Duchess Calista Fidante
They'll deny it, but most people love scandal and love drama. They love to see the rich and powerful misbehave as only they can, and they especially love to see hypocrites show their true colors. I happen to agree, I just never expected it to be so fun to nudge matters along.
Social Rank: 3
Concept: The Rose of Enchantment
Fealty:
Velenosa
Family:
Fidante
Gender: female
Marital Status: married
Age: 25
Birthday: 7/15
Religion: Pantheon
Vocation: Noble
Height: average height
Hair Color: blackened cinnamon
Eye Color: shadowed emerald
Skintone: bronzed
Description: Effortlessly, Calista exudes an aura of sultry trouble, a wicked glimmer in her dark eyes, an unconscious swagger in her step. Always dressed and groomed impeccably, there is always a sense of chaos around the young noblewoman. Beautiful, beyond a doubt, her dark hair falls in a tumble of thick lush waves about her slender face, accenting the Tehom-may-care grin ever present on her lush lips. The curves of her figure remain one of the great wonders of Arx, which she flaunts or covers based on her own whims. Her laugh is quick and musical, but never cruel, and the sparkle in her eye may hold infinite mischief, but never true wickedness.
Personality: Wild and passionate, living for the moment and thinking later on consequences, Calista was a nightmare for her many, many tutors trying to impress the need for propriety and restraint upon the infectiously charming young noblewoman. It's not that she doesn't understand the implications for scandal or how 'bad' behavior can horrify the oh-so-proper well heeled members of the Peerage, she simply feels if none of them know how to enjoy themselves it is hardly her problem and that if she makes a few elderly stuffy dukes drop dead in apoplexy from witnessing libertine behavior then perhaps Arx will be better for it. Still, she's more reserved (by her standards) around her far social superiors that could actually inflict real consequences upon her. She enjoys finding out where the limits lay, and just how close she can get to the line without crossing it.
Background: Despite a tragic past, Calista is not a bitter woman. Not that she wouldn't possess considerably justification to be bitter, in her humble opinion. When your stepfather murders your mother after your birth to attempt a coup by declaring himself regent over you, and your elder brother leads a revolt that kills the man even before you learn how to walk, it's not the most auspicious beginnings to a bright and shining happy childhood. But she's not the only noblewoman to be raised nearly entirely by tutors instead of family, due to her lord brother the Duke barely ever having time for his only surviving sibling. So no, Calista is not bitter, but she also has no intention of letting her life be dictated to her by an older sibling, no matter how well intentioned. Who to see, how to speak, how to act due to how she might be perceived, what to wear, what hobbies to pursue, and on and on and on to 'live up to the standards of the Fidante family', when House Fidante is mostly well known for how her stepfather murdered her mother and started a war. She damned well will decide exactly what it means to be a Fidante, and to her that means having fun how she wants, when she wants, anyway she wants it despite the opinions of anyone else.
Political power and scheming and intrigue is fine for some people (especially old boring ones), and it's hilarious to have the movers and shakers of society try to guess devious cunning plans behind the random things she does, but she doesn't really set out to cause trouble. Well, mostly. Some people deserve trouble. But she really isn't trying to give her brother the Duke of Tyr a heart attack, she just refuses to be reined in and bow to the public perceptions of the oppressively boring and old that cluck their tongues in disapproval at daring behavior or gasp in horror that someone used the wrong spoon at a royal feast. For those people, she is only too happy (gleeful, really) to be considered 'a problem' or 'trouble' and if she can make their lives more difficult without getting into real trouble for it, she will gladly take it. Maybe she'll settle down and get serious about playing the games of power and politics that older nobles enjoy, maybe she'll even make her ideas of fun benefit her in that regard, but for now, she mostly is just about a good time.
Relationship Summary
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| Name | Summary |
| Alaric | Breathtaking in all the best ways, she blossomed into quite the leader during my curse; but she always had the talent and the capacity to make the title of the Rose of Tor her own. Her emergence only makes the Compact a stronger realm. |
| Alarissa | When I visit, it is always delightful. Nothing like lounging about in the gardens with the Duchess Fidante. I need to lounge with her more often. |
| Alessan | The Rose of Tor is an inspirational symbol to all of those who live within the city and the duchy. I am excited to come to Arx to assist her and her family in making Tor a shining example for all of Arvum. And to write many poems of her great beauty. |
| Alessandro | Many who claim ignorance in any subject are the least so, and I very much suspect the duchess is one of those. And, as well, excellent company, which is even further in her favor. |
| Alrigo | Delight of a customer and a Lycene one at that. About time my fellow Southern-born stopped being outdone by the cold wintry Redrain. My staff conveniently told me she was not present in the shop. |
| Amund | Charming, gorgeous. She uses beauty like a weapon. Like someone who knows how to use the weapon and means it. |
| Angelo | Forever a force of nature, her willpower and drive remain as unyielding as steel. A refreshing change of company. |
| Anisha | Duchess Calista Fidante is a radiant woman, and one I'm glad to have been in the presence of. Truly, the finest Rose that Tor has grown. |
| Arman | The Duchess of Roses is as striking as her namesake with a mind as sharp as one of its thorns. It is a pleasure and a reward to take her counsel. |
| Armand | The Rose of Tor is as her reputation would imply. Beautiful and sensual, without needing to try. I pity the men and women who would then make assumptions on the Duchess' other faculties. To forget her mind is as foolish as to ignore the thorns. |
| Arn | Leo's sister. Duchess of Tor now. Needs to start taking things seriously. Unless she's as dumb as she pretends to be. I doubt it. Surprisingly few actual morons leading duchies. You'd think someone with that much heartache in life would be a little more grim. She should be. |
| Atria | Duchess Calista is a remarkable woman. I would say she is beautiful, but that is the least of her qualities. She made me feel at home and provided most intelligent conversation. As barbarians go, she's a good one. |
| Audgrim | I see trouble coming. |
| Baldessare | The women of the Lyceum have long had a reputation for being dangerous. Duchess Calista reminds me so very much of those legends, all the while being immensely inviting. |
| Bianca | The Duchess of Roses remains one of the more iconic individuals I have come to know in my time in Arx. Her carriage is one that emanates an underlying power and confidence that is truly enviable. When Duchess Calista enters a room, all eyes are commanded to turn to her. |
| Brigida | Throwing a party in the snow with knife throwers? That is actually something I ^haven't^ seen before. I'm a little impressed at her hosting. |
| Cadenza | Few are as warm and immediately welcoming as my husband's cousin, who did not even hesitate to bring me -- half-wild, and rough around the edges -- into her family. I went without family for the longest time, and thought I was stronger for it. She, however, has taught me otherwise. |
| Calypso | The only reason I don't REALLY have spies looking out for her in the Black Fox is because they'd probably just tell Fiora first. |
| Cassiopeia | A pleasant woman, charming and well spoken. Her social skills are impeccable and she is a delight to engage with. |
| Clover | Asks bold questions. |
| Drake | She knows how to throw a splendid party, and is just as entertaining to meet at someone else's. I enjoy her sense of style... and mischief. |
| Duarte | Never let it be said that one can be too suggestive. It's the most delightful game to play. |
| Eleyna | She walks into a room and the temperature goes up at least ten degrees. I'm not sure if I want to be her and have her. I -am- sure I'm not the only one she has this effect on. |
| Elora | I really do like her. She seems honest and kind, and I have hopes that this will work out well. |
| Esme | My cousin is my heart, family is all that one has in this world. She rules as she can and with skill and beauty. Sometimes, I wish she would allow me more to take some of the weight off her sculpted shoulders. |
| Evelynn | As beautiful as she generous. The duchess is wonderful company. |
| Fatima | Duchess of Roses lives up to the hype. Damn. I like how straight up she is, damn sexy too. |
| Ferrando | The Duchess of Tor has had to weather her share of storms, but always seems to be cool, sociable, and in control no matter what's going on. I'd also say something about how she's very impressive to be so composed and accomplished at her age, but saying things like that make me feel old, and I am NOT OLD. |
| Gaspar | What more can be said about The Rose of Tor? In a rosebush, tended to perfection, she is the one that is noticed first and for more reasons than her beauty. She radiates passion. For life, for her people. For more. I sense a kindred soul in that. I must be careful or else I may find no scent as sweet ever again. |
| Gaston | Seems unphased by Duke Arn's invective. Apparently she thinks his insults means he respects you. I suppose if that were true, Ansel has proud a father as one can imagine. I think I'd rather wish it were so, actually, but I'm afraid I'm not so certain she's the right of it. In any case, she's pleasant enough, with a certain dry humor, I gather. |
| Giulio | I wonder how many foolishly think of the Duchess as a pretty schemer -- she is so much more than that. |
| Ignacio | Duchess of Roses. Beautiful and charming, not just a reputation, but hard fact. |
| Ignacio | My cousin has grown into quite the leader. She truly embodies the rose: lovely, but not to be trifled with. |
| Jasmine | The Duchess has done quite well for herself. I never come away from a conversation with her without a smile and feeling even better than normal about having the name I do. |
| Josephine | The Duchess Fidante. There is much to be said about the woman, and not enough words to do so. her taste in jewelry is without parallel and Josephine enjoys it when the woman enters her shop with a desire to collaborate. |
| Jules | The duchess of Fidante and seems interested in what your services might be that you could offer to her family. She has some definite appeal in a number of ways. |
| Julian | A kind and generous Duchess. She seems quite suited for her position, and cares for the people of the south well. |
| Lora | My late husband's cousin. She remains as beautiful, charming, and gracious as I remember... and so I expect I shall be quite busy soon. |
| Luis | A fun and helpful Duchess, though it is believed that she also has another side that Luis has yet to fully see. Could be interesting. |
| Maddox | The Duchess of Tor is quite a lady. Just coming into her presence is quite an intimiate experience, and the way she handles herself in conversation and with her sheer presence makes any hot blooded male tremble with anticipation at what might come out of her mouth next. I wonder how many become too distracted to truly listen to what she has to say. Truly, a formiddable woman. |
| Martino | A perfect example of how political marriages can be surprisingly perfect for us unsuspecting men. Utterly captivating and a delight for the sharp greens. Offers wine out though and, after the wedding, truly something wary of. |
| Medeia | The duchess is an immaculate and gracious hostess, and a delightful guest. Her poise and style are enviable. |
| Mirari | Beautiful, flirty, and spreading wings with knives. What an adorable little baby duck. |
| Morrighan | Duchess of Roses. I recall seeing her, once upon a time, many years ago, discussing fur trade with Prince Rohkir. Though the times I've conversed with her have been few, she's quite poised and amicable, and it's thanks to her my roses are well-preserved. |
| Mydas | That one has a fire that, while anathema to my own inclinations, is admirable. Cunning, to be underestimated at one's own risk. |
| Narcissa | What they all try so desperately, and clumsily, to be in the Lyceum, she breathes into being effortlessly. My Duchess, this Steeled Rose, is the mark legions aim for but always fall short of. |
| Niklas | The Duchess of Tor is a tremendous boon to the arts, delightful company and a good friend to have. |
| Orazio | The Duchess is a sterling example of a Lycene lady, and O appreciates the strength that it must take to consider an the alliance she has mad, much less her friendliness with those of Southport. He enjoys seeing her smile. |
| Philippe | An elegant and graceful young lady, enkindled with passion and vigor. I hope I do not bore her overmuch. |
| Raimon | My former Duchess. If fate and marriage had not intervened I would have served her till my dying day. |
| Rane | I have met several Roses in recent days, but she is their Duchess and it's immediately evidently. She seems to be an exotic woman with beauty and grace that has been cultivated for years. I am glad that there is peace between Valardin and Velenosa. It would be difficult to go to war against her. |
| Reese | She is so lovely and so thoughtful too. She even thanked me! So alert and graceful. |
| Rodica | I admit, I have never been quite so enamoured by the idea of muffins before. |
| Rook | The Rose of Tor. The -real- Rose of Tor. The pretenders be damned, this is the real deal, the woman whom Rook has met to instruct in a few economical matters over time. |
| Sabella | The Duchess of Roses is a delight to come across when out and about! She knows a littel bit about everything and who to know and what to wear and I just find her utterly charming every time we meet--which is far too few and far between and that must be amended! |
| Sanya | With such elegance and wit, the duchess is the type of woman one doesn't forget. |
| Scipio | The Duchess of Roses is a very fine friend to have. I enjoy her company greatly, as have I the opportunities to learn from her that I have had. I count her as a friend, and hope that she does the same. |
| Sebastian | The Duchesse is truly a quick wit and it was entertaining to watch her banter with His Majesty. |
| Silvana | Duchess Calista is a kind Duchess. Fr kinder than I am. I do believe she is one of the few people I /might/ put ahead of myself. |
| Talwyn | The Rose of the Lyceum, I was honored to be a guest at her winter feast and to meet some of the vassals of her fealty to spend time with. I look forward to spending more time learning about her home and what songs may come from it. |
| Theron | The Duchess of Flowers is very sharp and knows how to receive guests at her Estate. Fidante is in good hands, and I trust their direction in the days to come. |
| Tyrus | She is what I would expect a Lycene Duchess to be. Beautiful, of course, charming and seductive without obviously trying. Polite, warm and welcoming, without making one forget that she is, in fact, a Duchess and worthy of that respect. |
| Vanora | The Duchess of Roses is known for her beauty and her charm, as well as the potential for being pricked on a thorn. A shimmering example of Lycene noble blood. |
| Vasile | Charming and imperious is the Duchess of Roses. I look forward to working with her. |
| Vicente | She's your niece and the duchess. You may not agree with her on everything but you'd do what she told you without a blink. Family is family and she has your affection despite all appearances. |
| Vitalis | In a word: formidable. An apt student, but I have more to learn than to teach. |