Entourage: The Marquesse de
Monteforte's
entourage is a well-oiled machine, used to traveling together and well
aware
of each other's strengths, weaknesses and the roles that Charlaine has
assigned
them. For although the Marqessa seems retiring, she is the
driving
force behind the team. The entourage is, of course, most
practiced
for the environs in and around the Bonneforet system, as Charlaine is
not
much of a Known Worlds traveler. But she is not a complete
stranger
to the wider universe. And neither is her team.
Pater Azote (Orthodox Church) - Pater
Azole
has been Charlaine's personnel confessor and spiritual advisor since
childhood
and is the only person with whom Charlaine has shared her experiences
and
impressions of her time at Gonheedra.
As
the Marquessa does seek spiritual guidance in the matters of her soul
on
a fairly regular basis, Pater Azole is not merely a token nod to the
Orthodox
Church. But while Charlaine trusts the older gentleman's wisdom
and
experience implicity, she still reserves the right to make her own
decisions
and experience the consequences of those decisions for herself.
Frere Valerius (Brother Battle) - Frere
Valerius
was assigned as a bodyguard to Charlaine by her parents shortly
following
an unfortunate incident with the Order of the Avestri
Given
Bonneforet's proximity to Stigmata, the de Mauves were used to hosting
surprise
visits of the Inquisition as it nominally searched for signs of
Symbiote
encroachment into the biospheres of the Bonneforet system. Very
shortly
after Charlaine returned from her off-system schooling, the Avestri
made
another such visit.
As the
de
Mauves were hosting the Fathers within the halls of Mont Blanc, one of
the
visiting Inquisitors became suddenly and critically ill, falling into a
deep
and, so far, unrecoverable coma.
The
de Mauves were mortified by this near infringement of the Etiquettes of
Hospitality
on their part -- imagine had it been a fellow Noble instead of a member
of
the clergy! Oddly enough, the Avestri themselves were
surprisingly
graciuous about the incident. Suspiciously so. They pursued
a
minor investigation into the incident, an extremely minor one given the
Avestri's
proclivities, finding nothing. And though House de Mauve pays a
yearly
tithe to the Inquisition for the care of the still comatose Father, the
entire
situation was dropped.
But
within the next week, Carlaine's parents had arranged for a full-time
professional
bodyguard of impecable military and ethical reputation, Frere Valerius
of
the Order Brother Battle. Lately, the Marquessa has taken to
martial
training with Frere Valerius as well.
Alene Morriessey - Alene Morriessey is
Charlaine's
long time personnel secretary cum image consultant / publicist / spin
doctor.
The two women have worked steadily together to create the image of a
shy,
devout country noble for Charlaine. It is a finely crafted facade
that
has been honed to perfection. And every member of the entourage
plays
their part with Alene as director.
Alene
is exceptionally skilled and has a wide variety of rich experiences
from
all across the Known Worlds, despite her youth. Since coming into
the
Marquessa's service a number of years ago, Alene and Charlaine have
become
fast friends and it seems as though the footloose freeman has found her
final
patron.
What
none of the rest of the entourage know, is that Alene is the reason
that
Charlaine is in no hurry to tie herself into a marriage.
Dauphin Chatres (Charioteer) - Dauphin
came
into Charlaine's service during her 'coming out' season.
Originally
a minor member of the Marquessa's retinue in the role of chaffeur,
Daphine
was rapidly promoted when he was unexpectedly called upon to round out
an
undermanned hunting expedition -- and the Marquessa had a chance to
evaluate
his fire-arm and combat skills.
Never
one to let talent go to waste, Charlaine immediately offered to extend
and
expand the Charioteer's contract. From the mean streets of
Leagueheim,
Dauphin found himself with a plush long-term contract and the patronage
necessary
to obtain official pilot status on the jumplanes. All he needed
to
do was give his life for Charlaine's if it became neceesary.
Deal.
Terese d'Averonne - Terese is the
youngest
member of the entourage. Originally the young woman was hired
just
for the length of Charlaine's debutante season, but the Bonneforet-born
freeman
turned out to be quite a find. Absolutely gifted in matters of
colors,
cuts and style, Terese's intelligence was hidden behind a fondness for
all
things fashionable and a lack of interest in all things less
immediate.
This made her the perfect handmaiden for the young Marquessa.
With
a little bit of training from Alene and Charlene, Terese has grown into
an
effective conspirator, all the while maintaining the image of a
bubble-headed
excitable girl.
