Ariette

**Ariette** was an orphaned adolescent who played a crucial role in aiding injured civilians during the Upryean War. At the age of 14, she took on the responsibility of caring for five other orphaned children.

## Biography

### Early life

Ariette was born in 307 AOR on planet Uprye. She was the daughter of Viktor, the leader of the West Upryean Army. After learning about what her father was doing to people in the army, she ran away. Homeless for a few days, she was taken in by Cassandra, a nurse for the West Upryean army. Together, they helped treat hundreds of injured civilians who were affected by the war until Cassandra's death in 321 AOR. After Cassandra's death, Ariette proceeded to raise other orphaned children, but neglected the medical duties her mentor had bestowed upon her.

### Involvement in the Upryean War

Ariette's contribution to the war helped save hundreds of lives. Disgusted by her father's ruthless actions, Ariette sought to treat and provide hospitality to those negatively impacted by the war. She lived at the Sanctuary, an abandoned hospital on the border of East and West Uprye, alongside her mentor Cassandra and some orphans whose families were lost at war.

In 321 AOR, Cassandra was executed by West Upryean soldiers for helping citizens from both sides. This act deeply impacted Ariette's virtuous ambitions, to the point of closing down the sanctuary out of fear for her and her friends' lives. She and the other orphans moved into an old, rubbled apartment nearby, where they lived in secrecy for a couple of years, only leaving the building for essential supplies, and *never* speaking to others. Ariette's personality swiftly changed from sweet and caring to skeptical and reserved in these years, a mask she created to protect the children she was now responsible for.

Two years later, unnamed orphan child was rescued by Esyka and brought him back to the apartment to meet the other orphans. Ariette — skeptical of all strangers — took an immediate disliking to Esyka, but after a heartfelt conversation with him, she learned that the two were actually very similar. They both shared an interest in helping people and wanted the war to end. Esyka asked her if she would be interested in helping him end the war but out of fear for the children's lives, she declined. She did however, agree to let Esyka stay with them for the time being, so long as he helped gather supplies.

After returning from a supply run, Ariette observed Esyka and the other children playing in the street, an activity she had forbidden for the children's safety. Suddenly, an West Upryean tank made its way into the street and started attacking buildings. Esyka — in an act of bravery — stood in front of the tank, preventing it from moving forward without killing him. Soon after, the orphans followed, disobeying Ariette. Ariette called Esyka a bad influence, but Esyka gave a moving speech in the street, convincing the orphans, and the people living on the street to join them in blocking the tank's path. Ariette - though reluctant - eventually caved in and decided to join in. This sparked the creation of the Peacemakers, a rebel organization created to help end the war.

Following the events of the tank incident, Ariette, Esyka, and the rest of the Peacemakers set up base at the old sanctuary where Ariette lived. It is here, Ariette began to resume her medical duties and treat the injured people of Uprye. Word was quickly spreading about the sanctuary and Viktor — in an attempt to assert dominance — sought to destroy the sanctuary. After being alerted of Viktor's intentions, Ariette helped people evacuate the building but was caught in the rubble caused by Viktor's missile. Esyka and Viktor get into a fight and Viktor almost kills Esyka, but Ariette calls out "father?" shortly before fainting. Esyka and Viktor help bring Ariette out of the building and try to heal her. Viktor, realizing that he did this to his daughter asks for help and is surprised by the East Upryean militia's eagerness to help, despite being enemies. This act helped finally bring the Upryean war to an end.