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Background
Daughter of Viscount Giorgio Bazan, heir to Summerseat
It was a rainy morning in April of 1845 when Maria Bazan was born to Giorgio and Isabella in Summerseat. She would be the first child of the Count and Countess and by being so the eventual Head of the Bazan House.
Some people claim that it was no coincidence that the "Belle of Bazan" would be born right around the time that the Thirty Years War started to slow down and enter what was considered a lull and a stalemate between the two sides. Thus, the first five years of her life were a little less stressful in Summerseat and she was able to be sheltered from the war that had ravaged her country for so long.
The Early Years:
1845-1853 (8 years old)
As could be expected, Maria was given full access to the finest tutors and care that her family could arrange. Her path was already determined and raising a young girl to be the future leader of the Bazan family was something her parents took quite seriously. It was very early one that Maria exhibited some qualities that people knew would serve her well as she grew into her role.
From an early age Maria was that girl that always seemed to get what she wanted; that extra dessert or the few extra minutes past her bedtime. She was a skilled negotiator and had a charm that anyone who came in contact with her found hard to resist. In time she would have a younger brother and sister, but it was Maria who seemed to always draw attention to herself with no effort at all. This was a carefree time for Maria and a time of social parties and the like with family and friends. It would be during these young years that she would first meet Stephen Greycen; a young boy who was close with her Uncle Ezio's family. It would be casual meetings, kids playing as they would often do. Little did she know then that she and Stephen would cross paths years later.
Succession War Years:
1853-1863(8 years old to 18 years old)
A few months after her 8th birthday, the Succession war officially began. She had always been so sheltered, kept away at Summerseat and knowing little what lay beyond the city. All that she knew is that her father was concerned and the name Lord Arturo became commonplace in the Summerseat halls. It was during this time of Rivana's war that Maria learned the most.
As sheltered as she was from the actual fighting, the news that reached Summerseat and the halls of her home could not go unnoticed. Her father(with some coercion) allowed Maria to attend the important meetings concerning his County and the war itself. Meetings with high ranking advisors and officials were conducted, and there standing at her father's side was the young Maria. Her insight and intelligence could not go unnoticed. Her way of looking at things made the other in attendance pause and listen. She had a gift to advise, and a greater gift to get people to listen.
However, quite possibly her greatest contribution during the Succession war was frequent visits into the city of Summerseat. She was noble, the heir to the Bazan House. Yet, there was something so down to earth about her that allowed her to be quite approachable. She was a young lady of the people and often found herself within the city streets conversing with everyone from merchant to beggar. She was beloved an popular in Summerseat and by the time she had reached her teens had established herself in the city as the, "Belle of Bazan." She learned from a very early age that the power of any ruler is from the people; something that she knew would serve her well in the future. It was even said that much of what reached her father's ears in regards to concerns from the citizens, came from the mouth of Maria. She was more in touch with the people than many of them could even remember a noble being.
Two days after Maria's 18th birthday, the Succession War ended and Alysande Tracano was named Queen of Rivana. Maria's father made sure his now young adult daughter who had begun to make a name for herself in the diplomatic circles of Rivana would be present.
Maria would also stay for the Queen's tournament and make sure that she made connections she knew would serve her in time. She was a forward thinker, and she knew that such a historic event was a prime time to establish allies and acquaintances that would serve Summerseat and the Bazan family.
Just like back in Summerseat, Maria tried to make an impression with all that she spoke with; she made sure of it. She was laying the groundwork in advance for when she would eventually take the Head of House Bazan. She was garnering a reputation as a charming negotiator who seemed to always get what she
Recent Years:
1863-1868 (18 years old to 23 years old)
Maria would spend the majority of these years back in Summerseat. It was her father's desire to teach her more about running the County the art of Stewardship. She had much experience in diplomacy and politics, but she had not had much training in this very important area for an heir. For years she would take on more responsibility for her parents; they letting her have more power in decision making (within reason) and listening to any suggestions she may have. Her skills were growing and her ability beginning to be noticed. During this time, Stephen Greycen would resurface into her life. The war was over and Stephen sought to visit Ezio's family often and spend a lot of time in Summerseat. Naturally, Stephen was invited by Giorgio to dinners and other gatherings and it would be here that he and Maria would see each other once again. It just made sense that Giorgio would try and push the two together, even going as far to request a potential marriage with Duchess Eleanor. The two were friends and perhaps that could have been. However, two factors more than likely prevented this from happening. Stephen was not /right/ after the war and was suffering from its effects mentally. His head and heart were not capable of developing a relationship like that. The other reason could have been downright complacency, Giorgio did not act fast enough and the Cassomirs closed the door. She harbors no ill will to Stephen at all and the two still remain in contact.
It was also during these years that she would focus on the studies of healing through the training of a well-known apothecary and healer in her family; Dawn Bazan. Dawn was her Great Aunt and was a well-known healer during the recent war. Maria could not have had a better instructor than her Great Aunt and the two would correspond during the course of the plague; the young woman seeking the guidance and advice from the woman who had taught her everything. Her education in this area of study would serve her well when the Plague would come to Rivana.
The Plague would strike Rivana hard; especially the area of Seaguard with 50% of a population falling victim. However, due to an alchemical treatment that reached Seaguard. Seaguard itself had already fallen hard to the Plague, so for many the treatments arrived to late. Thus, the treatments made it to some of the smaller towns and were successful in limiting the losses to some degree. Luckily, Summerseat almost seemd like a refuge from the Plague with little signs of its existence amongst the people and the streets.
During this time, and much to the disapproval of her mother and father, Maria has taken to the streets to administer treatment and offer any other forms of healing she can to those less effected. Seeing Maria amongst the people during this difficult time has only made her more popular in the eyes of the people she will someday rule over. In 1867, her family established her as the diplomatic representative to Sunsreach for Summerseat. Maria was tasked with speaking on behalf of Bazan and Summerseats interest. She has proven to be quite the representative and is making a name for herself among the other nobles. One particular relationship she has come to value is that of the Princess Elaida. She likes the princess as their personalities are quite similar. She looks forward to developing the friendship and keeping a connection such as Elaida in her stable of allies. Whether it is with her hands, her words, or her kindness, Maria Bazan has proven to her parents and the people of Summerseat that the future of the Bazan House and the city in good hands.
On the Grid
Beautiful? One could certainly the young woman before them to be so; however it is not the elegant beauty that some must work to achieve, but more so a natural one that just seems to be. Brown hair falls freely past her shoulder and to the mid of her back; accented by lighter streaks if the light should hit her just right. There is little effort to contain it, no braids or fancy styles, the occasional pony-tail so rarely seen if the need arise. Every so often a strand will hang before a hazel eye; eyes that seem to carry a hint of innocence and intelligence within their gaze. With skin that is caramel in color, the young woman has a face without flaw, with full lips and a nose that only enhances her appearance.
A few inches on the taller side of five feet, the young woman certainly possesses a physique and build that one could easily consider athletic and lithe. The dress she wears is yellow in color with black embroidery and accents along the sleeves, bodice and neckline; a neckline that is not exactly modest, but not too revealing either. The bodice is form fitting while the dress itself freely flows and reveals a pair of matching slipper upon her feet.
Personality
There has always been something about Maria that people have found charming and endearing. The young girl who always talked her way to that extra dessert, her soft spoken and down to Earth tone that begged to be listened to and still does. She is beloved by the people Summerseat and rightfully so, fore it is the people's happiness she concerns herself with. A very approachable young woman by the noble and common alike, Maria Bazan usually gets what she wants one way or another. She has been referred to as the "Belle of Bazan" and her demeanor and charm leave little to question why.
Quirks
Personality:
Analytical: Maria has always been very analytical with things. She tends to think of every possible outcome and every possible way to get to there.
Forward Thinking: Maria thinks ahead. Everything she plans or does has a long term outcome. She sees the big picture and is patient enough to get where she wants if it means achieving her goals.
Down to Earth: It is said that there is nobody as down to Earth as Maria Bazan. She is grounded solidly and it ha served her well when dealing with the people of Summerseat. She is a noble who relates to the commoner and thee is not one citizen of Summerseat who would argue that.
Social
Popular: Ever since she was young, Maria would spend time among the people of Summerseat. She was the noble girl and Heir that seemed genuinely concerned with the people and their concerns. The people of Summerseat adore her and she adores them. Maria would do anything for the people of Summerseat and they would do the same for her.
Well-Connected: Maria is well liked. Everybody knows this, and perhaps it has carried over to her ability to have connections in high places. She always seems to get that special meeting with a Noble that everyone else has ben dying to speak with. Some call it luck…she calls it skill.
Skills
Polygot: Maria's education has taught her many languages. The languages she speaks are: Arendran, Common, Imperial, Tirian, Brodspek, High Imperial and Myrnesh.
Well-Read: Maria has had access to the Library of Bazan. She has grown up in a very culture rich and academic environment. She has read much, learned much and it has served her well in advanced topics.
