Es-Ilma

BACKGROUND:

The only daughter of the somewhat disregarded noble sorcerer house of Varonn, Es-Ilma had a lonely and isolated upbringing. Previously possesing close ties to the great House Vordouken, House Varonn had fallen into financial hardships and neglect during the generations prior. Her two elder brothers served as lowly-skilled spellswords, and while her parents possessed vague hopes of birthing a daughter whom could marry the family back into greater nobility, the young Es-Ilma proved to be unsuitable for such a task. In her youth, she often fell into fits of neurosis and anxiety, most likely as a result of her parental neglect. With an immensely heightened sensitivity to light, sound and smells, Es-Ilma found it difficult to interact with the world in the way which her peers did. She spent much time alone in her room, absorbed in books covering all ranges of subjects. Given her unnerving, sickly appearance and demeanor, her few attempts at social interaction were met with ostracization.  

Agitated and embarrassed by her, Es-Ilma's parents therefore sent her away to study at a mage's college. While still met with distain and isolation from her peers, Es-Ilma excelled in her studies, and was engrossed in her learning with an obsessive fervor. It was during her graduating year that she was scouted by Fevros Vordouken, who wished for a court researcher and study companion for his youngest son, Tsindelius. Es-Ilma readily took up the task, and found her role advancing as she was entrusted with more and more court responsibilities. 

The Lady Deidameiza - Fevros' eldest daughter - sought out to befriend Es-Ilma. Although their connection was initially formed through Deidameiza's intent of utilizing Es-Ilma's arcane knowledge and communications with Fevros, over time it became one of a deep and mutual trust. Es-Ilma acts as confident, spy and advisor to Deidameiza, and in turn The Lady entrusts her more than anyone else. That alone is payment enough for Es-Ilma. 

APPEARANCE:

"... Her appearance drew to mind the likes of some deep-sea creature, bought unwillingly to the surface and forced to live in a state of eternal dampness. She seemed to be covered in some strange, oily sheen, her long dark hair framing her gaunt face in thin, greasy waves. 
Her skin was the palest of hues, semi-transparent and mottled with shadows of green and purple which gave the impression of perpetual illness. Large, unsettlingly watery eyes peered out from above dark shadows, offset by her distinct lack of brows. The rest of her features were sculpted and delicate - were they on another face, they may have been a source of beauty."

Palid, spindly and dark-robed in shades of black and purple, Es-Ilma stands in complete contrast to the usual vibrancy and glamour of the Vordouken courts. A small and slightly emaciated figure, she is most commonly seen donning a large, black cloak with feathered collar, which gives her the appearance of being somewhat misshapen. Although usually hidden by green gloves, her nails are somewhat talon-like, and her face in a constant expression of wide-eyed observant alarm. 

PERSONALITY:

"Es-Ilma's voice trembled, each word annunciated with passionate agitation as tears rolled down her pallid cheeks.
"Can you not see her divinity? Her radiance? Through her, even one such as I can become part of creating something beautiful. Even if it is to be the flesh surrounding the pearl.""

+ Devoted + Observant + Intelligent + Skillful + Selfless 

- Obsessive - Deceitful - Vicious - Envious - Manipulative 

For her Lady Deidameiza, Es-Ilma is the perfect spy and confidante. Quiet, observant and immensely particular with her words, Es-Ilma is often overlooked, and manipulates situations and individuals with great ease. She is skilled in avoiding confrontation, and her whispered fragments of discord are never traced back to her. 

Her obsessive personality is both her greatest strength and weakness. While providing her with endless motivation, her dedication can occasionally drive her to explosive and neurotic outbursts, during which she may behave with immense bitterness and cruelty. She is fiercely defensive of Deidameiza, and is exceedingly impacted by any underhand or negative comments towards her Lady, regardless of how offhand they may be. 

Es-Ilma is withdrawn and represses her emotions, finding it embarrassing and vulgar to seek comfort in others due to the way she was raised. Her inability to acknowledge and regulate her emotional needs often takes a physical toll of her, and has lead to her experiencing breakdowns or often crying until she is physically sick. While she has trained herself to care little for remarks towards her made by others, she is highly self-critical regarding any criticism or general negativity from Deidameiza, and will often believe herself to be the cause of the problem. 

TRIVIA:

• Has photophobia, and prefers extremely soft & dim lighting. Often squints slightly when outside during the day.
• Highly sensitive to textures, and is very particular regarding the fabrics she will wear.
• Is rarely seen without her large cloak and gloves, as she has difficulty regulating her body temperature. Always has extremely cold hands.
• At one stage as a child she developed trichotillomania, and her current lack of eyebrows is a result of her over-plucking them as a youth.