Editing Maricella (section)

==Appearance==

Maricella is described in the novel primarily through her bearing, her rank, and her instrument. She is identified as Criada Velada Maricella, a senior tutor at Sometria, and is the only tutor there informed of Meg's true origins. She characteristically carries a strap — doubled up and gripped in her hand — which serves as both instructional tool and weapon. The novel gives little physical description beyond her role, her authoritative posture, and the strap that is rarely absent from her hand.

The reference photos show the following details not explicit in the novel text: light grey or pale blue eyes; an angular, long face with very high, sharp cheekbones and hollowed cheeks; a fair, pale complexion with visible ageing lines around the mouth and eyes, suggesting maturity; a lean build concealed by heavy robes. She wears a dark forest-green wool robe with two vertical lighter green bands running down the chest, and a matching thick hood draped around her head and neck as a cowl that completely conceals her hair. A large silver geometric pendant shaped like a recessed square with an abstract design hangs on a simple dark cord. In the primary portrait her expression is severe, stern, and unyielding, her mouth set in a tight flat line, standing upright and rigid with her arms crossed over her chest against a rustic stone wall. In the second portrait she holds a long, thin, dark brown leather strap loosely coiled in her right hand — the instrument of her trade — her expression cold, authoritative, and watchful against a dark gradient background.