Character Avatar: Daniel Cherniske
Character Name: Jean-Olivier "Ollie" Travere
Age: 25
Height: 6'
Rank/Title: Commoner
Race: D'Angeline
Country/Province: L'Agnace
Townhome Request:
Country Home Request:
Player: Merle
Appearance/Personality: Ollie is a sturdy young man, with the sculpted, muscular physique of someone who has spent their entire life working hard. His eyes are a soft mossy hazel, clear and earnest, every emotion flowing easily across his expression for anyone to read. They are set in a masculine but not severe face, his jaws square, wide chin gently dimpled. A faint beauty mark sits just below his left eye, not overly noticeable, nor marring his features, but simply offering an interesting note to those who look closely.
Of course, the most distinctive of his physical traits is his hair. Long spirals of medium brown that fade to blond from time spent in the sun (just as his skin is often tan from the same) hang about his head in thick profusion. His sisters, amongst others, have often teased him for or been envious of those nigh perfect ringlets. Even more so for the fact that he is usually careless and inattentive, putting very little effort into maintaining them.
As for the man beneath the skin, he is a simple and sincere lad. Hardworking and capable. Though there are certainly times when he'd prefer to layabout, as many his age are wont to do. Quick to laugh and smile, Ollie makes friends easily, and is a joy to his family. Not to say there isn't any bickering between them. It is a difficult thing to avoid with so many siblings. But any ill-feelings are usually short lived.
His demeanor is easy and relaxed, friendly. Aside from people, he gets along quite well with the animals he works with, too. He has gotten into some youthful scuffles, but they are most often in the defense of his friends, family, or the innocent beasts under his care. He cannot abide those who are senselessly cruel or demeaning. He understands and accepts his position in the social hierarchy, but sees no purpose in treating others (man or animal) as less worthy of basic respect and kindness.
History: The Traveres have been tied to the Couverlette family for generations. They have been the keepers of the family's personal lands, the servants of its sons and daughters. Always loyal and diligent, never questioning, content with their lot. It was a sad thing when the Couverlette line dwindled, and then finally ended with the passing of Duc Francois. He left behind only his Dowager wife, the pair having had no surviving children. Still, despite the uncertainty of their future, who might be their next masters, the Traveres served with the same steady devotion they always had.
Everyone knew that the Dowager Duchesse was fond of her Eglantine adept, it was not an unusual thing, and no one begrudged her the company. Nor could anyone complain of the beautiful music that permeated the estate when the man was about. Yet... it came as a complete shock when it came to be that she had left her lands, her estate, her titles... that she had left everything to Benoit of Eglantine. A Night Court adept of common heritage.
The lesser lords and ladies of the duchy rumbled, many claiming this or that minor connection to the inheriting line, though nothing that could be proven. Amongst the Traveres -who were far from the only family to serve the Couverlettes, but certainly one of the most dedicated- some were bitter. The woman had elevated a peasant, albeit a glorified one, to the highest ranks of nobility, yet her loyal servants were left unrewarded.
Of course, not all felt that way. Most were simply curious, or anxious, to see what life would be like under their new lord. Jean-Olivier was one such, his lax attitude not given to worrying or resent. He was a middling child, one of a legion of siblings that all worked in or around the estate. This sister a maid, that brother a porter. With his mother working in the kitchens, and his father being the master of horse, Ollie, as he was most often called, was familiar with the behind the scenes workings both in and out of the house. Though it was the latter which he most excelled at, and he eventually settled into his place in the stables.
He doesn't quite know what to make of the eccentric former Eglantine now that he is the Duc de Couverlette. Having witnessed his visits over the years, Ollie was familiar with Benoit, but never took a particular interest. The music was always nice, but he could say the same for his sister's fiddle-playing. To his unschooled ear keeping in tune was talent enough, and his own musical range only extends so far as occasional humming. Or even more rarely singing. Sometimes Ollie finds himself mildly confounded by the man that has become his family's lord and master, but nevertheless he does his job with the same steady reliability and amiable demeanor he always has.
