Etienne

Domine Aetian, better known as Etienne, is the eldest son of Domine Aeon, and one of two potential heirs to the Paraphilian barony of Mastri. With a razor-sharp wit and disarming smile, the boy is a magnetic presence, not so much commanding attention as politely suggesting it, in a tone that must be heeded.

Though sweet-natured and shockingly bright, "Ettie" (as his sister calls him) is a little bit...odd. He remembers things that never happened, and addresses complete strangers as old friends, knowing things about them that they hardly know themselves. While his family excuses these "lapses" as a side-effect of his poor health, it is hard to deny that there is something very special about Etienne. It's hard not to like him. His easy charm and endearing nature, belied by a poor constitution, invite those around him to gather close, even as he seems far away.

A Child That Almost Wasn't
Of all the Old Houses in Sadistique, the Domines have buried the most children. Their family tree is a narrow, twisting line, flanked on all sides by empty cradles and early graves. Nance I was an only child, his mother having died in labor. His youngest son and daughter were the third such attempt after Nancy--and even then, Aeon was born premature. His survival was considered a miracle, and potentially, a sign that their days of lost infants might be over.

Then, his son came into the world in a noose.

Quick intervention by the midwife spared the House another newborn grave, but the damage was done; the moment of strangling left him with what would be a lifelong shortness of breath, and a voice that was little more than a whisper. The near-invisible hollow at the pit of his throat remained as he grew--a reminder of the fate he had narrowly avoided.

Whispers in the Dark
His parents were grateful for his survival, but the near-miss left them understandably cautious. Etienne was equal parts spoiled and sheltered, given everything his heart desired from the safety of his home. He was hyperactive and easily bored, facts that caused his exhausted parents no small amount of grief.