A man of contradictions: his impressive stature conflicts with the unimpressive monotony of black-and-white fur, which then rivals a virulent vermilion gaze.

Anvils poised to fall, Bastien’s regrets surround him; but rather than acknowledge their imminent threat, he numbs himself with vices. He lives in constant expectation of a punishment that he simultaneously inflicts by depriving himself of the things he craves most… but, in the same turn, he is a creature prone to overindulgence, enslaved by wants and whims. A conflict of the heart and mind.

1704

A ship without sails, a product of his environment. His parents were two drug-addled individuals that had a hard time remembering to feed themselves, much less their children, thrusting independence and responsibility in equal parts on their eldest’s shoulders. The world was unforgiving, but through adversity he learned to adapt, overcome, provide, and survive. And through defeat he learned that enemies he could not fell must be outsmarted. His mind was honed into a weapon sharper than cold steel.

His talent did eventually catch the eye of the mafia. They took him in and gave him a taste of everything he didn’t know he was desperate for: Purpose and pride, fulfillment and family. Bastien was forged in their fire and refined into an impressive blade. Rather than simply survive, he thrived.

Except the only thing that becomes of one with nothing is acquiring the taste for everything once it's given. Bastien's skill and cunning were only as valuable as his loyalty, and when rumors of rebellion arose, he was cast out before insurrection could take root. Life was less difficult than it had been before, but something in his soul couldn’t be quieted–in the darkest hours, it screamed for recompense.

And what better way to exact justice than for a law enforcer to step out of the law breaker’s shed skin?

1705 - 1709

Bastien bartered his exclusive knowledge of headquarters and future heists to earn immunity for himself and an enlistment. Each name carved him a more secure foothold in the Imperial rank and file. That is, until there were none left to give. When he latched the door to his former boss’ cell, retribution burning bright in his eyes, what little advantage he had was sealed away too. Doubtful seeds were planted in his fellow soldiers’ and Bastien started to hear whisperings. Was he worth it? Can we trust him? When will he turn on us? He’ll never be one of us.

In one last misguided attempt to prove his fealty, he slipped back down to the dungeon–and, once there, he slaughtered every wolf he once called brother. In the light of the rising sun, he emerged baptized in blood.

And to no one’s surprise but his own, he was arrested on the spot and thrown into one of those blood-soaked cells.

Bastien was left to rot until Lieutenant Major Alastor Huxley took an interest in him. He came into hell offering a path to heaven. Do me this favor, the devil promised, and all will be forgiven.

Present

By the time Bastien could consider the downsides to shaking hands with the devil, there was so little left in his soul that he didn’t think twice about preserving it. Even now, despite how irreversibly changed his life is because of it, he doesn’t regret signing his name on the dotted line. The contract took him north to kill a Highlander whore and her bastard child, but something in Bastien cracked once he got there, seeing the destitute life they’d been forced to carve out for themselves. Perhaps it resonated too keenly against the discordant aftermath of his own adolescence. Perhaps he hadn’t outgrown the boy who’d provided for his siblings or that boy’s bleeding heart like he’d thought.

Whatever the reason being, subjecting an innocent child to the same fate was not among the cruelties he could inflict on another.

And so, worn down by her endless blathering and the forgiveness he found in her trusting eyes, Bastien swore to protect and care for her come hell, high water, or the wrath of Major Huxley. Thus, Tauriel became Vela, the sails.



additional history can be found here