and destructive tendencies can be curbed or redirected with a bit of effort. Take into account her desire to be helpful and her aptitude for casting healing magic, despite needing direction on just what sort is needed, and it's not quite so much of a stretch that she is a tolerated presence in certain strictly defined places. [b]Appearance:[/b] Lei is seven inches tall with close-cut dirty blonde hair and eyes so pale a grey as to approach white. Her face is heart-shaped, with a pointed chin and an upturned nose. She sports the double set of wings standard to her kind, hers with a pattern of green and gold framing the nearly transparent membranes. She prefers short skirts and close-fitting halter tops of greens, browns, and yellows, along with low boots. A spelled cuff holds the binding for her service. [b]Family:[/b] she has them, but who knows where they are or what they're up to? [b]Ambition:[/b] finish her sentence and get turned loose. In general, to have fun. What even are long term goals? [b]Background:[/b] Lei's past is not what you'd call uneventful, but it's certainly not of much importance. Her parents were a pair for the handful of years necessary to raise her and no longer, and then she went off on her own. Most fey don't bother remembering which sprite did what this time unless it was something particularly unpleasant or an obnoxiously frequent offender. She's lent her magic to a couple different healers over the years, most recently one near the center of the Spring Court. Less than a decade ago she ran afoul of a fey with considerable clout, ruining something that had taken quite a lot of work, and she was sentenced to servitude as a result. She'll get off after a sufficient period of good behavior, but that condition isn't very specific, and Lei wasn't able to get it solidified, which frustrated her greatly. She was given to the healer she'd been helping, but with the arrival of Maxwell and his subsequent trouble actually treating things, given the differences between human and fey and the lack of most of his standard tools, she was tied to him instead. [b]Other:[/b] Lei can't go more than ten yards from Maxwell without his express permission, and he's forbidden to give it without a good reason that isn't because he doesn't like the idea of slavery. If she even tries, she gets a nasty shock from her cuff.[/hider]