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Joanderis du Champ
Statistics Name Joanderis d'Vernide nó Valerian du Champ Status Alive Age 26 Class Noble Class Rank Marquise de L'Agnace Affiliation Nobles Themesong Quote "I yield to those whom seek to control..." Portrayed by  Shannyn Sossamon App Status Taken

Contents 1 Background 1.1 Memories of Kusheth 1.2 Valerian Fostering and The Selection 1.3 Life at Valerian 1.4 Married Life in the Country 1.4.1 Baby Xandaux 1.4.2 Unexpected History 1.4.3 Baby Anelise 1.5 Returning to the City 2 Personality 3 Physical Description 4 Family, Friends, & Enemies 4.1 Family 4.2 Friends 4.3 Nobles 4.4 Night Court 4.5 Others 5 Trivia

Background

Memories of Kusheth

On the 22rd of Mars, 1171, in a small estate Southeast of Pointe d'Oest, in the province of Kusheth, a young girl was born by the name of Joanderis. Kusheline as she was, her bright emerald-sea green eyes and the born streaks of crimson gave no doubt to her parents that she was unique and always would be. However, her parents would never live long enough to see her grow up.
On the 30th of Juilett, 1172, when Joanderis was still just a babe, her parents died of an unknown fever. Upon hearing the news of the illness that struck her parents, her Grandmother travelled from the City of Elua and took home the child. Unable to afford the fiscal responsibility it took to rear a child, her Grandmother soon after sold her to the House of Valerian. It was rumored her choice of this House was due to the fact her own Grandmother had been a Valerian Courtesan up until the day she died. To her family, the House of Valerian was an honored place and one her Grandmother trusted to raise the child.

Valerian Fostering and The Selection

After her Grandmother sold her into the care of the Valerian House and she came to the age of learning, she began her education that all children of the House learned. Between her strictly monitored schedule and education, tutoring her in the ways of Elua and his Companions, she also learned elocution and etiquette, along with many other lessons that a Servant of Namaah and the Valerian House needed to know. But in her spare time, when she had it to spare, she would often be found with her nose in a book or in the small Valerian library learning about all the various things out in the world. It was this immense curiosity for knowledge, and less of the social rumors mulling about the Valerian house, that she had so few friends.
Many thought, because of her insatiable curiosity, she would surely be sold to either the Gentian House or the Camellia House, for her strive for perfection in all her duties. Some even were sure she would go to Alyssum, for her meek and submissive nature ran true. When the time of the Selection came upon though, soon after her 6th birthday, she was found to understand thoroughly the pleasures that came with the pain of the spiced candy, more so than most of her fellow Valerian youths. And so her marquee was kept. After than moment, she became one of them - the Valerians. Never again was she allowed to feel pleasure without pain, or pain without pleasure. Punishment and suffering became her best friend, and her true nature as a asochist shone brightly.

Life at Valerian

After her 13th birthday when she viewed the Showing and became an apprentice, she studied diligently in Namaah's Art of Sensuality, submission, pain, and suffering. It was during this apprenticeship, to the surprise of the Dowayne, she requested on multiple occasions to attend lessons at other Houses, her curiosity growing more and more each day. And so she kept learning, attempting to perfect her knowledge of the ways of Namaah.

When her Debut came, and fear struck her. Nervousness came and with it stress. Not much, she will admit, can be remembered of that night, except her Patron. How he was gentle with her virginity at first, but once broken became a tyrant, giving her what she was trained to accept and in turn found to love…the true pleasure in pain.

Being an adept of the Valerian house was a long and honoring experience for Joanderis. Having been one of the more popular courtesan's of the House, Joanderis was never for want of a Patron. When her final assignation took place with the Comte Phillipe de Molay, and her marque was made, she could hardly contain her excitement. Getting the first available appointment, she finished her marque and set out to live her life to the fullest. During this time she had also developed a close friendship with an Eirean hunter and his dog Liam, spending much of her free time with him. He taught her how to ride, shoot a bow, and survive out in the wilderness, while she would spend hours talking with him about theology, history, and politics. There were rumors about their friendship, though never was there any proof nor stable reason to give it any credit. A few months before her marque was made, however, he departed for Eirean, promising someday he would return.

Upon completion of her marque, a friend and patron, the Marquis Corierre du Champ, took to calling upon and formally courting the young Valerian courtesan. Having always had a fancy for the Marquis, she accepted his courtship. A year later they were married, taking their residence at the du Champ country estate in the province of L'Agnace.

Married Life in the Country

Marriage in the country was a much quieter life for the new Marquise - a change she welcomed with open arms. Quickly she took to the simple life, often times being found either reading in the Library or helping the servants about the duties of the manor. To those who knew her in the City found this new Joanderis pleasant and more calm and at peace within herself. Married life seemed to agree quite well with her. Never before had she been so happy.
And that happiness only increased when the Marquise and his wife found out she was with child, having tried for a couple years. The pregnancy was an easy one, Joanderis taking care to be extra gentle with everything she did. For months the mothering instincts began to show as she bossed and baby nearly all of those around her. It seemed her husband had taken to the thought of fatherhood as well, beaming and taking care of his wife throughout her terms, providing her with any and everything she needed.

Baby Xandaux

When at last the baby was born, there was no measure as to the happiness and joy that filled the du Champ estate. Wine poured freely in celebration and the baby the focus of the merriment. With a smooth delivery, both mother and son seemed to be in healthy spirits. And for a time they were, until a horrible fever took hold on the infant at the young age of nearly 7 months. Three days later, he had passed on to the true-Terre-d'Ange-that-lies-beyond and both parents were devastated. Locking herself up in the infants room, Joanderis did not eat and rarely took drink. For weeks she stayed in her solitude, mourning over the loss of her son. After a month of heavy grieving, she finally came out of the room, pale as a ghost. The grieving did not stop, for how could loosing something so precious like that be over in a blink, but over time she healed from the loss.

Unexpected History

A year after the death of young Xandaux, Joanderis received an unexpected surprise. An anonymous letter, delivered to the doorstep, spoke of Joanderis' parents, a Kushieline chevalier who was quite well respected. Curious as to the validity of the letter, her and her husband agreed to send out inquiries and dig more into the young Marquise's history. Reports came in from contacts all over the land. Indeed her parents were well known nobles, her mother even having been raised in the Valerian House as well. With the information, a piece of Joanderis was slowly put back together.

Baby Anelise

Another year passed, and things finally began to settle back into their old routines. One spring day, Joanderis announced to her husband that she was with child once again, and happiness was brought back to the du Champ estate. Determined to be extra careful with this pregnancy, Joanderis was confined to light exertions and lots of bed rest(near the end of her term). In late January the following year, Joanderis gave birth to a bright and beautiful baby girl with her fathers eyes. In truth everything about her, except her eyes, were nearly an exact replica of her mother. But those eyes of her shone brilliant and bright. Like her brother though, her life was not meant to live over the age of 5 months. In an unexpected turn of events, the young baby Anelise passed into the true Terra d'Ange in her sleep one night, with no explanation other than Blessed Elua's will. Greif took over the house once more and Joanderis, after loosing her second child, fell into a couple month depression, hardly leaving the confines of her room. Six months after loosing the baby, Joanderis and Corierre made the decision to move back to the City. The pain of the memories of their children, and what could have been, was just too much for them. They needed a change of scenery. And so with that, they moved back to the Blessed City of Elua, where they reside today.

Returning to the City

By the time they returned to the city, Joanderis was now at the prime age of 26 though her features looked much older than that. The country life at first had been kind to her, but the years that followed that moment of happiness faded and drew age lines on her face. Soon after going back into society though and meeting up with all her old friends, she soon began to feel the rigor of her youth again. The new political struggles were far more a part of everyday life back in the City, with supports for each party forming in the streets, taverns, and palace. When the plague was rumored to have hit Terre d'Ange, like any concerned citizen, letters were sent inquiring about the well being of family members and friends. Still having heard no response as to their conditions has placed some worry on Joanderis. But soon those thoughts were pushed to the back of her mind when one day upon visiting the Valerian Dowayne, she ran into an unexpected person. It was none other than Aidan, her dear friend from when she was still an adept of the house. Upon his return, she learn of his inheritance of his father's title in Eire and was, in short, thoroughly impressed. As they sat for tea, they both recanted their own tales of the past years since their meeting. It has been a few days since that meeting, and already rumors were beginning to mull about the streets and courtiers.

In more recent news, upon spending a bright morning in the library of the Palace, Joanderis met Briar D'Rosiers Trevalion. After spending a good portion of the morning with the woman, it was suggested that, if Joanderis wanted, she could apply for the position of Lady-in-Waiting to the Queen. When, by chance, the Queen walked into the Library some moment's later, the Duchess of Azzalle recommend Joanderis to the Queen. After speaking with her Majesty for a small period of time, she became officially one of the Ladies in Waiting to her Majesty, Queen Athenais de Morhban.

Personality

Meek she may be at first sight, Joanderis is anything but that! Spending most of her time reading, when she does get into a heated debate or convorsation with someone, she expresses her opinions passionatly. She is smart as well, knowing when and whom with to pick her fights.

Physical Description

Despite her deep emerald-sea green eyes, Joanderis was a Kusheline sight to be held, carrying her blood traits well with her wherever she went. Her deep black long wavy locks, mixed with a couple natural crimson highlights, half-gathered atop her head, kept in place by an antique looking silver comb. Her pale skin colored like that of the lightest sands on the beach and her facial features delicate and refined like those traditional of D'Angeline people.

Attiring her body, though seemingly modest at first, was a dark black, high collared dress of a mixture of sensual fabrics that draped to the floor. Upon the fabric, a black lace-back corset bound her middle. Decorated in black beading and crimson red to illuminate the boning, this pointed waist corset contouring nicely to her slim frame. Once closer, it can be seen that the fabric above the corset, albeit extremely dark in color, was in fact a sheer material, giving only a modest covering of her cleavage. One sleeve, rich in the sheer fabric that covered her top, ran down the length of her arm giving way to a slight flare sleeve trimmed in crimson red.

On the other arm, the dress was sleeveless from the shoulder down. Instead, in its place, a ribbon band, colored in the same crimson as the corset, striped across her upper-middle arm then began to wind and twist down her arm, finishing with a small gold band around her middle finger where the fabric tied off.

Family, Friends, & Enemies

Family

Marquis Corierre du Champ ~ Marquis de L'Agnace - Husband ~~ It seems like forever ago when she met this sweet and dashing young Marquis that night in the Royal Gardens. After years of doting upon her throughout her adepthood at the Valerian house, when she finally made her marque, he began to officially court her. A year later, they were married. Although their marriage has been a bumpy one, given the two children they have lost, they still are dedicated to their happy marriage.

Xandaux Andre du Champ ~ Son ~~ When he was born, he was the apple of his father's eye and the angel of his mother's heart. Every time he laughed, merriment flowed throughout the air like a warm spring breeze. However when the young infant was not 7 months old, he contracted a fever and died shortly after. His passing was like shattering the heart of the Marquise du Champ.(Deceased)

Anelise Isabelle du Champ ~ Daughter ~~ The moment Joanderis knew she was pregnant with the baby Anelise, there was music and enjoyment in the house again. When the ball of sunshine was born, the Marquis and Marquise were thrilled. That happiness soon ended 5 months later when the young beauty, who shown much of her mothers characteristics, died of an unknown cause in her crib. The loss of a second child was almost unbearable for Joanderis, and soon after her and Corierre moved back to the city, unable to bare the memories that the country estate held.(Deceased)

Jerome Andre d'Vernide ~ Chevalier de Kusheth - Father ~~ Although Joanderis has no recollection of her father, her recent discovery of her parent's identity has shed much light on how noble of a man he really was. (Deceased)

Catherine Isabelle nó Valerian d'Vernide ~ Lady d'Vernide of Kusheth - Mother ~~ Although Joanderis cannot remember her mother, the recent discovery of her parent's identity has shed much light on the fine woman she was, and how much alike Joan is to her mother.(Deceased)

Friends

Aidan Emmerson ~ Dear Friend, Eirean Noble ~~ After a rather rough and painful meeting with the man (tripping is a painful and hazardous thing to do!)all those years ago, the two started up a fast friendship. For years, throughout her adepthood at Valerian house, whenever time was available they would meet up, always quick to find herself entranced by his exotic accent and cheerful disposition. A dear friend to this day, Joanderis was, as some rumored, crushed when he returned home to Eire to take up his families title upon the death of his father. Now that he has returned to the city, who knows if their friendship can ever be rekindled in the dark times that Terre d'Ange was slipping into.

Comte Phillipe de Molay ~ Comte of Siovale - Patron ~~ Her first patron, post debut, and her last patron as an un-marqued adept, Joanderis finds a special draw to this man. Before her departure to the L'Agnace countryside, Phillipe and her had developed a unique and enlivening friendship, one Joanderis hopes will continue now that she has returned with her husband to the City of Elua.

Lord Jean-Louis "Gareth" Levesque ~ Friend, Marquist ~~ Joanderis met Gareth one day while dreaming off and staring at his shoppe, dreaming of the day when she would complete hers. After a long conversation about meaningless things, she soon developed a friendship with the man, and often looks to him in the way a neice would her uncle.

Nobles

Comte Charles le'Covin ~ Comte of Namarre ~~ An interesting man to Joanderis, the Comte le'Covin was a man who usually kept to himself, a trait that seems to spark her insatiable curiousity.

Baron Jacques Wolff ~ Baron of Namarre ~~ It started out as an intellectual conversation in an exotic tea house, when Jacques and Joanderis began a discussion. He is an interesting and stimulating man who hardly discourages her curiousity and thirst for knowledge.

Viscount Foulque d'Andronic ~ Viscount of Kusheth - Patron ~~ This Kusheline lord is anything but sugary sweet. Dark in his dimeanor, Joanderis finds him addicting to her own dark natures.

Marquis Simon de Mereliot ~ Marquis of Eisande ~~ Shy at first, their inital meeting was one of nervousness and aqward silences. It was only a few days after their conversation in the gardens, that the Marquis called on her for tea, a course to pursue a friendship with her.

Briar D'Rosiers Trevalion ~ Duchess of Azzalle ~~ It was a bright Winter morning in the library of the Palace that Joanderis met Briar D'Rosiers Trevalion. After spending a good portion of the morning with the woman, it was Briar who suggested Joanderis as a Lady in Waiting. Although time will only tell, Briar seems like a wonderful woman whom Joan can easily relate to and see becoming friends.

Night Court

Ishana nó d'Essoms nó Valerian ~ Valerian Courtesan, Idol ~~ Since she met the well famed Valerian courtesan, Joanderis made every attempt to learn as much about her as she could. A role model to many Adepts, Joanderis was no different in her feelings towards Ishana. She is a beauty and a treaure among the Valerian ranks, still to this day.

Others

Bastien de Morhban ~ King of Terre d'Ange ~~ Although she has never met His Majesty, Joanderis honors the Crown as it is, the Monarchy of Terre d'Ange. A strong loyalist, Joanderis hopes to see the Crown kept in power.

Athenais de Morhban ~ Queen of Terre d'Ange ~~ Joanderis can remember her Majesty, Queen Athenais, from when she was a little child, spending many of her years as a fosterling under the Dowayneship of the beautiful woman. It was only until recently that the young Marquise came into contact with the Athenais as Queen. After a recommendation from Briar D'Rosiers Trevalion, Joanderis has now become a Lady-in-Waiting to Her Majesty. To Joan, this is a great honor to serve her Queen and previous Dowayne.

Sarira de Helleborne ~ Prime Minister of Terre d'Ange ~~ Having never met the woman, Joanderis certainly has heard a lot about her and her cause. In her opinion she thinks the Prime Minister is a traitor, spewing nothing but heresy against the crown.

Julien de la Courcel ~ Heir Apparent of Terre d'Ange ~~ Rumors are strong things and word of the heir apparent of Terre d'Ange was spread like a wild fire. Although she has some hesitancies about this child, she remains in cautious support, following the lead of the Crown. If their Majesties ally the Heir, then so shall she.

Princess Ariadnh Asterius of Kriti ~ Aquaintance, Princess of Kriti ~~ Joanderis met the woman one night in the Jardin du Reflet. Also there, for some peace and quiet, the two women began talking about random topics. Joanderis finds Ariadnh an exotic and charming young woman and hopes they shall meet again.

Lady Ofelia Juliana Shahrizai i Baptista ~ Aragonian Courtier ~~ The Eglantinian's performance at the Palace was spectacular, but Joanderis had hardly noticed. Her attention had been drawn by the Shahrizai woman, which did not go unnoticed. Ofelia, despite her fragile looks, is a strong, cold, and powerful woman whom has definatley made an impression on the young Valerian.

Trivia

Full Name: Joanderis d'Vernide nó Valerian du Champ
Age: 26
Sexual Preference: Bisexual
Marital Status: Unmarried
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 125
Hair Color: Black
Eye Color: Emerald-Sea Green
Birthplace: Point d'Oest, Kuseth, Terre d'Ange
Hobbies: Reading, intellectual conversation, singing, and dress making
Random Facts:
1. Joanderis' Signale is "Lusande", A reminder of her birthplace in Kuseth and a safe place for her mind to retreat to.
2. It is her ambition to one day open a ladies dress boutique in the City of Elua.
3. During her training as an adept, she was taught how to; sing and dance at the House Eglantine; give massages at the House Balm; keep flawless posture and poise at House Camellia; and how to sensually seduce a patron at House Jasmine.
4. Joanderis' assignation contract does not ban the use of flechettes or needles, as many other courtesans' contracts do, however, fire is not allowed.