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bethan
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stats // bethan
name: Bethan age: 17 sex: female race: human height: 5'2" eyes: warm chocolate-brown hair: copper-gold; wavy, cut boyishly short skin: rich red-brown appearance: Bethan stands out easily, perhaps by intent; she may be compensating for her lack of stature. Her bright hair contrasts sharply against darker skin evocative of a southern heritage in a way that cannot be natural; given her coloring, it seems likely that her original hair color was a dark brown, verging on black. She has not, however, let her love of contrast and exotic looks come into conflict with her work; she keeps her hair cut short, to the nape of her neck, so that it fluffs halo-like around her face. Small features and an up-turned nose make her look younger than she is, but her eyes, often narrowed in impatience, make it clear that she does mean business. Her clothes are normally chosen for practicality, loose earth-tones that will wear well; she does, however, have a covert love for finer things in warm gemtones. It is indulged occasionally - but beware her tongue should you tell her how much nicer it makes her look. occupation: beastkeeper personality: Born next-to-last of ten children, Bethan decided early on that she'd had plenty experience with people, little of it favorable. Not a peacekeeper by any means, she did not get along well with her siblings, although her method of dealing with conflicts ran more to withdrawal than to open argument. She does not think much of people, and of children in particular; those with whom she does get along reasonably well are invariably her seniors. Not one for modesty, she's always considered herself more mature and more sensible than most, and though the accuracy of her perception may be debateable, those lacking these characteristics are, in her judgement, not her equals. She has little tolerance, too, for stupidity, although she places little store in formal education. Growing up in a large working family, she can read and write only minimally, and, although she is now more or less independant, she's never pursued such knowledge. "I've yet to see the book that can put food on the table," she complains, harbouring a faint disdain and sense of superiority towards the more scholarly. What do they understand but idle impracticalities, anyway? Although quick to speak her mind and rather less than tactful with most people, she does work well with animals - if they are flighty or foolish, it is in their natures, and at least they don't spend all their time telling her how bloody smart they are. Infinitely patient where her charges are concerned, she has something of a reputation for gentling animals, and high-strung equines in particular. She is a perseverant and thorough worker, with a strong sense of responsibility; although she may complain about a task bitterly, she does take pride in her work. A reliable friend, if not inclined to make any particular effort to be friendly. history: Bethan's parents separated shortly after her first birthday; their children were left in the care of their mother and grandparents. The charge was abuse, but Bethan's not sure of that and doesn't feel qualified to verify it. She's taken, perversely, her father's side - she'd leave too, if she'd far too many children for anyone's comfort and parents-in-law with illusions of grandeur and the firm belief that their son-in-law was never worthy of their youngest daughter. And, at fourteen, leave is what she did. Her father, making what might be called a living but more accurately just enough to indulge himself at taverns was startled, to put it kindly, at the appearance of this imperious child whom he'd done his best to forget, and his initial reaction might have been more accurately called "abject horror." His objections faded, though, when it became clear that her self-imposed addition was helping the business; they began to specialize first in livestock, later in horses, and now occupy a position of some standing in the communities to whom they sell. It is in general a harmonious partnership, in that both spend as much time as possible leaving the other alone - exemplary courtesy, in Bethan's opinion. |