Character Avatar: Gerhard Freidl
Character Name: Alain Mercier
Age: 40
Race: D'angeline
Country/Province: Kusheth
Rank: Capitaine
Player: Janet
Appearance: Standing at 5'9, fine boned and slender, Alain does not look to be a typical soldier. He is careful with his appearance, making sure he looks his best at all times. Even in the heat of battle he was correctly dressed and didn't seem half as rumpled and dirty as the rest of his regiment. He seems to somehow avoid all the dirt and mess, yet still gets involved in the thick of the fighting.
His green eyes can seem rather soulful and his strong jaw line, prominent cheekbones, and pale skin makes it clear he is of pure D'Angeline blood.
Personality: Alain is not a terribly vain man, he just likes everything just so; everything in its place and a place for everything. He is organised and methodical yet can adapt to changes in situations very easily. It was this trait that made him an asset in the army. He has an incredible memory for detail and is a very patient man....however, if someone fails to live up to what he expects he can get terribly sarcastic, maybe even snide, in his annoyance. He is incredibly proper in speech and etiquette and will not speak using contractions or diminutives.
Family Members/Important NPCs:
Father: Mathis Mercier (61)
Mother: Diane Mercier (59)
Eldest bro: Renart Mercier (40)
Second Eldest bro: Stephane Mercier(39)
Youngest Bro: Nihel Mercier (34)
History: Alain was somewhat of a solemn boy growing up, tidy and neat and totally different to his siblings who were a rowdy bunch. Of the four brothers, Alain was the second youngest. Because of Alain's demeanour, his parents hoped that he would take over their business when they retired and so educated him in maths, reading, writing and languages then were knocked for six when he turned around at the age of 16 and calmly announced he was going into the army.
His mind had been set and nothing his family could say would dissuade him. They were surprised when he went through with enlisting and even more so when he seemed to thrive in the rough and violent world he'd willingly joined into. He began as a lowly grunt and slowly and surely worked his way up the ranks, gaining respect (and a little ridicule for his persistently immaculate clothing) and ranks with his abilities at keeping everything organised and adapting well to anything the army could throw at him.
When the war came, Alain was a Lieutenant and joined his Capitaine on the front lines against the Skaldi - in the ensuing battle, his Capitaine was killed, despite Alain's efforts to save him and Alain was left to lead what remained of his troops. This he did, managing to effectively organise a sally which routed the Skaldi. For this action, Alain was promoted to Capitaine at the end of the war and now peace had settled he has returned to Elua to see what has happened to his homeland and his family.
Updates:
- After a few short-lived dalliances, fate intervened when Alain happened upon a damsel in distress. Henriette Laveau had been cornered by some street thugs, and Alain was able to come to her aid. After rescuing her and taking her for medical treatment, Alain took it upon himself to find the ruffians and bring them to justice - with the help of the local law enforcement. This he eventually managed to do.
- Over time, the unlikely duo became friends and, some time after that, lovers. They make an odd couple - the upright, ultra-neat, exact Capitaine, and the rough-n-ready messy Servant of Naamah - but they make it work. The adage that opposites attract proved true in this instance.
- In the summer of 9th CR, Alain proposed to Rette on the parade grounds, with his company as an audience. To everyone's delight she happily accepted his proposal.
- In the summer of 11th CR, Alain and Henriette got married in the City of Elua. Alain's family travelled from Kusheth, and Alain conspired with Contre-Amiral Riva (Henriette's close friend) to arrange for some of Rette's friends from Marsilikos to attend, alongside those from the City.
Love.
