If there was one Vailen house for Lucelwen to have an interesting relationship with, it was Solothrace. The family was fond of creating and cultivating eccentric souls. For example, before @under-the-elvish-sun​ governed as its current councelor, her brother was next in the Solothrace lineage to be Governor. Not her. But alas, that did not become the actuality. As children of former elder Councelors, Herik and Xi’mia, at times, crossed paths. After all, they were only a few centuries apart in age.Â
He was sure that as a Solothrace, Xi’mia was eccentric. At the very least, she had her moments. Of which, Herik had yet to witness. Try as he might, when he came across Xi’mia, in a few of their previous moments, Herik hoped that she would leave the serious pretense that she kept as Governess. He tried coaxing Xi’mia out of, well, what Herik presumed to be a shell and to have more fun. As who, in all truth, would believe him if he ever spoke of such? Unequivocally the son of his father, Herik understood that Councelor or not, one must attempt to have fun. Otherwise, the weight of the responsibilities of governing would become too much.Â
“It’s troubling,” Herik said, leaning back in his seat as he regarded Xi’mia. A quiet lull occurred during their chat. It was their first with Herik as a fellow Councelor. A part of Herik, the one who felt that the topic and tone of their conversation became too heavy, too serious, wanted to change the trajectory. “Never thought that there would come a day where I cease trying to see who Xi’mia Solothrace truly is. After the weight of the title and the responsibilities that come with it. But alas, here we are. How troubling, indeed.” Herik surmised. Another pause before a curious thought came to his mind and exited his mouth. “Does it ever change? That weight? Or does it eventually become you?”
Herik took in the passing sights of Fahalune as his three ships maneuvered through marshland towards the familiar docks. Purposely, Herik sent ahead word to @yavannasahrathel​ that Fahalune was on his post-election route. He, of course, also sent Yavanna a few gifts. While unnecessary, Herik had successfully maintained a rapport with her over the decades. And the gifts aided in that understanding. Yes, he was from House Lucelwen and peace was the ultimate goal for Herik and his people. Peace, democracy and a tad of prosperity. Sometimes, that required him to network with people and houses like Yavanna’s as not everyone’s goal mirrored House Lucelwen’s.Â
“Governing Lady,” He greeted Yavanna by her proper title after he was announced. “I take it that my official notice found you well?” Herik asked, wanting until they were alone to drop pretense about Yavanna’s gifts. “As you are appearing so.” He continued as he looked her over. Respectfully, of course. Moments later, the genuine partial smile on his face disappearing as briefly dwelled on the reason of his arrival. “You’re familiar with the post election tour of a new Governor. While this is not... how I prepared, I am glad to have your home on the list of Vailen Houses to visit. Truly.”Â
Avi looked up at the banners flying high in the Twingates. That stunning red, made even moreso by the elaborate black tree printed on it. It was a familiar sight, or well enough. The relationship with the Kumaras of Rajayer and the Lucelwens of Meriwen (not so much the Lavathren, but that was a different issue) went back for centuries, long before Avitej. But the recent generations got along well enough - Avi in particular with Governor Romil’s son Herik. Â
Although Avi’s own father had a lot of opinions about Romil (some respectful of course, others judgy…of course), Avi quite liked the father and the son. He’d didn’t know Herik’s mother as well, but he was sure he’d like her too. It still felt like a shock, that Governor Romil was dead.
Granted, it took Avi two months to get to the Twingates to pay his respects. His siblings had already paid their respects, but Avi was so busy in Loqoala and in the mainlands since Glasswater that he hadn’t yet had a chance to come to Meriwen personally - not just as the Heir Apparent on behalf of the Archduke, but also as a friend.
It couldn’t be helped. After Glasswater, there were a lot of people who’d lost family, for one reason or another. Being elven and therefore more isolated from the news that reached humans, Avi was curious about the Governor’s death. It all happened at such a coincidental time.
He wanted to ask Herik, but only if Herik was willing to talk about it. So here he was, on elven land, waiting for the Governor’s son to meet him for a parlay. Things wouldn’t be the same between them, not anymore. Â
Herik had called for the end of the long, slew of meetings that now required his presence since his return to Meriwen. And while, yes, it was fortunate that his mother, Chandra, was permitted to attend as well. It was Herik’s edicts that were the new authority. These were meetings that he accompanied Romil to. Not too long ago, Herik recalled appearing to direct his attention on the main topic of discussion, all the while allowing his mind to drift elsewhere. To the world outside of the meetings. But those days were gone now. The talks while interesting in their own right, were at times perceived as boring by Herik.Â
In the silence of the near empty conference room, and the meetings over, Herik breathed a sigh of relief. In a brief moment of vulnerability, Herik bowed his head, his forehead resting on the palms of his hands as elbows met the table. “I know that it feels much to bear now,” Chandra began, the only other person in room, as she arose to meet Herik from his place at the head of the table. “But over time, it will become easier. Romil was the same when he first sat in that seat.” Herik felt the warmth of her hand where it sat atop of his shoulder briefly. “Come. You should eat. It will help.” She advised, her tone easing into the motherly one that Herik recognized too well. A knock on the door captured his attention, the following announcement of the arrival of ships with House Kumara’s flags pushed the suggestion to eat aside. For the moment, anyways. “Of course. After this parlay, Mother.”Â
Gusts of wind greeted Herik as he neared, flipping his hair to and fro. “Avi!” He exclaimed over the sound. “Welcome!” With a wave of his hand, he calmed the air surrounding them. Afterwards, he combed a hand through his hair, in an attempt to tame said curls. “It’s good to see you, old friend. What brings you by? I do not recall a parlay for this time. If there was, well, much has happened since then.” Herik paused, quietly his stomach ached. Chandra was right in her suggestion, food would do Herik good. “I’m on the way to the banquet hall. Accompany me?” He invited.
Perhaps it was a tad indulgent. Herik’s impromptu voyage to East Reach. There was no urgent need for him to be there. Nor was there relevant, council related business as to why he was there. Just that, well, Herik decided to instruct his captain to make a slight detour on their journey as they sailed away from Red Keep. This was different, there was no guise of a new order to give that instruction. Merely his own whims. No longer did Herik captain his own ship and mingle as freely with his own crew. Regardless, his word carried weight. Even moreso as a Councelor than as the mere son of one. He waved off the unnecessary fanfare that was to accompany him, in his newly elected post. It wasn’t how he wanted to visit @alekashcraft​ in this unexpected manner. But at least Herik’s arrival was not a political one.
Herik had not confirmed if the outcome of his election and appointment as Councelor of Twingate reached the human world yet. Just that his father’s untimely death had. After all, it was how he learned of the news himself. Mere days before the humans. A part of Herik wondered if he would be able to operate under a guise of semi-anonymity. An odd sense of comfort came to him when it seemed that his arrival to East Reach was met with the old, familiar manner. The feeling was not one that Herik had not been much afforded, in the last few weeks. With his head raised and an upright stance, Herick walked out to meet Alek. He attempted a smile when the doors of the conservatory were opened and he saw the recognizable figure, tending to some business or the other. “Why am I not more surprised-” Herik began in lieu of greeting as he neared. “-that you’re not in farmer garb and tending to crops instead of here in the conservatory?” Herik asked instead. “Or is harvest season still a ways off?” He paused and looked Alek over. “I hear that you are officially Duke Ashcraft now. Is it true?” Â
Hold! Who goes there? Why, is that [HERIK LUCELWEN] the [COUNCELOR] of [TWINGATE]? They do look [HONORABLE] for a [VAE] of [1281] years. Don’t they call [HIM] the [RESOURCEFUL and CHARISMATIC MARINER]? I’ve heard they’re also [SECRETIVE and UNTRUSTING] though. Don’t take my word for it but they do look an awful lot like [DEV PATEL].
Basic Info
Name: Herik Lucelwen
Pronunciation: Herr-ick Lu-cell-win
Title (If they have one, Occupation if not): Lord Councelor/Governor of Twingate (Meriwen)
Age: 1281
Place of Origin: Vailen. Specifically Twingate at Meriwen.
Family Members: Father - Romil Lucelwen (deceased), Chandra Lucelwen (alive), possible unknown illegitimate half-Vae siblings [fc(s) must be 1/2 Gujarati Indian], distant blood-relative ties to House Lavathren as they are brother houses
Physical Description
Height: 6′2″ (1.88 m)
Hair Color: Black
Eye Color: Brown
Gender: Cis Male
Build: Tall & Slim
Distinguishing features? (Scars, tattoos, piercings): Black curly hair, usually at neck length. Has a beard and unconnected moustache.
Any health related issues?: None.
Personality
Before becoming a Councelor/Lord, Herik leaned heavily on his alluring disposition. He is a well-traveled and well-versed Vae with connections to authority. When his responsibilities weren’t at the top of his agenda, Herik enjoyed having fun. He has a knack for being disarming when needed.
One could say that disposition was an illusion. At his core, Herik is an analytical thinker and knows that some things, even people, simply have a price. Or an end intent. He’s learned that if he can help or be involved in those affairs, then well...every one wins. Or believes that they can.
Additional Info/Wanted Plots
Are you my brother? It is speculated that Romil had illegitimate children outside of his marriage with Chandra. The deceased Lord was known as a friend to humans. And to some, he was even more. So far, none of the presented claims of paternity have been true. However, Herik is aware that there is a chance that he has at least one half sibling. He has not made any attempts to find/discover them.
We are still family. House Lucelwen and House Lavathren are brother houses that still co-govern the Twingate area. Despite their obvious difference in beliefs when it comes to humans and democracy, Herik still holds onto the ideas of his father that both houses are still two branches of the same tree; that together, they are one people. Herik does not make light of this tie and when elected by the Vae of his isle, he agreed to progress the agenda of his father in that regard.
Ye Old(e) Days. Prior to his election, Herik served as a captain/mariner. Specifically, under Romil’s charge, Herik aided in retaining the traffic brought into southern Vailen surrounding Meriwen’s coastline and maritime boundaries. In addition, he traveled on his father’s behalf and has built relationships with humans with the intent to establish a path for permanent peace.
In his earlier years, Herik moon-lighted as a trader/merchant. It helped with his commission to build and maintain relationships for his father/house.
These relationships include possible unsavory individuals.
Being from Meriwen, Herik does not see humans, or any others that are not Vae, as subpar or below him. To Herik, they are just different. It is not uncommon for Herik to entertain other liaisons with them as well. He is his father’s son, after all. Also young.
A Murder in Meriwen. Compared to other pure blooded Vae, Romil died young. He was almost 4300 years old. His death was an unexpected surprise to all. Particularly, his family. During the nomination of Herik to be elected in his father’s old Lordship, a tri-fold of speculation circulated. One was that Romil was murdered - likely by the rebels. The other was that it was Herik whom had a hand in his father’s demise. The third was that Lady Chandra, not her son, was involved in the plot of Romil’s untimely end. The prevailing rumor, however, was the former and it was also what Herik suspected himself. It is a truth that he seeks to unearth. Â
History
Herik Lucelwen is the newly elected Councelor/Governor of House Lucelwen of Twingate. The Vae of Meriwen chose him as his father’s successor. He is the sole son and official inheritor of House Lucelwen. The unforeseen early death of Romil further accelerated Herik into the arena of politics. Before then, when Herik was around or involved in politics, it was merely to do his father’s bidding. And although, his parents had prepared him to eventually become the elected Councelor, after his father, that time was perceived to be thousands of years in his future. Not when Herik hadn’t reached 1300 years old yet. It was something that Herik felt was too soon.  Â
At the behest of his mother, and in agreement with his people, Herik was nominated and elected to the post of Councelor. He ignored the glaring fact that it was without the aid nor guidance of Romil. The responsibility of being his advisor belonged instead to his mother, Chandra. Whom, in the past, also advised Romil when needed. Honestly, Herik felt ill-equipped for the new task ahead of him. Yes, he’d once led a crew and brought about and maintained a network of relationships. But that was for the sake of his father. For his house.
Selfishly, Herik wished that he was awarded more time. For this was one thing he didn’t want to lead House Lucelwen, nor the Vae of Meriwen, poorly. Â
Special Info: Herik practices aerokinesis magic, is a trained swordsman and a former mariner captain.
