HARPER, LARK MARIE

FULL NAME Lark Marie Harper

NICKNAMES L, Alouette (Josh only), Larkita (Nell only), any others you can come up with.

DATE OF BIRTH August 21st

AGE Eighteen

GRADE/YEAR Twelfth

ELEMENT Fire

SEXUALITY Heterosexual

MARITAL STATUS Taken (Ashton Raleigh)

CELEBRITY CLAIM Amanda Crew

EYE COLOUR Dark brown

HAIR COLOUR Dark brown, almost black

HEIGHT & WEIGHT 5'7" and 140 lbs.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES Tattoo of a dragon on right shoulder blade that rides down her side, the tail resting near her hip, tribal tattoo on her opposite shoulder, a nose piercing, and an industrial in her left ear.

CLOTHING STYLE Lark likes to keep it casual and comfortable. She loves her jeans and t-shirts, and her Converse and Vans though any type of tennis shoe is okay with her. If she does go simpler, she enjoys cargo shorts over jean shorts because they are loose and easy to move in, and of course tank tops. In the winter it's hoodies, beanies, and any other means to stay warm (she is quite the fan of boots too). She's not a fan of dressing up but if the occasion calls for it she'll wear whatever suits the required attire. High heels are a no go if avoidable because she lacks any ounce of grace in them.

POSITIVE TRAITS

• SOCIAL :: Although she does not keep a lot of people close or talk about her life with just any random stranger, she is talkative enough to chat about the weather or whatever random subjects she or her conversation partner can come up with. If she's not in a talkative mood, she'll make it obvious.
  
• LOYAL :: Once you're a friend, you're pretty much a friend for life unless you give her a reason to turn her back. She does not have a multitude of friends but those that manage to reach that level with her are people she won't let go of if she can help it.
  
• HUMOR :: It can be a bit dry and often times very sarcastic, but she loves a good laugh and believes that it truly is one of the best medicines.
  
• FOCUSED :: It can be extremely hard to divert her from whatever it is that she is doing, whether it be her job or other menial tasks. She can procrastinate but when her mind is set, it's set.
  
• DRIVEN :: Since a young age, Lark has always had a drive to prove herself. Sometimes it can lead her to do stupid things but if it means saying "See? This is what I'm capable of." then she'll do it.
  
• LAID BACK :: She tends to go with the flow. She likes to make her own decisions and take charge if necessary but if she's there to have fun she tends to simply let things happen.
  
• PROTECTIVE :: The people that are on that short list of friends fall under her immediate protection, whether they ask for it or not. It's an automatic response to feel defensive over those she loves and cares about.
  
• ACCEPTING :: Lark is not really judgmental. She believes that people live their lives the way they do for a reason and she has enough to deal with in her life than to waste it on people she does not even know. Her family are the only exception to this.
  
• TOUGH :: Physically, emotionally, and mentally. That doesn't mean she's a solid rock one hundred percent of the time; no, if the situation is bad enough she will wear down quickly. Family drama tends to cause the most trouble in this area. Only friends really witness any of her down times.
  
• CONFIDENT :: If she knows how to do something, or feels like she is able to accomplish something, there are no second guesses or doubts. Complements and the like are always nice to hear but she does not need it to thrive or feel good about her achievements and talents.
  
• INDEPENDENT :: Although Lark enjoys having her friends around her, she does not need them to do things for her or need them to be around twenty-four seven. In fact, doing things on her own is preferred so that she can show how capable she truly is.
  

NEGATIVE TRAITS

• TEMPER :: Bottom line: she is a hot head. Sometimes even the smallest things can set her off, and it doesn't always make sense. When she's angry, it normally doesn't matter if you are friend or foe, she tends not to hold back and will not hesitate to tell you exactly what's on her mind. She's not afraid to throw a punch, either, if she feels it's necessary.
  
• DISTANT :: She doesn't like to allow people to come too close. She'll keep you at arm's length for a while before letting you in, and even then her past and any possible insecurities are hardly (if ever) revealed unless she feels she can fully trust you not to exploit weakness. This keeps her friend circle small but she likes it that way.
  
• SARCASTIC :: Can have a severely biting tongue. Sometimes this is used to be funny, and other times it's simply to be a bitch if she does not like you. More often than not close friends can tell a difference but others not so much.
  
• INTIMIDATING :: Lark does not even try to be (most of the time). They always tell her she looks angry when she doesn't smile, even when she's fine, and has an air about her that says 'don't fuck with me'. Silently she relishes in the way she's managed to portray herself.
  
• HARD-HEADED :: Likes to live life her own way, hates admitting to defeat, doesn't like to admit when she needs help. Simple as that. It can be a burden but that's how she's always been.
  
• MISTRUSTING :: It takes Lark a long time to learn that someone can be worth trusting, and in some cases it takes extreme incidents that prove said someone is trustworthy. There have been a couple of exceptions to the rule but it's rare. It doesn't mean she won't consider friendship, she'll simply keep things very surface-based, which a lot of people tend to take offense.
  
• INSENSITIVE :: Not that she tries to be. Most times she doesn't quite tune in to the needs/wants/emotions of others, especially strangers and acquaintances. If someone points it out or it's obvious (injuries, falling over from exhaustion, etc.) then she'll notice but she's not very intuitive overall.
  
• RECKLESS :: If she feels something to be right, she will sometimes make rash, last minute decisions that could be potentially dangerous. This goes along with the "driven" aspect of her personality, so it definitely has pros and cons.
  
• GUARDED :: Keeps her problems to herself almost all of the time unless she feels completely safe with you. She doesn't like to display her weaknesses to others for fear they will be exploited. She tends to bottle things up because of this, which isn't healthy.
  
• SECLUDED :: She is social when around others but enjoys the solitude when offered to her. She does not need to be out socializing all of the time to survive.
  
• SPITEFUL :: Telling her she can't do something, or assuming that she is something she's not is probably not a good idea. She'll do things just to piss you off, to prove a point, to make a statement if she has to. But mostly to piss people off.
  

LIKES

• MUSIC ** It's her passion, something she can't be without.
  
• GUITAR ** Self taught, has been playing for five years.
  
• FRIENDS ** Who doesn't like their friends?
  
• HUMOR ** She loves to laugh, and to make others laugh.
  
• LICORICE ** The black kind. Not that cherry shit.
  
• OMLETS ** With peppers and hot sauce. No other way to eat one.
  
• FIRE ** It is her element, after all. She likes the power behind it.
  
• HAMBURGERS ** The chick loves her beef.
  
• TIMMIE'S ** Good memories and doughnuts.
  
• SUMMER ** She thrives the best during the hottest time of the year.
  
• T-SHIRTS ** Usually ones with band names on them. She has quite the assortment.
  
• SURFING ** She fears drowning but loves surfing anyway.
  
• ALCOHOL ** Vodka, preferably, though any hard liquor is okay.
  
• SOCCER ** The only sport she really enjoys, and is good at aside from surfing.
  
• HIKING ** A good time to get away from life for a while and relax.
  
• CARDS ** Poker, slaps, spades, hearts, you name it she'll play it.
  
• WEAPONS ** Enjoys knives and guns, though she doesn't really own either one.
  

DISLIKES

• RAIN ** She prefers sunny days.
  
• WINTER ** Simple: it's cold as fuck.
  
• CROWDS ** For a while she's okay but after a while it's just a nuisance.
  
• COFFEE ** She prefers soda if she needs caffeine.
  
• LIARS ** You won't be kept around for long if you try and pull the wool over her eyes.
  
• BULLIES ** Her childhood was full of them. No thanks.
  
• ART ** The drawing kind, because she's not good at it.
  
• BEING TICKLED ** A past incident in middle school ruined any fun.
  
• DARK ENCLOSED SPACES ** Another past incident in middle school also induced this fear.
  
• PILLS ** Doesn't like taking them.
  
• HOLIDAYS ** Her family ruined any potential enjoyment.
  
• RECEIVING GIFTS ** It bothers her, as they aren't necessary.
  
• MOST FEMALES ** She just gets along better with guys. Some girls are epic though.
  
• SHOPPING ** Simply not a thing.
  
• ICE CREAM ** Just never got into it.
  
• BUGS ** Most of them, in general, creep her out.
  
• LOSING ** She's competitive and likes to win.
  
  

STRENGTHS

• INDEPENDENT :: She does best when she does things for herself, and by herself. Dislikes depending on others, if she can avoid it.
  
• FOCUSED :: Once set on a certain track, she has a very hard time straying from the path until her goals have been completed.
  
• BRAVE :: Every human has their fears, but Lark is able to put on a good front; a brave face, if you will. It would take a lot to shake her and show someone she is scared of something.
  

WEAKNESSES

• STUBBORN :: Due to her focus and independence, she does not like to admit to defeat, admit needing help, or listen to others if she feels she is right.
  
• TEMPER :: This can get her into a lot of trouble, and can be quite the downfall if someone steps on her toes or says something to set her off. No one is immune to her outbursts of rage, really.
  
• APATHETIC :: Often times Lark becomes oblivious to the needs and emotions of others, unless they tell her directly what is going on. Even then she comes across quite aloof and uncaring because she is not always sure how to handle emotions.
  

FEARS

• Drowning
  
• Darkness (especially enclosed spaces like closets)
  
• Losing loved ones
  

BEST MEMORY Switching sides. The action itself was not the most memorable but the after effects gave her so much she cherishes. She gets to be close to her best friend again (no more hiding), she has her boyfriend, and her circle of friends feels more sturdy and steadfast than it ever had before. She has people she can trust, and that's something she wants to hold on to for a long time. So essentially her best memory is a cluster of small, happy memories that are hard to place in a particular order of best to semi-decent.

WORST MEMORY The night she watched her house burn down. Yet another fight with Frank that went further South than she could have ever imagined, his fiery drunken rage setting their home ablaze and turning it to nothing but rubble. She lost her surfboard, her guitars, all of her favorite memorabilia. Most of her memories of Frank she piles into the file of "worst memories", but this one managed to take the cake.

LONG-TERM GOAL She looks forward to graduating from highschool and starting her college career so she can move forward with her music. She hopes to teach what she loves, both in the classroom and through lessons.

MOTHER Paula Marie Harper (50), Bank Clerk.

FATHER Frank Ryan Harper (54), International Business Negotiator.

SIBLINGS Carter Lewis Harper (2), None.

OTHER Marianne Julia Harper, Grandmother (Deceased)

HISTORY Lark was born to her parents, Paula and Frank Harper on August 21st, 1995 on the beautiful island of Oahu, Hawaii. For the first eight years of her life she lived on this paradise of an island, completely unaware of what lurked deep inside of her. When she was six, her parents encouraged her to begin surfing--a lot of their family were surfers, and decided it was never too early to get the girl on a board and see what she thought of the whole experience. They took her to Waikiki beach for her surfing lessons every week, and by the time she turned eight she made the jump and attempted a group surf at North Shore. The waves were not as high that day, but it was a rush none the less. She won several competitions between those years, and life was good.

Then, her father's business decided to open up shop in Canada. He dealt with a lot of international business deals, but his boss wanted him to move out with the new set up in British Columbia. The pay would be higher, and the benefits outweighed the negatives. Before Lark turned nine, and against her will was packed up and put on a plane towards Canada. No more warm beaches, no more surfing, no nothing. Her life changed drastically. When they got settled in, Lark took to doing things by herself. She was angry with her parents, and as time went on more and more frustration and resentment built up within her. School was awful, she had very few friends (though most of the time she preferred it that way) and others picked on her for her lisp and the fact that she was "new". Typical kid behavior. Within the first year or so of living in the Hollow she met Joshua, one of the first and only people who ever stood up for her during that time. All it took was a few boys on the playground picking on her for Lark to come face to face with her future best friend. For the first time the girl did not feel entirely alone. At her request, he even taught her how to fight.

Due to her attitude and short fuse, however, she got in quite a few fights when she hit middle school. Her parents assumed it was because she was acting out due to the move, but in reality Lark was the brunt of a few school bullies (both male and female alike). One of them locked her in a janitor's closet in the dark, and it took a few hours before anyone opened the door to find her in the corner of the small room curled up in a ball. Another tickled her to the point where she wet her pants in front of the entirety of the students in the hallway at the time, making her a laughing stock. After a while she remained on the defensive, ready to protect herself if necessary. As time went on, Lark had changed into quite the different person.

When she turned fourteen, life began to take another dramatic twist that she was not even close to being prepared for. School started a few weeks after her birthday, and they had a science lab first thing in the morning. They partnered up with their year-long partner--Lark was, to her dismay, paired up with a preppy blonde cheerleader who was consistently degrading her and passing along snide comments. This went on for a few months, Lark arguing with her consistently, until one fateful morning when her partner decided to spill some of the chemicals. The girl instantly blamed Lark, saying how klutzy she was and began laughing and calling her names. Without warning, while the class was distracted with their laughter, the beaker next to the blonde began to boil--the flame beneath it had increased greatly in size, heating the chemicals up rapidly. Before anyone knew what was happening, a loud BANG echoed through the hall, and within minutes students were rushing out of the room covering their faces, trying to escape the mayhem. Once the coast was clear, Lark pushed a window open and jumped out, making way for her home. She thought she was safe.

Her parents did not question her, and no one at school was able to guess who it was that left the chemicals on the burner too long. Lark would carry a smug grin on her face as she passed by the room, unaware of what she had really done. After a few weeks, things seemed to settle down. That was, until she got home one day to find a strange man sitting in the living room with her parents. The man told her who he was, and told Lark the shocking news of her special ability--apparently they had been watching the school with hawk eyes for quite a while, wondering when someone would use their ability recklessly. Lark happened to be one of them. Her parents finally admitted to being Fire elementals at this time, but claimed they hid it from her for her own safety. Lark was angry, and tried to leave, but it was in vain. The man told her that coming to the academy would be a way to harness her powers and become a strong elemental, which the girl found very intriguing. She packed her things and headed for the academy, not afraid to turn her back on her parents after what they did to her.

Near the middle of the school year, she moved back into the house with her parents; it was a decision she regrets now but at the time being at school was not really much of a walk in the park and preferred to deal with her parents than be at the school. The house was peaceful for a time before she came home one day to find out that her mother had cheated on Frank with another man. He wanted to file for divorce, and Paula had every intention of leaving for Hawaii within the week. She tried to drag her daughter along, said that it would be for the best, but Lark knew she couldn't leave the Academy nor walk away from her best friend even if they were on opposite sides of the alliances. Despite her mother's best efforts, the school managed to convince Paula that Lark was where she needed to be considering her powers and the woman left for Hawaii. Family life was now officially shattered and Lark was not quite sure where to go with any of it. Of course, it did not take long for Frank to spiral himself out of control. He started to drink and neglect his daughter. Fine by her. She was so bitter towards her parents in general that after a while she just allowed it to happen.

Even so she was still torn at school. Her closest friend was considered an enemy, someone she could not spend time with freely without people passing accusatory glares. Josh had been there through it all, and she hated that their conversations had to remain off the record. It was not long before she finally decided that her quality of life would improve on the other side, and after discussing things with the Ashton, the Earth leader at the time, she managed to make the transition to the opposite alliance. She displayed her new loyalty with the Earths and Waters in a fight in the mess hall against a group of older Fires, her best friend standing right next to her. It was an exhilarating feeling and not once has she regretted her choice. Soon she started dating Ashton as well. Life at home with Frank was not improving--in fact he had become physically abusive--but she tried to overlook that in hopes things would improve and instead focused on friends and boyfriend. For the most part it worked out okay and incidents at home were easily overlooked...that was, until one of their fights went incredibly wrong.

He was angry as usual, no surprise to anyone who knew what was going on (which was only Josh at the time). For whatever reason the argument escalated quickly and before Lark could properly react her father had unleashed his anger in balls of fiery fury. He was drunk and unable to control himself or his powers, and in time the house was up in flames. She managed to get out herself but was unable to rescue her father, and had to wait for the firemen to arrive before they could do anything about his predicament. Death was knocking at his door. Thankfully they managed to save him in time but it left him with plenty of scars. The only positive outcome was that he finally decided to take charge of his chaotic life and go into rehab to sort through his problems. Lark lost a great deal of personal items in the fire and still holds grudges against her father that will probably never be let go, but she was glad that he at least chose to fix his issues. He only has a few more months of rehab before he is released but Lark has no intentions of living with him again. In fact, when she gets up enough money (which should be soon), she wants to get her own place and start living her own life. It's too bad Paula decided to return to Canada, and not only brought herself but Lark's half-brother, Carter.

YOUR NAME Polaris

YOUR AGE 24

RP EXPERIENCE 11 years

HOW'D YOU FIND US? Caution 2.0

SECRET WORD Correct

RP SAMPLE

A long night. The music was loud and relentless, its deep bass leaving a ringing in the ear that lasted for at least a full twenty-four hours, and by then it started all over again. Drunk people sloshing their drinks all over the floor, laughter echoing all over the room...it was any sane person's nightmare. Who knew how many times they had to be picked up off of the dance floor and thrown off into a corner somewhere to sleep it off, or until their buddies took them home? Some have even died from alcohol poisoning. Nothing abnormal though; the idiots would be up to their eyeballs in it every day of the week if that was possible. With a heavy, tired sigh, a raven haired girl ran her hands through her hair as she stood on the station platform awaiting the train home.

I'm not going to get home until 3 AM at this rate... She grumbled to herself as her fingers ran over the money wad in the front pocket of her jeans. Although the weariness was a negative side effect, it did not surpass the joy of carrying a good night's worth of tips. Soon she would be able to go and fall into her bed, such a welcomed thing. Silently she observed the platform, watching people come and go. Such ignorance, they did not even know they were in the presence of a shifter. Lark Marie Kealoha was definitely not your average female, for she was indeed one of the most hated creatures in this city. The damned gene mutated within her, and it lurked in her shadow every day. Lucky for her, the contacts dimmed down the obvious shifter marking, and she lived her life in peace...for now.

Eventually the train to take her home approached them at a great speed, the winds in the tunnel refreshing. Maybe getting home late was not too big of a deal; after all, work was not for a couple more days, and the night time was her time. Silence. Serenity. Well, almost. As the doors hissed open Lark pushed her way into the train, her thin frame easy to fit between the larger people who hustled around her. Most avoided her though, for a girl wearing khaki cargo shorts and a black tank top was not exactly what they deemed "socially acceptable". Fuck them. Once the area cleared she found a seat by herself near the end of the train, her satchel thumping into the chair beside her. After five stops she would be home free, and away from the world. That's how Lark liked it, and that's how it would always be. No one could hurt you, and the world was infinitely safer without others around. Although no one ever mentioned that being alone made you just as miserable...

With a sigh she pressed her forehead against the window, reflection staring back at her. Who needs anyone else?