Aurore Laon

Successor of the Golden Maiden
Heiress to the House of Durendaire

Biography: Born on 1557th year of the Sixth Astral Era, Aurore was born to two adoring parents: a Countess of Durendaire and an Oronir warrior. Despite her parents' vast differences, they were able to come together to love each other enough to abandon both of their homelands to give their daughter a better life and one not bound by heredity responsibility...or so they had thought. Throughout Aurore's childhood, she spent most of her time doing creative arts with her mother, a gifted artist and writer from her time in Ishgard. On the other hand, her father would take her sometimes on his medicore hunts and she would document each of them as a way to share time with him. Other than the activities with her parents, she would explore the busy trails of the city and write about her findings from the interesting travelers that would pass her by.


She grew to be a curious child even into her adulthood, always wanting to learn more about anything. But there was one thing she wasn't ready to learn about yet...a grave responsibility from her forebearers that even her own hadn't known how to tell her. How could she get this trait? Her eyes were golden from her father, that much is sure. She got grace from her mother. She knew she had a responsibility in some way, but she didn't expect it to blossom in the worst of times. Back during a visit to Ishgard with her mother, her maternal family's house was attacked during the Dragonsong War and her relatives made out with a few casualities but no manor to call their own. Aurore, only being so young to understand, was full of rage but she could feel the piercing eyes upon her.


She knew she didn't do it, but how could she couldn't shake this guilt away? In a fit of panic, she had ran off in the middle of the night from the inn they were staying at. She ran...and ran...and ran, until her little feet couldn't take her any further. Only then, she realized this family gift she had. "A butterfly...?," the girl said softly while staring at the mysterious golden butterfly in front of her. She was scared to see it appear, yet the butterfly felt so familiar to her that her body wouldn't let her run away. The butterfly flew closer to her, touching the tip of the shaken girl's nose. There, she realized the butterfly was a gift—something to aid her in being safe but also to learn more about a new path. After several days, her mother eventually found her outside of Camp Dragonhead while laying against the stone wall.


Her mother was panicked but could only cry when she realized the connection of the girl and the multitude of butterflies that had protected her from the cold. "Mother...why do the butterflies protect me? What are they to me?" Aurore asked, finally realizing her mother's reaction to seeing her new winged friends. Her mother sighs, her hands shaking while approaching to hug the daughter she had lost forever: "My flower...those are spirits. Spirits whom chosen you from our lineage to carry on the responsibility as the Golden Maiden." The girl gave her mother a puzzled look and looks at the butterflies that had now swarmed around her to give her warmth. "The Golden...Maiden? Mother, what does that mean?" She questioned, "Would that mean I could protect people from harm's way?" Her mother looked at her a bit shocked at the idea. Aurore was always a lovely girl who wanted to help people, but she never thought it would take a turn.


Her mother smiled warmly, moving close to Aurore to hold her tightly in her arms. "Yes, my flower. You'll be able to protect people with the help of the spirits, albeit you learn how to use them correctly. For that, I don't know how to express to you since we hadn't seen a Maiden in centuries." Her mother frowned as she spoke, that worry turning into fear. Aurore looking up at her mother to wrap her pale but securing arms around her, she looks at her mother with a newfound goal to work towards. Although she may not know what to do with this ability, nor was her parents able to aid her to grow into this responsibility, she spoke with acceptance as she held up her hand to have one of the butterflies to rest upon it: "I'll find these answers, Mother. I'll learn so I wouldn't have to see the people I care about be hurt ever again..."

A Realm Reborn: The Elera embarked her way through the experiences of different places throughout the Far East, dreaming of the world outside of her home. She read articles about Eorzea and the exploits of adventurers, people whom she looked up to greatly for their determination and wisdom. Upon graduating with the highest marks within her class at the academies, she would often be rewarded with trips to the main three city-states to aid her mother in business trips. Upon seeing the way the meetings would play out on repeat when she was younger, she quickly became fluent in telling people exactly what they wanted to hear without the expanse of her own beliefs for others.

Heavensward: Aurore went along her way back to Ishgard once more, trying her best to overcome the fear of Nidhogg that haunted her every day when the city-state's name was mentioned. Upon arriving in the city, she reunited with her mother's family: House Durendaire. She was greeted with open arms and was equally stunned at the meticulous craftsmanship of the repaired manor. The grand duke of the manor, her grandfather, came to greet her at the door and extend his hand for her to get part of the house's wealth and potential of being the heiress. She used the tomes and resources of the manor to try to better understand how she inherited the power that stayed beside her and kept her safe ever since that tragic day. Were the butterflies trying to lead her? She wasn't sure—scared even, yet she pressed on for the answers she yearned for.

Stormblood: Aurore heard the news of the onslaught by the Garlean Empire upon her home. Outraged by this and the thought of losing people whom she once shared precious memories and laughs with, she halted her studies in Sharlayan to travel back to Kugane. The transportation was temporarily being closed to Eorzea and being highly monitored by the Garlean emissaries of the land, nonetheless, Aurore pressed on to make it home. Once she arrived, she took up arms on using her knowledge about aetherology to enhance her potential as an astrologian. She went around town after town to tend to the weak and injured, offering any aid she could give and had on hand with her whether it was: money, clothing, shelter, etc. She decided her fate was to aid those in need, yet her wish to fight for the resistance was far too great to ignore and her own father bidding her to stay in the sidelines while he went ahead to fight. She prayed for him day and night, yet she still longed to fight by his side and if not that, then to fight for others who may not have a voice of their own to declare.

Shadowbringers: Aurore's aether remained unstable ever since the tragic event that struck her family long ago. However, she felt a surge of aether flow through her that caused her constant blackouts. She was unable to control her spirits at times when it happened, scared that she may have lost Lady Lian's blessing. In search of this, she went to go mediate to try to reconnect to her, hoping for something to give her a sign. Upon this, she got a vision of the world beyond the stars: the First. She was able to take her soul to go there in her physical place, learning about the world that may give her an answer to her lost power at the expense of her own sanity. Perhaps it could help channel her potential as she was born to have like Lady Lian or would it give way for a new power to be reborn?

Endwalker: Under the blessing of her mother's corporation and her own studies at the Studium, Aurore was able to take a ferry to make the journey back to her beloved city of knowledge. Being aware of the Final Days coming upon the world, she devised plans to help out the top scholars and engineers of the Forum to come up with methods and ways to convert the engine of the spacecraft into overwhelming aether. Having a master's in aetherology herself and using it to better craft her own individual magic, she was able to imbue the power of her spirits to help with amplifying the engines, hence indirectly helping the Scions in their quest to save the star from complete annihilation.

Dawntrail: Finishing expansion; undergoing development.

Learn about Aurore's life and connections with those important to her. She has a few people who are close to her storyline who are explained further in the different categories. Interested in being a part of Aurore's life? Feel free to DM on Discord or /tell to start building rapport and eventually be spotlighted as well! You may also have a short story written about your OC and Aurore once you've built enough rapport with her. Upon being showcased in a relation category, feel free to ask me to write a story about you two on any genre or topic that the two share! Some of her personal stories may be found upon clicking the Lore button.

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Wish to create a personal connection with Aurore? Feel free to find her within a venue or DM me directly on Discord (@meisua)! I'm sure her and I will love to learn more about yourself and your character!

Come to learn about Aurore's life through the stories behind her relations with other OCs. Some stories are also origin stories towards the certain behaviors and abilities she has, so make sure to read them to better understand her if you wish!

Origin

• Her Golden Maiden
• Noblewoman & Warrior

Past

• The Journey to Sharlayan
• Farewell, My First Love
• The Fanged Rose
• Silver & Gold

Present

• Florette's Bloom
• Her Silver Ghost

Her Golden MaidenBackstory: The story of the first Golden Maiden and how her power was destined to be passed down to generations of worthy, noble-blooded women. Aurore, being gifted with this, wonders how she was connected to such a powerful, yet gentle mage.
Genre: Backstory

The history of the Golden Maiden started from many generations before as the first ever Golden Maiden being Lady Lian, the high priestess of the temples in Hingaeshi. She was known as a quiet and gentle woman since she was born, her eyes luminating from their golden hue and her slick, reflecting snow white hair. She occupied the holy garden on the side of the chapel as she was their primary caretaker. She always had a graceful light upon her as she tended for the delicate flowers and plants before her, a tall stature of a woman being so gentle with those so fragile. She would protect them and let the children when they visited take them sometimes, protecting them with a blanket of aether so they can live vibrantly for the rest of their lives for the children to always treasure. Through her beauty and grace, she was powerful and respected enough to leave trails of blooming flowers in her path with the animals singing a melody in her wake. Although, there was always one thing that she could not share with the rest of the village: her spirits. As the first maiden, she knew of her power to be great through her clergy already but her spirits were those of a different caliber—if to even compare them at all. The butterflies of the golden butterflies were different than what Lady Lian had possessed, no...she possessed the spirits of snakes, tigers, and holy birds to aid her at all times. She would train these spirits in the shadows, making sure to utilize their prowess in battle for when they were threatened and attacked.Lady Lian was known as a truly remarkable mage beyond words, but upon her return back to her abode, she was standing face-to-face to the rest of the priestesses of the temple. She was confused as to why they were near her abode, especially as she made sure to seal the opening with magic every time she was out with her familiars. Behind the group of women, a man appeared before them, the chief priest of the temple whom was also her father. Her face turning pale as she realized what was going on—she was being questioned for sin due to her being able to manipulate golden spirits and not those of regularly aether as well, they were free-roaming beings who also used the elements of dynamis in their wake. Her father looked down on her, as if she was nothing but a sinner and servant of Zodiark before banishing her from their village and to never return. Lady Lian looked upon her sisters in worship, hoping and almost pleading for forgiveness from them and for their aid. Alas...none of the women turned around to help their sister, making the verbal debate be unanimous in vote with nothing but silence.She packed her things in the house slowly as they let her pass and be on their own way. They were kind enough to keep the ordeal a secret, but they all knew she wouldn't be allowed back to the village if it was to be known to everyone. She took a look around her place as she left, gliding her hand over all those precious memories before her as her familiars waited for her by the door. She was on her way to leave after packing all that was necessary before seeing the glimpse of a flower. A flower she remembers taking care at the gardens and gave to the children reguarly, she stared into its luminscient hue as her mind controlled her hand to reach for it. She held the flower with a tenderness that both showed her love for the memories and the deep wounds of remembering her reality now. Upon the flower, she created a spell: "Thou shall be granted the spirits of the Golden Maiden. Let blood become water, land become air. Cast thy tears onto those with thine souls at its purest forms. Protect thine maiden for She shall protect all." Once she finished her spell, she went outside of the house to plant it in its very front. She nurtured it with aether to keep it long-lasting before making her final steps, to this day this flower bloomed to an aetheric ocean in its purest form. Those born of nobility and pure intentions are born with such a gift as Aurore was.A dream she awoke from with a cold sweat, she looked around her room full of beautiful books and artifacts she held dear. "Protect thine maiden for She shall protect all..." Aurore whispered to herself, recalling the words that haunted her sleep since she could remember. A special night it was indeed as would usually ignore the message and continue to bed, but instead she got up from her bed to guide her delicate feet towards her spacious window. She opened it to the midnight sky before her, the stars shining down on her as she took a deep breath with her eyes closed. She let out a deep sigh before speaking. "Protect a heart once broken as you heal those once lost." She opened her eyes, glowing like the light within darkness as her butterflies surrounded her and entrusted their souls with hers, as intertwined was their goal and was her life to serve for those lost and those she can yet save.

Noblewoman & WarriorBackstory: The love story between her parents, although rocky at first, they still pushed through the many trials and struggles to their unwavering and boundless love for one another today. Especially that love being shown and given to their daughter.
Genre: Backstory

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The Journey to SharlayanBackstory: Aurore embarked on a path to search for the truth of her abilities and the origin of the Golden Maiden as described to her by her parents.
Genre: Adventure

A time of silence was needed for the inexperienced Elera, unaware of her life ahead, she worried of her future. Her parents, who loved her so dearly, were supportive yet afraid for they did not know what to think of their daughter's path. Aurore, despite her preparations once it was time for her to part, was unsure of her own choice once time finally caught up to her. Just bright of 21 summers, she too was just another person inspirated by the victories of man but never saw herself to pursue their endeavors till now. "The Studium," she whispered under her breath. "It'll be where I can find what I felt like I've lost." Her parents, never doubting her thoughts before, looked at her with confusion but also guilt. Guilty of sending their daughter off to find answers they could not provide—answers they wish they knew to questions that were long left unanswered. Eras before with the smallest of traces they had to be able to give some clarity to the girl's wandering mind."Do you believe you can truly find your path there?" Her father asks, concerned for the look on her face as it was no longer a worried girl, but of a resolved woman. Aurore staying silent to her father's question, only to look at the sky before the ringing of the bell of the incoming ferry. It wasn't until it was time to call for students coming to travel that she finally turns around to face her parents. She smiles brightly, now facing them with the determined eyes she always wore: "You needn't worry, my dear mother and father. As I am your daughter still, even under the new face I must now bear." With the last bell ringing before it was her time to leave, she runs over to the entrance before facing them for the last time. She shouts: "I will return to make you proud." A tear slowly falling down her cheek with her heart suffocating as if it's the last time she'll see them ever again. She finally opens her mouth one last time before finally getting on the ferry to leave the home she always knew and loved: "Please do not forget me..."

Farewell, My First LoveBackstory: Aurore had a childhood friend by the name of Elise, a small Hyur girl who lived in one of the abandoned and controlled towns in Doma. Aurore never thought much of their relationship but knew she loved to spend all of her time with Elise, until she realized the true nature of her feelings once it was too late.
Genre: Romance

In a time of hardship and discovering the world, Aurore decided exploring the world outside of her little town will enlighten her. Although she was a curious girl, she was also quite sneaky with her ventures for knowledge. She'll travel to the local academies within Hingashi to speak with the professors for their wisdom and especially their tomes. Those same professors and their tomes whom she appreciates dearly even to this day. Rushing through the different streets of the city of Kugane, sometimes even boarding the ferry boats at the pier to travel to the small towns of Doma. During one of her adventures out, she met a girl whom even today she reminisces the memory of: a Hyur girl by the name of Elise. A girl from one of the poorer towns of Doma, Elise worked tirelessly for her family and younger siblings to live a normal life as the eldest child. Aurore, being an only child herself, did not understand why she worked so hard for others—this is where the children's differentiating lifestyles started to clash. Despite their differences in all aspects, they developed genuine connection to one another and becoming each other's first close friend. Aurore would continue to take the ferry boat to Doma to visit Elise, and she'll be showered by Elise during each visit and give her homemade takoyaki during them, which quickly became her favorite meal to eat because of it even now.As the girls grew older, they also grew wiser...yet their views developed even more as well. Over the course of a few years, Elise had earned enough coin to be able to move out of her family's home and live in Kugane. On the other hand, Aurore was studying at the different academies in Hingashi, receiving recommendations from their professors to go towards her goal at studying in Sharlayan. The two became closer friends as each day passed, but it wouldn't be long till their friendship was seen in a different light by the pair. During Aurore's week of studying for the exams, she got accepted into the prestigious academy, The Studium. Aurore was full of joy at the news, yet there was one worry of hers that still managed to linger within her mind: what Elise may think. "How is she going to react?" She said under her breath, concerned about breaking the bond she was protective of all these years. "Will she dislike me for moving so far away? What if she doesn't recognize me once I come back to visit? Will...will she still remember me?" The endless thoughts, worries, and concerns rushed through her mind day and night. As much as her bond with her parents was great and she trusted them, she didn't have the courage to tell them about her thoughts. She decided maybe she was just concerned because she wouldn't have someone to call her closest friend once she moves, as the thought of love never crossed her mind.Time was rushing by, Aurore still unsure how to approach her friend...so she never did tell her. She never had the courage to do so, even though deep down it pained her still to never say it. After her move to Sharlayan, she would ask about Elise during her brief conversations with her parents. "She's doing well, coming by to visit sometimes with crops from her family's fields when she visited them." Her parents reassure her, but there was always a somber undertone to their voice when they spoke of Elise. Aurore tried to ignore it each time, until she couldn't one day. She asked them again sternly: "How is Elise...really?" Her parents were silent, unsure if to lie or tell her the truth. After moments longer and Aurore getting more anxious and upset, her father lifted the veil and said: "Elise...she was married off as a mistress to one of the nobles of Ishgard. Your mother and I tried our best to aid her in rejecting the proposal, but she was determined to go for the sake of her family." Aurore was stunned by the news—shocked even, she couldn't believe what she heard and yet...she understood. She understood her friend's choice, but it still filled her with rage. How could she do this? Why would she do this? What about her happiness? Her own freedom for once? The questions rushed through her mind as her heart ached for any kind of closure or reassurance that it wasn't true, that it was just Elise pulling a jest on her like usual. Yet, there was no answer. There were no words to comfort her bleeding heart as she somberly asked when and where the wedding would be held.She arrived there to see her friend once more after all these years, they've changed significantly since they were children. Aurore was able to catch a glimpse of her friend and was amazed by Elise being clothed in a silky white dress, covered in floral lace and adorned with the purest of pearls. Elise looked nothing short of majestic in Aurore's eyes, yet the view of her beauty didn't matter: she could see the sadness in her eyes. All that Aurore was the fiery bird she knew for all these years be reduced to a caged fledging, so she pondered to herself of what really conspired between those closed doors...what she could've done had she been there to help. Although she was filled with rage at the sight of someone else taking Elise's hands than herself, she sat there silently and could only try her best to keep her composure. Her hands trembled as she saw Elise walk down the aisle, her hand being held tightly by the wrenched noble. She didn't want to cause any harm for her friend, especially on a day that will change her and her family's lives for the better. Once the wedding reception was over, Aurore couldn't look at the newly wed pair any longer and started to take her leave. That is until Elise came running towards her, grabbing Aurore's wrist and running along to the flower garden behind the chapel.Aurore looked at her friend in utter confusion, yet her face betrayed her as her cheeks were painted a bright red. Once Elise was able to finally catch her breath, she handed Aurore a letter she hid well within her dress. The letter was encased within a bright crimson envelope, her name being written in soft cursive script by golden ink. She smiled at the realization that her friend still remembered how well their favorite colors blended with one another. There was no words between the two, but their eyes explained all that was needed to be said. At the call of her husband, Elise looked at Aurore with her sorrowful eyes as she smiled through the pain that was in her heart. Aurore was going to turn around so she wouldn't cause Elise any more pain, yet Elise held onto her wrist still as planted a kiss on Aurore's lips before turning away to walk back inside. Aurore was speechless and her cheeks could only radiate a brighter hue. She couldn't help but see the wind flow beneath her friend's dress as she walked away from her—her heart in pain once more as she realized that may be the last time she sees her friend.As years passed and Aurore was about to graduate from the Studium, she finally decided to open up the letter she received from Elise. Since that day, she was afraid of opening the letter and clung it close to her as she cried herself to sleep for many nights at lost of her closest friend. She let out a deep sigh as she carefully opened the envelope. To her surprise, the letter was written on quality paper and her handwriting being more elegant than she recalled it to be, although it was stained by a trail of tears, becoming more illegible as the words continued to fill the page. Nonetheless, she read through the letter as silent tears began to violently fall down her cheeks:"Dear Aurore,
Do you have any idea how upset I was with you for not telling me about your journey to Sharlayan? You know I would've been proud of you and give you as many supplies as I have to offer, although you wouldn't need it. Ever since that day we met, you being the curious girl you were with that massive tome in hand and myself being the farm girl who watched you from afar. I wanted to talk to you since the day I first saw you, but I was always afraid. You looked so...different, yet you seemed so safe and familiar. I hadn't seen many Au'ras about, but I was terrified of you from the unique way you looked, yet you had an innocent and gentle smile as you read—that being all I needed to know you weren't as I assumed you to be. Since the night you came over to see me taking a break from my family's field, I knew I fell in love with you. As children, we shouldn't know what genuine love was yet—but I knew from each time I saw you again that I wanted to be by your side. I enjoyed every moment of your company, every time I made you takoyaki, every time you would bring me a new book and teach me how to read and write...I enjoyed it all. I was deeply hurt to finally be able to make enough money to move into the city with you and your family just to find that you had left for Sharlayan. I was distraught and went to visit your parents every day, in hopes you would return and show me that vibrant, loving smile you always wore so perfectly. When I heard of the news of your return, I was so excited to come see you at your parents' abode that I rushed to get gifts for you to enjoy; however, I was not allowed to due to my new husband's orders. He wishes for me to stay in Ishgard with him and create a family with him so he can have a successor. I don't love him, Aurore and I never did since the day I met him. He was so cruel of my parents and to our life. He may be a noble from your mother's city-state, yet he seemed nothing short of greedy and dangerous. Yet...I love my family, so I accepted the proposal for their sake to earn them enough money to live comfortably from now on. I hate that I waited so long to tell you my feelings, and maybe in another life we can live the life I envisioned for us since that fateful day. You were my first love and I had to let you go. I pray that it was mutual, even if for a small fraction of time or just as a passing thought in your mind. Please continue to smile for me. I love you.
Love,
Elise"Aurore gently held the letter close to her chest, quiet whimpers escaping her mouth as the tears continued on. She felt a flurry of emotions, yet everything was still around her. The dorm room she called her paraside of knowledge had turned into a somber, dark room fill of words left unsaid in exchange for a curiosity she thought she had control over. Yet, all she could do was smile. "I love you too, Elise. I'm so sorry..." She whispered under her breath as each word opened up the wound in her heart even further. She looked through the window across from her bed, clenching the letter tighter as she let out a relieving sigh to the deep night sky. As the stars looked down upon her, there was a moment of silence. For the friend she lost and a farewell to her first love.

The Fanged RoseBackstory: During Aurore's studies in Sharlayan, her dorm mate was someone...special. The dark, mysterious hair and violet eyes was in direct contrast to Aurore. The two were the greatest of friends, only their friendship were thorned roses that held and torn Aurore down until it was too much for the young bloom to handle.
Genre: Drama

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Silver & GoldBackstory: A relationship like no other, one of chosen family and close calls. How another successor of Lady Lian's blessing before Aurore had appeared before her in hopes to train Aurore up to their expectations.
Genre: Adventure

Within abandoned, enchanted fields for sparring, a woman of tall and buff stature stood confidently in front of Aurore with an amused smirk. "Is that all you got, maiden?" The woman spoke in a teasing manner, a soft chuckle emerging from her lips. Aurore, trying to catch her breath from the previous blows she dealt yet had no impact on her mentor, rolled her eyes as she lifted herself up and readjusted her form once more before striking again. A blow that caused the leaves to forcibly move alongside the staggered wind, but it was still no use against the woman before her as she just laughed and flung Aurore across to one of the nearby trees to counteract. Aurore tumbled across the wind before grabbing hold of a tree branch to flip herself onto to rest upon for a while. "You're such an untouchable brute, sensei..." Aurore spoke breathlessly, a hazy gaze upon her mentor as she laid on the tree branch with her face in a locked pout. The woman laughed as she sheathed her katana and stretched her arms before beckoning to Aurore to come down from the tree. As much as she wished for nothing more but some peace and quiet, she reluctantly hopped from the branch to land gently on the ground as she walked slowly over to her mentor.The woman patted Aurore on the head as she excitedly took a seat upon the vibrant grassland. "You did well, maiden. You've improved significantly compared to the last few times we've spared. I can see why you were chosen amongst other women as Lady Lian's successor." Aurore scoffed as she gently brushed the woman's hand from her head, sheathing her own daggers beforehand. She looked up at her with a tired yet gentle smile. "Please sensei...I have a name, you know? You mustn't call me 'maiden' each time we encounter one another." She spoke in annoyance at the constant reminder. A nuisance it was, to be referred to as the Golden Maiden despite her many attempts to deny the responsibility that comes with as she grew older with time. The woman tilted her head as she accepted the declined offer, a bittersweet acceptance as she was quite the affectionate person behind the warrior features she presented. "Is that so...? I simply prefer to call you what you are. Although, I hadn't forgotten your name in the slightest, Aurore." She spoke with a bright smile on her face as she laughed out loud in a hearty manner. Aurore sighed as she shook her head in disdain, ever keeping her stoic expression within her eyes towards her mentor. "If you said my name more, I would call you by yours more in turn. I certainly can't forget the name of the woman who took me in as not only a student at the academies at Kugane, but a guide for my journey to Sharlayan. Wouldn't you agree, Milena?" That she was such a woman of influence in Aurore's life, Milena was a seasoned warrior that turned to pursue a profession in teaching instead of being an adventurer. In her years of teaching at the academies, she never encountered a Golden Maiden despite her family being the designated guardians of them since the times of Lady Lian's blessing were first passed down.Until one day when Aurore came to be within Milena's class at the local academies in Kugane, but even young Aurore was not aware of her powers yet nor was her parents. For generations, Milena's family was able to point out those who could be the Golden Maiden and then be tasked with protecting her until the end of their lives or the maiden's life. Be it through an actual guardian or a simple mentor, they are expected to stay by the chosen woman's side. How may Milena discover the gift of the Golden Maiden being bestowed to Aurore? Simple: the garden behind the academy. Aurore, still young and afraid of her own gifts, went out to the gardens one day to test whether she could control what she saw and felt that one fateful day. Slowly raising her hand and closing her eyes to focus on the image of a butterfly, she stood there nervously and patiently as a faint golden aura emerged from the palm of her hand. Milena, on her regular stroll around the gardens after classes, she witnessed the young girl and the magic coming from her hands as she stood there in shock. Her prized student, top of her class, yet also while being the Golden Maiden she was looking for to protect? It seemed too good to be true...although, it was true. Despite knowing this knowledge, Milena kept the sight a secret from Aurore...hoping to prevent any cause for panic or distance between the two, instead she extended her hand in becoming a private tutor for Aurore in terms of martial combat than aetherology. From that day forward, the two grew closer almost as if they were a true family: a proud mother and her beloved, devoted daughter.Upon opening her eyes back up while resting on the fresh grass field alongside her mentor, Aurore noticed her daggers faintly flashing a golden glow. As she sighed from enjoying her peace and quiet now being disturbed, she took them to imbue them with her own aether. Milena looked over to Aurore from the corner of her eye, offering her an amused smile. "Those daggers of yours running low on ample power?" Aurore gave the Viera woman a stern look, shortly loosing up her expression to offer a slight nod. "Of course, another moment where I had to use a lot of the aether within the daggers to stand a chance against you. Soon enough, I'll need to get an upgrade despite my attachment to this set." Milena got up from the ground to lightly stretch her arms before walking over to examine the daggers, placing her hand under her chin as she rubbed her fingers against it while in deep thought. "Those definitely need an upgrade...but I understand your attachment to these." She lifted herself up to pounce the hand from her chin onto her chest firmly as a confident smile emerged from her lips. "Don't you worry, I got the perfect person in mind to turn these around without needing to get completely new ones." Aurore looked up to Milena, tilting her head in confusion but didn't try to make her elaborate further. She simply nodded her head with a faint smile, relieved she didn't have to let go of one of the mementos of her mentor to keep. Aurore put the newly-imbued daggers back into their respective holds, getting herself up from the ground as she dusted the dirt from her legs as she looked over to her mentor with a warm smile. "Now that our training is over, would you like to get some coffee? The Last Stand is having a lovely special today and I mean to try it as soon as possible." Milena smiled brightly in response, laughing heartily in response as she nodded her head. "Of course! You know I can never turn down the offer of free coffee..." She looked away in embarrassment for a short while before laughing nervously. "or coffee in general for that matter." Aurore lifted her eyebrow in confusion, giving Milena a light pat on the shoulder before turning her boot to head off. "No one said your coffee would be free. I do hope you brought your coin purse with you this time, I paid for you the last time we went." Milena continued to laugh as she followed suit on Aurore's path, the two chatting with one another as they made their way to the Last Stand. Despite their difference, they were quite the inseparable pair after all.

Florette's BloomBackstory: Aurore's history with the creation of Florette Athenaeum and how she views her work as its headmistress now. The stories and memories she recalls during her scheduled bookkeeping days within her office.
Genre: Backstory

It was one of those cool nights in autumn, the wind blowing gently against the windows of the vanilla-scented office. An office laced with towering bookshelves, rustic brown furniture, a multitude of papers stacked in their own individual ways in front of the peaceful woman that everyone knew as Florette's headmistress. Aurore, in the midst of her going along her usual routine, had stopped for a moment to think about the library; her passion, the people, the memories—she felt the need to collect herself to recall it all. She decided to set the paper within her hands down on top of her desk, getting up to walk over to a collection of framed pictures of all the people she's seen through her doors alongside their stories that each had shared.She smiled as she took hold of one picture in particular first: the picture she took of herself when she was successful in obtaining the house. She remembered how excited she was as she was finally able to have a place to call her own, being able to live independently and make her parents proud even if from afar. As happy she was, she was also...scared. Scared of not knowing much about the new world she was in, now devoting her time and energy into as well. As familiar as she was about Eorzea, or at least the city-state Gridania, she was still scared of those she may encounter from other different areas. It plagued her for several days that turned into weeks, until she only thought of one thing that could aid her: simply talking to others. So she did, she ventured the stone pathways of her neighborhood and knocked on doors to better her understanding of the people who live next to her. Chatting with them, venturing out with them, dining with them; all these simple pleasures she enjoyed as to better understand those who called Eorzea home, just like she was someone to call the Far East home. She spent her nights in her new home feeling...hollow, as she was unsure what to make of such a vast place. She pulled aside one of her favorite books to read before the realization had came to her: a library for those to enjoy, for those who may not be able to find books freely in other places. She always grew up around the company of books, literature, and music...yet she knew that not everyone was afforded the same opportunities as she was. From there forth, she pledged to herself to open up this opportunities for others to enjoy without the worries of their backgrounds or experiences.The headmistress was lost in thought until another picture right next to her caught her out of her daze. She gently sat down the picture in her hands to pick up the next familiar frame in front of her, smiling as she recalls the vivid memory: the anxiety and joy behind her starting moments as a new business owner. How she made so many copies...thousands on top of thousands of copies for hiring, yet they would usually get damaged or blow away from the harsh climates of the Black Shroud. Yet, the diligent and determined Aurore didn't see this as an obstacle, rather a lesson to be learned. She took this lesson to heart and applied it by promoting it through her own words, speaking with citizens close and far. She gave her all in this, in return she was able to find like-minded individuals as she had hoped for. The time of opening was near, she was nervous...better yet, terrified even. She tried not to let it show, but as much as she was terrified, she was beyond excited for words to even express. A new chapter in her life, a new journey to write within the pages—she felt as if everything was perfectly in place for her, the life she declared to live and claim as hers.She decided to continue her journey along the row of carefully lined-up picture frames. As she placed down the current frame in her hands, she went to pick up the next one as she was curious and laughed at this point of her life all the same. The first opening of the library, how awkward it was for her considering she was still fairly new to Eorzea as a whole. Not a large number of people came, to her relief but also quite a larger crowd than she had anticipated as well. Nervous yet still composed, Aurore tried her best to engage within the conversation. To her surprise, the guests before her were quite receptive despite her being the only staff member in the building at the time. One topic turned into another into another, until she was enjoying herself quite a lot that she almost forgot she was staff and that she was the owner. She simply enjoyed the presence of others, learning about their experiences and their cultures. Time flew by so quickly that she realized she had to close for the night, saddened by this but she still had the courage to tell them goodbye. A warm feeling swelled up in her chest, flowing to her cheeks as she couldn't help but have a big grin on her face. Her first successful opening, one she enjoyed to the fullest as well. Her in that moment could only hope for other greater openings and conversations.The wishes of her past self appeared before her, fulfilling those exact desires...or so she thought. As Aurore set the frame down to pick up the next memory, she recalled the first struggles of her days as Florette's headmistress and owner. She felt...disconnected from her staff, unsure how to engage them into the same love for conversations with guests and others as she felt. Of course, she didn't expect them to be like her...but she wanted to create a safe space with how she interacted with others to be done the same for her staff to enjoy and experience. At times, she worried if she was being too strict. Was she being too harsh? Was she being too bossy? Too stuck-up? These thoughts rushed through her mind, she worked at other venues at the time to make ends meet for the library's success moving forward but...she felt something being missing with how she interacted with her staff compared to her co-workers at other places. It frustrated her to no end, but she remained calm and patient. She only wished to know the reason why, had they not felt comfortable around her? Days turned into weeks, she still saw no progress and was quite concerned. She could only do her job as usual, even with the worries crawling from the back of her mind even more than before. At least, until one day where she was relieved to see that the library was full of life—oh how fulfilling it was, everyone seeming to have a good time with one another. The greatest sigh of relief she could feel, Aurore was not one to stay silent for too long, yet she was glad to have stayed so for long enough to see her and their efforts not in vain to help create a comfortable space together.As her smile continued on as she set the frame down once more, she looked over to see a frame facing down. Her nerves getting the best of her, she looked away from it as to know exactly what it meant and what memories were behind said pictures. She sighed as she tried to keep her composure, glancing over to the frame once more before slowly flipping it upright to hold close to her. Tears on her face as she lost some she considered close, but worse of all...abruptly taking a break from the library for a time. She went on go about her own studies and think of what to do to improve the library little by little, but she didn't have the courage to step foot in there once more. As much as it pained her to leave her team to do everything themselves, it was a much needed reprise for someone so stressed and worked to the bone. Although, to her surprise, she came back slowly with open arms right in front of her. She hadn't thought of such to happen for her, but she gladly accepted them without hesitation. The joy and freeing feeling of finally being able to relax, especially in the company of those she considered to her as precious people in her life now. Maybe not to replace those before them, but definitely to fill new spots in her heart that remain taken care of even to now.She placed the frame down, but instead she faced it upright. She was willing to accept this being a part of her life now, no matter how much of a change it was nor how much it had affected her. It helped her grow, so she decides this memory is just as worthy of being remembered as the others. She gently wipes the tears from her eyes and cheeks with the back of her hand, adjusting her glasses as she controls her breathing to calm herself. She goes to the last frame within the series of her memories, one of great importance to her: the present. Aurore knew naught of the future nor what it'll bring, but she was confident that the picture frame in front of her was a new beginning for the library. She giggled to herself at the mention of the staff team being like a family to one another, slowly nodding her head to the thought in agreement. A family of people who cared for one another, who helps one another; a family she was used to by blood relation only, yet it was a difficult feeling to have it through those that she only met at first through passing. The revelation that someone across the road could become someone so invaluable and unique to one's life is remarkable and so very beautiful and precious. So she smiles at the group of people she has by her side now in the picture frame of front of her, looking back to her desk as she holds it in hand to the empty frame besides her paperwork. "What new beginnings and opportunities will be showcased within those corners?" She chuckled to herself, quite amused at the thought. She gently placed the that last frame back into its respective place, moving over back to her desk to grab the empty picture frame while on her way towards the window behind her. She opens it to let the wind blow in her face and take control of her hair. She beamed with a bright smile, looking over to the horizon of her office as she held onto the frame tightly to her chest. "May we see where this takes us. I'm proud to be the owner of Florette Athenaeum...may no one convince me otherwise." She whispered to herself as she closed her eyes to take in the breeze. The feeling of tomorrow's beginning, hoping for there to be the new of a successful era into the start of yet another one.

Her Silver GhostBackstory: Upon Aurore's visions ever since her discovery of Lady Lian's blessing being in a different form, a silhouette would give her a...harsh reminder of what she truly is.
Genre: Discovery

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