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   OUR FOUNDATIONS CAN BE NOTHING BUT HONEST IN PAIN AND OUT OF PAIN | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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JUSTICE JUST US BACKGROUNDThe reigning Queen of the Spring Court in the Freehold of Milan, Italy (though the current seasonal ruler of the Freehold is Summer). Thought by many as the rightful and chosen queen, especially as she's a Flowring Fairest, she only came to her position through great struggle after she and her Motley attempted to escape their Keeper. It's was a long, bloody struggle that cost them one of their own, and Persephone's loss of her right eye, but they managed to escape despite grievously injured and mad from loss and pain. Of course, this story is kept a secret, and instead both her Motley and herself simply do nothing to discourage the rumours that float around - the only true part is that her Motley have always been with her, and are now her dearest friends and advisers. 🌺 Once a mortal from the Netherlands called Olivia van de Linden, Persephone was taken and added to the collection of a True Fae most known as The Cultivator. There she blossomed into a Flowering Fairest, a Changeling known for the flowers that bloom along their skin, in their hair and for the beauty they possess. Her Keeper, The Cultivator, collected many things, but the emotions of humans always intrigued them the most - especially 'love' (though not that it gained anything from human emotions, it was simply obsessed by what it couldn't have). So it captured many humans, bringing them into its collection to try to find this emotion that True Fae could never have. And what better way to find it, than with flowers, so often a gift to express ones affections. 🌺 Persephone spent most of her years in a obedient daze, chained and locked in the True Fae's greenhouse, only able to accept what was happening to her. The only times she could finally have some semblance of freedom was when she bloomed how her Keeper wanted - with boons showered upon her, with a chance to finally feel the sun on her skin. She only finally snapped to attention when another one of other Changelings in this Realm, a Larcenist - one with unnatural grace and stealth - unlocked the greenhouse door and walked in. There, she finally awoke. 🌺 From there, the Larcenist visited often - slipping past the Fae, to meet the mysterious 'Flowering' that had been kept locked away. Others soon joined in their visits - a Gravewight (one who lives among the dead), a Waterborn (one who imudes water) and a Windwing (a beast of flight). They become close friends, forming a bond known as a Motley, a pledge of friendship shared between them all - and soon, they shared a pledge to finally escape together, to be free of their Keepers collection. Their desires to escape also allowed them to name themselves, after sneaked glimpses through tomes their Keeper had taken for themselves. The Gravewight became Hades, the Waterborn became Thalassa, the Windwing became Aether, the Larcenist became Mercury. And Persephone finally took her own name. 🌺 Their escape plan came about during one of their Keepers infamous parties, where they showed off their collection to their esteemed guests. The natural chaos and turmoil of True Fae parties made their attempts to sneak away all the easier, and with the assistance of a few poisons Persephone created while their Keeper wasn't looking, they were able to flee. But not without the death by one of them, Mercury, by the claws of a sentry that prowled the grounds - Persephone losing her right eye as well. 🌺 Their escape through the Hedge brought them to Italy, and soon under the cloak of the Spring Court - for protection and a place to call home. But the upper classes of the Spring Court cared little for the scared and uncertain in their ranks, only for themselves and what they could give for themselves. and what they could take from others. Tired, mourning and wanting to protect her dearest friends after already losing one, Persephone plotted. For years and years, she plotted and schemed and slowly, oh-so slowly, drew his allies to her side - through favours and sweet words. 🌺 After decades, Persephone used the Courts fickle nature against the King, dethroning him and sitting herself upon the Throne herself - becoming the Queen of Spring. Though this upheaval came during an already tumultuous time. Both with the King of Summer's death happening not too long after, and the Queen of Autumn plotting to take over the Freehold with the aid of vampires that long inhabited Milan (which were of course connected). Persephone did, however, find an ally in the King of Winter - basically her polar opposite in every way, but they got along all the same. This time was spent building up her Court once more, while keeping an eye on Autumn - her pact with the vampires was unknown, but many knew not to trust a Court of fear. 🌺 Then, after a few years, a new King of Summer appeared. Freshly emerged from Arcadia, and immediately thrown into his new role, Persephone offers herself as an ally to the new King - showing him the ways of the mortal world, while he dealt with the sect of Vampires plaguing Milan. And she allows him to lead the Freehold, preferring to focus on her own Court rather than the matters of others. She does, however, create allies within some of the mage factions dotted around Italy - primarily mages of Thyrsus and smaller groups not belonging to larger factions. 🌺 The Summer King then leaves on a whim, following his human memories - leaving his Iron Adjutant to watch over the Freehold in his place... With Persephone and the Winter King (when he felt like it, so not often) to watch over things from the background. Around this time is when there's a huge fuss about a human appearing from the Hedge, with Spring courtiers quick to bring them in. The human bearing a startling similarity to Persephone, with it soon revealed that the human is her twin sister, Charlotte, who had stumbled across an entrance to the Hedge years ago to find her (not believing the fetch left in her place). Only to exit into modern times, 50 or so years into the future. After staying in the Winter Kings domain, Persephone was able to use her contacts with the mages to find her sister somewhere safe to acclimatise and adjust to the shock - keeping her presence a secret from the other Courts. While her sister knew who Persephone was and insisted on calling her by her human name, Persephone always swiftly corrected her - now she keeps an eye her whenever she can, though visits are scarce. 🌺 And soon the King of Summer returned, and with the threat of the Autumn Queen trying to take the Freehold with the turn of her season gone, things went into a time of peace. Soon the Spring Revel was upon them, and after extensive preparations from Persephone and her Court, as well as a guest in the Summer King, they were prepared for one of the biggest celebrations of their Court. Until a Privateer appeared with the hand of one of her dearest friends, Aether, who had been kidnapped. Even more distressing was the identity of this Privateer - Mercury, who Persephone thought had died years ago. 🌺 Against better judgement, she swiftly gave chase while the rest of her friends dealt with the ensuring chaos. The fact that someone she loved so dearly was still alive, and working for their former True Fae master, was distressing - though no amount of pleading would convince him of any other route. Nor reveal information of where Aether was. Knowing that she could do nothing, and that letting him live was too much of a threat, Persephone swiftly cut him down. 🌺 With the Freehold now in high alert and Aether still missing, Persephone plots with her motley on how to deal with their former Keeper - knowing that the Cultivator would come for not just them, but all the Changelings within Milan, due to them experiencing the human world. And with hints that the King of Summer planned to spirit her away starting to emerge, Persephone goes to the Winter Court to speak with the King via mirror walk. An argument ensures, but he agrees not to whisk her away for safety. 🌺 The three sovereigns then work together and create a battle plan to combat the True Fae. The King of Summer wages his title, and the Cultivator agrees to play - splitting themselves into three parts. Each part is killed by each of the Courts, and the True Fae perishes - however Aether's life was forcefully tied to the Fae's during his capture, and he too dies. The Spring Court falls into a brief period of mourning, before throwing a celebration in Aether's honor, knowing he wouldn't want them to mourn them. Spring continues on, though Persephone still misses her friend deeply. PERSONALITYPersephone seems to very much embody a grand Queen of Spring - she's elegant, always covered in blooming flowers, and with a smile as bright and warm as the sun. She's vivacious and outgoing, her smile never faltering. She welcomes any and all to her Court, not holding any judgement about anyone who wishes to join them, and simply wishes to make sure they're comfortable under her care. Her friendliness and openness truly seems to know no bounds, with how she seems willing to talk to each and everyone, keen to fulfil her Courts aims of accomplishing desires. Of course, this includes some flirting here and there (and more than that), but what else can one expect from Spring? Though some would say this makes her seem very shallow, with how she seems to hold endless cheer that rarely falters - is always smiling and flitting from place to place, person to person. How her interests just seem to be having fun and enjoying herself, uncaring of other matters outside her Court. Which is an image that she tries to uphold. For as much as she us unflinchingly cheerful and friendly, she won't hesitate to play it up if need be. At this point she cares little for what people will say and think, and any insults will simply be brushed off or laughed at - she's so old, and so used to it, that it's all just hot air to her. Plus, if it will allow her to plot to keep her Court and subjects safe, then she will appear vapid and whimsical. For her love for her Court is genuine, the safety of her subjects her main priority. Her Court had long been a cesspool of selfish indulgence, and she will not allow that to happen again under her rule. And for as much as she cares for her subjects, wants to make sure her Court prospers and flourishes, her true love lies within her dear friends. They've been everything to her over the past hundred of years, and it's her desire to give them a home that pushed her to become Queen - not wanting them to be frightened or in harms way any longer. It's with them she drops the flighty and giggly manner, or at least the played up parts, revealing a playful sense of humour and an attitude more thoughtful than she cares to admit. They see Persephone in her more vulnerable moments, when she's willing to let the smile drop - and it's only around them she feels comfortable doing so. While she's still an incorrigible flirt and as bright as the sun, she's intuitive to moods and feelings of those around her, and tends to present herself as a listening ear. She's quieter when she's with those she trusts, happy to listen and sit in comfortable silence - simply because she has no need to be an outgoing and bubbly Queen with them. She's simply Persephone - a very rarely seen side of her. Much of Persephone is basically a mystery to everyone, and she prefers it that way, declining talking about herself if prompted and then swiftly changing the subject. Her life before being Queen is subject to rumours, her personal life a subject of debate, and Persephone has no intention of debunking any of them. Because if there's one thing Persephone cannot allow, it's showing weakness. When she was weak before, she lost someone she loved dearly and her eye - and she cannot let it happen again. She hides her sister away, unwilling to let her be a target and refusing to tell even her closest ally of her, lest the information is heard by the wrong ears. And when Aether is taken and mutilated, she refuses to show the turmoil that brews inside her. She smiles still, focusing on the danger of the True Fae - only in private does she break down, her guilt over failing someone again almost crushing. Her emotions run strongly, and she will pick and choose which she will let herself show. Love for others can be shown freely, but despair cannot. Even though she is not infallible, unable to stop herself from giving chase to Mercury - from expressing outrage that the King of Summer dares try to plot to hide her away, when their subjects are panicking and scared. Her temper is nigh-infinite, but she will not abide by any trying to harm her friends or their subjects. That is one of the few things that push her to anger immediately, blazing and vocal, not willing to hide this time. Her blood runs hotter than she dares admit, though there are hints in the Contracts she wields (all of fire and sun), and it's still a part of herself that she struggles with. But it's better to show anger, than show distress or fear. Because Persephone is still a Queen. Queens must not falter, must not show they are weak and scared. Especially Queen of a court incredibly fickle and built on reputation. Physical prowess matters not here, but what people think of you. As much as she is kind and warm, she is shrewd and manipulative - her sweetness hiding an edge that she won't hesitate to use for her advantage. She isn't above underhanded tactics to achieve her goals and keep her throne secure, and is patient and ambitious enough to wait, wait and wait for a perfect moment to strike. After all, she plotted her coup for the Spring Court over decades, biding her time until she could finally get what she wanted - ambitious to a fault, and her drive unflinching. She will even use her appearance as a tool for her to use, lulling others into a false sense of security with a flutter of her lashes and a sway of her hips - after all, who would suspect a pretty face that's giving them attention? If it will bolster her Court, and remove any obstacles, then she will use whatever she has at her disposal. Rivals and those seeking to usurp her find themselves at the centre of vile rumours, forced into situations that only tarnishes their reputation. And if anyone suspects Persephone, they know better than to point fingers. It doesn't help that she's hard to read, a smile always in place that can turn cold and sharp within a moment, especially when confronted with those that would endanger or try to suppress her subjects. Even her play at being more shallow than she seems is all a manipulation, lulling others into believing she is no threat. That their only threat is Summer - that she is harmless, would never hurt a fly. It makes it easier to hide her thorns that way, remaining hidden under roses until they misstep - then she will strike without mercy, with sharp words or strength. Many would not think Persephone is a fighter, and far stronger than she appears. But it's something she can and will use to her advantage, though she tends to prefer more peaceful resolutions - fighting can lead to innocents getting hurt, and Persephone is more empathetic than she cares to admit to allow that to happen. This is also why she acts as a rock to the Rulers and subjects who suffer from lower clarity than she, not hesitating to draw them back if Arcadia calls too strongly. Her power may not be as strong as the other Rulers due to this, but it means she can always see clearly - why she can make sure to lead her Court down a path that lets them forget. The call of the True Fae, of Arcadia, is always a lingering threat - but if she can help them focus on what's happening before them, help them resist, then all the better. Though this empathy can work against her at times - a bleeding heart too soft to harm those that seem broken, beyond saving. She knows there's nothing to be done, but always wishes she could do something - to save them from their pain without striking them down. But threats must be dealt with. Even if that threat is someone she once loved - she knows she must strike them, while pushing back how she truly feels. Persephone is truly a Queen who loves her people - who cares so much for their well-being, that it's paramount. Who is as shrewd and daring as she is sweet and whimsical, while hiding back her weaker parts. Yet, those who become close to her, she will topple Kings for - she has built a safe haven for them, for the lost, and she will never allow it to fall into selfish hands again. ABILITIESFLOWERING: Persephone is a Changeling of the flowery sort, and this grants her a variety of abilities. 🌺 As a Flowering, Persephone is basically covered in flowers - which grow from her hair, her horns and bloom as something like tattoos along her skin. And her horns and hair are varying types of vines, though her hair still feels like hair. Weird. She also gains more energy when it's sunny, and is a lot more sluggish when the sun sets.CONTRACT: "A mystical pact struck between the fae and a living embodiment of natural force, allowing the fae to call on supernatural powers." CONTRACTS OF SPRINGINNATE TO CHANGELINGS: Abilities all Changelings possesses. Weakness to Cold Iron - Like all Fae and Changelings, Persephone possesses a weakness to iron. Injuries from it are always severe.GLAMOUR: "The raw, supernatural energy that feeds the fae." Persephone can sustain herself by harvesting Glamour from human emotions, though she is able to go long periods of time without it. As Queen of the Spring Court, the emotion which sustains her is desire - the fresher and longer lasting the emotion, the better. Though slight flashes and buried emotions will suffice if needed, especially as it's possible to become addicted to Glamour. Which is something Persephone avoids.GENERAL: Things Persephone has learned herself. Combat Knowledge - Persephone knows her way around a battlefield, and is stronger than she looks. Her weapon of choice is usually a halberd, that she keeps magick'd under the guise of a simple fan. EXTRA🌺 Is completely blind in her right eye. Luckily a few decades of being blind on that side has allowed her to adjust to the lack of depth-perception. 🌺 The flowers in her hair/on her horns/on her skin can change randomly, depending on what she feels like growing at the time. 🌺 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
