Red Thread Fate
Active Member
This character thread is for a closed roleplay between myself and @GreenPhoenix3 . It is a backwards retelling of Cinderella, with some added elements for intrigue and flavor. Enjoy!
Cinderfellow Characters
- Thread starter Red Thread Fate
- Start date
Eli (Elle) Ashton
ELI View attachment 7457 ELLE View attachment 7458
Eli’s life has been filled with loss. He lost his father due to a duel (over gambling). Though it was no matter, for it was his mother he loved. His mother who fought her sickness to love life, even when it took her energy away. Some would say he gained a father when Eli’s sickly mother quickly remarried to the man that won the duel against his father. Eli knew that his stepfather and his two stepsons were really the loss of his safety. How they always mocked him for his feminine looks and qualities (for his mother was too sick to take care of the house so someone had to). Then he lost his mother when her sickness finally claimed her. His stepfather demanded that the other staff and Eli earn their keep, to feed his gambling. The people who served diligently under his mother would lose their jobs unless Eli figured something out. It was not until one of his stepfather’s parties (to mourn his loss), where a man thought Eli was a woman when the charade had begun. That night Eli figured out that as a woman, he didn’t lose. So, Eli went out as a woman named Elle. Elle stole from noblemen, made them reveal their dark secrets, earned enough keep for himself and the staff. Angered, his stepfather forbade him to end the charade even at the estate, not wanting Eli to win. Eli took it in stride. The loss of identity was just another loss. And as Elle, well he gained much more than Eli ever did.
Although, there are times that Eli wishes that life wasn’t about losing or gaining. He just wishes to be himself. To enjoy gardening and reading in the sunlight. Then have magical nights filled with music and laughter. Maybe even getting to know a beautiful girl in her mother’s dress.
Duke Charlot Perrault of Vesque
View attachment 7459
Charlot Perrault was the son of a Duke. He grew up knowing riches and splendor. Everything was his for the taking. Except for Sara. Sara, his delicate flower, chose the simple merchant Gabriel Ashton. Charlot would show Sara and Ashton that he could do better. His wife bore twins. Sara and Ashton were overjoyed with their little miracle. Charlot's Inheritance was whittling away, Ashton's company grew. So Charlot bought Ashton’s company, gaining money back and control over Ashton. Still, the workers preferred Ashton, the customers did too. So Charlot began joining the trips, to prove that he was better. On one trip, the carriage he and Ashton were in was caught and overturned in a storm. Charlot's leg was injured beyond repair. Now he was confined to a cane, to be disabled and limited, all because of Ashton. Then he came back home to the loss of his wife. It was not right that Ashton, the merchant, had more than a Duke like Charlot. So, using the gambling tables he loved, Charlot took what was his: Ashton’s money, life, and wife, his precious Sara. But by then, Ashton soiled his flower with a son. A son that looks like his mother but with Ashton’s eyes. Well, it is not a problem for Charlot. He could beat this Ashton, humiliate him, strip him of everything even his future. No one would choose this one over him. This one would take nothing from him.
General Gaston Gage
View attachment 7460
A pure-bred warrior. He was raised to fight for his country, protect his princess, and win his battles. He was raised to be the best. As a man of action, he passionately follows his duties. This doesn’t mean he isn’t smart. He knows that winning a battle requires strength of hand, winning a war requires the strength of mind, winning life is a strength of will. While unforeseen circumstances put his country and his princess in jeopardy, he will fight to give them what they deserve. For both his princess and his country deserve the best. Yes, they lie to keep the peace, but it’s for the best. Yes, the princess must marry a woman to keep the people appeased, again it’s for the best. And when the time comes for an heir, the country deserves the best, and he will have his princess for one night. It’s for the best.
Doctor Hugo Michel
View attachment 7461
A warrior that has saved as many lives he has killed, after his daughter found him and brought him home, he dedicated his life to peace. Serving his small hometown as a doctor and raising his little lioness, Ariane. Yet, he still carries the intimidating frame he gained from his days as a warrior and brother in arms to the King. Still, he is a gentle soul and does his best to keep the peace for those he cares about. Since he was a medic in the field, when the King called, Hugo was quick to respond. He does not agree with hiding Henrietta’s gender, but he will follow and support his brother-in-arms. When his brother died, Hugo was devastated, not of the loss, but of the pain and weight that befell Henrietta. He will do anything to help ease that burden and serve her as he did her father, his brother-in-arms.
Lady Ariane Michel
View attachment 7462
Abandoned and left in a storm as a child, it was Hugo Michel who found her. He says she found him. Her cries, a roar against the thunder, guided him home. Either way, they became a family, and Ariane could never call anyone but Hugo, father. She was a young girl when the king called Hugo. Quickly, she befriended the princess. And since Ariane was as strong-minded and loyal as her father, Ariane decided that she would stay beside Henrietta’s side, whether she was a prince or princess for they were sisters. She wishes for Henrietta’s happiness but understands the need to keep the secret. For despite Ariane’s loud voice and strong body, most still saw her as a delicate pretty thing. What would they say if they knew about Henrietta? So, Ariane will stay beside Henrietta, even if the secret stays as well.
ELI View attachment 7457 ELLE View attachment 7458
Eli’s life has been filled with loss. He lost his father due to a duel (over gambling). Though it was no matter, for it was his mother he loved. His mother who fought her sickness to love life, even when it took her energy away. Some would say he gained a father when Eli’s sickly mother quickly remarried to the man that won the duel against his father. Eli knew that his stepfather and his two stepsons were really the loss of his safety. How they always mocked him for his feminine looks and qualities (for his mother was too sick to take care of the house so someone had to). Then he lost his mother when her sickness finally claimed her. His stepfather demanded that the other staff and Eli earn their keep, to feed his gambling. The people who served diligently under his mother would lose their jobs unless Eli figured something out. It was not until one of his stepfather’s parties (to mourn his loss), where a man thought Eli was a woman when the charade had begun. That night Eli figured out that as a woman, he didn’t lose. So, Eli went out as a woman named Elle. Elle stole from noblemen, made them reveal their dark secrets, earned enough keep for himself and the staff. Angered, his stepfather forbade him to end the charade even at the estate, not wanting Eli to win. Eli took it in stride. The loss of identity was just another loss. And as Elle, well he gained much more than Eli ever did.
Although, there are times that Eli wishes that life wasn’t about losing or gaining. He just wishes to be himself. To enjoy gardening and reading in the sunlight. Then have magical nights filled with music and laughter. Maybe even getting to know a beautiful girl in her mother’s dress.
Duke Charlot Perrault of Vesque
View attachment 7459
Charlot Perrault was the son of a Duke. He grew up knowing riches and splendor. Everything was his for the taking. Except for Sara. Sara, his delicate flower, chose the simple merchant Gabriel Ashton. Charlot would show Sara and Ashton that he could do better. His wife bore twins. Sara and Ashton were overjoyed with their little miracle. Charlot's Inheritance was whittling away, Ashton's company grew. So Charlot bought Ashton’s company, gaining money back and control over Ashton. Still, the workers preferred Ashton, the customers did too. So Charlot began joining the trips, to prove that he was better. On one trip, the carriage he and Ashton were in was caught and overturned in a storm. Charlot's leg was injured beyond repair. Now he was confined to a cane, to be disabled and limited, all because of Ashton. Then he came back home to the loss of his wife. It was not right that Ashton, the merchant, had more than a Duke like Charlot. So, using the gambling tables he loved, Charlot took what was his: Ashton’s money, life, and wife, his precious Sara. But by then, Ashton soiled his flower with a son. A son that looks like his mother but with Ashton’s eyes. Well, it is not a problem for Charlot. He could beat this Ashton, humiliate him, strip him of everything even his future. No one would choose this one over him. This one would take nothing from him.
General Gaston Gage
View attachment 7460
A pure-bred warrior. He was raised to fight for his country, protect his princess, and win his battles. He was raised to be the best. As a man of action, he passionately follows his duties. This doesn’t mean he isn’t smart. He knows that winning a battle requires strength of hand, winning a war requires the strength of mind, winning life is a strength of will. While unforeseen circumstances put his country and his princess in jeopardy, he will fight to give them what they deserve. For both his princess and his country deserve the best. Yes, they lie to keep the peace, but it’s for the best. Yes, the princess must marry a woman to keep the people appeased, again it’s for the best. And when the time comes for an heir, the country deserves the best, and he will have his princess for one night. It’s for the best.
Doctor Hugo Michel
View attachment 7461
A warrior that has saved as many lives he has killed, after his daughter found him and brought him home, he dedicated his life to peace. Serving his small hometown as a doctor and raising his little lioness, Ariane. Yet, he still carries the intimidating frame he gained from his days as a warrior and brother in arms to the King. Still, he is a gentle soul and does his best to keep the peace for those he cares about. Since he was a medic in the field, when the King called, Hugo was quick to respond. He does not agree with hiding Henrietta’s gender, but he will follow and support his brother-in-arms. When his brother died, Hugo was devastated, not of the loss, but of the pain and weight that befell Henrietta. He will do anything to help ease that burden and serve her as he did her father, his brother-in-arms.
Lady Ariane Michel
View attachment 7462
Abandoned and left in a storm as a child, it was Hugo Michel who found her. He says she found him. Her cries, a roar against the thunder, guided him home. Either way, they became a family, and Ariane could never call anyone but Hugo, father. She was a young girl when the king called Hugo. Quickly, she befriended the princess. And since Ariane was as strong-minded and loyal as her father, Ariane decided that she would stay beside Henrietta’s side, whether she was a prince or princess for they were sisters. She wishes for Henrietta’s happiness but understands the need to keep the secret. For despite Ariane’s loud voice and strong body, most still saw her as a delicate pretty thing. What would they say if they knew about Henrietta? So, Ariane will stay beside Henrietta, even if the secret stays as well.
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Red Thread Fate
Active Member
Henri Alexander Charmant
Born as a twin, her brother did not survive, nor did the queen survive long after giving birth. But that could not be known, failure to produce a viable male heir possibly being seen as a sign of weakness by the king's enemies. So what was seen as a temporary solution to save face became the way of life for the princess turned prince. She had a close but at times awkward relationship with her father, who was ashamed of having to put her through disgrace, but as compensation promised that once she had a brother she could live her life as she pleased. And he was lenient with her the few times she ran away, although he never spoiled her. There were several attempts for him to find a bride. Finally, he did find a suitable queen. Only what was to be their wedding turned into a funeral as the ship sank in a storm. Devastated, and facing impossible new realities, she runs away again right afterwards. Not for good, as she knows she must return and face her responsibilities, but she desperately needs time to herself to sort through her thoughts. Wearing one of her mother's old dresses, she walks through town just people watching and trying to figure out what to do, when she meets this remarkable young man who makes her forget her problems for a little while. And that is how she comes up with the idea for a ball.
Lord Desmond Tremaine
Royal records keeper and advisor to the "king", Lord Tremaine is as cunning as he is mysterious. Some believe him to have some sort of supernatural power. But really he's just smarter than most everyone else in the room, with a photographic memory and the skills to press the right way at the right time to get what he wants. Which is usually information.
Blanche
Former nursemaid to generations of nobles, reduced to scullery maid for the house. She loves what she does - just not who she works for. Don't let her age fool you, she still has a mouth on her and is tough as nails if she needs to be. She is getting old, though, and her concoctions can't keep her going forever. She hopes that the rightful heir could somehow come into his own, someday...
Rupert
Groundskeeper and occasional butler, but only when company is present. One of the last of the staff of the great house still employed, along with his wife. He still brings home flowers once a week. But don't tell the master they're from the garden. If he were a younger man with less to lose, he would tell that dog exactly what he thought of him. He feels guilty seeing Eli's mistreatment, and he wants a better life for his wife, but can't do anything to change anything and it drives him crazy. At least tending the grounds is a peaceful job away from the house drama. He's not allowed in the house because of one particularly explosive confrontation a few years back when he could still land a decent punch. But it was worth it.
View attachment 7464
Luther Perrault
Eldest of the Perrault twins, Luther followed his father from the moment he could walk. He idolized him, and still does, although he echoes Charlot's bitterness towards Gabriel for the injury that ended his career. But although Charlot still pines for the woman he lost and feels he should have had all along, Luther secretly always despised her. The wench stole his attention from their mother Rosalind, and them by extension. To him, the short marriage was insult and agony. So he has twice the reason to hate "the ash boy" and takes great pleasure in tormenting him. He has spent his life trying to be the son his father deserves. Soon he will make him proud by doing something he could not - landing a bride deserving of the Perrault name. But to say that he hates women in general would be too harsh. They have their uses, even the homely ones, so long as you don't make the mistake of thinking them equal, or some sort of prize to be won. Women to Luther are neither, simply a means to an end. Maybe that's why seeing his step brother in rouge and a dress is a bit more tolerable. Maybe he should have been a girl. He's certainly more useful as one.
William Perrault
William, the second twin. The one who couldn't save his mother. That's what he has felt, whether true or not. He has always been seen as superfluous. The extra, unneeded piece, like a fifth chair leg. Not exactly ignored or rejected by their father as just allowed to tag along. He doesn't have the good looks or talent of his - slightly - older brother, who too thinks of him only as a foil. But he did have one thing and it was that he was the favorite of their mother. And while Charlot and Luther were sparring or hunting or some such, Rosalind would read to him and help him with his studies. He became the more quiet, observant, strategic thinker where as his brother will rush in headlong and trust his skill to win the day. Which it usually does. William is more often to be found in the countryside with pen and notebook or tending to his horse Raven than gambling and carousing, but is often dragged into his father and brother's various pranks and schemes. He thinks them both uncouth and childish, but will play along to keep the peace. His loyalty is to his family, in the end, and Eli, though a tragic case, is not at all family. But he won't go so far as the others mocking him. That's just pointless. If no one is watching, he may even help on occasion, but only if he is sure that it will not come back around to him.
View attachment 7465
Born as a twin, her brother did not survive, nor did the queen survive long after giving birth. But that could not be known, failure to produce a viable male heir possibly being seen as a sign of weakness by the king's enemies. So what was seen as a temporary solution to save face became the way of life for the princess turned prince. She had a close but at times awkward relationship with her father, who was ashamed of having to put her through disgrace, but as compensation promised that once she had a brother she could live her life as she pleased. And he was lenient with her the few times she ran away, although he never spoiled her. There were several attempts for him to find a bride. Finally, he did find a suitable queen. Only what was to be their wedding turned into a funeral as the ship sank in a storm. Devastated, and facing impossible new realities, she runs away again right afterwards. Not for good, as she knows she must return and face her responsibilities, but she desperately needs time to herself to sort through her thoughts. Wearing one of her mother's old dresses, she walks through town just people watching and trying to figure out what to do, when she meets this remarkable young man who makes her forget her problems for a little while. And that is how she comes up with the idea for a ball.
Lord Desmond Tremaine
Royal records keeper and advisor to the "king", Lord Tremaine is as cunning as he is mysterious. Some believe him to have some sort of supernatural power. But really he's just smarter than most everyone else in the room, with a photographic memory and the skills to press the right way at the right time to get what he wants. Which is usually information.
Blanche
Former nursemaid to generations of nobles, reduced to scullery maid for the house. She loves what she does - just not who she works for. Don't let her age fool you, she still has a mouth on her and is tough as nails if she needs to be. She is getting old, though, and her concoctions can't keep her going forever. She hopes that the rightful heir could somehow come into his own, someday...
Rupert
Groundskeeper and occasional butler, but only when company is present. One of the last of the staff of the great house still employed, along with his wife. He still brings home flowers once a week. But don't tell the master they're from the garden. If he were a younger man with less to lose, he would tell that dog exactly what he thought of him. He feels guilty seeing Eli's mistreatment, and he wants a better life for his wife, but can't do anything to change anything and it drives him crazy. At least tending the grounds is a peaceful job away from the house drama. He's not allowed in the house because of one particularly explosive confrontation a few years back when he could still land a decent punch. But it was worth it.
View attachment 7464
Luther Perrault
Eldest of the Perrault twins, Luther followed his father from the moment he could walk. He idolized him, and still does, although he echoes Charlot's bitterness towards Gabriel for the injury that ended his career. But although Charlot still pines for the woman he lost and feels he should have had all along, Luther secretly always despised her. The wench stole his attention from their mother Rosalind, and them by extension. To him, the short marriage was insult and agony. So he has twice the reason to hate "the ash boy" and takes great pleasure in tormenting him. He has spent his life trying to be the son his father deserves. Soon he will make him proud by doing something he could not - landing a bride deserving of the Perrault name. But to say that he hates women in general would be too harsh. They have their uses, even the homely ones, so long as you don't make the mistake of thinking them equal, or some sort of prize to be won. Women to Luther are neither, simply a means to an end. Maybe that's why seeing his step brother in rouge and a dress is a bit more tolerable. Maybe he should have been a girl. He's certainly more useful as one.
William Perrault
William, the second twin. The one who couldn't save his mother. That's what he has felt, whether true or not. He has always been seen as superfluous. The extra, unneeded piece, like a fifth chair leg. Not exactly ignored or rejected by their father as just allowed to tag along. He doesn't have the good looks or talent of his - slightly - older brother, who too thinks of him only as a foil. But he did have one thing and it was that he was the favorite of their mother. And while Charlot and Luther were sparring or hunting or some such, Rosalind would read to him and help him with his studies. He became the more quiet, observant, strategic thinker where as his brother will rush in headlong and trust his skill to win the day. Which it usually does. William is more often to be found in the countryside with pen and notebook or tending to his horse Raven than gambling and carousing, but is often dragged into his father and brother's various pranks and schemes. He thinks them both uncouth and childish, but will play along to keep the peace. His loyalty is to his family, in the end, and Eli, though a tragic case, is not at all family. But he won't go so far as the others mocking him. That's just pointless. If no one is watching, he may even help on occasion, but only if he is sure that it will not come back around to him.
View attachment 7465
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