Background and Family
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Isabel Anais Phoebe de Marco has always felt cursed by her exotic name. Born in Sieta on 6 ST 91 ADT, she has never quite figured out why her parents saddled her with so many first names, but has silently borne it -- as she bears all of her problems.

Her parents, Amanda and Eddard, have eked out a plain existence for their two children.  Eddard is a carpenter of slightly better than average skill, who charges less than his competition for business, and Amanda makes quilts and blankets to sell as well.  Together they provided food, shelter, and warmth for their two girls, Isabel and her older sister Cali de Marco.  Now that Cali is married and Isabel is at the Academy, they live more comfortably than they had ever hoped on their combined income.  They are
both fairly unimaginative individuals, although they harbor impossible dreams for their daughters, especially Amanda.  Her own brother joined the Royal Institute, though he later dropped out, and she has felt the fever of success since then.  When it appeared that Cali would never live up to her standards, Amanda focused all of her attention on Isabel, trying to get her to be something great.

Growing up, Isabel never had to worry about standing in the shadow of her sister -- no one in the de Marco family has ever left a shadow worth speaking about.  They have all been, for as long as they can remember, simple folk living simple lives with simple problems.  Isabel remembers her childhood fondly enough, with the requisite sibling fights and assorted playful memories, although she's relieved that it's over.  Cali (just Cali, though Iz doesn't know why that's so) is three years older and both the girls are content to let that separate them.  They've never been particularly close, although they share no great hatred for each other,
either.  When Cali was 17, she married the son of one of Eddard's clients, Joseph Kimball, and has already had two children of her own, Nathan and Samantha.

Isabel had few playmates growing up, and chose to keep to herself most of the time.  She never excelled at games or school or carpentry or sewing, although she always tried her hardest.  It wasn't until she went with her mother to visit her uncle Jonathan that she ever had something to dream about at all.

While at the Royal Academy, Iz literally ran into a bonded pair of Uen Roug.  Neither she nor the Roug had been paying much attention, and when the unicorn came too quickly around a corner, she slammed into it.  The rider, a tall man who's name she never learned, quickly dismounted and helped Iz help, apologizing profusely.  But when the unicorn apologized, the soft, feminine mindvoice tickling her thoughts, Iz's whole world changed.  She left them quickly, shrugging off their apologies and hurrying back to the Inn where she and her mother were staying.  She didn't sleep at all that night, coming to the decision that what she most wanted was to be a bonded Uen Roug.  When her mother asked her what was wrong, Isabel shyly told her about her enounter, and how wonderful it had been to talk to the unicorn.  That was when Amanda knew she finally had a daughter who might redeem their family.

For the next few years, she was merciless in discussing the Roug and how wonderful they were -- and how wonderful it would be to have a child who was one.  Isabel continued her plain life and listened to her mother's, and her uncle's, tales of the Roug and dreamed a little more everyday. Finally, the years of encouragement had built up enough courage that she dared to enter the Academy at age 14.

When Isabel first joined the Academy, it was decided she was 'Most Likely to Drop Out First' from her class.  Timid in her social interactions, an initially poor fighter and student, lacking any creative ability at all, it seemed hopeless for the poor girl.  But the promise of a Bond can do wonders for anyone, and it seemed that Isabel possessed a tenacious streak that even she didn't know existed.  She stuck it out, year after year, until she became as much of a fixture as any of the others.  Though she applies herself diligently to every thing she does, she has never been more than an average student, and her secret desire to Bond looks almost as much a dream now as it did the day she first stepped through the towering gates of the Academy.

During her six years, Iz has formed a friendship with Rhia and Sasha, as they both shared her innate quietness, although she would never dare to call them 'friends' to anyone else.  As older students, it would feel too presumptuous.  Her closest friendship is with Ghost, when she can find him.  They have much in common, and Iz hopes that if she does bond, it will be with him or Aurora or one of the quieter 'corns, and not someone like Parade.

Appearance
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Isabella Anais Phoebe de Marco is 5'6", with an average build and a very faint tan.  No matter what she does to her hair, it is always the same dull mouse-brown color, straight and fine.  She has a fairly oval face, with unspectacular features and the faint beginnings of frown lines.  Her eyes are soft blue and kind, and help make her appear more friendly than her shyness normally allows.  She dresses in plain clothing, preferring it to the more wild looks of some of her Year mates.  In battle she prefers a short sword, and can do passably well with a short bow.

Personality
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Average is the one word that would describe Isabel, though it's not for lack of trying.  She applies herself stubbornly to everything the Academy has asked her to do, from painting to fighting to her studies, and has
never excelled in anything.  Even horseback riding has only been average for her, and she worries that without any real talents, the Roug will still kick her out, though she's never failed, and she isn't particularly 'bad' at anything.  If there is one thing she's bad at, it's public speaking. Isabel doesn't know why anyone would want to listen to her in the first place, since anybody would be able to offer better information or opinions on anything, and having all those eyes on her never fails to make her nervous.

She avoids outgoing, popular types, feeling intimidated by them.  However, her six years at the Academy have shown her she can be just as stubborn as the next person if it's important enough, a quality she probably never would have found otherwise.  The only other remarkable thing about Isabel is that she never gets lost.  It seems to be physically impossible, unless she's taken somewhere she's never been before, blindfolded, and let go. Other than that, she seems to have a knack for knowing where she is.  She has never considered this a particularly special trait, as it's always been something she's 'just done.'

Isabel has never really had a boyfriend, although she's hidden her fair amount of crushes.  She doesn't consider herself significant enough to attract love, and couldn't see why someone would stay with her even if they did date, when there are so many other remarkable women out there.  What Isabel possesses that she doesn't see in herself is a remarkable empathy for others, even if they don't always treat her well; the willingness to always do her best, even when her best isn't great; and a surprising sense of humor, though she doesn't share it with many.

Spark is a scrappy little stallion; a mere 14 hands at two, he's well aware that he probably won't get much more that 14.3 by the time he's grown. Still, he doesn't let that bother him too much, at least on the surface,
masking his insecurities with a plucky, sarcastic but good-natured, half-joking attitude that has made him the Academy's resident "wise guy" ever since he was old enough to mindspeak.  He may make everyone laugh, but on the inside Spark worries that no one will ever love him for who he truly is.  Still, nobody better try and boss him around!  Just because he's small, doesn't mean that he's easily intimidated, and he loves nothing more than to get in a verbal sparring match.

A poor fighter, but quick on his feet and one of the smartest of the 2 year olds (when he tries), Spark is a
loyal and large-hearted companion...not to mention a real sucker for a compliment.  His talent is inspiration. He pulls buried ideas out of others and brings them to the surface, like a walking muse.

Stats: 14 h, Male, Orange flecked with red, and red horn and hooves, 3 years old, born @ Academy,
First listed 4/16/01