Editing The Swan Bride

{{major spoiler}}
{{Character|image1 = Poisonerslibrary.png|caption1 = |location = [[Jericho Locks]]|allegiance = Independent|relationships = [[The Gonfaloniere]]<br>
[[The Poisoned Priestess]]}}<blockquote>''"A woman haunts the quayside of Jericho Locks, her long black gown damp from the miasma of Hell's waterways. She wears a mask depicting a golden swan, which enhances rather than disguises the sickly emerald hue of her skin."''<ref name = "our lady">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Our_Lady_of_the_Canals|Our Lady of the Canals|Fallen London|}}</ref></blockquote>

The '''Swan Bride''' is a mysterious woman who wanders [[Jericho Locks]].__forcetoc__

== The Ghost of the Canals==
<blockquote>''"Yet she lingers in Jericho, black gown trailing in the water."''<ref name = "our lady"/></blockquote>

The Swan Bride is an ethereal woman who haunts the canals of [[Jericho Locks]].<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"A woman wearing the mask of a [...] swan haunts the canals of Jericho."''</ref> She seeks knowledge of her past,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] It's clear to me that whatever happened to make me —" [...] "As I am, is connected to the dream I have."''</ref> with her only lead being mysterious dreams of the [[Sere Palace]].<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] a place I go in my dreams. A palace, [...] surrounded by poison waters, [...] I have heard rumours among the Gondoliers of a Palace of that exact description, [...] one and the same.""''</ref>

All contact with the Bride is forbidden per the orders of the [[The Gonfaloniere|Gonfaloniere]] of the [[Guild of Gondoliers]]:<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Our_Lady_of_the_Canals|Our Lady of the Canals|Fallen London|}} ''"The Gonfaloniere of the Guild of Gondoliers forbids contact with her; [...]"''</ref> no discussions about her are allowed,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"Not allowed to talk about the Swan Bride."''</ref> nor will any gondolier ferry her.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Our_Lady_of_the_Canals|Our Lady of the Canals|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] no bargeman will carry her."''</ref> She is barred from the local establishments,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Our_Lady_of_the_Canals|Our Lady of the Canals|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] she is barred from the Arborist's Hands [...]"''</ref> yet cannot leave Jericho.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] Why they despise me, yet will not allow me to leave."''</ref> Guildmembers drop coins in the canals as offerings to her, but she is unaware of this practice and has no use for the money anyway.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"A [...] tome [...] reveals a tradition of leaving coins in the river for the Swan Bride, in the hopes of paying a debt. [...] the Swan Bride entirely unaware of the custom. "[...] no one will sell a thing to me [...]"''</ref>

==Appearance and Personality==
<blockquote>''"In the water, you see the pale green of her skin, so like jaundice. The red of her eyes and the gills that open like wounds in her throat. Tumbled auburn hair contrasts with the hue of her flesh."''<ref name="library">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}}</ref></blockquote>

<blockquote>''"I wish I knew why I was here. I have seen ceremonies – marriages, even – conducted by the Guild. I gathered a tossed bouquet from the canals, but the bridesmaids screamed and ran when I tried to return it."''<ref name="library"/></blockquote>
[[File:Maskguild.png|alt=A silver half-mask.|thumb|A [[The Guild of Gondoliers|guildmember's]] mask.]]
The Swan Bride is a woman with pale green skin, red eyes, auburn hair, and gills in her neck.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}}''"[...] the pale green of her skin, [...] red of her eyes [...] gills [...] in her throat. Tumbled auburn hair [...]"''</ref> She wears a black wedding gown,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Our_Lady_of_the_Canals|Our Lady of the Canals|Fallen London|}} ''"A woman haunts [...] Jericho Locks, her long black gown [...] she lingers [...] black gown trailing in the water."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"I did not wear black then. I was in white."''</ref> along with a golden swan mask given to her by the Guild.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Our_Lady_of_the_Canals|Our Lady of the Canals|Fallen London|}} ''"She wears a mask depicting a golden swan [...]"''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''""They gave me this mask to wear," she says, of her acceptance into Jericho."''</ref>

The Bride's mannerisms are old-fashioned and formal,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}}''"She gives you a curtsy, [...] old-fashioned [...] Her speech is formal and halting [...]"''</ref> and she is not up to date on current technology.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}}''"I saw him leave your machine," [...] "The rattling, [...] moving one that comes and goes."''</ref> To those who make her acquaintance, however, the Swan Bride is a patient,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"The Swan Bride removes the corks from her [...] ears. "Very good with the, ah, gesticulating," [...] encouragingly. [...]"''</ref> sincere,<ref name = "mirror">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"'I know the feeling. To want to be safe, [...]' She whirls, [...] 'I really do enjoy this mirror.'"''</ref> loyal,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"An expert [...] denounces your publications, your person [...] The Swan Bride begins a lengthy [...] character assassination in response."''</ref> pragmatic,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"The Swan Bride frowns [...] I imagine Hell would have invaded [...] cast salt into the canals [...] She shrugs. "That's what I'd do." [...]"''</ref> and eager<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] the Swan Bride asks you to teach her to dance, until she is confident enough to lead you, [...]"''</ref> woman who is fond of learning.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"The Swan Bride devotes much time to drawing a map of your findings [...] the network [...] fill most of your library [...]"''</ref> However, she is troubled by her dreams,<ref name = "dream">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}}''"It's clear to me that whatever happened to make me —" [...] "As I am, is connected to the dream I have."''</ref> and her inability to remember what befell her.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''""A face is kinder than a mirror," [...] She shivers. "I wish I knew why I was here. [...]"''</ref>

==The Bride Betrayed==
<blockquote>''"I did not wear black then. I was in white. There were viols. Boats on the water."''<ref name="library"/></blockquote>

<blockquote>''"I remember the sea. Green and the long streets running down towards it like a race. And then dark stairs, a spiral. We walked together, he and I. And nothing more. But he did not marry me. The pool did, or something in it. We must go back: the truth lies there, not here."''<ref name="library"/></blockquote>
[[File:Maskamber.png|alt=A golden mask.|thumb|The [[The Gonfaloniere|Gonfaloniere]]'s mask.]]
Around fifty years ago,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"The Gonfaloniere [...] He has captained these waterways for fifty years [...]"''</ref> the Swan Bride lived on the [[Surface]] and was betrothed to a senior Gondolier.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"The Swan Bride was indeed a bride, destined to be married to a senior ranking Gondolier. [...] the Swan Bride says. [...] I remember the sea. Green and the [...] streets running down [...]"''</ref> This Gondolier was the future [[The Gonfaloniere|Gonfaloniere]]<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"The Swan Bride [...] facing the man who had once sought to marry her. [...] The Gonfaloniere is silent."''</ref> of the [[The Guild of Gondoliers|Guild]] and desperate to secure his title:<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] a doubtful husband-to-be, [...] The husband was the most skilled bargeman on the waters: [...] he knew the cost of the title and the price owed to Hell when it was lost. [...] challenged [...] for his crown. So he searched, [...]"''</ref> if he lost a boat race across the [[Hinterlands]]' waters, he would be condemned to [[Hell]].<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"Challenge the Gonfaloniere [...] Should he lose, his very person will be forfeit to Hell. [...] Should you win, my title is yours."''</ref> To this end, he made a bargain with the [[Poisoned Priestess]],<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''""He spoke to the Lotus Pool, and the Pool answered. [...] The Poisoned Priestess. [...]"''</ref> and brought the Swan Bride to the [[Sere Palace]] to meet her.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"And then dark stairs, a spiral. [...] he did not marry me. The pool did, or something in it. [...]"''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"The Swan Bride participated in a bridal ceremony at the Palace. Someone [...] in the Lotus Pool served as officiant."''</ref>

The Priestess married the couple<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"The Swan Bride steps closer, [...] "You married me to him," [...] The Priestess nods [...]"''</ref> and replaced the Swan Bride's blood with the waters of the canals,<ref name = "blood water">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] Blood for water. If the canals flow through you, how can you lose a race [...] I allowed a substitution.""''</ref> leaving her transfigured and tied to the waterways.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''""He bound me to the canals," the Swan Bride says. [...] The Poisoned Priestess nods. "Both of us were transfigured to trick another's bargain. [...]"''</ref> Then, the Gonfaloniere received an infusion of his wife's ichor,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"The Swan Bride steps closer, [...] In his blood, poison runs: a poison drawn from you. [...]"''</ref> sparing him from ever losing a race.<ref name = "blood water"/> Sadly, the Swan Bride was left behind to roam [[Jericho Locks]] as a pariah,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"There was no provision in the arrangement to prevent my prodigy from returning, [...]"''</ref> with little memory of what had happened to her,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] I remember him, my almost husband, but I can't remember her face."''</ref> and nothing but her dreams and a drive for the truth as company.<ref name = "dream"/><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"We ought to get to the books. [...] might cast light on my role here. [...]"''</ref>

==References==
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[[Category:Characters]]
[[Category:Human]]


[[Category:The Hinterlands]]