Character Interview: Carver (Esperance)

Note: This interview was originally shared as part of the Esperance Media Tour.

​Hello Carver, thanks for stopping by! Would you mind telling us a little about yourself?
Hello, I’m Carver Vincetti. I’m a general in the Craethen Empire’s military, and I’ve recently returned from the front in our war with Harvari. You may have heard that I was wounded, but I’m fine now. Completely. I’m ready to serve the emperor in this new capacity at Esperance.
 
That’s right—you’re about to get married to a stranger. Can you tell us a little about that?
Of course. The emperor decided that peace in the empire could be strengthened by arranging marriages between the eligible elite in all the kingdoms. Each kingdom offered a candidate, and the emperor paired everyone up. Now we’ve all come to the remote temple of Esperance to get married and live for a year, without distractions or outside biases.
 
And you really don’t know who you will be marrying? Even though you are a favorite of the emperor’s?
Well . . . can you keep a secret? The emperor learned that some rebels may have infiltrated the temple—they might even be some of the candidates that were sent here to be married. So, the emperor asked me to investigate everyone at Esperance, and make sure this venture succeeds. As part of that, I asked the emperor if I could marry Amryn Lukis. I’ve never met her, and I don’t know anything about her, but she’s from Ferradin, and that was one of the last kingdoms to be brought into the empire. There are some lingering anti-empire sentiments there, which means Amryn might very well be an enemy to watch.
 
“Keep your friends close but your enemies closer”, then?
Yeah, something like that.
 
How did you feel when you learned about your impending arranged marriage?
Honestly? I was a little wary. Hesitant, even. I always wanted to get married and have a family, but I’ve been fighting a war for years, and marriage has been the last thing on my mind. But I’m happy to serve the emperor however I can, so I will marry Amryn Lukis.
 
Where did you grow up?
In Westmont, near the coast. I may be biased, but I think it’s the most beautiful place in the empire.
 
You’re from a large family. Do you enjoy having so many siblings?
Saints, yes. I was lucky enough to grow up in a home filled with family, laughter, and love. I’m the oldest brother, though I do have an older sister. And I’m by far the favorite uncle to my niece and nephew, though some of my brothers might disagree.
 
Did you always want to be a general?
Going into the military was always my dream; it’s a family tradition that I’m very proud of. My father is High General of Craethen, and I’ve always admired him and wanted to be like him.
 
Who is your best friend?
Argent Vayne. He’s the future emperor, but he’ll always be the boy who told me it would be a great idea to jump off the royal stables roof when we were little. All jokes aside, I think he’ll make an incredible emperor one day, and I’m honored to have him as my friend.
 
What is most important to you?
My family. I would do anything for them.
 
What quality do you most value?
Loyalty.
 
What’s your favorite animal?
I love all sorts of animals, but dogs are a favorite.
 
What would you like to tell your admirers?
Do I have admirers? Haha, I’m not sure what I’d say. Thank you…? I’m not sure what I’ve done to gain admirers. I’m just me. But I guess maybe there’s a bit of wisdom in that: be yourself. You have no one to compete against but yourself.
 
If your mother had to describe you in three words, what would they be?
Oh no. *Chuckles* Well, as a child, she probably would have labeled me as reckless, irreverent, and vexing. Today . . . well, she might actually say the same. But I’d like to think I’ve grown over the years. I calculate risks before I take them. I joke, but I can be serious. As for being vexing . . . I’m definitely still that.
 
What are your aspirations for the future?
I plan on continuing my career in the military. Serving my country, and the empire as a whole, brings me a great deal of purpose. And I always dreamed of having a family—large and full of love, like my own. Considering circumstances now, I’m not sure how likely that is. Marrying Amryn Lukis is my future now—for better or worse.

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