de Vere, Carissa
Jun 27, 2013 12:26:57 GMT -5
Post by Mariska on Jun 27, 2013 12:26:57 GMT -5
CARISSA DE VERE
Duchess of Shalefort
Nickname - Rissa
Gender - Female
Age - Twenty-Four
Birthday - May 1, 1515
Noble House - de Vere
Skills - Courtly Manners, Negotiation, Languages, Appraisal, Jewelry Design,
Equestrian Skills, Deception, Seduction
Play By - Emilie de Ravin
Immediate Family Members - Anton de Vere - Father (deceased)
Annemarie Kendall de Vere - Mother (deceased)
Gregor, Willard, Walter - Siblings
Andrian Marbury - Spouse (deceased)
Rupert de Vere - Uncle
Marisa de Vere - Cousin
Personality
Cold. Calculating. Scheming. Treacherous. Contradictory. Ambitious. Ruthless.
So many words to describe Carissa de Vere. Some of them might even be true. The fact is, no one really knows Carissa, not even those whom she holds closest to her heart. If she has a heart, that is. The jury is still out on that one.
In a family full of snakes, she has become a viper... on the surface. Shrewdly intelligent and ambitious, she ensured she received the same education as her younger brothers. As the eldest, Carissa strove to earn and hold her father's favor, intending that he should name her heir over Gregor, Willard and Walter. Carissa has intentions that the de Vere name should be synonymous with wealth, power and influence throughout Demeria. Starting at a young age, she insisted on accompanying her father as much as possible to learn the lands, their management and the businesses involved with a profitable duchy.
She is an intensely private woman, exuding an elegantly aloof demeanor as if no one and nothing can touch her despite a brief marriage to an Artonian border noble's younger son. Carissa is outwardly proud, superior, and selective, cultivating friends and acquaintances only where she deems there is gain. Every choice made, every word spoken, every deed performed is to keep Shalefort secure and profitable, and to gain her influence.
Carissa prides herself on being capable, efficient and businesslike, a clever negotiator and a woman who can be every bit as formidable as any man. A little on the reckless side, she dares those who would see her removed to take their best shots.
The truth is, she's still very much the insecure, frightened and worry-prone girl that initially was never to be heir. She fears her brothers, knowing the younger two resent her inheritance and desire it for themselves; constant vigilance against their schemes and efforts is necessary. Carissa comes across as a fragile-seeming, very pale woman. The strain on nerves, heart and mind are largely responsible for that. She often sees shadows where there may be none, and only believes she is safe in the company of her Uncle Rupert and her cousin Marisa, both of whom have been her strongest supporters and protectors.
Widowhood has been good for Carissa, however, teaching her to find a new kind of inner strength and self-confidence. A few months where her brothers and detractors have been too busy fending off border raids bought her a little space and peace, but confrontations are coming. This time, she intends to be ready for it, preparing a plan that will show them all that she is the true Duchess.
History
Born the eldest of the Duke's four children and the only daughter, Carissa saw no reason to be restricted to a 'woman's place.' From the earliest age, she resolved that she would be the one to set the standards to which her brothers should aspire, whether it was in lessons, riding, archery or their parents' approval. Closer to her father than her mother, the young girl was not the most feminine of little girls to begin with, her hair often tousled with straw or leaves and skinned knees. Her father found her efforts amusing, indulging her in them and often taunting his sons that their sister was more of a man than they were.
Finally, her mother put her foot down, insisting that Carissa begin the lessons crucial for a young woman of noble birth. Dancing, dressing, courtly manners, musical studies and the feminine arts of manipulation were all surprisingly embraced, astonishing Annemarie with her daughter's sudden conversion into a lovely, accomplished and enticing young woman. Even Anton regarded his daughter with surprise, but also with a curious kind of respect. Her mornings were spent with him, riding the lands, engaging in the matters of the duchy, while her afternoons were given over to her mother's gentler influence and management of the Shalefort household and duchy charities.
As a consequence of time spent with her father in the mines and with the merchants who plied the jewel trade, Carissa discovered a love and a talent for jewelry design. Working with one of the finest jewelers in Shalefort, she turned concepts into reality, establishing one of Demeria's most valuable and elaborate collections of jewelry. She was determined that not even the Royal Family would outshine her... though she has made gifts to the Carlisles of her work to curry favor.
It was not long after Annemarie died from a brief but virulent illness that Anton began to feel his age; he had to select his heir. By now, Carissa was wedded to Andrian Marbury, the heir of that House, and Gregor had married Elise Carlisle. His son, Anton swiftly learned, was too much under his wife's thumb to make a good Duke. Receiving a visit from his brother Rupert, the Duke heeded the man's counsel - make Carissa the Duchess and allow the Duchy to thrive under the leadership skills Anton instilled in his eldest child. After some rumination, the Duke agreed and named Carissa his heir, much to the chagrin of his two younger sons. Neither Walter nor Willard were willing to support their sister, and began actively scheming against her shortly after she took the title of duchess.
As a consequence of these schemes, Andrian died protecting his wife, taking an arrow that both believed was aimed for her. He died in Carissa's arms, instilling a sense of rage to join the loss she felt... and sparked a feud between her brothers and herself that is unlikely to be resolved. She exiled both from Shalefort and denied both the right of inheritance if anything should happen to them. To ensure it, Carissa has departed for Triadon to seek the King's decree. If anything happens to her, the Duchy goes to Rupert, and then to his son Curtis.
It is time for the Viper to emerge.
RP Sample
"You can't do this!"
The voice was shrill, making her wince and rub at her forehead. Carissa expected the reaction but really, did Walter have to whine like a child? She might have respected a manly fury and a roar over a petulant whine. Then again, that was why she was Duchess... and he was not. She started to reply, only to be interrupted once more by her younger brother.
"It was Gregor's idea! He's the one who said we shouldn't sit idly by while you swan around with your lovers and run the duchy into the ground. You're just a foolish woman."
Carissa stared at Walter for a moment, then doubled over laughing. "If you'd said Willard, I'd believe you, but Gregor says nothing that Elise hasn't told him to. And she's a Carlisle by birth, Walter. She's the last person to judge me." Shaking her head, she rested her hands on the arms of the throne-like chair in which she sat in judgment over her brother. "The truth is, you and Willard have been trying various different schemes and plots to be rid of me. Do you think I don't know you were behind the act that killed Andrian? My husband was innocent in this, and though you may not have fired the crossbow yourself, little brother, you are as guilty of murder as the one who did."
Pushing to her feet, the Duchess stood boldly before her brother and delivered her decree in cold, flat tone. "You are my brother, so I cannot take your miserable head, however much a blessing that would be to our House. But you are no longer welcome in this manor, or the Duchy. I will give you some money, and I have arranged passage on an Easton ship. You will leave Demeria, and never return." Her eyes, a bold blue, bore into Walter's as the impact of her words began to sink in. "Where you go and what you do when you get there are no concern of mine. You will never inherit the Duchy. I have seen to that."
His eyes widened as he blanched, seeing the implacable resolve in her eyes. Carissa meant every word she said and would not be persuaded otherwise. He started to reply, then saw the mocking smile on her lips. Drawing himself up, he did the first - in Carissa's opinion - manly act of his life. Walter bowed and stepped back. "Yes, Your Grace." Without another word, he moved towards the door and the guard who awaited him. Before he crossed the threshold, he paused and turned back to her.
"Sleep with one eye open, Rissa. This isn't over. Not by a long shot."
Out of Character:
Mariska - too darn many! - The direction in which the sun rises
Wheeeeee!
---------------
designed by valitrix @ caution 2.0
Duchess of Shalefort
Nickname - Rissa
Gender - Female
Age - Twenty-Four
Birthday - May 1, 1515
Noble House - de Vere
Skills - Courtly Manners, Negotiation, Languages, Appraisal, Jewelry Design,
Equestrian Skills, Deception, Seduction
Play By - Emilie de Ravin
Immediate Family Members - Anton de Vere - Father (deceased)
Annemarie Kendall de Vere - Mother (deceased)
Gregor, Willard, Walter - Siblings
Andrian Marbury - Spouse (deceased)
Rupert de Vere - Uncle
Marisa de Vere - Cousin
Personality
Cold. Calculating. Scheming. Treacherous. Contradictory. Ambitious. Ruthless.
So many words to describe Carissa de Vere. Some of them might even be true. The fact is, no one really knows Carissa, not even those whom she holds closest to her heart. If she has a heart, that is. The jury is still out on that one.
In a family full of snakes, she has become a viper... on the surface. Shrewdly intelligent and ambitious, she ensured she received the same education as her younger brothers. As the eldest, Carissa strove to earn and hold her father's favor, intending that he should name her heir over Gregor, Willard and Walter. Carissa has intentions that the de Vere name should be synonymous with wealth, power and influence throughout Demeria. Starting at a young age, she insisted on accompanying her father as much as possible to learn the lands, their management and the businesses involved with a profitable duchy.
She is an intensely private woman, exuding an elegantly aloof demeanor as if no one and nothing can touch her despite a brief marriage to an Artonian border noble's younger son. Carissa is outwardly proud, superior, and selective, cultivating friends and acquaintances only where she deems there is gain. Every choice made, every word spoken, every deed performed is to keep Shalefort secure and profitable, and to gain her influence.
Carissa prides herself on being capable, efficient and businesslike, a clever negotiator and a woman who can be every bit as formidable as any man. A little on the reckless side, she dares those who would see her removed to take their best shots.
The truth is, she's still very much the insecure, frightened and worry-prone girl that initially was never to be heir. She fears her brothers, knowing the younger two resent her inheritance and desire it for themselves; constant vigilance against their schemes and efforts is necessary. Carissa comes across as a fragile-seeming, very pale woman. The strain on nerves, heart and mind are largely responsible for that. She often sees shadows where there may be none, and only believes she is safe in the company of her Uncle Rupert and her cousin Marisa, both of whom have been her strongest supporters and protectors.
Widowhood has been good for Carissa, however, teaching her to find a new kind of inner strength and self-confidence. A few months where her brothers and detractors have been too busy fending off border raids bought her a little space and peace, but confrontations are coming. This time, she intends to be ready for it, preparing a plan that will show them all that she is the true Duchess.
History
Born the eldest of the Duke's four children and the only daughter, Carissa saw no reason to be restricted to a 'woman's place.' From the earliest age, she resolved that she would be the one to set the standards to which her brothers should aspire, whether it was in lessons, riding, archery or their parents' approval. Closer to her father than her mother, the young girl was not the most feminine of little girls to begin with, her hair often tousled with straw or leaves and skinned knees. Her father found her efforts amusing, indulging her in them and often taunting his sons that their sister was more of a man than they were.
Finally, her mother put her foot down, insisting that Carissa begin the lessons crucial for a young woman of noble birth. Dancing, dressing, courtly manners, musical studies and the feminine arts of manipulation were all surprisingly embraced, astonishing Annemarie with her daughter's sudden conversion into a lovely, accomplished and enticing young woman. Even Anton regarded his daughter with surprise, but also with a curious kind of respect. Her mornings were spent with him, riding the lands, engaging in the matters of the duchy, while her afternoons were given over to her mother's gentler influence and management of the Shalefort household and duchy charities.
As a consequence of time spent with her father in the mines and with the merchants who plied the jewel trade, Carissa discovered a love and a talent for jewelry design. Working with one of the finest jewelers in Shalefort, she turned concepts into reality, establishing one of Demeria's most valuable and elaborate collections of jewelry. She was determined that not even the Royal Family would outshine her... though she has made gifts to the Carlisles of her work to curry favor.
It was not long after Annemarie died from a brief but virulent illness that Anton began to feel his age; he had to select his heir. By now, Carissa was wedded to Andrian Marbury, the heir of that House, and Gregor had married Elise Carlisle. His son, Anton swiftly learned, was too much under his wife's thumb to make a good Duke. Receiving a visit from his brother Rupert, the Duke heeded the man's counsel - make Carissa the Duchess and allow the Duchy to thrive under the leadership skills Anton instilled in his eldest child. After some rumination, the Duke agreed and named Carissa his heir, much to the chagrin of his two younger sons. Neither Walter nor Willard were willing to support their sister, and began actively scheming against her shortly after she took the title of duchess.
As a consequence of these schemes, Andrian died protecting his wife, taking an arrow that both believed was aimed for her. He died in Carissa's arms, instilling a sense of rage to join the loss she felt... and sparked a feud between her brothers and herself that is unlikely to be resolved. She exiled both from Shalefort and denied both the right of inheritance if anything should happen to them. To ensure it, Carissa has departed for Triadon to seek the King's decree. If anything happens to her, the Duchy goes to Rupert, and then to his son Curtis.
It is time for the Viper to emerge.
RP Sample
"You can't do this!"
The voice was shrill, making her wince and rub at her forehead. Carissa expected the reaction but really, did Walter have to whine like a child? She might have respected a manly fury and a roar over a petulant whine. Then again, that was why she was Duchess... and he was not. She started to reply, only to be interrupted once more by her younger brother.
"It was Gregor's idea! He's the one who said we shouldn't sit idly by while you swan around with your lovers and run the duchy into the ground. You're just a foolish woman."
Carissa stared at Walter for a moment, then doubled over laughing. "If you'd said Willard, I'd believe you, but Gregor says nothing that Elise hasn't told him to. And she's a Carlisle by birth, Walter. She's the last person to judge me." Shaking her head, she rested her hands on the arms of the throne-like chair in which she sat in judgment over her brother. "The truth is, you and Willard have been trying various different schemes and plots to be rid of me. Do you think I don't know you were behind the act that killed Andrian? My husband was innocent in this, and though you may not have fired the crossbow yourself, little brother, you are as guilty of murder as the one who did."
Pushing to her feet, the Duchess stood boldly before her brother and delivered her decree in cold, flat tone. "You are my brother, so I cannot take your miserable head, however much a blessing that would be to our House. But you are no longer welcome in this manor, or the Duchy. I will give you some money, and I have arranged passage on an Easton ship. You will leave Demeria, and never return." Her eyes, a bold blue, bore into Walter's as the impact of her words began to sink in. "Where you go and what you do when you get there are no concern of mine. You will never inherit the Duchy. I have seen to that."
His eyes widened as he blanched, seeing the implacable resolve in her eyes. Carissa meant every word she said and would not be persuaded otherwise. He started to reply, then saw the mocking smile on her lips. Drawing himself up, he did the first - in Carissa's opinion - manly act of his life. Walter bowed and stepped back. "Yes, Your Grace." Without another word, he moved towards the door and the guard who awaited him. Before he crossed the threshold, he paused and turned back to her.
"Sleep with one eye open, Rissa. This isn't over. Not by a long shot."
Out of Character:
Mariska - too darn many! - The direction in which the sun rises
Wheeeeee!
---------------
designed by valitrix @ caution 2.0
