Cendre Solenne Dawnsong's Links
"If I've used all the luck and fortune I had to my name just to end up with you, it would have been worth it" - Cendre
Cendre arrived in Naporia dull, broken, a shell of a person. She'd initially asked him out, only half serious, amused at how flustered this city guard was arouns her. Only to come to realize how nice he was, how easily he could coax smiles and laughter out of her simply by being himself. His goodness pierced a part of her she'd kept isolated while in captivity, and she found herself falling fast.
Before long, she was smitten, especially as he saw past the curse of the crown she wore. During the trek to some ruins, they spent a month bonding and getting to know each other, before Cendre had to leave Naporia in a rush with only the briefest farewells.
It devastated her, especially as she was left uncertain where they stood.
After being killed and brought back to life, and managing to contact him via the magic of a new group member, she started to realize just how much she missed him, how strongly she felt now that the cursed crown no longer muted her feelings. Reuniting with him near Myrefall, she came to realize how lonely she'd been most of her life.
She is torn between wanting to keep him close, and making sure he stays at home in Naporia.
During her first meeting with her older sister Sol, he was her rock. He'd coax smiles and laughter out of her when she felt she had none to give, made her feel whole and strong, and most of all - supported. She realized she doesn't want to lose him.
"I could die at any time, could die in a freak accident tomorrow. You are worth the risks being with you pose. For you, i-it is worth it. I want to give it, this, us, a chance. Please give me a chance?" - Elliot
Elliot is a romantic at heart. He believes that love is a rare thing, and that finding it however unlikely means you hold onto it and fight for it.
Having struggled with stuttering in his early years, Elliot had turned rather shy and hesitant to speak up. Especially around girls he had a crush on, he'd find himself more tongue-tied than normal. While he overcame the stuttering he remained shy.
Initially smitten by the appearance of an adventurer aasimar in Naporia, he found himself pulled in and along when she asked him out for a date. It had been a lovely boat ride, a picnic while overseeing some of his favourite spots.
Even after this, and their joint job to guard an archaelogist headed for some ruins, he struggled to get out of his own way, afraid he would not be good enough, would end up disappointing her... and generally fearing rejection - despite her apparent interest.
It took a couple of close calls with death, one of which left him maimed, to shift his perspective. He might die at any time, what did he stand to lose by simply being himself and showing how he felt?
Upon meeting Cendre near Myrefall, the two had a discussion in which they solidified their relationship, deciding to give it a chance despite the dangers following her, and the distance that might one day separate them.
He wants to be stronger so that he can travel with her without causing her to worry for his safety.
Cendre admires her older sister, but also feels a bit stifled by Sol's need to protect her. She feels guilty that Sol chose to stay away from her family for the most part for 18 years while searching for Cendre. It is nice to know her sister never gave up. She worries that Sol will want to shelter her, rather than respect Cendre's need to fulfil her goals. There are things Cendre has to do that she cannot just lay down.
Sol had sworn to her parents to never give up, to find Cendre no matter what. To that end, she needed to be stronger. Joining her Order had been part of that. Due to the nature of the Order, she has been able to roam relatively freely - and has been searching for her lost sister whenever she could.
Being contacted by a stranger claiming to be travelling with Cendre had sounded too good to be true, but upon meeting the stranger, she had indeed found her sister. Immediately she wanted to bring Cendre home to their parents, but respected that Cendre was in the middle of something she could not just leave behind.
Eventually those things came to an end, and at the crossroads of new things to come, Sol convinced Cendre to come home and meet their parents, even if just for a week. Cendre agreed.
Sol feels the need to protect Cendre, wants to keep her safe. Ideally, she would want Cendre to stop her involvement in anything dangerous, and just go home to live an easy life free of danger. Especially after learning she is a druid staying in Khasoz.
Initially Cendre had been impressed by Alexandra and her studies, intrigued by the ancient ruins and what might be found there. However, upon discovering Alexandra's fixation on the Deep Fog and its uses, combined with the apparent madness and involvement with Vecna, she is currently somewhat repulsed by Alexandra. An unpleasant night in Alexandra's company does little to change the repulsion.
Cendre is firm in her resolve to monitor and stop Alexandra - she is too dangerous to be allowed free reins in the world. Her fears is that Alexandra might weaponize the Deep Fog, or otherwise use her research for great evil.
For now, she pretends to be malleable and easily controlled, eager to be trained to be useful to Alexandra.
Gullible and easily manipulated. Strong enough to be an asset, but not to be vital. Easily replaceable. Weak regarding her family and past. Kind of pathetic.
Easily underestimated. Will not make that mistake again. Not as foolish as she seems. Curious. Strong willed.
Having met Evangeline at long last, Cendre is torn. On one hand, she loves her sister. Loves how bright and affectionate and free she is. Seeing her childlike curiousity, the way she jumps into things with reckless abandon, the way she relishes in her freedom - it amazes Cendre. She is happy to see it.
But there is an underlying edge of envy. A pang of jealousy that has Cendre feeling ashamed and guilty. Evangeline had the childhood Cendre wished for - as far as she knows. A normal childhood that allowed her to remain sheltered and carefree, that took care of her childlike wonder.
Because of this, there is a rift between them. Cendre finds herself wanting to protect and shelter Evangeline. She remains ashamed of her slight resentment and envy. After all, Evangeline is not to blame. Nor are their parents.
Cendre's first interaction with Tamara - or rather with the cookies made by Tamara - already filled Cendre with joy. Meeting the woman, being welcomed and made to feel like just another person, solidified her strong approval of Tammy. Since then, she has grown fond of Elliot's mother, and wishes for her approval as well as friendship.
Tamara finds Cendre to be a sweet girl, and can tell that Cendre brings out the best in her son. Initially she'd had some concerns regarding Elliot's safety, but seeing how happy they make each other she finds it difficult to do anything but approve. Especially as they both make each other better - more determined.