Helena Maraigh o Beth
Called the Ghastling Queen and the White Witch of Malbrand
Princess Helena Maraigh
Second daughter and youngest child of King Collium the Constant and Queen Donne Sirtal.
Helena was a ghastling, leading the peasantry and even a few nobles to suggest she was a changeling, and that the true Princess Helena was lost somewhere in the Fiirwood. The King did his utmost to keep Princess Helena out of the public eye, but she would prove to be a rowdy and willful child, running before she could walk, and loudly demanding to do whatever her elder sisters and brothers did. Collium (then a Prince) was firm against many of her indulgences at first, but Lady Donne eventually prevailed, reasoning that for all their half-hearted secrecy, Princess Helena was well-known to all, and hiding her would only make secrets grow.
Rumors would follow Helena everywhere. Though she was called a blood-drinker and sinner and even a murderer, there was a large contingent of the peasantry that loved her, and she could be found in the taverns from a young age, telling tales and even singing spells with the magicians there. This of course led to gossip that she was a sorceress, though in truth Helena never learned to spell. She was far too fond of riding, archery, and even sword fighting, at least in play.
It would seem that sorcery and murder were one thing, but impropriety was quite another. Talk began to circulate that Princess Helena had surrendered her chastity to a pig boy, and though this alleged pig boy was never produced to confirm the tale, talk intensified. This was not long after the Winter Riots, and King Collium was burning for an excuse to send out his Breyvs and brutalize the gossips. His Chief Justicar, Harec Elkwood, convinced him it was time to marry Helena off. She had not yet reached majority, but a wedding did not require a bedding.
Princess Helena denied the rumors and defied the betrothal, saying she never meant to marry anyone. She was confined to her room, though she managed to successfully escape several times, however briefly. Her reputation and appearance meant finding a husband was a great challenge, but Harec Elkwood finally succeeded in winning a second son from Clan Odon for her. Before even hearing the news, Princess Helena managed to escape again. This time, she was not found.
Helena was missing for four years. Most assumed she had died on the road, though a few insisted she was indeed a changeling and had returned to the Aernigh in the woods. It was in the Summer of 942 RA when word was finally received. Princess Helena was at Malbrand. Having just entered her majority, she had wed Aardor Maraigh, heir to Castle Malbrand.
King Collium had died late in 940 RA, and his firstborn son Dorreon the Magnificent now ruled. The new King was ready to marshal his forces and march on Malbrand, but Queen Flaithe convinced him to wait. His Chief Justicar Golbran Oishlog pointed out that Princess Helena was now in her majority. It was true that many peasant women, upon majority, were allowed to do as they pleased and sometimes even marry whoever they wanted, but this was not done in noble circles. Dorreon feared that granting this liberty to the royal blood might blur the line between commoner and noble, as well as set a dangerous precedent for future marriages. Golbran Oishlog offered to send emissaries to ascertain the Princess' health and learn the qualities of this Aardor Maraigh, but it was Queen Flaithe whose wisdom prevailed: Helena had been a secret and dangerous child, but was now largely forgotten by the Eastern world. She was now wed, likely by both Hostly and Deinain laws, and warring over this would only draw unfavorable attention. Dorreon conceded, but still demanded that Golbran send three of his Breyvs to Malbrand to ensure Helena was happy and Aardor was worthy.
The Tale of the Three Breyvs has become a favorite to fright strangers around campfires. In truth, their names were Sir Madrick Maan, Sir Hannis Einard, and Sir Cedrinor Dorn, though in the tellings they have many names or no names at all. It has become something of a competition in these stories, to make their fates as gruesome, horrifying, and disgusting as possible. In truth, only two of the men died, under circumstance that were unusual, but not unheard of. Sir Hannis Einard would eventually return to Revelback, assuring Golbran Oishlog that the Princess was hale and happy, and Aardor a good and worthy match. Sir Madrick Maan, tragically, choked on a pie during the feast celebrating the three men's arrival. Sir Cedrinor Dorn was accidentally slain on a hunting trip, two days hence. Sir Cedrinor was warned several times that hunting in the Fiirwood was not the same as hunting in the Boarswood, but he laughed this off and insisted, jovially and first and later heatedly, that he had been hunting since he was five and would not be dissuaded by a few pine trees. Reports varied, and Sir Hannis did not see it himself, but most agree Sir Cedrinor fell from his horse, and the noise caused a forester to turn and draw, slaying poor Sir Cedrinor instantly.
Princess Helena and Lord Aardor would have nine children, each one a ghastling, and in time would be swallowed up by the endless rumors and terrible tales of Castle Malbrand.
Social
Family Ties
Relationships
Ethnicity
Life
4924
4981
57 years old
Birthplace
Revelback
Family
Spouses
Aardor Maraigh
(spouse)
Siblings
Children
Eyes
Red
Hair
Ghast
Skin Tone/Pigmentation
Ghast (Pallid)
Other Affiliations