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Background
Formerly known as the Bastard princess, of the former Grand Duke of Rustles Island.
Staying at Darfield for a time as an ambassador of her home, Rustles Island, Emerit was left in charge of negotiations in trade - and political relations between Mobrin and the Grand Duchy, until her real parentage was recovered, which lead to a chain of events - an anullment of the marriage of Princess Draventa Moniwid and Prince Logen Kilgour, her loss of the title Princess, her retroactive ennoblement by the current Grand Duke of Rustles Isle and her impending departure for her home.
Emerit entered the world under mysterious circumstances. It was when her supposed father, Grand Duke Radino Moniwid returned from a two years' absence in 212 that he brought the little red-haired baby with him, insisting that she was his daughter and should be brought up accordingly. And so little Emerit was accepted into his household on Rustles Island, against the wishes of the Grand Duchess Annya and her numerous children. But as the girl enjoyed the protection and support of the Head of the House, no one dared to treat her ill in the open, preferring to pain her in ways far more subtle instead.
As if he were aware of that, Grand Duke Radino started to keep her close to him, much to his wife's dismay. Emerit was educated by the same scholars as her legitimate half-siblings, and soon she developed an eagerness to lean about nature, herbs and local animals. Especially about the snakes, and their use for making useful medicine.
Once her father presented her with a small little lizard he had caught while he was out hunting. As it was the tame and surely not the venomous sort, it soon became Emerit's most cherished pet, and she would carry it around with her in a little pouch that was attached to her belt. Alas, Emerit's little companion would not live longer than a few months. On the morning of her eight birthday, the girl woke up and found her pet had disappeared. Fearing the worst she started running about the castle, searching in every hiding place she could think of; until she found the lizard, nailed against one of the walls of the Grand Feasting Hall with a plain dirk.
While she never was able to dig up the evidence who killed her beloved lizard, she suspected her half-sisters to have something to do with it. She still does.
Deprived of her companion, Emerit concentrated on her studies. She learned how to read and write, converse in an educated way, a bit of archery too, as she soon would become the permanent company of her father on many a hunt. It was after all when she was with him that she would be safe from any harassment of her relatives. She took up studies of herbs and medicine as well, although some are convinced she would only do so to learn the dark arts of poisons and the like - probably to exact her revenge on the Grand Duke's children for killing her lizard many years ago.
The departure of the Grand Duke left Emerit in a slightly shaky positition, had there not been the heir, Mantilo. The eldest son of the Duke seemed to step into his father's footsteps, spending a lot of time with her and actually enjoying her company. And so, when the devastating news of Grand Duke Ranilo's death reached the Island, Emerit stayed with her new mentor, offering advice here and there - for she had read many books and studied the cunning side of humans long enough. Encouraged by him she had become something like an advisor to him - she was allowed to speak her mind freely, even when it differed from his opinion. And he let her get away with behavior he would not tolerate from others.
This development deepened the breach of hatred and envy between the Grand Duke's family and herself. Rumors were spread, probably from some of her half-siblings and even the Dowager Duchess, that accused Emerit of being a witch, an evil spectre, hence she was called 'Mist of the Island' occasionally - a nickname which she had adopted actually, liking the mysterious sound of it. Others called her the 'Bastard Princess', stressing the fact of her illegitimate birth.
Recent Developments
She appeared at the Court of Darfield Castle as part of the retinue accompanying Grand Duke Mantilo Moniwid on his rather short visit to the Capital, and stayed after her half-brother's hurried departure more or less in charge of establishing negotiations between Mobrin and the Grand Duchy, in both regards to trade and possibly other, stronger means of strengthening the relation between the lands as well. Although not officially proclaimed by the Grand Duke, she was the acting Ambassador of House Moniwid, a slightly bewildered stranger at a court whose customs were foreign to her. Still, her enthusiasm and eagerness to learn more about this strange place seemed to prevail.
Soon the court of Mobrin was in doubt as to where the loyalties of House Moniwid would lie, when Duke Mantilo seemed to ally with the Laniveer. Emerit was stripped of her own Moniwid guards, they were replaced with those of House Kilgour, and she was provided with a chaperone by House Kilgour as well. At one point it seemed, Emerit would consider a desperate plan of escape, but the group of Laniveeran mercenaries were killed, apart from one that was captured and questioned. She confessed the plan in a letter to the King, along with a promise not to consider such an action again. It was rumoured even that she would swear fealty to the King, as well as be accepted as a ward.
But such never happened as there was yet another turn of events. In a see battle House Moniwid betrayed their supposed ally of Laniveer and came to the help of the forces of Mobrin. Grand Duke Mantilo returned for a short while to the Court at Darfield Castle, and talks of finally forging the alliance were taken up anew. Emerit now officially became the Ambassador of Rustles Island, and was entrusted with negotiating a match that would strengthen the bond.
Emerit was then left on her own with negotiations with King Callem Kilgour and Queen Laetitia, and soon both parties agreed that Princess Draventa Moniwid should be joined in marriage to Prince Logen Kilgour, shortly after his previous wife had died. While Emerit's negotiations went quite smoothly, as she even had to discuss the details about the dowry of the Moniwid Princess, her relationship to Draventa cooled even more, as the Princess seemed reluctant to be married off, and Prince Logen showed himself not to be the easiest character.
The wedding was held, however, and Emerit was about to fulfil the vow to Draventa to step down from her position as ambassador and return to Rustles Isle, when letters appeared, bringing a new revelation that would turn her world upside down: She was not the bastard of the late Grand Duke Radino Moniwid, but the child of a pirate captain, Roderick Flamehair! Her mother Jamilla the Fierce - a pirate as well! All of her life so far was built on a lie.
All endeavors to keep the truth from the public were soon thwarted by rumors, and a vicious pirate attack to the Grand Hall of Darfield Castle, where Emerit was absent, but both King Callem got killed, and many others. Princess Draventa was among those severely injured.
It took several more weeks until King Tyrel decided to annul the marriage of his brother Logen to Draventa, proclaiming it had been arranged on wrong premises, and that Emerit would not have been allowed to negotiate the marriage, as she is of common blood.
It took some more weeks for a reply of Grand Duke Mantilo to reach Darfield, in which he clarified Emerit's status: While she could no longer be a princess, her endeavours for Rustles Isle and her noble upbringing had earned her an ennoblement, and she would henceforth carry the title of Lady Emerit Moniwid. An attempt to legitimize her work as an ambassador in retrospective, some might argue, which did not change King Tyrel's decision.
Character Features
Long curly locks of a fiery red colour fall untamed about Emerit's shoulders and frame a youthful face with attentive moss green eyes and a mouth that is quick to smile - to certain people. Standing tall at 5'4", this 16-year-old maiden possesses a remarkably slender frame and moves about with the surefooted grace of a dancer.
Her slim physique is accentuated by dresses of dark green or dark blue, the sombreness of the colour a concession to her bastard status, their exquisite quality due to her being a princess. And while these colours contrast nicely to her pale complexion and her red locks, the Mist of the Island has a certain bewitching beauty to her that may explain some of the strange rumors that are whispered behind her back.
Behavior
Emerit may be quiet and observing upon first acquaintance, yet she has her own head and is fiercely devoted to the Grand Duke Mantilo. She distrusts the rest of the Moniwids, and is sometimes careful with people she doesn't know. At other times her wild temperament and youthful enthusiasm just takes over.
Quirks
Fiercefully loyal — to her halfbrother, Grand Duke Mantilo Moniwid.
Nosy — If anything unsusual catches Emerit's attention she will try to find out more about it, even if that would mean sneaking about and eavesdropping on some secretive conversation.
Stubborn — Emerit has her own will, and rarely gives in to reasoning from others.
Impulsive — Due to her youth and her status as Bastard Princess, Emerit does not hold back with her emotions - especially when she is around the Grand Duke.
Eager to learn — Many books are piled up on the table in Emerit's chamber, and she looks into them every morning; an early appetizer for her hunger for knowledge.
No songs as of yet.
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On the Grid
Known Associates
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Grand Duke Mantilo Moniwid : My halfbrother, the Grand Duke. While he protects me from the wrath of his family, I offer him all I can in return: my advice, my loyalty, my love and admiration. Although he has departed again, leaving me behind and in charge of all things, with a responsibility I am not sure I am strong enough to carry. He is at Rustles Island now, and I do miss him so much. |
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Princess Draventa Moniwid : My halfsister. Like all other former halfsiblings, apart from Mantilo, she used to despise me, and she hated the fact I was ambassador here at Darfield. It is odd, but I feel since my true parentage was revealed, she has been kinder towards me. Her dampened enthusiasm to get married was another thing, but looking back, I wish it had never happened. I am deeply sorry to be the one who arranged a marriage that was not meant to be. A marriage that leaves her in ruin, to a man who was not ready to be married again. A marriage I will be blamed for till the end of my days, as I was the one who brought it about as well as I was the reason it was finally dissolved. |
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High Admiral Estevan Moniwid : Another former halfbrother. He's another of his mother's children, disliking me, and most probably disapproving of Mantilo's choice to make me ambassador. I feel he does not trust in my abilities, a scepticsim that is caused perhaps by my very young age. Well, now he has a reason to dislike me. |
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Sir Benedict Eberlin : A good knight in service of House Moniwid. I am grateful to know him, it was good he was with us in Mobrin. I hope Grand Duke Mantilo will make him the next ambassador. He will certainly do much better than me. |
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King Callem Kilgour : Fooled just like myself when Moniwid seemed to side with Laniveer, King Callem had finally learned we are no enemies. I have forgiven him for declaring me a hostage, and he was indeed a fair partner during the recent negotiations regarding Draventa's betrothal. While I am glad in way that he did not live to witness my disgrace, I am curious whether he would have made the same decisions in dealing with Rustles Isle, as his son King Tyrel. I suppose not. |
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Princess Caillin Kilgour : I met her a couple of times, a true Princess. Alas, they say she has fallen ill. Maybe a trait she has borrowed from her mother. But apart from that she has been very kind to me. I think we are of the same age, and like me she sometimes has difficulties to adapt to the demands of the Royal Court. In that respect I am luckier than she is. Odd behaviour will be attributed to my bastard status, whereas she is a real Royal Princess and will have no excuse. Poor thing. |
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King Tyrel Kilgour : Very proud and very sure of himself. Still. Lacking political finesse, as his way of dissolving the marriage was by no means constructive. No alternative offer of a match was made, no recompense offered, and even no apology given. I can only hope for Mobrin that this King will grow with his tasks, and does not take too long about it. |
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Queen Laetitia Kilgour : The Queen. Oh dear, her passing is so very sad. She has been a great person, regal, and yes with those eyes that could shoot you quite a scary glance now and then. Still, she will be greatly missed. |
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Lord Caedmon Kilgour : Chancellor of Mobrin, Voice of the King. A nice man, clever, with a sweet tooth (yes I do remember a slight preference for deserts). He has been always kind towards me, and a fair partner during the betrothal negotiations. I was almost a bit surprised as to how smoothly those went. |
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Lady Wenna Kilgour : A woman I met very briefly. And then I met her again. A healer she is apparently, for which she has my fullest respect. She offered me the advice to look better after my reputation. Now I hear she is the wife of Lord Caedmon. Haven't spoken to her in a long time. |
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Prince Conall Aberdeen : My cousin, nephew of my stepmother. Even though the two of us have hardly exchanged more than a few words, I am sure he shares his aunt's view of myself, as she happens to be my dreaded stepmother. |
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Prince Cayden Aberdeen : Another cousin, yet so much more agreeable. I found him to be a witty conversationalist where Conall is just dull, and actually felt much at ease in his presence. And although I am aware he spent a lot of time with Draventa, I never doubted his intentions. |
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Prince Naazil of Jadda : I was quite impressed with his female tiger Shiari and he even let me cuddle her behind the ears, then we danced and conversed, and it was all delightful. So refreshing to meet someone who is at least as foreign at this court as I am myself. I fear he has left the court by now, as Jadda seems to have allied with Laniveer. |
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Duchess Roslin Crawford, née Kilgour : The former Kilgour Princess surprised me with her sense and her polite manners, although it was perhaps more than curiosity that made her engage in a conversation with me. I found her to be delightful company and do hope I can be around her more often, as our talk left me intrigued and eager for more. Even if we might be naught but two girls that still aren't off age, exchanging what they deem politically wise thoughts on the future of *her* realm and *mine*. I was one of the few that were invited to travel ahead to Sutherland with her and her betrothed Duke Ronan, and yes, I attended the wedding! I only hope we can stay friends now that she is married. And after those recent developments. She has offered I could stay with her, now that I am 'freed' of my status as princess. |
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Duke Ronan Crawford : He invited me to visit him to speak about possible matches with the House of Moniwid. I got him wrong, assuming he would consider me as a choice, fool that I was. Alas, neither Draventa nor I did have a chance, nor had the Kundari Princess Nima. As he is married to Princess Roslin now, and seems very content with that. |
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Late Duke Cedric Crawford : I hardly knew him. He entered the Salon when I had one of my wild talks with his highness Mantilo! |
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Late Duchess Terrwyn Crawford : She mentioned to my brother that she would like to meet me, without knowing me at all. How odd. A pleasant woman, though. She offered some surprising words of praise to my attempt at diplomacy. Even though they didn't manage to convince my brother. |
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Lady Emma Mowbray : Such a nice girl, it pains me. I really wanted to be friends with her. Even if I knew Draventa would be so wroth at me because of it. Sadly, nothing became of it, and given my current situation, I see little chance of getting to know her better. |
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Count Aldren Haravean : This man is a bit of a mystery to me. Clearly disapproving of foreigners, and yes he wasn't very nice towards me at the feast where the Jaddan Prince was welcomed, but he seems to take a strange interest in my person. A most agreeable conversationalist. He's married already, still he snatched me for a most wild dance at the Inn at Sutherland, a brief but delightful diversion I had to put an end to when my chaperone's disapproval was too evident to ignore. |
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Count Harmon Forrester : Our acquaintance may not have had the best start imaginable. Still I am convinced that there is a difference between delightful witticisms and plain discourtesy. From the first moment on he showed disregard, not only of me but of Princess Draventa and her current situation as well. My attempts at putting him back into place resulted in even more impertinence and insults. A most disagreeable man without decorum and respect of even the basic rules of courtly conversation and etiquette. |
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Prince Amando Kiraric : The cute prince with the odd accent and phrasing. I'm really not used to be about such… innocent company so he sort of took me off guard when we came across each other by accident at Sutherland. He says he stays at Darfield with his sister. Even if it pains me, I will not see him again. There never was any future for us, really. How could I ever have assumed it was otherwise? |