17

Female

Al, 'Chera, un bach, trafferth, Stormwalker

“I think my job is to make things right. I think there’s something out there that wants me to fix things.”

Alchera is an Elemental, and believes that her magic is both a gift and a sacred duty. She is the leader of the group.

Bright blue

Thick eyebrows, hairy arms, happy-trail

Chest length with loose waves, often she wears it loose or tied up in a high ponytail

Dusty blonde

She has a square face with a strong bone structure. She has a strong jaw and a large mouth. Her eyes are round with very pale lashes.

5'10"

Athletic and strong, visible tone in her stomach and legs, broad shoulders

57.5- 70kg (underweight especially in B2, but gains to healthy weight).

Tanned and freckled across her nose and cheeks

• Missing right leg from knee-down


• Scars on sternum


• Broad hands with long fingers and short nails


• Her arms and hands are often scarred and cut during the serial, as she fights so often

White British

• She can be dismissive of others beliefs if they are not inline with her own, such as religious beliefs.


• She can be hostile towards magical races, but works on this prejudice.

She is an Amputee, she struggles with Disordered Eating and following Veronica Church 's death she becomes very depressed as she struggles with the Bereavement.

Alchera has a quiet sort of earnest to her; she feels very strongly about things, but never needs to shout to make her point. She uses her hands to express herself and communicate, often for emphasis. She has a smokey, husky voice with a subtle Northern accent. She has an easy sort of grace and confidence, which makes her very charming.

When Alchera is happy her body-language opens up: she makes loose and wide movements and gestures, her voice is often low and earnest, she touches others a lot. She feels love strongly and needs to express this; she is often physically affectionate.
When Alchera is flirting she likes a lot of banter and will make jokes at a persons expense, she makes lots of eye-contact, she smiles and laughs a lot. She will be very physically affectionate, leaning into their space, touching them, or getting close without noticing.

When Alchera is concentrating she tends to move and speak aloud, to help her focus. She likes to sound out problems and works best when she can bounce ideas off others. She likes to move when she is thinking. If she cannot move she begins to fidget; biting her knuckles and fingers, combing her hair away from her face, jiggling her legs. When she is focused on others she becomes totally still and pays them her full attention. She will lean into them, may make physical contact, and makes lots of eye-contact.
Alchera is often tired as she pushes herself a lot. She rubs and kneads her shoulders and neck, slouches, rubs or presses her eyes, combs her hair out of her face. She may become absorbed in her tasks, or may be slow to respond. Her voice becomes rough and her accent stronger. She can sleep anywhere if she allows herself, but rarely falls asleep around strangers.

Alchera tries to hide her sadness and may become overly cheerful and even hyperactive. She will babble and not sit still or slow down until she has distracted herself. She will not talk about her feelings and will compartmentalise them, she may become distant and numb and will not let others touch her. If she begins to be overwhelmed her voice may crack or shake, she will press her lips together to keep from crying, she will press her hands to her eyes until she sees stars.
When Alchera is distressed she can rarely stay still. She will twist and play with her hair, jiggle her legs, may ramble and pace, she will seek out physical contact with others, she will press her hands over her eyes until she sees stars.
Alchera rarely allows herself to feel scared and will try to turn this into anger instead. She may become frantic looking for a way out of her fear, may repeat actions such as pulling her hair, pacing, or pressing hands to her eyes, or words (no, no, no). She will seek out physical contact with others.

Alchera is very good at lying to strangers and can put on an impressive and confidant front. Her body-language often closes up and with those she loves she may become evasive, trying to lie by omission, avoiding eye-contact, rambling a little. She doesn't like to lie and prefers to be upfront, but she understands that sometimes lies are necessary. When she is being honest she will open up her body language, may make physical contact, and will make open gestures such as laying her palms out.

When Alchera is angry she becomes abrupt and clipped. She squares her jaw, gets in peoples space, makes abrupt and stabbing gestrues, and will not back down from a fight; she is stubborn when angry. Her voice does not raise but will become quieter, and takes on a harsh and clipped note. She often struggles with anger but hates to to loose her temper. If she is trying to calm down she will press her hands to her eyes until she sees stars, or will walk away from a situation. When she is feeling defensive she will jut her chin, square her shoulders, and fold her arms over her body.
When Alchera is frustrated she becomes abrupt and restless. She will make sharp gestures, becomes twitchy, jiggles her limbs, combs her hair away from her face, paces, taps, and fidgets. She can become frustrated when she is stuck on problems, full of restless energy, or lacking an outlet for her emotions. She likes to do things and to move, and hates to be stuck. She is not good at the research involved in their work.
Alchera shows how nervous she is through small tics; twisting her hair, jiggling her legs, and refusing to make eye-contact. She is rarely aware of this. When she is embarrassed she may show all of the above and often ramble to push through the awkwardness. If she feels ashamed she will flush and press her lips together to stop herself speaking- she may become quietly angry at herself of others. Alchera does not feel embarrassment or shame often.

Alchera has a strong morality and is led by her firm beliefs of right and wrong. She believes that the just thing should always be done. She has a strong sense of duty to protect others. She often tries to think about things logically and see things from others point of view, but she will never disregard her 'gut'.
Her greatest fear is losing people because she is not enough (strong enough, good enough, lovable enough).

• She has a huge hero complex and holds herself responsible for things beyond her control


• She is bold and pushy, she pushes herself too hard and she can hold others to her impossible standards


• She internalises negative emotions on herself and she is reluctant to discuss emotions unless drunk


• She lacks a healthy sense of fear and self-preservation


• She has a very controlling personality; she is obsessive about controlling food, exercise, magic, and her temper- she is frightened of the consequences if she lets go. She rarely drinks, rarely pushes her magic, and rarely loses her temper.

• She is an excellent leader and team player


• She is a good and fair sportswoman


• She is an excellent fighter


• She has a talent for words and speaking, and is fantastic at public speaking and speeches


• She is very good at bringing out the best in others

• She is very social, and enjoys group activities


• She plays rugby, rows, jogs, and swims- at uni she is the president of the rugby society and the social sec for the rowing society


• She collects found things; photos, notes passed in classes, etc.


• She likes indie, mellow music, and likes to discover and support small bands


• She likes obscure cult and horror films and constantly makes references to these that only Finn Devlin gets

Alchera is warm, strong, and instantly likeable. She is easy-going and very genuine, with an easy sense of humour. She has good instincts for others, and can make fast appraisals of a situation or person, but often judges others too generously.

She is a fiercely loyal friend. She protects those she loves passionately, but cares about others more than she does herself. She is easily affectionate; her physical affection is casual, throwing arms around people, leaning into their space, sitting on people or throwing her legs on them, pulling people into her lap, picking them up, etc. She likes to make new friends, and considers her loved ones ‘hers’- once she considers a person ‘hers’ she will never abandon them.

She is a born leader; a team player willing to seek help from others. She works best in groups, and she brings out the best in others. She is charismatic, compassionate, and courageous. She prefers action over inactivity, but will always pause to take stock of a situation before rushing in. She is headstrong, often stubborn, and difficult to manipulate. She knows her own mind and her own talents; she is proud but not boastful.

Her biggest strengths are her unerring positivity and belief there is good in the world, and her compassion and kindness.

She eats high-protein, clean foods, juices, tofu. Her favourite food is pasta, the staple of her diet.
She drinks tea black with sugar, her favourite alcoholic drink is whiskey and coke.

She is fond of Kathrine Juntasa's cats, more so than Jane

She wears Elemental Gauntlets, which channel her power, in the serial and the last two books. In the Crusade she wears the Elemental Armour created by the Order's crafters.

An old leather jacket belonging to Morgan Church.

Alchera’s colours are bronze, blue, and green. Gold is powerful and mostly negative. She wears blue often and her favourite colour is sky blue.

Teacher, vigilante, part-time volunteer at several charitable organisations (including a homeless charity, a youth crisis charity, and at university she volunteered with the street pastors). During her time at Moorforest Academy she worked summers as a shop girl to help pay for school supplies.

She believes firmly in doing the Right thing, if not the Good thing. She tries to be kind. She votes Labour.

Catholic. She is deeply religious, and this shapes many of her values. Her faith explains the world around her and offers a map for her actions. She believes strongly in fate, but does not allow this to make her stagnant; rather, her action is fated. She believes in "doing God" in the good we do. She attends Church every week. She believes religion and worship should be humble and, above all, kind and tolerant.
It was important for her to have a religious wedding.

Primary school teacher

12/05/95

Early Life

Alchera grew up in Deganwy, Wales, with James Church, Jasmine Nash, Morgan Church and Veronica Church. The family lived at 379 Glan-Y-Môr Road. The family were very poor but very happy, and Alchera remembers most of her childhood idyllically.
Alchera was a social, happy child, and she had many friends. She was good friends with Antonia Hart, especially when they started to ride the school bus together.
Morgan Church and Jasmine Nash died in May, 2008, when Alchera was thirteen; she took it very hard. She became withdrawn and angry, and lost many friends. She was not engaged in anything, and began to struggle in school. She took the move to Firthton very badly, and rarely left her room. She found living at Miles End cold and empty and hated that her dad was never around.
In September, 2008, she joined Moorforest Academy in the third form. Alchera threw herself into her lessons and sport; she joined the school rugby team and spent as much time out of her house as she could. She met Kathrine Juntasa in her form group and she introduced Alchera to Jane Cadd. Alchera became hardworking and cheerful, but developed a sadness and firmness she’d never had before. Her relationship with her dad was permanently damaged.
Alchera settled into her new school and made many friends, or at least earned respect, due to her commanding nature and easy-going personality. She, Jane Cadd, and Kathrine Juntasa became an unshakeable trio. She still stayed in close contact with Antonia Hart, speaking every week. She became the rugby captain at sixteen, and began once again to excel at her school work. In the summers, she worked as a shop girl to help pay for school supplies.

Novel 1

Set in the autumn of 2012, beginning with the start of the school year in September. Alchera is 17 and is in the upper sixth.

• Alchera meets Ruby Kiln, newly attending Moorforest Academy and quickly attempts to become her friend. Meeting Ruby Kiln triggers Alchera's magic, which begins to develop. She confides in Jane Cadd and later Kathrine Juntasa who reveals she is a Therianthrope.


• Alchera investigates the strange circumstances of Morgan Church's death, leading her to meet Dyani Jackson and to visit John Rylands Library (Department of Magical Phenomena and Artifacts). Alchera learns a little about her magic from Dyani Jackson.


• Alchera sees Adam Harrison around Moorforest Academy campus, and repeatedly asks Ruby Kiln about him. Alchera is worried about her, especially when Adam Harrison grows violent. Alchera is angry and determined after Adam Harrison attempts to attack her, and she fights him off with magic.


• In revenge, Adam Harrison kills Veronica Church.


• Alchera and Ruby Kiln are investigated by the police regarding Vee's death. Ruby Kiln tries to flee.


• Alchera confronts Adam Harrison and Ruby Kiln returns to help. Adam Harrison mutilates Alchera's leg and Jane Cadd burns the Infection out with silver; Alchera's leg is later amputated.

Novel 2

Set in the spring of 2013, spanning over Easter. Alchera is 17 and is in the upper sixth.

• Alchera is suffering from depression, following the events previous. Her schoolwork is suffering, she is not eating or taking care of herself, she is pushing herself too hard in physio.


• When Antonia Hart's arrives in Firthton she strives to get Alchera out more. She takes her to visit Ty Ellylles, which is cathartic.


• When the Reaper possesses Antonia Hart, Alchera has to fight her at Miles End and try to subdue her.


• The Reaper tries to take Alchera's soul, leaving her with scars on her sternum. Alchera fights the Reaper until Antonia Hart begins to fight it off; in the process she brings back Veronica Church.


• Alchera struggles with Veronica Church return; Alchera had only just begun to accept her death.

Novel 3

Set in the summer of 2013. Alchera is 18 and school has finished.

• Following Elise Jones's attack, Jane Cadd moves into Miles End.

Novel 4

Set in the late summer of 2013. Alchera is 18.

• When the group loses touch with Ruby Kiln and Antonia Hart, Alchera and Jane Cadd travel to Deganwy to investigate.


• In the Weaver world, Alchera tends to recall the most out of the group, but she also remains at Mable Place laying low. This is because her magic is too easily detectable.


• When the Weaver's take Jane Cadd, Alchera determines to kill the Queen. She does so, but is overwhelmed by the drones shortly after. This is the first time Alchera Storm-Walks.

Serial

Spans from the Autumn of 2013 when Alchera is 18, until Book 5 when Alchera is 43.

September 2013: Alchera is 18 and begins her first year at university in Manchester. She feels as if she is living two seperate lives and struggles with this. She struggles with PTSD and nightmares. She finds it hard to relate to her fellow students.
February 2014: Kathrine Juntasa moves to Italy, and Alchera reconsiders her priorities. She and Jane Cadd decide to live together, and move into The Press-Works. Shortly after, Antonia Hart and Ruby Kiln move to Manchester.
Summer 2014: Alchera is 19 and has finished her first year at university. She meets Finn Devlin for the first time. They run into each other often, sometimes fighting together or against each other. Others notice that they are friendly; Jane Cadd approves, Kathrine Juntasa does not, Conner Malham tries to warn Alchera away.
Spring, 2015: Alchera is 19 and in her second year of university. The Homunculus attacks Finn Devlin and Alchera helps her out. The two begin a casual, secret relationship.
Autumn, 2015: Alchera is 20 and in her third year at university. Dr Novello Grace approaches Alchera regarding pharmagicals; after seeing a boy die, Alchera asks Finn Devlin to help her. They begin an investigation with Ruby Kiln undercover. The investigation spans over six months. Finn Devlin contacts Riley Lister to assist; Riley Lister does not approve of the relationship between Alchera and Finn Devlin. The investigation ends explosively; Ruby Kiln and Finn Devlin barely escape alive. Alchera realises she loves Finn Devlin.
Winter, 2015. Alchera is 20. She and Finn Devlin continue their relationship but are both dissatisfied with the casual nature of it. Shortly after New Years, 2016, Alchera tells Finn Devlin she wants to be serious and asks her to move into The Press-Works.
Autumn, 2017. Alchera is 22 and has completed her three years of university; she begins her final teacher-training year, sometimes working placements in schools.
Autumn, 2018. Alchera is 23 and begins working full-time in a primary school.
2022. Alchera is 27. She has a miscarriage.
January, 2023. Alchera is 28. She and Finn Devlin marry, as Alchera is pregnant again.
October, 2023. Alchera is 28. Rosalyn Devlin is born.

Book 5

Set in the Autumn of 2038. Alchera is 43.

• For some time, Rosalyn Devlin has been showing signs of intense and powerful magic. Alchera's attempts to help her control it have failed, and Alchera feels helpless.


• Alchera begins to invesitgate strange events in the city; disappearances, arson, and magical accidents. The magical community is afraid of something.


• After Evangeline contacts Rosalyn Devlin in the Dreamscape, Rosalyn Devlin tells Alchera. Alchera is very worried. When Evangeline asks for Alchera's help she declines; she does not trust her.


• The Peri attack Rosalyn Devlin and the group are dragged into her dream-space. Alchera becomes trapped in visions of her own past where she could not help people; Rosalyn Devlin manages to free her. When Alchera realises that Rosalyn Devlin may be in real danger from Evangeline she fights her way through the dream space to help her.


• Whilst fighting with Evangeline, Alchera knocks them both out of the dream-space and Evangeline is skewered; she dies.

Book 6

Set in the Winter of 2018. Alchera is 23.

The Crusade-verse Alchera is much colder and more reserved than her main-universe counterpart. She presents herself as an ally of The Holy Order of Perpetual Succour, whilst secretly fighting against them. She is in a secret relationship with Finn Devlin. She cannot outright fight against The Holy Order of Perpetual Succour as they could force her to lose control of her magic. Alchera has scars on her face, is blind in one eye, and is still missing her leg.

• In 2011 when Alchera is 16, Morgan Church and Jasmine Nash lead their rebellion against the Order. Alchera and Veronica Church lie low at Ty Ellylles. When Morgan Church and Jasmine Nash are killed, Honoria Byeon attempts to get the girls to safety; she is killed by The Holy Order of Perpetual Succour, who take the girls. Alchera is chipped.


• Alchera meets Jane Cadd shortly after she is taken by the Order; the two bond, but Alchera knows it is not safe to confide in Jane Cadd when she begins to betray the The Holy Order of Perpetual Succour.


• When Toni 'joins' The Holy Order of Perpetual Succour, she and Alchera conspire. Alchera meets Finn Devlin and slowly works to win her trust. She manages this when she kills a Knight to protect her. The two work together against The Holy Order of Perpetual Succour, and also begin a romantic relationship.


• Alchera does not know about Rosalyn Devlin until she and Finn Devlin are captured by the Order. Alchera must keep her cover; she interrogates Finn Devlin who drops the hints about who Rosalyn Devlin is. Alchera tells Finn she killed Riley Lister.


• Alchera smuggles Rosalyn Devlin into The Cathedral , claiming she has taken her prisoner. Fighting breaks out. Alchera overwhelms the chip and seems to lose control of her magic; Rosalyn Devlin tries to save her but is flung to her own world without knowing if she succeeded.

At Moorforest Academy she studied English Lit and Lang, Sociology, and History. She chose First Aid as an elective and Rugby as a social.
She has a BEd with a specialism in English from the University of Manchester.
She has never been a naturally gifted student but she is hardworking and committed. She loved school and uni.

She doesn't have a lifestyle fitting pets

Magic/Fighting

• Her elements are water and air; calming, fluid, controlled.


• She keeps her magic close, often channelling it through touch or by 'throwing' it at close distance. She shapes it carefully before she lets it go.


• She fights close-combat using methods similar to muay-thai, using her entire body not only to strike but to channel her magic. She is a rigorous fighter and it often takes a lot out of her.

Imagery/Symbolism

Her name is derived from alcheringa- a golden age where the first ancestors were created. These ancestors possessed supernatural and heroic powers. A direct translation would be eternal, uncreated; a link to Rosalyn Devlin ’s power.
Nature: particularly running water and rain. Storms and Autumn; change, power of nature, danger and death, contrast with stagnation, rot.
Storms: hot lighting storms; building pressure finally breaking; heavy, warm rain; dark clouds back-lit by flashes of light.
Religion: The contrast of private belief vs. institutional worship; bloody hands clasped in prayer, stigmata, small crucifixes; gold, alters, blood sacrifice, glory power and violence.

Fashion

Practical, sporty, simple. Cropped tops, hoodies, leggings and joggers, trainers. She wears lighter colours in natural tones from her pallet. Jeans and boots for occasions. Rarely any makeup, mascara and natural lipstick at a push.

Social

• She likes messy and vulnerable people; she can connect to them. Links to her 'saving people thing'. She often messes up Jane Cadd, scuffing her hair or shoes etc. Ruby Kiln's vulnerability draws her to her. She realises the strength of her feelings for Finn Devlin when she sees her most damaged and vulnerable parts.


• She never blasphemes and rarely swears beyond the odd 'bloody' or 'piss'

Sexuality

Lesbian. Antonia Hart was her first kiss, she refers to Jane Cadd as her soulmate, she willingly admits to having a crush on Kathrine Juntasa when they first met, she marries Finn Devlin.
She has always been comfortable with her sexuality but quiet about it, mostly because she considers it her private business.

Other

• She smells like clean skin and laundry powder, that slightly plastic smelling kind.


• She's an early riser. She doesn't need a lot of sleep, but she has a regular pattern and wakes at 5am like clockwork, whatever time she went to bed. She doesn't like waking up but she is an aggressive morning person.


• She's right handed.


• After losing her leg she uses crutches until B4. She struggles with cheap prosthetics until sometime in the serial, when she buys a blade. When she sleeps or is relaxing etc, she often props her leg on a pillow, cushion, or others laps.