THE HEART OF ITHACUS
Aria Aetos is one of the protagonist characters of Daughter of Ithacus.
As the younger adopted daughter of Empress Cassandra Aetos, and sister of Artemis, Aria has always lived in the shadow of expectations she cannot—and will not—fulfill. While her mother built a legacy through military might and alliance with the Galactic Peace Federation, Aria finds her strength in art and diplomacy, much to her mother's disappointment. In a society that prizes warriors, her refusal to embrace Ithacus' martial traditions has marked her as an outlier among her peers.
Aria's radical vision for Ithacus—one of independence from the Federation's colonial grip and a return to their cultural roots—has made her both a symbol of hope and a target for criticism. While others see the Federation's patronage as a source of strength, she recognizes it as another form of subjugation, watching her proud civilization become merely enforcers for a greater power.
When she discovered Agrius Areius' plans to weaponize the Aether core research for military use, Aria informed Troy Vulcan of the impending threat and arranged for the bounty hunter Remi to help him escape with the Aether Core. Now, with her mother's health failing and Agrius' influence growing, Aria must navigate treacherous political waters alone. Despite the trials set before her to prove her worth as a leader, she remains determined to forge a path to peace, even if it means emulating what she hated about her mother.
Aria Aetos is a 5'6" Ithacian woman with a graceful presence. Her beauty is striking, often drawing the attention of admirers and suitors alike. She has dark brown skin, brown eyes, and thick, coily hair. Her hair is usually styled in stich braids that cascade down her back. The ends of her braids are bleached and adorned with beads and delicate silver jewelry. Her ears are pierced, and she wears elegant hoop earrings.
Aria’s style is feminine and refined, always reflecting the dignity of House Aetos. She is often seen in robes, dresses, and coats in shades of blue that represent her house. Along with light make-up, Aria wears silver jewelry—bracelets, necklaces, and rings.