Character Name: Marcella Guiate de Morua
Age: 23
Height: 5’8”
Weight: 110lbs
Appearances:
Still a young woman in full bloom Marcella may have been called simple by some but with the benefits of her family’s wealth her simple looks can be enhanced into something a little bit more extra-ordinary.
More often than not she tends to let her black hair fall whichever way it chooses since it seems to have a habit of doing so anyways. Although it hangs just above mid-back, she will generally take the time to stick one of her favorite combs or silk flowers in her hair, just in case someone sees her. When expecting company, Marcella will take the time to have her hair done up for company with the help of several servants and many pins.
Her small lips are rarely without a bit of rouge, and her dark brown eyes often have a bit of added colour or liner to help them to appear larger than they really are. Although she has neither generous in the chest or her hips Marcella is proud of her small waist, something that she attempts to emphasize in how she dresses. She tends to stay away from low tops and clothes that are tight anywhere other than her waist, for while she is not intent on catching a husband she does like to look feminine and show off what good looks she does possess.
Possessions:
Horses - In addition to the horses in her father’s stable Marcella also owns two horses of her own. Her pride and joy is a completely white creature with a magnificent pedigree and a bit of an attitude towards men. Thus she has convinced her father to hire a female stable hand as well as permission to spend a bit more time in the stables then he would normally permit. The other is a simple old mare from her childhood, kept around more for memories sake. Although she does come in handy when an inexperienced rider accompanies them for a trip around the estate.
Accessories - While she doesn't put a ton of stock into her wardrobe Marcella loves accessories. Often she will be sporting a new comb, or silk flower in her hair in an attempt to assume some sort of control over it. She is not into gaudy or big pieces of jewelry but she does have a fine collection of small earrings, necklaces, bracelets and anklets. She doesn't enjoy wearing rings as she find that they are, once again, too flashy and generally over used. She would much rather wear a delicate piece around her slender ankle that can often highlight her nimble movements while dancing.
Clothes - While she may have more clothes then the average female, among the women in her extended family she has very few. These outfits generally consist of dresses that are revealing enough to show off her assets yet not scanty enough to be deemed inappropriate or to bring attention to those assets that she does lack. She does have a couple riding outfits that her aunt is constantly trying to hide but her father insists that she wear when she goes riding.
Money - With her mother being dead she has access to the house funds in order to keep the house running and guests happy, although this is strictly regulated by her aunt. Ramiro is trying to convince his sister to let Marcella take greater control of the funds so that she may be able to run her own house someday. In addition to this, as the only daughter her father also makes sure that she has more than enough money to go shopping and to buy ‘pretty little things’ for herself. Marcella's father has also promised her a decent sized estate once she is married, most likely in an attempt his daughter to get married soon rather then later.
Strengths:
Riding - It took a little convincing, and still is an topic for occasional debate, but Marcella loves riding horses. From a young age she used to follow her father to the stable and would often sneak around and attempt to groom the horses. Of course the stable hands would send her away and she would be scolded for doing work that was 'beneath' her. For the first couple years her father attempted to send her back to the house, worried that the beasts would put his precious daughter in danger, regardless of how tame they were. It didn't take too long for him to realize that this was an issue which she was not going to give in on and so he was eventually willing enough to allow her to take lessons and ride under the careful eyes of selected servants. Although he never encouraged her passion for horses he is not one to attempt to hide her skills when guests show up and desire to go riding. More than once he has used his daughter to show off a horse that he was trying to sell. Not to mention he feels that perhaps this might be an accomplishment that will eventually help to land her a husband.
Ambition - Taking after her mother and father who have high ambitions, Marcella desires power. Moreso that of the main de Morua family. Her family has only married into the de Morua family in the past couple generations and while they are treated with the upmost respect, are decently wealthy with what one may deem enough social and political connections and status and yet it is not quite enough for Marcella. As the woman of the house she makes sure that the guests that her father entertains always get the best treatment. On top of that she also attempts to maintain good connections within the family, attempting to find allies who might support her or in the very least be against the current head family if the time ever comes when her father makes his play against them. And if that time never comes she is more than willing to make the move for him. She has seen how a woman certainly is able to attain great things, and she intends on doing so, with or without the assistance of her family. In the process she does the best that she can to better their social connections.
Another fact that drives Marcella’s ambition for power is what may have simply been the ramblings of a drunk young woman. Through a rather unfortunate, although naturally occurring, turn of events, Costanca had been given the fuel to make fun of Marcella in public. Even though Costanca had been rather drunk, Marcella still found this to be an insult. And in a rather naive way she used this encounter to fuel her desires and create a severe dislike for Costanca and her sisters. Marcella sees how Costanca is set up to be very powerful (if she survives long enough) and along with the power that her sisters already possess. For now she is simply desires to rise to the top of the family, but she knows that once there, it will not be enough. Her family is quite large and there will always be some who seeks to do the same things that she currently desires and usurp her position. Therefore Marcella wishes to achieve a greater position then simply the head of the family, but she does not yet know what that would be.
Emotional Control - Like most of the de Morua women Marcella prides herself on her emotion control. Along with that comes the ability to use them to let others see her the way that she wants to be perceived. She does not want to been seen as a puppet or just another sniveling daughter in the de Mora line. She also does not desire to be seen as a threat and thus attempts to give off an intelligent yet innocent air. For example, while she sees no real use for tears Marcella is more than willing to start bawling about something that has happened, a loss of a suitor or a prized article of clothing perhaps. Thus not just being able to rein in her emotions but also masquerade false ones has proven be to be effective in distracting others from her true intentions or actions. Not to mention it is handy when she must hide her hatred for the guests she entertains or people whom she must serve.
Manipulation - Like the general population of women, Marcella has found the power of manipulation to be one of value and also one of the better skills that she possesses. Often she is able to plant seeds into a persons’ mind and nurture it into an idea which the host considers their own. From her experience young, influntial women as well as most young men tend to be the mst ideal targets. The more intelligent, independent and powerful a person is, the harder task, but all strong people have their weakness, whether it may be a pretty young woman flattering them or a secret that can be held over them.
Marcella has not yet been able to fully test the parameters of this particular skillset to see how far she can push someone due to her desire to remain hidden in the shadows for the time being. Although she has enough to understanding and experience to knowand that while a weaker or less intelligent person may be easier to control though it may prove a challenge to pass clever ideas off as their own. Thus far she has been able to pass relatively unnoticed, but she has also only stuck to small ideas and small prey.
Due to her lack of ability (in reality she is actually too cautious) to manipulate a powerful person such as her father, Marcella has found it easier to control those who are influential around such a person. Thus she has found an effective young man, her younger brother in fact, with whom she has been able to control to do her will without him noticing. With her oldest brother dead she stands in line to attain quite a bit of her father’s wealth and power in the event of his death. She does not concern herself with her Roque, her remaining older brother, due to his lack of interest in the family’s political and social standing. He would rather dandy his time a way with what money he is allowed to spend with women, clothes and other luxuries he can obtain. Thus she has ignored him for the most part and focuses her attention on her younger brother. Without his promising oldest son and a middle son who does not care for politics, Ramiro has turned to his youngest son who, like Marcella has high ambitions but unlike her has shown a tangible interest in all matters political and so forth. Since Armando also tends to be eager to please those around him Marcella has not found it hard to twist her young brother around her fingers. Occasionally she is able to feed him with subtle thoughts and ideas that in turn get brought before her father she has found that this is an easy way to have a hand in what her family does without seeming to be involved in it. Although she is learning that there are things that Ramiro doesn't share with anyone, even his own children.
Fencing - From a young age Marcella has been required to attend sessions with one of the family’s fencing experts. Twice a week this had happened and continues to happen as time permits. While her skills are not terrible, they appear to be slightly below average since she does seem to show any serious interest in mastering fencing. The truth is that while she is no master, she is in truth a (slightly) above average fencer. She feels that keeping her actual skills at fencing will help to give off her desired appearance of a low threat and innocence. When she does duel in the presence of others she is decent when it comes to defending but when it comes to the attack she seems to lack the proper skill set to succeed in any competitive way.
Medicinal Knowledge - After the death of his oldest son Ramiro chose to collect various antidotes and store them in a special safe. Eventually he made sure that each of his children each received several lessons on identifying poisons and thus assessing which antidotes to use. In addition each main member of the household has been given their small but private safe to contain a small collection of antidotes (or anything the owner wished to store in there). This way there would be no worry about someone tampering with someone else's collection and everyone had access to the basic cures to certain poisons in case of emergency.
While some may consider this paranoid behavior, Marcella feels that it is very wise. If she is poisoned and unable to get to her safe and take the antidote she knows that her younger brother can go to his and help her. And the precaution of each having a safe keeps her from having to worry that perhaps Roque will eventually decide to man up and get rid of his only real competition by messing with her collection.
Weaknesses:
Ambition - Ambition in small doses and given in reason is a good thing, but ambition not carefully watched and trained can be dangerous. Since her mother died when she was young Marcella had no one that she trusted with her hopes and dreams and so they ran wild and untamed. To add to matters she is always under the watchful eye of her aunt which means that she has plenty of time alone with her thoughts. It has eventually developed to the point where she would like to consider herself willing enough to get rid of anything or anyone in her path to success. One might worry that this uninhibited ambition may eventually cause her to father then would be deemed a safe bet and be labeled a traitor or worse if she is allowed to continue unchecked.
Of course without a mother to guide her, an aunt who doesn't care to and a father whom she refuses to allow to be apart of her life, or at least this part, Marcella still lacks a direction for her ambition. She has much energy but she is uncertain how to go about directing it, does she simply want control of the de Morua family, to be apart of the government? She really isn't sure how far she wants to go. For now she is simply desiring more attention and respect from those around her and if she can't have that, then fear will do and until that point she is scoping out the competition and trying to find allies.
Pride - Marcella allows her goals in life and her ambitions and dreams to be driven by pride. She is proud of her family name and how they have increased their political and social standings. She is not content with just being second best or anything other than the best and the most powerful. She feels like she deserves more than her already blessed life.
This sense of pride also transfers into her not being able to ask for help. She feels like, even though she is a young woman, that she can do things herself, without assistance or protection. She feels like she is old enough and smart enough to do things on her own but she is rarely allowed out of the presence of her Father, his sister or at least a trusted servant.
Insecurity - Marcella’s insecurity tends cause her to be overly cautious about what choices she makes, which is one reason why no one has caught her sneaking around while trying to find out more information. For now Marcella’s insecurity is keeping her ambition in check, without it it would be very likely that she would start making bigger moves, taking bigger risks and possibly getting herself in trouble.
Her sense of pride can also be tied into the insecurity that she tries hard to bury. Both are rooted in the fact that Marcella feels like she has no one to turn to, no one to trust or ask for advice even if she wanted to. With her mother dead and her relationship with her father on the rocks Marcella feels a sense of loneliness if not abandonment. Instead of turning to other people, such as her aunt, she is instead determined to face things on her own and make her own choices. No one will be be able to say that she did not make it to the top because someone held her hand. Although without the guidance that she needs but doesn’t want,
Age - Although she is still considered young by those close to her, others are starting to feel that as woman who is getting closer to her mid-twenties, she needs to start seriously thinking of finding a husband. Her own mother had married at the age of 16 and it is unusual for a woman of her status to remain with her fathers and brothers for so long. Certainly Ramiro’s sister can refocus her attentions and there are trusted servants who can continue to care for them in her absence, there is no need for Marcella to remain single at home any longer! With that added pressure Marcella is also starting to feel that it is nearing the time where her family must make a strong move, either openly or in secret, to overthrow the current head family. She does not wish to be late in her years with no time to fully enjoy the power that she hopes to obtain.
Single - At the age of 23 Marcella is still single which she has had more trouble with in the past. There was a time when Ramiro would parade a suitor in on almost a monthly basis. Not wanting to ruin his relationship with his daughter any further he had decided not to completely force her into a marriage with any man, although that did not mean that he didn’t do his best to convince her of the power, money or other desirable outcomes of a marriage. Through what nearly was a very disastrous turn of events Marcella was able to make it known that she was not going to marry just anybody. While people believe that she will marry only for love, her intentions were more to wait it out and marry whom she wants, whether it is for money, power, or for some irrational reason like love. Of course, idle hands are common enough and they are often accompanied by busy tongues that will occasionally shake at the particular habits of Marcella Guiate de Morua.
Rumors - While Marcella managed to squash most of the nasty rumors that were floating around due to her lack of husband or suitor it did not put an end to all of them. The idea of marrying for love was not one that was strongly supported and generally when it was used as as reason for choosing not to marry, there was some sort of deeper motive. Perhaps her father simply wanted her to become an old maid and keep his house, he did have two sons that could take his place (if one of them would only straighten his life out). Or perhaps she really did have an affair with someone and in an effort not to further damage the family name they decided to try and find someone who would keep quiet about it (like that would happen without a lot of money). Whatever the reason for such a declaration, rumors are still floating around about Marcella and her singleness although more in private conversations. While this is not as damaging to her reputation, Marcella still finds that she finds her ears burning on occasion and will end up shooting rather hateful glare in the offending party's direction. She would rather not have a repeat of the party with Costanca.
Family:
- Father: Ramiro Sebastion Guiate de Morua – age 46
- Mother: Antonella Guiate de Morua/deceased
- Older Brothers-oldest to youngest: Vicente/deceased, Roque – age 26
- Younger Brother: Armando – age 13
- Aunt/Ramiro’s younger sister: Isadora – age 38
More Detailed Family Tree: http://familyecho.com/?p=DUW47&c=98awuf ... 7900854031
The Birth of the Family:
Basic Family History It is a well-known fact that the Guiate branch of the de Morua family is a recent addition, or perhaps re-addition, to the de Morua line. They were able to gain entry into the main branch of the family due to their wealth and status, although with such a large and extended family one must never take their status for granted lest someone else steal it from you. Because of this when Ramiro turned 18 he sought out a wife whose family was closer to the inner circle that he might maintain his family’s power and continue to grow it until one day it would hopefully be enough to surpass those above him. He was quite content with the woman with whom he ended up with for he saw the desire for power that she too possessed.
In the first 4 years of their marriage she bore him two sons. Ramiro was quite proud of the two healthy young men that he would be able to train to stand beside him and one day even rise to take his place. One could not ask for more. Yet Antonella was not done and within the year a daughter was born to her. She felt in her heart that this daughter was special and even as a child a few days old, was strong willed.
Marcella’s Childhood: Although Antonella only had eight years with her only daughter she still found time to pass on her own ambitions and start to lead her down the path that she believed would bring Marcella to greatness. At the age of 7 she started to teach Marcella what would one day be required of her to manage a house and its occupants. And even though she was not alive to oversee any of her lessons as she grew older Antonella made sure that there were provisions made so that Marcella would continue learning to be a proper young woman fit to wear the Guiate de Morua name.
It was also at the age of seven when her oldest brother, Vincente died. The family was struck hard by this tragedy, Antonella refused to leave her room for weeks and Ramiro tried to find out what would have caused a twelve year old boy to die. Marcella was too young to have remembered the details and it was a topic that was not brought up in the house ever again. But from the bits and pieces that she did remember and heard whispered among the servants she knew that her brother had been poisoned at one of the dinners that her family had hosted and the culprit was never caught. Marcella was not happy with her father for allowing someone into their midst who would hurt her family and get away with it, but she did not have the power to do anything. Even if she did decide to pursue this matter it was an old case by now, the murder most likely long gone with all evidence destroyed. This was only the beginning of the tension between her and her father that would only grow as time passed.
Once life had started to return to normal in the Guiate de Morua household, Marcella’s father placed her in fencing classes much to her displeasure. Ramiro wanted her to know how to defend herself in at least a few situations and it was also a skill that most de Morua women were expected to have at least some knowledge in. Knowing that fencing would not keep her or the rest of the family safe from more silent killers Ramiro made sure that proper precautions were taken to make sure that the chances of this happening again greatly decreased. This meant that he had several antidotes available and hidden for use as well as servants whose purpose was to watch the food for tampering.
Antonella eventually overcame her grief, for the sake of the rest of the family. Much of her free time was spent with Marcella and she also often spoke to her daughter of her desires for her family to become even greater then they were, to rise above the rest and control those around them. There would be no bowing down to those around them, they would be respected and loved and if not then feared.. Yet Antonella never discussed the methodology that she, and her husband, intended to use to get there. As the years passed, Marcella’s love for her mother also reached out and she embraced the passions shared by her parents but being a young girl, it was still early for her to be fully involved in the going-ons of the family.
It was nearly eight year after Marcella’s birth that Antonella was found to be pregnant with Ramiro’s fourth child. For some reason this pregnancy was a hard one, some thought it was because she was 31 and had already bore several children. Others blamed it on the emotional pressure put on her soul after having already lost a child. In addition to all this Antonella was very much involved in her husband’s work as well as maintaining a busy household and family. Whatever the reason may have been she was forced to stay in bed for most of the pregnancy. Every week Ramiro would call upon doctors to check on her and occasionally allow them to attempt various treatments to keep her healthy and strong. Even with all the precautions they took Antonella died several days after giving birth to her last child, a third son whom she named Armando.
When she was old enough her father sent for her so that she could learn more in depth about accounting that she might be able to keep track of the household funds when she was married. Marcella's wounds from her mother's death and the memories of her brothers' death still were fresh and she the grudges she held against her father for the what she believed what was wrong in her life caused a great amount on tension during theses lessons. He treated her more as he would any student instead of a daughter in an attempt ease things. This just added to the the list of reasons why Marcella refused to find solace in her fathers' company. Yet she held herself together and did her best to learn her from him, for he was one of the best, something she would discover later on in life.
The Aftermath of Antonella’s death: This loss took an even greater toll on the family, Marcella once again looked to her father as the culprit. Only eight years old she did not fully understand why such a powerful man like her father could fail to save not only her brother but her mother as well. Ramiro tried to explain that money cannot always save lives but Marcella was unwilling to listen to him.
Ramiro, suffering from the loss of his wife as well as the rejection from his daughter, delved deeper into his work often paying little attention to any of his children. His younger sister came to stay with them so that Marcella might have a proper up bringing under the right sort of woman. Having his sister around to take care of his children was also convenient since he could entrust her with the care and raising of Armando so that he would not have to look at the child who was believed to have been the reason that his wife died.
Roque, on the other hand, still studied alongside his father but no longer took any enjoyment or pleasure from it. As soon as possible he ceased his work all together and instead turned to other ways of passing the time. Having lost his close brother and his mother Roque choose to react to his grief different than the rest in his family choosing instead to turn to alcohol, parties and women. As a dashing young man with money he was allowed much, and in some ways even more due to the losses that he had suffered. There may come a time when Ramiro decided to cut him off if he does not shape up – it would not be desirable for Roque to fall deeper and bring shame to the family.
As for Armando, Ramiro gradually warmed up to the boy. With his older son incapable and unwilling to assume his position as the eldest son and a daughter who seemed loathed to spend time with him or in the office, Ramiro turned to the one person who desired to be with him. Armando still had a lot to learn but was more than proud that he could at least listen to his father and when able, share his insights or opinion. He enjoyed talking to Marcella about what was going on often asking her opinion about how he should behave and act. Of course it did not take Marcella long to see her moment and seize it. With a younger brother who was in daddy’s good graces but who also adored her she would be able to find out what was going on behind closed doors and even use her younger brother to pass some of her own ideas onto her father without seeming to be involved in any of his business
The rest of her childhood: A rift had formed between Marcella and her father, one that was not lessened by his sister’s presence in their lives. Very strict, Isadora had her own ideas about how a young lady should behave. Trusting in his sister and her methods Ramiro allowed her to completely take over Marcella’s lessons and upbringing. Where Marcella had often experienced a very relaxed way of learning and free time to do with what she willed, she now found herself confined to a very strict schedule. Everything that she did was done under the watchful eye of Isadora, what better way to ensure a young woman’s safety and honor in all things?
It wasn't long before Marcella was wishing for the old days where she was allowed free time to lounge and read or simply go for a ride on one of her horses. Reading was pastime her aunt considered a simple diversion from reality while riding simply was an inappropriate activity for a lady. Even though her father had resigned himself to Marcella's desire to be around horses and riding, Isadora did not approve of this pastime. Eventually Marcella found ways around Isadora, whether it was distracting her with a mysterious household issue or simply sneaking away and enduring the scolding and punishments later.
While Isadora and Marcella found little to agree on there was one time of day that they could spend together and almost enjoy each other’s company. During afternoon tea Isadora loved to prattle on about the social aspect of their lives. Gossiping about who was involved with whom, who was dying and who was in line to inherit what. She also loved to share stories about her past, the intrigue and drama involved her younger days. Marcella found this time to be one of her better lessons of the day for while it was not meant to be taken in an educational way she learned about certain secrets of the past and the present as well as what mistakes were made and therefore how to avoid them.
Love Life or Lack Thereof Marcella refused her fair share of men due to her lack of interest in men in general even though there were certain 'perks' that came with marriage. This in turn caused rumors to start spread. Most of the men she had refused, chose to inform their family and friends that they were the ones who chose not continue the courtship instead of vice versa. Family, being what and who they are, were more than willing, and even eager, to spread rumors about the reasons for a number of men supposedly rejecting Marcella. It took a little while for the Guiate family to hear about what had been said about Marcella behind her back, several of which had made her blush in embarrassment and dear Aunt Isadora shudder.
The rumors varied from bad manners to unattractive deformities hidden by her clothes and one going even as far to say that Marcella had maintained a secret relationship with a stable hand that resulted in a child. The Guiate family denied all and any such rumors but it was not until a fairly large event where matters were finally cleared up.
Sharing grandparents Marcella often found herself at the same parties and events as Costanca de Morua Riestra. In most cases they were fairly civil towards each other and could even enjoy the occasion time spent together. Although it so happened at one particular festivity several years ago, Costanca had drank a little more than would have been deemed acceptable. It wasn't long before she had started to poke fun at Marcella, not for her lack of husband (she was only a year young and could not yet boast one of her own as of yet) but because of all the rumors floating around.
For the first several minutes Marcella tactfully laughed and simply shook her head what Costanca was saying. Yet once the more vile rumors started and name calling from both Costanca and the girls who were following her around that night, Marcella knew that she had to do something or suffer the effects of a permanent blemish on her name as well as that of her family.
Taking a shot of something tasting of strong alcohol Marcella made her way to the front of the room. Facing the crowd she took a deep breath and cleared her throat loudly. It didn't take long before all eyes to be facing her and a silence to sweep the room. After all she was the center of all the whispered conversations that night.
“I just want to voice my gratitude and thanks to all my dear family and friends who have expressed such a loving concern in my love life.” She had shouted out, attempting to mask the sarcasm that threatened to shoot out. “It has come to my attention that a few of my former suitors have taken it upon themselves to masquerade their shame in being refused by a Guiate de Morua by spreading some nauseating rumors about me and my virtue. Of course I know none of you have taken any heed to such vile stories, otherwise you would have come and talked to me or my family about it.” At this point Ramiro had attempted to pull Marcella away from the crowd, shaking him off she had continued with a final declaration.
“I plan to marry for love, and love alone. And until that man comes along I shall continue to refuse any gentleman that comes calling who does not pull at my heartstrings. And if any of you question my…honour, you may talk to my dear Auntie who practically never leaves my side. If I have a child that I don’t know about, she certainly will.” With a huff she stormed off into the crowd, ‘accidentally’ stepping on the toes of a couple people who she heard had been more than willing to tell and embellish the rumors flying about.
The next morning Marcella awoke with a massive headache and her aunt Isadora severely chiding her about her near scandalous behavior the night before. Seeing that Marcella was not fighting back but merely listening and nodding Isadora grinned slightly, gave her a hug and whispered “but I’m glad you showed those girls what’s what.” Straitening up she quickly replaced her smile with a stern look, ran through a list of expectations for the day before turning around and leaving the room. The list of responsibilities wasn't even half of what she was normally expected to accomplish and Marcella thankfully laid back down for a couple more hours.
After that night the rumors sputtered to a stop for the most part. Yet regardless of her recovery from what some may deem a traumatic social trauma occasionally a joke will be made at her expense although Marcella is generally willing enough to laugh it off. Her declaration causes some to shake their heads at her ‘silly notions’. Isadora occasionally will spend a day trying to explain to Marcella the finer points of a marriage, loveless though it may be. Love can grow after all and if not, there are always plenty of lovers available to a pretty and wealthy young lady. All these facts are already known to Marcella but she chooses to feign ignorance and act the part of a romantic young woman all the while keeping her sharp eyes open for the proper target for her ‘affections’.
Marcella and the horses: Marcella herself felt a connection to the horses that her father allowed her to keep. she felt that while they were tame and for the most part docile, if you were to look into their eyes you would be able to see their desire to constantly have more reign, more freedom, and more power. These feelings that she believes she could sense in the animals were very much the same desires that she felt in her core, a longing to be free of the confines that her family, society and her position set around her.
When she gets the chance Marcella likes to sneak down to the stables whenever new horses come in. Before her father will allow her, or anyone, ride any of the new horses they must go through his head trainer to make sure that there are no bad habits that were not noticeable during the purchasing process. Her own white stallion was a gift that she begged her father to get her for her 20th birthday. After a long fight on whether to geld him or not, Marcella won out due to the horse’s pedigree that made him more valuable as an occasional stud. For the most part Erasmo is a relatively gentle creature although he often puts up a fuss around any males that come to close to him. It is believe that the reason for this was that one of his former owners may have abused him. Thus Ramiro made sure that there were women stable hands available keep an eye on him as well as Marcella when she was with him. Her other horse, Jacenta, is an old honey coloured mare from her childhood. Perfectly tame and obedient Marcella loves her but often prefers the energy and excitement associated with the other horses housed in the stables.
Currently: As much as she tries to love her father since she has now accepted that the death in her family was not his fault, she still had trouble fully letting go of the anger the she held against him for all those years ago. Her continued supervision by her aunt, by his approval, has done nothing to endear her to him either. So for now they remain civil towards each other, dancing around each other occasionally meeting in the middle in some sort of attempt at father-daughter bonding.
It has only been in the recent months that she has found out that her father is involved in some secret dealing although she is not quite sure what yet. She also has come to realize that while her father is marvelously good at keeping the books he has not been keeping them as accurately as he has been portraying them. That is to say, he has not made any noticeable discrepancies that one would realize even when looking into them unless they already knew what to look for.
Armed with this knowledge, the tip of perhaps a bigger iceberg, Marcella has decided thus far to simply keep the information under wraps. Of course this does not mean that she is not doing her best to continue to try and figure out what is going on, how it may benefit her and perhaps how to guard herself from being brought down in case of disaster. Through the eyes and ears that she has set around her father she remains in the background, content to wait to make her move, gleaning knowledge that may be used in later time. Patience is a virtue and Marcella has that in spades.
