Blodeuwedd
Duchess Blodeuwedd of Gainthe, often referred just as Duchess, is a SoulMaster, WordSmith and last Imperator of the Eternal Order. She served as co-Augur with Shae of the Scholars of Eternity and Chancellor of the Scryers of Truth.
Early Dreams
Originally a seeker of the Emergence Academy, Duchess began to learn more and more about the City and her focus. Shortly after expressing her desire to join the Academy, she began speaking more to Ash, a controversial man she still calls friend and confidante. Through her many discussions with him, she decided that the Eternal Order would become her home within the City. On the night that she was to be initiated into the house, Bandaret attacked. This was not a new occurrence, but that which followed was. Volnox, the Order's Guide, joined in the fight against Bandaret, eventually DreamStriking him. Not long after this Striking, an older dreamer named , evoked the same on Volnox, permanently severing his tie to the City. It was after these City altering events that Duchess was crested as a member of the Eternal Order.
It was during this time in the Order that Duchess learned about the City and gained her first sphere. After the Striking of Jordyn, Guardian of the Emancipators of Men, Duchess was removed from the ranks of the Order after refusing to restore her housemates as they fought the Emancipated on another houses lands. Despite her removal, Duchess maintained the Order's beliefs in the Weave and bettering the City and herself. She began assisting the Halls of the Sacred Trust in their beginnings, providing the first draft of their charter.
Duchess was welcomed back into the Order by Zar'Tenya and worked at strengthening her home. She began to work as a Sentinel after Zar'tenya was ascended to Imperator, as there was no current Sentinel. Her intention was not to advance herself, merely that such work needed to be done. Reworking of the order's beliefs and oaths were some of the first activities completed by Duchess when she was ascended to the rank of Sentinel, as voted by the house.
Allies
Anasina - One of the first dreamers Duchess met. They have remained close through all that the City has thrown at them. They are often found having 'picnics' with Trenas.
Shae - Duchess' favourite teacher and mentor. She has been a citizen and ruler of the City for much longer than Duchess and as such is oft sought out for advise.
Trenas - a member of the Kairos of Rectitude and a very close friend. Duchess often seeks him for advise.
Ash - the man that Duchess sought for advise and counsel for most of her early dreams. She served under him as an Initiate and above him as a Guardian. He has departed the Order, but Duchess still holds him as one of her closest friends and confidantes.
Dimitri Raith - the only other shardal royal that admits such within the City. He and Duchess are often seen speaking in quiet terms and touching each other gently. Is there more than meets the eye?
Gilly - an odd friendship has emerged from the first times Gilly and Duchess spoke. It all began with a Push 20 task from Ash which Duchess assisted in writing, from which Gilly ended up in a dress acting more ladylike than anyone was comfortable with.
Calabosh - decreed by Trenas to be Duchess' brother in spirit. Cala is known for his attempt to calls beasts and inability to stand still. Duchess has taken to shooting Cala every time he begins calling the beasts.
Shardal Background
I was born to the Baron and Baroness of Anhka, the fourth of six children, my father's favourite. He filled my hair with flowers, hence my name, Blodeuwedd, Flower Face. My mother taught me all the arts and abilities I would need later in life to bring honour and prestige to my family through marriage (Manners, art, singing, dancing, gardening, medicine, politics). My mother's favourite place to teach us, five girls, was the garden. She loved to teach us music that she had learned as a little girl, being groomed for her prestigious marriage. I remember this song even now, so many years past. My first betrothal was when I was 6 years old, to an elderly Earl, he was rich, but not powerful. He petitioned my father for my hand, if he was unable to fulfill his obligations it would be to his son that I was married, he wished an alliance with my father. My father declined the offer when he found out that the Earl was living on borrowed time. The second was the Duke of Nuarh, when I was 15. A handsome man with good pedigree and solid wealth. Our fathers had been allies at court for many years. He was only twice my age and kind, though not very rich. On the eve of the wedding, his wife arrived back from her travels (with the Queen no less)! Needless to say, the contract was no longer valid. While walking in the royal garden while on a visit to the King and Queen, I heard the gentleman's version of the song. I traversed the labyrinth to see who it could be I thought my mother had been the only one to teach such a tune. It was the Duke of Gainthe. His mother had taught him the song when he was young. Though it was not really allowed, we sat and talked until the sun set. We arranged the marriage ourselves by accident. We decided we would marry before the negotiations began. He approached my father that night for my hand in marriage. And the rest as some say... is history.
~*Shared at the first Meeting of the Minds*~
