Chiara Belmonte-Rosseau

The Songbird

## Personal Information

#### Mortal World

Born to Lili and Alphonse Belmonte-Rosseau on the 25th of May 1887, Clarisse Madeleine Belmonte-Rosseau and her older brother Henri were raised in Paris during the height of the Belle Époque as members of the bourgeoisie class thanks to Alphonse's successful bookshop and Lili’s hand-made silk scarves. The children wanted for nothing and experienced the colour and creativity of the period, with Henri going on to become an inventor thanks to the many inspiring figures he met during their vibrant childhood. Everything was open to them, and when a young Clarisse showed herself to be a talented dancer and soprano her parents spared no expense to get her singing and dancing lessons so she could chase her dream of becoming an artiste of the recently-completed Opera Garnier- aka the Opéra de Paris.

As she grew, Clarisse’s intelligence shone through and she swiftly learned many skills- an avid painter, skilled dancer and singer, talented fencer, amateur scholar of Ancient history (particularly Greek and Roman history, which fascinated her), versatile socialite and keen follower of the burgeoning Spiritualism and occult scenes. Whatever she put her mind to it seemed that she would swiftly pick that skill up and it made for many friends and even more jealousies from those who wished they could be more like her. Being so sweet and kind of nature though, few ever acted on their jealousies beyond small pranks and whispered frustrations.

At 15, after eight years of lessons through the School of the Paris Opera Ballet, Clarisse was accepted into the chorus of the Paris Opera for her extraordinary soprano voice. Spending years playing smaller roles, eventually she was given larger parts and at 19 was given her first lead role. Over the next five years she sang minor and major parts within the Opera, making a name for herself as a skilled performer and singing in various operas such as *Faust*, *Tristan und Isolde*, *Pelléas et Mélisande* and *Tannhäuser*. However, it was her role in Meyerbeer’s *Robert le diable* that drew her real attention- particularly the attention of the man who would become her sire, Fylakas of Crete.

In 1911, Clarisse sang the role of Alice in *Robert le diable*- and Fylakas was there to see the final performance. Enchanted by her voice and hearing rumours of her involvement in the arts and occult scenes, he organised to meet her one evening and they stayed up well into the night talking about history, religion, philosophy, language and the arts. Over the next few weeks he became a frequent visitor and eventually explained his nature and gave her the choice of Embrace.

#### Kindred World

It was a hard decision for her to make at first because the Opera had been such an integral part of her life, but the opportunity was too powerful and wonderful to pass up and so midway through the year she became his childe and they made their way to Naples, where Fylakas said he wanted to settle for a time.

Since that time, Clarisse has learned, seen and experienced much. Travelling and learning with her sire, she picked up languages well and was adept in all social situations, making her a fine diplomat and a painless childe. This does not mean, however, that she is not unlike her sire and grandsire (whom she calls Papa and Grandpapa, respectively, with much affection) in temper, and the flair for the dramatic that lead her to the Opera also leads to some rare but explosive outburst when pushed to her limits.

For one who is so seemingly angelic and sweet, the rage that can come from her is shocking to say the least, but that mixture or respectful pleasantness and savage honesty seems to have suited the Prince well enough that she honoured Clarisse with the position of Prince’s Harpy, a role which she relishes and has earned through trustworthy behaviour and cutting honesty.

## Information Known by Kindred Society

Before leaving the city, outside her duties as Harpy and studied with her sire, she enjoyd performing under the name Clara Merlo, making herself available for evening functions and events. On top of this, she also held a role in the nightclub owned by Rene, being a silent partner and occasional singer for particular events hosted at the club. On top of this, she spent time with the local Circle at the Mountain - Clarisse was a Maiden of the local Circle of the Crone and a promising prophet through her paintings. The Dark Mother seemed to bless the beautiful woman with visions through art and her grandsire had taken much care to help foster this ability within her.

Her abilities and affinity did not help her with problems that came up in late 2017 however, which caused her to flee the city at her Sire’s behest, and caused him to go into Torpor for her safety.

## Lineage

#### Known Grandsire

Eurydamos Haideou Florakis - Her grandsire, whom she affectionately calls Grandpapa. Eury is the one who has guided her within the Circle of the Crone, fostering her prophetic abilities and protecting her position as a Maiden. They have as close a relationship they can have, but it can be difficult- considering he is so old and so removed from humanity, there are many topics that he doesn’t quite understand or see from a more humane point of view. She wants to make him proud, and tries to impress him when she can.

#### Known Sire

Fylakas of Crete - To Chiara, he is affectionately known as Papa. Fylakas is her sire, the one who found her singing in Paris and offered her an eternity of life experiences, and who taught her most of what she now knows. They have a warm, genuine relationship based on trust and shared love of ancient history, mythology, the arts, the occult, and languages; she cherishes the time they spend together studying and talking, and she misses his presence in the Circle of the Crone. Her wish is to see he and his sire bond closely, like she is with him.

## Rumours

* She gave birth to a damphir child whose father is a member of the Lancea Sanctum.
	+ That's why she left the city.