Nicolette Laenaellis

Duchess **Nicolette Greatlight Laenaellis**, also commonly known as the **Woman in the Garden**, was the sister-wife, of Edric Laenaellis and the mother of Silas, Gregory, and Roman. In 1463 DR, she was poisoned by Lord Landan Hyland.

A month after Nicolette's murder, Roman commissioned a bronze statue of her in her honor. The statue was placed in the garden of the Dracōnem Keep, adorned with a plaque dedicated to her memory.

## Description

### Appearance

Nicolette was fifty three years old standing at five feet and five inches tall with a slender and graceful figure. Her striking features, as described by her third-born son, Roman, included curly golden locks, bright emerald green eyes, and skin as fair as porcelain. Even in her fifties and three pregnancies later, she retained her beauty. Nicolette's attire reflected her penchant for luxury, favoring the finest sea-blue silk for her gowns. Many of her dresses were adorned with red rubies sewn into the bodices. She had a penchant for circlets and headbands adorned with rubies and emeralds, resembling her lineage connecting House Laenaellis and Brightfyre.

### Personality

Nicolette possessed a naturally delightful and cheerful personality, leaving a lasting impression on all who met her. Her qualities led many to believe that she would excel as a mother. Upon becoming a duchess alongside her husband, Edric, who led House Laenaellis, Nicolette was loved by both the common people and the nobility, earning their love and admiration.

As she grew increasingly distant from her husband, she grew closer with her two sons, Gregory and Roman.

## Biography

### Background

#### Early Life

Nicolette, born in 1410 DR at the Red Fort in Qartheos, was the second child of an anonymous woman from House Brightfyre and an unidentified man from House Laenaellis. She had a single sibling, Edric, whom she wed at the age of 13.

When she turned 16, she gave birth to Silas. Just a year later, at the age of 17, Gregory was born. Finally, at 21, Roman was born.

#### Death

Due to her husband's persistent neglect and the burden of raising their children alone, Nicolette rapidly sank into depression. With Silas and Gregory serving in the army, Roman was her sole responsibility in her later years. However, there came a point when the roles reversed, and Roman had to care for Nicolette.

During a feast hosted by Edric that gathered members of House Laenaellis, Sungaris, Taranyon, and scattered Ocethion members, Nicolette was seated at the main table with her family. She fell victim to poison administered by Lord Landan Hyland. This act was orchestrated by Edric, who sought to free himself from what he considered a stifling marriage.

Nicolette's memory remained most vivid in the heart of her youngest son, Roman. To honor her, Roman commissioned a bronze statue of her. The statue was placed in the garden of the Dracōnem Keep, adorned with a plaque dedicated to her memory.

## Relationships

### Edric Laenaellos

Although Nicolette and Edric were compelled into marriage by their parents' wishes, Nicolette made her efforts to love and care for Edric. However, Edric disliked her and spent most of his days away from her. He spent the majority of his days away from her, serving in the Royal Agriosan Army, leaving Nicolette to shoulder the responsibilities of caring for their two sons on her own. However, Edric's responsibilities shifted, leading to his appointment as a High Warden within the army, necessitating his return to Qartheos. It was during this period that he rekindled his relationship with Nicolette.

Nicolette, though she outwardly acted affectionate to Edric, privately felt that their marriage had become burdensome, with her being a mere pawn in his personal game. She perpetually felt like a prisoner in her own childhood home.

### Silas Laenaellis

Nicolette held a slight resentment towards her son, Silas, as he seemed to favor his father over her. Despite this, she took care of him to the best of her abilities until he, like Edric, joined the army.

### Gregory Laenaellis

Despite being the second-born son, Nicolette gave Gregory her utmost love and attention until Roman entered their lives. Up until then, Gregory was the son she loved the most. However, when Gregory began to feel jealous of Silas and joined the army in an attempt to get closer to their father, Nicolette became depressed.

### Roman Laenaellis

Roman was the most loved among Nicolette's three sons. He had spent a significant portion of his life alongside his mother, opting not to pursue a military career within the Kingdom of Agriosa. Instead, he spent most of his time pursuing knowledge and caring for his mother when needed. Upon Nicolette's passing, Roman's grief turned into anger. Rather than directing his frustration toward others, he chose to enlist in the army. Roman also took the initiative to commission a statue in honor of Nicolette, with a plaque to preserve her memory.

### Kingdom of Agriosa

Nicolette did not engage in diplomacy, preferring to maintain a more private life within Qartheos. Her focus was directed towards her sons, prioritizing them over interactions with others. She sometimes attended social gatherings when her husband extended invitations to feasts and similar events.