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Mateline is the oldest (legitimate) child of her father, a successful merchant who once had business spanning across Arvum. Headquartered in Sanctum, ships and caravans went in many directions, buying and selling goods across Arvum, including in the capital of Arx. Mateline wanted for nothing growing up. She had a fine education, the best clothes, and the best of companions with the expectation that she would take over the family businesses when she was old enough. Then, when she was fifteen, her father was struck by illness, a malignancy of the lungs that slowly sapped him of breath and strength. She watched as her energetic, happy father slowly became bedridden and wasted away until he died, a month before her 18th birthday. During his long convalescence, their house withered with him. Despite efforts to maintain their standing, war and their head's disease shrank their business. Now, 18 and in full control of her inheritance, Mateline has come to Arx to try and rejuvenate her family's flagging fortunes. And possibly to find a husband, as her mother, still in mourning, insists that she marry as soon as possible to continue the family line--even if she does have a younger brother and sister yet to come of age.

Mateline is a young woman who has lived what some might call an easy life. Her skin is not quite pale but has the fair smooth look and the look of someone who has been protected from the sun all her life. Her figure is what would could reasonably be called Rubenesque (if Reuben existed in Arx, anyway). She has a full body with generous curves in hips, bust, and legs and has a healthy amount of plumpness to her in other parts as well. Her hair is a stunning shade of strawberry blonde and Mateline typically wears it in fashionable updos and braids designed to accenture the shape of her face. A delicate, heart-shaped face with full, plump lips, long lashes, and delicate hazel eyes along with a small nose and soft cheeks complete her look. Mateline is usually generously attired with cosmetic--dark red lips, dark lashes, kohl, and a dusting of rouge to bring out the best in her features are the usual.

In spite of her rather soft appearance, there's a sharp, eager mind behind her coquettish winks and easy smiles. Mateline has been waiting essentially her whole teenage life for the moment she has now and does not intend to waste it. While outwardly friendly and warm, she can be harshly critical and spiteful and holds a grudge easily. She is especially hard on herself, often spending hours berating herself in her journals or diaries when she believes she's made a mistake. There IS genuine warmth to her, but she tries to make it hard to get at--if she's weak, she's certain that someone, somewhere will try to take what her family has built. Because of this, she must be hard and not allow herself to feel or show too much genuine emotion. Of course, that's much easier said than done when you're eighteen.