Aristide de Rousseau

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Aristide de Rousseau
Statistics Name Aristide Déjà de Rousseau Status Alive Age 28 Class Middle Class Rank Priestess Affiliation Temple of Kushiel Kusheth Themesong "Seasons to Cycles" by 10 Years Quote "It is true that Kushiel probably had His own guilt to shoulder. But what he and the Companions did was in the name of love of Blessed Elua. Perhaps when you get older, you will know what it is to sin in the name of love, and not care whether there is forgiveness waiting for you." Portrayed by  Camilla Belle App Status Taken

Aristide Déjà de Rousseau is the youngest priestess ever initiated into Kushiel's service.

Contents 1 Background 1.1 When the World Was Smaller 1.2 I Count the Gates to the Temple Divine 1.3 Nearer my Punisher, to Thee 1.4 To Serve the Kusheline King 2 Personality 3 Dramatis Personae 3.1 Family 3.2 Allies and Charges 4 Armoire 5 Soundtrack 6 Relevant Links

Background

When the World Was Smaller

Aristide Déjà de Rousseau was brought into the world in the blistering winter of 1158, at the long-awaited delight of her Kusheline parents, Armand and Adora. Though it goes without saying that, as a babe, she was not nearly as thrilled as her parents were, neither was Aristide born screaming and shaking her fists, as most newborns are. In fact, she was perfectly silent, cloudy grey eyes taking in her surroundings as if to say, "I am ready".

Some things never change.

All throughout her childhood, the wealthy merchant's daughter was ahead of the curve, learning twice as fast as most children her age. She learned her first words within her first year, knew how to ride a horse solitary at the age of five, and by age eight had mastered nearly every book in her father's library. She spent every available moment being observant and evaluating her surroundings, finding this to be the quickest and easiest way of learning things. In the first decade of her life, Aristide learned all there was to know about history, politics, physiology, and literature, by her own studies and with the help of a tutor. But it was in her tenth year that she was, finally, properly introduced to religion.

Upon her first visit to Kushiel's Temple on the Isle d'Oeste off the rocky western coasts of Kusheth, Aristide immediately felt that this was where she ultimately belonged - - among the dark-robed, bronze-masked servants of the Angel of punishment. She began to visit the temple many times a week, with or without her parents' company, to learn more of her province's patron and his merciful penance. While the other girls her age were busy chasing around the local fisherman's sons, the silver-eyed girl was in the temple proper, discussing different methods of flagellation with the priests there. So it came as no surprise to her parents when, at the age of twelve, Aristide told them she wanted to be dedicated to Kushiel's service for the rest of her life.

I Count the Gates to the Temple Divine

Although some of the priests serving the temple were reluctant to accept such a young devotee into their care, the late Head Priestess at the time had become well-acquainted with Aristide over the last two years, and knew her heart was true-- knew that she was /special/. Though she started out as an attendant, lighting candles and scrubbing blood off the flagstones of the temple, the girl was quickly promoted, often seen assisting the Head Priestess in her confessionals. Every duty she performed in the temple was taken with the utmost gravity and devotion, as if Kushiel himself were watching her.

By the time her eighteenth birthday passed, most of the priests and priestesses she had been serving under strongly suggested that Aristide be promoted to priestess. Despite the controversial nature of such a promotion (as she was nearly ten years younger than most of the others), it was quickly passed, and the dark-haired beauty was finally given the prestigious title Priestess of Kushiel.

Nearer my Punisher, to Thee

Since her appointment to priestess, the naturally-talented Aristide Déjà has become a notable figure within Kushiel's Order-- not despite her young age, but largely because of it. She's developed an impressive collection of clients-- worshippers who come to the temple in Kusheth from far-reaching provinces and ask specifically for her services. She's quietly renowned by Kushiel's worshippers for her perfect balance of unrelenting chastening, selfless devotion to her subjects and, most importantly, to Kushiel himself.

As of late, it has been whispered within the halls of the Punisher's Temple in Kusheth that Aristide might be elected to succeed the current Head Priest, when the time comes. It is a highly-volatile subject with most members of the clergy, most either strongly agreeing with or vehemently rejecting the suggestion. For now, it is only a rumor, though it seems the Head Priest considers it a real-enough possibilty to hold a sort of disdain for the girl.

To Serve the Kusheline King

In late spring of 1186, King Bastien de Morhban sent a summons to the Temple of Kushiel on the Isle d'Oeste, requesting a priest be sent to the City of Elua on the Temple's behalf. Though the cause for the summons was unknown, the Head Priest elected to send Aristide to represent the Order. It is often speculated among the priests and priestesses in favor of Aristide that the Head Priest felt threatened by the rumors of the priestess' succession to his position, so he decided to send her to protect his position of power.

Whatever the real reason may be, it was Aristide who eventually arrived in Elua, for what purpose she knew not. Though little is publicly known of their first meeting, apparently the King was pleased with the Temple's choice, as the priestess was swiftly offered a position at court and a set of chambers within the palace walls. Nobody seems to know Aristide's exact role, despite the fact that she is very often called into the King's presence, even privately. She spends the remainder of her time presiding over Kushiel's Shrine within the palace, and is beginning to be called the King's 'Esteemed Priestess' by speculative courtiers.

Personality

Cool, introspective, and discreet. Capable of making even the most vile of men rethink their immoralities.

Dramatis Personae

Family

Father: Armand Darell de Rousseau (NPC)

A second-generation merchant, Armand de Rousseau has conducted a reputable amount of business within Kusheth these past thirty years, earning him a small holding of land on the province's eastern half. While his specialty lies in gems and jewelry, he has been known to sell beautiful furs and leathers as well. Although his trade required him to be away from his family for a great deal of Aristide's childhood, the priestess and her father have a mutual respect and love for one another: she, for her father's hard work and infinite charm, and he, for the honor his daughter has brought to his name through her service to Kushiel.

Mother: Adora Brie de Rousseau (NPC)

The daughter of a minor Kusheline noble, Adora fell in love with and married Armand, a respectable man but with no noble blood to speak of, against the wishes of her own father. Despite her personal tribulations, she has served as a loyal wife to her husband, and as a loving mother to both her daughters. Devoutly religious, Adora remains infinitely proud of her priestess daughter.

Sibling: Remy Taylor de Rousseau (NPC)

Eleven years Aristide's junior, Remy Taylor was an unexpected but welcome addition to the Rousseau family. The sisters grew close immediately, and remain practically inseparable, despite their age difference. Remy Taylor is quite possibly Aristide's closest confidant, as she is most candid with her sister, despite her often frigid demeanor towards others. Since her relocation to the City, the two correspond by letter constantly.

Allies and Charges

Bastien de Morhban - When the King of Terre d'Ange summoned a priest of Kushiel to the City of Elua, it was Aristide who was sent on the Order's behalf. Though Bastien seemed somewhat taken aback by the priestess' gender and young age at first, she slowly began to feel a sort of intrigue in his stoical gaze-- and the sentiment was mutual. It was determined that she would remain at the palace and serve as his personal and esteemed confessor. When the King's name comes up in conversation, Aristide becomes slightly detached, never deigning to elaborate on their complex relationship.."Through the Iris"

Maximus Corvinus - Introduced to the infamous knight by pure chance in the halls of the Palace, Aristide took an immediate and innate liking to him, as he is unassuming and respectful of the duties and boundaries that weigh upon her as a priestess. Though Aristide rarely chooses to attend public functions outside the palace walls, it is an armed Sir Corvinus who escorts her when she does. As of late, however, it seems the knight has fallen dramatically out of the priestess' favor, and since, she's abandoned all social functions at court, and is rarely seen outside her duties at the palace shrine."It Only Hurts"

Athenais de Morhban - Though Aristide had been meaning to introduce herself to the Queen for some time, the two did not formally meet until the Longest Night fete at the palace... and by formally, one means they shared a most ruthless, passionate kiss. Knowing the Queen for the talented Valerian she is, Kushiel's priestess finds it relatively simple to put the woman in a pleasant sort of unease."Teardrop"

Phillipe de Molay - All it took was a singular encounter with this one to know that something was amiss. Phillipe plays the part of careless nobleman flawlessly, and as such, the priestess is forced to try to see through his clever fascade. But priestesses are accustomed to people coming to them with their truths, rather than having to coax it out of them. And so, Aristide sits back, watches, and waits for the blue-eyed nobleman to make his first move."Push"

Briar D'Rosiers - The priestess and Briar met briefly during the Longest Night fete, though Aristide has increasingly been seen in the noblewoman's company in the palace. Although the women often seem to be at odds with each other, it is most likely because they share very similar personalities. Lately, though, somewhat has happened to make Aristide lose a great deal of her respect for the lady, causing her to become tight-lipped when her name comes up in conversation."Had Enough"

Evangeline nó Balm - Met during a Mandrake showing, Aristide had noticed Evangeline briefly from afar, finding her rather attractive (not that she would admit that she actually has an opinion about such things). Though she's sure the courtesan can't stand her knight escort, the priestess has managed to garner an exclusive invitation to Balm in the coming weeks.

Genevieve nó Mandrake - Kushiel's Priestess and the Dowayne of House Mandrake share, perhaps, more than just a few similar interests having to do with separate forms of worship. The vast similarities and differences of their trades fascinate Aristide to no end, and she has asked the Dowayne for a private showing to 'compare notes' in the near future.

Gautier nó Camellia - Aristide met Camellia's Dowayne in the halls of the Palace, conversing among a few other courtesans. Though Gautier's sense of humor seemed to be lost on the stoic priestess, she cannot say she didn't enjoy his company, however brief.

Hermes de Trevalion - Aristide was left with the impression that the Duc is a fairly admirable man, as evidenced by his use of wit to charm other ladies, and his use of intellect to debate with her after a Mandrake showing. However, all niceties aside, she assumes him to be a political force to be reckoned with. All in all, she seems wary of the man.

Ariadnh Asterius - Though the Kritian princess seems a pleasant-enough girl, as she is both sweet and unassuming, Aristide has been criticized more than once by others for not giving her the respect someone of her station is apparently required. In the priestess' opinion, the kind of respect earned by one's actions is much more important (and interesting) than that earned by a title alone.

Gabrielle nó Heliotrope - During their haphazard meeting within the palace walls, the courtesan appeared to the priestess to be a perfect example of the Night Court that completely eludes her.

Prisca Belfours - A brief acquaintance, the Baronne Belfours left a pleasant impression on the priestess. Apparently, she was wedded recently, though Aristide was unable to attend the ceremony.

Antonius Stregazza - When making Aristide's acquaintance, Antonius seemed the perfect Caerdiccan gentleman (albeit with a strong affinity for Valerians).

Armoire

Ensemble	Description
	Black spider-silk layered over ivory silk chiffon		Ivory satin with low-plunging neckline with ivory tulle
	Breezy light-blue cotton gown with sheer sleeves		Pale green cashmere nightgown, thrown over chemise
	Apricot-hued silk chemise		Sable-dyed cotton riding attire
	Cloth-of-gold dress, belted, with layered satin skirts		Hanzu-imported satin gown, plum and salmon in hue, wrapped with a Hanzu obi
	Classic riding outfit; white lace-trimmed linen shirt, tan cotton riding pants		Ballgown crafted of crimson, pink, and white gossamer
	Cloth-of-gold and tweed dress, worn under a custom- taylored onyx men's dress coat

Soundtrack

"Seasons to Cycles" - 10 Years
How small do you want me to be?
Weighed in the balance, left lonely
So much can be said through silence
As hard as it seems,
All that we need is too close to be seen

You build your walls for me to climb
A billion walls for me to climb
You build your walls for me to climb

Travels the very nature we'll live in
Seasons to cycles, children to men
Mislead and misread
Company or companion?
With all of our hearts, we follow our dreams
Slightly out of reach


"Uninvited" - Alanis Morissette
Like anyone would be
I am flattered by your fascination with me
Like any hot-blooded woman
I have simply wanted an object to crave
But you, you're not allowed
You're uninvited
An unfortunate slight

Must be strangely exciting
To watch the stoic squirm
Must be somewhat heartening
To watch shepherd meet shepherd
But you, you're not allowed
You're uninvited
An unfortunate slight

Like any uncharted territory
I must seem greatly intriguing
You speak of my love like
You have experienced love like mine before
But this is not allowed
You're uninvited
An unfortunate slight

I don't think you unworthy
But I need a moment to deliberate.


"Through the Iris" - 10 Years
Cherish
Two circular views of blue with a gray shade
So captivating
More than you know

False perceptions
That brought forth these questions of
Truth, love, and hope
Now that you're injuring
I'll carry you with me
Just please, hold on

Love's not all lost
But it's nailed to my cross
And crucified all that I've held on
To be awaiting
Anticipating a touch such as yours

False affection
A spawn of neglecting
Of love, lust, hoax
Please understand me
That now where you're standing
Is closer than I'd hoped

Disappear and dissolve
A weaking wall
Will one day fall
It's wise to sever our loss
I redefine pulse
Through your iris


"Shackled" - Vertical Horizon
For so long my life's been sewn up tight
inside your hold
And it leaves me there without a place
to call my own

I know now what shadows can see
There's no point in running 'less you run with me
It's half the distance through the open door
Before you cut me down
Again
Let me introduce you to the end...

And I feel the cold wind blowing beneath my wings
It always leads me back to suffering
But I will soar until the wind whips me down
Leaves me beaten on unholy ground again

So tired now of paying my dues
I start out strong but then I always lose
It's half the distance before you leave me behind
It's such a waste of time

So here I slave inside of a broken dream
Forever holding on to splitting seams
So take your piece and leave me alone to die
I don't need you to keep my faith alive


'Cause my shackles
You won't be
And my rapture
You won't believe
And deep inside you will bleed for me

Relevant Links

Aristide Déjà's Journal
Camilla Belle.net Fan Site