Name: Lukas Devereau
Name Meaning: "Lukas" - or "Lucas" - means "light". I'm not really sure about the meaning of "Devereau" - it's probably a place name. I usually choose character names more because they sound cool, or seem to fit the character in some way, rather than for meaning. And, for Lukas, I was looking for a name that would reflect his heritage� and since "Remy LeBeau" was already taken...
Age: 18
Date of Birth: February 18
Astrological Sign: Aquarius
Bloodtype: O
Alignment: Neutral, and although his natural leaning would be toward the side of good, given his druthers, he would prefer to stay neutral since he doesn't believe in all this religious crap in the first place. Which - if any - side he eventually joins will depend, in a large part, as to which side Sam/Samael chooses. Loyal and protective to the core, Lukas would willingly walk barefooted through Hell if he thought Sam was in danger or needed him in any way.
Strengths: Although possessing better than average physical strength, and being more than able to defend himself, Lukas' greatest strengths are internals. Gifted with a keen, creative mind, Luke is often able to 'see around corners,' finding the hidden connections between things and events - connections that, although having no basis in logic or reason, are, nevertheless, surprisingly accurate. On occasion, he has been accused of being psychic, but in reality, he's simply adept at picking up subtle cues from body language, tone of voice, facial expressions, etc. in addition to his other attributes, Lukas is graced with more than his fair share of wit, humor, and good, old-fashioned Southern charm. Although, as stated previously, he is quite capable of taking care of himself should he find himself faced with violence, his other traits help to ensure that he rarely has to do so.
Weaknesses: Perhaps Lukas' greatest weakness is his steadfast refusal to believe in anything smacking of the supernatural - including all forms of religion. In his mind, God, Lucifer, angels and demons have no more basis in reality than the Tooth Fairy or the Easter Bunny. Every man or woman is captain of their own fate, and thus, responsible for the shape and form of their own lives. Religion and other forms of superstition are simply methods people use to rationalize their failings or justify their actions. So deeply integrated is this belief - or lack thereof - that, if Luke were ever to receive incontrovertible proof of the existence of God, et al., the destruction of his world-view would, no doubt, shatter him. When - or if - he would ever recover - not to mention the effects such a revelation would have on his psyche - is nearly impossible to determine. However, it is certain that if such an upheaval to his belief system were to occur, his current personality wo uld utterly and irrevocably change.
Likes: Music, of course is Luke's first love - whether it be playing onstage or jamming after-hours with the other members of Wingless, listening to other bands, or sitting alone in his room, composing - music is the one constant in his life, and if left to his own devices, he'd rarely do anything else. Gregarious by nature, Lukas also genuinely likes people and enjoys spending time both with his rather large circle of friends and with total strangers. Although he recognizes that there is much that is truly ugly and worthless about the human race, he still feels that humanity's goodness far outweighs the bad, and therefore is always willing to take a chance on another human being. Yet� although a predominantly social creature, Lukas also finds himself very good company as well. When he needs to think through a problem, or simply recharge his batteries, he will often head out for a park, or some other pretty, natural place, and, accompanied by a book or one of his guitars, fi nd a quiet spot in which to enjoy his solitude.
Dislikes: Anything and everything having to do with religion, superstition and the supernatural is enough to set Lukas' teeth on edge. Although he can enjoy - and even relate - a good, campfire-type ghost story or fairy tales (as long as they're presented only as a tall tale), any such tale related as a 'true account' will induce either a contemptuous snort or a derisive laugh. In addition, as might be guessed given his distaste for anything of a religious nature, Lukas has a deep dislike of religious fanatics of all denominations that borders on contempt. In his mind, this sort of person has little regard for the tenets they claim to hold sacred, and instead, use religious belief as a sort of weapon to keep the weak and gullible dependent on them while at the same time increasing their own power.
Greatest Fear: That there are some things he simply cannot fix. If he were to ever fail to help or save someone close to him, Lukas would feel that he had betrayed their trust; if only he'd been smarter, stronger, better, he could have helped them.
Motivation: Lukas' primary motivation is his loyalty and devotion to the people closest to him. If anything seems to threaten a loved one, he will quickly, efficiently - and sometimes ruthlessly - root out the cause, and put a stop to it.
Favorite Food: Almost any Cajun-style food (with the exception of blackened dishes) - and the spicier, the better. They remind him of his early childhood - and happier times - spent in the Louisiana bayou country, which still holds a special place in his heart.
Least Favorite Food: Anything 'blackened'. To Lukas, you might just as well say 'burnt', and be done with it.
What grade are they in: Lukas is in the 12th grade, and a senior in high school.
Marks: His natural intelligence and excellent memory allows Lukas to pull in A's and high B's in most of his classes without even breaking a sweat - which is fortunate, given his tendency to neglect studying in favor of devoting more time to his music.
Favorite Class: Any and all Music classes, of course: Band, Orchestra, Choir, Theory, etc.; even if he believes most of his instructors to be a little too bound by tradition. Lukas also has a great fondness for Lit classes - to him, poetry is simply song lyrics lacking a score. Surprisingly, he also has an interest in mathematics - or perhaps, not so surprising, given the relationship between music and math. Recently, he has begun experimenting with composing melodies based on complex equations - with some rather interesting results.
Least Favorite Class: Gym. Lukas isn't terribly fond of most sports and is, therefore, a rather indifferent player. He's also a bit on the lazy side when it comes to most forms of strenuous physical activity, and hates getting all hot and sweaty. Even bearing in mind his lack of clothes sense, gym suits are hardly the sort of apparel he would choose to wear in public.
Personality: The first thing that most people notice about Lukas is his friendly and outgoing, yet mellow and laid-back nature. In addition, the lanky Southerner possesses a rather eccentric - at times, almost goofy - sense of humor, and tends to find the oddest things amusing. Given this, Lukas also tends to be a bit of a prankster, and no one - not family, friends, lovers, the other members of Wingless, or even total strangers - are safe from being on the receiving end of one of his practical jokes. Although he has few illusions about the nature of humanity, he genuinely likes people and has somehow managed to escape descending into total cynicism. Instead, Lukas has adopted a live and let live attitude towards others and views most human failings with a sort of wry amusement. There is very little that he takes seriously.
One thing that he does take seriously, however, is music. A thoroughly dedicated musician, when Lukas is in the embrace of his muse, he can become very focused and intense, driving both himself and the other members of Wingless relentlessly in his determination to make the band a success. Constantly experimenting with new ideas and techniques, he strives to make the band's music - rather than the looks and personalities of its members - the main focus. Much to his irritation, this is, at times a losing battle.
In addition, Lukas has a profound respect for the feelings of others and would never knowingly do or say anything solely for the purpose of hurting another - although�he does have a tendency to administer 'tough love' when he feels the situation warrants it - as Sam could readily attest, having been on the receiving end of this on more than a few occasions. Although Sam insists that Lukas is simply being a "wet-blanket" by trying to spoil his fun, Lukas is motivated in this by a deep caring and concern for his friend that borders on over-protectiveness, at times. He simply doesn't want his friend to do anything that would inadvertently hurt anyone else - or that might result in him being harmed.
As a rule, Lukas is very slow to anger - usually preferring to turn away any insults, jibes, or other annoyances he might receive with a good-humored laugh. However, when someone does manage to piss him off - Katie, bar the door! Although extremely rare, his rages are legendary - and at times, frightening.
Appearance: Standing at around 6'3" with a lanky, lightly muscular build, Lukas simply oozes with an easy-going, and thoroughly masculine charm. His long-limbed body moves with a fluid, languid grace that seems to belie his size. Dark auburn hair the color of rich mahogany, usually worn in a loose braid, falls nearly to his waist, and his cobalt-blue eyes always seem to sparkle with amusement - or mischief. Although naturally ivory complected, much time spent outdoors has provided Lukas with a light tan and a scattering of freckles over his cheeks, the bridge of his nose and his shoulders, with the effect that most people, upon meeting him for the first time immediately think of Huck Finn all grown up. Even ten years living in New Eden hasn't totally erased his faint, Cajun accent - which becomes much more pronounced during moments of anger or stress. Given his easy-going nature, he usually prefers comfortable, casual type attire such as loose fitting tee-shirts, cut-offs or jeans, cotton or linen shirts and slacks, etc. When onstage, he wears typical glam/rock style costumes: flowing poet shirts, tunics, mesh tanks, tight-fitting leather pants or jeans and the like.
Social Status: With his charm, easy-going humor and good looks, Lukas couldn't help but be popular with almost everyone he meets. Of course, his family's wealth, coupled with his membership in a fairly well-known local band only serves to increase his social cachet. The only people who might look down on him are the more snobbish, old-money types, who would, of course, label him and his family as nuveau-riche trash. Lukas dismisses such condemnation with his characteristic good humor... and a snappy, one-fingered salute over his shoulder.
Love Life: Could anyone as laid-back and mellow as Lukas possibly anything other than bi-sexual? For him, it's the person, not the physical packaging that provides the attraction, and since both genders have their beauties, he happily plays the field, dating both boys and girls. Although he is a sweet and considerate lover, he has no 'significant other' at this time. One reason for this is his near-total dedication to his music, and to making Wingless as successful as possible. A steady lover would require too much time and energy that he would much rather devote to his first love - music. Knowing that this would be unfair to any would-be lovers, Lukas therefore indulges only in casual affairs - and only after making sure that any potential partners know exactly where they stand. The other main reason for Lukas' refusal to tie himself down would have to be Sam, his best friend, and - whether Lukas is willing to admit it, or not - the love of his life. Although the two have n ever been lovers, and despite the fact that Lukas has few illusions about his friends character, he still can't imagine himself being with anyone else on a permanent basis.
Family, Friends:
Anne-Marie Devereau: One look at his mother, and it is easy to see where Lukas inherited most of his good looks and charm. A petite, vivacious redhead, Anne-Marie, like her son, possesses more of both than the law should allow. Although, of necessity, spending long hours at Pontchartrain, the Cajun restaurant she owns and operates, Anne-Marie is still a devoted wife and mother - truly the light and the life of the Devereau household, and adored by both husband and son. Or... at least she used to be. Over the past couple of years, Anne-Marie's bright, vivacious spirit has become darker and colder, as if something is eating away at her soul. Now given to spells of shrewish temper and hatefulness that seem to occur more and more frequently, Anne-Marie is slowly changing from the sparkling, warm-hearted woman she's always been, into a cold, calculating harpy. Although Lukas has no idea what has wrought such a drastic change in the mother he's worshipped since infancy, he's determined to find out and, if possible, reclaim her.
Ezekiel (Zeke) Devereau: With his dark hair and eyes, and deep olive complexion, Zeke bears little resemblence to his son. In fact, the only physical characteristic Lukas appears to have inherited from his father is his height. However, as the keyboardist for a popular Louisiana-based Zydeco band, Zeke shares with his son a similar passion for music. Quieter and more serious-natured than his wife and son, Zeke is a talented and dedicated musician and took great delight in teaching his young son the basics of music theory as well as keyboards, guitar, violin, and harmonica as soon as Lukas showed an interest. As with Anne-Marie, however, Zeke has likewise shown evidence of a drastic personality change. Of late, he and his beloved wife have argued and fought - at times, almost to the point of physical violence. In addition, the once-dedicated musician rarely bothers to even look for gigs anymore. Once a happy, loving man who took great joy in his music and his family, Zeke now seems to prefer the company of the bottle.
Yumeomiro Samzemateo: Complex is, perhaps, the word that best describes Lukas' feelings toward Sam, his best friend since third grade - and the first person Lukas met after moving to New Eden with his family ten years ago. Although drawn by his friend's seemingly boundless energy, easy-going nature, and the love of music that they both share, at times, Lukas nevertheless feels that Sam sometimes carries things - be it a joke, or his increasingly hedonistic lifestyle - a bit too far. At such times, he's not afraid to be brutally honest with his friend and tell him exactly how much of an ass he's being. Recently, however, Lukas has come to realize that his feelings for Sam run far deeper than simple friendship, and although he rarely admits it even to himself, Sam is, quite simply, the love of his life. Lukas, despite this, has few illusions about his friend's nature, however, and, believing that Sam will never commit to anyone, keeps his true feelings carefully hidden away. A t present, he tries to content himself with being nothing more than Sam's best friend, and takes pride in being one of the few people that the singer can't twist around his little finger.
Birthplace: Lake Pontchartrain, Louisiana
Current Residence : Lukas currently lives with his parents in a gorgeous Neo-Classical home (think Tara, from Gone With the Wind) in a rather tony section of New Eden. The three-storey mansion is appointed with both genuine antiques and authentic reproductions in the same Neo Classic style. Lukas' bedroom is on the third floor and is the only room not decorated in the same style. Furnished with large floor pillows, beaded curtains, lava lamps and blacklights, his room projects more of a Haight-Ashbury rather than an Old South aura. Incense burners and candles are scattered about the room with cheerful abandon, and on the walls hang a few framed posters, signed and numbered by such artists as Peter Max, Andy Warhol and Jackson Pollack.
History:
Ezekiel Devereau, keyboardist for a popular Zydeco band, Bontemps, first met Anne-Marie Chantellier, as one might easily imagine, while he and his band were playing a dance at a local honky-tonk. The vivacious red-head never lacked for charming dancing partners, but again and again over the course of the evening, her eyes were drawn to figure of the dark, intense musician - only to find his onyx gaze fixed upon her as well. During a break between sets, Zeke made his way across the dancehall to speak with the lovely, spirited girl who had so captured his attention... and the rest, as they say, is history.
The only blot upon their happiness was caused by a conflict of religious beliefs. Zeke, a devout Catholic, was less than pleased to learn that his beloved Anne-Marie was the grand-daughter of Genevieve LeBlanc, a somewhat notorious mambo, and the leader of the local voudoun - and was, herself, being groomed to take over leadership of the cult. Fearing for his beloved's soul, Zeke persuaded Anne-Marie to turn her back on her faith and fully embrace Catholicism, which she seemed to accept readily enough. In reality, however, she simply disguised her rituals in the guise of the more accepted faith - as so many had done before her. Zeke was never the wiser, and so the two were married.
The couple lived together happily for the four years prior to the birth of their son, Lukas - and more happily still, afterwards. Zeke found that the role of husband and father suited him, and he cherished his small family - particularly his son, who was growing to resemble his mother more and more every day. On the nights that he wasn't playing at a private party or one of the local honky tonks, Zeke would either set up his keyboard or pull out his old six-string and serenade his wife while she bustled about in the kitchen. As Lukas grew older and began to show an interest, Zeke began to teach his son the rudiments of music - and before long, Lukas had developed enough proficiency to take over playing, allowing Zeke to whisk his laughing bride into his arms for a quick dance around the kitchen. These "kitchen hoe-downs" as Zeke always called them, are at the center of some of Lukas' happiest childhood memories.
Like many others, Zeke had heard stories of New Eden, describing it as a sort of new Promised Land. Feeling that this would be the perfect place to raise their now eight-year-old son, Zeke left the bayou country that had always been their home and moved his family into the city. Although he missed his home, Lukas adapted fairly easily to the change - the transition made all the easier when he met Sam. The two boys quickly became fast friends, and one was rarely seen without the other. Best friends, partners in crime, soulmates, their mutual love of music cemented a friendship that continues strong to this day. As the two entered high school, like many boys their age with an interest in music, they decided to form a band and after recruiting a few of their like-minded friends, Wingless was born.
After their relocation to New Eden, all went well for Lukas and his family�for awhile. Zeke put together a new band and managed to eke out a living, supplementing his earnings as a session musician. Anne-Marie opened Pontchartrain, a restaurant specializing in Cajun cuisine. Despite the restaurant's novelty, it didn't do great business - barely running in the black at the best of times. Still, they managed to meet most of their expenses and were happy enough... until Anne-Marie's inexplicable change.
Unbeknownst to Zeke and Lukas, two years ago, Anne-Marie began to have a series of dreams in which Lucifer appeared to her in the form of Legba - gatekeeper and opener of the way - a god of her original faith. In these dreams, he told her that if she went back to the old ways and dedicated herself to him, that in return, he would open the way for her barely-surviving restaurant to become one of the most popular dining spots in the city. So, Anne-Marie once again took up the mantle of priestess - much to her husband's displeasure. However, even Zeke couldn't quarrel with the results; almost overnight, people began to flock to the restaurant in droves.
Legba/Lucifer's gift was not without its price, however. The Voudoun rituals have begun to take on a much darker - and sometimes deadly - tone, as Legba/Lucifer, instructs his priestess to curse, bind, or cast harmful magics at his enemies. Lukas, of course, knows nothing either of his mother's dreams, or that she has once again openly taken up her old religion. What he does know is that... something... is tearing his once-happy family apart from the inside. Where laughter, love, and music once filled their home, now exists either near-constant bickering or sullen silence. Continually forced into the role of peacemaker and go-between by his parents, Lukas has grown weary of the constant tensions at home and spends as little time there as possible. He is, however, continually seeking some explanation for what is destroying his family - and determined to reverse the situation, if at all possible.
Writing Sample:
Nothing seemed to help. Not the stereo, not the tv - both of which were currently blaring away at full volume - not even practicing with his amp turned up to 10. Try as he might, Lukas was unable to drown out the angry, bitter voices of his parents. Even two floors away, the sound still reached him even through the electronic cacophony he'd tried to shield himself with.
"Damn house got better acoustics than Carnegie-fuckin'-Hall..." he muttered, rising from his bed to switch off the useless appliances.
Downstairs, the argument continued. Maman had, apparently temporarily run out of wind, so it was Pere's turn.
"You sold your soul, Anne-Marie!" he railed, "Sold it to that false-devil you worship - an' for what?"
"To keep food on the table an' a roof over your head!" Maman shrilled back, apparently not out of breath, after all. "You'n that no-count son of yours! Both of you be like birds of a feather, eh? Always drinkin', carousin', an' brawlin' - neither one of you good for a day's honest work!"
Stunned, Lukas gaped at the doorway, his cobalt eyes wide with hurt. Was that really what Maman thought of him? The woman he'd loved, worshipped, all his life? Did she really think he was a lazy, shiftless, good-for-nothing? Unshed tears stinging his eyelids, he moved to the door, slipping quietly out into the hallway, stealthily making his way downstairs, stopping on the second floor landing.
Now it was Pere's turn. "You promised you'd give it up!" he cried, anger and desperation making his normal soft, baritone voice creep up an octave. "You gave your word, Anne-Marie!"
Maman snorted her derision, "An' you promised you'd take care of me - an' any brats I bore you!" A harsh, bitter laugh floated up the stairwell to where Lukas stood listening, "Besides, I don't see you turnin' down the money I bring home when you wanna go fill your belly full of cheap booze, Zeke. No... then my money's more'n good 'nough for you!"
Several long seconds passed, then the sound of receding footsteps, followed by a doorslam echoed up the stairwell as Pere left the house. A few moments later, Maman once again uttered that unrecognizeable laugh, her lighter footsteps signifying her removal to another part of the house. Gripping the banister so tightly that his fingers had lost their feeling, Lukas hitched in a shaky breath. His whole world was falling apart, and he had no idea why, or how to fix it - if it could even be fixed, at this point.
Making his way unsteadily the rest of the way down the stairs, Lukas emerged into the now-empty foyer of his mother's Southern Gothic nightmare of a house, heading for the front door with only one thought on his mind. Sam. He had to get to Sam. Somehow, Sam would make it better, make the hurt of Maman's words go away. He wouldn't even have to tell his friend what had happened, but Sam would crack a joke, or ask his help in plotting some hare-brained prank that would land them both in detention for a week, and the world would seem normal again.
Slipping quietly through the front door, Lukas made his way down the familiar streets toward his friend's house. As he walked, he offered a fervent prayer - but not to either of the false gods his parents so devoutly believed in. Instead, Lukas prayed to the only thing he believed in: friendship.
"Sammy..." he murmured softly as his footsteps carried him ever nearer to his destination, "Please... be home now... I need you, budreau..."
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