Pearl Blackbird

**Pearl Blackbird**
***15.Jul.1009 SC**-**20.Jan.1072 SC***

**Place of birth:**Nightstone

Pearl Blackbird, originally from the modest town of Nightstone, rose to prominence as a self-made perfumer whose exquisite scents captivated even the elite of the realm. Her talent led her to the royal court where she became the esteemed perfumer for Queen Lucille Hollowrik. However, her fame turned to notoriety when several nobles perished after using her creations. Accused of their murders and imprisoned, Pearl's story took a darker turn as she uncovered a conspiracy woven by the tenebrian clan, the Scarlett Fangs, who had targeted the very heart of Drakespire Kingdom.

## Biography

### Childhood

Born on a hot autumn morning of **15th of July 1009 SC** in the town of Nightstone, Pearl's introduction to the world was amidst the fragrant aroma of her mother's flower garden, which was coincidentally in full bloom. From an early age, Pearl displayed an acute sense of smell, often identifying and mixing different flowers and herbs, creating her own concoctions. Her family, although loving, was steeped in financial struggles. Pearl's father worked tirelessly at the local mill while her mother sold hand-picked bouquets in the market.

Growing up, Pearl had to balance between assisting her mother in the market and her insatiable curiosity to understand scents better. The hard times they faced only fueled her determination. She would often wander the meadows and forests around Nightstone, collecting unique flowers, herbs, and even tree barks, attempting to create perfumes and oils that echoed the essence of nature.

Her childhood was also marked by stories of her grandmother, a woman whispered to have been a healer with the rare gift to cure with aromas. While some dismissed these as mere tales, to Pearl, they were inspirational stories, making her believe in the power of scents.

### Youth

As Pearl transitioned into her teenage years, her fascination with aromas matured into a more profound understanding of the art of perfume making. It wasn't just about blending different scents; it was about creating an experience, an emotion, a memory. Her wanderings in the meadows and forests became more purposeful, collecting rare ingredients that might provide the unique note to make her concoctions stand out.

On **23th of November 1023 SC** she crossed paths with old Loretta Ravenley, the village apothecary. Recognizing Pearl's innate talent and passion, Loretta took her under her wing. Pearl spent countless hours in the apothecary's shop, learning about distillation processes, understanding the intricacies of base, middle, and top notes, and mastering the delicate balance between them. The duo became a common sight at Nightstone's market, where they sold fragrant oils, tinctures, and the early versions of Pearl's perfumes.

In her early twenties, driven by a combination of ambition and the desire to lift her family out of poverty, Pearl took a bold step. She pooled her savings, took a small loan, and on **9st of August 1030 SC** opened "Blackbird Scents" – her very own perfume shop. Positioned at the heart of Nightstone, the shop was modest but elegant. Word quickly spread about the mesmerizing fragrances that emanated from Pearl's store. People from neighboring towns began to make their way to Nightstone just to buy her perfumes.

The success of her shop was not just due to the quality of her perfumes, but also her ability to personalize fragrances. She had a unique talent for discerning a customer's preference and crafting a scent that resonated with their personality. This knack for personalization became her signature and played a significant role in her growing reputation.

### Royal court

Pearl's renown in the realm of fragrances was no longer confined to the boundaries of Nightstone. Her personalized perfumes, combined with the unique allure of her signature fragrances, began to make waves in the higher echelons of society. It wasn't long before the whispers of "Blackbird Scents" reached the illustrious halls of queen Lucille Hollowrik's palace.

On a fateful day of **1st of September 1033 SC**, a royal envoy arrived at Pearl's shop bearing an ornate scroll sealed with the queen's emblem. It was an invitation. Queen Lucille, having heard of the exceptional talent of the young perfumer, wished to meet her personally. This was an opportunity Pearl had never dared to dream of. Excitement and nervousness gripped her as she prepared for her journey to the royal court.

Upon her arrival to Grimshade, the grandeur of the palace was overwhelming. However, Pearl's unease was quickly assuaged by the warm reception she received from the queen. Queen Lucille was a woman of refined tastes, and she admired individuals with genuine talent. Their meeting turned into a delightful afternoon of sharing stories and discussing the fine art of perfumery.

Impressed by Pearl's profound knowledge and her sheer passion for her craft, queen Lucille made an offer that would change the course of Pearl's life. She wanted Pearl to become the official court perfumer, a position of great honor and responsibility. For Pearl, this was a testament to her hard work and dedication. She graciously accepted the offer.

In the subsequent years, the bond between the queen and her perfumer grew stronger. Pearl crafted exclusive fragrances for the royal family and the nobility, further cementing her reputation as the realm's finest perfumer.

### Wrongfully accused

Several years have passed and Pearl, with her unparalleled skill, undertook the task of creating the most exquisite fragrance for the queen as a gift for her 40th birthday on **7st of December 1041 SC**. This perfume was to be a magnum opus, embodying the essence of the queen's grace and the grandeur of Drakespire Kingdom. Months of experimentation and meticulous blending led to the birth of a fragrance that was intoxicatingly beautiful and unmatched in its elegance.

As a sign of her appreciation and affection for the trusted nobles of her court, queen Lucille decided to present this fragrance as an exclusive gift to a select few before she herself wore it. The presentation was held during a grand feast, where the nobles eagerly awaited this precious gift from their queen.

However, the jubilation was short-lived. Moments after applying the perfume, the nobles' faces contorted in pain, their skin erupting in a violent rash. Panic ensued as one by one, the affected nobles collapsed, gasping for breath, their life force diminishing rapidly. By the end of the harrowing ordeal, the banquet hall, which moments ago was filled with laughter and merriment, was now a scene of unspeakable horror.

Grief-stricken and in shock, queen Lucille was desperate for answers. Suspicions quickly turned towards Pearl. The perfumer, known to have exclusive access to the ingredients and the formulation, became the prime suspect. Without a thorough investigation, driven by her emotions and the need for swift justice, Lucille ordered Pearl to be imprisoned, accusing her of orchestrating a heinous attempt on her life.

Locked away in the cold, damp dungeon, Pearl was overwhelmed with despair. She knew in her heart she was innocent, but the circumstantial evidence was damning.

### Prison break

In the dimly lit corridors of the dungeon, as the evening shift of guards took over, Gideon Hollows, a tall, robust guard with a stern countenance, made his way to the cell where Pearl was imprisoned. He was the very definition of a loyal guard, always performing his duties diligently. However, the cold demeanor hid a heart that remembered kindnesses.

A year prior, Gideon found himself burdened with debts due to a series of unfortunate events. On the brink of losing his home and desperate to provide for his family, he had approached several nobles and merchants for help, only to be turned away. It was Pearl, the esteemed perfumer, who had come to his aid without hesitation, ensuring his family's well-being. Such a gesture was not something Gideon could forget.

Reaching Pearl's cell, he quickly unlocked it. "Miss Blackbird," he whispered urgently, "I believe you. I haven't forgotten your kindness. It's time to leave this place."

Pearl, though initially startled, recognized the voice and nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. As they made their way through the labyrinthine passages, Gideon handed her a cloak to disguise herself and briefed her on the escape plan.

"Once we're out, run to my house. It's the third one to the left of the town square, with a red door. My wife knows you're coming. Stay hidden there until it's safe," he instructed.

"But how will you avoid suspicion?" Pearl whispered, concern evident in her voice.

Gideon handed her a heavy stone. "You'll need to knock me out. Make it believable. They should think you overpowered me and escaped," he said, determination in his eyes.

Pearl hesitated, the weight of the stone cold in her hand. But understanding the necessity, she struck him with it, watching with a heavy heart as he crumpled to the ground, unconscious. With the cloak wrapped tightly around her, she made her way out of the dungeon, heading towards the refuge Gideon had provided, even as the city bells began to sound behind her.

### Secret investigation

The dawn in Grimshade was somber. The town, usually bustling with merchants and common folk, was overshadowed by the recent deaths at the royal court. The once-celebrated fragrance, the pride of Pearl Blackbird, had now become a deadly reminder of betrayal.

Inside the quaint house of Gideon Hollows, Pearl, disguised as Gideon's wife's visiting sister, delved into the remnants of the tainted perfume. As she inspected, a sense of dread washed over her. An additional ingredient, alien to her original concoction, had been introduced. This foreign substance was undoubtedly the deadly compound that had claimed the lives of the nobles.

Pearl and Gideon spent days retracing every step, questioning every supplier, every craftsman, and anyone who might have glimpsed an anomaly. Whispers of a hooded figure, often sighted near Pearl's shop during unnatural hours, started emerging. The description was vague but consistent.

Intrigued and alarmed, Pearl and Gideon compiled the various descriptions and testimonies they had gathered. And amidst their list of potential culprits, one name shocked Pearl to her core: lord Kenley Darrenrik, her former lover. The pieces of the puzzle were slowly coming together.

### Unraveling the tangle

That night, under the veil of darkness, Pearl and Gideon decided to confront lord Darrenrik. Stealthily, they made their way to his opulent chambers. Pushing open the door slightly, they witnessed a scene that sent shivers down their spines: Kenley, his face pale and filled with fear, was in a heated conversation with two menacing figures - unmistakably tenebrians with their glowing crimson eyes.

As Pearl and Gideon silently eavesdropped on the conversation, the tenebrians, with their heightened senses, suddenly turned their piercing crimson eyes directly at the concealed pair. Time seemed to slow as the monsters locked their gaze onto them, sensing their presence.

Before Pearl could react, Gideon lunged forward, placing himself between the tenebrians and her. "Run, Pearl!" he yelled, drawing his sword. The valiant guard clashed with the tenebrians, but they overpowered him with swift brutality. Gideon's brave attempt, however, bought Pearl precious moments.

Gideon's screams echoed in her ears as she sprinted through the corridors, desperately seeking refuge. Her heart pounded loudly, each beat in time with the thunderous steps of the pursuing tenebrians. Recalling an old tale about their aversion to garlic, a desperate plan formed in her mind.

The scent of herbs and spices filled her nose as she burst into the kitchen. With no time to lose, she grabbed the largest jar of garlic oil she could find. As the first tenebrian lunged at her, she threw the oil into its face. The creature recoiled, howling in agony as the oil seared its skin.

The echoing clamor of combat filled the palace hallways as more guards, alerted by the commotion, rushed to the scene. Clad in gleaming armor and wielding sharpened swords, they charged at the tenebrians, shouting war cries and battle orders. The tenebrians, outnumbered but undeterred, lunged at the guards with a monstrous ferocity.

The one with the garlic burn struggled, its injuries slowing it down, but the other, in its prime state, cut through the guards like a whirlwind. Blood splattered and screams filled the air, turning the palace corridor into a scene of horror. But even in their diminished state, the palace guards were well-trained, and they fought with determination, trying to hold the creatures back.

In the midst of the pandemonium, Pearl, her heart racing, seized the chance to slip away. She made her way through the ornate hallways, praying she wouldn't run into more danger. Her thoughts raced to lord Kenley, hoping to find answers and, hopefuly, clear her name.

Pushing open the heavy doors to his chambers, Pearl stepped in cautiously. The room was dimly lit by a single candle's flickering flame, revealing Kenley Darrenrik sitting at a desk, his face buried in his hands, visibly shaken by the night's events.

“Kenley,” Pearl began, her voice strained, a mix of anger, confusion, and a desperate need for answers making her words sharp. “You owe me an explanation. Now.”

Kenley looked back at her, the guilt apparent in his eyes. He rose from his seat, pacing restlessly, his words tumbling out in frantic haste.

“It was not my intention, Pearl, I swear it,” he began, his voice laced with both shame and fear. “They threatened me, the Scarlett Fangs. They're merciless, and they made it clear they’d kill me if I didn’t do their bidding.”

Pearl’s eyes narrowed, her heart battling between the instinct to empathize and the cold hard facts of his betrayal. Kenley continued, unfolding the dark narrative that had led to that horrifying night.

“The queen…Lucille has been funding tenebrian hunters. The Scarlett Fangs wanted her dead, to halt the assault against them. They made me tamper with your perfume. It was supposed to kill her, Pearl, but…” his voice choked as he thought of the innocent nobles who had died instead.

Pearl stared at him, the tumultuous storm of emotions raging within her making it hard to speak. Betrayal, anger, sympathy, and an overwhelming sense of injustice warred within her. The people who had died were victims of a sinister plot, pawns in a cruel game of power and survival.

“And so you used me? Risked my life, my reputation…” her voice cracked, the magnitude of the betrayal hitting her hard.

Kenley’s eyes filled with remorse. He was a puppet, he knew that, but the strings that controlled him were woven with threats and fear.

“I had no choice, Pearl,” he pleaded. “I am a prisoner to their will as much as you are a victim of their plot.”

The revelation sunk deep into Pearl. The tenebrians, the deaths, the betrayal – they were all part of a sinister dance choreographed by the Scarlett Fangs. A dance of death and power, aimed at the throne of queen Lucille, using the innocent as expendable pieces in a deadly game. The horrifying reality settled within her – she was embroiled in a conspiracy that stretched its dark tendrils deep into the heart of the kingdom.

The room seemed to tremble with sudden violence as Mortimer Mackwell, a monstrous figure with piercing red eyes, burst through the window. His movements were swift and deadly as he lunged at Kenley, his claws bared. But before they could connect, a shot rang out. The tenebrian was momentarily halted as Rudyard Whitegale, the chief tenebrian hunter, stormed into the room, his weapon aimed at the intruder. He immediately shot Mortimer directly between his eyes.

Without a second’s delay, Rudyard charged forward, taking advantage of Mortimer's brief moment of vulnerability, and with a swift, powerful motion, severed Mortimer’s head from his body. The room plunged into a momentary silence, broken only by heavy breathing and the dripping of tenebrian blood.

The moment of respite was shattered as guards who followed Rudyard rushed into the room. Their weapons were aimed at all in the room, but their eyes were fixed on Pearl. The guards, without uttering a word, roughly grabbed Pearl, and began to drag her through the winding corridors of the palace. The cold glint of their armor matched the fury in their eyes.

They stopped in front of a magnificent door. The doors flung open to reveal a grand chamber, and at its center, on a throne, sat queen Lucille, her face a portrait of controlled rage. Her gaze locked onto Pearl, and for a moment, the weight of her fury seemed to be more suffocating than the walls of the prison cell.

“Pearl Blackbird,” she began, her voice dripping with venom. “For the attempt on my life and the murder of my nobles, for aligning yourself with dirty tenebrians, you shall—”

But before she could pronounce the sentence, lord Kenley, his face a mask of guilt and determination, stepped forward. “My queen,” he interrupted, falling to his knees. “It was I. I conspired to kill you under the coercion of the Scarlett Fangs. Pearl is innocent.”

The room was silent, save for the shocked gasps and whispers of the courtiers. Lucille's fury seemed to shift from Pearl to Kenley, her former trusted ally. The drama unfolding in the court was more sinister than any could have imagined. The fate of Pearl Blackbird hung in the balance, swaying between justice and the cruel machinations of politics and power.

### Returning to Nightstone

After the revelations and the subsequent events, the court was in a state of uproar. Once the dust had settled, Pearl Blackbird was officially cleared of all the charges laid against her. The weight of the confession by lord Kenley and his connection with the nefarious tenebrian clan, the Scarlett Fangs, made the decision clear. The lord's fate was sealed quickly. Merely a week after his confession, he faced trial, where his guilt was unanimously proclaimed, leading to his execution.

Queen Lucille, realizing the magnitude of her mistakes, sought out Pearl to mend the broken bridges. In a private audience, she extended a heartfelt apology to the perfumer, expressing deep regret for the undue suspicion and hardship she had been subjected to. She even offered to elevate Pearl to a position of greater prestige in the court as a sign of goodwill.

However, the wounds ran too deep for Pearl. The grandeur of the court, the allure of power, and the shine of the palace had all dulled in her eyes. She felt betrayed by the very system she had held in esteem. The palace corridors, which once echoed with admiration and intrigue, now whispered of conspiracy and danger. Longing for peace and the comforting embrace of familiarity, she made the decision to leave the intricate webs of courtly life behind.

Pearl returned to Nightstone, the place of her humble beginnings. On **12th of January 1042 SC** she reopened her old perfume shop, which had once been the talk of the town. The scents and essences brought her solace, a reminder of simpler times, of days when her biggest concern was crafting the perfect fragrance. The townsfolk welcomed her with open arms, many of them having fond memories of her creations. As the days turned into months, Pearl slowly rebuilt her life, finding contentment in the rhythms of the small town and the memories of a time untouched by the dark shadows of deceit and treachery.

### Dominion of Dolora

Years passed since Pearl left the luxurious but treacherous life of the court in Grimshade. Nightstone proved to be the sanctuary she had hoped for, where she continued to perfect her craft. Pearl's beauty and charm did not go unnoticed, and over the years, she had many suitors and lovers. Yet, despite the affections she received, she never found herself walking down the aisle, choosing instead the independence and freedom that came with her single status.

However, peace was not meant to last forever. Malvina Dolora, with her insatiable hunger for power, set her sights on Drakespire Kingdom. In a catastrophic siege, Grimshade was obliterated, its once-proud structures reduced to rubble and its populace to mere memories. Word of Malvina's ruthlessness and unstoppable army spread like wildfire. Nightstone's leaders, fearing the same fate for their city, made the painful decision to pledge allegiance to the malevolent conqueror on **20th of October 1055 SC**, hoping to spare their citizens from a similar tragic end.

Life in Nightstone underwent a transformation under the rule of Malvina Dolora. The once lively and spirited town became subdued, its people living under the constant shadow of their new overlord. Pearl's renown as a perfumer had not diminished, and it wasn't long before Malvina's minions, hearing whispers of her talent, arrived at her doorstep on **21th of February 1056 SC**. Against her wishes, Pearl was coerced to leave Nightstone and serve as the court perfumer in Lamenthollow, the seat of Malvina's dark empire.

In Lamenthollow, Pearl once again found herself surrounded by the trappings of power and politics. But this court was different. It was colder, more ruthless. Malvina, unlike queen Lucille, was a force of darkness, her desires and whims unpredictable. Pearl treaded carefully, using her skills to craft fragrances that would please the empress while always being wary of the dangers that lurked in the shadowy corners of the court. While she yearned for the freedom of her old life in Nightstone, Pearl knew she had to survive, to endure, waiting for the right moment to break free from the chains of her new existence.

Eventually Pearl found a rhythm in the heart of Lamenthollow. She focused on her work, taking solace in the familiar scents and processes of her craft. Creating unique fragrances for the unpredictable Malvina was a challenge, but it was one that Pearl met head-on. The art of perfumery, with its intricacies and subtleties, became her sanctuary in a world of chaos.

Over time, Pearl began to establish connections within the court. Other artisans and craftspeople, similarly brought in from various parts of the empire, became her confidants and friends. Shared stories of homes left behind and dreams for the future created a bond amongst them that was unbreakable.

The empress, Malvina Dolora, although a feared ruler, recognized talent and had a peculiar soft spot for those who could entertain or benefit her in some way. Pearl's perfumes were a source of delight for Malvina, who grew to respect and even trust Pearl to an extent. They developed an odd camaraderie - the perfumer and the empress. This trust allowed Pearl a degree of freedom and influence that many in the court could only dream of.

Slowly, Pearl carved out a life for herself within the walls of Lamenthollow. She created a small garden, growing exotic plants and herbs used in her perfumes. The scent of roses, jasmine, and lavender became her daily companions. Music, art, and literature flourished under her patronage, and she became a beacon of hope and culture in the otherwise dark atmosphere of the court.

In this environment, with a combination of her skills, diplomacy, and the friendships she cultivated, Pearl found contentment. She never forgot her roots or the journey that brought her to Lamenthollow, but she chose to focus on the present, making the most of her circumstances.

Years passed, and Pearl aged gracefully, her silver hair a testament to her wisdom and experiences. And then, one quiet evening of **20th of January 1072 SC**, after a day spent in her beloved garden, surrounded by the fragrances she so cherished, Pearl Blackbird's heart gave out. She passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, artistry, and the indomitable spirit of a woman who, against all odds, found a way to thrive in the heart of darkness.

## Appearance

Pearl Blackbird was a striking woman with tan skin, which beautifully contrasted with her long, curly black hair that cascaded down her shoulders. Her choice of attire primarily revolved around elegant green dresses that accentuated her figure and complemented her skin tone. Adding a touch of luxury to her ensemble, she adorned herself with golden jewelry, with emeralds being her preferred gemstone. These emerald pieces not only reflected her refined taste but also echoed the green of her dresses, creating a harmonious and regal appearance.

## Personality

Pearl Blackbird was a woman with a kind heart, always inclined to help others and show compassion where it was needed. However, her gentle nature was juxtaposed by her tendency to hold onto grudges. If wronged, Pearl would remember the offense for a long time, often struggling to let go of past grievances. This characteristic was further intensified by her volatile nature. Pearl's emotions ran deep, and she often found it challenging to control them. When provoked or overwhelmed, her reactions could be unpredictable and intense, a testament to the passionate spirit that resided within her. Despite her flaws, her genuine care for others and her undeniable charm made her a memorable figure to those who knew her.