Name: Rosalie Satre Age: 24 Occupation: Blacksmith Spouse:Engaged to Last Grimm (Lover of First Grimm)
Appearance: A young redheaded woman with pale skin. She doesn't get out into the sun much, though there are a few freckles upon her arms from when she does. Her long hair is usually up in a messy bun, not wanting to get it in her way during work, and being too lazy to make it look any nicer. She also tends to be wearing glasses when she's doing her detail work, sometimes making her honey brown eyes less noticeable.
Given her occupation, there's always at least a small dusting of ash on her skin on days she works. Just can't be helped, can it?
Likes: Money, hard work paying off, a moments rest, taking strolls at night, buying far too many books for her lodging to hold... Dislikes: Hot days (it makes work even more unbearable), getting burned, having to redo a single piece because the customer is unsatisfied, something going wrong or out of her control.
Personality Quirks: Rosalie is usually fairly calm, though there are things that can push her over the edge rather quickly. She tries to bite her tongue, especially if the one commissioning her work is of higher class, though there have been a few times where her tongue has gotten the best of her. She has a gift for reading, and sometimes makes pieces just to sell from the images her books give to her, which sometimes end up being more popular than she expected. She enjoys colder weather, since the majority of her life is in the heat of the flame and glow of the metal, but that's not to say that a pleasant stroll in the dusk of summer isn't enjoyable.
History: The business actually was formed by her father, and given to her after he passed. Rosalie never got to know her mother, or what happened to her. She suspects that perhaps she died long before she could remember, but with the hole left in her father's heart from her absence, she could never bring herself to ask.
Though some of the more traditional minded of Sunderland may be horrified by a female in this line of work, Rosalie has earned her keep. She may not have the larger production rate as some of the other stores, but her eye for detail continues to draw in customers.
She's been courted once or twice, but has never actively pursued a relationship, due to the horror that she might have to give up her work. Hense, she hasn't really begun to look for a husband of her own. She cringes whenever the subject is brought up, though she has been thinking about how her lineage will continue, or rather how the shop will survive, once she is too old to keep up the work. However, in light of recent events, she's rather happy with her current suitor, and feels no need or pressure to settle down.
It seems that when the weather takes certain changes, like large storms, or the beginnings of winter, her hands give her a good amount of trouble. They cramp up and tremble, which in and of itself is a pain, but also throb and hurt. She's tried to keep herself stocked in remedies for this, though they don't always work. With the war coming, this has proven a difficult problem, since she needs to be at her best.
She and Aelius have grown fairly close, though the two are known to have differing opinions on certain subjects. There's nothing the buck wouldn't do for his chosen, and the same feeling is returned. While he may think fighting in the war is a deathwish, she does not and wishes to prove herself capable with a blade. However, while one may make swords, this does not prove one can use one...
A rather lazy buck who likes nothing more than finding somewhere to cuddle down, which sometimes ends up being Rosalie's lap. He's also rather excitable, and will prance around to show it, but knows better than to do so when the fire is going....
Shuu
HE HAS HIS EYE ON YOU.
Posted: Sat Dec 29, 2012 11:18 pm
The Choosing
The commission was a little odd for her. A piece to remember the past by, that was all they said. No specifics, no real inspiration. What was the past, where could she find out about it? The bookstore had been no help. None of them had anything pertaining to this 'past'. She slept with dreams, and that was when the calling began.
The Wardwood. Was that where all the answers lay for her? Where this 'past' would be revealed to her? The calling continued night after night, her dreams filled with this magical place, these trees full of beauty and design that she just had to see for herself. It would be the answer.
She hadn't expected, however, to go there when she did. Rosalie had just been on a walk to clear her mind, to receive inspiration. But it turned into a trip to the Wardwood. She finally blinked back into reality, at the foot of a massive tree. She had seen this before....The designs of the wood, yes, the tree from her dreams. The woman stood at the foot of the tree, reaching out to touch the wood of it. It glowed under her hand, making her look up, to see the branches. This was no ordinary tree...This one had figures growing off of the branches.
They were of all shapes and colors, and seemed to glow similarly to the bark of the tree whence they came. Had they really come from it? Surely they didn't all just grow on the ward tree......But there were so many she couldn't doubt it. One though....One caught her eye. A buck, a glowing green design upon it, white and brown with specks of gold. It was high up...But she needed it.
Up she climbed, the rough bark of the tree making it easier than it should have been. It was almost like it had made a ladder for her. Testing the limb under where it hung, she stepped onto it, then almost fell, swaying. Steadying herself with a deep breath, and focusing on the figurine, she slowly made her way across. Taking a long time indeed, she finally took it into her hands, eyes wide. It was...beautiful. Hers. Hers and hers alone. The calling began to stop, the calling in her soul.
No sooner had she taken the totem than her balance failed, sending her plummeting to the ground. Luckily, she managed to roll with the fall, groaning only in the pain a moment after. Nothing broken, only a few bruises would appear later. With slight panic, she checked the totem for any signs of damage. None...A relief. Gazing up from whence she fell, she gave a sigh of relief. Nothing else had fallen with her.
With a quiet mind and a new trinket, she left the Wardwood and returned home. She knew now what to work on next. After returning home, she got to work, not bothering to sleep. Day and night she worked the forge, the images of the magnificent ward tree filling her mind, and the glow of the totems in her heart. She did occasionally check the totem, watching the whorls glow faintly. What was this thing anyway...?
But she finished it. Her latest masterpiece was complete. The smaller, metal totem was complete, right on time for her customer to arrive. The mysterious commissioner looked it over, the detail amazing. With every hit of light, it seemed to glow, much like the tree and the totem she held for herself. "Well done." Was all they said, leaving her with the coin and exhaustion. Rosalie went to sit down, having closed the shop for the rest of the day when she noticed something looking up at her at her feet.
Two curious green eyes looked up at her. It was a fawn.
Humans -Eaton: A good friend, and certainly welcome at any time. While it's been a good while since I've heard from him, I'm sure he and Orpheus are doing well. -Eluf: A kind young man who asked me to comission a necklace for him. He seems to like books as well, which only makes things better. -Svetlana: Horserider, interested in guardians. Seems nice enough, hopefully I did her enough of a favor... -Annelie: A young maid who came by to get a necklace fixed. Bubbly, excitable, and likable at that. She and I talked of the wolves. It's been a long time, I hope she's doing well. -Colette: A young blind girl who came in to ask me to repair a tool of hers. I hope she's doing well, and that my work has done her some favors.. The Freds: --First: Mine. Just mine. Not gonna let you act like a fool. --Last: I thought you'd never ask. As far as I'm concerned, you make my world turn, there's no one else I'd rather spend my life with. I'm not sure I can be the best wife in the world, but you can be damn sure I'll try. -Jordun: Fellow traveler at the inn. Idriss' chosen, so he's certainly kind. Asked me to make a sword for him. An intricate one, to be given to his brother in Palisade. Wasn't a problem. -Marco: Perhaps I'd better pay the doctor a visit when the seasons change yearly, just to keep my hands in shape. If the wolves are coming, I can't be without use of them. -Noah: The shopkeep of the store I frequent. All we seem to get between us is a nod, but that's perfectly fine with me. -Warwick: I owe him for his kindness of the meal, especially after Aelius threw me. Perhaps I'll see him sooner, rather than later, with the war at our heels. -John: An inventor! I hope I was helpful enough to him, though I haven't heard a peep from him or his doe. -Aponi: Another hedgewitch, rather pleasant young lady. I hope she hasn't gotten into much trouble since the ball. -Epsilon: Also from Palisade, traveled to Oldcastle for the ball. Very nice young man, though his buck seems somewhat like Orpheus... -Gabriel: Just thinking about him makes my blood run cold. -Georgie: The youngest of the Grimms. We seem to get along well enough, she's apprenticing under a doctor. Good with numbers, which means her brothers'd best watch out. -Rajani: I guess we're on better terms now? I admire her and...She's my best friend. It's good to know I have someone to talk to when things get...rough. -Soibhan: Well! I certainly am not about to say no to that amount of coin, especially to aid a good effort. Maybe I can find out from her where I can learn how to fight? -Desmond: a*****e. You'd best be working up to my standards or I'll come over there and help. -Jacob: ...I'm gonna have to see him again, aren't I? -Ghastly: Simply the best.
Guardians -Orpheus: Aelius' best buddy in the whole wide world. Welcome for grooming, cuddling, and everything. -Axe: Powerful and protective. I've only seen him a little, but what I've heard... -Unwanted: Troublesome little fellow, isn't he? No matter, even if Aelius doesn't think fondly of him, I don't mind having him around. -Idriss: Beautiful young doe! She's terribly lovely, playful, and seemed to get along well with Aelius. -Somnium: Likes the fireplace, but kind enough. Marco's buck. -Wren: Dazzling young thing. Stole my breath away. How do they get so big like that? -Rani: Seemed to get along fine with Aelius.. -Mimas: Looks like Orpheus, also very bitey. -Morai: I don't think he took too kindly to me or Aelius. Best watch out for that one. -Ariana: Quiet, mousy young thing. I haven't seen much of her. -Oberon: Big, like Wren was, but he seems to be a great deal wiser than I originally thought. Best watch my back with him too.
Familiars -Unwelcome: First's familiar, and the lovliest young thing I've ever laid my eyes on. She seems to know it too~. -Maul: Adorable young rabbit.
A quick oneshot drabble on Rosalie's birth, through Morgan's eyes...
He couldn’t help but pace. The midwife had told him, assured him, everything would be fine. Lily would be fine, she’d be just fine, and their child would be too. But Morgan couldn’t deny that sinking feeling. She’d been sick, she’d been so so sick, and they’d both tried to laugh this away. They wanted a child, Morgan wanted a child more than anything in the world, and when they had found out, they’d rejoiced. He’d picked his Lily up and whirled her around, laughing in joy before bringing her close and hugging her.
But she was weak. She was Tom Curtis’ daughter, the daughter of a smith he admired, but little signs had always been there. She bruised easily, she was always the first to succumb to illness, and her hands would ache in the winter.
But she was radiant. Red hair the color of the fire in the forge, skin freckled and tanned from her time in the sun picking flowers. She had a grace about her that he couldn’t even describe. He still remembered when they wed, how beautiful she was on that summers day, and how she just seemed to light up the room when she smiled. He’d promised Tom he’d protect her, how he’d always protect her.
Morgan paused, nerves winding on end. It was a cold, cold December day, snow already fallen upon the streets of Palisade. The sun was already falling, and he was so nervous he felt like he’d retch in the gutter. And then….a cry. Frail, new to the world, such a beautiful, beautiful noise. He couldn’t even wait, all but dashing up the stairs, stumbling as he burst in the door, calling out for his wife, ready to burst in joy.
But she didn’t call back.
She never answered him.
Her head was slightly turned, eyes closed, hair starting to fall out of place. A thin layer of sweat glistened on her skin, but those lips of hers, they no longer gasped for air. Shakingly Morgan tried to call out to her again, slowly coming over. The midwife refused to look at him as she began to clean the crying child. He reached out and took her hand, begging, whispering for her to just open her eyes. No Lily, don’t do this to me, Lily please..He wanted to say so much more, but her skin was already starting to cool, and his voice had gone week.
He wasn’t sure how long it was until he was handed the tiny bundle, arms shaking violently as she said something, something to him. He just swallowed and nodded, trying to rein in every last tremble in his hands as he finally looked down to his child. It fussed, whimpering and crying for a mother that no longer breathed, and it wasn’t about to settle for some second rate father.
“Did you hear me, smith?” The older woman pushed, her rabbit tight in her arms.
“No I’m……One more time, I’m sorry.” He barely choked out, finally looking up to meet her eyes.
“I’ll have someone come for the body in the morning.” She started, and he felt his heart sink even further than it already had, “You take care of yer girl in the mean time. I’ll put word out yer lookin fer a wet nurse. Sh’ shouldn’ be needin’ anyun til the morn nyway.” Morgan breathed, feeling his face collapse into despair again, clutching the bundle closer. This was all the witch needed, sighing as she shook her head and slowly descended the stairs.
Unable to look back to his dead wife in their bed, Morgan slowly collapsed to the floor, breathing through heavy sobs. He couldn’t raise a girl, he couldn’t raise any child. Not without Lily, never without Lily, he had no idea what to do. It was another hour before he could even look at his child, who had sense fallen asleep.
“Gods, Lily I can’t…” He made a strangled noise, seeing every slight bit of resemblance she had to her mother. “I can’t do this without you, I can’t raise our daughter alone, Lily..I can make swords, I can make anything, but I can’t raise a child…Not without you.”
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