ESTELLE VALENTINE

HISTORY

The memories Estelle has from her early childhood with her parents are very few and far between. She doesn't remember their faces anymore but at times in her dreams she can remember them affectionately calling for her. The feelings she experiences in those dreams tell her that she truly was loved and cherished. Yet still, she struggles to believe. Is it her mind playing trick on her or was this the truth?

Estelle Valentine's parents died when Estelle was still extremely young. Due to having no one else to care for her, her uncle decided to adopt her into his family. However he never once treated her as family. Rather just an extension of the household servants that were attending his own family.

Estelle was often neglected and abused. Kept out of sight, locked away in an attic to avoid prying eyes. She'd even be forced to handle household chores just like the attendants did. Only occasionally would her uncle bring her into the public eye to garner sympathy and use her as a social and political tool. (As it was rumored her parents were killed due to treasonous plots planned between them. In order to distance himself and prove himself loyal to the crown, her uncle would often use her as a stepping stone to elevate his position.)

This toxic cycle continued until Estelle was 10. When she was 10 she met her 'would-be-savior', who would rescue her momentarily from her uncle's clutches. It was with there she would develop a love and passion for swordsmanship and the knight order. So much so that she made it her dream to become a strong and capable knight just like her new caretaker.

Between the ages of 10-18 she lived with her savior, studied, trained, and honed her skills. She swiftly was making a name for herself as a prodigy. Having bested numerous talented soldiers and having plenty of victorious battles under her belt. She would go on to train to join the Royal Knight order afterwards for three years.

While attending Galar's military academy for three years she would come out as one of the top representatives of her class. While the order of Knights was an old traditional position, Estelle still dreamed of becoming one. While they might not have the glory they once did in their old age, through her own talents she was personally knighted by the Queen and placed in the order of The White Fang, a personal unit dedicated to the protection of the crown.

Six years Estelle served in military service as a soldier and a knight. During those years she was assigned numerous missions that she completed to the best of her abilities, further proving her capabilities. Eventually she would receive more and more orders directly from the Queen. Thus was the origin of her namesake, 'The Queen's Hound'. One that obeyed solely her orders and carried them out with unshakable loyalty no matter what the task was.

However, what people didn't know at the time was the blackmail the Queen was giving Estelle. Estelle was a bright girl with her own sense of justice. But the Queen was ambitious, calculating, and at times cruel. By her orders Estelle was forced to do things she would never be proud of. She was held in place by the Queen's scheming nature. She would often make use of Estelle's weaknesses in order to lock her into being a loyal tool.

Even now the Queen still has her in her iron grip. Her recent maneuverings resulting in Estelle's arranged marriage with one of the Queen's relatives. She has no idea why she was chosen for this or why the Queen seems hellbent to keep her under heel after all she's done for her during these past six years. Either way, Estelle yearns for freedom.

PERSONALITY & HOBBIES

Due to the nature of how she was brought up and the unfortunate circumstances that surrounded her life, Estelle has grown accustomed to holding back her emotions, eventually resulting in a tough and hardened exterior now. She struggles to process her emotions as well as other's, often holding onto numerous pressures until they reach a boiling point and she snaps. Under normal circumstances she comes off as dejected, unapproachable, and aloof. When speaking she's quite frank, never one to engage in witty wordplay. Often her honesty has resulted in misunderstandings among her peers, as it can be taken as disrespectful. Despite what she's been made to do, she has a strong sense of justice. She doesn't like to see people mistreated, though she's aware that right and wrong can't always be defined as simply as 'black and white'.

• Fencing
• Horseback Riding
• Embroidery
• Piano
• Gardening

CURRENT PLOTS

THE QUEEN'S HOUND
After making a name for herself as a talented squire, it was no surprise that she would pursue knighthood even going so far as to seek to join the Galarian Royal Kighthood. Estelle wasn't met with with sunshine and roses of course, but as she fought her way to the top, it was undeniable that the woman was incredibly gifted. She was strong and steadfast, a woman of moral character. Able to adapt to any situation and someone who held a strong sense of justice. Perhaps that's why she made the perfect target. Estelle was personally knighted by the current Queen and was placed in the first order of Royal Knights, 'The White Fangs', who reported directly to the Crown.

Of the 'Fangs' Estelle would work her way to a trusted position by accomplishing every mission that was set before her, thus making a name for herself as 'The Queen's Hound'. One who obeyed every order with unquestionable loyalty. Rumors even began in high society that all of the Queen's dirty work was passed to her. Her name was as feared as the 'boogie man' among the Queen's enemies. After years of 'faithful' service, Estelle was granted the honorary title of Baroness of the lands just outside of Circhester. Still to this day, when difficult or even unsavory missions arise, Estelle is called upon by the Queen as someone capable and who will always get the job done.

SEEKING:
^*DM Arti first about this one as it is important and will require a lot of maneuvering in order to see this puzzle piece come to fruition!

• Enemies that had an encounter with the 'Hound'. Ones that hold a particular grudge against the Crown/Queen and Estelle. It could've been a physical encounter or even just oppression from the monarchy that Estelle served as mouth piece for.
• Fellow Knights in the Royal Order of 'The White Fangs' or even other peers from other Knighthood segments. Possible personal squires that trained under Estelle or even some other notable nobles of Galarian high society and royal court. (Those who would know of Estelle's uncle as he is closely involved in politics. Or who could've observed Estelle as she grew up to be the woman she is today.)
• SECRET*: Those who know the truth of Estelle's parents death and the ties to the crown.

FREEDOM FIGHTER
Estelle has been stationed in Hoenn to be the eyes and ears of the Crown. She's there to monitor her fiancé (Duncan Calcifet) who is on a mission to bring back the runaway crown prince (Remiel Calcifet). She is also to keep an eye on the new Galarian ambassador (Elise Calcifet) to ensure that she has no desires to usurp the throne or sow seeds of discord into the people regarding the current political power holders in Galar. Estelle is to act under her majesty the Queen's authority and handle any obstacles that might arise that are counterintuitive to the crown's ideals. (All to be done discreetly of course. Wouldn't want to risk diplomatic issues between nations.)

However, now that Estelle is out of direct eyesight of the crown and other's that have been oppressing her and using her for years, she is presented with the unique opportunity to live for herself. She could betray the crown and forfeit her mission and honor and live for what she deems is right. Directly challenging the oath that she swore, even though that oath has brought her great pain. She could reinvent herself little by little and find a new purpose to devote herself to.

SEEKING:

• New friends that can help shoulder the burden of this 'old soul'. Those that are well equipped to break this ice queen's frozen exterior.
• Estelle is a decorated knight, she has specific skillsets that could be of use in the police force or otherwhere. Perhaps recruiters that could recognize her potential and seek her out.
• Those that are against how the Galarian monarchy is handling things. That would be able to appeal to the injustices that she's suffered

RELATIONS

ACQUAINTANCES

• Remiel Calcifet: pending
• Elise Calcifet: pending
• Diana Cavendish: pending

FRIENDS

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FAMILY

• EUGENE VALENTINE: The younger brother to Estelle's father. He took Estelle in after her parents died when she was young, but never once cared for her. He often saw her as a burden until she went on to prove herself useful. Ever the jealous, greedy, power-hungry man, he saw fit to pressure Estelle to continue to appeal to the crown. As Estelle grew in popularity among the nobles so too did she elevate his status, making his dreams of being a political man come true. He continues to leech off of his niece's success and will likely continue to do so until he bleeds her dry.
• PENELOPE VALENTINE: Estelle's first cousin and only daughter to her uncle, Eugene Valentine. After her uncle had assumed control of Estelle's inheritance left by her father, (under the guise of holding onto it until she was older) Penny essentially became and heiress overnight. Due to the harsh treatment Estelle endured at home, Penny, who was used to be pampered, would take it upon herself to constantly remind Estelle of her place. Often bullying the young child or getting her in trouble. As she grew older her popularity in high society was cemented due to her wealth and her father's political standing. But while Estelle returned and gained more and more popularity she found herself seething more and more with rage. In her mind, every good and perfect thing that happened to Estelle belonged to her. So even to this day she still attempts to make her cousin's life a living hell.
• Gwyar Wledig: Her 'savior', mentor, and apparent 'father-figure'. Gwyar was the one who managed to take a broken and emotionless child and help nurse her back to health. Under his care and supervision for eight years Estelle lived with him and his family. Being adopted into the fold she got to experience proper care, love, and education, things she wouldn't have gotten to enjoy while staying with her uncle. It was also Gwyar who taught her swordsmanship and the glory and honor of being a knight. This is where Estelle fell in love with the idea of becoming a knight who could protect other's and fight for peace. For all intents and purposes, in Estelle's mind, Gwyar Wledig is her adopted father and his children her adopted siblings. Estelle's goal is simply to become half the hero he is in her eyes.

LOVERS

• Duncan Calcifet: Prince Duncan and Duke of Galar is her fiancé by marriage arrangement via the current Queen of Galar. With no way of escape in sight Estelle suggested a 'Marriage of Convenience' between herself and Duncan. At least until they could properly get a divorce, to which he agreed. While they haven't been wed just yet, wedding bells toll on the horizon. For now, Estelle just plans to lay low with her head down as to not draw any suspicion from the Queen. Both Estelle and Duncan are currently on mission within the region to locate the crown prince, Remiel Calcifet and report their findings to the Queen.