Lady Seraphina Ravenshade

**Seraphina Ravenshade**
***29.Jul.583 SC**-**4.Nov.633 SC***

**Place of birth:**Ebonvale

**Seraphina Ravenshade** was a noblewoman in the city of Ebonwale. She was grieving after her only son died in battle. Overwhelmed by grief, Seraphina invoked the Ritual of Malicious Desires, pleading the Devil-King to bring her son back to life. He granted her wish, but not in the way she expected. Henry returned as the first of the cadavers, mindless creatures that eventually overran Stormlash Valley.

## Biography

### Childhood

Seraphina Ravenshade came into the world on **29th of July 583 SC** in Ebonwale. Born into the esteemed Ravenshade lineage, her birth was marked with grand celebrations throughout the estate, and her arrival was considered an auspicious sign for her noble family.

From her early years, it was evident that Seraphina was a force to be reckoned with. She had an innate curiosity and a penchant for diving headfirst into situations, much to the chagrin of her caregivers and tutors. Whether it was sneaking into the restricted sections of the family's vast library or climbing to the top of the highest towers in their manor, Seraphina's fearlessness and impulsivity knew no bounds.

Despite her status, she showed little regard for the formalities and responsibilities that came with being a noble child. The family's staff would often find her playing with the children of the servants or running through the estate's orchards, her laughter echoing with genuine delight.

Her parents, though often exasperated by her antics, could not help but adore their free-spirited daughter. However, her impulsiveness often led her into trouble. There were countless instances where she would disregard caution, leading to broken vases, torn gowns, and even once accidentally freeing all the birds from the family's prized aviary.

Yet, underneath all her mischief was a heart of gold. Her genuine kindness and affection for those around her, regardless of their status, made her beloved by many. But it was her very nature, her impulsiveness, and her inability to consider the consequences of her actions, that would set the stage for the pivotal events of her later life.

### Youth

As Seraphina transitioned from the carefree days of her childhood into the more structured and demanding realm of her youth, her impulsiveness remained a constant, though it began to manifest in different ways. The estate's once endless playground started to feel restrictive, and the protocols and etiquettes expected of a noble lady of Ebonwale weighed heavily on her.

Despite the many suitors that came calling, drawn both by her family's prestige and her unique charm, Seraphina often found herself yearning for something more than the life set out before her. She had a hunger for genuine experiences and connections, something that the superficial courting rituals of nobility couldn't satisfy.

Her parents, recognizing her restlessness, encouraged her to attend the various social functions and balls hosted in Stormlash Valley. They hoped that immersing her in the societal expectations would temper her wild spirit. In some ways, it did. Seraphina learned to navigate the intricate dance of politics and alliances, using her impulsiveness as a tool to disarm and charm those around her. She became known not just for her status, but also for her wit, her daring, and her undeniable presence.

Yet, amidst the grandeur and opulence, Seraphina often felt a sense of isolation. She longed for authenticity, for conversations that went beyond pleasantries and masked intentions.

### Defying her parents

On **22th of March 601 SC** she decided to slip away from her entourage and explore the city's bustling streets on her own. Moving through the market, her attention was caught by a humble apothecary's stall, laden with vials of vibrant concoctions and fragrant herbs. Behind the stall stood a man with an earnest face and a demeanor that contrasted sharply with the aristocrats she was so accustomed to – Benedict Strictwall.

Intrigued by his world of potions and remedies, she struck up a conversation, one that flowed with ease and genuine interest. Benedict, with his vast knowledge of herbs and their uses, captivated her. His passion for his craft was evident, and in him, Seraphina found the authenticity she so deeply yearned for. Their connection was immediate and intense, a meeting of two souls from vastly different worlds, yet bound by an undeniable bond. It was the beginning of a love story that would defy conventions and reshape the future of Stormlash Valley.

In the months that followed their fateful meeting, Seraphina and Benedict's relationship blossomed, though in utmost secrecy. They would meet under the cover of night or during those rare moments when she could steal away from her duties and the ever-watchful eyes of her family's retainers. The city of Ebonwale, with its hidden alleys and quiet corners, provided the perfect backdrop for their clandestine meetings. From whispered conversations by the riverbank to stolen kisses in the shadows of the old city walls, their love grew, fueled by the very thrill of its secrecy.

However, as is often the case with secrets, it wasn't long before whispers of their romance began to circulate within the noble circles of Stormlash Valley. Gossip, after all, was a favorite pastime of the aristocracy. When the rumors finally reached the ears of Seraphina's parents, their reaction was swift and severe.

They confronted Seraphina, hoping the weight of their disappointment would sway her. When it became clear that she would not be deterred, they attempted to lock her within the confines of their estate, thinking physical barriers could quench the fire of young love. They paraded a line of suitable noble suitors before her, hoping one might catch her fancy and divert her affections away from the common apothecary.

But Seraphina's spirit, so wild and free from her youngest days, could not be contained. She rebuked each suitor, no matter how rich or powerful, her heart steadfastly belonging to Benedict. As days turned into weeks, and weeks into months, her resolve only grew stronger. The mansion echoed with their heated arguments, her passionate pleas clashing with her parents' stern refusals.

In a final, desperate bid to convince them, Seraphina threatened to run away, to leave behind her life of luxury and privilege to be with the man she loved. The idea of their daughter, the heiress to the Ravenshade legacy, disappearing into obscurity with a commoner was unimaginable to her parents.

It was this ultimatum, combined with their genuine love for their daughter and the undeniable realization that her happiness was paramount, that finally softened their stance. Reluctantly, they agreed to the union, but not without conditions. To safeguard their family's reputation and status, they insisted that Benedict be granted the title of Lord and assume the Ravenshade surname, bringing him into the fold of nobility.

With their blessing finally secured, the two lovers were united, their bond now unbreakable. Yet, as with all tales of passionate love, theirs too would face trials that neither could have foreseen.

### Fruitless marriage

The union of Seraphina Ravenshade and Benedict, now Lord Benedict Ravenshade, was the talk of Stormlash Valley. Their wedding took place on **28th of January 603 SC** and was a grand affair, held within the opulent halls of the Ravenshade estate in Ebonwale. Nobles and dignitaries from all over the region gathered to witness the event, their earlier reservations overshadowed by the palpable love between the couple.

The early days of their marriage were filled with bliss. They settled into their life as husband and wife, their home echoing with laughter and joy. They frequently hosted gatherings, their love story serving as a testament to many that true love knows no bounds.

However, as the months turned into years, a shadow began to creep over their happiness. The expectation of an heir, so crucial for noble families, weighed heavily on them. But month after month, their hopes were dashed. They consulted the best healers and wise women throughout Stormlash Valley, seeking remedies and blessings to grant them a child. They prayed, made offerings, and followed every possible advice, their desperation growing with each passing day.

The strain began to take its toll. What was once a subject of whispered hopes between them soon became an unspoken tension. Their once joyful home became quieter, the absence of the laughter of children a constant, painful reminder of what they lacked.

Benedict, ever the caring and supportive husband, tried to reassure Seraphina, reminding her of their love and the life they had built together. But for Seraphina, the inability to bear a child felt like a personal failure, an inadequacy she couldn't shake off.

### Young widow

On the fateful day of **10th of June 608 SC**, the skies above Stormlash Valley were clear, with the sun shining brightly, hinting at no impending doom. Seraphina and Benedict, taking advantage of the pleasant weather, decided to take a leisurely stroll through the gardens of their estate, hand in hand, reminiscing about their shared memories and dreams.

As they walked, the atmosphere began to change subtly. The air grew heavy, and an eerie stillness settled over the landscape. Before they realized what was happening, the dreaded Voltquake began to manifest. The skies darkened ominously, and electric currents crackled in the air. This rare and unpredictable weather phenomenon was the stuff of legends in Stormlash Valley, known for its lethal potency.

Panicking, Seraphina and Benedict instinctively sprinted towards the safety of their home. But just as they were mere feet away from shelter, Seraphina's foot got entangled in a wooden plank on the pathway. Struggling and terrified, she tried to free herself, but the more she struggled, the tighter the plank gripped her.

Benedict, seeing his wife in peril and without a second thought for his own safety, rushed to her aid. He managed to dislodge her foot, and with all the strength he could muster, he pushed her into the safety of their home's threshold. But as he did so, time seemed to slow. Seraphina, from her position in the doorway, could only watch in sheer horror as a blinding bolt of lightning descended from the chaotic skies, striking Benedict squarely.

The aftermath was devastatingly silent. The garden, once a place of joy and serenity, bore witness to the tragedy. Seraphina's screams of anguish echoed through the valley, her world shattered in an instant. The man she had loved so deeply, who had risked his very life to save hers, lay lifeless before her, a victim of the merciless Voltquake.

The days following Benedict's tragic demise were a haze of sorrow for Seraphina. The grand Ravenshade estate, once bustling with life and laughter, turned into a mausoleum of silence, punctuated only by her heart-wrenching sobs. Friends and family came to pay their respects, offering condolences and support, but their words were but a distant echo to Seraphina. She felt like she was trapped in a never-ending nightmare.

As the days turned into weeks, Seraphina became a recluse, avoiding company and staying confined to her quarters, where memories of Benedict lingered at every corner. However, amidst the enveloping gloom, fate had yet another surprise in store for her.

Two weeks after the tragedy, Seraphina started experiencing the early signs of pregnancy. Confused and still grief-stricken, she consulted with the family's trusted healer, who confirmed her suspicions: she was with child.

The news was a whirlwind of emotions for Seraphina. While the thought of carrying Benedict's child brought her a semblance of solace, it was also a painful reminder of their shared dreams that would now never be realized. This unborn child represented the lasting bond between them, a beacon of hope in her darkest hours.

The town of Ebonwale buzzed with the news. Many saw it as a silver lining, a symbol of life and continuation amidst tragedy. For Seraphina, it was a bittersweet realization. As the days passed, her grief began to intertwine with determination. She decided she would raise their child as a testament to their love, ensuring that Benedict's legacy lived on. The child, she vowed, would know of his father's bravery, kindness, and the profound love they had shared.

### Motherhood

Nine months after the tragic loss of Benedict, Seraphina gave birth to a healthy baby boy. The pain and exertion of childbirth seemed to be a culmination of her grief, love, and hope. As she held the tiny bundle in her arms, she named him Henry, a name she and Benedict had once playfully considered during one of their many intimate conversations about the future.

Henry Ravenshade became the epicenter of Seraphina's world. Her once profound grief slowly began to be overshadowed by the overwhelming love she felt for her son. Every giggle, every tiny achievement, and every milestone of Henry's was a salve to Seraphina's wounded heart. She poured all her energy, affection, and attention into raising him, ensuring that he lacked for nothing.

As Henry grew, Seraphina made it her mission to inculcate in him the values and virtues that Benedict had stood for. She often regaled young Henry with tales of his father's bravery, kindness, and love. These stories painted an image of a hero in Henry's mind, and he grew up idolizing the father he never had the chance to meet.

Under Seraphina's watchful and loving guidance, Henry blossomed into a fine young man. He was a perfect blend of his parents: Benedict's determination and honor combined with Seraphina's nobility and love for life. Henry possessed a natural charm, just like his father, and was quick to make friends. He was also deeply compassionate, always standing up for the weak and the downtrodden.

Seraphina ensured that Henry received the best education, both in the scholarly sense and in life's lessons. She hired the best tutors in Ebonwale to impart knowledge to him, and she herself took it upon her to teach him the ways of the world.

By the time Henry reached his late teens, he was the pride of Ebonwale. Many saw in him the future leader of the Ravenshade legacy. But, more than his status or the expectations of others, it was the bond he shared with his mother that truly defined him. Their relationship was more than just that of a mother and son; they were confidants, best friends, two souls forever intertwined by their shared past and hopes for the future.

The peaceful years of Henry's upbringing in Ebonwale were suddenly disrupted when tension with the neighboring kingdom of Valoria reached a boiling point. Without any formal declaration of war, Valorian forces crossed the borders of Stormhearth Kingdom, laying siege to its towns and villages. This unprovoked aggression sent shockwaves throughout Stormhearth, with many calling for swift retaliation.

Henry, having grown into a noble and honorable young man under Seraphina's guidance, felt a deep responsibility to his homeland. Witnessing the threat posed by Valoria and stirred by the patriotic fervor sweeping through Stormhearth, he made the resolute decision to enlist in the army. Despite Seraphina's initial protests and fears for her son's safety, she recognized the same sense of duty in Henry that she had seen in Benedict. With a heavy heart, she gave him her blessing.

The war with Valoria was brutal. Battles raged across the landscapes of Stormhearth, with both sides suffering significant casualties. However, under the leadership of experienced generals and the indomitable spirit of its soldiers, Stormhearth's army managed to hold the line, pushing back against the Valorian invaders.

In one of the fiercest battles, on the plains near the border on fateful day of **10th of November 631 SC**, Henry's regiment faced a particularly aggressive Valorian battalion. The young Ravenshade, always leading from the front, fought valiantly, inspiring his comrades with his bravery and determination. The battle raged for hours, with neither side giving an inch.

But war is unpredictable and cruel. A stray arrow, let loose in the chaos of battle, found its mark in Henry. He was struck down in the midst of combat, his life cut short on the very fields he was defending.

    When news of his demise reached Ebonwale, it was as if a pall of sorrow had descended upon the city. The boy who had grown up in their midst, who had been the beacon of hope and a symbol of the future, was no more. But no one felt the weight of this loss more deeply than Seraphina. The cruel twist of fate, having taken away both the love of her life and their only child, left her shattered. Henry's comrades, out of respect and honor, brought his body back to Ebonwale, presenting it to Seraphina so that he could be given a proper farewell. But little did they know the lengths a mother's love could push her to.

### Ritual of Malicious Desires

In the days following Henry's return to Ebonwale, Seraphina's grief was insurmountable. The estate, once filled with the echoes of Henry's laughter, became a silent testament to the loss. Servants and nobles alike tread softly, offering their condolences but finding Seraphina unreachable in her sorrow. She refused to part with Henry's body, insisting that his coffin be placed in her chambers, a constant and heartbreaking reminder of her loss.

Whispers started to spread throughout Ebonwale. Many thought Seraphina's actions were the result of a grief-stricken mind, unable to come to terms with reality. But Seraphina had a plan, one that was born out of desperate love and the refusal to accept her son's fate.

She had heard whispers of the Ritual of Malicious Desires, an ancient and forbidden rite that could call upon the Devil-King himself. Seraphina latched onto this sliver of hope. If there was even the slightest chance to bring Henry back, she was willing to take it, no matter the cost.

Drawing upon the vast resources and connections of the Ravenshade family, Seraphina embarked on a relentless quest to uncover the details of the ritual. She hired scholars, sent envoys to distant lands, and consulted with the most reclusive of mages. No stone was left unturned. Her once regal and elegant demeanor was replaced by a single-minded determination, her every waking moment consumed by the pursuit of this knowledge.

As months turned into years, her once lavish estate began to show the strain of her expenditures. Valuable artifacts, treasures, and even parts of their ancestral lands were sold to finance her quest. But Seraphina cared not for material wealth; all that mattered was bringing Henry back.

Finally, after two arduous years, her efforts bore fruit. Through a combination of luck, vast expenditure, and sheer willpower, Seraphina managed to gather all the pieces of the puzzle. The complete ritual, in all its intricacies, lay before her. With everything in place, she prepared herself for the night that could change her fate and that of the entire Stormhearth Kingdom. The Ritual of Malicious Desires was about to be invoked.

    The chosen night of **4st of November 633 SC** for the ritual was moonless, with a vast expanse of starless sky stretching above Ebonwale. The inky darkness was an apt backdrop for the forbidden rite Seraphina was about to undertake. Her chambers, where Henry's coffin lay, were cleared of all but the most essential items required for the ritual.

At the center of the room, Seraphina inscribed a complex pattern with chalk, a mix of arcane symbols and geometric shapes. Candles, each one imbued with a specific magical essence, were placed at key points within this pattern. Their flames flickered uncertainly, casting eerie, dancing shadows on the walls.

Seraphina, dressed in a robe of deep black, her face a mask of grim determination, began her preparations. Taking a deep breath, she started an incantation, her voice resonating with power and purpose. As she chanted, the atmosphere in the room grew heavy, thick with an unseen energy.

Reaching the climactic part of the ritual, Seraphina, with trembling hands, took out the only portrait of Benedict. It was a beautifully detailed painting, capturing his likeness in a moment of candid joy. Clutching it to her chest for a brief moment, she whispered a silent apology to the love she lost, then placed the portrait in a brazier at the center of her inscriptions. As she set it aflame, a surge of magic filled the room, the flames consuming the portrait with a hungry ferocity.

The room grew cold, and an oppressive silence settled. The very fabric of reality seemed to waver. Then, in a crescendo of energy and power, the center of the room was filled with a blinding light. As it dimmed, standing there, surrounded by an aura of malevolent energy, was Mephiston. His very presence exuded an overwhelming sense of dread, making the air itself seem heavy.

Seraphina, though prepared, was momentarily taken aback by the sheer intensity of his presence. Taking a deep breath, she steadied herself, ready to make her plea. The ritual was complete, and Mephiston awaited her request.

The atmosphere in the room became even more charged as Seraphina addressed the fearsome Devil-King. Mephiston's gaze, piercing and cold, locked onto Seraphina's determined eyes. The weight of the moment pressed down on her, but she stood her ground, driven by a mother's love and desperation.

"My lord Mephiston," Seraphina began, her voice steady despite the immense pressure, "I seek the return of my son, Henry Ravenshade, to the realm of the living. He was taken from me too soon, and I cannot bear to be without him."

A chilling silence filled the room after her plea. The candles flickered, and the shadows danced as if in anticipation. Mephiston regarded Seraphina with an inscrutable expression, the depths of his gaze seemingly endless.

For what felt like an eternity, he remained silent, allowing the tension to build. Then, with a voice that felt like it echoed from the very depths of the abyss, Mephiston spoke. "Your love and desperation have reached me, mortal. But remember, all desires come at a cost."

Seraphina nodded, her resolve unwavering. "I am prepared to pay any price, my lord."

Mephiston's sinister smile hinted at the consequences of her choice. "Very well," he intoned. "Your wish shall be granted."

Without another word, Mephiston raised his hand, and a surge of dark energy pulsed from him, enveloping the coffin. The room trembled, and the very air seemed to crackle with magic. As quickly as he appeared, Mephiston vanished, leaving Seraphina alone in her chamber, the aftermath of the ritual lingering heavily around her. She waited with bated breath, hoping against hope that her beloved son would be returned to her.

The silence that followed Mephiston's departure was suddenly broken by the creaking of the coffin lid. Seraphina, eyes fixed on the source of the sound, watched as the lid began to shift. A hand, pale and cold, emerged, pushing the wooden barrier aside. Out of the coffin, Henry rose. But the son that stood before her bore little resemblance to the young man she remembered. His skin was ashen, eyes vacant and clouded, and his movements were jerky and uncoordinated.

Before Seraphina could react or utter a word, Henry lunged at her with a guttural growl, his newly formed sharp teeth bared. She barely had a moment to register the horror of the situation before he grabbed her and sank his teeth into her neck. Seraphina's screams echoed through the chamber, but there was no one to come to her aid. The life drained out of her as her own son, turned into a monstrous cadaver, feasted on her.

Hours passed, and the chamber became silent once more. The gruesome scene was only disturbed when Seraphina's lifeless body began to twitch. Her pallor began to match that of her son, and with a sudden gasp, she drew breath once again. But it wasn't the Seraphina that the people of Ebonwale knew. Her eyes, like Henry's, were clouded and devoid of any semblance of humanity. The mother and son, once bound by love, were now united as mindless, flesh-hungry cadavers.

The dark power of Mephiston's ritual had taken root, and the consequences of Seraphina's desperate wish were only beginning to unfold. As the cadaver plague began to spread, Stormlash Valley would soon realize the true cost of meddling with forces beyond mortal comprehension.

### After death

    The sprawling Ravenshade Manor, once a symbol of opulence and power, turned into a nightmare realm. The initial screams of terror rang throughout the corridors as Seraphina and Henry, in their monstrous forms, ambled through, hunting down every servant, guest, and noble in their path. With every kill, the number of cadavers grew, and the manor transformed into a lair of the undead.

Word quickly spread of the horror unfolding at the Ravenshade estate. But before the city guard or any form of defense could be mustered, the cadavers broke free from the confines of the manor. The streets of Ebonvale, which were once bustling with life, became arenas of death and despair. Cadavers, with their insatiable hunger for flesh, attacked the unsuspecting citizens, converting more and more into their own grotesque kind. Panic and chaos reigned.

The city's defenses proved woefully inadequate against this unforeseen threat. Walls and gates meant to keep out invaders did little to contain the internal menace. And as the days turned into weeks, the cadaver plague spread like wildfire. Village after village, town after town, the entirety of Stormlash Valley fell to the cadaver onslaught.

Attempts were made to stop the spread — militias formed, mages tried to counteract the dark magic, and holy men prayed for divine intervention. But nothing seemed to halt the cadaver advance. The once-prosperous Stormlash Valley was transformed into a desolate land of death and decay.

Legends say that at the heart of this undead realm, Seraphina still persists. Her once-regal visage is now that of a haunting specter roaming in an endless search for the living flesh. Whispers among the surviving communities speak of her haunting wails that echo through the valley during the darkest nights, a chilling reminder of the price of ambition and the dangers of desires unchecked.

## Appearance

Seraphina exuded a regal aura that matched her noble status. Standing tall with a dignified posture, she was often seen adorned in intricately designed gowns that spoke of her family's affluence. Her long black hair, streaked with shades of gray, cascaded down her back, often tied in elaborate braids or updos, accentuating her delicate facial features.

Her almond-shaped eyes, a deep shade of hazel, were always keen and observant, reflecting a mind sharp with intelligence. They sparkled with warmth, especially when she was around her loved ones. A straight, slightly aquiline nose gave her a distinguished look, and her lips, often painted in subtle shades, curved easily into a smile.

Though her skin bore the faint signs of age, it was clear and radiant, making her look younger than her years. Her hands, though delicate, bore testament to her active involvement in household affairs, with faint calluses that hinted at a life not solely spent in luxury. Overall, Seraphina's appearance was a harmonious blend of elegance and grace, making her both approachable and admirable among the Ebonvale elite.

## Personality

Seraphina Ravenshade was a whirlwind of emotions and actions, always eager to act on her feelings and instincts. Her impulsive nature often led her to make snap decisions without pondering the longer-term consequences, which occasionally brought about challenges and complications in her life. While this trait sometimes made her seem reckless to outsiders, those who knew her understood that her heart was usually in the right place.

Her genuine caring for the well-being of others made her beloved among many. She had an innate ability to empathize with people, listening to their stories and offering solace or advice. However, this care had its limitations. At the core, Seraphina was fiercely protective and devoted to her own interests and, most importantly, to her son, Henry. This maternal instinct often made her prioritize their well-being and desires above all else, even if it meant making decisions that might not be in the best interests of others.

In social settings, Seraphina's vivacious spirit and charisma shone brightly. She was often the life of gatherings, with her laughter and stories captivating the audience. Yet, beneath this jovial exterior, there was a determination and resilience that few could match. While she valued the opinions of others, once Seraphina set her mind on something, it was almost impossible to sway her from her chosen path.