A BIT OF A LONER:

It’s hard to tell how much Marella’s family challenges have affected her social decisions, but despite her large personality, Marella has opted to isolate herself—particularly from the other prodigies at school. In fact, until Sophie Foster started attending Foxfire, Marella often ate lunch by herself. She used to claim it was because she found everyone annoying, but it’s also possible that she has a harder time “fitting in” given how different her homelife is. Even after Sophie and Marella became friends, they weren’t as close as Sophie was with some of her other friends, and rumors claim that Marella has at times felt neglected by Sophie’s group, particularly when they started spending an increasing amount of time working with the Black Swan. Sophie was likely trying to spare Marella from the dangers that come with the Black Swan’s assignments (much like she tried to do with everyone she cares about)—and some reports do indicate that Marella is far less eager to risk her life than some of her friends appear to be. But that doesn’t mean that Marella wouldn’t have preferred to be included. The number of dangerous missions she’s agreed to help with—and the fact that she recently swore fealty to the order—definitely proves that she’s both willing and able when asked and needed.

THE “GO-TO” FOR GOSSIP:

Despite her sometimes antisocial ways, Marella has a gift for always knowing about everything, and anyone looking to catch up on the latest gossip (or wanting to find out about a past scandal) tends to go to her. There are often gaps in her knowledge, but what she does know generally seems to be accurate—sometimes so much so that people are left wondering where she got her information. And the truth is, no one knows—except Marella.

A NOTORIOUS FLIRT:

In what also seems to be a strange contrast to her loner ways, Marella definitely has a reputation for flirting. And teasing. And generally being very open about who does and doesn’t catch her interest—as well as who she thinks her friends should or shouldn’t be interested in. Which may seem like a strange note to be including in this file. But given the particular complications of Marella’s ability, she’s likely going to have a very challenging matchmaking process—possibly even more challenging than Sophie’s. In light of that, her flirting seems suddenly significant.

A SECRET STUFFED ANIMAL:

Elwin’s records indicate that Marella is yet another of his patients to receive one of his Emotional Support Stuffed Animals (as is her mother, actually)—though Marella seems to be more secretive about her stuffed animal buddy and hasn’t mentioned its existence to her friends. Still, in the interest of thoroughness, it must be noted that Marella is the proud owner of a sparkly blue-green stuffed kelpie, which Elwin named Sir Splashyhugs. It’s even possible that Sir Splashyhugs was the first Emotional Support Stuffed Animal, since he was gifted to Marella when she was three and struggling to adjust to what happened with her mom.

FINAL NOTE:

It’s unclear whether Marella realizes how much pressure is resting on her shoulders. But she has unwittingly found herself in a pivotal role in our world. If she’s able to maintain control of her ability, she may be responsible for lifting the ban on pyrokinesis and righting what an increasing number are beginning to see as an injustice. And if she surrenders to her flames, she could end up the most destructive Pyrokinetic yet, given the access she has to the Council and the Black Swan, and the friends who’ve chosen to put their faith in her.

REGISTRY FILE FOR Grady Howell Ruewen

KNOWN ABILITIES: Mesmer

RESIDENCE: Havenfield

IMMEDIATE FAMILY: Edaline Ruewen (wife), Jolie Ruewen (daughter, deceased), Sophie Foster (daughter, adopted)

MATCH STATUS: Match approved (one match list received; married the #7 recommendation)

EDUCATION: Foxfire graduate (both basic and elite levels)

NEXUS: No longer required

PATHFINDER: Assigned (to the Lost Cities and the Forbidden Cities; crystals to Loamnore and Ravagog also issued)

SPYBALL APPROVAL: Yes

MEMBER OF THE NOBILITY: Yes

TITLE: Lord

NOBLE ASSIGNMENT: Emissary

SIGNIFICANT CONNECTIONS: Adoptive father to Sophie Foster; known supporter of the Black Swan; former caretaker of Brant [LAST NAME REDACTED] ; animal rehabilitator for the Sanctuary

ASSIGNED BODYGUARD(S): Brielle (goblin, deceased)

DRASTIC CHANGES:

In a single day, Grady Ruewen went from being one of the Lost Cities’ most prestigious and powerful Emissaries to a virtual recluse and outspoken opponent of the Council—though that day did involve a tragic fire that killed his only daughter (Jolie). The grief nearly shattered Grady (and his wife, Edaline)—and sadly, no one knew how to help them. Loss is (thankfully) uncommon in our world, so few could understand what Grady and Edaline were feeling. Instead, everyone watched in sorrow (and a bit of confusion) as the Ruewens retreated from the rest of society after Jolie’s planting. Grady resigned from his position as an Emissary, and Edaline took a (still technically ongoing) leave of absence from the assignment she’d been given by the Council. They chose to spend their days tracking down protected species hiding in the Forbidden Cities, bringing them to the pastures at Havenfield, and helping the creatures prepare for life in the Sanctuary. Neither of the Ruewens left their home to visit anywhere in the Lost Cities unless they absolutely had to (which was extremely rare), and gossip grew more abundant and critical by the year. But just when it seemed like Grady and Edaline would soon be nothing more than a “cautionary tale” (before falling into complete obscurity), everything changed for them once again. A young girl (Sophie Foster) had been found hidden among humans and needed a home in the Lost Cities, and the Council wanted Grady and Edaline to be her guardians. To nearly everyone’s shock, the Ruewens agreed—and apparently even needed little convincing. Reports indicate that when Alden Vacker hailed Grady to explain the situation, there was a brief pause, an exchanged look, and then a simple, “We’ll try our best.” It wasn’t an easy adjustment for them—or for Sophie—and at one point the situation nearly dissolved. But over time, Sophie proved to be exactly what Grady and Edaline needed to finally work through their grief. And now that Grady has resumed his work as an Emissary, the Council is hoping that he’ll be able to return to [ASSIGNMENT REDACTED FOR SECURITY].

REGISTRY FILE FOR Edaline Kelia Ruewen

KNOWN ABILITIES: Conjurer

RESIDENCE: Havenfield

IMMEDIATE FAMILY: Grady Ruewen (husband), Jolie Ruewen (daughter, deceased), Sophie Foster (daughter, adopted)

MATCH STATUS: Match approved (one match list received; married the #3 recommendation)

EDUCATION: Foxfire graduate (both basic and elite levels)

NEXUS: No longer required

PATHFINDER: Assigned (to the Lost Cities)

SPYBALL APPROVAL: No

MEMBER OF THE NOBILITY: Yes

TITLE: Lady

NOBLE ASSIGNMENT: None at present

SIGNIFICANT CONNECTIONS: Adoptive mother to Sophie Foster;known supporter of the Black Swan; former caretaker of Brant [LAST NAME REDACTED]; animal rehabilitator for the Sanctuary

ASSIGNED BODYGUARD(S): Cadoc (goblin)

SO MUCH MORE THAN A CARETAKER: