Xionia's page

I am Xionia Miracula Vernisant, yes, those Vernisants, the same that descended from the Great General Arnisant of the legendary Shining Crusade. As a Vernisant, I believe I am blood bound to mention that to everyone I meet at least once even if my own family branch was quite a bit to the side of the main trunk.
I am a miracle child. As a rule, Taldor polite society tend to be less than variable about non humans in their ranks. However, Aasimar are an exception. When I was born, there was no doubt that I was of celestial inclinations. My hair was silver, my eyes a heavenly blue, and sometimes an angelic light would surround me. As an Aasimar, I was a good omen, and more importantly, 'proof' that the gods favored the Vernisant family.
I suppose I had my spoiled phase. It is hard to believe I wouldn't, but mostly I recall my family instilling in me a love of Taldor and a DEEP sense of obligation. I wasn't blind to our failings like some of my family seemed to be, but whether folks want to admit it or not, I do believe Taldor brought a lot of good to the world around it. And I became, and still am, a patriot. I was also made keenly aware that as I was a 'gift' from the gods, I mustn't embarrass the family.
It was a lot of pressure hidden in an idylic wealthy life.
My sorcery came in in my early teens, at a visit to a temple of Sarenrae where a minor holy relic was stored. It..triggered my blood, I suppose is the best way to say it. One priest there explained that my gift was due to my blood line, but the family was torn. On one hand, sorcery is not respected in Taldor , not as much as wizard craft. On the other hand, the power celestial might be further proof the gods were on our family's side. As the latter was more flattering to the Vernisant reputation; we all with that. I was now a miracle child twice over.
Naturally, my family hinted that any practice of these arts should be discrete. I honed my gifts even as I learned more history and other areas of study. You know, the sort of thing that would make me a good wife one day. I was a catch, after all. Still am, if I may say. Yet, the more I studied, the more I learned, the more I began to see the idea of expansionism and reclaiming our lost colongiies as a mistake. Really? Does it make much sense to send out our troops to costly wars in places that will unite once we give them a common enemy, while our canals, once great methods of trade and travel, lay dry or filled with refuse? The poor, or Unbearded to use the old term ,how can they know the glory of Taldor when we don't give them opportunites to share in its fruits? And some nobles are, well, frankly, no good.
Before you go charging into other gardens, I realized, you needed to remove the weeds from your own. When I brought up my theories, the family thought this was merely the youtfhul rebellion young women are prone to, and that it would soon fade. What had I to worry about? I had everything, a wonderful family, and an upcoming arranged marriage with a man from an allied House with a grand estate. All I had to do was keep quiet and look beautiful at the right functions.
And then, when I was pressed for an opinion at a grand gala, I made a grave mistake. I was honest without being veiled. Perhaps it was the wine? Perhaps I just found that minor noble woman (Gods, I don't even remember who she was) such a nuisance that I had to comment, or maybe I just was so sure folks would see I was right? Either way, I fully confessed I was in disagreement with my house on many matters and while Taldor was worthy of the love we gave it, true love involved helping Taldor becoming better.
The reaction of my relations in the Vernisant family was swift. Within a week after that gala, Our minor branch faced warnings, recriminations, and demands that I recant. I did not. Could not. The proposed marriage was taken from me first, much to my sorrow and, I'm told, my then future groom's disappointment. Then I was banished to a reclusive and small estate, almost deserted by family standards, in Yanmass. In Oppara, stories were told that I had a 'mental break' and I was recovering myself in a relaxed sabatical. I was no longer a factor for any family, including my own. It felt a bit extreme, as if I were being pushed out of the way for fear I'd spill yet more or intrude on something I didn't even know about.

Oh, they still provided for my needs. I certainly was no beggar on a street, but it stung. Of my siblings, only one of my brothers stood by me even in my exile. And then? Then, I started to get the letters. I've no idea who they were from. They seemed nonsensical if you read just what was written in Taldan, but the 'artwork' at the borders had words in celestial.
Those words varied, but one recurring message? 'Redeem your own'.
What an odd demand! Soon I'd be learning of learning WHY I needed to do just that. But first, I need to settle things here in Yanmas. To do that, I’ll need allies.

Xionia cannot hide her celestial aspects. Her hair is shining silver, and her eyes a heavenly blue that seem to go on almost forever if you stare into them. She's a gorgeous woman with an hour glass shape that many other women covet. Despite this, or because of it, she dresses rather modestly by Taldan Noble standards. Which is still very flattering.