Elizabetha

Name
Lady Elizabetha "the Gentle" Istro Withamhall. Nicknames attributed by others: Eliza, Eliz, Lizza, Lizzie, Liz, Ellie, Elzbeth. Other attributed nicknames: The friendly Scarlet, Gentle One, Lady of Light, Lady Pure Heart, Squirrel Heart (the two latter used by Illidor). (The image depicts Elizabetha as she was mostly seen before the loss of her eyes, dressed in the robe and tabard of the Scarlet Crusade; the robe signifying the vow of poverty.)

Physical Traits
A woman in her late twenties of average height and beauty, blonde hair, slim and usually cheerful face. Only ornaments visible are two ear rings that her grandfather made for her, and which she's had since reaching adulthood, as well as a golden ring with small diamonds surrounding an emerald, which she caresses gently from time to time, smiling. Around her neck she wears a golden necklace to which a shining purple stone is attached - this being a wedding present given to her by Kisun, a former Embraced and a man Elizabetha, along with Merwyn, aided in overcoming the Shadow that he had once submitted to. Since she's always dressed so that only her head and hands are visible, the three scars, two minor and one long, on her stomach (as a result of being stabbed twice, once having the knife twisted around and having a sword slashed across it), two scars on her left upper arm and the several scars on her lower left arm are not visible, and few know of them. She also has a set of claw marks on her right thigh. Scars also adorn her right side and her left thigh - this caused by ghouls. She wears an eyepatch to cover her one empty socket. Her one eye sports a bright blue iris. Her stomach has a bulge, thus hinting her pregnancy - her walk is also seeming somewhat bouncier than previously. In some very rare occasions, Elizabetha may have a faint glow about her, when having called upon the Light for whatever reason - a manifistation of her total devotion to the Holy Light. (What Elizabetha might look like just click here.) http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l121/ElizaScarlet/ElizabethaIstrobyHejin.jpg ((As perceived by Hejin *hugs* ^_^))

Race and Class
Human/Paladin.

Guild
Stormwind Academy.

Occupation
Miner and Blacksmith with minor knowledge of First Aid. Also has some basic knowledge regarding fishing, and is a somewhat accomplished cook. - was learning the art of armoursmithing.

Family
James Istro, father, presumed slain by Orcs in the First War. Annika Istro, mother, presumed slain by Orcs in the First War. Archibald Romold, grandfather, father of Annika Istro, died of old age while Elizabetha was trained as Paladin. Lexandra Romold, grandmother, mother of Annika Istro, died of sickness before Elizabetha joined the order of Paladins in Stormwind. The other grandparents are likewise presumed slain in the First War along with the rest of the family that resided in Elwynn Forest. Husband: Lord Richeron Miller Withamhall.

Background
Born in Stormwind to a common family and lone child of James and Annika Istro, and lived aproximately in the area where the current district, the Old Town, is situated. At the age of four Elizabetha was evacuated with her grandparents shortly following the fall of Stormwind. Due to her young age and inability to remember fully, it is presumed that her father had sent her with her mother's parents in case Stormwind would fall. Lived in Lordaeron in various places of the Tirisfal Glades till around 10 or 11, and returned to the Kingdom of Stormwind upon successful completetion of the Second War. Up until joining the order of Paladins in Stormwind, Elizabetha was taught blacksmithing by her grandfather, Archibald Romold - perhaps the lack of a son motivated him to this - much to Lexandra Romold's protests who feared it would make Elizabetha more tomboyish. This doesn't seem to be the case, however. Not long after the death of her grandfather Archibald, Elizabetha came in contact with the Scarlet Crusade's missionaries in Stormwind. Various reasons were to her joining them, but her main reason, as she herself has been heard saying, was a sense of being indebted to Lordaeron for their aid to her country. Futher statements from her side reveal other reasons that appear to motivate her - this being a shock at how other races reacted (in her eyes) rather ignorantly towards a people that had suffered greatly (this being people from Lordaeron). She has also been heard complaining about the hate that burns between the Scarlet Missionaries and 'non-Scarlets'. Her clear motives are known only by those who listen. She was a member of the Scarlet Crusade, and held the rank of Missionary and was by function a Knight, albeit her devotion to the Light seem to be more that of a priestess. However, the loss of her eyes disabled her fighting abilities, and she's subsequently retired from the Crusade, devoting her life to aid others in whatever way possible. She was reaccepted among her brother and sister Paladins of the Church of Light, despite not actively taking part in military activities, obviously due to her lack of sight. It was during her time in the Scarlet Crusade that Elizabetha came to know Honoria Detol, and rather quickly came to view her as an older sister. Not until after Honoria was expelled from the Crusade did they become close as true sisters. Elizabetha, having had no siblings and lacking a family (albeit she did love all her Brethren as siblings), focussed much of her effort in helping the Apostate, even defying the orders not to speak to the branded traitor - this caused by her general compassion, as well as fearing Honoria's wrath against the Scarlet Crusaders. Eventually both women acknowledged this bond, and viewed each other as sisters, though their blood was not akin. Subsequently, Honoria's betrayal and stabbing of Elizabetha hurt her deeply, yet a letter from the selfsame person did comfort her. The struggle to root out The Dark Embrace was both emotionally and physically challenging as well as exhausting for Elizabetha, who though in that time established new friendships with both former foes and strangers. In this period did also her relationship with Richeron Withamhall grow stronger, and what is known by very few, is his recent marriage proposal that not only gave Elizabetha much needed inner peace, but also hope for the future. Not long after this did she return home to Stormwind, where she and her husband-to-be planned their wedding. They were married Saturday the 17th of February at Uther's Tomb by Sister Suzanne Bellmarsh, who oblieged to Elizabetha's request of conducting the ceremony, Nouala Ravenwind being her maid of honour, and Berdrin Stormspanner being Richeron's best man. To her joy many friends that she had made both during and after her time in the Mission attended, and she was almost overwhelmed by the many gifts bestowed upon her and her husband. Due to Angst Ironboot and Ulgarf, as well as the rest of the Mountaineers, 183 fireworks were shot off in celebration, this being the only time after her loss of eyes that Elizabetha actually enjoyed the noise. Suffice to say, it was the happiest moment in the troubled life of Elizabetha Istro, who is now known as Lady Elizabetha Istro Withamhall. Later during the festivities the banshee form of Ashana visited Elizabetha at the tomb, part of her old self having returned due to the close presence of Elune during the Lunar Festival, thus accomplishing her desire to see one of her friends in her most happy occasion. The two parted as friends, Elizabetha glad to have heard Ashana's voice one last time as her old self. During the festivities Elizabetha also discovered that she might yet have a relative still alive of her father's side, yet this remains to be fully confirmed. Quite some time later, Elizabetha discovered to her shock and utter joy that she was pregnant - this being confirmed by her friend Blueleaff. She was, of course, both excited and worried, but over time the happiness of becoming a mother took hold, and she eagerly awaits the day that she'll give birth. And she was to have more blessings on her way as her friend and fellow Paladin Auburn took matters in her own hand, making inquiries with an old Kaldorei friend, who in turn sought out a powerful druid. The result, after much pain and toil, was that Elizabetha was given a single eye, living as though it was her own, though sporting a bright blue colour instead of her previous grey-blue ones. And though initially thought to have failed, Elizabetha started seeing on the third day after having been given this new eye, and on the fifth she could see clearly.

Family Background
James and Annika Istro, the former a farmer's son from Elwynn Forest and the latter a blacksmith's daughter from Stormwind, married shortly before the coming of the Horde and got but one child, the daughter Elizabetha Istro. Her father enlisted as a soldier and presumably fell in its defence. It is also presumed that Annika Istro, her mother, possibly refused to leave her husband, and thus sharing the fate of most of those who remained in Stormwind when it was razed to the ground. It is believed that the remaining members of her father's family in Elwynn Forest were all slain by the Horde during the First War. The parents of James appear unknown, since Elizabetha only came to know her mother's parents. Her grandfather being a well-off blacksmith helped supply the army with weaponry in both wars, having served as a soldier in his younger days. He not only taught Elizabetha blacksmithing, but also managed to persuade certain Paladins whom he had supplied armour and weaponry to allow her to enter the ranks of the Paladins in Stormwind. Lexandra in turn taught Elizabetha to cook. Both grandparents contributed much to Elizabetha's devotion to the Holy Light. Archibald passed away from old age, whilst Lexandra fell ill and died after a short period of being terribly ill.

Criminal Record
None.

Personal Notes
Traits: Warm, friendly, open-minded, gentle, compassionate and loving - at times very emotional and prone to tears, when grieved or sad. Appears to have extensive knowledge, and an appetite for history as well as books regarding the nature and ways of the Holy Light. A truly pious woman, and though commonly thought as young and naïve, Elizabetha is rather the product of idealism, clinging fiercely to it despite the odds she faces, and is a fervent devotee of the Holy Light. Driven by the (perhaps vain) hope that the Light is able to change people, and that the world can become a better place for all, Elizabetha nourishes a belief that no one should come to experience the losses that she has suffered and quietly mourns. Frowning upon outright cruelty and hate, she stands aghast against such emotions that are the opposite of the three virtues of the Light, respect, tenacity and compassion. Indeed, she has even twice intervened on the behalf of a Sister or Brother, causing her to be stabbed in the stomach and being beaten almost to a pulp - this motivated by her belief in selfsacrifice and selflessness. However, she soon fell into the 'great trap' of compassion, which means that she attempted to help where no help was wanted. Confused and disappointed that she saw no effect of her attempts to better the world, as well as suffering additional blows as the death of Dywana, and the expelling of various Brothers and Sisters of the Crusade, this caused a depression, which nearly caused her to lose her mind and become suicidal. The aid of her Brethren, however, as well as the few individuals that know her, helped her to overcome this, and once again strive (though more carefully) to continue the work and spreading of the Light. She has never forgotten her time in the Crusade, regardless of how her former Brethren view her, and is as a result quite sympathetic to their cause, despite whatever rumours there might be on the approach of the Scarlet Crusade in their efforts to retake Lordaeron. And deep within she feels guilty of having failed the vows to the Scarlet Crusade she swore by the Light to uphold. Regardless, she can still be prone to melancholy, and moments of deep despair, until reminding herself of the strength available in the Holy Light, or comforted by a friend. The loss of her eyes has not helped her mood, however - but discovering Richeron Withamhall's affection for her has, though - her love for him but growing stronger after her dark time of both personal and physical loss and affliction, torment and sorrow, as he continually supports her by merely being within her arms' reach. Regarding her devotion to the Light it would appear that she has reached a new pinnacle, appearing to be able to heal nasty wounds and even broken bones, channeling the holy power of the Light through her. This has caused her hands to almost shine and become pleasantly warm when praying for healing. In some matters she's been seen having a faint glow about her, as the Light manifests itself in her. (What effect this has one creatures and followers of both Darkness and Shadow is at anyone's guess) Due to Merwyn's efforts, Elizabetha had gained the ability to see for 12 minutes and 34 seconds - this being powered by some sort of arcane essence implanted in her brain by Merwyn. Merwyn had named this Hoshitangan - One Eye of the Star. Hoshitangan could only be used once per day, and if used longer than 2 hours and 30 minutes it could've exhausted the essence, as it required to recharge itself, lest it be spent utterly. However, with Merwyn's 'death' Hoshitangan faded away, and can be used no more. Deep within her heart, Elizabetha grieves for how her sister at heart, Honoria Detol's fate seperated them from each other, having loved her as deeply as any sibling would. Still hoping that Honoria will be saved, Elizabetha has nonetheless decided that it won't be of her making, and having learned a new disturbing truth from Entriia only made her wish to forget even stronger. Nevertheless, her love for her fallen sister will never truly disappear, always slumbering within the deep recesses of her great heart. If there's anything that really cheers her up, it is children, infants in particular, as could be noticed when she first held Brannon, Fae and Berdrin's infant son, not to forget Norra, Amy Redcross' daughter. During High Lord Kruul's attack on Stormwind, Elizabetha withdrew to the orphanage, telling the children stories to calm them whilst the sounds of battle resounding in the city. By some Elizabetha is revered almost as a saint due to her concern for others before herself, while others (sometimes Shadow followers) think her an idealistic fool, belittling her for her compassion to the weak and her faith in the Holy Light.

Current Status
Elizabetha and Richeron were seen leaving Stormwind late one evening, apparently fully geared for a long journey. As far as anyone knows, Elizabetha has been assigned to some task of whatever nature for whatever reason that few appear to have any inkling about.

What people do not know (or at least those who haven't been informed by Elizabetha herself) is that she now resides in Outland, performing service to the army of the Alliance on behalf of the Church of Light.

Now-a-days she seems very occupied in her work, and is rarely seen out of duty.

(Refer to: A Price for Sight and That Which Eludes Their Eye for the loss of her eyes, A New Chapter and Two Sisters at Heart regarding Honoria, the latter being more an OOC poem, but which I find relevant. The Knife and Song of the Naaru can also be read for relevance. For the acquiring of the eye, refer to Blind Path. Enjoy!)

Older notes

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v191/SabakunoGaara/elizawip.jpg (As depicted by Xahryn. *hugs*)

Influences
There are various characters of either real or fictious persons, as well as other things, that have influenced Elizabetha's personality. Here is a short list.

Grief and mourning on behalf of others:

Nienna. As this article will state Nienna, one of the Valar, was known to weep and grieve the troubles of Arda and all the Children of Ilúvatar. In the Music of the Ainur, her tune was one of sadness, but as Silmarillion states when she would visit the Halls of Mandos, she comforted the souls of the dead, teaching them endurance in hope.

Compassion and charity:

Elizabeth von Thüringen. Revered for her charity and compassion for the poor and the ill - it did affect Elizabetha's slogan, "Give without taking, seek no reward." However, I had no knowledge of Elizabeth von Thüringen prior to making Elizabetha, and her name is therefore not inspired by her. Mere coincidence.

Holiness and purity:

Anezka, the Czech nun from Vampire: The Masquerade. I was unable to find a proper description of her, sadly, however there was a scene in that game where Anezka stood defiant against a couple of vampires, fending them off to protect a fellow nun - one of these vampires then complains annoyed about Anezka's purity shining brightly like the sun, a moment that I often think back on when Elizabetha faces evil in various forms.

Shining with the Holy Light:

Albeit that Paladins were most often renowned (at least in Warcraft 2: Tides of Darkness) for their eyes shining with inner Light, Elizabetha's lack of eyes made this difficult. However, being inspired by the fact that they could, and also bearing in mind various depictions of saints (in the real world, that is) with shining halos, it did inspire me to allow her on rare occasions to shine with Light, this having happened mostly when using the Light to heal.

Sensing Light and Shadow:

Shoaneb Culu, and the Miraluka in general. Renowned for their Force-sight, these near-humans could 'see' the world around them through the Force. Bearing that in mind, and not wanting Elizabetha to be utterly blind, as well as considering her strong devotion and faith in the Holy Light, I decided that it would work in a similar way, with her sensing both variants when used actively.

Devotion and piety:

As can easily be guessed I've been inspired mainly by how saints are usually expected to react and behave, though not forgetting Elizabetha's humanity, thus her periods of deep depression and melancholy. To read up on saints and what the word signifies, do refer to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint

Utter selflessness and love:

Yimo, one of the characters from Tales of the Past II, a WoW movie that I do love watching (think you can google it). Regardless of him being a Gnome, the words Arthas says to him in his dream really gave me a solid idea of how I truly wanted Elizabetha to be, "You are dedicated, Yimo. For years you've been doing nothing but trying to prevent others from meeting their death in war. Even though you have met nothing but hate, you would still sacrifice your life for them... And yes... You would even sacrifice your own soul! That is why you are so rare, Yimo - your love and compassion reaches beyond that of mortals."

Though the situation is changed, I thought I might as well leave this inspiration still:

Blind Saint: Well, some things stem from somewhere, no? In any case, quite befitting I found to draw a parallel between Elizabetha and St Lucy (or Sankta Lucia, as I know her from our local tradition), who during her martyrdom lost her eyes, albeit Elizabetha's not a martyr...yet. Regardless, the tradition in which we in Scandinavia celebrate St Lucia is quite metaphorical, in my view, since it's a way of showing in the dark Northern winter that light is coming. And considering Elizabetha's shining inner Light, her compassion and love prompting her to selflessly offer help to anyone in need, her parallel to St Lucia being a bringer of light in the darkness seems to fit Elizabetha quite well - and I might add, one of my purposes for the blind Paladin. For a little info on how St Lucia Day is celebrated, plus the various metaphores in it, well, just click the link.

Quotes
Give without taking, seek no reward. The Light shines in the darkness, and it is a beautiful sight. The Light is my strength! (mostly used as a battlecry, but also used in a less loud manner in other occasions) ''The Light abandons no one. It is people who abandon the Light.'' As long as there is life, there is hope. Life is full of diversity.