Alcuin nó Delaunay (
virginprice) wrote2013-01-22 02:15 pm
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Application for Tu Shanshu
Player Information:
Name: Chloe
Age: 25
Contact:
swevene
Game Cast: n/a
Character Information:
Name: Alcuin nó Delaunay
Canon: Kushiel’s Legacy
Canon Point: Chapter 37, after his death
Age: 19, though a specific age or passage of time is never given after his sixteenth birthday several years before and this is just a rough estimate.
Reference: Kushiel’s Legacy - General information about the series, with background information.
The Eluine Cycle - An account written by the author of the travels of Elua and the founding of Terre d’Ange
Servants of Naamah - A brief description of what a Servant of Naamah is and unique aspects of the service.
Setting: The world in which Kushiel’s Legacy takes place is very clearly an alternate of our own—countries such as France, Britain, and Spain are recognizable, but everything is named differently: those three countries are Terre d’Ange, Alba, and Aragonia, respectively. Technology is, broadly speaking, at the level of the late medieval period or the early renaissance, most countries still engage in some form of polytheistic worship and there are a lot of howling barbarians to the north.
Oh, yes, and there’s magic. And the gods like to take a reasonably active interest in things.
Origins and Mythology of Terre d’Ange
The story of Terre d’Ange itself begins with a very recognizable figure- Yeshua ben Yusef, also known as Jesus Christ. When he died on the cross, his blood mingled with the tears of the Magdalene, his beloved, and created a child that was gestated in the womb of the earth. Yes, literally.
The worship of Yeshua remained confined to the Jewish people, unlike our world. Indeed, every sign indicates that all Jews who were in contact with the rest of the world (long story) converted to the worship of Yeshua and they became collectively known as Yeshuites. Meanwhile, Elua began to wander the world, uncared for and alone. His grandfather, the One God, was too occupied with mourning his dead son to care for his strangely-begotten grandson.
Eventually Elua found himself in trouble, imprisoned by the King of Persis for an unknown reason. However, he was not wholly without allies. Eight angels (Naamah, Cassiel, Camael, Anael, Azza, Eisheth, Shemhazai, and Kushiel) came to help him. Naamah arranged for his release by bargaining with her body, offering the King of Persis one night with her. Elua was released, but the King became frightened of him and the angels and liquored them up and put them in a boat on the sea.
Fortunately, when they woke up Elua became the dolphin whisperer and they were guided to shore. After that, the nine of them wandered together. The angels cared for Elua’s needs and gave him companionship—Naamah had sex with strangers to get money for food, for instance—and eventually they found a land that welcomed them: it was fertile and the people greeted them with song and open arms and legs.
Elua and most of his Companions slept their way around what came to be known as Terre d’Ange, producing many children. The only one to abstain was Cassiel, who stayed at Elua’s side like a brother. Eventually, the other seven angels divided the country between them to rule. Elua was happy to continue his wanderings and claim no part, and Cassiel remained with him. The seven provinces are Namarre, Camlach, L’Agnace, Azzalle, Eisande, Siovale, and Kusheth. However, in the place where Elua stayed the longest, a city was built that became the capital—known only as the City of Elua.
Terre d’Ange prospered. The angels had brought a great deal of knowledge with them from Heaven, and they shared it with their descendants, teaching them and ruling them. Additionally, Elua’s only precept, ‘love as thou wilt’, became the guiding rule by which they lived. It was a rich and pleasant country.
Eventually the One God looked away from his mourning long enough to see what his grandson had wrought and he was worried that the offspring of Elua and his angels would overrun the world. He sent his general, the leader of his host, to bring his wayward descendant back to Heaven, but Elua sent him back confused and garlanded with flowers, because that’s how they roll in Terre d’Ange. God realized that he had miscalculated and sent his Herald to ask nicely, offering to forgive Elua. However, Elua took one of Cassiel’s daggers and cut his hand, allowing the blood to drip onto the ground and told the angel that Heaven was bloodless, but he was not and that if God really wanted him to leave, he could make a new place for Elua and his Companions to live and where their descendants could join them after their deaths.
God was reluctant to do this, but Mother Earth persuaded him to agree and they created what is known as the Terre d’Ange That Lies Beyond, and Elua and his Companions went into it singing and left the mortal plane.
Terre d’Ange and d’Angelines
Terre d’Ange clearly started with a few things that many nascent countries don’t. Their origin story is demonstrably true, and their angelic heritage gave them some clear advantages. The precept ‘love as thou wilt’ has led to a greater level of sexual freedom and enlightenment than nearly any other country: people take lovers of both sexes freely and there is little concern for virginity, even among the nobility. Their love of art and culture elevates them (especially in their own opinion) above others, and is augmented by gifts passed down from the Companions. They know more of medicine and science thanks to their angelic forebears, too.
By and large they are a peaceful country. They have never tried to expand their borders either by annexing territory or by making war on their neighbours. The lands that were claimed by Elua’s Companions are enough for them… but they will defend them if they need to. Because of their sexual freedom, general artsiness, and peaceful stance they’re often considered soft by their neighbours, but that is not necessarily true.
In terms of physical appearance and nature, d’Angelines do vary a little from those of other races. They are considerably more physically attractive, possessing a beauty with a ‘cutting edge’, and fine voices as well. Even ugly, croaky d’Angelines are pretty and melodious to other races. They are slow to grow body hair, if they ever do—many men don’t ever grow a beard or have to worry about shaving. Women are blessed with Eisheth’s Gift—they don’t have to worry about menstruation or pregnancy until they light a candle and say a prayer to Eisheth, opening their wombs.
Each Companion passed on certain traits to their descendents, and those remain evident—or at least are well-known stereotypes. Scions of Kushiel (formerly the punisher of God) for instance, are known for being kinky sadists. The people of Siovale, descendents of Shemhazai (an angel of knowledge) are interested in intellectual pursuits and engineering. Scions of Anael smell like apples, and Camael’s province of Camlach is warlike.
The geography of Terre d’Ange is basically identical to the geography in France of our world. The two major cities are the City of Elua, from which the monarch rules, and Marsilikos, a southern port city in Eisande. There are other cities around the countryside, but they are smaller. The countryside is peaceful, with few bandits or robbers inside the borders. On the whole, the people live and prosper in safety and freedom.
Current Events and Politics
Although Terre d’Ange remains peaceful, there are undercurrents of tension in the political situation. King Ganelon de la Courcel, the reigning monarch, is very elderly and his heir is the Dauphine, Princess Ysandre de la Courcel, his teenaged granddaughter. She is not (to public knowledge) betrothed, nor have any serious negotiations for a marriage even begun. Many d’Angeline nobles fear that if she takes the throne she will be seen as weak by other nations, rendering Terre d’Ange easy prey.
Unbeknownst to most, Ysandre was betrothed to the Alban prince Drustan during the visit of the Alban ruler, the Cruarch, and Drustan to Terre d’Ange—an unusual visit, because normally passage between the island of Alba and the land of Terre d’Ange is forbidden by the mysterious figure known as the Master of the Straits, who magically commands the waters between mainland Europe and Alba. Why he allowed them to pass is unknown. The Cruarch was overthrown shortly afterward and Drustan forced to flee to the protection of another tribe on Alba, the Dalriada. That match may no longer be politically viable, but Ysandre is in fact in love with Drustan and will not marry anyone else.
One plot to take the throne out from under Ganelon and Ysandre was already unmasked very recently. The king’s sister, Lyonette de Trevalion, plotted with Foclaidha of Alba, the mother of the usurper who forced Drustan into exile, to dethrone Ganelon and place her popular son Baudoin on the throne instead. This treachery was betrayed by Baudoin’s best friend, Duc Isidore d’Aiglemort of Camlach, and his lover, Melisande Shahrizai of Kusheth. After a public trial, Baudoin and Lyonette were executed, and Marc de Trevalion, Lyonette’s husband, and Bernadette de Trevalion, their daughter, were exiled.
The main external conflict is on the north-eastern border of Camlach, which butts up against Skaldia. The main inhabitants of Skaldia are the aforementioned howling barbarians known as the Skaldi, who frequently raid Terre d’Ange. They were defeated en masse a decade before the story begins in the Battle of Three Princes, and again about two or three years before Alcuin’s canon point by the Camaeline Duc Isidore d’Aiglemort. This, combined with proving his loyalty to the realm by betraying Baudoin, has made him a hero. Some have even speculated that he intends to ask for Princess Ysandre’s hand in marriage.
However, despite their recent defeat, Skaldi raids on Camlach have been as fierce as ever, and in rarefied circles the rumour spreads that the Skaldi have found a leader that thinks.
Anafiel Delaunay
One of the more enigmatic figures on the d’Angeline political scene is Anafiel Delaunay, Alcuin’s foster-father. He was once very close to Prince Rolande, Ysandre’s father, but was cast into disgrace after writing a satirical song about Isabel l’Envers, the woman Rolande married, implying that she murdered her romantic rival Edmee de Rocaille. Although he was on track to be the Court Poet, his work was banned. However, his loyalty to the throne never wavered.
After Prince Rolande’s death in the Battle of Three Princes, Delaunay honoured at least one of his oaths in his stead, rescuing the son of one of Rolande’s soldiers and a peasant woman that Rolande had sworn to care for from a Skaldic raid and raising him as his foster-son. This, of course, was Alcuin.
Delaunay had his finger on the pulse of d’Angeline society, with a keen intellect and knowledge of the arts of covertcy that few could match within the realm of Terre d’Ange. Fortunately, he was loyal to the throne, having sworn an oath to Prince Rolande to protect his daughter, Princess Ysandre. He also had a strong sense of honour and a kind heart. He had a knack for inspiring loyalty and love in those around him—both his foster-children loved him fiercely, even though they knew he was using them.
He had enemies. There were places he couldn’t go and people he couldn’t reach, and that was why he used Alcuin and his foster-sister Phedre. They were raised to be Servants of Naamah—sacred courtesans—but they were also taught to gather information, to observe, to see the connections and understand what few others would. Delaunay never intended to tell them enough to get them hurt or killed, only enough that they would be able to find out what he needed to know. They were educated far more than the average Servant of Naamah, though the average Servant was hardly illiterate. They learned history, mathematics, philosophy, several languages—as well as gymnastics, dancing, and music, among other subjects and their more unusual lessons.
The loyalty he engendered went far beyond even what he knew. Alcuin went willingly into a profession that he despised for the love of Anafiel Delaunay.
The Service of Naamah
The Service of Naamah has always been sacred in Terre d’Ange. Naamah lay down with strangers for coin to feed Blessed Elua, and tradition prostitution is the d’Angeline way of honouring that. It has never been considered shameful or sinful to become a Servant of Naamah, but rather a sacred calling. While the pinnacle of Naamah’s Service is the Court of Night-Blooming Flowers on Mont Nuit, there are many Servants of Naamah who serve in other establishments, or independently. Alcuin is one of those.
One thing that all Servants have in common is the marque. It is a sign of indenture—Servants can have their marques bought and sold and must pay a great deal to have them completed—but it is also sacred. Naamah was said to leave scratches on the backs of her lovers that left them scarred and the elaborate tattooed marques are done in remembrance. Among the independent Servants of Naamah marques are highly individualized to their bearer, often incorporating plant imagery, such as trees or flowers.
Some Servants have salons, where the patrons come to them, enjoying discussion, poetry, or art as well as the more physical side of things. Others go to their patrons for more private assignations. All assignations are governed by a contract signed beforehand, to which both parties must agree. Matters dictated in the contract can include the length of time it will last, whether the Servant will come in their own conveyance or if the patron will send one, what specific acts the Servant will or will not partake in, or even how many buttons it is acceptable for the patron to rip away from the Servant’s clothing. It depends on the contract and the sort of services offered.
If the contract is broken, it is considered rape, which is not only a crime but a sin—the highest sin, a direct transgression of Elua’s precept ‘love as thou wilt’.
Personality: Alcuin is, in many ways, the prototypical character that's 'too good for this sinful Earth'. Beautiful, intelligent, sweet-natured, loyal, loving, wise beyond his years... it's difficult to find a flaw, unless the flaw is that he's too loyal or too loving. He's basically marked for death.
His sweet and loving nature is one of the first things we see of him: he welcomes Phedre, who could be considered an intruder or a rival for Delaunay’s affections, to the household with pleasure and happiness, accepting her wholeheartedly. There is not even a particle of jealousy or envy in his nature, only wholehearted appreciation for those he loves, and a willingness to extend that to others close to him. Of course, the first in his heart is Anafiel Delaunay, to whom he owes ‘a debt that can never be repaid’ for saving his life and raising him.
His intelligence is the second trait that is shown to the reader—he provides an excellent analysis of the coach and driver that Phedre and Delaunay arrived in, showing a keen ability to observe and understand and a knowledge of people and patterns, despite being only ten years of age. Later, Phedre says that his knowledge goes deep, implying that he has a facility to understand different facets of things and perhaps make connections that others don’t. It is this ‘deep’ knowledge that can give him the impression of being wise beyond his years, with the flashes of insight it gives him.
Additionally, Alcuin can, under certain circumstances, cause his body to go on a sort of ‘autopilot’ so that he moves and acts automatically while listening and observing to those around him while they don’t suspect it. However, it’s easier to do this while serving wine than while having sex.
Although these other parts of his nature are strong, it’s his love for and loyalty to Delaunay that overshadows everything else. He’s willing to spy for him, and he’s willing to lie for him—even when Delaunay doesn’t know that he’s doing it—and as Phedre says, he would happily die for him, too. He becomes a Servant of Naamah even though it doesn’t suit his nature and he hates it to repay the debt he sees himself as owing to Delaunay with coin and with knowledge. He hides his more physical love for Delaunay until the right moment, until he is free and clear of any debt to him.
After he is no longer a Servant of Naamah, he keeps Delaunay’s secrets from Phedre, despite promising that they would share anything that they learned of him with each other. It’s clear that no matter what, Delaunay comes first in Alcuin’s heart. Yes, he’s sweet and kind and loving, but only so long as that doesn’t get in the way of serving Delaunay. He is quite cold with a patron who refuses to give him what he wants—enough money to pay off the rest of his marque and the answer to Delaunay’s question, a moment that also displays a strength that he rarely chooses to show.
To those outside his immediate circle, he seems reserved—though he was a very cheerful child, he’s calmed down as an adult. He still smiles and blushes, but he listens a great deal more than he talks, giving the impression of being rather quiet, if very good-natured. He appreciates frankness and cheerfulness—he likes Admiral Quintilius Rousse because he’s so blunt and hearty, and he enjoys an assignation with the merry Night Court adept Mierette nó Orchis more than he enjoys any other in his career in the Service of Naamah.
Landing in the In Between is likely to be quite a shock for Alcuin. He is aware that he was dying, but this isn’t the afterlife he was looking for—the Terre d’Ange That Lies Beyond is nothing like a giant turtle with a city on it. The strangeness would be easier to tolerate with Delaunay by his side, but in his absence he will make the best of it though he will miss him terribly. He is very good at tolerating unpleasant situations without troubling anyone else, and he has an inner reserve of strength and determination that will serve him in good stead, and an intellectual curiosity that will likely drive him to learn as much as he can about Tu Vishan and its culture, possibly even petitioning the Ironwood Emperor for access to the Athenaeum.
Appearance: Alcuin is extraordinarily beautiful, even for a country composed of ridiculously pretty people descended from angels. He is described as ‘breathtaking’ and as a ‘pearl of beauty’. He has very unusual colouration—his hair is milk white and his skin is pale, but his eyes are as ‘dark as pansies’. He is slender but has some muscles, thanks to Delaunay’s insistence on physical training, and not very tall. He has a scar on his stomach from a stab wound.
He has earned his marque, which reaches from the lowest part of his back to the nape of his neck. This depiction of it is by Elegaer on DeviantArt.
For a PB, I will be using Andrej Pejic.
Abilities: While Alcuin does not have any supernatural powers, he is trained in the arts of gathering information and observation, which he has a strong natural talent for. He is very intelligent, with a strong intuition and the ability to connect seemingly disparate pieces of information.
He is also very well-trained in the arts of the bedchamber, considering that he was a courtesan for several years and received several years of training in them beforehand, in all the classic sacred texts of d’Angeline sexuality.
He has some basic skills with a blade, and does have some natural talent with that as well though it is mostly undeveloped. He is also very good with languages, speaking Caerdicci (Latin), Hellene (Greek), Skaldic (Old Norse), Cruithne (an old Celtic language), and of course d’Angeline (French).
Inventory: Alcuin doesn't have anything on him beyond a tattered, bloodstained shirt, a pair of breeches, and a sword.
Suite: Two floors in Earth. Alcuin is not hard to please, but he is accustomed to luxury in his own home. Additionally, those window seats will get a lot of use!
In-Character Samples:
Third Person: Alcuin’s sharp ears had caught the click of the library door opening, but when no one came in he thought he knew what was going on: Delaunay was watching him. Well, let him watch. Alcuin was nose-deep in an old Caerdicci tome whose author had had terrible handwriting and it was taking far too long to puzzle out.
The weight of Delaunay’s gaze was different now, and Alcuin knew why. Ever since that wonderful night, the night when Delaunay had finally truly seen him, seen what he wanted, things had been the way he had always dreamed they would be. Delaunay wanted him, not just for his mind and what Alcuin could provide in the way of information. He wanted him as a lover, he desired him. Alcuin had had to make the first move, but Delaunay had readily followed after him.
A smile that he knew Delaunay could not see curved his lips as he turned a page. It would do his lover no harm to have to wait for Alcuin to pay attention to him. It did make it a great deal more difficult to pay attention to the book, knowing that Delaunay was watching him with intent, but it had been long enough that he felt secure in his affections. He didn't have to come every time Delaunay even thought about crooking his fingers.
Though if Delaunay did crook them, he would go and gladly. It simply would not hurt to make him wait and make him ask.
Network: [video]
[Alcuin is too curious to stay away from the network- and besides, he's looking for someone. It's important that he begin as quickly as possible, so he makes a video post. He considered typing it, but pressing the keys to make the letters appear was just too strange. He'll save that for later.
He smiles shyly at the 'camera' that the man- or creature?- had pointed out and told him to look at when he wanted to show himself on the network. He's adjusted his shirt so that the bloodstains he arrived with don't show much, but the dark spots do show against the white fabric of his shirt, near the bottom of the screen.]
Hello. My name is Alcuin nó Delaunay and I am told that there are many in this strange city who can hear and see me now. I'm very sorry to trouble any of you, and I hope you are all well.
[He hesitates, unsure of how to phrase the next part, anxiety clear in his dark eyes.]
I have a question and a favour to ask, of anyone who might be willing to help me. My question is- has anyone met a man named Anafiel Delaunay? I hope that he is resident in this city too. If anyone has word of him, please tell me.
[He takes a breath and looks down for a moment, calming his fear that Delaunay is not there, then lifts his head and smiles.]
As for the favour, I am in need of some clothing. I have the coin that these- these, ah, kedan? That the kedan have given me. I do not know how much would be appropriate, but if someone would bring some clean clothes I will pay you. I'm afraid that I am in no state to leave my home and visit a tailor.
[It's the bloodstains. And the fact that there's this big rip that shows his stomach. It's just kind of a mess.]
Thank you very much for listening, if anyone is.
Name: Chloe
Age: 25
Contact:
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Game Cast: n/a
Character Information:
Name: Alcuin nó Delaunay
Canon: Kushiel’s Legacy
Canon Point: Chapter 37, after his death
Age: 19, though a specific age or passage of time is never given after his sixteenth birthday several years before and this is just a rough estimate.
Reference: Kushiel’s Legacy - General information about the series, with background information.
The Eluine Cycle - An account written by the author of the travels of Elua and the founding of Terre d’Ange
Servants of Naamah - A brief description of what a Servant of Naamah is and unique aspects of the service.
Setting: The world in which Kushiel’s Legacy takes place is very clearly an alternate of our own—countries such as France, Britain, and Spain are recognizable, but everything is named differently: those three countries are Terre d’Ange, Alba, and Aragonia, respectively. Technology is, broadly speaking, at the level of the late medieval period or the early renaissance, most countries still engage in some form of polytheistic worship and there are a lot of howling barbarians to the north.
Oh, yes, and there’s magic. And the gods like to take a reasonably active interest in things.
The story of Terre d’Ange itself begins with a very recognizable figure- Yeshua ben Yusef, also known as Jesus Christ. When he died on the cross, his blood mingled with the tears of the Magdalene, his beloved, and created a child that was gestated in the womb of the earth. Yes, literally.
The worship of Yeshua remained confined to the Jewish people, unlike our world. Indeed, every sign indicates that all Jews who were in contact with the rest of the world (long story) converted to the worship of Yeshua and they became collectively known as Yeshuites. Meanwhile, Elua began to wander the world, uncared for and alone. His grandfather, the One God, was too occupied with mourning his dead son to care for his strangely-begotten grandson.
Eventually Elua found himself in trouble, imprisoned by the King of Persis for an unknown reason. However, he was not wholly without allies. Eight angels (Naamah, Cassiel, Camael, Anael, Azza, Eisheth, Shemhazai, and Kushiel) came to help him. Naamah arranged for his release by bargaining with her body, offering the King of Persis one night with her. Elua was released, but the King became frightened of him and the angels and liquored them up and put them in a boat on the sea.
Fortunately, when they woke up Elua became the dolphin whisperer and they were guided to shore. After that, the nine of them wandered together. The angels cared for Elua’s needs and gave him companionship—Naamah had sex with strangers to get money for food, for instance—and eventually they found a land that welcomed them: it was fertile and the people greeted them with song and open arms and legs.
Elua and most of his Companions slept their way around what came to be known as Terre d’Ange, producing many children. The only one to abstain was Cassiel, who stayed at Elua’s side like a brother. Eventually, the other seven angels divided the country between them to rule. Elua was happy to continue his wanderings and claim no part, and Cassiel remained with him. The seven provinces are Namarre, Camlach, L’Agnace, Azzalle, Eisande, Siovale, and Kusheth. However, in the place where Elua stayed the longest, a city was built that became the capital—known only as the City of Elua.
Terre d’Ange prospered. The angels had brought a great deal of knowledge with them from Heaven, and they shared it with their descendants, teaching them and ruling them. Additionally, Elua’s only precept, ‘love as thou wilt’, became the guiding rule by which they lived. It was a rich and pleasant country.
Eventually the One God looked away from his mourning long enough to see what his grandson had wrought and he was worried that the offspring of Elua and his angels would overrun the world. He sent his general, the leader of his host, to bring his wayward descendant back to Heaven, but Elua sent him back confused and garlanded with flowers, because that’s how they roll in Terre d’Ange. God realized that he had miscalculated and sent his Herald to ask nicely, offering to forgive Elua. However, Elua took one of Cassiel’s daggers and cut his hand, allowing the blood to drip onto the ground and told the angel that Heaven was bloodless, but he was not and that if God really wanted him to leave, he could make a new place for Elua and his Companions to live and where their descendants could join them after their deaths.
God was reluctant to do this, but Mother Earth persuaded him to agree and they created what is known as the Terre d’Ange That Lies Beyond, and Elua and his Companions went into it singing and left the mortal plane.
Terre d’Ange clearly started with a few things that many nascent countries don’t. Their origin story is demonstrably true, and their angelic heritage gave them some clear advantages. The precept ‘love as thou wilt’ has led to a greater level of sexual freedom and enlightenment than nearly any other country: people take lovers of both sexes freely and there is little concern for virginity, even among the nobility. Their love of art and culture elevates them (especially in their own opinion) above others, and is augmented by gifts passed down from the Companions. They know more of medicine and science thanks to their angelic forebears, too.
By and large they are a peaceful country. They have never tried to expand their borders either by annexing territory or by making war on their neighbours. The lands that were claimed by Elua’s Companions are enough for them… but they will defend them if they need to. Because of their sexual freedom, general artsiness, and peaceful stance they’re often considered soft by their neighbours, but that is not necessarily true.
In terms of physical appearance and nature, d’Angelines do vary a little from those of other races. They are considerably more physically attractive, possessing a beauty with a ‘cutting edge’, and fine voices as well. Even ugly, croaky d’Angelines are pretty and melodious to other races. They are slow to grow body hair, if they ever do—many men don’t ever grow a beard or have to worry about shaving. Women are blessed with Eisheth’s Gift—they don’t have to worry about menstruation or pregnancy until they light a candle and say a prayer to Eisheth, opening their wombs.
Each Companion passed on certain traits to their descendents, and those remain evident—or at least are well-known stereotypes. Scions of Kushiel (formerly the punisher of God) for instance, are known for being kinky sadists. The people of Siovale, descendents of Shemhazai (an angel of knowledge) are interested in intellectual pursuits and engineering. Scions of Anael smell like apples, and Camael’s province of Camlach is warlike.
The geography of Terre d’Ange is basically identical to the geography in France of our world. The two major cities are the City of Elua, from which the monarch rules, and Marsilikos, a southern port city in Eisande. There are other cities around the countryside, but they are smaller. The countryside is peaceful, with few bandits or robbers inside the borders. On the whole, the people live and prosper in safety and freedom.
Although Terre d’Ange remains peaceful, there are undercurrents of tension in the political situation. King Ganelon de la Courcel, the reigning monarch, is very elderly and his heir is the Dauphine, Princess Ysandre de la Courcel, his teenaged granddaughter. She is not (to public knowledge) betrothed, nor have any serious negotiations for a marriage even begun. Many d’Angeline nobles fear that if she takes the throne she will be seen as weak by other nations, rendering Terre d’Ange easy prey.
Unbeknownst to most, Ysandre was betrothed to the Alban prince Drustan during the visit of the Alban ruler, the Cruarch, and Drustan to Terre d’Ange—an unusual visit, because normally passage between the island of Alba and the land of Terre d’Ange is forbidden by the mysterious figure known as the Master of the Straits, who magically commands the waters between mainland Europe and Alba. Why he allowed them to pass is unknown. The Cruarch was overthrown shortly afterward and Drustan forced to flee to the protection of another tribe on Alba, the Dalriada. That match may no longer be politically viable, but Ysandre is in fact in love with Drustan and will not marry anyone else.
One plot to take the throne out from under Ganelon and Ysandre was already unmasked very recently. The king’s sister, Lyonette de Trevalion, plotted with Foclaidha of Alba, the mother of the usurper who forced Drustan into exile, to dethrone Ganelon and place her popular son Baudoin on the throne instead. This treachery was betrayed by Baudoin’s best friend, Duc Isidore d’Aiglemort of Camlach, and his lover, Melisande Shahrizai of Kusheth. After a public trial, Baudoin and Lyonette were executed, and Marc de Trevalion, Lyonette’s husband, and Bernadette de Trevalion, their daughter, were exiled.
The main external conflict is on the north-eastern border of Camlach, which butts up against Skaldia. The main inhabitants of Skaldia are the aforementioned howling barbarians known as the Skaldi, who frequently raid Terre d’Ange. They were defeated en masse a decade before the story begins in the Battle of Three Princes, and again about two or three years before Alcuin’s canon point by the Camaeline Duc Isidore d’Aiglemort. This, combined with proving his loyalty to the realm by betraying Baudoin, has made him a hero. Some have even speculated that he intends to ask for Princess Ysandre’s hand in marriage.
However, despite their recent defeat, Skaldi raids on Camlach have been as fierce as ever, and in rarefied circles the rumour spreads that the Skaldi have found a leader that thinks.
One of the more enigmatic figures on the d’Angeline political scene is Anafiel Delaunay, Alcuin’s foster-father. He was once very close to Prince Rolande, Ysandre’s father, but was cast into disgrace after writing a satirical song about Isabel l’Envers, the woman Rolande married, implying that she murdered her romantic rival Edmee de Rocaille. Although he was on track to be the Court Poet, his work was banned. However, his loyalty to the throne never wavered.
After Prince Rolande’s death in the Battle of Three Princes, Delaunay honoured at least one of his oaths in his stead, rescuing the son of one of Rolande’s soldiers and a peasant woman that Rolande had sworn to care for from a Skaldic raid and raising him as his foster-son. This, of course, was Alcuin.
Delaunay had his finger on the pulse of d’Angeline society, with a keen intellect and knowledge of the arts of covertcy that few could match within the realm of Terre d’Ange. Fortunately, he was loyal to the throne, having sworn an oath to Prince Rolande to protect his daughter, Princess Ysandre. He also had a strong sense of honour and a kind heart. He had a knack for inspiring loyalty and love in those around him—both his foster-children loved him fiercely, even though they knew he was using them.
He had enemies. There were places he couldn’t go and people he couldn’t reach, and that was why he used Alcuin and his foster-sister Phedre. They were raised to be Servants of Naamah—sacred courtesans—but they were also taught to gather information, to observe, to see the connections and understand what few others would. Delaunay never intended to tell them enough to get them hurt or killed, only enough that they would be able to find out what he needed to know. They were educated far more than the average Servant of Naamah, though the average Servant was hardly illiterate. They learned history, mathematics, philosophy, several languages—as well as gymnastics, dancing, and music, among other subjects and their more unusual lessons.
The loyalty he engendered went far beyond even what he knew. Alcuin went willingly into a profession that he despised for the love of Anafiel Delaunay.
The Service of Naamah has always been sacred in Terre d’Ange. Naamah lay down with strangers for coin to feed Blessed Elua, and tradition prostitution is the d’Angeline way of honouring that. It has never been considered shameful or sinful to become a Servant of Naamah, but rather a sacred calling. While the pinnacle of Naamah’s Service is the Court of Night-Blooming Flowers on Mont Nuit, there are many Servants of Naamah who serve in other establishments, or independently. Alcuin is one of those.
One thing that all Servants have in common is the marque. It is a sign of indenture—Servants can have their marques bought and sold and must pay a great deal to have them completed—but it is also sacred. Naamah was said to leave scratches on the backs of her lovers that left them scarred and the elaborate tattooed marques are done in remembrance. Among the independent Servants of Naamah marques are highly individualized to their bearer, often incorporating plant imagery, such as trees or flowers.
Some Servants have salons, where the patrons come to them, enjoying discussion, poetry, or art as well as the more physical side of things. Others go to their patrons for more private assignations. All assignations are governed by a contract signed beforehand, to which both parties must agree. Matters dictated in the contract can include the length of time it will last, whether the Servant will come in their own conveyance or if the patron will send one, what specific acts the Servant will or will not partake in, or even how many buttons it is acceptable for the patron to rip away from the Servant’s clothing. It depends on the contract and the sort of services offered.
If the contract is broken, it is considered rape, which is not only a crime but a sin—the highest sin, a direct transgression of Elua’s precept ‘love as thou wilt’.
Personality: Alcuin is, in many ways, the prototypical character that's 'too good for this sinful Earth'. Beautiful, intelligent, sweet-natured, loyal, loving, wise beyond his years... it's difficult to find a flaw, unless the flaw is that he's too loyal or too loving. He's basically marked for death.
His sweet and loving nature is one of the first things we see of him: he welcomes Phedre, who could be considered an intruder or a rival for Delaunay’s affections, to the household with pleasure and happiness, accepting her wholeheartedly. There is not even a particle of jealousy or envy in his nature, only wholehearted appreciation for those he loves, and a willingness to extend that to others close to him. Of course, the first in his heart is Anafiel Delaunay, to whom he owes ‘a debt that can never be repaid’ for saving his life and raising him.
His intelligence is the second trait that is shown to the reader—he provides an excellent analysis of the coach and driver that Phedre and Delaunay arrived in, showing a keen ability to observe and understand and a knowledge of people and patterns, despite being only ten years of age. Later, Phedre says that his knowledge goes deep, implying that he has a facility to understand different facets of things and perhaps make connections that others don’t. It is this ‘deep’ knowledge that can give him the impression of being wise beyond his years, with the flashes of insight it gives him.
Additionally, Alcuin can, under certain circumstances, cause his body to go on a sort of ‘autopilot’ so that he moves and acts automatically while listening and observing to those around him while they don’t suspect it. However, it’s easier to do this while serving wine than while having sex.
Although these other parts of his nature are strong, it’s his love for and loyalty to Delaunay that overshadows everything else. He’s willing to spy for him, and he’s willing to lie for him—even when Delaunay doesn’t know that he’s doing it—and as Phedre says, he would happily die for him, too. He becomes a Servant of Naamah even though it doesn’t suit his nature and he hates it to repay the debt he sees himself as owing to Delaunay with coin and with knowledge. He hides his more physical love for Delaunay until the right moment, until he is free and clear of any debt to him.
After he is no longer a Servant of Naamah, he keeps Delaunay’s secrets from Phedre, despite promising that they would share anything that they learned of him with each other. It’s clear that no matter what, Delaunay comes first in Alcuin’s heart. Yes, he’s sweet and kind and loving, but only so long as that doesn’t get in the way of serving Delaunay. He is quite cold with a patron who refuses to give him what he wants—enough money to pay off the rest of his marque and the answer to Delaunay’s question, a moment that also displays a strength that he rarely chooses to show.
To those outside his immediate circle, he seems reserved—though he was a very cheerful child, he’s calmed down as an adult. He still smiles and blushes, but he listens a great deal more than he talks, giving the impression of being rather quiet, if very good-natured. He appreciates frankness and cheerfulness—he likes Admiral Quintilius Rousse because he’s so blunt and hearty, and he enjoys an assignation with the merry Night Court adept Mierette nó Orchis more than he enjoys any other in his career in the Service of Naamah.
Landing in the In Between is likely to be quite a shock for Alcuin. He is aware that he was dying, but this isn’t the afterlife he was looking for—the Terre d’Ange That Lies Beyond is nothing like a giant turtle with a city on it. The strangeness would be easier to tolerate with Delaunay by his side, but in his absence he will make the best of it though he will miss him terribly. He is very good at tolerating unpleasant situations without troubling anyone else, and he has an inner reserve of strength and determination that will serve him in good stead, and an intellectual curiosity that will likely drive him to learn as much as he can about Tu Vishan and its culture, possibly even petitioning the Ironwood Emperor for access to the Athenaeum.
Appearance: Alcuin is extraordinarily beautiful, even for a country composed of ridiculously pretty people descended from angels. He is described as ‘breathtaking’ and as a ‘pearl of beauty’. He has very unusual colouration—his hair is milk white and his skin is pale, but his eyes are as ‘dark as pansies’. He is slender but has some muscles, thanks to Delaunay’s insistence on physical training, and not very tall. He has a scar on his stomach from a stab wound.
He has earned his marque, which reaches from the lowest part of his back to the nape of his neck. This depiction of it is by Elegaer on DeviantArt.
For a PB, I will be using Andrej Pejic.
Abilities: While Alcuin does not have any supernatural powers, he is trained in the arts of gathering information and observation, which he has a strong natural talent for. He is very intelligent, with a strong intuition and the ability to connect seemingly disparate pieces of information.
He is also very well-trained in the arts of the bedchamber, considering that he was a courtesan for several years and received several years of training in them beforehand, in all the classic sacred texts of d’Angeline sexuality.
He has some basic skills with a blade, and does have some natural talent with that as well though it is mostly undeveloped. He is also very good with languages, speaking Caerdicci (Latin), Hellene (Greek), Skaldic (Old Norse), Cruithne (an old Celtic language), and of course d’Angeline (French).
Inventory: Alcuin doesn't have anything on him beyond a tattered, bloodstained shirt, a pair of breeches, and a sword.
Suite: Two floors in Earth. Alcuin is not hard to please, but he is accustomed to luxury in his own home. Additionally, those window seats will get a lot of use!
In-Character Samples:
Third Person: Alcuin’s sharp ears had caught the click of the library door opening, but when no one came in he thought he knew what was going on: Delaunay was watching him. Well, let him watch. Alcuin was nose-deep in an old Caerdicci tome whose author had had terrible handwriting and it was taking far too long to puzzle out.
The weight of Delaunay’s gaze was different now, and Alcuin knew why. Ever since that wonderful night, the night when Delaunay had finally truly seen him, seen what he wanted, things had been the way he had always dreamed they would be. Delaunay wanted him, not just for his mind and what Alcuin could provide in the way of information. He wanted him as a lover, he desired him. Alcuin had had to make the first move, but Delaunay had readily followed after him.
A smile that he knew Delaunay could not see curved his lips as he turned a page. It would do his lover no harm to have to wait for Alcuin to pay attention to him. It did make it a great deal more difficult to pay attention to the book, knowing that Delaunay was watching him with intent, but it had been long enough that he felt secure in his affections. He didn't have to come every time Delaunay even thought about crooking his fingers.
Though if Delaunay did crook them, he would go and gladly. It simply would not hurt to make him wait and make him ask.
Network: [video]
[Alcuin is too curious to stay away from the network- and besides, he's looking for someone. It's important that he begin as quickly as possible, so he makes a video post. He considered typing it, but pressing the keys to make the letters appear was just too strange. He'll save that for later.
He smiles shyly at the 'camera' that the man- or creature?- had pointed out and told him to look at when he wanted to show himself on the network. He's adjusted his shirt so that the bloodstains he arrived with don't show much, but the dark spots do show against the white fabric of his shirt, near the bottom of the screen.]
Hello. My name is Alcuin nó Delaunay and I am told that there are many in this strange city who can hear and see me now. I'm very sorry to trouble any of you, and I hope you are all well.
[He hesitates, unsure of how to phrase the next part, anxiety clear in his dark eyes.]
I have a question and a favour to ask, of anyone who might be willing to help me. My question is- has anyone met a man named Anafiel Delaunay? I hope that he is resident in this city too. If anyone has word of him, please tell me.
[He takes a breath and looks down for a moment, calming his fear that Delaunay is not there, then lifts his head and smiles.]
As for the favour, I am in need of some clothing. I have the coin that these- these, ah, kedan? That the kedan have given me. I do not know how much would be appropriate, but if someone would bring some clean clothes I will pay you. I'm afraid that I am in no state to leave my home and visit a tailor.
[It's the bloodstains. And the fact that there's this big rip that shows his stomach. It's just kind of a mess.]
Thank you very much for listening, if anyone is.