"It had all felt like a beautiful, gauzy dream. Caidy had danced, surrounded by fireflies and stars, her skirts swirling gracefully like something from a fairytale as soft strands of harp music echoed across the terrace. The evening had flown by, a cascade of bright colors, sparkling lights, and blackberry wine."
Concept art that inspired Caidy.
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Lady Caidelene RousselCaidy is the only heir to the throne of Rosemoor, one of the four provinces of the Mezrani Empire. Thoughtful and considerate, she takes her noble obligations very seriously, and has willingly dedicated her life to Rosemoor. When she is not solving problems for her subjects or presiding over matters of the royal court, she spends hours riding through the countryside and painting. She possesses a deep fascination in understanding the world around her, and will pepper anyone who listens with incessant questions. While she would rather eat her own crown than admit when she's wrong, everyone around her agrees: her heart is in the right place. Never afraid to wrestle with a tough problem or get her hands a little dirty, she is beloved by the people she serves, and becomes more ready each day to ascend the throne.
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"Underneath the gilded atmosphere, the underworld lurked. He watched a band of pickpockets dip their fingers into the purses of at least three different, unknowing victims before melting back into the wet shadows....Alex loved the way this other world, one of trickery and deceit, intermingled with the gaudy dazzle of everyday life. He always had."
Warden Alexander LaurentAlex is the youngest son of one of Rosemoor's noble families - but he left that life behind when he joined the Blades. Now, armed with the power of the Imperial Authority, he has returned to Rosemoor after many long years away. Clever and cocky, with a sharp wit and sharper blade, he tends to find himself in the middle of complicated problems. With a knack for remaining calm, cool, and collected in the most dangerous and unpredictable of situations, he takes great pleasure in outsmarting those around him. A man of action, he would always prefer to be roaming the streets, following criminals and getting into fights than stuck behind a desk pushing papers. He has dedicated his life to protecting the weak and the vulnerable; if he can get the last word while doing it, all the better.
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Concept art that inspired Alex.
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Concept art that inspired Hendrick.
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Lord Commissioner Rawley Hendrick"Alex had been briefed on Hendrick before coming to Rosemoor; he was an impressive man, with an expansive record of service. Rumors swirled within the Blades that Hendrick had been one of the Bandit Lords of Danen before, for some reason, he had joined the Empire. Seeing him in person, Alex was ready to believe just about any wild rumor or exaggeration about the Lord Commissioner. His presence was forbidding." |
Commissar Danila al-Mhir“Commissar Danila al-Mhir,” she extended a hand towards Alex. He was unsure if he was meant to shake it or bow over it; he decided to take her hand and incline his head slightly. If her face was any indication, it was the wrong decision." |
Concept art that inspired Danila.
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Concept art that inspired Merric.
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Captain Merric Adley"Being escorted by Merric wasn’t that bad; he had a remarkable ability to fade into the background. He rarely intruded on her adventures, but she also felt incredibly safe with him nearby. He possessed an understated competence which she admired. She often ventured into smaller villages or wandered down mountain trails with him quietly on her heels, silent and uncomplaining." |
Archivalist Jakob Gesell"A young man with fiery eyes and a stubborn chin was braced, a collection of scrolls tumbling out of his hands. His fingers were stained with ink, and his hair stuck up in several, apparently unintentional, directions....The Archivalist started to extend a hand, dropped three scrolls, and gave up. " |
Concept art that inspired Jakob.
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Concept art that inspired Margot.
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Margot Caron"The maid pursed her lips as she guided Caidy to a silken poof in front of the mirror, pressing lightly on the younger girl’s shoulders to settle her in place. “I couldn’t possibly say,” Margot responded dryly." |
Lord Mattias Roussel"There were more shocks of gray in Lord Mattias’ brown hair and beard than there had been four years ago, and the lines around his mouth and eyes had deepened. He sat with his hands folded, eyes narrowed, watching Alex approach. That wasn’t a good sign." |
Concept art that inspired Mattias.
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Concept art that inspired Julianna.
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Lady Julianna Roussel"Lady Julianna possessed something of a sixth sense for when Caidy violated even the most minor rules of etiquette. Her mother, of course, held herself with the grace of a queen and took minuscule bites. To everyone else her mother looked like perfection; Caidy knew it was a miserable existence." |
Lord Geoffrey Valance"His steady keel through life infuriated Caidy. His days reminded her of recipes - a little of this, a pinch of that, with always the same result. Geoffrey seemed content to glaze over the exciting details of life in favor of consistency and comfort. He was an attentive noble and a kind person, but grindingly boring." |
Concept art that inspired Geoffrey.
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Concept art that inspired Farah.
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Ambassador Farah al-Kalim"Farah had dark skin and long hair she wore in a complicated braided bun at the nape of her neck. Her eyes were large and dark, her skin unlined and clear....It would be easier, she decided, if Farah was ugly, or unpleasant, or both. But, unfortunately, the new ambassador was delightful, quick with a joke, easy with stories, and unfailingly polite." |