Rafe Gardner

By @Caffeinated\_Dreams

**Rafe Gardner** is a Gardnerian, the older brother of Elloren Gardner and Trystan Gardner, and the grandson of Carnissa Gardner. He was raised by his uncle, Edwin Gardner.

## Physical Description

Rafe is a very tall and strapping nineteen-year-old. He is able to move as quietly as a cat and is extraordinarily stealthy. He has black hair, green eyes, and pale skin with an emerald shimmer like all Gardnerians. Upon becoming Lupine, Rafe's eyes become a fierce amber.

## Personality

Rafe has a happy and optimistic outlook. He is usually seen smiling and joking. He "goes his own way on practically everything. And lets other do the same." He is not bothered by his lack of magical ability. Rafe enjoys spending time in the wilds hunting. He loves animals and is staunchly against their abuse. He hates the sight of wild animals confined or shackled. Rafe is considered the best tracker, hunter, and archer in Gardneria. He has an easy confidence and a wry good humor.

## Biography

### Early History

When Rafe was five, his parents were killed. Rafe, along with his younger siblings Elloren and Trystan, grew up in Halfix with their Uncle Edwin. Rafe has been studying at Verpax University.

### The Black Witch

Rafe is attending Verpax University. The Fifth Division of the Mage Guard has been actively recruiting him for the last few years. He looks out for Elloren, and worries that his Aunt Vyvian's bigoted opinions have rubbed off on her. He and Diana Ulrich start going out hunting together and soon fall in love and so that they can be together he plans on becoming a Lupine and joinging the Southern Lupine pack. He "doesn't particularly enjoy being a Gardnerian.", as he does not agree with their religious or political beliefs. Rafe helps Elloren, Yvan, and the rest of his friends rescue Naga, a dragon that is being held in captivity by the Gardnerians.

### The Iron Flower

Rafe accompanies his sister and their friends to the Amaz lands to ask their help in rescuing the enslaved Selkies. Rafe and the other boys will have to leave the girls at the border to the Amaz lands while the girls venture in alone. The boys will meet them back at the border the next day.

Rafe is also one of the men tasked with going to Selkie brothels to try find Marina's sister and let the other Selkies know that help is on the way. Rafe, the Ulrich twins, Trystan and the remaining group steal away into the night after Marcus Vogel slaughters the Lupines.

### The Shadow Wand

During the first full moon on his journey east, Rafe becomes Lupine, casting off his Gardnerian heritage.

## Powers & Abilities

Rafe has no magical abilities. He's a Level One Mage with a thin sliver of earth magic. However, he is an incredibly skilled and talented tracker and hunter. He is highly capable with a bow and arrow. Upon becoming Lupine, Rafe gains the ability to shapeshift between his wolf and human forms. He becomes immune to wand magic. His senses become hightened and sharper, no matter which form he is in. He can smell the emotions of others, including levels of attraction between people, and differentiate between people's blood. He can hear across large distances. He is also viciously strong.

## Relationships

### Elloren Gardner and Trystan Gardner

Rafe, Ellore, and Trystan are fiercely protective of one another. They love each other very much and want each other to be happy and to be able to be themselves. They support each other.

### Diana Ulrich

Rafe and Diana become friends and hunting partners almost immediately after being introduced. Their friendship quickly blossoms into a romance. Diana and Rafe are besoted with each other. Rafe's love for Diana is so strong that he casts of his Gardnerian history and identity and becomes Lupine. This allows them to become mates.

## References

1. ↑ *The Black Witch*: page 374
2. ↑ *The Black Witch*: page 517