Ayla Thatcher

Overview

Overview

Ayla Thatcher (pronounced /ˈaɪlə θætʃə/) (32st Sun 5th Umbral Moon (Oct 31)) is a Gridanian hyur, trained in the art of bow and song. Daughter of two Serpent Lieutenants, Ayla grew up just outside the city of Gridania on a failing farm. After the Calamity struck and severely injured her father, Ayla took up adventuring to fund the farm and Keiran's recovery, as well as sate her wanderlust. The bard befriended a couple who helped her into their Free Company - The Adventure League of Eorzea. Since then, Ayla has traveled extensively.

Vital Information

Vital Information

• Race: Hyur (Midlander)
• Gender: Female
• Age: 22
• Height: 5'4.5"
• Weight: 140 Pz
• Citizenship: Gridanian
• Guardian Deity: Nophica, the Matron
• Occupation: Bard/Adventurer
• Orientation: Panromantic Demisexual
• Marital Status: Single

History

History

Past

Past

Ayla was born to Keiran and Sharlene Thatcher in the Fifth Umbral Moon, a little over two decades ago. Sharlene, unfortunately, died while giving birth to Ayla, leaving Keiran to raise her and juggle his position in the Order of the Twin Adders. She grew up in Gridania with older sister Valencia and older brothers Anselm and Drake, and never had a shortage of people there for her. As she grew up, she helped out around the farm and met several other children. She eventually befriended several other kids in the city, but her best friends included a little, punch-happy girl named Avery Weaver, and one little boy about 3 years older than her, named Stefan Arkwright. When she was under 10 years old, a farming accident - a thrown trowel - left a scar across her nose that would never really fade.

Ayla began training as an archer as soon as she was able to hold a bow. She was Keiran's pride and joy, and he hoped as she grew older she would continue her archery study. With every passing year, Ayla's voice developed and her interest in music grew - her mother Sharlene's influence working on her even in death. It seemed the girl was born with a great potential to be a bard, judging from her easy grasp on melody and harmony at such a young age. At first, she resisted it - she didn't want to sit in Gridania singing for people. When she learned what it really meant to be a bard, and that her mother was one of the best in the city, she took her talents to heart.

Ayla continued running around with Avery, unintentionally leaving havoc in their wake. Though she was great friends with the girl, she didn't quite know who her family was. Avery helped Ayla learn how to fight without weapons, using her fists and feet to defend herself should she get into trouble wandering around Bentbranch Meadows alone - which Keiran didn't allow her to do specifically for safety reasons. The girl's friendship with Stefan slowly turned into something deeper in their teens. Neither really knew what those feelings were, or when they crossed from friendship to love, but the two decided that they couldn't quite live without each other. The two struck out on adventures together in the Black Shroud - a lancer and an archer solving minor issues in the little villages around Gridania. When they were of age, they joined the Order of the Twin Adders together.

Calamity to Present

Calamity to Present

When Eorzea's Grand Companies came together to fight at Carteneau, the battle called Ayla's father and Stefan away. Ayla had been completely prepared to go along - she was an Adder after all. However, Keiran begged her to stay home. She wasn't ready. There was no need for her to go out and risk her life. Ayla begged Stefan to stay as well, but that was a lost cause as his mother Célestine pledged to help fight and he wasn't going to let her go alone. But unbeknownst to the three, Ayla had tailed them with bow equipped. The fledgling archer managed to fight her way through the stragglers to a spot where she could watch from a distance. She watched as her father was mowed down by Garlean forces, and she lost sight of Stefan. She could easily see Célestine's well-practiced lancing from where she hid. It was then that Ayla decided she needed to help her father out; the moon was glowing a brighter, ominous red with every second that passed. Célestine had intercepted Ayla, and the two helped Keiran out of thick of it. As Ayla escaped on the family draught chocobo with Keiran in tow, Célestine went back to find Stefan. Neither were seen afterward - and Célestine wasn't seen again until five years later. Only days after the battle, when survivors were finally accounted for, did Ayla and Keiran realize they left Célestine and Stefan behind to die.

Life immediately after the Calamity was rough on every Thatcher at the farm. Keiran could barely walk, still recovering from near-fatal injuries from the fighting. All of the children took taking care of the farm into their own hands and, though it was failing, they tried their best. Ayla suffered from not knowing Stefan's fate for five years, thinking him dead, until Célestine came back. The Arkwright matriarch finally let Ayla know for sure that the love of her young life had perished - burned to death by fire before the remaining adventurers were sent forward in time, and before his mother could reach him. To this day, Ayla still tears herself up over not finding him and saving him.

With Keiran still recovering from his injuries even five years later, the Thatchers made money the best they could. Valencia's talent in botany helped the family farm, but not by much. Anselm began work in the auction house and Drake decided to go adventuring, in the hopes that his talent for identifying ore would help keep the family afloat. Ayla decided she would accompany her older brother on his adventures, until she ran into Khyra Luriihn and Talon Weaver. Once she befriended them, and through them was able to join TALE, she left her brother to his ore expeditions. Drake later found a place with Amaljina and Sons, mining ore. Anselm, and later her father when he felt recovered enough to work again, became Ayla's retainers.

Ayla's time spent in TALE and accompanying Talon and Khyra on their adventures helped her grow as an archer and bard, and prepared her for the fighting to come in Coerthas. She fought alongside other adventurers and militiamen in the weeks leading up to Ishgard opening its gates to the world. The bard continued to help keep the city and surrounding areas safe - as well as found time to explore and meet new people.

Personality

Personality

Nature & Demeanor

Nature & Demeanor

Ayla's life thus far has been filled with love and acceptance. Thus, she shows the same to most everyone she meets. The bard almost always has a smile on her face and a cheerful attitude. She has a tendency to wear her heart on her sleeve; most people can figure out how she feels at any given moment. Ayla is verbose and well-spoken, owing to her educated background and charisma. To those who know her well, there seems to be a small, lingering sadness in her eyes that never seems to shake even when she's at her happiest. Despite this, she is always optimistic.

Ayla has a deeply curious side - a side that her tail bearing friends know quite too well. Despite being an extroverted entertainer at heart, she is also pretty content to sit quietly and ponder, do research, or pursue other academic interests. She has bonded with a few friends over trivial facts of the universe and favorite books.

Distinctive Features

Distinctive Features

Likes

Likes

• Music
• Hats
• Animals
• Stars and Space
• Puns
• Wine
• Books (both fiction and non-fiction)
• Clear night skies
• Nice clothing

Dislikes

Dislikes

• Cloudy nights
• Blood
• Loud discordant sounds/intensely bright colors
• Flashing lights
• Morbols
• Sand
• Being left behind
• Intense heat
• Overtly sexual situations
• Ul'dah

Fears

Fears

• Death of Loved Ones
• Failure
• Isolation
• Losing friends
• Losing limbs
• Dragonfire

Trivia

Trivia

• Favorite Food: Tomato Pie
• Favorite Drink: Tawny Port Wine
• Favorite Color: Othard Blue
• Alignment: Neutral Good
• Theme Music: Everything is Sound - Jason Mraz

Appearance

Appearance

This bard is modestly attractive, and stands at a short stature compared to most midlander women, but with great posture and poise. Her carroty red hair is shorn short and her head is very rarely seen without a hat of some kind - usually highly decorated and adorned with feathers. Ayla has a distinctive scar that cuts across the bridge of her nose, interrupting a smattering of freckles that litter her nose and cheeks. Her attire usually matches her headgear, ornate and complex with many patterns and designs, and has a tendency to either show a little skin and/or be flowing and loose. Her most distinctive feature seems to be her eyes, oftentimes described by others as striking or piercing in how blue they are. They never seem to be cold, always holding a friendly, gentle warmth to them that makes them less intimidating.

==Social Network

💕 Romantic Love

💖 Platonic Love

💓 Attraction

💗 Family

🌟 Trusted Friend

💼 Business

✞ Deceased

● Positive

● Negative

● Neutral

❔ Unsure

==

Social Network

💕 Romantic Love

💖 Platonic Love

💓 Attraction

💗 Family

🌟 Trusted Friend

💼 Business

✞ Deceased

● Positive

● Negative

● Neutral

❔ Unsure

Friends & Family

Friends & Family

Stefan Arkwright 💕 💓 🌟 ●
✞The Order of the Twin Adders

Arguably the most important person in Ayla’s life when it comes to her decision to begin adventuring and to take up the lance. The half-elezen was her steadfast companion up until the Calamity that wiped him out, along with countless other loved ones. Their love never made it very far, but Stefan still has a hold on Ayla’s heart. She still dwells on him, and still beats herself up over his death to this day. His memory inspired her to become the Gridanian equivalent of a dragoon, and he yet inspires her to be a better person - to live courageously and to defend and help the people in need of it.

Avery Weaver 💖🌟 ●
N/A

Avery and Ayla grew up together in Gridania, and caused all sorts of trouble together. Their bond is practically unbreakable, as time and distance still has yet to shatter it. Avery travels constantly, her attention span not long enough to keep her interested in one place for too long, and is often away from Ayla. Ayla sends letters to her often, accompanied by some of Avery’s favorite things (and some of Ayla’s, like cool rocks and flowers). The two meet up when they can to catch up.

Natsumi Yatsurugi 💖 🌟 ●
The Maiden's Embrace

Ayla met Natsumi in the Shroud, when the hyur was freshly off the boat from Doma. The two grew to be quick friends, and Ayla considers Natsumi one of her very best friends. Ayla would do literally anything for Natsumi and vice versa, to the point where both of them have pledged to help the other out whenever, and both have spaces made out for the other in their respective free company rooms.

Talon Weaver 🌟 ●
The Adventure League of Eorzea

One of Ayla's first friends when the bard had just begun adventuring. Talon and his former-friend-turned-wife Khyra Luriihn met her and her brother just outside Ul'dah and soon after, Ayla became Talon and Khyra's free company-mate. Ayla somewhat idolizes Talon as a legendary adventurer. The man has a penchant of talking himself up - and usually people aren't quite as starstruck as Ayla is - which led to her becoming a little bit of a sidekick to him. Talon is her role-model and a mentor in her lancer training. Ayla occasionally comes over to help the couple with their twin babies.

Khyra Luriihn 🌟 ●
The Adventure League of Eorzea

One of Ayla's first friends when the bard had just begun adventuring. Khyra and her former-friend-turned-husband Talon Weaver met her and her brother just outside Ul'dah and soon after, Ayla became Talon and Khyra's free company-mate. Since that first meeting, Khyra and Ayla have become very good friends. The two of them bonded through their love of books and information, and Khyra is Ayla's #1 star studying companion. Ayla occasionally comes over to help the couple with their twin babies.

Fhilwyda Eyrihaerzwyn 🌟 ●
Might and Magitek

A roegadyn warrior that met Ayla in the Forgotten Knight, sharing a table and polite conversation with her in the cold of Ishgard. Since then, the warrior has fast become a friend of Ayla's and a frequent travel companion. Ayla is currently helping Fhilwyda look for her estranged brother, Abrecan.

Acquaintances

Acquaintances

Mai Suikazura ●
Rendezvous of Stars

Ayla ran into a freshly immigrated Mai in Gridania and offered to show her around. The two spent quite a bit of time together in Ishgard, sharing a house while Mai healed people in the area and Ayla resumed her lancer training. After an awkward mishap on Ayla's birthday, it was made clear that their relationship was purely platonic. Ayla considers Mai a good friend, and the bard owes the au ra woman her life.

Elise Blackheart ●
Desert Fangs

Ayla met Elise in the Quicksand and immediately bonded with the woman over books of fiction. Since then, the bard has invited Elise over for book swaps and chats over wine and chocolate. Ayla has run into Elise in other places as well, including the Drowned Wench meeting with Fhilwyda and Tajih. Their book chats are just the start of a great new friendship!

Tajih Yatko ●
N/A

Ayla met Tajih at the Sword and Skillet and took part in the miqo'te's wild drink experiments. Ayla ran into her yet again in the Drowned Wench and got to know her a little better, through conversation with Elise and Fhilwyda. The bard found a new friend in this creative and slightly socially awkward thaumaturge. Currently, Tajih takes to following Ayla around, and the two bond over, and trade, books.

Zigovali Rigovali ●
The Pathfinders

A lalafellin arcanist that started out as a tagalong to Ayla and her roommate Natsumi's adventures, but ended up becoming a friend to the bard. Zigo frequently comes to Ayla in need of advice, and though he sometimes tests her legendary patience, her biggest hope is that he one day learns and grows the way he should. In that way, she looks after him as though he’s a little brother.

Taz'tri Xerr ●
Sharlayan Ascension

A miqo'te healer Ayla met briefly while checking in on Natsumi. Ayla found him to be very caring, professional, and knowledgeable and asked him several questions about his healing ability while she was there.

Nadi'a Lamore ●
Might and Magitek

A miqo'te and self-described 'professional scoundrel'. Ayla found his sense of humor lacking, but otherwise thought he was a nice, harmless guy.

Khalun Ejinn ●
Might and Magitek

An au ra healer in the company of Nadi'a. Ayla met her at Talon and Khyra's wedding on Valentione's Day. While she doesn't know her well, Ayla thought she was nice and easy to talk to.

On the Grapevine

On the Grapevine

Common Rumors ✨ "She might seem nice, but I hear she's an ice queen. Won't give anyone the time of day, if you know what I mean." -- a Young Man in New Gridania ✨ "I think they gave her the worst chocobo of the bunch..." -- A Serpent Requisition Officer ✨ "Such a pretty girl with a pretty voice! But she always sings the saddest songs!" -- A Wood Wailer in Bentbranch Meadows "That bard's head is in the clouds every night; all she does is stare at the sky." -- A passerby in the Goblet Rare Rumors ✨ "They say she's not really happy. She plays at being happy because she's lonely. I would be too if a giant rock killed my lover." -- A former instructor at the Archer's Guild ✨ "She's kind of a horrible spectator. I was playing a set and as soon as I reached the big crescendo, she yelled, covered her eyes and ran out. The hells is her deal? My music is KILLER!" -- A bard in the Quicksand PC Rumors ✨ "The fair Miss Thatcher? As lovely as the Gridanian dawn, and sharp as the arrows she lets fly! So wise and wonderful a woman deserves naught but the best that life can provide!" -- Zigovali Rigovali, Lalafellin arcanist ✨ "Ayla? She's my best friend. One of the few people who immediately took me in and showed me kindness. I'll repay her, someday." - Natsumi Yatsurugi ✨ "Ayla is a wonderful person; one of the most kindhearted that I've had the pleasure of meeting. I think she might have an identity issue, though... she has an odd interest in asking everyone what it's like to have a tail..." -- Khyra Luriihn, Miqo'te scholar ✨ "She's quite friendly, actually! She has excellent tastes in books, and is very fun to talk to. Although, admittedly, she doesn't understand innuendos. Being blunt--loudly at that-- in public about certain jokes makes things interesting..." -- Elise Blackheart, Hyur Adventurer Gallery Gallery Ayla at 20 vs Ayla at 22 talgalar/dem Ayla and Natsumi Yatsurugi OOC Information OOC Information Roleplay Roleplay ✨ No Metagaming: The information provided in this wiki (excluding rumors) is not considered public knowledge. Please do not approach me assuming you know things about my character that have been found here without actually obtaining information legitimately through RP. If there is something you'd like to possibly have heard of or read somewhere, please contact me and ask for permission prior. Depending on what it is, I may work with you to create hooks! ✨ Character Injury: I am typically open to character injury, but I usually like to be either able to decide the extent of such or agree upon the severity prior - I may even push it further than you initially requested, depending on the circumstances! Anything super disabling will need to be discussed. I will not participate in any event that will permanently damage my character or results in her death without my consent. ✨ Character Romance: I will not police the way you RP your character! My character is still hurting from a past love - and is fairly non-sexual. You are free to flirt or otherwise (I don't mind, and it makes for some great comedic moments with Ayla), but please understand that nothing may come of it. I am not open to any forced romance or intimacy. Any character wishing to start a romantic relationship with Ayla must already have a good friendship with her, and the player must be open to communication and collaboration with me. Due to past bad experiences, I have to be very picky and make sure I trust the other player well before romance RP is an option. ✨ IC Frequency: I am, more often than not, OOC. The best way to contact me or initiate RP with me is to shoot me a /tell to get my attention! If I'm not busy at the moment, we'll RP! If I am busy, I will make time for you! Though I don't usually like walk-up RP, I will probably respond if I'm not super OOC or on a class that isn't IC. ✨ Featured Friendships: Because of the template I've chosen, I'd prefer not to overflow my relations section with people I barely know. Unless I have future plans with your character, I may not add them until a few IC meetings have occurred. Likewise, I may remove people that seem to vanish after a respectable amount of time unless they have impacted my character in a lasting way, and I may not add people without wikis unless their involvement with my character is important for a particular reason. That said, it's nothing personal; it's just way too easy to clutter my page this way! Miscellaneous Information Miscellaneous Information ✨ Voice Headcanon: Ayla is a lyric mezzo-soprano, with a tone and range similar to Sara Bareilles ✨ TV Tropes: Determinator, Failure Knight, Adorkable, Nice Hat, Friendly Sniper, The Mourning After, Chaste Hero, and The Bard, of course. ✨ 8tracks Playlists: i. watch the stars, they're ours, ii. in my darkest hour i hear that music play ✨ Character Inspirations:Varric Tethras, Locke Cole, Rosa Farrell, Leliana, and my Guild Wars 2 main Selda Oakenforge. Footnotes Footnotes ✨ Player Info: US Player; CST (Late nights) ✨ Server: Balmung ✨ Free Company: The Adventure League of Eorzea ✨ Wiki Templates: Fancy Character Template ; Modified by Suen Shyu and Khyra Luriihn