A place for Traveler and I to post goodies relating to our story.
The Court of Denbigh
Ladies
The Court of Denbigh
Ladies
Lady Catriona Mac Cionath of Armagh (26) Formerly Lady Catriona Howell, presently Duchess of Denbigh
Backstory: The destitute daughter of Irish Lord Edward Mac Cionath and his English mistress (a Lady of clout). She was sent to Wales at 9 years old to live with her uncle when her Catholic father fell out of favour with the Bishop. Her uncle oversaw her education and upbringing as a proper Lady and it was his shrewdness that secured Catriona a betrothal to Lord Owen Howell at 17. Though they did not meet and wed until she was nearly 20. Her husband died a few years later and, childless, she became a ward of Lord Baines and lived in his court without issue until DeVarrian took Denbigh.
Personality: Noted to have her father's "hot" Irish blood and lately became willful to the point of detriment. She is an astute young woman learned in etiquette, and against the Church's teachings, was taught to read. After bearing witness to much courtly intrigue she knows how to play her part. During her marriage to Owen Howell, Cat was a model wife who sought to fulfill her duties. But upon Owen's death, Roderick's overt desire to use her against DeVarrian was akin to a slap in the face, and it made her spiteful. The fear behind her latest marriage manifests itself as petty anger toward Anton who she believes is no more than a brute. Despite her scathing remarks for him in private, her husband's raw and hotheaded nature may begin to appeal...
Lady Margot (27), heir and baroness of Snowdon Hill
Backstory: The eldest daughter of a wealthy merchant whose family was bestowed a Barony and gifted Snowdon Hill two generations ago by the Duke of Caernarvon at the time. As such, they frequented Caernarvon court where she met Lady Catriona. Wishing to be unfettered in life she used her charm to enter Catriona's embrace in hopes of remaining blissfully unwed, and to further the decidedly middle class status of her father.
Personality: She is the most fiery and clever of Catriona's ladies in waiting. Not fond of Anton or the marriage, mostly because she is opposed to marriage on the whole and greatly fears loss of control through being indebted to a man or falling pregnant.
Eloise (26), chief maid of Lady Catriona
Backstory: Belonging to a long line of hereditary servants who serve Catriona's extended family. When Catriona came to her uncle's court, it was necessary to find her a companion in her new home. All of the ladies were considerably older or wed so Eloise was selected since they were close in age. She lived alongside Cat since then and the two have been like sisters. Although, she was not granted the same privileges as Catriona and subsequently was never taught to read.
Personality: Humble and demure, with a penchant for being a little too curious for her own good. Constantly thinks of what is best for Catriona's and tries to caution her temperamental mistress of late. As her role dictates, she is naturally inclined to helpfulness and enjoys keeping busy.
Lady Sabine de Artois (23), Marquess of Bayeux
Backstory: A Norman noblewoman who is the only other member of Catriona's inner circle with a strong lineage. She has several brothers and male cousins who are deceased/currently fighting over her uncle's throne of Normandy. Being spirited away to Denbigh was the only opportunity to survive the advances of her cousin from Aquitaine who sought to secure her lands with a marriage. Should he prove unimpressed with her, her life would have been forfeit.
Personality: Despite the lilt of her accented voice, the noblewoman exudes sweetness and she does not put on airs. Sabine took to her new life with quiet grace - unlike Catriona who is quite determined to be a handful for her husband after the bloody succession of Denbigh's throne.
Courtiers, Knights, Et Al
Harald (38), former soldier in O Gradaigh's army
Backstory: Harald was not a titled knight with land deeds to sit comfortably on, nor did he have a Lady wife or some other thing worth coveting besides a sharp sword and fast horse. Fought in the battle of Ilyne alongside Lord Owen Howell, who knew him to be a good swordsman. He returned from the battle hobbled and his ruined knee and caused a permanently lopsided gait.
Personality: Harald speaks very little which conveniently lends the inhabitants of Denbigh to believe he is simple, in particular the stablemaster, Chrom, who he despises. Made peace with DeVarrian's succession but at times longs for a glorious battle in hopes of redeeming himself as a warrior.
Fiadh ??, age unknown, Máthair Cailleach
Background/personality: Not much is known about the strange woman who lives in the heart of the old Clywd. She is a self taught healer who has lived in the forest for as long as she can remember, and survives by trading a myriad of poultices and herbal remedies with the nearby village in exchange for food. Despite being somewhat of a hermit with poor socialization, she is altruistic towards women especially, and at times is also willing to aid men in an unfortunate situation. In her possession are only dated pieces of clothing and a dagger with a strange sigil carved into its hilt...
The Court of Caernarvon
Ó Gradaigh Loyalists
Ó Gradaigh Loyalists
Lord Owen Howell (34), Count of Gwetheryn and late husband of Catriona
Backstory/personality: The only son of an aging Count whose position provided security to Lady Catriona. He was considered a very honourable and devout man. While Cat was grateful to have such a kind husband, he was decidedly not as passionate as Anton. Many months of their short marriage were spent away in some battle or another rather than with his wife, let alone in their bed. Ultimately, his devotion to O Gradaigh led to his death at Ilyne where he fell to an unknown assailant from DeVarrian's army. At his death, Lord Baines sought to secure his lands by graciously taking on the displaced Catriona as a ward of his court.
Lord Roderick Baines (49), Duke of Caernarvon
Backstory: Was once a knight and retained a somewhat fit, intimidating figure as he aged and took on the title of Duke. Owed a favour to Catriona's uncle and assisted in her betrothal and eventual marriage to Lord Owen Howell. Also a long time 'friend' of the deceased neighbouring Duke O Gradaigh. When he was forcefully succeeded by Anton DeVarrian, Roderick swiftly tried to cut a place for himself in Anton's new court by arranging a marriage for the new duke with his seneschal, Lord Teague McAlister. Intends to use Catriona as a means to an end of implanting a new Duke of Denbigh due to Anton's nature of being difficult to control.
Personality: Manipulative and charming, though with a cutting exterior. He likes to influence others to a desired outcome such as his long tenure of puppeteering the nobility around him. Only seeks to aid others when it can benefit him in some way.
Lord Siorus Madoc (57), Earl of Whitby
Backstory/Personality: Has known Lord Baines for many years and the two are co-conspirators in arranging Catriona to be Anton's wife. Was also a great knight in his youth but unlike Lord Baines, less than ten years his junior, Siorus' figure deteriorated with age (and wine, and mutton) when he claimed his title with Roderick's help.
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