King Leonard Whitewave Alderley
His Majesty the Chosen King Leonard (né Weaver) Whitewave Alderley
The Amalgam king. Many intend this nickname as an insult, but King Leonard has long embraced it. He tells me that he never wanted to be known as a Paragon like the rest of them, because, in his words, the nobility are "stuck in their ways, upholding a world that benefits only them." He has always seen his upbringing as a blessing, an opportunity for those who never have had power within the system to have a king who is, as much as he ever could be, one of their own.
But King Leonard is not only a Weaver; he's also a Whitewave, the son of the infamous killer Daniel Whitewave Weaver. How he's dealt with this part of himself, and how he's made the general public forget it, is worthy of a book in itself.
Being his future daughter-in-law, I have a relationship with King Leonard that few can boast of. I will not be "spilling secrets" here--that is not my way. Merely I will do my best to paint a picture of the king that I know.
Personal History
Family
Leonard Weaver Whitewave was born to Willa Weaver and Daniel Whitewave in 1269. At the time, they lived in a small farmhouse on the outskirts of High Valley. King Leonard reports that it was his father that primarily stayed at home with him. Three months after Leonard's sister Murna was born, their mother left her two children with her brother Jay Weaver. Hours later, Daniel Whitewave destroyed the city of Byworth, dying in the process, and Willa Weaver was never seen again. Thus Leonard and his sister were left effectively orphaned. They were raised by their Amalgam aunt and uncle, attending commoner day school, eating his aunt's "mediocre but homey" (his words, not mine) cooking, and helping out in the family boutique. He always recalls these memories wistfully, with an air of nostalgia and longing.Growing up, I figured out real quick that Paragons don't appreciate their fancy chefs nearly enough! I was in heaven, eating all these desserts I didn't know the names of, and meanwhile everyone was staring at me like I was a pig or something. You know, in any sane place, they would've been the rude ones, but there I was the one that got a D for the day. Honestly! But truth be told, I got numb to the deliciousness after a while, and now when I go visit the ole boutique, I savor my aunt's mix-cake with the rainbow sprinkles, and her canned green bean casseroles with fried onions on top. Tastes like home.On his tenth birthday, Leonard scored at 145.95, hoisting him abruptly into the world of the nobility. However, his aunt and uncle were unaware that the highest-scoring noble Paragons typically retest at age eleven, so his actual score went undetected until he was sixteen years of age, when he offered his blood for one of Katherine Desfade Weatherby's early power carrier measurement experiments. His true score, 150.98, is higher than his cousin Donald's, and with that argument he attained the hand of then-Princess Alexandra Alderley and the title of Chosen Crown Prince of Crathlia. He credits Lady Weatherby with his ascension to the throne. Princess Alexandra and Prince Leonard were married in 1290 in a rushed ceremony that was overshadowed by the Great War's entrance into Crathlia only weeks before. The two quickly took on the responsibility of assisting the king and queen in the commanding of Crathlia's military. Prince Leonard often gave speeches to encourage the public on the home front. The royal family fearing that they might be attacked by the naered, Princess Alexandra concieved and gave birth to Princess Eloise in the next year. Their second child, Prince Felix, was born as the Great War ended in 1294. Just as that conflict ended and Crathlia was finally at peace, Alexandra's parents were assassinated by a group of pro-Amalgam terrorists on the 28th of Bridgal, 1295. Leonard and Alexandra were crowned king and queen of Crathlia the next day, as is tradition. Their youngest child, Prince Victor, my fiancé and the future king of Crathlia, was born in 1296.
Education
Unlike most other Paragons, Leonard attended a public primary school from age five to age ten alongside Amalgams and Dregs. He says this experience was incredibly valuable and the biggest reason that education reform was one of the first things he pushed through the Senate.It was so funny, because I showed up to Everdon with a wad of bubblegum in my mouth, lugging my own suitcase up the stairs. Couldn't even use telekinesis yet, but it's not like I cared. I was gonna get the job done. Didn't have a valet like pretty much everyone else (man did that take some getting used to at the palace). And when I walked into my room, my poor roommate just about died. Because there I was, Daniel Whitewave's son, but more importantly, wearing a orange polka-dotted bowtie. And don't look at me like that! Back then, that made me a - what do you kids say these days? - a "cool cat"?Like all Paragons of his score, his secondary education (age 10-18) took place at Everdon Academy. Without a proper Paragon upbringing, he was in Remedial Manners nearly his entire school career, which is a source of pride for the king. His grades tended to be poor or average. His speech instructers in particular would tell him to tone down his enthusiasm--which, as he likes to point out, he's currently praised for by the public. Instead of studying, he would often play pranks on unpopular teachers.
Social
Contacts and Relations
Among the nobility, the king has many who remember him fondly from his Everdon shenanigans, but few who truly consider him an ally due to his pro-Amalgam policies. He is quite popular among the common people, however, and has many allies among the wealthy Amalgam populance, such as the likes of Reeve Corp founder and CEO Ethel Reeve Abronoma.Family Ties
The Whitewaves distanced themselves from young Leonard, and though they tried to reconnect after his ascension to the throne, it was a largely unsuccessful endeavor. He does remain relatively close to his first cousin Lillian Windweaver Whitewave. The king remains quite close to his Weaver relatives, particularly his aunt, uncle, and grandmother. Victor views his great-aunt and uncle as a set of grandparents, since all four of his biological ones are dead. As far as his marriage, King Leonard has long had a very close relationship with his wife, unusually so for noble Paragons such as themselves. Their disagreements are few and brief, resolved with careful and respectful discussion. Though his duty to his kingdom comes first, he makes a strong effort to be close to his children. At the end of each week, the family comes together to play music and enjoy each other's company.Relationships
King Leonard Whitewave Alderley
Husband (Vital)Towards Queen Alexandra Alderley Whitewave
5
5
Honest
Written by Cordelia Colbreak Evenbrook
Your Majesty
Telekinesis
Current Location
Species
Ethnicity
Currently Held Titles
Previously Held Ranks & Titles
Year of Birth
1269 DA
45 Years old
Circumstances of Birth
The firstborn of Daniel Whitewave and Willa Weaver.
Spouses
Siblings
Current Residence
Royal Palace, Seersbury
Eyes
Light brown.
Hair
Auburn with a slight wave. Hairline is receeding.
Skin Tone/Pigmentation
Pale.
Height
5'10.
Weight
200 lbs.
Aligned Organization
Other Affiliations
I love his backstory - really fascinating. I bet it was a bit of a culture shock for him when he started school and everyone around him had valets! The quotes make him sound like a really good person.
He's definitely got an interesting backstory - read his parents' articles for more details! And yeah it was one heck of a culture shock for sure XD he thought they were a bunch of rich snobs haha He's a very good person with very good intentions. But he's also pretty calculated in the kinds of things he says in the interviews quoted here - he wants to be relatable to the common people to keep his popularity, after all. Not that he's lying, but that he's emphasizing his down-to-earth qualities. Still, he does genuinely fight for the rights of commoners, and he's doing the best he can!