_{Art Credit: Batollii}

Enchanté!

• name: Eleanor Auclair

• age: 25

• pronouns: she/her

• birthday: 01/11

• birth nation: Fontaine

• residential nation: Sumeru

A natural born socialite from Fontaine. Once a famous violin prodigy, she now works as a consultant for prestigious Sumerian merchant.

_{Art Credit: Ashiemushu}

Lore

Design by HojA1214

Character story

Eleanor Auclair was born into a family of influential aristocrats. As a child, she studied a variety of artistic pursuits, but it soon became clear that she was gifted in playing the violin. Capitalizing on their daughter's talent to elevate their social standing, her parents presented her to the world as a musical prodigy. Eleanor performed for distinguished audiences at prestigious venues; even gracing the stage of the Opera Epiclese before the Hydro Archon herself. Alas, this fame was not to last. Even in her youth, Eleanor possessed a discerning awareness and keen insight into those around her. She judged that her parents only recognized her artistry for its utility and subsequently refused to perform. Unable to sway their stubborn and spoiled daughter's will, her parents were forced to cancel her remaining performances.Still, as their firstborn child, Eleanor remained her parents' hope for elevating the family's prestige. Seizing the opportunity, she made a bold claim in her teenage years: she would study to become a renowned scholar. With practiced poise, she convinced her parents to fund her studies abroad at the Akademiya in Sumeru— the most prestigious academic institution in all of Teyvat. However, truth was far less enticing. Eleanor had no interest in reading nor did she possess any innate scholarly aptitude. She was simply curious of the world beyond Fontaine's aristocratic circle.Eleanor's reception into Sumeru wasn't as warm as she expected. The populace didn't care much for the haughty airs the upper crust of Fontaine demanded, nor did they hold an appreciation for her artistic virtues. Through trial and error, Eleanor gradually tempered her attitude into the graceful demeanor others expect from her soft appearance. If people had a favorable image of her in their mind before they spoke, Eleanor would inhabit those preconceptions— bending those expectations to her advantage. Yet her pride remained intact under the surface.Her carefree life in Sumeru did not last. After years of no progress on her supposed goal of passing the Akademiya's entrance exams, Eleanor received a letter bearing her family's seal. The letter stated thus: Her parents had disowned her and that she was no longer welcomed home. Eleanor's prideful mind reeled at the news. Disownment was something for scandalous figures— reckless knaves who besmirched their family name. Yet, the truth lay in the ink and paper. For the first time, Eleanor was forced to consider her years of manipulation, her squandered chances, and what she had cost them. And though she loathed to say it aloud, deep down she understood her parent's decision. Now, she was alone—without wealth and her family's favor.Bereft of financial support, Eleanor was forced to part with the lavish lifestyle she once knew— starting with her possessions. One by one, she peddled her beloved gowns and opulent accessories to buyers she once considered lesser. She traded silk for Mora, jewelry for food, pride for survival. It was not until she crossed paths with a prestigious Sumerian merchant that her fortune began to shift. Impressed by her charisma and shrewd appraisal sense, she offered her a position as a consultant— an appraiser and diplomat for her clients across Teyvat. For a socialite with endless wanderlust, it was the perfect opportunity. Eleanor quickly earned the respect of her employer and clientele, which afforded her a salary and gifts most generous.Eleanor's indulgent habits soon returned, her monthly expenditures leaving little room for savings. Despite her financial success that could have secured a comfortable house with proper budgeting, she settled for a modest condominium instead. To Eleanor, this was a trivial concern. The Mora she earned was hers alone, and she would take care of herself as she pleased. After all, her home was not defined by the walls she resided in, but rather in the genuine friendships she forged throughout her journey.

Vision story

An auspicious invitation bearing her family's seal arrived at Eleanor's door. Enclosed was the dream that she dared not share: her parents had heard of her renown in the mercantile world and wanted her back at the estate. Despite the reservations of her close friends, she packed her bags and set out for Fontaine.Her hopes were short-lived. Though her parents initially praised her achievements, they soured upon learning the truth. She did not trade under her own enterprise; her reputation was built under the employment of another merchant. To her parents, she had failed if she was not the apex of the industry. They berated her and insisted she remain in Fontaine. She was to abandon her life in Sumeru and channel the business connections she had forged into the family name. As their voices echoed through the hall, Eleanor stood still, but her mind drifted to the question Alhaitham posed before she left."Is that pride truly yours, or are you still clinging to the remnants of your past?"Though she initially dismissed the notion, the meaning rang clearer now than ever before. In that moment, Eleanor understood. She would no longer let the allure of her parents' acceptance blind her to the person she had become without them. Her pride was no longer a relic of lineage, but a reflection of choice.As her heart settled on that truth, a gentle light bloomed. Before her eyes appeared a Hydro Vision—the most lofty symbol of divine recognition. For a moment, the hall fell silent. All eyes fell on the glow of the vision as Eleanor's delicate fingers curled around it. Enticed by the prestige of having a Vision bearer as an heir to the family name, her parents clamored to reclaim her. Their words carried a lingering threat: if she left, she would forfeit the Auclair name forever. Even so, her heart could not be swayed. In parting, she offered only these words:"What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell just as sweet."

Personality

Through grace and wit, Eleanor charms all around her. But underneath it all, Eleanor is a fickle woman who has an uncompromising view on personal freedoms.

Trivia

Basic Info

Lore

It was a fateful encounter in the House of Daena. Eleanor had escaped the tutor her parents sent by feigning interest in studying among the Akademiya's scholars. In truth, she wandered among the tall bookshelves, indulging in idle conversation with the students.Among the hushed whispers and rustling of pages, she overheard two voices locked in a sharp debate. As she approached the sound, she discovered the source: a gray-haired boy with piercing turquoise eyes along with his more animated blonde-haired companion. Eleanor was beside herself with curiosity, to the point where she didn't realize the gray-haired boy's gaze on her. She was certain she could talk her way out of any situation— after all, her persuasive charms had never failed her. But the boy's sharp words cut through her act."If you're going to eavesdrop, at least contribute something meaningful."Eleanor stood stunned, too taken aback to retort. Never before had someone spoken to her with such unabashed bluntness. She could hear the blonde boy scolding his companion for his complete lack of manners, but her mind was elsewhere. Eleanor should have been offended— but more than anything, she found herself intrigued by this boy's stark honesty even in the face of social pressures. She would later learn his name: Alhaitham.Initially, Alhaitham avoided Eleanor, yet somehow she always managed to find him. She struggled to understand him, as his ideologies and behaviors clashed strongly with her own. Yet unlike others who dismissed his mannerisms as quirks of "genius" or condemned him for being too "different", she never stopped trying— even as his blunt words cut into her. Over the course of several years, their understanding of one another gradually deepened. Eventually, Alhaitham would come to accept her presence, even finding interest in her vivacious lifestyle and social wit.She often challenged his ideologies, encouraging him to explore different perspectives and experiences while subtly keeping his comfort in mind. Fascination was tempered over time with the familiarity of her presence, solidifying into adoration. But fear kept Alhaitham from acting on these feelings. He had lost those he held dear— his parents from a young age, his grandmother before he entered the Akademiya, and his best friend from a joint research project. He had even lost contact with her for a time following her disownment.He was well aware that Eleanor held unresolved issues despite her carefree demeanor. It was possible that once she was forced to confront her past that he would lose her forever. His pragmatic mind reasoned that it was foolish to invest so much into an uncertain future with her, yet he couldn't bring himself to outright reject her when she confessed her feelings to him."... I suggest you consider your own situation before announcing your feelings."Harsh as his words were, Eleanor had grown accustomed to reading between the lines. He had not accepted her feelings, but if he truly found it too troublesome, someone like him would cut her out of his life. Yet he made no efforts to avoid her following the incident. And so they remained in perpetual limbo, so close yet with an unspoken barrier between.

Post Vision

Respecting her autonomy, Alhaitham did not stop Eleanor from returning to her parents in Fontaine. Now, he was faced with the reality he feared: she may never return from her journey. Once Kaveh heard the news, he rebuked Alhaitham's decision."How could you just let her go? You know how hurt she was when her parents abandoned her! And didn't think to go with her for support? Do you even care about her at all?!"Alhaitham rationalized that that she was an independent person, and that he had no right to stop her. This trial was hers to face, and he had no place interfering. But as the weeks passed, his anxiety only grew. Only in the face of losing her did he realize that, despite keeping her at arm's length, he wasn't ready to let her go. With Kaveh's words still echoing in his mind, he made a decision: should she return from Fontaine, he would push past his fears and make his feelings clear in his own way.After researching various gemstones, he found one that could absorb and contain elemental energy. With assistance from a jeweler, he fastened a ring and imbued the gem with Dendro elemental energy from his Vision. In theory, he could use his elemental sight to trace this ring back to her. It was the perfect mix of the sentimentality Eleanor appreciated and the practicality he lived by.Finally, the day of her return had arrived. A gentle knock on his door signaled her arrival, and when he opened it, he saw weariness in her smile as she recounted her experience. Despite his earlier resolve, he found himself falling to fear once more. His eyes settled on the Vision displayed on her clothes: a sign that she too had faced her own trial and pushed through her fears. With a deep breath, he reached into his back pouch and pulled out the ring box. The gemstone set in silver pulsated gently with Dendro elemental energy. Before she had a chance to respond, he spoke first."Ahem. It's merely a countermeasure. It will save me a lot of trouble finding you should you disappear like that again."Eleanor couldn't help but laugh. With so much changing in her life, it was a relief that he remained the same. Now that she had her own Vision, she made a mental note to return the gesture later."Thank you. I'm back home, Alhaitham."

Dynamic

Eleanor and Alhaitham's relationship is one built on mutual respect and trust despite their differing worldviews. As they are both independent individuals who highly value their autonomy, rarely do they infringe upon each others' freedoms. Rather, they trust each other capabilities and only step in if the other truly needs it. This is especially true in Alhaitham's case, as he knows that Eleanor would quickly become complacent should he coddle her.Much of their feelings for each other is shown through the compromises they make with each other. For example, Alhaitham acknowledges that Eleanor appreciates more sentimental gestures, so he would gift her flowers despite it being something he doesn't care for. Similarly, Eleanor understands Alhaitham's need for silent moments of contemplation, so she will resist the urge to chatter by busying herself with other tasks when he's reading.If Alhaitham is a riverbed made of the foundations of truth, Eleanor is the flowing water that dances freely atop it. She brings refreshing perspectives and vivacity to his life; in return, he keeps her grounded and provides the stability she needs. Just as the riverbed guides the water, so too shall the water shape the earth through gentle weathering.

"Those who immerse themselves in social circles often find themselves tangled in obligations. Eleanor runs contrary to this: she engages with others, but never lets their expectations infringe on her personal freedoms. Though I may not agree with all her lifestyle choices, she's proven that she can handle herself."

"He's quite the interesting one. His words appear to be clear-cut, yet if you take them at face value, you'll surely miss their true meaning. Hm? Rude, you say? Hm, perhaps you simply haven't spent enough time with him."

Kaveh

Kaveh and Eleanor met at the House of Daena when Eleanor overheard him arguing with Alhaitham. As they share a similar interest in the arts, the two of them get along quite well— albeit with Kaveh often falling victim to Eleanor's more playful teasing. Despite his occasional annoyance with her flippant remarks, the two of them have grown a deep friendship and trust.

"She has a great sense for the arts, unlike a certain someone who has no appreciation of beauty. Though I do wish she's ease up on the teasing. I can never tell if she's joking or serious..."

"'The light of Kshahrewar is such a grand title for a man who spends time drinking his sorrows away at the tavern, don't you think? Ha, I merely jest. Kaveh is exceptional when it comes to his architectural work, but I can't help but think he's a bit too earnest when it comes to pleasing his clients. Perhaps I should go check up on him."

Furina

Furina was an avid fan of Eleanor's performances, even granting her the right to perform at the Opera Epiclese. Beyond her official duties as the Archon, she would occasionally invite Eleanor to the Palais Mermonia under the pretense of seeking a private performance. In truth, the two of them mostly indulged in sweets and tea over lighthearted conversations. It was through these moments that Eleanor developed her love of pastries.

"Eleanor Auclair? Why, that's a name I haven't heard in ages! Oh, she was an excellent performer. Her ability to bring out emotions during her concerts was comparable to my opera performances. She's a delightful conversationalist as well. It's a tragedy that she stopped performing; sometimes I do wonder what happened to her..."

"Ah yes, the Madonna of opera stage herself, Furina de Fontaine. How that title brings up memories. Those were delightful times— sharing the finest pastries over frivolous chatter. Perhaps I should pay her a visit the next chance I get... She's no longer the Archon of Fontaine, you say? Excellent, arranging a visit should be far easier."

Dori

Eleanor and Dori share a naturally strained relationship, as Eleanor works under one of Dori's direct business competitors. For someone who is as obsessed with Mora as Dori, this makes Eleanor one of her greatest enemies. But for Eleanor's part, she's finds Dori's animosity amusing. She remains largely unfazed, treating Dori's hostility as an entertaining game.

"Don't trust a word that fox says! She may look like a senseless rich girl, but she swindled me out of a lot Mora. She's even worse than those pig-heads at the Akademiya!"

"Hm, yes. Dori, was it? We met once when I was visiting the Palace of Alcazarcaray. She seemed to have a predisposition against me, though I can't fathom why. Hm? Why yes. This briefcase is of finest quality, I procured it for an excellent price along with a couple other items. Fufu..."

Hu Tao

Hu Tao and Eleanor met briefly during the Lantern Rite festival. While Hu Tao's more eccentric personality can drive others away, Eleanor finds her quirks amusing. Even now, when Eleanor visits Liyue, she makes sure to stop by the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor for a chat over tea she procured during her travels.

"Ah, Eleanor! Or should I say Mademoiselle Auclair? Hehe. When I first saw her, I couldn't help but run up and offer up some coupons. And wouldn't you know, she laughed! Ah, I wonder when her next visit will be?"

"The young owner of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor is quite the character. A buy-one-get-one coupon for coffins? Why, I've never heard of such a thing! How morbidly creative."

Navia

Navia and Eleanor met as children through their families' connections. As the daughter of the esteemed Callas, Navia was one of the select children that Eleanor's parents deemed suitable. Following Callas' trial and subsequent defamation, Eleanor's parents separated the two, fearing that the continued association with Navia might tarnish their daughter's reputation. Though they only recently reconnected, Eleanor and Navia's friendship remains as strong as before.

"I've missed the times where we used to hang out more often. She was the one who taught me how to float through the skies with a parasol, you know. Ha, perhaps it doesn't line up her curated image as a graceful lady, but it's the truth."

"The events of the flood in Fontaine brought immense hardship, and of course Navia took it upon herself to shoulder a lot that burden. She's always had a strong sense of justice, particularly when it comes to helping the less fortunate. Sigh. If only she cared for herself as diligently as she does for others."

Xilonen

At a vibrant celebration in Natlan, Eleanor found herself drawn to Xilonen's electrifying DJ performance. The music was unlike anything she had heard before, and as a musican herself, she had to find out more. She approached the booth after the set and met with Xilonen herself, asking many curious questions about her unique style. Though Xilonen wasn't sure to make of Eleanor's posh appearance at first, she soon came to appreciate Eleanor's interest in Natlan's culture.

"Eleanor? Oh yeah, that fancy lady with too many questions. She stuck out in the crowd like a sore thumb, but to my surprise she danced her heart out. Ha, she's got guts, I'll give her that. Maybe that's why I didn't mind showing her around. Whenever she's travels here, she always tries rope me into designing some new gadget for her to sell. As if I don't have enough on my plate..."

"The music and culture of Natlan is quite different from Fontaine, but by no means is that a bad thing. In fact, I find the spirit found in Natlan quite exhilarating! During my first trip there, Xilonen offered to show me around after her concert, and oh, what a grand time that was. Her "rollerblades" were most fascinating. Say, do you think I could pull off her style?"

Oc/Sona Interactions

Luna

OC belongs to @makotsuki424

Although the two aren't blood related, they share a sister-like bond.

Navere Viciedo-Allende

OC belongs to @lochling_

Navere's first introduction to the name "Eleanor Auclair" was through a concert pamphlet his brother handed him at the Opera Epiclese. Moved by her stirring performance, the young boy would remember her name until they met formally at a banquet for the elite of Fontaine. The two children quickly bonded over their shared appreciation of the arts, with little Eleanor showing the aspiring performer a few showmanship tricks.Eleanor's sudden departure to Sumeru in her teenage years left their friendship fragmented, with it rekindling only recently. Upon her grand return to Fontaine, Eleanor caught whispers of a familiar name with a new title— Navere Viciedo-Allende: The Scarlet Rose of La Casa Desear. Fueled by nostalgia— and perhaps a bit of guilt— she attended one of his shows to see how her old childhood friend had grown.

"Under construction!"

"Admittedly, it's been a while since I've seen Navere, but I'm happy to hear he's doing well all the same. I still remember those mock shows we used to put on together as children— he's improved immensely since then. Even so, I can't help but feel like he's trying to prove himself when he's in the stadium. Let's call it a performer's intuition."