Bain, Ellen

Ellen Francesca Bain (1894 NLT - ) was born in the 'Nodian city of Boston, Massachusetts, shortly before her father, Chronicus Bain, mysteriously disappeared on an overseas business trip. Determined to find her errant husband, Ellen's mother, Rachaella Bain (nee Nitwinder) took Ellen and her two sisters abroad. The family wandered through a Gri'xian portal during a self-led (and wholly unauthorized) tour of a French vinyard. Ever the pragmatist, Rachaella decided that her daughters would benefit from a period of stability, and the family settled for a time in Wezzyde.   In her formative years, Ellen attended the Meryl Blightwood Elementary Academy before moving on to Wezzion High School. The change was a bit of a culture shock for her, as none of the other students could perform a proper handshake, let alone use the correct fork for the correct course during lunch hour. This whole experience inspired her to seek a career in academia.   She graduated with honors from Gri'x University, where she received a PhD in Education as well as a master's degree in Library Sciences with a minor in Dimensional Geography.   Her first teaching position was at Siglee Elementary School, though she ran afoul of the Phulton Street Neighborhood Association when she insisted on filling out the half-year report cards to reflect the students' actual abilities rather than their levels of self-esteem. Aspersions on her moral character were cast, and the Neighborhood Association drummed her out after but one year.   Node War I broke out then, though, and Ellen put her career on hold to serve with the Knights of Agamus' Lantern Lodge Brigade. She attained the rank of Master Sergeant in the Information Acquisition branch.   It was during the Battle of Santa Pez that Ellen met Captain Bellamy Flange, a dashing pilot from the Kentwood Interdimensional Airport Bomber Squad. They fell in love, and when the war had ended, they lived together in Santa Pez for a brief, memorable time.   Eventually they both came to realize that they were ill-suited for the quiet, domestic life, as they preferred intrigue and adventure as a seasoning for their affections. Ellen, eager to resume her academic career, remained in Santa Pez, while Captain Flange flew off to the next assignment. (Captain Flange still comes around whenever possible, though, and Ellen's heart flutters just as strongly every time.)   Ms. Bain (for that is what most respectful people call her these days) is the proprietress of Bain’s Boutique, which itself is a front for Bain’s Academy, a charm school and training center for young gentlefolk who aspire to become polite assassins and warriors.