Prince Donovan Grayson
Sometimes the concept of justice in the hands of one man is worse than a whiskey bottle in the hands of another.
Description: The features of this man, when set apart and studied, are handsome by nature; a strong set jaw as a foundation for an otherwise masculine, narrow structure. His brows are fine above his not-too-sharp nose, and grey-blue eyes beneath that hold calculating vision. He has a full mouth that might well smile dashingly if, at all, Donovan Grayson ever smiled. All of these features together though are held in a stern, unyielding regard that offsets any sort of appeal; like the way his lips pull to a tight line more often not and his brows furrow so often they might well have permanent marks between them. The depth of his olive complexion might herald from a mix of southern blood amidst his common Grayson features, and his voice has a natural baritone depth that issues authority. Donovan's build is that of a lean runner; a man kept fit by choice rather through labour or vocation. He is a man that could disappear in a crowd as easily as his tone and manner could leave him standing out in one.
Personality: Professionally, it'd be easy to take Donovan as blunt, short mannered and well on the dryer side of curt. Not that he would blame anyone for that impression either; in work he suffers no nonsense, nor tolerates fools of any class, creed or sect and his dour face reflects this, far too often. The law is paramount and he takes all matters brought to him seriously. This grave, austere nature does bleed somewhat into his personal life, but he is far from unpleasant. Donovan is personable outside of business hours but often treads shyly in social situations, even fumbling through social nuances of aristocratic courtly duties.
Background: Anyone could forgive Donovan's extended family, those countless cousins, aunts and uncles, if their memory of the little Prince is somewhat lacking. It is easy to overlook a quiet younger sibling in the presence of their older, more socially apt and bright brother; not that Donovan was ever bitter over this fact. Donovan was never far from his brother's side, or just an arm's reach behind him, keeping quiet and trying to emulate even just a sliver of Calarian's gift with people. Children grow up though and Donovan eventually found his own fascination, and talent, in law. Lacking the usual Grayson heroic streak, Donovan wasn't interested in the 'guards and robbers', 'good guys catching the bad guys and being a hero' sort of law; rather the 'you know about this loophole, right?' sort. That he was exceptionally good at it came with its drawbacks; sharp wit and legalese made his adolescence almost unbearable for his parents.
As an adult he refined his knowledge, and honed his wit for the benefit of his family acting as legal counsel on various affairs, all of which were handled with due discretion and settled quickly. He moved about the Crownlands with it, dealing in disputes and minor conflicts between vassal houses within the realm of the family's holdings. He may not have always made friends, but then, Donovan squared with himself a long time ago he is not here to be friends with people -- he is here as a representative of the law, and the law does not yield to emotion. Anyway, a person doesn't become a lawyer to be popular, do they?
The city of Arx offers a great deal of opportunity for a young Prince, one of which, would be to make a name for himself outside of his own family within the various courts of the Compact. This at least, was what his mother informed him. Donovan is not quite so convinced; what with Calarian already present, being wonderful and casting an obnoxiously long shadow to stand in.
Name | Summary |
Ian | He's definitely a Grayson. |
Reese | He is sort of like his brother and yet there is something very different about him too. He seems to be thoughtful and studious. He has a nice way of speaking and is pleasant conversation. I am glad he is in town and hope to learn more about him. |