Almon Descartes/Rasnarde

Rasnarde is an Alintean who appears in "Novels and Nightmares" under the guise of Almon Descartes. He was instrumental in freeing Rekel, a Taeski who later became Enoch Descartes.

Background
Rasnarde does not go into his background in great detail, save to say that he was a member of the Legion of Twilight's 5th Infiltration Regiment, Special Tactics Unit on Nihran. Other than that, all that is known about him is that he was staying on Altar for personal reasons when he decided to free Rekel. Aside from this, his past largely remains a mystery.

Appearance
Almon Descartes shares many similarities with Enoch (fitting, as they pose as brothers). He has black hair and gray eyes, like Enoch, but is taller and considerably more gaunt. Although athletic, his talents lie mostly in his keen mind and sharp eyes, as well as his ability to remain unnoticed. After losing his LifeMate, he becomes thin and frail, his hair falling out and his eyes losing any of their luster. When he is first seen, his body is wasting away and attached to multiple monitors. Enoch gives him daily injections, mostly niacin and potassium, to keep him from dying altogether while he tries to think of a plan to reunite them. Rasnarde, however, has given up hope.

Abilities
Other than abilities granted to him by his birth as an Alintean, Almon fights with a pair of Thunderfire knives brought with him to Earth. His skill with these is on par with some Senate Hunters, and his endurance and stamina are unmatched.

Personality
Rasnarde is a very dry individual, often sounding defeatist or melancholy. His realism often gets mistaken for pessimism, and he even falls into this with himself, refusing to go after his LifeMate because he deems it pointless. Rasnarde is very loyal, however, and despite his failing condition stubbornly clings to life because he does not want to leave Rekel stranded alone on Earth. Once more, despite being all but dead, Rasnarde is a fierce fighter with more determination than most, and can fight even while dying of LifeMate deprivation.