Francis is originally from Yorvik, where the McDee's are fairly well-known for their glassware. Indeed, McDee Glass is considered by many to be the supplier of choice for alchemical glass equipment. Francis is somewhat older than many alchemists of a comparable level of training because he entered the profession fairly late. After a stint in the family business he was permitted to follow his wish to study alchemy formally, with the family's full support, at the Yorvik Alchemical Guild.
After an incident which he really, really would not prefer to discuss the Yorvik Guild decided that it would best if he pursued his training ... outside of the Guild. They considered that Ariane Tallis would be an ideal mentor for Francis and sent him to Grantabrugge. Fortunately for everyone, perhaps, Ariane accepted him as her apprentice.
And as more than her apprentice. Ariane and Francis were married on 12th May 1289 in the Temple of St John, and held a wedding reception in the Wessex Arms that evening. It was attended by lots of people - including St John Himself, who personally expressed His approval for their union. Francis is absurdly happy.
Francis is now formally a follower of St John. A few weeks before the wedding Ariane had pointed out to him that his own personal ethical standpoint closely matched the Johnite Strictures. This means that while he may not be paying much attention to St John, St John may be paying close attention to him. He initially found this a disquieting notion, but was becoming accustomed to it. Actually meeting St John in Person finalised the process.
Isn't that normal for the ex? ;-) --Pufferfish