The DiCanto Family
90 years ago Nialassan Di Canto watched her husband die. She was only 24 years old, he had only been 32. The couple had no children. Nialassan was not allowed to grieve. The family was being torn apart by arguments between cousins, brothers and minor relations over who would now rule the family. Refusing to allow her husband's family to be destroyed by such dissension, she took the unprecedented step of claiming the position of Head of Household. It took a lengthy battle in the Star Chamber to win the right to do this, but eventually Nialassan overcame. Three generations later it is the accepted tradition that the Di Canto family is led by a woman.
This family have a quiet power that many do not appreciate. They have no control over the troops and they have none who are particularly gifted as thread weavers. In the Star Chamber, they witness all the passing events but rarely take a leading role. The Di Canto's influence comes from their sway over the Wordsmiths Guild. That noble guild, founded by House Di Canto and of which the head of house is the Guild Master, is very loyal to the Di Canto family. Swords are not needed when you can influence those who make and break reputations with their songs and poems. Furthermore, there is a great deal to be said for knowing what song is sung in every bar and tavern and which stories grace the ears of the noble's children at bedtime.
Isana Di Canto leads the family now. She is renowned for her skill as a musician and a poet and is the honorary head of the Wordsmiths Guild. By those who regard her kindly, Isana is described s "eccentric and passionate". Those who are less kindly intimate that she is not fully in command of her mind and her behaviour has gone beyond eccentricity. She has recently been seen wandering the walls and orchards late at night, unheeding of cold and rain or the impropriety of a lady walking alone. There are concerns over her suitability to rule and her family work hard to downplay the tales of her odd behaviour.
Following a great tragedy in her youth, in which a young man with whom she was very much in love was murdered, Isana had vowed never to take a husband and it was feared she would die an old maid. However recently, in a move that was shocking enough to border on scandalous, Isana married Lord Gregor Vishreon. In itself, this was not a bad match; he being an eligible gentleman from a Great Six family. However, Lord Gregor had spent the previous half year formally courting his cousin, General Rakona Vishreon, before overnight abandoning that lady and turning his attentions to Lady Isana, announcing the engagement the following morning. This has been the cause of several derogatory rumours being disseminated regarding the need for such unseemly haste on the part of Isana and Gregor, and the virtue of the great lady. Needless to say this has substantially damaged the relationship between House Di Canto and House Vishreon, despite the best efforts of it's heir apparent; Kerrigan Di Canto.
Notable members of House Di Canto
Lady Isana Di Canto; Head of House Di Canto
Lord Gregor Di Canto: Her husband, ne Vishreon
Lord Allesio Di Canto: Isana's brother.
Lady Bettany Di Canto: Allesio's wife
Lady Kerrigan Di Canto: Isana's niece and heir apparent.
Lady Litara Di Canto: Kerrigan's twin sister.
Lady Esme Di Canto: Thread Weaver