Zoe Edwards
From Changeling Venue
| Seeming | Fairest Shadowsoul |
|---|---|
| Court | Autumn Court •••• |
| Freehold | Youthful Springs; North Central FL |
| Player | Brandi K. Cartee |
Contents |
WARNING: This wiki is long. It's long because I like to write, because I want you to have as much material to tie in with as I am able to give you, and because I am vain enough to want to be read. Also, in the words of Blaise Pascal, "I have made this letter longer, because I have not had the time to make it shorter." I do hope you enjoy. If you don't want to be bothered, skip the background; the other Sections should do you fine. Thanks for stopping by! --BKC
Overview
Alias(es): Zoe Edwards, Autumn Lady of the Twilight Harvest
Real Name: Madeleine Dansforth
Location: Freehold of the Youthful Springs; Gainesville, FL
Age: appears to be in her mid-30's
Seeming: Fairest
Kith: Unknown
Court: Autumn
Concept: Chronicler of Nightmares
Occupation: Horror Novelist
Merits: Court Goodwill: Spring x2, Fame x2: Literati
Appearance:
Mask:
Shoulder-length auburn hair falls foward over a heart-shaped face and moss-green eyes hide behind wire-rimmed glasses. Her demeanor gives the air of one who cares nothing for appearances but apparently doesn't have to, and she plays down her good looks with conservative dark-coloured clothing and minimal accessories. Her features are typically passive; she rarely laughs and though her smile is more frequent, it usually doesn't meet her eyes. She is never seen without her trademark fountain pen, often busying herself with writing longhand in whatever notebook she's picked up at the time.
Mein:
Shoulder length auburn hair flows into a wild cascade of waves tumbling carelessly to her waist, shot through with the classic golds and reds of autumn leaves and the occassional streak of pitch black. Moss green eyes flare to a preternaturally brilliant emerald, lending an eerie, otherworldly air to this reluctant Fairest. Her lack of concern for appearance remains and she clearly bothers little with it for the most part, allowing harvest vines to snake untended around her feminine figure and settle however they may in her hair. A strong Autumn Mantle might be her only vanity, manifesting during her season as a rich, lustrous sable stole which settles easily across her shoulders as though it could belong on no other. For Court and Freehold functions, she concedes to convention and dons raiments more befitting of her Seeming and station, usually in forest green, black and deep burgundy, always of a strangely silken fabric that cannot be found in any ordinary tailor's collection.
Perhaps equally as disturbing as it is inexplicable, the strange behavior of Zoe's shadow becomes apparent as she moves through the brighter lights that it is her wont to avoid. If her shadow is fully cast for more than a moment, it seems no longer to represent Zoe and morphs slowly, seemingly at random, changing size and shape and appearance as though it doesn't really belong to her. Stare long enough, and you might recognize someone you know...
A strange, subtle scent tends to follow her, remeniscent, sometimes, of wet ink and old paper, and other times of something else entirely. The palm of her left hand is stained nearly complete with what might be black ink, but closer inspection would be required to say for sure; the fingerless black lace gloves she nearly always wears are kind enough to hide it.
General
“Zoe Edwards is one of the most reclusive personalities in writing today. In spite of her rapid rise to fame as one of today’s top-selling novelists in the horror genre, Ms. Edwards somehow remains either modest or mysterious, making her rather unique on the scene as reviewers continue to find Ms. Edwards an enigma.
She first came to public notice after a series of short stories published in a genre fanzine which connected the disparate lives of five lost souls who shared the same bloody madness. Readers described the stories as 'viscerally disturbing' and Ms. Edwards as 'a rising star.' Four years later, Ms. Edwards graces the best-seller charts with two full-length novels and three anthologies of her unique and haunting short stories.
In a rare interview, when asked where she gets her unsettling material Ms. Edwards responded simply with a sly smile, “I’m afraid I couldn’t dream of telling you.” Typical of this eccentric artist. If you're looking for a good scare or a creepfest, read Clive Barker. If you want to stay up all night and walk around the shadows for fear of what waits in them, read Zoe Edwards' Shattered Mirror. We look forward to seeing more of Ms. Edwards' work and eagerly await more of the writer herself."
--Alan Serrius, Reviewer, Writer’s Digest Magazine
Zoe interacts with more candor in Changeling society than in the mortal one, though not terribly much. Hiding her attention behind wire-rimmed glasses and the truth of her observations behind a biting wit, it’s still difficult to read her with much accuracy at all. Most people know that the glasses are just an affectation and suspect that the accent is too, but are either polite or smart enough not to ask why she bothers.
She’s pleasant enough for the most part though, affecting the British penchant for politesse along with the accent, and moves easily amongst all the Courts. One of the least extreme of her own by appearances, depending on her mood and environment she could be mistaken for a member of any of the others. This generally results in making her either quite approachable for those who don’t really care, or warily distrusted by those who remember that she is Autumn Court, after all. She is certainly more...vivacious during her own season, exhibiting a marked change in demeanor outside of it.
Upon the direction of mutual benefactors in both the Autumn and Spring Courts, Zoe was relocated to the Freehold in north central Florida pending her arranged marriage to the Spring King there. The reasons for the betrothal are the source of some speculation, but not many have been bold enough to ask outright. Regardless, Zoe upholds all appearances of taking the responsibility seriously and acclimated quickly to her new home and circumstance, even acquiring an affinity for cats. Her polished manners and attention to hospitality have endeared her to the Freehold, although most are still not yet at their ease with her. Zoe doesn't seem to mind. The wedding is currently set for Summer of 2008. It's been put off thrice so far...
Court:
Fear gets so much press for the Autumn Court that many seem to forget there's much more to it than that simple, primal instinct. A casual observer who's forgotten that might wonder at a glance why Zoe Edwards is regarded by many as a paragon of the Leaden Mirror. She doesn't seem particularly scary... She doesn't appear to go out of her way to be spooky or eerie, and she certainly isn't possessed of a frightening visage. No, if it weren't for the obvious Autumn blessings of winding harvest vines and rich sable fur, she might be of any Court, any time, or none at all. It isn't Zoe herself that's frightening...it's what she knows. What she writes. And if the whispers are to be believed, it's also what she can do...and where she's been.
It is rare that The Lady of the Twilight Harvest speaks of her time with the Others, but someone once told someone else that she once told them the truth: that she stole her power from her Keeper. The power to walk in the twilight world of dreams, to manipulate the dreams of sleepers, to craft the landscape of the mind itself, and even to travel thousands of miles in the breath of a thought. Most of Zoe's best-selling novels and anthologies are rumored to be based on the nightmares she's seen and inspired, and she's gained rapidly in fame for her craft. Daring gossips whisper that her power over dreams rivals many of the Gentry's own, and that she was stolen back to Arcardia a second time by a jealous Fae who resented such brash arrogance. What they don't speak of is her return...
Whatever the truth may be, it is clear to the keen eye that Zoe is not beloved of Autumn for her blatancy as are so many of her Courtly peers, but for her subtlty. Zoe often traffics in fear, it's true, but such frights are incidental to her mastery of magic--dream and otherwise. The quiet aspect of Autumn. People often forget about that part...
Seeming:
Zoe is, quite obviously by her Mein, a Fairest. She's strikingly beautiful like all Fairest, has the dulcet tones of the Fairest, the obvious social prowess of the Fairest and the distant, calculating gaze of the Fairest. And, Zoe doesn't appear to care very much for her own kind. She isn't open about it, and never says or does anything overt to indicate it, but you can usually tell by the company she keeps. It's not clear whether she actively avoids her own kith or just tends to relate better to others, but the gossip has been persistent enough to be given some credit by now: that Zoe was something...else, at one time, and bitterly resents the change.
Her Kith is not immediately obvious in her Mein, and she's not typically known to speak of it. Some have said it is a unique one that hides itself from plain view, some say she has none at all, and still others say that even she doesn't know. Or it could be just as simple as the fact people don't usually ask.
Zoe is known to keep some contact with a few of the other Fairest, but it's clear that she puts no stock in solidarity based solely in shared Seeming; probably meaning that the Fairest she does associate with are something special to her indeed.
Background
Exposition:
"Anyone can make history. Only a great man can write it."
--Oscar Wilde
Epilogue:
"The only thing that matters is the ending. It's the most important part of the story. And this one, is very good. This one is perfect."
--Mort, Secret Window
(Available upon request only)
Friends, Enemies and In-Between
Aaron - Zoe's betrothed, the Spring Court King of her new Freehold. Zoe was sent to Gainesville as Aaron's future bride by benefactors of both courts, ostensibly to help balance the seasonal courts in the area by formal political alliance, but both have come to suspect that they are little more than pawns in the ulterior motives of those enigmatic Changelings. Wary of each other at best in the beginning, the two have settled into a grudging mutual respect, if still clinging to disapproval of each other's methods. Zoe goes to great lengths to maintain the utmost of appropriate decorum in public, however, and appears to the casual observer to be nothing less than the perfect royal partner.
Aretas - the palpable sense of tension between Zoe and the Summer King is immediately apparent, though the reason for it is not. Summer fades to Autumn, and as his crown passes ritually to her, there is an instant...just a moment, when the wariness fades, and all is right between them. And then that too fades. A shame, in more ways than one.
Brand - the sworn and loyal friend of Zoe's fiance'. This Elemental harkens to the old days of true royal courts, manners and chivalry and though he is often mocked for his anachronistic ways, he puts to shame the mockery of feudal chivalry that so many Changelings think themselves adhering to in the modern day.
Caleb - it is obvious that Zoe respects this strange and elderly Manikin; she has spared no effort to assist him with her area of expertise and provided little explanation for it. Most people believe it has to do with his founding of the House of Cards...
Clockwork - Zoe likes Clockwork, though no one's really sure why, perhaps including Zoe. She praises his work as a fellow artist and defends him when people are uncharitable as regards his somewhat unsettling presence. It's rumored that he's discreetly credited as an inspiration in one of her books.
Dane - the two obviously have history. No one goes that far out of their way to to give the careful appearance of caring so little for someone without it. As with most of Zoe's history, though, even her shadow has more to say about it than she does.
David "Gilded" Manning - far more telling than what they say is what they don't say. There is a sense of quiet comfort between these two that most don't really understand. Time and distance do nothing to diminish it.
Dr Somnus - with such glaring similarities in their shared field of expertise, these two were bound to...run into one another. Diverging specialties prevent them from being rivals however; when Dr. Somnus needs a creative eye, he turns to Zoe, and she to him for a more scientific approach to the world of dreams.
Ed Clerogen - Fast Eddie's got fast hands and a faster mouth, and he's made an enemy out of almost everyone at some time or another. For some reason though, Zoe found something close to peace when she most needed it in a smoky corner of his bar; enough at least to let her write the things that made her famous. Common interests and time have turned friendly patronage into something more concrete.
Holly Poppet - what they have in common isn't readily obvious, but it's clear that Holly brings out something in Zoe that doesn't often see the light. When Holly is around, Zoe laughs, and something pushes back that persistent shadow that clings to her. Zoe is often heard to call her Poppy, and Holly doesn't seem to mind.
Johan Gambrys - The tortured Wizened who fears his own shadow piques the interest of anyone interested in horror. Zoe makes passes at extracting tales from Johan and he seems to loom like a memory, though broken and sad, on the edge of the eye as a gargoyle. Who can count on a man who cannot overcome himself? Poor, broken Johan. What has turned his eyes so black?
Marty Sullivan - violent, cruel, vicious and brutal. Poor, poor misunderstood soul. A classic danger to himself and others. Zoe shared a motley with Marty and a dead man. Rumor has it now that Marty has shifted his loyalty to the Thorns, and that he is now dead to Zoe too.
Nathaniel Fellows - Long time associates and friends, it is rumored that they are far more closely tied to one another than others would think.
Ruby Kirkbride - in classically ironic coincedence, Zoe commissioned Ruby to craft her new (and unexpectedly lucrative) identity before realizing Ruby's connection to her future betrothed. True to form, Ruby never asked for a coin in payment. Instead, she is the proprietary owner of one of Zoe's most famous works...in its original longhand manuscript. Zoe speaks highly of Ruby's skill, whenever the right person needs to be told.
Sylfaen Winters - as the Winter Queen following Zoe's reign in Youthful Springs, the two have learned to work with one another, both in matters of their courts and in mundane business. The Snowskin's eclectic paintings drew Zoe's discerning eye, and Zoe immediately commissioned her to create the cover art for her next book. She provides a glowing professional reference for Sylfaen whenever needed.
Tommy Blue - Disciple and mentor? Or precisely the reverse? Something else entirely? It's hard to say. It's only known that Zoe smiles when Tommy is mentioned, and it actually meets her eyes. Trouble is as trouble does...
Touchstone Madwise - No one knows. Including them...
Editorials & Reviews (Quotes)
"...and you may be sure that your sins will find you out." --The Bible, Book of Numbers 32:23
"Her mind is filled with dark secrets that would make many balk. What those secrets are, I have my suspicion. No... I won't tell you." ~ Nathaniel Fellows
"Inspiration and madness often run side by side. Only you can decide which she is. Inspired or mad." ~ Nathaniel Fellows
"What's the scariest part about loving someone like her? That they're so close to you and they still manage to scare you on a regular basis." ~ Aaron
"Lots of people talk and talk about things but never listen. Zoe listened to me without a word being said." - Gilded
"We come to a point in life when we must make a choice. I have seen the choice she has made, and so I must remain by her side. Arcadia shall not bar my loyalty. Not again." ~ David Webber
"Zoe is beautiful and passionate and terribly fun to be around, at least when she isn't angry over Dane being on the same planet or some drunk little blonde flirting with Aaron. She's all of that, and strong enough to keep the terror from stepping out of her books. Sometimes though, when she doesn't think anyone's watching, her expression betrays how very much she craves to write the lot of us into those nightmare-filled pages and be done with us for good." ~ Holly Poppet
"We met in a small room that smelled of fear and blood. She was writing. She was pretty and sharp, like my bracelet. Quill tips are so sharp. They do all the writing. Why does everyone always play with the feathers?" - Renn
"One of the more interesting associates of the Morning ... between her and Cordelia Marrow, these ladies have given me sleepless nights aplenty. It's fun to listen to her talk, and wind through her pathology ... if she ever goes Hollywood, I wanna do the sound for that one. Righteous." - Joey Shears
"Who? Oh, Sir Licks-a-Lot's future bride...heh, heh, heh...right, right, I remember. We've only met the once, but I get the impression she's a little different from most Fairest...she looks all bright, shiny, and full of yummy goodness, but you get the feeling that there's something rotten inside." <Chuckles> "Maybe it's her taste in men." - Dzxoxian Brokehorn
"Ah. Yes. My taste in men. That must be it. I can tell, you see, because I find Mr. Brokehorn so delightfully...tempting." - Zoe Edwards to the gossip who mentioned the above.
"Ah yes, the Lady Zoe. In my life, I had yet to see someone else who understood the importance of a good glass of scotch...and then I saw her yell at Jared for defiling her scotch with soda. Ah! What a memory! What a woman! And for just a moment, the laughter I tried to hide was genuine." - Ryver
"Zoe is a very interesting women indeed. I do believe she is the only women I have meet who's confidence rivals mine. Her predictions of my coronation had shaken me at first, but now I find a strange comfort in her predictions. Such is the power of the Autumn Court I suppose, they show us our fears and we gain strength from overcoming these short comings. When her prediction comes to fruition I will have to thank her showing me the secret strength I needed to see." - Victor Smith
"Her and her Freehold have an interesting custom and idea of hospitality: that it should be built on friendship or at least some sort of mutual understanding. Its simplicity as compared to the House of Cards is striking, but I digress...Zoe...She knows exactly what to say and how to say it to get precisely what she wants, or at least to get someone to open up. I have a great deal to to learn from her, the first being to stand up straight and keep my hands out of my pockets." - Falcon
Rumors
- Zoe was abducted twice by the Gentry; once as a mortal and once again as a Changeling. She has two fetches as a result.
- Zoe intentionally lowered her Wyrd to avoid the attention of the Others.
- Zoe is unable to replenish glamour by the usual means and may only Harvest it from the dreams of sleeping mortals instead, which is how she acquired her epithet.
- Zoe learned her craft at the feet of a third Keeper that she doesn't yet remember, a being that is using her book-fueled influence of mortal dreams to prepare its entry into our world.
- Zoe actually died in Arcadia the second time around, and was reborn in the womb of Newnan's Lake. Somtimes, if the crowd is just right and the moon is new, she can be persuaded to tell the tale...
- Zoe is contracted to spill a glass of red wine upon the soil each night after sundown. It's said that she is forbidden to speak of the consequence should she fail this oath or her loved ones will suffer the consequence in her stead.
- Zoe hates the entire Thorn family with a passion, and nearly threw Johnny Thorn out of Youthful Springs when he arrived to visit unannounced.
- Zoe has been spending an inordinate amount of time in Orlando lately. Gossips whisper about what...or who..it is that has her attention there.
Character Inspirations
Film:
Secret Window
The Number 23
In The Mouth of Madness
The Dark Half (adapted from Stephen King)
Snow White: A Tale of Terror
Literature:
Scott Landon (the dead writer)
Lisey's Story
Stephen King
"Crouch End" (short story)
Nightmares & Dreamscapes
Stephen King
"The Hellbound Heart"
Clive Barker
The Leanansidhe (Dresden's faerie godmother)
The Dresden Files
Jim Butcher
Other:
My own latent desire to be a successful writer...
Soundtrack
(I'm kinda stumped for any really good ones. Any suggestions?)
Jake's Picks
- A Whiter Shade of Pale - Procol Harum
- Night on Bald Mountain - Modest Mussorgsky
- Let Forever Be - Chemical Brothers
- End of the Innocence - Don Henley
- Mary Jane's Last Dance - Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers
- Suicide is Painless - Marilyn Manson
- I Cut Myself - Emo Therapy
- Witchy Woman - The Eagles
- River of Dreams - Billy Joel
- Sleep - My Chemical Romance
- Dream a Little Dream of Me - Mama Cass Elliott
- Dreamweaver - Gary Wright
Storyteller's Toybox
But wait, there's more!
Everybody has secrets, and Zoe has more than her lot. To help facilitate globalization of chronicle, some of Zoe's secrets may be obtained for storyteller use by request with justification to the player, Brandi Cartee or the VST, Clete Collum . If you play nice, we might share...
OOC Notes
Player: Brandi K. Cartee, US2002021716
IRC: brandilion-ooc / AIM & GoogleTalk: WildeLioness
VST: Anne Latham
DST: Matt Asbell
Domain: Covenant of the Poisoned Absinthe, FLD11
