Morthelia Draven

Morthelia Draven, the One Finally Heard

In the eyes of the world, she is Viktor's wife and the mother of the heirs: an old lady who rarely speaks, and who is listened to when she does. For ninety years, though, no one listened to her. Placed as a child in the kitchens of a noble house, she was forgotten there for decades, watching, understanding, with no one to tell. Ellisara found her wasting away from a slow illness and saw what no one else had seen. She offered her another century in exchange for her counsel. Morthelia did not hesitate, and will forever keep the face of the sick woman she was. Of the four faces around the table, she is the only one held by nothing but her own choice.

Describe her

She stands slightly apart, motionless, and seems to look at nothing in particular. Yet she sees everything: the glass set down too quickly, the gaze that slides away, the hand that tightens. She speaks softly, so that the whole table falls silent to hear her. From her years of service she has kept a habit strange for a lady: she notices before anyone else when a glass is empty. Sometimes she fills it herself.

Play her

Stay in the background and let Viktor lead the conversation. Observe. When she speaks, let it be seldom, gently, and always to say what no one dared to put into words. Treat servants and humble guests with more regard than nobles, without ever pointing it out. If a quarrel breaks out in the house, have her lay a hand on an arm, say a name, and let the anger fade. In private, she is the only one who contradicts Ellisara. Keep in mind that she stays by choice, and that this choice is her only true freedom.

What she says (rarely)

"You've spoken for a long time. Now tell me what you really wanted."
"Ninety years of serving tea. One learns a great deal, serving tea."
(to Ellisara, alone, without lowering her eyes) "You're wrong, my child. Listen to me."