Diora - Duchess of Westcliffe
Played by: Shannan Hinners
Name:Diora ui Annagar
Age: 19
Height: 5' 7"
Weight: 130
Background:
Diora was born in Powys and the middle daughter of 6. She was the child who always kept to herself and though she loves her brothers and sister, she was different. She follows in a line of Druids that has been in her family for centuries. Diora's skill came to her at the age of four when she started attracting animals to her home and healing the sick and injured.
The Druids explain that she will use her talents for good which will give her the chance to become great. After completing her training, Diora returned home for a short time. it was then that she met Euan Powys and the two of them became fast friends. He was also her first love, but nothing went beyond their friendship. Though they were always able to cause trouble no matter where they went. There is a downside to this however, she was close to her closest brother in age (Aidan), and he was thrown from a horse at age 15. She was 12 and she has never really let go of his memory. She still grieves for him and has never forgiven herself because she could not save him.
She arrived in Alban three summers ago and became the personal Healer to King Gwalchmai, and his dear friend as well. Through this time, she met her first husband, Gwilym ap Gavin, Duke of Westcliffe. Through war and strife, she had lost him during the Sanglet Wars. She was pregnant with their sons at the time and she knew she had to live for them. Aiden and Euan were born the summer after the wars and they were highly cherished within the court as well as in their mother's heart.
Strife led to pain as her memories seemed to haunt her. While she continued to tutor the Princess Rowena, which she still does today, rumors were being spread that her husband yet lived and was coming to take control of the kingdom. He in fact came to punish her and punish her he did, but she remained strong for her sons, which in the end gave her some hope and more heartache as she watched Euan killed in front of her eyes, by her former husband. Because of all of this, she now has stepped down as healer to the king and gave the position to Mariac ap Lienthaw.
Personality Profile:
Diora is a quiet beauty with ethereal grace. She has
the grace of nobility but has the cunning of someone risen to fight on the streets of Powys. Her judgments are true and her faith is strong. She does have a temper when flared and she is not perfect as she seems. No matter what situation she is given, she shows her strong personality towards others and when she is alone, is when she releases the sadness within.
Physical Profile: Diora has a tall, wispy build. Her black hair flows with a several braids down her lower back and has a blue sheen in the moonlight. Her blue eyes are a clear as crystal and can be cold as ice. She is not marred by any scars but her hands are calloused by working her healing. Her skin is the creamiest white, which has never tanned or burned in the sunlight. She has a birthmark in the shape of a half moon on her left thigh. She wears a gown of emerald green and a pair of doeskin boots. Her staff of Rowan looks like it has the face of a woman carved into the handle. It is the only thing she carries with her.
Skills and Abilities:
She is a healer first and foremost. She has a voice that sings. Whether she sings to the moon or in the company of fellows, her lilting voice seems to sing when she speaks. She is well taught in the path of the druids and is very skilled in healing. Animals trust her and have since she was a child.
Special Notes:
She does know how to ride, but prefers the earth under her feet. She walks barefoot when she can but wears boots when she travels anywhere. She will dance naked under the full moon to praise the goddess when she is alone. She has one remaining son, Aiden ap Gwilym and he is the light of her life and future Duke of Westcliffe.