:: Random NPC—Duchess Fendrel ::

Duchess Fendrel

by Wm Jay Carter III, 5/15/15

Homeland: Burgundy

Age: Middle-Aged

Gender: Male

Stature: Short

Physical: Clean-Shaven

Eyes: Brown

Hair: Auburn

Outwardly: Happy

Inwardly: Focused

Profession: Fisherman

Money: Working-Class

Catchphrase: “Good day to you, fellows! Sit with me awhile, for the air is fine and the catches are willing!”

You pause by the gangplank for no more than a moment when a fisherman hails you from the edge of the docks. His auburn hair is pulled back into a stylish tail, and his clean-shaven face makes him appear far younger than he really is. “Good day to you, fellows! Sit with me awhile, for the air is fine and the catches are willing!”

Fendrel was born the legitimate daughter of Hugh of Arles, and rightfully in line to become the duchess of Lower Burgundy in her father’s absence. But as Hugh’s marriage to Fendrel’s mother was annulled so he could secure a political marriage, Fendrel spent her early years pretending to be her father’s male servant to ensure she was not seen as a threat by his new wife.

This complex intrigue was all just as well, for Fendrel’s heart was never in ruling, but rather with the sea and its mysteries. She spent many days skipping her duties to sit at the docks of Marseille and fish, dreaming of one day stowing away on a Roman longship and escaping to the open ocean. Then, when political intrigue found her step-mother thrown in prison, Fendrel saw the wisdom in preemptive escape and joined the Roman navy, pretending to be a man as she had for most of her life.

Fendrel’s focus and drive secured her key promotions in the fleet, and soon she was serving as an admiral. Over the years she formed a close bond with an attractive seaman named Henry, and used her influence to ensure that he was always stationed aboard her ship. With life as a man offering her so few opportunities for a genuine romantic relationship, Fendrel treasured the bond she always shared with Henry.

At last a battle took its toll on Fendrel, and she was gravely injured. The emperor himself insisted that she retire, but it was Henry’s genuine care for her that finally made her relent. Thus coerced into hospice with a large estate waiting for her, Fendrel named Henry steward of her properties so that they might be together for the remainder of her days. At long last, she revealed herself to Henry, and the two are to be wed as soon as she is well again. Until then, the doctor has prescribed relaxation...which Fendrel takes in the form of a daily fishing trip to the docks.