Zaffira Trecigni
Original images via Wikimedia Commons. Public Domain.
If Sandford Whitehead is rightly regarded as Realmgard’s finest playwright, then Zaffira Trecigni is held up as the continent’s finest performer — in fact, she was wowed audiences performing lead roles in many of Whitehead’s plays.
Born into minor nobility and respectable wealth in the Duchy of Colline, Zaffira was first introduced to theatre via the ancient Elven plays that remain widely-read in Natalis — first translated into modern Natalian and later in the original Elven. Singing, music, and dance are common elements of childhood education in Natalis and a young Zaffira soon proved herself passionate and talented in all the artistic disciplines — indeed, although she is best known as a stage actress, Zaffira has also earned praise as an opera singer, vocal performer, and musician on multiple instruments.
The Duchy of Colline, particularly itself capital city of Forte, has been at the forefront of artistic expression in Natalis. Her well-connected family was able to introduce her to one of the many theatre troupes operating in the Duchy. Even at a young age, Zaffira was noted for her talent and passion on stage. Shortly after her debut, she was taken under the wing of Alessandra Adelardi, a renowned actress throughout Natalis.
As a young, beautiful, talented, and famous actress, Zaffira soon became one of Natalis’ most eligible bachelorettes. Luckily, Alessandra was present to help Zaffira navigate her newfound fame, as well as protect her from the opportunistic men who tried to take advantage of her.
In the company of Alessandra, Zaffira first performed for the Ducal court of Colline and then departed on a tour of Natalis, which ultimately led to her first tour across most of Realmgard. By sheer happenstance, Zaffira and Sandford White crossed paths at the Gallicantien court. Word of Zaffira’s fame has already reached Whitehead, who leapt at the chance to write a play specifically for the opportunity to cast Zaffira in its lead role. Fittingly, Sandford’s play was based on the life of Forte, the famous Duchess of Colline. Both Sandford’s writing and Zaffira’s acting were lauded upon the play’s debut in Gallicantu.
Zaffira and Whitehead have collaborated closely several times since. In fact, because of who close they’ve worked together, rumours of a romantic affairs between Zaffira and Whitehead quickly began swirling. While entirely false, the rumours took an emotional toll on both, as Sandford Whitehead was scandalised by the thought that people who seriously consider the possibility that he would be unfaithful to his beloved wife and Zaffira was troubled by being perceived as stealing another woman’s husband. In fact, she was so shaken by being unable to escape the scandal that she seriously considered retiring from the stage and returning to Colline.
Able to grasp the truth of the matter, it was Whitehead’s wife Gaudiosa herself who has able to dispel most of these malicious rumours and help both her husband and Zaffira through the situation. Zaffira and Gaudiosa have become and remain close friends. With Gaudiosa’s support and friendship, Zaffira has continued to tour all across Realmgard and has performed in every major city in the continent.
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