"Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less."
~C.S. LEWIS
~Etymology~
SOPHIE (so-FEE) French: form of Sophia, meaning "wisdom"
BELLE (BEL) English: short form of Isabella & other names ending in –belle; of French, belle, meaning "beautiful"
LARUE (la-ROO) French: surname; meaning "Dweller by the Road"; or the French word, la rue, meaning "the street"
~ALIASES~
SOPH (sof) short form of Sophie (nickname); a short form of Sophie mainly used by family and some close friends.
RUE (ROO) English: from the name of a bitter medicinal herb; derivative of Greek 'ρυτη (rhyte); short form of Ruth, meaning "friend"; a short form of her last name, as well as her store's name. Commonly used.
*Also called: "Miss Rue", "Miss LaRue", "Miss Sophie" at person's discretion*
HUMILITY (hyoo-MIL-i-tee) English: "humble"; the name of the Virtue inhabiting Sophie
~GENERAL STATISTICS~
Virtue: Humility
ONE OF 14
Modest behavior, selflessness, and the giving of respect. It is a spirit of self-examination; a hermetic of suspicion toward yourself, and charity toward people you disagree with. The courage of the heart necessary to undertake tasks which are tedious, difficult, or un-glamorous, and to graciously accept the sacrifices involved. Reverence for those who love wisdom, and those who selflessly teach in love. Giving credit where credit is due; not unfairly glorifying one's own self. Being faithful to promises. Refraining from despair. Ability to confront fear and uncertainty, or intimidation.
LaRue House
Bramly, Anarma
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House Description
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LaRue house is busy, but not very large, and hand-built from the ground up by the LaRue family.
The quaint little four bedroom home rests on stilts amidst a vast jungle of a garden. Upon entering the gate shrouded by a trellis of roses, trees line the stone walkway leading to front of the stilted, wooden porch surrounding three-quarters of the house. The first floor of LaRue House opens to the front room, which connects to the kitchen and living room. From the Kitchen, the dining area and downstairs bathroom are accessible, as well as the stairs to the second floor main hall. The second floor has four bedrooms and one bathroom, all accessible from a hall along the length of the house. In the rear of the house, a pebble-stone path leads through the maze of the garden. Rows of vegetables and fruit trees are immediately apparent, but further along the path, one stumbles upon a seating area around a hand-built pond.
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Household
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Sophie lives in LaRue House with her grandparents, parents, two sisters, and her sister's husband and two small children. She shares a room with Anna, her grandparents, parents, and sister's family all have a room each.
Jack LaRue IV - Grandfather (75)
Bianca La Rue - Grandmother (71) "Grandma Bee"
Jack LaRue V - Father (55)
Helena LaRue - Mother (49) - (hell-en-uh)
Bridget Johns - Sister (24) married to Ethan
Ethan Johns - Brother-in-law (25) married to Bridget
Anna LaRue - Sister (17) - (AH-na)
Margaret Johns - Niece (3) twin, "Maggie"
Martin Johns - Nephew (3) twin, "Marty"
Les Livres de la Rue
Sophie is the owner of Les Livres de la Rue (The Books of the Street) - a modest shop, filled with the musty smell of old books. Though there is a selection of various types of books (magical and non-), the shop is home to some of the rarest, and oldest, works known. Among the many books, the store sells candles, gems/stones (not many rare), incenses/oils, and dried/fresh herbs. As with the name "Jack," Les Livres de la Rue has been handed down through a few generations. Sophie took over at the age of 20, due to her father's illness.
HOURS:
Monday - Thursday: 7AM-7PM
Friday and Saturday: 8AM-4PM
Sunday:
CLOSED
Blooming Gardens
Owner: Gloria Acker (60)
a.k.a: Glory, Miss Gloria, Missus Acker
Sophie also works part time at the garden shop attached to her family's bookstore. As a child, she would often help the elderly woman who owns the store - mostly tending the plants. Over the years, she has become close with the owner, who treats Sophie like a daughter. The woman even gave Sophie a small space in the garden to grow some of her more popular herbs, so she didn't have to make trips to her house as often to replenish the stock, and keep her fresh herbs the freshest they could be!
HOURS:
Monday - Thursday: 12PM-1PM (lunch hour)
Friday and Saturday: 4PM-9PM (helps close)
Sunday: 5AM-12PM
Free Time?
Outside of work, Sophie spends her time volunteering, doing odd jobs - such as healing, and helping/taking care of her family/friends - and reading. The only time she sets everything (and in a way, everyone) aside, is for the Council, and other Sin/Virtue related matters.
~PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS~
5'7" (174 cm)
Sophie, though strong, has a soft build. Her muscle tone is minimal, and though she is fit - and fairly slim - she isn't skeletal and has nice, round curves (albeit more in her bosom than bottom). Her general attire consists of clothing that covers the length of her arms, back, and usually, her legs. Her favorite? Long (knee-length or more) skirts and sweaters that hang off her shoulders. However, she also wears coats and other covers, as well as capri-pants/pants. She will likely
never be seen in shorts or anything that reveals her thighs.
Her general color palette consists of earth and pale/pastel tones, but she has been known to incorporate the violet-color of her birthstone into her ensembles. In fact, the only adornments she really wears are a pair of amethyst earrings and a ring, made and given to her by her father before his illness.
"If we all helped rather than hindered one another, would not we all be equal?"
At work - and for general reading - she wears a pair of horn-rimmed glasses, of which she has two colors: black and brown. The eyes behind those glasses are a light, crisp brown, the same color as her thick, yet fine, hair. Hair which falls close to the middle of her back, and is generally worn in a ponytail or braid. She also sports a light dusting of bangs, which become a bit longer on the sides.
All in all, Sophie can be considered fairly plain... except for the extensive scarring along various parts of her body (see
GENERAL HISTORY). Though she uses her clothing to cover it up, the reasoning is not from embarrassment, but rather so others do not feel uncomfortable or put-off by them. Parts covered by some kind of scarring include:
Sophie was lucky to escape with only minor scarring on much of the front area of her body, but the length of her arms are mostly covered - the only part of them unscathed being the tips of her fingers and much of her palms.
When Humility chooses to manifest through Sophie, things seem to become a bit brighter, as her hair lengthens to just above her knees, and the color becomes more of a chestnut brown - the color to which her eyes also change. Humility also chooses to bear Sophie's scars, though she wouldn't have to if she wished it. Also, like Sophie, she enjoys wearing long skirts, but her attire generally consists of a more Victorian style dress (long skirt, mid-corset, etc...) and a little brighter colors. As per Sophie's wishes, she also keeps the earrings and ring on at all times.
Strengths
Physical strength is not Sophie's forté, though she isn't weak either. Physically, she is pretty average, able to work hard and lift things, but nothing extraordinary. Her strength lies in her heart and mind, which she uses well - though not always to her advantage. Her open heart and mind make her genuine, likable, and tolerant. Always willing to help someone, and unwilling to break a promise, she is also selfless and reliable. Somewhat of a scholar - partly due to her love of, and access to, books - she has a large range of knowledge. However, her considerable knowledge of plants and books in general (price, age, rarity, etc...) are the fields in which she excels.
Experience has also allowed Sophie to listen well, and in turn, become very observant. Also, due to her agreeableness and open-mindedness, she is able to see many sides and make objective decisions not based off petty emotions.
As the descendant of a long line of magi, she is practiced in various magics, but none more so than Nature magic.
In the elements of air, fire, spirit and water, Sophie is only a novice. However, in earth (nature) she has advanced to nearly a Master level. (see SPECIALTY CHARACTERISTICS: Magic)
As Humility awakens, much of her strengths are sustained, but her level of magic is greatly amplified. Her Nature magic is extended to most everything in Nature (including: animals, plants, stone, water, etc...), and the other elements are also increased/intensified, but she has not, nor will ever have the ability to control or manipulate people. Even animals, to a point, have their free will when Humility calls on them. Physically, her strength remains the same, but in relation to the power of the Virtue. In other words, in human terms, Humility would be seen with above-average (very athletic, works out, etc...) - so her strength, while greater than Sophie's, is still not considerable in terms of the Virtue/Sin's power.
Weaknesses
Most of Sophie's strengths can, at times, be weaknesses. Physically, her strength can hold her back for the sheer amount of it, so more often than not, when in physical combat (no magic/help) she will be overpowered. Her scars can be a weakness as well (if she lets them) by affecting her emotional state and clarity of mind. When it comes to decisions, particularly that have to do with other people - and especially if one of them might be hurt - she can be indecisive and reluctant. However, she can also be reflexive, and put herself in harms way rather than others. In other words, even in life-or-death situations, she puts others before herself - so her self-preservation is helped only by luck, and her observant/objective nature. Though they are generally on the same page, there has been some conflict between Sophie and the Virtue inhabiting her (particularly when Sophie wants to act... less than virtuous, or in moments of pride.. the pure opposite of humility) - after all, no two minds are the same.
Heights are another issue of hers. If her feet are on some kind of ground, she can be as high as needed... but take the ground away? Well... she might possibly die from fright. For obvious reasons, this can be a weakness for her.
~MENTAL CHARACTERISTICS~
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ALLIES
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Though she is the type of person who would lay down her life for nearly anybody, her family (parents, grandparents, siblings, etc...), Gloria - the flower shop owner, and the Virtues/Sins can be considered her allies. Pride only make the cut because of her willingness to accept the Sin's necessity, and the hypocrisy of her not counting him, but counting the others (not to say she trusts the other Sins 100%)
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ENEMIES
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Pride, of course, tops the short list of her enemies - simply because of the nature of his Sin conflicting with hers. (Also, it is incredibly hard to be friends with someone who only cares for themselves)
Other than Pride, there is.... there is... hmm... let her get back to you on that
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LIKES
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NATURE: (animals, plants, etc...) particularly weeping willows, cherry blossom trees/flowers, and lilies.
BOOKS: (yes, I do realize they are made from trees) particularly old books.
SPRINGTIME: when flowers are in bloom, and moments just before or during the rain.
PEOPLE: (in general) helping them, seeing them smile, observing them, learning about them, etc...
MAGIC: using it for healing, good deeds, growing plants, and preserving objects (like books!)
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DISLIKES
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PRIDE: it makes her feel conflicted
CONFLICT: who really does like conflict? (don't answer that Sins! ^^)
SPOTLIGHT: she isn't in it to be recognized or glorified
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HOBBIES
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READING: history, mythology/legend, philosophy, love stories
GARDENING: pretty much everything about it
ART: mainly viewing/learning about it
SINGING: something she does for fun/to relax, often humming some kind of tune
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TALENTS
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Spotting rare books
Growing plants
Healing with plants
Diffusing conflict/tough situations
Singing
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INABILITIES
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FLYING: (we've covered this, no?)
Putting herself before others (not to be confused with never advancing/benefitting)
PRIDE: thought she does have feelings of pride, it is an inner emotion that does not drive or influence her (i.e. proud of her garden, family, etc..)
PRIDE: (the Sin) while she is able to tolerate him, she just cannot bring herself to truly like/trust him.
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FEARS
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FLYING: (yes, this seems to be a reoccuring thing)
Being unable to help someone
Failing her family
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CURRENT GOALS/PURPOSES
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Juggling her duties, keeping things peaceful (though not necessarily calm) and running smoothly, and helping the many people of Bramly
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ASPIRATIONS
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Sophie simply aspires to maintain the meek lifestyle she has. She doesn't particularly have a "dream job" as she is currently working it as far as she is concerned. Romantic aspirations are also not incredibly important to her. Been there, done that, and she is far too busy to worry about finding her own love. One thing she does aim to do (hopefully before it is too late) is find out what her father's illness is, and how to cure/help him.
General Personality
More often than not, Sophie has a cheerful - though somewhat quiet and calm - and optimistic disposition. While she is honest and genuine, she tries to be so in a kind way. She is very helpful and reliable, and has a knack of sympathizing/empathizing without overshadowing or "one-upping" someone. Her calm, quiet demeanor stems from her objective and observant side. Sophie is very friendly - a people-person - and has a history of caring and helpfulness. Don't think this means she is a push-over however, as she has no qualm with standing up to bullies or speaking her mind (when appropriate).
Inner Personality
Sophie is somewhat conflicted. It is incredibly hard to have true humility, but she does her best, mostly just acting the way she always has: putting her needs last. When she takes time to self-reflect, she allows herself to relax and really feel everything she normally pushes aside. She fears that if she does not allow herself to feel all the emotions others feel, she will not be able to truly understand or help them. It is also during times of solitude that she allows herself time to think of herself, if only for a moment.
~SPECIALTY CHARACTERISTICS~
SPECIAL/NOTABLE ITEMS
Besides the handmade silver/amethyst earrings and ring given to her by her father, ironically enough, Sophie is sure to carry a copy of her favorite book, Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen. She also owns one of the few copies in existence of, The Book of Urizen, by William Blake.
MAGIC
Elemental (
Earth,
Air,
Fire,
Water,
Spirit)
As a half-mage, Sophie is not a Master in any of the elements as a whole, but in certain aspects of Earth (Nature) magic, she is Master level: namely, growing and utilizing plants.
~HISTORY~
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Tab 1
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Sophie was born on February 11, x737, to Jack and Helena LaRue. Five years later, her sister Bridget was born, and a full eight years after that, her sister Anna came into the world. Sophie had a great childhood with loving parents, and often enjoyed helping them take care of her sisters. Four years after her youngest sister's birth, her father fell ill with a sickness - unknown, yet devastating. At 17, Sophie started to learn the ropes from Jack, who feared he was going to leave the family with naught - and he did his best to teach her... for the next year. His health deteriorated quickly, and soon, he was unable to do much of anything. Helena did her best to take care of the children and household, but Jack was a full-time job, and so, the responsibility was left to Sophie.
She was not in it alone, however, as her grandparents came out of retirement to help. Grandpa Jack began to run the store, while teaching Sophie how to do so, and Grandma Bee taught her about healing and plants - though nothing, unfortunately, had been able to save her father. Three years after the illness struck her father, at 20 years old, Sophie was given the store, and her grandparents resumed retirement (though they remained to help out around home). Not long after, things began to look up; Jack's health stabilized (though it was still diminished) and Sophie had done well with the store, even opting to help the owner of the attached flower shop. As she was celebrating her 23rd birthday, she met a nice young man, and they immediately fell in love. The next six years passed quickly and with little despair... but it was to be shattered in an instant.
A few months before she turned 29, the love of her life left her for another woman. One who, "...has more to look at." as he put it. Needless to say, she was heartbroken, but... unable to bear him any ill will (it's his happy-ending too, right?) Sophie simply told him to do what made him happy. For some reason, this angered him (maybe he expected me to beg?) and he threw his arms up, storming away across the street. Sophie, barely reaching him in time, pushed him out of the way of an oncoming truck - unfortunately throwing herself right in its path. The tires screeched as the driver hit the brakes, but the impact was still fierce, leaving her broken and near death.
Feeling that this was the end, Sophie cried. Not because she was hurt, and not for fear of dying, but because of how this could affect the people she loved... and so, laying in the hospital bed, she cried out for help...
...and this is where Humility enters.
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Tab 2
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Humility, in her form, had been watching Sophie for a while. The way the family had come together in a crisis, and how Sophie - a young woman at the time - was able to rise up to the responsibilities bestowed on her, and all without complaint. It was astonishing, and intrigued Humility greatly. Over the years, Sophie became a sort of "favorite" to watch, and when the accident happened, Humility watched it too.
As Sophie cried for her family - with total disregard to herself - Humility came to a decision and appeared to her, offering a solution...
*NOTE: images are not my own, No copyright infringement intended. Owners include: TONY TAKA (top image) and LITORI (jewelry)