The Aeolus Family
Before the House Evron rose to power, House Aeolus held the highest regard. Generation after generation led with integrity and nobility, leading the city to prosperity. After the ascendance of the Evrons, with their traditional role taken from them, it seemed that the house may flounder. The house’s heir, Cassadra Aeolus, had died after a sudden illness (many now believe that she was one of the earliest Altered ones) and the future looked bleak. It was only the incredible resourcefulness of Titus Aeolus that held the family together. He threw himself into the study of the Threads, ensuring that none knew more of their twisting paths than he. In doing so, he made himself central to the exploration of the Threads. The Aeolus family re-asserted their position.
Cressida Aeolus is a master of subtlety. Since the death of her husband, she has led the house with a fair hand and an astute eye. She is acknowledged as the greatest Thread Weaver in Lalenth. The family fund and run the Academy of Weavers and Aeolus has long been its head tutor. Her skill earns her a great deal of respect but also, as is the way with any unusual power, a little fear. Many feel that her control of the Academy places her in an ideal position to learn of other families affairs from the young nobles that study there. Occasionally someone is bold enough to say that she influences their thoughts in order to bring them round to her way of thinking. She is often viewed with suspicion. General Vishreon refers to her as “a rather creepy gal, never sure your thoughts are your own around that one”. Cressida finds this highly amusing.
Cressida has never needed the Threads to bring people round to her way of thinking. She is a skilled orator and has a deep understanding of the political machinations of the city. Also, she understands the need for stability in a city as isolated as Lalenth and would never do anything to seriously jeopardise the unity of the great families. However, she is not above tweaking the odd political string for her own amusement. A good example of this is her attitude to Marsin Evron. She feels the boy to be somewhat dull and unimaginative and would not consider it tragic if his squeaky clean reputation were to become tarnished.
Cressida is a widow and has two sons. Her eldest son Crosius is a highly intelligent man with an equally shrewd grip on politics. Although his deep friendship with Meredi Grunfeld is genuine, he is very much aware of the positive effect of a friendship with so popular a young lady. The younger son, Falco, is a somewhat bookish youth and prefers the company of his tutors to those of his own age. Other noteworthy members of this family are Cressida’s sister- in- law Decima. Despite being in her early forties she was recently married to Caenis Larkwood. Some have whispered that this was little more than a political gambit.
Blake Alacosts’ Guide to Lalenth Fashion:
The beauty of the Aeolus’ lies in simplicity. The line of their clothing is simple, combining regal shades of white and deepest purple with accents of gold. Most of their formal wear consists of loose fitting shapeless garments that are then formed to the body using sashes and ribbons. Sweeping wraps and shawls keep out the winter wind. Jewellery is simple, with the only items worn being simple torques or occasionally a Thread weaver’s focus. If anyone ever challenges the assertion “less is more” show them the Aeolus House!