Aris Portokalos

Doctor Aris Athena Portokalos (a.k.a. Ari)

“Smart girl” Aris cooed at her. She gathered Jewels up, one hand behind her shoulders and the other behind her knees. Jewels had spent every last shred of energy she had, so she just hung there, limp as a rag doll, awaiting whatever punishment Aris decided to give her. She hoped the other wasn’t as sadistic as her boss had been.
But Aris seemed determined to confuse her once more. She moved with a carefulness that unnerved Jewels to the core. There are few things in this world more fearsome than being handled gently by someone you expect to cause you pain. But that's exactly what the healer did. Adjusting them both, she arranged her patient so that Jewels was more or less straddling her, legs hanging down, and wrapped her arms around her shoulders. Her own hands placed themselves at her back to keep her upright, and that was that. “Now, let’s get you back to where you belong, hmm?”

Mental characteristics

Personal history

Aris' past is...checkered at best. Growing up, she felt disconnected from her family and peers. Naturally introverted with unusually high intelligence, Aris also came from an abusive home and her neurodivergence often left her lost in a world which she struggled to understand and which met her with cruelty more than anything else.
She found solace in academics, especially the sciences. From a young age, she enjoyed performing experiments and taking things apart to understand how they worked. Before long, she was creating full-fledged inventions, writing theories, and building her own robots.
College was the place Aris thrived most, where she could pursue her interests to her heart's content and her unique perspective was considered an asset. It was here she met some of her first real friends (along with her lifelong romantic partner Ash,) and began making concrete plans for how she could fix problems she saw in her country.
After earning an MD and a PHD, Aris found her scientific advancements falling into dangerous hands. She agreed to begin working in various Constellan rebel groups, It didn't take her long to find the Sixth Resistance, and its persuasive leader, Jenni Myin. Hoping to make meaningful scientific advancements and bring freedom to Constella, Aris soon became an especially valued member of the group. Unfortunately, her moral center underwent considerable damage in such a dangerous environment. Jenni would be content to let the world burn for her cause, and Aris' work would help her do it, if need be.
After more than twenty years in this underground world, it turned out to be a return to more strictly legal neurology work and the arrival of an apprentice, Katri, that revived a part of Aris that was dormant since her college years. Her protective shields came down, and she thawed a little. Concerned for the girl far too young to be caught up in the revolution's dark heart, and what the predicted end would be for all of them, Aris began to make plans for distancing herself from the Resistance with the support of her closest colleagues, Nerissa and Ione.
Before they could do so, the Resistance forces suffered a series of devastating defeats, bringing the continent-wide war to a close. The mastermind behind it all vanished into hiding and left her supporters to deal with the aftermath. Aris was quickly imprisoned with the rest, where she awaited trial for assorted war crimes. Just weeks before her court date, a mysterious epidemic broke out, which ravaged several nations with stunning speed. Seeing the marks of some of her earliest theoretical work gone wrong, twisted up with magical tampering that could only have come from Myin herself, Aris formally renounced all ties. She was saved from certain death by Jewels, a member of the special forces team who had fought for years against her. Aris was perhaps the only one with a hope of finding a cure, and J would do whatever it took to ensure she had the resources to do it, lest her country and her second home disintegrate.
Currently, Aris resides on a homestead in a remote corner of Romatia, working on her cure with the help of Katri and a collection of other scientists and healers, while J works to keep Romatia from imploding. Her makeshift family has solidified, and she finds both safety and solace in the presence of those who truly care for her for what may be the first time in her life. She fears for Romatia's future and intends to return home to Constella as soon as possible.

Gender Identity

Cis female

Sexuality

Demiromantic bisexual with a preference for women and nonbinary people

Education

Certified healer with the equivalent of a MD, two doctorates in neuroscience and psychology. Proficient in coding, especially working with AI.

Employment

• Several internships and apprenticeships from high school all the way up to doctoral studies. She specialized in neurology, psychology, and AI, often working with teams working to create various gene therapies to treat and eliminate serious illnesses.

• Right-hand member of Sixth Resistance, First Class, where she worked as the head of the Scientific Reconfiguration and Medic divisions

• Side-work as a neurologist specializing in challenging cases all throughout her time with the Sixth Resistance, as well as volunteer stints as a general practitioner for those in need

• Took over Katri's apprenticeship as part of the young girl's university studies, for which she was paid a small salary

• Currently working as part of a multi-specialty scientific team working on potential cures and vaccines for the epidemic. This work is a joint effort between the Romatian, Falharan, and Constellan governments, where the scientists are considered federal contractors.

Social

Family Ties

Biological Family

Growing up, Aris had a difficult relationship with her parents, particularly her mother. Nyx subconsciously resented her for failing to be the "perfect little girl" she had built up in her mind. She adopted a policy of cold detachment from Aris most of the time, withholding affection and failing to express interest in the things which made her daughter happy. She was also cruel in regards to Aris' neurodivergence and did not make much effort to understand her needs and how she saw the world. Instead, she was blunt and mocking. Meanwhile, her father Chennai had little idea of how to build a close relationship with Aris, so he kept his distance.
Lacking in parental care from both sides, Aris became very attached to her grandfather, Saroyan. He encouraged her interest in the sciences and gifted her with one of her most prized possessions as a young girl: an enormous book of famous scientists and their discoveries. The two frequently discussed books and literature, studied Constellan language and calligraphy together, and cooked traditional dishes. (As an adult, Aris still associates the smells of Constellan cooking with her few happy childhood memories.) When Saroyan died, it felt to Aris as though she had lost the only person she could honestly call her family. For years afterward, she struggled with intense grief.
Aris began college shortly after Saroyan died, and she chose to cut off contact with her parents. She did not see them again after the last of her graduations, having earned her degrees. Chennai called sporadically, but neither had much to talk about, and by the time Aris was initiated into the Sixth Resistance, First Class, she was not in communication with either of her parents in any form.

Found Family

Seeing as Aris had such difficult relationships with her biological family, she considers her true family to be the one of her own creation. Assembled over years, it is rather a hodgepodge of friends from various times and places, as well as "friends of friends."

• Rissa and Ione- Longtime colleagues, Aris trusts the two of them to understand what she has been through, and counts on them to help her rebuild. (She also encouraged the two of them to begin a relationship of their own when it became clear to her they had feelings for each other.)

• Katri- Apprentice and adoptive niece, Aris has unofficial custody of Katri and her brother Espen and treats them as her own. (She also considers Rose a niece of sorts through her relationship to Katri.)

• Tavi-A mutual friend of J, Tavi and Aris have become close over time. Tavi is one of Aris' most frequent hiking companions and gives her advice regarding her romantic life and her uncertainties about having a family for the first time. (She also has acquaintanceship with Tavi's triplets, Vera and Harima, and her best friend Danny. She is more or less an aunt to her younger sisters, Kesha, Zira, and Peony.)

• Liz-A mutual friend of J, Aris is fond of Liz's wit and humor. (Through Liz, she has an acquaintanceship with Beth, Liz''s partner.)

• Azura-Rose's closest friend and a member of the Falharan special forces with Rose and J. Aris appreciates Azura's observant nature, and is especially glad to see her and Ione striking up a friendship.

• Ames, Neely, and Leslie- Some of J's old contacts from Romatia, Aris finds herself drawn to Ames, the first female general in the Romatian army, for her levelheaded, no-nonsense attitude.

Romantic Relationships

Aris is polyamorous and in two committed relationships.

• Ash-Aris' first real friend whom she has known since her undergraduate years, Ash has always been Aris' biggest source of unconditional support. They have been partners for nearly thirty years, both long-distance and sharing a home.

• J-Best described as "enemies to friends to lovers," Aris and J have a complicated relationship but today, they would do most anything for each other.

Religious Views

Aris considers herself an atheist, though she does believe in the concept of Fate. She is familiar with the beliefs of Marnesh, Constella's ethno-religion, and occasionally attends Temple for its sense of community. She served as a volunteer doctor at various Temples for several years. She finds the beliefs of Marnesh and other religions interesting on a conceptual level, and it isn't uncommon to find her questioning Beth on Marnesh, J on Catholicism, or Ione on Islam.

Social Aptitude

Aris is quite introverted and prefers to be alone or in the company of a chosen few much of the time. She is autistic and "slow to warm up" to people in general, but she is extremely loyal to those she eventually chooses, basing much of her decisions and moral views around what would be best for them. She dislikes small talk and sometimes struggles to know how to react to outbursts of strong emotion/how to provide comfort. (She keeps a manual to assist.)
She tends to be rather confident most of the time and cares little for what those outside her chosen circle think of her. She holds the attention of a room easily. When she is interested in a topic, her conversations can turn quite lengthy, even if they do have the air of interrogations in her eagerness. Blunt as she is, Aris is never one to mince words or spare feelings, but she virtually never means to cause anyone upset or harm. She does struggle to understand why people react to her as they do when she is only offering her advice/opinion.
When she feels comfortable with something and knows what to do, she proves an adept confidant. She is not one to break the trust of others or make false promises, nor does she see any reason for gossip. She can also be a worthwhile source of advice, provided the person asking is prepared for an exceedingly honest answer and isn't afraid to do some self-reflection or answer some uncomfortable questions.

Mannerisms

Aris is always in a hurry to get from one place to another or finish a task. She walks with long strides and expects others to keep up with her. She makes leaps in conversation that others don't see, and can get a bit put out if her partner doesn't catch up to her. She gestures with her hands frequently. She sometimes gives the impression she isn't listening to what is being said due to her tendency to hyper-focus and fidget with her latest project when being spoken to, but in reality, having something to do with her hands helps her stay focused on a single task or train of thought.

Hobbies & Pets

Pets

With a lifelong love for cats and an affinity for taking in "lost things," Aris quickly found herself a surrogate mother for several stray kittens, for varying lengths of time. She has kept a few of the kittens as her own, and sent others onward to adoptive homes (most often families with small children looking to give their children companions.) In order of fostering:

• Nimbus-An undersized pure white kitten with blue eyes, Nimbus was the first of Aris' cats. She was found just as the cold of winter was setting in, especially devastating in Romatia's north. Katri discovered her hiding in a shed where her mother and siblings had died from the cold, leaving Nimbus alone at only six weeks old. Aris brought her back to the homestead and set to work helping her grow and heal. She threw herself into research and did most all of the care for Nimbus herself, including bottle feedings while the kitten was still young enough to nurse. As she grew, the two became quite attached and Aris decided to keep her "little cloud." Today, Nimbus is playful and rambunctious, always getting into mischief.

• Kotro-A black kitten with grey eyes, slightly larger than Nimbus. Her name means "thunderstorm" in Constellan. She began approaching the homestead for scraps as a baby and was soon adopted as a sister for Nimbus. She is more mellow in temperament, playful but also partial to spending time perched atop Aris' shoulder or in her lap.

• Mira- Mira is a Birman with a fluffy tan body and a darker muzzle, ears, and paws with blue eyes, She turned up on a hike with an injured paw and quickly formed an attachment to J. She is the true definition of a lap cat, preferring to be wherever her 'Mama J' is. She also takes up something of a mother role to the youngest kittens.

• Sanari-A baby calico kitten even smaller than Nimbus when she was found, Sanari still fits in Aris' two hands. Her name means roughly "little sunbeam" in Constellan. She spends a good deal of time cuddled up to Mira or chasing her tail, as well as in the front pocket of Aris' doctor's coat, where she likes to be carried. Aris anticipates keeping her as the fifth cat on the homestead.

Hobbies

Aris' mind is always going a hundred miles a minute. She strongly dislikes being without something to do, and will do most anything to keep from being under-stimulated.

• Tinkering with her bots, Dummy, Oppy, and EVE

• Working with her brain tech in the lab

• Hiking, rain or shine

• Reading classic novels and poems

• Tutoring Katri, Espen, and the other children in Constellan language and calligraphy

• Telling stories

• Constellan cooking

• Watching Star Trek reruns with Ash

• Tinkering with Katri or Ash

• Sword lessons with J

• Puzzles, including crosswords, Sudoku, and Rubkis cubes

Speech

Aris tends to speak rather formally, especially when she feels passionate about something. When she is uncertain or uncomfortable, she will follow set "scripts." She is known to switch between English and Constellan often, and she tends to say things in Constellan she can't get up the courage to in English. A common phrase is "Oh Fates" and derivatives such as "For Fates's sake!" She quotes her favorite novels from time to time, as well as her favorite characters. Seven of Nine's "Fun will now commence" is a favorite.

Relationships

Aris Portokalos

Aunt (Vital)

Towards Katri Newsome

5

4

Frank

---

Katri Newsome

Niece (Vital)

Towards Aris Portokalos

5

5

Honest

---

History

Aris took on Katri as an apprentice when the girl was sixteen and ready to begin her higher healer's training. Aris herself was rather reluctant, but her colleagues insisted that it would be good for her to have an assistant to reduce her workload. It took some time for the two of them to come to an understanding. Aris often came across as frank, cold, and rather severe, and she held high expectations for her apprentice. Katri was shy, but intelligent, adaptable, and kind. She wound up winning Aris' respect through the approval and noticeable improvement in the condition of her patients when Katri was a part of their care team. She also found herself impressed by the girl's mechanical talents, reminded of her own tinkering with her bots from the same age.
As time went on, Katri grew to understand Aris on a deeper level than almost anyone in her life, and looked up to her as both a mentor figure and a source of emotional support/protection. Their bond was largely cemented through Aris' efforts to connect Katri to her Constellan heritage on a deeper level: she was, in fact, the first person to use Katri's Constellan name consistently, rather than the English Kendra. Aris soon picked up the habit of opening her home to Katri and her younger brother when possible, seeking to provide them with a place of refuge from their troubles at home. As they became frequent guests, Katri began calling Aris "Arundi," and became better acquainted with the others in positions of importance in Aris' life, especially Ash.
It was largely through Katri that Aris learned to trust and nurture again, and when things on their side of the war went south, Aris became Katri's family when her parents disowned her for her association with Aris and her cohorts with accusations of war crimes. Her brother Espen quickly followed suit. From that time, once they were released from custody, Aris has kept Katri safe through the events of the epidemic. From their initial bonds of love, they have expanded their family together.

Nicknames & Petnames

Katri calls Aris "Arundi," which is the Constellan word for aunt. She also uses "Ari," as much of the family does. Aris calls Katri "Aunier," meaning niece, as well as "little one."

Relationship Reasoning

Katri was originally nothing more than an apprentice to Aris, and the student and mentor dynamic still has a heavy presence in their relationship. But over time, they have become family. From student and mentor, they have become niece and aunt.

Commonalities & Shared Interests

In addition to their healing work, Aris and Katri enjoy inventing and tinkering together in the lab. They also engage in many of the same Constellan cultural activities that Aris' grandfather practiced with her when Aris was a girl.

Shared Secrets

In addition to some of the realities of the Sixth Resistance, Katri and Aris protect each other's emotional vulnerabilities, As a marker of trust, Katri shares much of her writing with Aris.

Shared Acquaintances

Espen, Nerissa, Ione, Ash, Jade, J

Nerissa Vannarjee

Friend, colleague (Important)

Towards Aris Portokalos

3

Honest

---

Aris Portokalos

Friend, colleague (Important)

Towards Nerissa Vannarjee

3

Frank

---

History

Aris and Rissa met upon Rissa's induction into First Class in 1995. Although they became close due to the exclusivity of the group and did share something of a foundation of trust, they often functioned as rivals. Mutually competitive and equally stubborn, they were unwilling to give when arguments did arise. Their employ, Myin, often pitted them against each other, encouraging the behavior. With Ione's induction the following year, the three were able to settle into an equilibrium of sorts. Ione kept the two in balance, and all three began to function as a unit.
Aris and Rissa found ways to work together for Ione's sake during her time undergoing medical trials. She was often in poor health during this time, and relied on Rissa and Aris to care for her and tend to her duties when she was unable. When Ione eventually did gain new abilities, Aris handled her medical care and rehabilitation and asked Rissa to tend to Ione's mental and emotional health.
The following year, tragedy significantly damaged the relationship between Aris and Rissa. By this point, Myin had become rather sadistic even towards those most loyal to her, pitting them in competition with ever-higher stakes. During a particularly close sparring match, Aris eventually gained the upper hand. In the aftermath of her punishment, Rissa was left partially blind and with extensive damage to her facial nerves. She felt hopeless, unable to work through her anger and shame. With Myin out of reach, all Rissa could do was turn her pain on Aris.
Aris worked tirelessly to heal her as best she could, and her efforts did help to stabilize Rissa's physical condition and prevent any further deterioration. But Rissa could not forgive her. Aris largely blamed herself as well. Aris had never been good at dealing with strong emotions from herself or others and, not knowing what else to do, kept her distance as Rissa insisted she should. They still worked together and kept each other safe, but the bonds of trust and respect seemed lost.
When the war ended and First Class dissolved, the trio remained together, and Rissa and Aris were able to reconcile. Aris apologized again and again, saying if she had known what would happen to Rissa, she would have thrown the match to spare her, and agonized that she had not been able to do more to restore Rissa's sight. With the time passed since the tragedy, and distance from the perpetrator, Rissa was able to see the situation anew and grant Aris the absolution she had withheld for so long. Thanking her for all she had done, and taking responsibility for her well-being when Myin could not admit she had done wrong, Rissa told Aris she wanted to start over at being friends, and a true member of the family Aris had built for herself.
They are still working through the difficulties their years apart left behind, but they (with Ione) are gradually working their way back to the close trio they were before Rissa's accident.

Nicknames & Petnames

Rissa has begun to call Aris "Ari" again, as most of her family does.

Relationship Reasoning

Colleagues and revolutionary fighters for many years, they were members of the inner circle of revolutionaries together with Ione.

Commonalities & Shared Interests

Aris and Rissa frequently go on long walks or hikes together when they need space to talk and think. They no longer spar, but they do train together sometimes in magic use for combat. Aris assists in the care for Pilar, and Rissa returns the favor for Aris' kittens. They do like to discuss scientific news together, as Rissa's background is in marine biology and a bit of virology. She has proven a valuable source of insight in Aris' work with searching for a cure to the epidemic. With one of her next projects, Aris hopes to modify some of Katri's nanobot technology and prosthesis (with some of Aris' own AI programming) to help partially restore Rissa's sight.
As for similarities in personality, both are reserved/introverted. They have hard or tough exteriors, but a softness for those they care for, and are protective of family and friends by nature. They may be slow to warm up and slow to forgive, but they are loyal without fail.

Shared Secrets

Aside from Ione, Rissa and Aris are the only ones who truly know what it was like to live under the control of Myin, and they share many secrets and traumas from that time.

Shared Acquaintances

Ione, Katri, Ash

Ethnicity

Constellans

Age

56

Date of Birth

21 March

Circumstances of Birth

A late-in-life baby, Aris' parents did not fully expect to have any children.

Birthplace

Red Rock, Adjet Province, Constella

Spouses

Siblings

Current Residence

Blackthorn Valley, Romatia

Pronouns

She/her/hers

Sex

Female

Gender

Female

Eyes

Steely grey, often described as 'piercing' or 'intense'

Hair

Long and grey, usually worn in a bun or in braids

Skin Tone/Pigmentation

Tawny with warm undertones

Height

6'1"

Aligned Organization

Sixth Resistance, First Class

Known Languages

Learned Constellan and English at the same time, so she is fluent in both. This is rather unusual considering the time of her birth. She tutors Constellan children in their native language when she can.