Ellaria Fairao
Blood in the Snow
This tall, muscular Veena is often seen as intimidating or unapproachable, certainly not aided with the sharp eyes and perpetual downturn of lips. While this appearance is helpful while she's working as an axe for hire of some regional renown, it is sometimes a hindrance when it comes to the other aspects of her life. Quiet and gruff, Ellaria can be difficult to get to know, but once earned, her loyalty is unquestioned. Any who are fortunate enough to find her on the service end of a bar are encouraged to allow this Viera to craft something unique. It might even bring the tiniest smile to her cold, weary face.
Demographics
Just the Basics
Name: Ellaria "Elle" Fairao
Race: Veena Viera
Gender: Female (she/her)
Origin: Abalathia's Spine
Occupation: Mercenary, Bartender
Skills: Agriculture, Mixology, Navigation
Notable Traits
Inner Rage, Outer Beast: Through the nature of her birth and the circumstances of her upbringing, Ellaria is quick to anger, and more than willing to accept violence as an answer to problems. On top of this, she has developed more bestial traits than the standard Viera, including a small tail and furred feral paws for feet, reminiscent of the more ancient bloodlines of the past.
Hot Blooded: Having been raised in an elevated mountain valley of Abalathia's Spine, Ellaria is cold-hardened. Even before the calamity, her home was frigid and harsh, only exacerbated by the eternal winter brought by the fall of Dalamud. As a result, she is wholly unbothered by cold, wind, or snow, but suffers easily when spending time in warmer climates.
History
A Simple Tale
Ellaria hails from a small band of Veena Viera that defected from the Skatay Range over a century ago. A group of old world traditionalists, they settled in a remote, treacherous, yet idyllic mountain valley high between the peaks of Abalathia's Spine. As in the ancient days, the group held strong beliefs of ancient bloodlines, with every member of the tribe born with silver hair. However, once every several generations, a child is born with hair of deep obsidian. An omen of misfortune born with beastly strength and fury to answer fate's call. The Inner Beast with the urge to protect burning in tandem with the need to destroy.Misfortune came calling when a band of soldiers arrived from the southwest, leaving flames and bodies in their wake. Ellaria did not live up to fate's expectations, having strayed from her village at just the wrong moment, only to return far too late. Only her beloved brother Veren was rescued from the fire. Burned and bleeding, Ellaria resolved to escape down the mountain with her sibling-- her only true friend. He did not survive the journey, perishing at Dawn's Vigil in the Eastern Highlands.Ellaria faced the world unknown as she settled near Ishgard. For years, she has done everything she can to find purpose beyond that for which she was born: to simply add more blood to the snow.Curious? Read More: From Dawn 'til Dusk
Hooks
Means of Approach
Specialist: While the market for bodyguards perhaps oversaturated, Ellaria has carved out a specific niche for herself guarding the best trade routes in and out of Ishgard. Her intimate knowledge of the terrain, sharp instincts, and freakish resistance to cold have earned her some renown.
More than a job: Bartending began as a job of desperation on her trek down from the mountains. However, she's found it to be an outlet for creativity. Ask her to go off-script at the bar and see what happens. Word of mouth spreads, either praising her creativity, or grumbling about her visible reluctance to make something deemed 'boring'.
Confident Steps: Ellaria spends nearly all of her time in Coerthas and Ishgard. Despite looking out of place in nearly every way, the Viera shows no fear nor awkwardness about striding through the stone city. Reactions to this is understandably mixed, some parties accepting the common sight, others resenting such an outsider welcoming herself to feel at home.
