Garden: Madrono

Madroño

General Information:

Domain of: Madroños/Strawberry Trees division

Sex: Male

Nationality: Spanish

Country of Origin: Spain

Original Name: Valerian James Bartolomé

Lived: 1516 – 1533

Birthday: 26 December

Downfall: He was poisoned, apparently by his fellow soldiers, who thought he would rebel

Physical Age: 17

Physical Appearance: -

Songs: Loco de Atar - Pablo Alboran~ www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_0Xu5…; I Need to Know - Marc Anthony~ www.youtube.com/watch?v=k84bU9…; Electric Blue - The Cranberries www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBYUSp…

Quotes:
"They said I was a rogue dog, rabidly attempting to kill them all. I say I'm proud to run from such blasphemous and despicable men."

"Would you consider me as a dance partner, my beautiful Señorita?"

"Take your steps with pride ... from your own light, shall you never hide."

~

Personality:

In demeanor, this young man will appear bold, extroverted and naturally curious, albeit a bit clumsy, naive and with a noticeable tendency to act before thinking. Due to this, he is somewhat unpredictable as he often acting on a whim. Very flirtatious and a bit of a show-off, and does not care much for one's privacy; he is very nosy and is often caught eavesdropping. Despite this, Madroño is a stickler for honesty, hating liars passionately, and considering them dangerous to society. He is very protective of friends and ideas, not permitting any wrong against them. Very stubborn, he always seems on a mission, seeking out hidden wrongs and injustices, and this dogged nature can sometimes push others away, leading him into difficult situations; however, he is actually relatively relaxed when it comes to friendships and hates to burn bridges/lose someone's trust. Another facet of Madroño's personality which causes him trouble is that he must feel in some small way as if he is in control of his situation (not necessarily that of others, however); if he is not, he will become paranoid. Very prone to paranoia and confusion, though most of the time he can keep it under the surface. Can sometimes be gruff or mean when confused or impatient; he had many older, abusive brothers, and has learned to sometimes take his anger out on others. Afterwards he is very apologetic, because he finds it against his honour to act out. Genuinely cares about others, but doesn't really understand their feelings. An adventure seeker.

Background: (hoo boy)

Valerian James was born December 26, 1515, to the Bartolomé family in the sprawling Madrid. Though his father was a military man native to the city, his mother was from the port of Cádiz, an important centre for trade. Her wealthy family helped support the Bartolomés, and through the bond of these two families they both became rather influential.

He was the youngest of 6 siblings, having 2 older sisters and 3 older brothers. His two sisters, the eldest of the siblings, were both married when he was only 10, and his 3 brothers were trained militarily. The boy's parents had always wanted him to become a merchant; however, Valerian had little interest in financial affairs. His dreams lied in exploration, adventure, the sea and daring swordfights, and he greatly envied his brothers' paths and career.

As both of his parents were frequently busy and none of his siblings were within a decent age range for him, Valerian was pushed around a lot and rather ignored; due to this, he developed a rather bold, aggressive nature. His brothers were quite abusive and ill-natured, forcing the young boy to do their tasks or feel bad for little reason. Through the many pains of his early life, he also turned to prayer and Christianity often, growing a strong Faith.

In 1530, at only 15 years, his wish finally came true. Renowned explorer Francisco Pizarro was setting out for the strange New World in search of gold, and his brothers, who had already managed to earn excellent reputations for being great warriors (if nothing else) had been called upon to join his fleet and army. Due to Valerian's reluctant but extensive knowledge of money, gold and budgeting, he was allowed to accompany them (or rather he was forced to by his parents), as his siblings were none too good with gold. However, despite having eavesdropped on his brothers' training sessions many times and having taught himself the ways of swordfighting decently, he would not be allowed to participate in any battles.

On the journey, the boy got into trouble often. He was disgusted with the weak faith and distasteful behaviour of the other men; namely, their crude discussions, vulgar words and habit of drinking to the point of illness. Of all of them, one man impressed the youth the most with his disgraceful nature – his own brother, Juan Bartolomé, the biggest drunkard in the army, who's abusive personality was greatly enhanced by his habits (never before had he had access to so much alcohol, as well as an occasion to act especially awful - this is why he acted in ways his own brother had never before seen). The two would often fight; on one occasion after they had already reached Peru and had been there for quite some time (early 1531), Valerian lost control, reached for a sword and attacked his brother. The rest of the expedition was so shocked and horrfied by his action that he was not only restricted to the most dirty, poor jobs, but he was also banished from their camp for several days.

Bitter and angry, one day he is wandering about near the mountains when he hears beautiful and strange music, unlike any he has heard before. The sound is soothing to him but also ignites his curiosity. In an instant, his feelings were forgotten as he begin to search for the source of the music. He looks up to see a mysterious figure sitting upon a high cliff, playing a wind instrument with an unusual noise. Though he had some experience from exploring about in his homeland, Valerian had never seen cliffs like these and knew he would not be able to mount them easily.

As such, he returned to the Spanish camp, where he begged to be let back in. One of his other brothers comes to the gate and reluctantly agrees, as the boy said he had information to share that could be of possible use.

However, the men either didn't believe him or ridiculed him for inventing a tall tale (though his story was not too fantastical, the youth had a habit of exaggerating and told it in a way that made it sound unbelievable). Bitter and angry again, he left the following morning. Because it was dark, he managed to steal a soldier's armour and sword, as well as materials he may use to reach the mysterious character he had dubbed “El Gaitero”, The Piper. (He didn't exactly have any motives at this point other than learning about the odd instrument, though he had been very lonely did have a slight, though not conscious desire have a more friendly person than his brothers or the hostile soldiers to talk to.)

After several days and several tries, with the rather oblivious Piper coming out to play on most days, he finally reaches his destination on the cliff successfully.

Peering over the edge, he notices that El Gaitero was, in fact, a young boy who looked to be Valerian's own age, and had a very unique and “exotic” appearance (according to his limited experience). He also noticed that the “pipe” was, in fact, many flutes bound together.

However, he does not get to observe the mysterious boy for long. In a moment, the Piper sees the Spaniard, and appearing extremely frightened, he flees in a panic, expertly leaping and climbing the mountain to get away. Frustrated, Valerian calls out to him ... to no avail, and he decides to pursue him. He is very, very clumsy in contrast, and gets several injuries during the chase. At last within distance of the boy, he was able to catch him by grabbing his long hair. Terrified, the other turns about and after Valerian, due to his charismatic and kind nature, is able to calm him down a bit, intorductions are made through signs. Though he mentions his name, Valerian continues to refer to the Inca boy as “El Gaitero”.

Throughout the rest of the year, the two become better friends (the other Spaniards barely noticing that one of their number is missing, and many important events passing in his absence), and Valerian teaches the other boy many things; among them the basics of swordfighting, his Catholic religion and the Spanish language. (he himself learning basics of Quechuan languages.)

They get along decently, though, Valerian does not understand Gaitero's apparent shyness. Together they explore many areas around the Andes and even into important Inca cities such as Cusco (the diplomatic Gaitero apparently trying to use his friend to build trust between his people and the foreigners). Piper also showed him different plants/herbs and medicine that that could be used to heal minor injuries like the ones received when Valerian was trying to chase after him. The young man was quite impressed with this.

One day in 1532, Valerian decided to return to the camp to see how things were going. He learns that, against his previous assumptians that the Spanish were to come in peace and diplomatically barter with the natives, there was going to be a fully fledged invasion. Horrified, he tries to bargain with them, not realising how little effect a financeer and near-servant like himself would have over the decisive Pizarro's lot, but of course he fails miserably.

He then rushes in desperation to tell warn his friend, though he is nowhere to be found. Crushed and very nervous, Valerian once more returns to his stronghold, determined to learn every little detail of the invasion. As he had often spied on his brothers in his youth, as well as eavesdropped on many private conversations from which he was excluded, this was no new work for him.

Finally he saw his friend wandering about near the foot of the Great Mountains, and approaching him, the boy admitted he had been looking for Valerian and had news for him. In a rush the Spaniard announces the invasion; however, Gaitero had apparently heard of it already. When Valerian explains all the details, however, the Inca becomes uncharicteristically depressed and remains that way for the remaining months before the invasion, barely even talking with Valerian, who worries his friend felt betrayed.

Despite the new difficulties and concerns stifling their friendship, the youth still came to him often whenever he discovered new information.

When the invasion finally began, Valerian, never having been in a real battle before and not understanding where to go or what to do, finds himself hopelessly confused and unable to warn El Gaitero. His camp had had a lack of supplies for several days, and so finding his starving state likely adding to his confusion, the youth wanders around Cajamarca (where the attack was planned) and sneaks in the back to look for food.

Managing to sneak past the guard, of all people he could have found deep in the city, he finds his friend, now an enemy to his people, rummaging about a room apparently meant to store food and rations. Startled, Valerian began to ask how he got there, but his friend only holds out a piece of bread to him. It looked delectable to the very hungry boy, and he quickly ate it. Taking his friend with him and wanting to find a way for him to escape, he flees the building. However, the two are not very careful and are discovered by Spanish soldiers. Suddenly angry, and vengeful for everything that has happened to him at the hand of the army, he draws his sword, telling his friend to run, which he cautiously does. Shocked by this act betrayal, a 3-on-1 fight ensues. As apparently the Spaniards did not expect any invasions to their camp, these guards were not very well trained, and as such Valerian was able to injure two of them, one of which escapes to tell the others about “the rouge dog Bartolomé”, the other retreating due to his wounds.

However, Valerian found himself growing weaker and weaker during the fight, until eventually, he collapsed on the ground. His remaining opponent knelt down beside him. Removing his helmet and facemask (I don't think they really wore facemasks but this soldier did ), it is revealed to be his brother Juan. For once appearing somewhat apologetic and tenderhearted, Juan laid his hand upon Valerian's head placed a fruit of the Madroño tree in his hand (symbolically, as a gift after all the trouble he had caused him, and possibly an apology for what he was about to do) before he resumed his charge to find the escaped Inca, leaving his little brother to die a mysterious and painful death.

(after he had died and entered into the Garden of Immortals, the good nutrients of the Madroño fruit replace the poison from the plant used to kill the youth,and he finds himself bonded to the tree.)

After he was dead and the Incas had been conquered, one of the Bartolomé brothers (not Juan; he had since been killed by El Gaitero, or the newly christened Cantua) on his return to Spain, he recorded all the events which had taken place over the journey. He came to surmise that one of the soldiers who was tired of his youngest brother's behaviour had poisoned him, though none of Spanish or anyone else alive would come to know the truth behind the real man who dared to murder Valerian James Bartolomé.

Relationships: As in life, he maintains a strained friendship with Cantua, though he is often jealous of him and doesn't understand much of what he does or says.
He has a very obvious crush on Cactus and often flirts at her, though she dislikes him.
Good friends with Basil.
Doesn't get along with Willow or Beojkkoch, though he finds Be to be more tolerable.
Terrified of, and quite hates Romashka.
Maintains casual friendships with Suzie, Amaryllis, Orchid, Chili and Tsubaki.

Fun Facts: -He has remembered the nickname, and often refers to himself as "Rogue Dog", still proud that he betrayed such a vulgar group as his particular expedition.
-He has somewhat wider hips than the average male, which earned him some ridicule from his brothers, among others. This bothers him especially. Don't ever mention it to him.
-He is actually rather short. (don't mention his height to him either)
-He is decent at singing.

Confusing details: As I said before, there isn't much that is confusing imo, but a couple of pretty important things to keep in mind when drawing him:
- The branches are always either under his cape, or, like in this drawing, the cape is between them. Madroño's skeleton is literally wood, or a combination of wood and bone, and the branches are growing from roughly around his shoulders. However, though they are important to his design, they are not necessary to be in every drawing; because they are huge and cause him to be a bit of a klutz, he often trims them down to stubs and then conceals them beneath his clothing (of course this would be very painful.)
-A ... ahah ... his skin shade sometimes seems to change from one drawing to another, but I suppose it is like a little dark? I mean, I never really thought about it, but people seem confused when colouring him so o ..