Sidekicks …
Such wonderful characters, aren’t they? Without the sidekick, the hero would never be able to complete the quest. The sidekick never looses hope, always manages to smile when the night looks blackest, and somehow knows just what to say to encourage the hero at the end of all things.
The sidekick doesn’t get the acclaim. At the end of the day, no one sings the sidekick’s praise. They are underrated, ignored, forgotten.
But they don’t care.
And that is what makes a sidekick a true hero.
I had a terrible time deciding which character to highlight for this challenge. Most of my sidekick characters are of the male variety … and although I don’t mind throwing on boots, trousers, and a cap every once in a while, the last few characters I’ve done have been boys, and I decided it was high time I dragged a dress out of the wardrobe instead of a duster.
So for this challenge, I decided to highlight a character from my newest fantasy novel, The Epic of Aedonia.
Ladies and gentlemen, meet Astraea tor Telweg of Aedonia.
Here she sits beside the large fireplace in her chambers in Rysinger Fortress. The style of her gown is simplistic, but it is fashioned from fine rich fabrics of muted blue and green, like the sea surrounding her home fief, Cenyon.
A home she has not seen in several years.
Like her mother, renowned beauty and chieftainess of Cenyon, Astraea is slender with pale skin and long dark hair. But unlike her mother, her pale skin is too pale and her hair too inky black to be truly striking.
Astraea tends to be quiet and soft spoken. Before the accident that landed her with the crutches three years prior, she was considered a highly skilled tracker. Like so many of the “quiet ones,” she observes far more than she reveals.
She may no longer follow the hunt, but she possesses an invaluable knowledge of the workings of the court and the politics behind the seven fiefs of Aedonia and their chieftains.
Some consider Astraea weak because of her quiet nature and infirmity. But strength comes in many ways and many forms.
Sometimes it is the quiet ones who feel things the loudest. The weakest ones who becomes the strongest. The injured ones who are able to rise above all difficulties and stand tall.
Care to find out more about the Characters in Costume Challenges? Stop by the Characters in Costume Challenge page for more information or to see examples of previous challenges.
Ee! I am so sorry, I couldn't find a character to do, and the deadline snuck up on me! So, you can take my name off the list. I'll try again next month, though! I really do enjoy this challenge!
That's all right! They keep sneaking up on me too. :)
Wow! Astraea sounds truly incredible. Your costume for her is amazing! I really like the last line, "Sometimes it is the quiet ones who feel things the loudest. The weakest ones who becomes the strongest. The injured ones who are able to rise above all difficulties and stand tall." That's beautiful. I love it!
Thanks for hosting these! I look forward to them every month! :)
Thanks, Kaycee! I always have so much fun with these. Glad I'm not the only one who enjoys them! ;)
As always Gillian… BEAUTIFUL job! You are so talented, my friend and very photogenic. I can't wait to see and read one of your tales in print someday. Keep shining.
Thanks, Ryan! I haven't had a chance to stop by your post yet, but I can't wait to see what you came up with! :)
I missed it? Aww… :(
Aw, sad day. Sorry you missed it. I can't believe it's already December. This month is already seeming to fly by.
The black and white photography works very well to portray a world that is slightly more medieval than our own. It kind of makes the fabric look more ancient.
Wooden crutches might be more authentic if you could find them (or make them)
Yeah, I enjoy using black and white every now and then.
They would, indeed. Unfortunately, the metal ones were the only ones we had on hand … and my costume budget doesn't quite extend that far! ;)
Cool character! I love handicapped characters like Toph from Avatar the Last Airbender. :) Thanks for letting me participate! :)
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Thanks! I do too … I feel like we tend to only write stories about the fast, the strong, and the unstoppable. But they don't always make the best characters! ;)
True! There are some pros and cons. I have a few handicapped characters. They're very fun to write. :)
She sounds like the best side kick anyone could ask for, but she sounds like an even better character. I like her. And I'm going to try and join in the Character in Costumes. It sounds like a lot of fun!
Glad you like her, Jack. She hasn't even really entered my story yet … but I can't wait for her to get onstage. :)