Marquessa Mia Riven
Cooperation is not a luxury, but a requirement. Make it work.
Description: Long, thick, straight hair falls in shining black waves to the midst of Mia's back. The gossamer cascade shapes inward around her high cheekbones, lending to the gently oval shape of her face. Her golden-toned features are softened by the slight downturn of her nose over the bow of her full lips. Her eyes narrow in a slight curve, gleaming black beneath thin brows, framed by thick lashes. Lean but shapely, there is something about Mia that suggests directed motion, a contained grace and a strong likelihood that wisdom lies in removing oneself from her path.
Personality: Mia Riven will take no shit from anyone, thanks. Her cool reserve is a frosty, snarky edge over a bite that can go about a foot deep -- yet beneath that surface layer of ice, there is a passionate, fiery soul, who will stop at nothing to achieve her goals. That said, while she is hardly warm, she is duty-bound and loyal -- heart-achingly loyal -- to her ideals and to her people. Once her heart is won, the compassion that she can give is simply unending. Mia loves power not for its trappings or for the mantle of authority but for the ability to help; the ability to make a difference. Change drives her as a concept in her life. She never wants to hold still.
Background: Mia inherited the countship of the Twainfort when the adult Rivens all died along with the Deepwoods under the swords of Abandoned. It's the kind of beginning, in fire and death, that would make this story make all the more sense if she grew into a vengeance lustful soldier, ready to put every Shav'Arvani settlement to the sword. But that is not what she did. When an outrider from the traveling camp of deserter Abandoned came to the fort, Mia did not just meet with him; she insisted on returning with him to meet with his leader, fearless and insistent. At 17, she brokered a deal with Thesarin, leader of the Abandoned rebels, that would one day bring his followers and her people into one unified countship, under he and her as Countess and Count. If she fell madly in love with him that night, well, it wasn't her fault she was 17. But she was more than a headstrong girl with a crush: she was the Countess of the Twainfort, mistress of the Twins, and she would do everything she could to prevent the tragedy that had struck her family from destroying their legacy. The countship would be secured and her borders would be reinforced.
After an unsteady couple of years where she balanced on a precipice of war, chaos, famine and open revolt, Mia Riven married Thesarin and brought his people into the fold. She ennobled them all with the strength of her liege's lieges behind her, and created a new County, a new House, essentially, for the Twainfort: "Kin in Honor," those who had been the Greenwoods and those who had been the river traders.
At 19, she married Thesarin. At that point, she completely hated him, as only a 19 year old girl can hate a man who does not love her. But she loved her duty, and she loved her countship, and she knew what was best for her people.
Together, they grew. Whatever their private romance or lack thereof, they developed over time into an astounding partnership, filling in the gaps in each other's strengths, and showing their people with open progessivism exactly how to integrate the customs of the Prodigals with the customs of the Compact: uniquely, individually, with respect for the humanity of all -- and in accordance, of course, with the laws of the Faith. If anything, bearing children (first, her heir, Vahari, and then two more) only made her feel this all the more fiercely. Mia is a mother who will protect her children; she is a leader who will protect her people; and she is a passionate idealist who will protect the Compact. These all go together.
Relationship Summary
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| Name | Summary |
| Aiden | I learned more about her during the battle of Stormwall. She was unyielding in the face of the enemy and suffered injuries while protecting the defenseless. If I had been less childish when she first came to Arx and made time for her, I would know a lot more of what was beneath the strength than I do now. |
| Alaric | An inspiration to never stop moving forward, an excellent and multi-talented administrator, a trusted and reliable ally of House Grayson. |
| Alarie | PRetty sure, she's the kind of noble who plays the mediator. Or something like that. Pretty, nice, mediated. Ic ould probably learn some tact from her. If I gave two shits. I'll have to give her a discount. |
| Aleksei | The Countess of the Twainfort seems to be pretty savvy with her questions, and she's clearly got a lot of steel underneath all of it. Not even underneath. The steel is pretty visible. She's pretty steely. (But she also immediately fell in love with Peanut, so.) |
| Alexis | Kind, polite, and... Wearing oversize armour to a battle she did right to stay away from. I like her, though. She seems to have a good heart, and she focused on the important bit of a rescue mission - the rescue. |
| Amari | The Countess seemed well enamoured of my dog. Not that I can blame her, really. She obviously has a discerning eye for good boys (even if they aren't particularly handsome, or obedient, or well mannered and maybe smell a bit off). |
| Apollo | She sure travels with a lot of guards! Generous with information, though I found myself sweating. |
| Astraea | Oh she's smart. When everyone else seemed confused by all the goings on she sorted it out right quick. I also like how engaging she is, a companion of Esoka's and wife to Thesarin? Ah. Alas such a strong House Riven is. The cooperative nature of the Countess will come in handy in the coming battles, this is known. |
| Berenice | Clearly ambitious, diligent, and resourceful. I hope she's able to shape her dreams into a beautiful reality! |
| Bhandn | She and I seem to think alike, especially when it concerns matters pertaining to our foreign guests. A part of me is curious to discover the topics on which we would /dis/agree. |
| Calaudrin | Ah, what is there to say about Countess Mia? She's intimidating. I suspect that's a good quality to have if you're a countess. She's also bothersome when she pries into your personal life. But I can recognize that she means well. Makes the rub of it a bit less frustrating. |
| Cirroch | I can only hope that the relationship that my siblings and I have continues to endure to allow us to be as brazen and absurd as the Marquessa is with hers. |
| Cristoph | She tells me that I met her while I was unconscious after the tournament. Sadly, I don't remember. Fancy that! My more conscious impression of her is that she's a lovely woman and funny to boot. I look forward to future engagements. |
| Cybele | Countess Mia Riven is a Countess of Twainfort which I think means she has two forts. She is polite and curious and I will teach her many things! |
| Delilah | The crucible of experience has forged an incomparable woman, in whom strength of character, wisdom, and intellectual spirit burn unquenched. A guiding light for a nascent golden age. |
| Drake | Intelligent and driven. She has had a bit of a checkered past it seems, and stories to tell. I get the feeling she laughs quite rarely... so I'm quite flattered I got to witness it. |
| Edain | Marquessa Mia is the sort of woman who fills me with pride to stand as her patron. She serves the greater good with her all, as I do, and that makes us kindred. |
| Elsa | A woman after my own heart. I can relate to her in more ways than most and I look forward to many more productive and interesting meetings. |
| Esoka | Countess Mia and her House Riven is the foundation upon which Esoka has built her life in the Compact. It hasn't always been easy but, after all these years, she is as staunch an ally and defender of Mia and her people as you'll find. And what's more, she considers the countess a friend. |
| Evelynn | There's a bravery in the marquessa that I'm in awe of. |
| Evonleigh | Bold, clever, ambitious -- the countess is everything a lady should aspire to be. |
| Ezra | It's so good to see my older sister again, and so fine a thing to be understood by family, that I might even endeavor to make myself helpful to the House. Shh, don't tell her that though. |
| Giada | I always appreciate it when someone has a good head on their shoulders and an interesting mind. |
| Gianna | Fine taste in filigree and jewelers. |
| Giulio | A helpful countess. I look to speak with her more on matters in the future. And her aid in certain matters cannot be understated. |
| Hamish | Everyone's disappointed mom. |
| Hickson | Not gregarious and not unkind, she is someone who can see through the nonsense to the heart of things. |
| Ida | The Countess of the Twainfort endeared me some time ago, both through work I've done as well as simply by reputation. Speaking with her, one easily can see what a formidable person she is, and how much she cares for her people. I am always honored when I am trusted with work on a repeated basis, but find myself equally as humbled by the kindness and strength from where that trust comes from Countess Mia. |
| Jael | She went through a similar ordeal to mine at the melee, seeing a loved one downed, so I felt a connection with her immediately. I wish I could have paid more attention to her conversation about the Abandoned tribes. I know so little about these things, and it makes me think about how I approached the journey to the Eventide. |
| Jasper | It seems as though the Marquessa is no stranger to loss and her project to redeem those of our erstwhile foes who have found clarity is worth supporting and seeing to fruition. Different paths, same road. |
| Jyri | She tended to my wounds at the Rose tournament. Don't want to argue with her! I have nothing but the utmost respect for this Countess. |
| Kaia | The Marquessa is a woman deserving of praise and admiration. She is a true leader. A steadfast woman; and an intellectual. Some may question why many are bending the knee to her; but I do not. Mia Riven is a lady worth following. Has been since I first met her; and will, undoubtedly, continue to be so until the very end. |
| Kaldur | Don't get on her bad side. |
| Kenna | Rivan is a house I would be proud to be a part of, and the Lady of it no different. She is a delight! |
| Killian | With the way she charmed those shav, I would wonder how long it would take her to charm the birds and squirrels down right out of the trees..definitely an asset! |
| Laric | At least one person at the table was above talk of webbed toes, thank the Gods. |
| Lou | I first encountered her during the Grayson mission I was on, that involved the Red Boar shavs. She was among those that helped save me, nearly getting herself cleaved in half. She has heart and spirit though, and the world needs more people with heart and spirit. |
| Luca | I only needed to see her look at two people (Myself and the King, in that order), but I can tell you this for sure. Her eyes are made of owls and stink. I won't hold it against her. She seems, otherwise, like a pleasant dinner guest. |
| Malesh | Saved my life, or what's left of it. I owe her a debt I hope I can repay. |
| Maris | Matriarch of House Riven. She cares about her younger brother, that's for sure. Beyond that, she's a warm personality with some definite charm and intelligence. |
| Mason | There are many that are curious about Eurus and the culture within. Rarely does Mason find someone that is more interested in learning about his experiences coming to Arx and the challenges he faced in the beginning. It takes a person with much empathy and consideration to focus on such a thing, and Mia did it in the genuine interest of improving the lives of others. |
| Medeia | The marquessa makes me think of who I might have become if I had stayed in Esywnd, and that is not a bad thing. She is strong and wonderful. |
| Michael | Countess Mia Riven, a fixture in my life from as early as I can remember. She never found it difficult to look to me to fix my behavior. To chastise me for the hay into dresses. Nor did she find it difficult to catch me by the elbows and tell me I've done well. I cherish her. It isn't often that a Countess gets to craft her future Duke. |
| Mirk | The newly elevated Marquessa of the Twainfort. In a word...Dedicated. She has a goal, and she will see it through to completion, no matter what comes her way. |
| Nisaa | The Riven Marquessa is generous and kind, and ever so helpful. Those in her presence should count themselves lucky, for certain. |
| Noah | She drinks and knows things. Maybe she'll let her husband come out and play, but she's not the worst. |
| Norwood | She has a sense of presence about her, something that says she's in charge no matter where she steps. |
| Oswyn | The countess is in a unique position with unique opportunities; she has been gracious with her time and our conversations are quite productive. Sometimes I even forget to be nervous. |
| Petal | She is a very awesome countess who is familiar with Mangata and the Shav. |
| Raimon | First seen at Oswyn's GodSwearing, the Marquessa Mia Riven watched with pride as Oswyn took the giant step to deeper service of The Divine |
| Reese | She is eager to help and seems quite intelligent and thoughtful. |
| Rinel | She likes Wynna. That means I like her. And she said such nice things about me! |
| Rymarr | A loyal vassal whom I've only had the opportunity to meet once or twice. I do hope that she'll get her children to Arx and remain for some time. I imagine that she and Samantha, working together, can accomplish even more than my wife already has. A true force to be reckoned with, I would think. |
| Rysen | One with an affinity for animals and deep concern for her friends. She also possess astounding fluency with obscure languages. |
| Sabella | The marquessa may seem unapproachable to some, but I find her to be one of the best the Crownlands has to offer. |
| Saedrus | Countess Mia Riven is just sublime company. The young woman has a lovely smile and easy sort of nature in conversation, she is interested and interesting; I always enjoy that in someone. She also has divine taste in dessert, I cannot approve more. |
| Samithel | She is the mightiest of waterfalls, and the pool beneath. |
| Saverio | She has a regal bearing about her. |
| Shard | I don't know. Reserved. Talking about the Sylv'alfar's war with humanity. Doesn't seem afraid to say what she thinks, however. Knows when she's been observed. Had a lot of questions for Aleksei. Someone to watch. |
| Thena | I got to meet her for the first time without being covered in her husband's blood at the KoS exhibition. She's forthright, doesn't seem like she puts up with bullshit, and isn't afraid of a little gore. I like her. |
| Thesarin | I find that, when the Countess sets her mind on a thing, it tends to happen. |
| Vitalis | Gravid, grave, polyglot. I wonder if her babe will babble in Eurusi or an 'alfar tongue. What do 'alfar babes even babble? Are there 'alfar babes? They can have children with humans, but-- this will have to wait. An intriguing woman to be certain. |
| Willow | I keep seeing her around and meaning to engage. |
| Xia | I met Marquessa Mia when she came for tea and to request her Gift of the Empire. Hers was not a request I had expected, and not one I am hopeful for. But I can tell from our meeting that the Marquesa is a driven and passionate woman. |
| Zoey | Very knowledgeable about the Sylv'alfar and that whole situation. She has probably been dealing with it for a while. |