Elden Vines

## Biography

#### Background:

Elden Vines is the first born and only son of Eadric and Clematis Vines both of whom represent the Lords of Trade presiding over a very wealthy wine and grape trade. As with most Lords of Trade families, the Vines mostly survived the wars that ravaged the land of Oválll without loss. However, Elden being old enough to both understand and see the war unfold took upon himself to leave the life of luxury in the purse of ensuring a better future for all. Opting to join the crown's army. Though, Elden never saw combat among any of the wars of The Three, and his obligations to the family as the only son and first born left his options rather limited. Unable to risk the loss of their son and the furthering of their Lordship, though not able to sway Elden from his desire to server, Eadric helped ensure Elden's first placement as a guard was well away from the fighting. Despite a lack of true combat, Elden proved to be a capable planner and skilled executor when it came to managing military logistics as well as local law. Nearing the end of the The Three's War Elden was arranged to marry Cherisa Denton. The marriage both strengthened the Vines' prominence among the Lords of Trade and established Elden as the captain of the guard within BalláVill, the first port city of Artésque. Elden and his new wife remained within the city until the final events of book two where Elden was summoned to take over for General Stone Hooves as Captain of the Royal guard. Though viewed as inexperienced for the placement by some, it was the Princess' personal request that brought Elden.

**Personality**:

Similar to that of his sister, Elden is a very outgoing and strong minded individual. Often looking for ways to both prove himself and and follow a path of justice. However, unlike his sister, Elden tends to put old traditions before actions, often opting to do what is best only after deep thought. It is this nature of indecision and unwillingness to step out of line that often led to Elden's slow rise to fame, despite his background. Luckily, a strong sense of duty and determination has kept many of Elden's naysayers at bay. Though not as smart as his sister, or as charismatic as his father, Elden is kind and warm person. While many among the Lords of Trade doubted Elden's success as the Captain of the Royal Guard, many under him looked up to him as a shining example of what duty and purpose should mean to those bearing the sigil of the Únoff crown.

(**Spoilers**) **Personality:**

After book eight however, Elden's personality seems to shift. While still a self driven person, Elden finds himself often questing the values and traditions he has lived by for so long. The somewhat carefree and confident leader that once was common place within Elden seems to have faded. Replaced with regret and a longing for answers at the misfortune that befalls him. Though still a capable person in mind, Elden's bouts of pessimism drives him away from his once powerful call to duty. Instead opting to reluctantly take on the role of the next Lord of Trade for the Vines family. Plagued by guilt and the lost of loved ones, Elden is left wishing for meaning in the sword he once lived by.

**Family:**

 Adoptive Brother: Reynard Vines

## Close Relationships:

**Cherisa Vines:**

Elden's relationship with his wife was typical of upper Únoff unions. While neither participial knew the other before their marriage a particular fondness for one another eventually developed. While not much is shown of their relationship behind closed doors, outwardly, both seemed to care very much for the other, though both often found their roles under Princess Sóltina pulling them away from one another. It was due to this that Elden and Cherisa never had children, as Elden put it, there was never time. Sadly, before they could deiced to further their marriage Cherisa was killed.

**Clover Vines:**

See *Clover Vines*.

**Reynard**:

Much like his sister's relationship with the young *fróx,* Reynard become a younger brother to Elden when Clover took him on. While numerous references throughout the series point to a strong brotherly connection between the two, Elden was nevertheless far older when Reynard joined the family. As a result, the relationship as shown within the series is that of a caring, though somewhat disconnected feeling of family between them.

**Princess Sóltina:**

Much like Elden's sister, every meeting held with and any interaction with the Princess is one of great importance and significance for Elden. Bound by his duty as the Captain of the royal guard and his own desires of duty, Elden has been shown throughout the series to stand by and support the Princess' wishes. Though, Elden's loyalty has never ended, Elden's service under the Princess did come to an end as the result of Cherisa''s death and the mangling of his fighting hand during the events of book nine.