Appearance

Physical Description

Her frame is slender and lithe. There is a certain fragility to her figure, like a reed swaying in the breeze. Beryl's presence is more understated than commanding.

Identifying Characteristics

Nestled against her skin, just above her collarbone, rests a small birthmark, a delicate crescent moon shape. It's a muted shade of dusky lavender, contrasting gently with the alabaster tones that surround it.

Physical quirks

Beryl is right-handed. While not plagued by frequent tics, Beryl possesses a subtle habit of tapping her fingertips against her thigh when deep in thought.

Apparel & Accessories

Her color palette tends to gravitate toward muted and earthy tones—soft blues, deep greens, and dusky grays—that complement her pale complexion. Beryl favors fabrics that offer both comfort and a sense of texture. She often wears dresses and skirts made of lightweight cotton or linen, allowing for ease of movement during her investigations. The occasional incorporation of lace or subtle embroidery adds an intricate touch to her attire. Antique brooches, each with its own story, adorn the lapels of her jackets or the collars of her blouses. A pendant containing a picture of her late partner, Robert, rests against her heart. Her fingers are often adorned with delicate rings—simple bands.
 
Her shoes, usually oxfords or low-heeled Mary Janes, allow for comfortable movement.

Mentality

Personal history

I, Beryl Firske, first drew breath within the tranquil embrace of York's cobblestone streets in the year 1903. The city's towering cathedrals seemed to watch over me with a somber reverence, whispering tales of bygone eras and secrets hidden in the shadows. My parents, Henry and Amelia Firske, were the constellations that guided my earliest steps, their love a luminous guide through the darkness of infancy.
 
As the years unfurled, my spirit led me to the enigmatic strains of music that wove through the air. The saxophone, a vessel for my emotions that transcended mere notes, became my confidant and my voice in a world where words often fell short. Its haunting wail seemed to echo the mysteries that stirred within me.
 
In the embrace of this city of tales, I found my refuge and my inspiration. The music shop of Elias Pembrook became my haven. It was here that I first laid eyes on the saxophone that would become my soul's instrument, and Elias' hands, weathered and wise, guided me on the journey that would forever intertwine my fate with music's ethereal embrace.
 
Amidst the tumultuous currents of the world, I discovered a kindred spirit in Robert Ashcroft. He was more than a partner; he was the heartbeat of my melodies and the warmth in the chill of those times. Our love was a lighthouse in the tempest of the Great War, a guiding star that steadied us through the chaos that raged beyond the battlefield. But even the brightest stars must sometimes fade, and Robert's light was extinguished, leaving me adrift in an ocean of grief.
 
The war's conclusion should have brought respite, but instead, the shadows that had danced at the periphery of my existence deepened. Arthur Blackwood, a name that sends shivers through my soul, emerged from the darkness like a malevolent specter. A criminal from Birmingham with a sinister agenda, he ensnared me in a web of deceit and debt that left me no choice but to dance to his ominous tune. I despised the chains that bound me.
 
Yet, amidst the thorns that pricked at my path, one trait burned within me like an eternal flame—generosity. It was a fire ignited by the kindness of strangers and the memories of Robert's unwavering support. In a world where horrors sought to extinguish every glimmer of light, I believed that each act of compassion was a defiance against the encroaching darkness. With every offering of help, every whispered word of comfort, I sought to remind the world that even in the face of terror, humanity's capacity for kindness must endure.

Education

In her formative years, Beryl attended a local primary school in York, where she received a foundational education in reading, writing, and arithmetic. It was during this time that she first began to show an interest in music, particularly the saxophone, which she encountered through music lessons offered at the school.
 
Recognizing her talent for music, Beryl's parents enrolled her in private music lessons. She learned to play the saxophone under the guidance of a skilled instructor, honing her skills and developing a deep appreciation for the power of music as a means of expression.

Personality

Social