 Helena Soranus
|
| Imperial Chamberlain
|
"Faith is the bird that feels the light and sings when the dawn is still dark."
- Rabindranath Tagore -
|
|
|
| History
|
|
Helena grew up in relative isolation at the family’s estate in Ethos. She was surrounded with the mysteries of the Faith and it is no surprise that she followed the path set forward by her family, as all members of the Soranus family do. She was always a neat and tidy girl, needing everything to be just so, though at such a young age there were few things she had real control over. Aside from her room and herself, she had to abide by the decisions of others. It was an early practice in patience to be sure.
She had always known that she would be a Healer, it was simply something that was within her, something she had to do. When she was of age she attended the Healer’s College on Draught and while her studies began in the arts of healing the body, matters of faith began to intercede and her studies drifted from the physical and to the mental and emotional. This would delay her studies for some time in traditional healing, but it was a path she felt she needed to follow for a time.
Her mother’s death was hard on her and she could only take comfort in the knowledge that her mother now rested in the arms of Providence and she now knew the complete love and light the Goddess provides. She was not as close with her father, but she felt great sorrow in his loss as well and suddenly she was not the daughter of Baron Ethos, but his sister, as Athar assumed their father’s place. When Athar announced that he was going to establish himself on Gateway Helena followed him.
| Events of 504
|
Arrival on Gateway – June 504
It might have seemed odd, the sudden appearance of so many Purists on Gateway, a faith that has seen itself mostly contained to Ethos. Not only did the Soranus siblings arrive, but cousins did as well, all naming themselves Purists, though of varying degrees. Helena was overwhelmed by the city and it took her a great deal of time to adjust from a life of near-solitude to one where she need be social. It was a difficult process to the middle sister for she was never as outgoing as her elder siblings.
The Necromancy Council – November 504
It came as a great surprise to this wallflower sister when she was asked to sit on the Empress’s council to discuss and debate the laws to be established on necromancy. Athar had loudly spoken out against the practice and it was known that the entire family was against it, yet the Empress chose a Purist to sit among the others. Not just a Purist, but Helena, who was more shocked than anyone that she was asked. But for all that Athar spoke against necromancy, it might seem odd that Helena never once demanded that the council keep the practice outlawed. She did not speak much to others about what went on within that council, save for what confidences she held with her brother and sister.
A Winter’s Kidnapping - Late December 504
An unexpected invitation from the Empress (or so the message said) turned into an unwelcome adventure across the waters and to the harsh wintery landscape of Guardians. Along with Lord Phoenix Forester, Helena was kidnapped from the city. They were taken by boat to some rugged and forgotten shore of Guardians and it is said that the pair of them eventually made their way to Gwencalon, where they were met by grateful family members. As with most things she has not spoken much on the event, save with her family and closest friends. The kidnappers were hunted, but the men responsible have never been found.
|
| Events of 505
|
Pilgrimage to Ethos – May 505
After nearly a year on Gateway Helena decided that she needed to return home and spend some time at the Temple in Ethos and in the company of Providence’s priests and priestesses. She was away for a few weeks, all contact cut off as she focused on her faith and herself. What manner of exploration she involved herself in is still unknown, even to her family, but it is said that she returned changed. There was, of course, the signs of fasting for the lady looked pale and thinner. But there were other changes as well, most importantly the fact that the lady had warmed a little. While she will never be like her elder sister, some of her chill was left back on Ethos and she’s become more agreeable to being around others.
A Command to Heal – June 505
Helena was summoned to the infirmary to find the Keeper there with Miss Vaia Wendt, who had suffered an attack by the First Knight, killing the unborn child in her womb. The Keeper entrusted the care of Miss Wendt to Helena and the Soranus family, for the woman required more healing than the infirmary could provide. Miss Wendt was provided a very comfortable room, but she was also kept under close watch at all times. There were concerns for Miss Wendt’s safety and an incident over the gift of honey made that concern quite clear. Eventually visitors were allowed and later still Miss Wendt was permitted trips outside of the suite. However, as various troubles befell the Soranus family, including the sickness that kept Helena quarantined, Miss Wendt was moved from their care and became the ward of Princess Eleanor.
Betrothal – December 505
After a rather lengthy period of consideration and debate, the betrothal of Lady Helena to Lord Phoenix Forester was announced. One might wonder what the Foresters want with Purists or, for that matter, what the Soranus want with the notorious Fielders, but an agreement was reached. It is clear though that the betrothal is strictly political. The betrothed are rarely seen in each other’s company and there looks to be no affection between then at all. The time for the wedding came and went without any announcements made but it seems the betrothal was canceled. Relations between the two families remains strong though, seen especially in the fact that Lady Helena has been living with the Duke and Duchess of Green Fields.
Sleeping Sickness – December 505
It was an innocent greeting to welcome her cousin, Tiege home, but that brief contact would be enough to leave Helena ill, though she would not know the cause of the sickness for some time to come. While Tiege fell into a coma-like state Helena, and others who had come into contact with him, started feeling excessively tired. There was concern that a mere touch would leave others sick as well and eventually Helena was quarantined in one of the university labs with Addison Brandivere, Daeva Tremere, Baroness Destine, and Mathis Cardiff until a cure of some kind could be found. A small stone in Miss Brandivere’s possession turned out to be the last component needed by master alchemist Coleridge Eisenhart, but it proved to be only enough to cure one person. The baroness was offered it first and then Helena when the baroness refused. Helena likewise refused, not feeling it right that she be the one to be saved while others suffered, including her cousin who was the worst off. In the end the potion was given to Tiege and in his recovery the others recovered as well.
|
| Events of 506
|
Beyond the Barrier – January 506
Not long after Athar’s horrific injuries kept him locked away and in some kind of magical stasis, Helena left Gateway and traveled beyond the barrier with Ravelle, Tiege, Joshua and Leon. It was her first trip outside of the Five Isles and were it not for the somber reason for the trip she might have been more excited for it. The journey kept them from home for weeks and Helena speaks little to nothing about where they went or what occurred there. While Helena has always been the cautious sort, those that know her well would note that she became even more so upon her return. The only joy she might speak of regarding the trip is in Athar’s return to his former self, for that was the reason for the trip. Anything else tends to be avoided or ignored.
Bandits in the Woods – March 506
A casual family picnic on the edge of the woods turned into disaster when bandits descended on the party. Baroness Crucible arranged a small picnic for members of the family, whoever could attend. Ravelle, Leon, and Helena joined in the gathering and it seemed to be a lovely afternoon, giving them time to catch up with each other. But some noises in the woods led to a group of men descending on the nobles and their guards, though only one man actually showed himself. There was the usual request for their money and valuables and just when it seemed that the bandits would retreat, having gotten what they came for, bolts flew and the three women were left dangerously injured. Ysora suffered a wound to the leg, Ravelle one to her arm and Helena took a bolt to her side. A lengthy stay in the infirmary was followed by a longer recovery at home.
A Healer to Mists – June 506
The Purists’s dislike for necromancy is well-known, so it might have come as a surprise that Helena traveled to Mists with Master Lucian Acinthas shortly after the Breath of Imperius, which had disappeared, returned to the isle. A call had gone out for healers and of course the lady answered the call. But why she traveled with Master Acinthas seems to still be a bit of a mystery. It is said they traveled to remote villages to help those who had not seen any aide. After a rather disastrous run-in with some distrustful villagers they ended up at Starling Keep, offered care and hospitality by Angiel Winter, Lady Regent of Arden Vale, which included transportation back to Polaris Port.
|
| Events of 507
|
A Winter Festival - January 507
In November 506 the Soranus sisters were asked to host a Winter Festival, a request given to Baron Ethos by the Keeper. The festival was a week-long event which began with a lavish New Year's Ball held in a magnificent ice palace crafted by Princess Kali of Khelek. Events throughout the week included a game of Flags and Fortresses, a city-wide scavenger hunt, a snow sculpture contest, a relay swim in the ocean, and a play-acting game at the Isle of Ale. Charity events abounded during the festival as well and as always, the citizens of the Five Isles proved themselves to be quite generous.
Exiled - January 507
At the last event of the Winter Festival a barrel of soured wine was opened, causing Lady Karyleine and two attendants to pass out. After assuring the crowd that all would be seen to, Helena headed into the tent to see to her sister, who was being seen to by Baroness Emerald Hollow. A short time later, Helena left with her cousin, Tiege Soranus, and two seemed to have disappeared that night. The next day Athar, Karyleine, Leon, and Linette went missing as well as the religious and politica tensions in Ethos and in the Purist faith began. Linette was released on Tyr and returned home, while the location of the rest of the Purists was unknown. Six weeks later, in early March 507, Athar, Helena, Karyleine, and Leon arrived at Sentinel Spire, brought home from Tyr by Willam and Marek Paggion, aboard the ship El Cazador.
An Imperial Appointment - June 507
In what was likely a surprise to some, Lady Helena put forth an application for the recently opened position of Imperial Chamberlain. The interview period included a great deal of work during the Spring Festival in Seal Cove, but she dove into it eagerly, intent on proving that she could do all that was asked of her. The Keeper offered her the position and while she is still new to the position but she is already strongly devoted to this new path in her life.
|
| Events of 508
|
A Sister Lost - January 508
The New Year had just passed when Helena was awoken early on the morning of January 4th with unbelievable news that her sister Ravelle was dead. She waited with others of her family in the infirmary until she was permitted to see her sister and witness the truth of it for herself. To learn that Ravelle took her own life with a drug well known to her (and all Dragons) called Honor's Chase was an unexpected blow, but Helena strives to keep herself together for the sake of her family.
Kidnapper to Leader of the Faith? - January 508
After the family attended the funeral for Ravelle in Ethos it was Lord Parsifal, her husband, that stood forward and took command of the Purist faith until such a time that Baron Ethos returns to his people. Some certainly grumble about how this man who once sought to ruin the Soranus family has risen so far in it and in the Faith, but Helena was seen standing at his side in support as he spoke to the faithful on the matter of the tightening of the Purist faction. Some in the temple the day before the Baronet's words whisper that the lady was seen weeping at the feet of the man known as Eremis and was eventually led away by him. What happened from the time she disappeared until the time she stood alongside Lord Parsifal is unknown but some certainly may wonder why she now stands beside her former kidnapper.
Spider Bite - July 508
It isn't unusual to see the Chamberlain out and about, fetching this or that for the Keeper of the Empress. It is what she does, after all. But most times she returns back to her office with the requested item in hand. So it should not seem at all unusual that on a warm day in late July the Chamberlain was seen exiting the bakery with a box, likely a requested treat for His Majesty. Nor would it be unusual that she decides to visit the beach for a few minutes before returning to the castle. No, the only thing unusual about that very ordinary day is that the Imperial Chamberlain never made it back to her office, nor is there any sign of Giles or Caleb, who had gone with her.
When she did turn up, it was in an inn in Smithfield with her sister Karyleine and Duke Draught. She as no idea how she got there. When she returned she seemed to have few answers for what happened, but those close to her might have noticed that she now wore a mark of a silvery spider on the inside of her left wrist. It never seemed to pain her and things went on as normal. It wasn't until an unusual attack that sent her and her sister to the infirmary that the spider mark disappeared from her skin.
An Imperial Mission - October 508
In the company of her cousins Joshua Dhaval and Innocentia Candide, Helena left Gateway in mid-October aboard an Imperial vessel, said to be headed out beyond the Barrier. Also joining them was Venator Marek Paggion and Sir Bryce Macavoy, one of the Imperial Knights. They would be far out to sea, well past the Barrier, when destruction hit Gateway.
|
|
| Trivia
|
- Helena is a neat-freak. She likes her things to be in a specific order and will go to great lengths to make sure anything that is within her power to be controlled will be controlled. This is anywhere from the precise notes she takes, to how she dresses and how her private chambers are kept.
- Before her run-in with bandits, leaving her with a wound in her side, Helena was often seen in the company of her cousin, Grear Maritus, dressed in garb more suited to a Guardians woman than one from Draught. Even though Grear has returned to Gwencalon, Helena has continued her training with Linette Barca.
- She has had the opportunity to travel outside the Barrier three times. The first was a family mission which she doesn't discuss. The second was the forced exile at the hands of Kristian Codex and Parsifal Valens. It is a trip she will talk about when asked. The most recent was an Imperial mission, with rumor that it is related to that first family trip. Not surprisingly, she doesn't speak much of the third trip either.
- She is ambidextrous, a skill she taught herself after becoming Imperial Chamberlain. She was determined to become so, just in case she loses the use of her right arm or hand.
- Those that have visited the Art Museum may have noticed a painting of Lyriana Caprios, mother of the Champion, that looks a great deal like Helena. She's admitted to sitting for the painting, but refuses to name the artist. One might think it is simply artistic license, but those that visit an older painting of Lyriana in the Imperial Alcove would see the similarity does exist.
- Helena keeps a small nightingale as a pet in her office. She has named the bird 'Light' and while she says it is a gift, she has only told a few people who gifted it to her.
- She wears the Imperial colors of blue and gold almost exclusively. Helena only wears black when absolutely necessary. Even then, she secretly counts down the days until she no longer has to wear the color.
- After her return after her last trip outside the Barrier (and just after the Great Schism), Helena was assigned a knight escort for any time she leaves her office. This was increased to two when she was named a Regent of the Empire.
|
| Relations
|
|
Helena grew up rather isolated in Ethos and she knew few people outside of her own family. This changed only somewhat when she began to attend the Healer's College, but even there she tended to keep to herself and made few friends while in school. Since coming to Gateway, however, her family has encouraged her to reach out to others and seek new acquaintances, something she did with some reluctance initially. It was hard for the usually quiet Soranus lady to make friends or even get to know people, but she has been making great strides to do so. While she will never be as outgoing as her sister, she is far more sociable than she's ever been.
Helena's Relations
|
| Many Aspects of Helena
|
| The Healer
|
| Helena cannot remember a time when she didn’t want to be a healer. While her faith is a choice, she feels deeply that Providence gave her life in order to heal others. While many healers focus on the physical ailments Helena also seeks to heal the minds and souls of those in pain not caused by wounds to the body. While she attended the Healer’s College on Draught in the past, she is now a student at the university on Gateway and has begun her apprenticeship, helping out in the castle’s infirmary. She has long desired to join the ranks of the The Devoted Community of the Sacred Hand, a Purist order devoted to healing. However, with her new position int he Imperial Household, it would appear that this goal is on hold.
|
|
| The Purist
|
| Faith has always played a part in Helena’s life, she was raised with it as a constant presence around her. She feels a deep and loving connection with Providence and seeks to instill that same comfort and understanding in others. Like many in her family she has chosen the path of the Dragon, facing temptation and corruption face on and coming out still pure on the other side. Granted, the last year or so has really given the lady a challenge and her faith has been tested more than once. She is devout in her faith and while she hopes all of Ikol will one day follow the Purist path, she is also a strong proponent of free will, for it is, in her opinion, the greatest gift Providence gives to each of us.
|
|
| The Lady
|
| She is a lady by the fortune of her birth and while she was raised to know how to speak and act in social settings it has taken her some time to actually become comfortable in the setting on Gateway. She is not as cold as she once was, but she is still rather reserved, the quiet one compared to Athar and Ravelle, more like her younger sister Karyleine in that regard. She is kind, but not especially outgoing and can often be lost in the shadows of her more vivacious family members.
|
|
| The Philanthropist
|
| Helena has been born into a life of privilege, blessed with a loving family and a noble birth. But she seeks to help others and does so regularly. Be it giving of her time to help others, hosting charity events, or in donating money or goods to those people and charities that need it, Helena is always ready to give of herself to help those less fortunate. Her help has not always been accepted as she might wish it and she’s been downright confused at times at the reactions, but she will continue to do what she can for others.
|
|
| The Sister
|
| Helena is extremely devoted to her family and there is nothing she would not do for her sisters and brothers. She looks to her brother Athar for his advice and wisdom in all matters, especially those of faith. Ravelle is the spark that inspires her and she has often looked to her elder sister when she feels uncertain. Karyleine is the most like Helena in temperament and there is a quiet understanding between them. Bastion is always in her heart even if he has not been in their lives for many years now. No matter where life leads them, Helena will always come at the call of her family and she knows they will come to her aid when necessary.
|
|
| The Temptress
|
| Temptation has always fascinated Helena, how it operates, how it slips into the lives of otherwise good people and leads then astray. At one point she hoped to seek a cure for that weakness in people that led them to chose the wrong path. She often indulged in various activities that are considered tempting, though she kept herself within the limits of her Faith, which made for inadequate study. It was soon after her service on the necromancy council that she completely abandoned her work, claiming that her eyes were opened and that line of study was no longer pleasing to Providence. But while she no longer seeks a 'cure' she still finds temptation a fascinating subject.
|
|
| The Warrior
|
| Helena has begun walking a new path in her life, claiming that the growing list of odd events on Gateway requires that she learn how to defend herself. Providence has given her a ready mind and a strong body, she believes the Goddess wants her children to know how to fight back when necessary. Her cousin Grear has begun instruction in this area and she’s gotten offers from a few others to help her in her training.
|
|
| The Chamberlain
|
| Helena has only recently taken up the position of Imperial Chamberlain. Some may wonder why a Healing student might pursue such a position and some might be concerned of the Purists getting too close to the Keeper. She strives to do the job well, putting all her focus and energy into her work. Only time will tell how she handles the pressure of the job and the demands of the Keeper.
|
|
|
| Gallery
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reading the Libris Sancti
|
|
|
The Keeper and the Purist
|
|
|
Giles Langley, one of Helena's guards
|
Caleb Reed, one of Helena's guards
|
|
|
|
| Picture of Interest
|
|
Sometimes I come across a great picture for Helena that fits a particular place in time, but doesn't necessarily fit into her gallery as a permanent addition. From time to time when I find a picture that makes me laugh or fits a particular plot, I'll post it here, changing it out whenever necessary.
| The WTF Face
|
This picture is in honor of Ravelle who, more than anyone, brought out the WTF face from Helena. Granted, she isn't the only one, but usually it was her elder sister who had the pleasure of seeing this expression from Helena. Be it for her extreme zealotry or for her dalliances with a certain former knight, Ravelle could easily make Helena look like this while thinking, 'Sweet Providence, you *cannot* be serious!'
|
|
| The Unattainable Ladies of the Tower
|
|
It's funny how ideas develop, from the simplest of comments made in passing. This project rose from one such conversation. Addison's player and I, while discussing our marital statuses set on our wikis we noted how many of the women in the Imperial tower seemed to be unattainable in one way or another. And thus, the Unattainable Ladies of the Tower pin-up calendar came into being. This is totally goofy and most certainly none of it is IC, it's just for a bit of fun!
Long story short, this is why you should not leave Addison and I to brainstorm without supervision. :)
| The Unattainable Ladies of the Tower
|
Helena-january.jpg
Miss January
|
Mena-february.jpg
Miss February
|
Eleanor-march.jpg
Miss March
|
Vaia-april.jpg
Miss April
|
Drusilla-may.jpg
Miss May
|
Addison-june.jpg
Miss June
|
Helena-july.jpg
Miss July
|
Mena-august.jpg
Miss August
|
Addison-september.jpg
Miss September
|
Vaia-october.jpg
Miss October
|
Drusilla-november.jpg
Miss November
|
Eleanor-december.jpg
Miss December
|
|
|
| Helena's Soundtrack
|
| Discipline - Nine Inch Nails
|
A song that offers a glimpse into the relationship between Helena and Master Regulus Marsters. Even if there are no longer divisions within Purism, she still looks to Regulus for his instruction.
Am I, Am I still tough enough?
Feels like I'm wearing down, down, down, down, down
Is my viscousness
Losing ground, ground, ground, ground, ground?
Am I taking too much?
Did I cross a line, line, line?
I need my role in this
Very clearly defined
Lyrics --- Video
|
|
| Euphoria (Firefly) - Delerium
|
It isn't all about the fight against the Dark, there is pure joy that is felt in her Faith and in Providence.
I never want to lose what I finally found
There's a requiem
A new congregation
And it's telling me go forward and walk
Under a brighter sky
Every nerve glowing like a firefly
Glowing divine
Lyrics --- Video
|
|
| Fight the Good Fight - Triumph
|
It may be a difficult life, but Helena believes that she is fighting for Providence, even in the smallest actions. There may be no cheering crowds, but she knows that in the end her work will be worth all the sacrifice.
The days grow shorter and the nights are getting long
Feels like we're running out of time
Every day it seems much harder tellin' right from wrong
You got to read between the lines
Don't get discouraged, don't be afraid, we can
Make it through another day
Make it worth the price we pay
Lyrics --- Video
|
|
| Invincible - Pat Benatar
|
A song for her family and all who work against the darkness. Creatures of the Abyss might be fearsome and dangerous, but so are we, and we have Providence on our side.
We can't afford to be innocent
Stand up and face the enemy.
It's a do or die situation - we will be invincible.
And with the power of conviction there is no sacrifice.
It's a do or die situation - we will be invincible.
Lyrics --- Video
|
|
| Into the Fire - Sarah McLachlan
|
While the divisions within Purism have been removed and she is no longer labeled as a Dragon, this song still remains as a more personal song of Helena's place among the faithful.
And into the fire
I'm reunited
Into the fire
I am the spark
Into the fire
I yearn for comfort
Lyrics --- Video
|
|
| No Surrender - Bruce Springsteen
|
No matter how difficult the Path might be, Helena relies on her family and won't back down.
We made a promise we swore we'd always remember
No retreat, believe me, no surrender
Blood brothers in the stormy night with a vow to defend
No retreat, believe me, no surrender
Lyrics --- Video
|
|
| God's Gonna Cut You Down - Johnny Cash
|
We will see darkness brought down and Providence will guide us. Agents of the Abyss may use trickery and deception, but it can't hold forever, the truth will out.
Well you may throw your rock and hide your hand
Workin' in the dark against your fellow man
But as sure as God made black and white
What's down in the dark will be brought to the light
Lyrics --- Video
|
|
| Secure Yourself - Indigo Girls
|
Another song for Helena's beliefs in Providence and the strength she continues to find in herself.
Secure yourself to heaven
Hold on tight, the night has come
Fasten up your earthly burdens
You have just begun
Lyrics --- Video
|
|
| Shines Right Through Me - Great Big Sea
|
A song to reflect Helena's pure joy in Providence (if you consider the 'you' in the song to be Providence).
Break me out of emptiness, Lead me to your light
Anything worth having is worth some sacrifice
Laid too long in lonliness, This world was made to change
Half an hour of sunshine is worth a week of rain
Lyrics --- Video
|
|
| Temptation - The Tea Party
|
The concept of temptation and how it leads people from Providence has been of great interest to Helena for as long as she can remember. This song is not a reflection of her thoughts, but a good on in how she views how temptation can affect people.
Drowning in a sea of rage
I taste the embrace
Helpless as it steals my soul
I've lost all control
Lyrics --- Video
|
|
| Trouble Me - 10,000 Maniacs
|
As cold as Helena might seem at times, she's more than willing to take on the trouble of others in their hours of need, expecting nothing in return. This could also be seen as her Chamberlain Theme Song.
Spare me? Don't spare me anything troubling.
Trouble me, disturb me with all your cares and you worries.
Speak to me and let our words build a shelter from the storm.
Lastly, let me know what I can mend.
There's more, honestly, than my sweet friend, you can see.
Trust is what I'm offering if you trouble me.
Lyrics --- Video
|
|
| The Pretender - Foo Fighters
|
The reason for this song has yet to be revealed, though I'm not certain if it ever will be. So I'll just leave it and let others ponder its existance. :)
I'm the voice inside your head
You refuse to hear
I'm the face that you have to face
Mirrored in your stare
I'm what's left, I'm what's right
I'm the enemy
I'm the hand that will take you down
Bring you to your knees
Lyrics --- Video
|
|
| Dangerous Mind - Within Temptation
|
For my very favorite stalker.
I'm searching for answers
Not questioned before.
The curse of awareness,
There's no peace of mind.
As your true colors show
A dangerous sign.
Lyrics --- Video
|
|
| Hands - Jewel
|
Another song for faith and her place in it.
I won't be made useless
I won't be idle with despair
I will gather myself around my faith
For light does the darkness most fear
Lyrics --- Video
|
|
| You Know My Name - Chris Cornell
|
The voice of the little demon that sits on her shoulder and whispers to her to try and inspire doubt and fear.
Arm yourself because no one else here will save you
The odds will betray you
And I will replace you
You can't deny the prize it may never fulfill you
It longs to kill you
Are you willing to die?
The coldest blood runs through my veins
You know my name
Lyrics --- Video
|
|
|
|
|
