Do Not Stand At My Grave And Weep (PK)

[SophiaTsu 185]

4th of Snow's Maiden

Year 4 SA

 

-=+=-

 

 

   Lady Alli Ambrose Freysson laid in her bed, staring up at the ceiling. The green had consumed her skin, reaching all the way from under her eyes to her fingertips. She was sick, but not sure with what. Maybe this was just what happened after 95 years.

 

   She thought back to when she was a little girl in Haense, growing up to become a part of the Brotherhood. Her best friend and her shared a bunk bed, would go out drinking, just generally having a good time as teenagers. During an attack on Haense, Alli saw her friend get struck by an arrow and die on the floor. People trampled her body trying to escape the heavy fire. Alli’s hands flew to her mouth to cover a scream as she herself was dragged inside to be used as collateral damage later. 

(Alli "Amadeo" preparing for battle in Haense)

 

   Alli decided to leave Haense after that. She followed the road for as far as she could until her feet were calloused and her head was dizzy. She fell asleep on the road, right outside of the druids, only to be picked up and escorted to Ruswick by some passing criminals. There, she met the first love of her life, who taught her how to bandit and survive on her own. She was absolutely entranced with him and the life of living in an underground close-knit community. She remembered the turtles they used to grow, the nights playing chess at the casino. The blood and notes that were left behind when he was brutally murdered by vengeful enemies.

(Teenage Alli - by TSAL)

 

   Again, she ran. Another man who claimed to be her first-love’s comrade-in-arms took her to a completely new community, one where the setting was cold, but the people were warm. This was Lorraine. After two years and the leader’s disappearance, Alli’s husband, the man who had saved her, came into power. They moved to Rubern to protect themselves from the Great AIS vs ISA war, raising their two children with the help of her sister-in-law, Emilliene. Or, what most people called her, Yule.

(Alli and her family in Rubern)

 

   When Alli heard news of her husband’s death - killed in a marketplace in by Orenians - she packed up yet again and moved back to Lorraine. She was the only one left, her children Avian and Willow looking to her for guidance as they grew older. Luckily, Yule was there to assist yet again, bringing her own husband as well. It wasn’t long until Alli met and befriended Ser Jolfrey, who helped her move the cattle from the stronghold to the new farm. He helped her introduce new people to Darrowmere, the renamed and completely changed Lorraine. This was around the time that Avian left to continue his academics. Willow followed not long after with his adopted son. He was eventually killed in Haense, leaving a suicide note behind for his family.

(Adult Alli - by Arron)

 

   The King of Norland, who had changed ruling while Alli was gone, employed the Grand Architect to rebuild what was lost. After years of strain and construction, the walls of the fort were raised and protective of the small town inside. Alli remembers gazing over the groups of people who settled below her balcony. By this time, Yule had passed and her husband had vanished, leaving her only biological child to fend for herself. Her name was Athri. 

 

   Alli was now in her 40’s and antsy to find purpose to her life. She went off to the halflings, walking through Brandybrook with a smile as the citizens loaded into boats and sold fresh bread at their shops. She wandered through the dwarven territory, amazed by the architecture lining the walls, the depths of the cavern and the communication between leadership and commonfolk. It all reminded her of what used to be Ruswick, now just a flooded cavern.

 

   While Alli was travelling, she realized that her stomach had started swelling. She contacted the man who she assumed had to be the father, and he promptly moved into Darrowmere to help raise the child. Unfortunately, he soon fell ill and passed, leaving her behind to parent alone yet again. Around this time, with Alexios swaddled and held tightly to her chest, Alli adopted the Maddox-clan (Cain, Asher, and Avern) and Estelle, who was just a young girl when she became a part of the family. 

 

   Years after, with Cain Maddox and Estelle Ambrose settled down with their own individual families, Avern killed by his estranged sister, and Jolfrey and Asher taking care of the family, Alli once again met a man who had caught her interest. This one was...fun, to say the least. Unlike the others had been. He was relaxed and concerned for her and her family. He cracked jokes and cruised in a wheelchair. He was loved by everyone for exactly how crazy he was. At the ripe age of 90, Alli fell pregnant once again to twins; Vera and Vane.

(Alli and Olaf's wedding)

 

   The world was thrown into chaos by Great Evils, forcing Norland to escape on their boats just like everyone else. On the new land everyone had settled upon, Alli grew more depressed. She walked the trails of Leumont with a hunched back and weary expression. She smiled at her children with empty eyes and half of a heart. She was...empty. A shell of what she once was. Her husband treated her well and made sure to take care of her, but something felt off to her. She was convinced he was like the rest of them, the rest of the blood-thirsty men in her life who went off to destroy and pillage and die.

 

   Ser Jolfrey was called into the room, left alone to grieve when Alli let go of her last breath. Her eyes fluttering closed, a small smile playing along her chapped lips, Lady Alli Ruse Ambrose Freysson finally stopped running and decided to rest.

 

The following are letters that Alli requested Jolfrey to write before she die. 

 

Spoiler

To Estelle,

My first daughter, beautiful and smart in every sense. I am the proudest mama when it comes to you, my dear. You are stronger than you give yourself credit for. During my entire life, I never quite mastered the balance between love for others and love for myself. I pray to the Gods that you never come to face this. Continue to be yourself, dove. And be unapologetic when you do.

 

Spoiler

To Cain,

My son with the strongest of wills and the bravest of hearts. It is wonderful to watch you parent your children, learning from my mistakes as well as your own. I'm sure you will make a lovely husband, as you were before. You may have been a pain in my arse, but you reminded me that life gets better and that I can always improve. Remember: think before you speak. Plan before you act.

Spoiler

To Asher,

The responsible one of the family, by far (and we all know that you know it, too). Remember to prioritize your academics before supporting the family - you don't want to end up like me, old and illiterate. Continue to hold on to your beliefs and put yourself first. I know how much you care, and I know how hard it is to say no. But, dove, you must. And there is nothing cowardly about it.

Spoiler

To Alexios,

The odds of you being born were small, but I count my blessings everyday that I have you in my life. I'm afraid that you've inherited my dislike of change and habit of running away from responsibility. Your father and I were planning to leave you Darrowmere after we passed, but that seems to be insignificant now. Adventure, if you must. Find the love of your life. But please, do not run away. My heart has ached too many times for those I have lost. Please do not add to my pain and disappear.

Spoiler

To Athri,

As timid but powerful as your mother was. I wish that you were able to have known her better, but all I can tell you is what I recall of her. 

She was haunted by something. There was always a cloud that followed her and conflict that would clash when she entered a room. But she was one of the most selfless people I have ever met in my life, and she never quite got the credit she absolutely deserved. You are the striking image of her, even with the shorter hair and the swimsuits. Do what she could not and give yourself credit if no one else does. Acknowledge your greatness. Strive with your flaws and potentials.

Spoiler

To Queen Ancelie and King Halvar of Norland,

Thank you for your hard work and efforts throughout my time in Norland. I know how much responsibility your leadership must be, but know that you are role-models when it comes to handling the pressures. King Halvar, as a young boy, you would always be running around, coming to our tavern to socialize with the people and settle disputes. I would always smile when I saw you walk through the gates, knowing that we were in good hands. Since then, I have hardly seen you. Please, come visit the people more often. We miss you. 

As for Queen Ancelie, your dedication is admirable. I know of a few circumstances in your private life, and as a woman, I applaud you for your brave face. Remember to drink water and rest when you're tired - you can't help anyone if you're sick or weary.

Spoiler

To Bertrath,

My drinking buddy and the only Freysson that I felt ever really understood me. You visited me in Talons when no one else did. You slayed a frostwitch. You are the heart and soul of how much better Norland can be, how much better we all can be. Please, continue to spread hope. Continue to grow and lift others up with you. I hope I won't see you again too soon.

Spoiler

To Ban,

Don't be an ass and stop lying.

Also, remember to be level-headed and keep an eye on your cousins Cain and Asher; no funny-business. Congratulations on your family!

Spoiler

To Avian,

I know that you're still out there, somewhere. My firstborn. My truest heartbreak. Please come home. I'll give your brother Willow a talking to in the afterlife.

Spoiler

To my dear Olaf,

Being with you has been eye-opening. You are the best man that I have entered a relationship with so far. You are so giving and kind, even when I think that you are going to be upset or react differently. But something dangerous is inside of you. And it scares me. The constant greed at the expense of others is hard to watch. The days when we just sit quietly in the marketplace, I can see it behind your eyes; the dissatisfaction with you are and what you have. 

I'm sorry that I died without dragging you along with me. But I couldn't wait another day on this plane of existence where there is this much suffering.

Spoiler

To Vera,

Look to your older sister Estelle and your cousin Athri for guidance, for only they can understand. Do not make the same mistakes that I unfortunately made. Your brothers Cain and Asher have the best intention in their hearts, so trust them to help you learn how to survive. Uncle Jolfrey will be a father to you. I do not trust Olaf anymore, not with my lineage. Run.

Spoiler

To Vane,

I fret that you're too much like your father. If you decide to stay and be raised by strangers, please remember how much of a miracle you are to be alive. Remember to keep your wits about you and your temperament in check. I will miss you an incredible amount - not being able to teach you and Vera to stay out of war and politics of the such is my greatest regret. I hope that you are able to find home with your Ambrose family, who love you just as much as I do. I am so sorry.

Spoiler

To Norland,

We are stronger together than we are apart.

I have been through...many problems in my life. And this statement has always rang true. Our friends are our allies. Our enemies are misunderstood. On my deathbed, I forgive Oren for taking my son Willow and my husband away from me. Know that you are able to achieve greatness with communication and consideration. Without this, we are a nation of thoughtless imps.

Spoiler

Alli looked over to Jolfrey, her eyes welling with tears. "An' ye were de best af all," she said, stretching her limp hand across the bed so that he may take hold of it. "Ye were one af me sons, jus' like' de rest. T'ank ye kindly, love. I'm proud af ye."

-=+=-

[jolfrey 155]

"Alli, no!" Jolfrey is flooded with grief as Alli takes her last breath. He urgently tries to check her pulse for any sign of living, holding back his tears. After five minutes of silently sobbing, Jolfrey tries to regain his composure, realizing he should not weep and rather rejoice that she led a full life. "You will never be forgotten, Alli Ambrose Freysson. Your name will be remembered by generations to come. Your honor will be preserved and revered." 

"I love you, Dear Alli. Thank you"

[kuerbis 3802]

Thea's eyes widened upon hearing about the passing of her old friend. A pained groan escaped the woman who was now bound to the world once more. She stepped about the library, her head faintly shaking as  she managed to force the words; "Had I only taken better care of that woman and her children, as I promised. I suppose, in a way, Oathbreaker is a decent byname for me, after all..."

[sarahbarah 7110]

Ancelie looks upon the missive with misty eyes, resting it upon her desk as she had read over it. Fondly, she recalls her early memories of Darrowmere and her first interactions with Alli. She smiles, despite her tear-stained cheeks, and neatly folds the letter up- storing it away for safe-keeping, so that she could return to the well-needed reminders when she'd need to. "All Father guide ye, Alli," She solemnly declared in the stark silence of the Varhelm Palace.

[SophiaTsu 185]

27 minutes ago, Fiiieee said:

Thea's eyes widened upon hearing about the passing of her old friend. A pained groan escaped the woman who was now bound to the world once more. She stepped about the library, her head faintly shaking as  she managed to force the words; "Had I only taken better care of that woman and her children, as I promised. I suppose, in a way, Oathbreaker is a decent byname for me, after all..."

Spoiler

Alli looks down upon Thea kindly. "Ye always burdened yeself wit' too much. I fergive ye fer et all."

 

[growingivy 3382]

A blindfolded, pale elf opened up her arms for Alli. Yule Onfroi stood there, shrouded in red robes. "Come on, give me a hug! It can't have been that long... right?" The long gone elf said, seeming to have little knowledge of what time had passed since her own demise.

 

Athri stood within the city of Talon's Port, or what was there at the moment as it was being built. She soon walked off into the surrounding woodland, not sure how to feel about her aunts death.

[SophiaTsu 185]

39 minutes ago, neoroseo said:

A blindfolded, pale elf opened up her arms for Alli. Yule Onfroi stood there, shrouded in red robes. "Come on, give me a hug! It can't have been that long... right?" The long gone elf said, seeming to have little knowledge of what time had passed since her own demise.

 

Athri stood within the city of Talon's Port, or what was there at the moment as it was being built. She soon walked off into the surrounding woodland, not sure how to feel about her aunts death.

Spoiler

Alli chuckled, meeting Yule in a big hug. She felt lighter. Calmer. "Et's been long enough, siste'."

She was home.

 

[kal 170]

Estelle couldn't help the tears forming in her eyes as she read over the letter from Alli. Her voice was shaky, trying not to let the sobs escape with her words, "I'll make yeh proud Ma. I promise. I'll try my damn best. Rest well." She wiped at her eyes in an attempt to force the tears away. Estelle stored the letter away, it was time for her to help Leumont and keep her ma's name remembered.

[SophiaTsu 185]

On 12/23/2020 at 6:20 PM, PastaSurprise said:

Avern, previously a ghost but finally in the Seven Skies after he burned himself with Aurum to off himself. Would silently look at Alli, him still wearing the blood-covered outfit he died in with him wearing a blindfold due to him being a Seer at his death. "At this point I don't even care anymore, I've seen to much.." He'd say mumbling, walking away from Alli.

Spoiler

Alli looks sadly at her fallen son. "I've missed ye, Avern..." she says, watching as he walks away in gloom. Although she's already dead, her heart cracks a little more as he starts to fade from sight.

 

[Melpomenne 2032]

“Gramma!” the young Camille exclaims upon seeing her grandmother enter the seven skies. At that, the mali runs towards Alli, hugging her tightly. “I’ve missed ya’!”

[SophiaTsu 185]

4 hours ago, minty_roses said:

“Gramma!” the young Camille exclaims upon seeing her grandmother enter the seven skies. At that, the mali runs towards Alli, hugging her tightly. “I’ve missed ya’!”

Spoiler

Alli grinns widely, arms open to give the child a much deserved hug. "I've missed ye, too. Now, gramma can spend tim' wit' ye without interruption!" She would peck Camille on the forehead lovingly and then proceed to introduce her to her great Auntie Yule.

 

[Spoopy_Duck 3219]

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