LeRoy Yates
{ LeRoy Yates }
LeRoy Yates is a metalsmith in Elmal's crown city (although his father insists that he's still an apprentice)—and technically Clover Dove's adopted brother. His father, Garrett Yates, was only eighteen when LeRoy was born, and LeRoy's mother—being a journer and therefore always traveling—was absent for most of her son's childhood, and then one day she simply never returned.
Pronouns: he/him
Age: 23 (almost 24)
Occupation: Metalsmith apprentice
Height: ~6' 8''
Root Blood: Meld
Dominant: (unknown)
Mix: Iriseye (Drakonine subtype)
Additional Notes: Because of the interesting family dynamic he grew up with, he'll still refer to Clover's parents as "ma" and "grandpa" out of habit. He refers to Clover as his sister out of endearment.
Since his mother was not Elmalian like his father, LeRoy is what everyone calls a "meld"—which is someone that has two different root bloods. Because he is a meld, LeRoy lacks many of the traits that other Elmalians have, such as scales or eyes that have vertical slits for pupils. He doesn't have a hoard, and he is capable of telling lies—the latter being the main thing that others will use as justification to discriminate against him. (He tries to keep his mouth shut around anyone he doesn't know, just in case.)
After his mother left and never came back (LeRoy was eleven years old), his father's drinking habits got somewhat worse—although he manages to be conscientious of how much coinage he spends on alcohol, mostly for LeRoy's sake. Luckily, their smithy is well-known for its high-quality weapons, ensuring they have enough to get by. Clover's family continues to offer financial assistance if they need it, but Garrett has been turning down their offer ever since the Dove family joined the nobility about seven years ago. Clover continues to visit the smithy in town, but LeRoy still hardly ever sees her since he doesn't have access to the castle.
Because he was frequently bullied as a child for being a meld, LeRoy learned various self-defense skills that he still practices, just in case he needs them. He regularly would spar with his only other close friend, Francis Quarter (who is the son of the town's head apothecaries and is also a meld), until Francis joined the armada and relocated to the castle. LeRoy remains close with Francis' parents, frequently passing letters from them to Clover so she can deliver them to Francis.
Recently, Garrett has been pitching the idea of marriage to LeRoy—which is an idea that LeRoy vehemently rejects every single time his father brings it up. The reason for this remains a mystery to both Garrett and Clover, both whom agree that anyone would be lucky to marry someone as full of love as LeRoy.
Despite the fact that LeRoy's father no longer attends the services at the temple, LeRoy continues to uphold the faith and frequently volunteers his time to help the cousins with their duties outside of the services.
