Character Avatar: Daje Barbour
Player: Janet
Character Name: Stéphane Nihel no Sartre
Age: 26
Birthday: 17/01/1998
Height: 6'1
Rank/Title: Citizen
Race: D'Angeline
Country/Province: L'Agnace
Townhome Request: 'L'aiguille dansante' (the Dancing Needle')
Country Home Request:
Appearance: With a long legacy of D'Angelines in his blood, there is absolutely no doubt that Stéphane is a gorgeous young man. He has a head of natural dark curls which crowns his face, and thick full lips that occasionally quirk into a quiet smile.
Those that knew him as a child would probably note that he's much more content and relaxed than he used to be, and this is shown in his bearing and demeanour. He is tall and fit, though now not as perfectly in shape as he would have been if he'd stayed in the Night Court.
It's his eyes that capture attention though. Framed by long, thick lashes, Stéphane's eyes are a stunning hazel green. They sometimes appear yellower, sometimes bluer, sometimes browner, usually depending on what he's wearing - but they are always captivating.
Personality:
At first, Stéphane comes across as a quiet, but self-assured and thoughtful man, and he is all that and so much more. Get to know him, and you'll discover a kind and generous soul, with a filthy sense of humour - often delivered in a deadpan manner, or shown with a quiet smirk.
Stéphane will try to fix things but if, after a few attempts, it doesn't work out, he will cut his losses and move on. He knows his own mind and desires and is not afraid of pursuing them.
Additional Information
Marital Status: Single
Known Languages: D'Angeline (native) - smattering of Caerdicci, but long forgotten
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Strengths: Determined, thoughtful, creative, eye for detail
Weaknesses: Self-critical, eager to please
Family Members/Important NPCs:
Mother - Giselle no Camellia
Father - Cosme no Camellia
Younger sister - Eugenie no Camellia
Adoptive father/mentor/employer - Louvel Sartre
History:
Stéphane's family were Night Court born and raised, going back a few generations. His parents were a love-match, growing up together in Camellia House, becoming best friends and then, in time, lovers. With their Dowayne's approval, they married and tried for a child - which, to their joy, was quickly successful. Nine months later, Stéphane Nihel was born, and since he seemed to be the perfect combination of both his parents - there was no doubt in anyone's mind hat he was destined to follow in his parents' footsteps at Camellia.
Stéphane grew up to be a stunning, as well as serious and attentive, child. Eager to please his family, he tried to live up to their expectations. Trying to cope with the pressure and criticism that his family had deemed necessary for him to become the perfect Camellia adept and follow in their footsteps.
He tried, he really tried.
He wanted to make them happy and proud of him, but the constant criticism and monitoring of his every action and thought wore on him. He tried to speak to his parents about the way he felt, but they dismissed his concerns. As much eager to prove to themselves as to the Dowayne that their boy could continue their legacy.
By the time Stéphane had turned fourteen, he was a troubled and twitchy young man. Forever second-guessing and hyper-aware of his own actions and body. When his fifteenth natale rolled around and his début was begun to be discussed in more than just a distant way, Stéphane felt he couldn't take any more. He tried to once again bring up the way that he felt to his parents, but they dismissed him, putting it down to nerves and tried to reassure him by pointing out things to improve on. They meant well.
That night, Stéphane ran away.
Feeling that he had no other option, he packed a small bag and snuck out of the House, making his way into the Doorstep. The next few weeks were hard for the young man - so different to his life in the House of Camellia - but, being determined that he could not and did not want to return, Stéphane stuck it out. After a few false starts, some time spent sleeping rough, and some jobs that didn't work out, managed to find himself a job in a tailor's workshop, sweeping the floor, and keeping the place organised, in exchange for simple food and board - and it was simple. Having gone from a plush bed and the finest foods to a small pallet and simple meals, it took some adjusting.
In time, Stéphane's quiet but steady nature, and his attention to detail, prompted Louvel Sartre to offer him an apprenticeship. Stéphane gladly accepted and adopted the tailor's name. He felt bad about his family but equally was convinced that he could not return; thinking that he would be punished for running away, and knowing that he'd let his family and House down.
Louvel did not press for Stéphane's story, being a quiet and private man himself, but in time, he got the story from him and helped Stéphane adjust to the very different life he now led. Teaching the young man to sew and design, encouraging and supporting, and offering criticism in a constructive manner. Helping Stéphane to grow and shed the lessons taught him by his parents and tutors in Camellia.
In Stéphane's twentieth year, he felt brave enough to reach out to his family. First simply sending a letter, explaining that he was well and safe, and apologising for his running away. The next few months were fraught with emotion as he reconnected with them and guilt and sadness turned into joy and acceptance. Long talks enabled Stéphane to explain why he'd done what he'd done, and his parents were able to apologise and mean it. After his sudden disappearance they had been shaken, and had remembered what he'd told them as well as what they'd replied, and had tried to learn from it - meaning that his sister, then only ten, benefitted from their new insights - though they still had many flaws and still tended to criticise without being aware that was what they were doing.
This was a big relief to Stéphane, but even having reconnected with his family, he felt glad that he had left when he did. Although his parents were less critical than he recalled, he knew that it wouldn't have been a good life for him. For one, when he told them about how he was now making a living, they immediately suggested that - had they known - they would have petitioned to get him transferred to Eglantine thereby, Stéphane realised, missing the point entirely. They certainly didn't understand his drive to be independent. He is dedicated to his job, finding solace and calm in the creating of clothes. Whilst he'll never be a famous tailor, his work is well made and sturdy and brings him pleasure.
Updates:
Approved by Merle - August 21st, 2022
