Beautiful People - Elleri Cay Bastion

When she was just a girl

She expected the world

But it flew away from her reach

So she ran away in her sleep

And dreamed of para-para-paradise.

-- Coldplay, Paradise

Elleri is the main character in my latest novel for Camp NaNo 2012. It's called Corruption. The basic premise revolves around a group of superheroes, and how their tidy little existence fractures when two of their members defect to "the dark side."

I'll do my best to explain Elleri the way I see her. She is quiet. Keeps to herself most of the time. Her favorite place in the world is the windowsill in her bedroom, where she sketches away while the sea breeze blows in her hair. She's a gentle, quiet, type. A fairy, if you will. She has spunk, it just comes out at the oddest times and for the most part she's incredibly quiet and fair-hearted. Two words that fit her well are: quiet strength.

"You could sweep her off her feet with the slightest breath. She's lighter than a feather, but she's twice as strong."

- Theo, Elleri's best friend

1. What is their favourite type of shoes?

Anything, really. Her favorite pairs include her black Ash Thelma trainers, a pair of sensible black boots, and white sandals. (On a semi-related note, I've made several Polyvore sets for her, but this one is my favorite.)

2. Do they journal? 

Yes, though not in the way you might expect. Rather than writing down the events of the day, she sketches them. Her leather-bound notebook is full of pencil sketches and the occasional watercolor too.

3. What’s their favorite animal? 

Generally, cats. She has a kitten of her own named Mocha. For some reason, though, I get the feeling that she likes toucans.

4. What does their average day look like?

In short, studying. Elleri lives with a bunch of superheroes at an institution, a refuge of sorts for them to explore their powers and learn how to use them for the good of humankind. While Elleri herself doesn't have a superpower, she does lots of learning. History, science, the arts. Along with that, she's been taught how to push her physical body to the limits. Fencing, archery, and running are some of her favorite activities. She's extremely quiet on the outside, but don't let that fool you. She's got spunk.

5. Night owl or morning person? (Optional: What time do they usually wake up? Go to bed?) 

She loves the night and the morning equally, if that's even possible. She loves to sit on her windowsill in the moonlight, and she loves to sit on her windowsill to see the sun rise, often sketching in her journal. Generally she's more of a night owl, but she's been accustomed to getting up at 6 due to the requirement enforced by Heath (the leader of the school).

6. Do they have a sweet tooth? 

Yes. She appreciates sugar well enough, and will eat some if it comes her way. Her weakness is sugary drinks, like pink lemonade.

7. What colors are their bedroom? 

Pale blue with accents of white. She has a balcony-window type thing opening out to the seashore with wispy white curtains and the scent of a salty sea breeze.

8. Can they cook? 

Yes, a bit. Her friend Ayden has taught her how, but he's the master of culinary talents in their house. She's good at it, but Ayden's talent far surpasses her own in her opinion.

9. What is their favorite household chore? 

Washing the windows, as weird as it sounds. She likes getting elbow-deep in the bubbles and painting pictures on the glass with the sudsy water. She also seems to like vacuuming, for some reason.

10. Favorite kind of tea?

Peppermint, or green, or Irish breakfast tea.