Annabelle Locke

Description
Of average height and lithe of frame, Annabelle cuts a somewhat diminutive figure. Her body is supported by lean muscle wrought from her training as a paladin. The flesh below her neck is strewn with a multitude of small scars, but is otherwise smooth and clear. Her skin is pale as is the norm of those hailing from Aerholm. Well-kept auburn hair is sleek and soft; it falls just past her shoulders and is usually tied back in a functional tail with some manner of brightly colored ribbon. Her visage is youthful and pretty, although it could be more accurate to call her cute and innocent in appearance. Experience has just begun to show on her face; her eyes are flanked by fine lines, which suggests her favored expression. She is a martial lady, and as such does not usually wear cosmetic paint common among other girls.

Her kind and soft countenance is only enhanced by the handsome armors of her Order. Always in brilliant shades of golds, silvers, and reds, the blessed steels and leathers come together in breathtaking demonstrations of craftsmanship. What would be fitting as ceremonial dress armor for a knight take on a life all its own with dazzling gold leaf scrawling across breast and pauldron. Inlaid script traces over every piece, bearing ancient inscriptions of protection and other enchantment. Each rune bears some significance: some augment blessed cantrips, others enhance strength, while others still are suited to make the armor lighter and more wieldly.

Outside the concealing nature of battle armor, Annabelle modestly attempts to hide her body in the fashion of a paladin. She favors full covering in even casual settings and during the summer time. Her favorite material for most garb is linen in hues of blue and white.

Personality
Annabelle embodies many of the esteemed qualities attributed to paladins. She is charitable, kind, compassionate, empathetic, honest, and humble. She is pure of heart and has yet escaped becoming jaded by the worst the world has to offer. Fast to give a smile, and even faster to lend her hand, Annabelle firmly believes in the goodness of humanity; she stands resolute in her view (sometimes unwisely) that no one is past redemption. Her naïve worldview tints her perception with rose; she will always assume the best from people until they have proven otherwise. Even then, she is wont to forgive.

Aside from typical qualities expected of a lady-knight, Annabelle possesses intelligence and curiosity. Her diligence in the search for truth has seen her mind tempered by long hours with books. When she is not busy with training or assignments, she pours over passages of musty tomes day in and out, searching for, craving knowledge. Within the texts, she hopes to find the key to bring salvation and peace to others. However, in her exploration, she has discovered many passages that contradict deeply held dogma. Though she still clutches her beliefs close to heart, Annabelle has been sown with seeds of doubt. She desires no conflict; the young woman keeps her learnings to herself and continues to parrot doctrine with a smile.

Despite her demure personality, Annabelle pays great attention to her physical body and channels it through a martial focus. As a paladin, she has been made to hone her strength and agility just as much as her mind; she is as much a fighter as a student. Although she does not enjoy bloodshed, she enjoys the clarity of mind that comes through training and combat. However, she will always try to reach a diplomatic outcome first. If that has failed, or if she is forced into a corner, Annabelle transforms into a fierce and fiery champion, empowered by righteous zeal. She is skilled and unrelenting in battle, fueled by all her idealism to bring goodness to the world.

Background
Annabelle was born and raised in Aerholm. For most of her early life, she attended to the health of her ailing older brother, Marten Locke. She stayed by his side for most times and read to him for comfort. Through the passing of her youngest years, she became quite well-versed in all manner of literature and subjects. When the time came that the girl's magical ability manifested, she was taken away from her family, and made to train at a monastery settled at Frostguard Peak . For years she studied and trained, honing her mind and body alike, until at last she emerged from the snow to venture out into the world. Annabelle has become a gifted paladin on the cusp of knighthood. She has only to prove her worth to obtain the esteemed title.

Trivia

 * Trained to be a huntress before her conscription. She is capable with a bow and arrow, although she rarely uses anything but a sword.
 * Competent in the school of Arcana in addition to Divine. She has a habit of weaving spells together for interesting, flashy, and sometimes disastrous results.

Friends
Bronwen Rhys The relationship between these two is unsteady. It shifts back and forth between friendliness and animosity. Despite their tenuous connection, Annabelle is happy to have Bronwen around. She hopes that one day she will be able to get the noblewoman to open up.