Varyn Helos

Varyn, also known as "The Elder Emperor", was the eighth Emperor of the Celeste Empire and King of Sol. He was able to prevent the Empire from total collapse after Valor III's disastrous reign. He was succeeded by his only daughter, Viria.

Appearance
Varyn was a handsome man throughout most of his youth, tall, slender, and quite fit despite not being a known warrior. He had the signature red hair and golden eyes of House Helos. He preferred to keep his hair in a long ponytail, and loved flowing robes and suits.

Personality
Varyn was an intelligent man, though he preferred to use his smarts in his weird hobbies than anything serious. He was a caring and loving husband, father, and friend. He had some charm about him, but was often described as eccentric and dorky in comparison to the rest of the Helos family.

Early life
Varyn was born in AE to Empress Vilya Helos and Lord Aleric Warmane. He had an older sister, Valeria, who he had a typical sibling relationship with. While initially jealous of his sister for most of his early life, he eventually became grateful for the freedom of not being heir.

He met Luxon singer, Iris Song, sometime in his 15th decade. He supposedly fell in love with her during one of her recitals, and proceeded to court her for the next decade. The pair married in 279 AE, and had one daughter, Melody, in 287 AE, who he heavily adored.

When his daughter Melody fell in love with human architect Noel Woodrow, he initially opposed their marriage. The pair supposedly fought for many years about it, almost causing a permanent rift between the two of them. He eventually came around, giving his blessing and support for their soul vow in 210 AE.

Varyn was fully settled in his family life, content in simply watching various Luxon performances with his wife, preferring to stay out of politics for the most part. He occasionally visited his sister to lend his support, though the two had a falling out after his nephew Varian abdicated the throne. The two mended their relationship after the death of his grand-nephew, Emperor Valor III, where Valeria asked him to be the next emperor.

Reign
Varyn ascended the throne in 426 AE, succeeding his grand-nephew. According to sources, he had initially wanted to reject the throne, citing that his sister should rule once more since she was still alive. He inevitably accepted the throne after making peace with Valeria, and after getting his daughter's blessing.

Death
Varyn died in 465 AE, at 348 years old, surrounded by his wife, daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren.

Legacy
Varyn is remembered for fixing the mistakes of young Valor III, and for his prominence in the Luxon Company, despite not being an official member.

His only child and daughter, Viria Helos (previously Melody) would rule after him with her husband, Noel Woodrow.

Viria Helos
Varyn was incredibly close with his only daughter, Melody, who he considered his pride and joy. While he initially disapproved of his marriage to a human commoner, he eventually gave his blessing for the sake of her happiness, and was one of the people who ensured their successful soul vow.

Noel Woodrow
While Varyn initially disliked Noel for being a bad match for his daughter, he grew to warm up to him over the years. The two supposedly bonded over their love of miniature making. He was a big help in arranging his marriage to Viria, and their eventual soul vow.

Iris Song
Varyn was very close to his wife, a prominent Luxon singer, and was there at every performance til her retirement. According to their children, she most especially loved to sing when he was playing for her on the piano.

Vilya Helos
Varyn had a mostly positive relationship with his mother, though there were times when she resented the added attention that she gave his older sister. He would later become grateful that her mother did not pressure him as much though, much preferring his peaceful life away from the crown.

Valeria Helos
Varyn was often jealous of his sister growing up, but he quickly got over it after building his own family. He was said to heavily disapprove of the way Valeria raised her own children, but knew better than to intervene. The two made up after Valor III's death, and he was by her side when she died.

Valencia Helos & Vera Helos
Varyn was a doting grandfather to his two grandchildren, who he loved to spoil whenever he could.

Abilities
Varyn was a capable mage like his mother and sister.

Influence
As Emperor of Celeste, and monarch of Sol, Varyn was one of the most powerful people in Auros. He had supreme command over the Scarlet Guard, and all official affiliations of the Empire.

Quotes

 * "I raised my daughter right, dear sister. Which is more than can be said for your." (to Valeria, at some point after Varian abdicated)
 * "You don't have to, if you do not wish it." (to daughter, Viria, in reference to ruling after him)

Trivia

 * Varyn built a large scale-model of Sunhaven which can still be found in the palace today.
 * Varyn was often lauded for his skills on the piano.