NO ALLY BUT SERVITUDE [PK]

[TheIchorDruid 1986]

 

 

NO ALLY BUT SERVITUDE

 

 

Justice will never gain you favour, none at all.
For any foundations built, will slowly crumble and erode into dust.
Until all that is left, is the quiet silence of a darkened office knowing you served
your duty - Ophelia Aubert néé Wick, circa 1803.

 

An evening so bitterly cold was the eve’ Ophelia was birthed, kicking and screaming whilst a frantic mother held tightly upon her two babes. Two twins, Oskar and Ophelia van Wick, infants whom would only ever know their existence of bastards - unloved and unwanted. The first cruelty they’d come to learn of within their fifth summer. Ophelia grew to only ever know the suffering of the realms, witnessing the life of her mother taken at five, then swiftly separated from her counterhalf, her brother, to be ushered to her father’s care. There was a hope, a new homeland and an opportunity to discard that phantom mourning that no child should have ever needed to shoulder. 

 

Though, from the moment she drew her first breath, Ophelia was damned to only ever know the sting of cruelty. Thus she carried such baggage, her weight sluggish and her eyes heavy. Such the fate most befitting of a Wick. 

 

Yet this damned girl grew, she learned to love, laugh and thrive. Many thought her lost, useless, completely incapable of becoming anything more than her  birthright - a bastard. However Ophelia paved her own path, she rose above the tethers and became more than any would have ever perceived. She became a friend, an ally, a wife and a mother.

 

These days, she had achieved greatly in station - the title of Solicitor General offered an incredible sense of pride within the young woman to be permitted to serve both Emperor and country, yet behind closed doors she mourned for the sacrifices drawn to be lost amongst the  binds of duty. Ophelia, having found a fleeting happiness had quickly lost it as abruptly as it came. Within the looming darkness of her office, where paranoia and anxieties crippled her, a hurried boy entered the woman’s office - evidently nervous as he brought forth a letter. 

 

“Ma’am, a letter arrived for you. Shall I leave it upon your desk?” His voice murmured quietly, before his footing continued onward upon the beckoning of the Solicitor General’s gesture. 

 

The young boy extended the parchment toward Ophelia as her tired eyes lifted to meet his own.

“Go home child, I shall be working into the evening.” Ophelia grumbled as she proceeded to read the contents of the parchment, her gaze lingering upon its pages “Assure to close the door behind you.” She added shortly after before quickly rising upon her feet and slipping the paper into a pocket. 

 

Without much questioning, the young boy dipped his head and made haste to exit the office - the latter sound of a clicking lock merely breaking the looming quietness of the room. 

 

“Almost two years..” Was all she whispered, bringing a cloak over her shoulders as the cowl hung over her eyes. Ophelia, unlike her usual behaviour, slipped out into the quiet evening of Providence and began a long journey. 

 

Amongst the hurried steps of the Solicitor General, whilst her feet crunched against the fragments of the graveled path - an array of memories crept upon her unsuspecting mind. 

 

♛♛♛

 

“Papej.. Can you play with me?” A young voice chimed, the tone hosting a timid one, the eyes of a child peering upward toward her father. The girl, no older than five. 

 

The stern eyes, of a long since aged man, peered down to the girl - his lips twisted into a foul frown “Play? You know better than to request such, girl - do you not have other friends to ask these tedious questions?”

The young girl dropped her hues momentarily to the floor, a shoe kicking at the dirt “Nie, papej.. I am nie good at greeting the other children.” A brief tension remained in her tone before she inhaled once more “S-So.. will you play with me?”

 

“Nie, I will niet play with you - now, look, there's a child over there, go bother him.” Ludwig’s palm hurriedly ventured to the small of the girls’ back, ushering her promptly onward before she had a moment to refute. The shove guiding her toward a young mali’ame boy, his attire splotched in an orange and blue paint.

 

The stature of the young Ophelia remained ever stiff, her widened eyes settled upon the mali’ child before she looked up to the unwavering stare of her expectant father. With a small grumble, she looked to the child once more “P-Priveja.. I’m O-Ophelia Elizaveta van Wick!” She chimed with an unmeasurable pride “But.. you can call me Ophelia..”

 

A small smile painted the shy child’s features, the first kindness the girl had been introduced to “Amthalion Elyra, just call me Thal.” There was an excitement lacing the boy’s tone, one that had been foreign to Ophelia “Do you like to paint?”

 

♛♛♛

 

The darkness remained engulfing the path that Ophelia roamed, the torchlight beside it had long since faded at the towering walls of Providence had disappeared in turn. A vicious wind ripped against the cowl of the woman’s cloak as a palm lofted to secure it - yet another memory approached. 

 

♛♛♛

 

“Chin up child, we are next.” Ludwig uttered in a near whisper whilst a coarse palm outstretched to shuffle the girl onward. 

 

Ophelia peered about the Haenseni court with an evident nervousness, her palms constantly fidgeted within one another whilst her eyes maintained contact with the floor - primarily wishing to avoid the peripheral of the seated King above them.

“Koeng Josef - I present my only daughter, Ophelia van Wick with hopes that the crown may consider her for wardship beneath Koenas Isabel.” Once again, the stern tone of Ludwig uttered - a palm maintaining a constant contact against the girl’s shoulder. “She is exceptional in her academics, sewing..and whatever else is important.”

 

Ophelia lifted her chin, merely offering a quiet nod upon her father’s statement, the girl now thirteen summers had still much to learn - yet the nerves had yet to deplete.

“Is that so? Well I am sure that we can find some arrangement.” The King nodded thrice, a brief smile gracing his lips. 

 

♛♛♛

 

The long strides of Ophelia’s steps found her within vast fields, ahead remained the silhouette of an abandoned ruin, a fear remained inflicted into the woman’s being but she still persisted onward - though she did draw near, there was still quite the walk to go. 

 

♛♛♛

 

“Hold the blade higher - you wish to thrust into your foe, niet tickle him.” Ser Ruben’s voice chimed with a humour amongst it, a palm reached onward to adjust the stance of the sixteen year old girl. 

 

“T-Tickle? I don’t think a blade could do that..” Ophelia furrowed her brows in a brief stubbornness, but obliged to the man’s correction - angling her slash in a horizontal motion. 

 

There was a pride held in the man’s eyes, for Ruben had known the misery that plagued the young girl and the improvement she had developed. 

 

♛♛♛

 

The woman had shortly met her destination, above her the crumbling walls of the ruin towered over her and ahead stood the blurry silhouette of a man, a rather familiar presence. 

 

It was not long before the man exchange a few utterances then drifted into the mouth of the cavern, as naive as the woman was she followed suit with a hastiness - both a fear and an apparent worry for him filled her being before she attempted to catch up with the steps of him. 

 

An idle and frantic wandering remained for a good few minutes, until the duo exchanged further words - ones of tension and conflict, all summarized into a singular fate. 

 

“Just.. assure it does not hurt..” Were the final words, desperately wheezed from the woman’s mouth before a forceful impact collided against her shoulder and Ophelia’s descending body shortly began to flail amongst a fatal drop. Yet - her words were true, a sickening crack echoed amongst the spacious walls of the cavern, her skull splitting and the Wick’s life ended within seconds of impact. Whilst the consciousness of the woman began to slip - flashes of her life began to chime in quiet whispers. 

 

♛♛♛

 

"Life is much akin to a river, flowing all around you even if you decide to stand still, and in this raging river of life if not careful one may find themselves before the edge of a waterfall."

 

“You will never equate to anything, I apologise sincerely to your parents for ever having you.”

 

“Yer a good'un lass and ye well always 'ave me protection en da toimes ef need.”

 

“Do nie’ succumb to neglect inflicted by someone who ye call yer family..  my mamej did and it cost her, her life. But I know ye are far stronger than she ever was, Ophelia.”
 

“The only thing you cannot have enough of is justice.”

 

“With a little more effort, you will bring a force that will change all that is wrong with the realm.”

“You are pure, there is not an ounce of bad amongst you.”

 

“Wicks are flames that burn their souls through life- some go in a blaze of glory, and others snuffed with little more than whispers. Impact the world with everything you have, make a mess, tear it up, but never go in silence.”

“And here’s where I’ll put the gem tattoo on my arm, which symbolizes you’ll always be apart of my life.”

 

♛♛♛
 

Her Excellency,

 Ophelia Elizaveta Aubert néé Wick,
SSE, J.D, MHC, PhD

9th Solicitor General of the Ministry Of Justice

 

( * ) 1778 - 1807 ( † )

Letters would shortly be distributed amongst the written addresses.

[These letters will only be RP knowledge to those they are addressed to!]

 

HIM, JOSEPH II - @Hunwald

Spoiler

HIM, Joseph II,
Your majesty, I pen this parchment upon the third attempt of my life reigning fruitless, yet know quite well that the thrice have been mere luck and the tactful protection of our Imperial State Army. Though I fear the more I dance about fate, the further these attempts shall persist and one day - may even claim me. With such being said, if this letter finds you - then such fate has finally caught up.

I write to thank you, in high regard of what legacy our glorious Empire permitted me to build - venturing to these lands as nothing more than a Haenseni bastard, chased from her homeland with no more experience than the ability to lift a blade. Yet within my years here, I have been able to learn, grow and accomplish. 

It has truly been an honour to serve you, Her Majesty Anne and all of the Imperial subjects that look to us for just guidance. 

Long may you reign, 
Her Excellency, 
Ophelia Aubert néé Wick

 

HIE, FRANZ SARKOZY - @Nectorist

Spoiler

HE, The Archchancellor, Franz Nikolai Sarkozy,

 

If this letter finds you, then I have come to pass - it was such a matter of time before these consistent attempts on my life grew successful and such a time has reached. 

 

One must admit that our relationship with one another has been quite the ever-changing one, yet the conclusion I draw to such as I pen this is a content one. You were a beloved friend, colleague and at times foe in the political field. However, I will ever remain stunned by your ability to progress and push a change that our Empire consistently benefits from. 

You were a pain to work with at times, but only fond memories will come of it. It has been a pleasure, truly Franz.

 

May you continue to serve our Empire valiantly,
Her Excellency
Ophelia Aubert néé Wick

 

 

 HIE, LEDICORT D'AZOR, - @Da_Emperors

Spoiler

HIE, The Vice-Chancellor, Ledicort d'Azor,

Ledicort, if such letter finds you, I pray it does in good health. It saddens me so that at the young age of twenty eight I feel the need to write letters of my end, these late attempts on my life have chased me to the burdening walls of my office and with a constant need to look over my shoulder. If you are holding this parchment, the fate has claimed me and I have passed.

Do not weep of my passing, it has long since been embraced and welcomed. You of all people knew how deeply I suffered amongst my position as Solicitor General and the many fond bonds that were tarnished over the binds of duty.  A duty we all must ensure we uphold for the betterment of this glorious Empire. 

You were truly a treasured face amongst those I knew, despite how things ended amongst us and the regret I host - know that no ill feeling was ever hosted for the choices you made. You were the man that taught me the importance of duties and the hardships that came with such, I recall fondly our introduction outside of the theatre before my name was ever known to hold an importance. 

So I thank you for that, for the lessons, laughter, conflict and the National Party that I will forever be a proud member of.

Do us proud, Ledicort,
Ophelia Aubert néé Wick

 

HE, GEORGE KOVACHEV, - @Esterlen

Spoiler

HE, The Surveyor General, George Kovachev,

It comes with a heavy heart I pen this to you, George, for I remain nestled within my office and pen the letters to be sent upon the inevitable fate of my constant assassination attempts. For if this letter is delivered, my fall has finally reached me. 

As a final hoorah, I wish to thank you for all you've provided for me - the experience of being a proud National and the faith you instilled within me upon my appointment of Solicitor General, in a time when most knew not of my name or held the trust in which you did. The endeavour allowed me to uphold a justice needed to keep our Empire afloat and the wisdom of the hardships duty entails.

Though I shake a fist at you good Kovachev that you managed to outlive me - do not take such for granted as I did, eventually, when you feel the time is right, draw a step from the long service you have provided and opt to live your life with experiences you may have missed out on.

Continue to serve valliantly, 
Ophelia Aubert néé Wick

 

 

LUDWIG VAN WICK - @_Security
 

Spoiler

Papej, 

This letter finds you and likely my passing follows. It saddens me, truly, of how things began when I was but a girl - though I shan't ever forgive the beatings you ensured I will say that I do not point blame. I understand that the birth of Oskar and I was both unexpected and unwanted, a burden. 

Yet I shall thank you for the efforts you attempted, for the love you feigned and for the thorough wisdom you instilled within me. But as you stated, we Wicks were birthed to be damned and my fall must never be seen as a surprise. My only wish is to have done you proud, please do keep well and comfort the family in the time they weep.

I love you papej, 
Ophelia 

 

WILLIAM THEODORE AUBERT - @MCVDK
 

Spoiler

Will,

My heart aches for the moment you break the seal to this parchment, I wished to educate you on my work of pre-writing these letters though I knew it would merely cause a lingering suffering for you. One that I had not wish to inflict upon you, especially as the work already drowns you so. I am sure you are already assuming the contents of this letter, but if it reaches you then I have passed. 

I beg do not let mourning close you away from those that need you, the children are still growing and are barely old enough to draw physical steps of their own. They, will need you, the Empire will need you and amongst these letters I have penned - is naming you as my successor to the Ministry of Justice. 

You know what plans I had for it and how much the course of Justice meant to me - I trust you to continue what I left behind and ensure that each sentence given is fair.

You will overcome what follows, for the children's sake I pray,
Ophelia

 

THEODORE NAPIER - @EmbryoGod
 

Spoiler

Oskar,

You have been gone for quite some time and I pray you have not befallen the same fate as I - merely that you are going through one of your vacant phases where you vanish from the face of the realm. The presence of yours has been lacking thus I assume you are unknowing of the three attempts made against my life, this letter was pre-penned in fear I might not to say a final farewell before the fate of those attempts rendered to a fourth and caught upon me. 

I've missed you dearly, the family has been fragmented without your presence and I only hope that you make a swift return to comfort them in my passing. You have only ever done me proud, Oskar and I am truly honoured to be named your sister.

Do remember that you are capable of so many things and that this constant running will never do you justice - so please, return to your family. You've a new niece and nephew, two infants only just grasping their first summer - raise them to remember me. 

I love you, your sister,
Ophelia

 

JUNIPER, RAHTOL AND BULT WICK - @ShannonLeigh @nathanbarnett36 @Jake!
 

Spoiler

Juniper, 
If this letter reaches you and my cousins, it entails that these frequent assassination attempts have finally caught up and my life cut short. First and foremost, it pains me that I never got a chance to convene with you after our last talks Juniper - I'd much rather have had our last be of a more jovial nature where we dismissed the sorrows of what plagued us and merely thrived in one another's company. I am truly blessed to have known your guidance, you were a mother to me where many walked. I love you and please keep yourself safe. 

To you Bult, it has been many years since I have seen you but I do not doubt that you have grown quite the few inches since our last conversation. Of age now? Godan how the years flutter by, the once piece of advice I shall leave you with is that every choice matters. No amount big or small, it will always have an outcome -- be certain you know the outcome before taking a leap. Keep your mother safe and I do not doubt you will accomplish many things. I will leave to you, my Wicksian Whisky recipe a little bird told me you sought. 

To Rahtol, you of many know what sacrifices it takes to be a Wick - despite the hardship you have faced, you have always seemed to bounce back from it - something I could never fathom nor be able to mimic from you. You are an incredible man and I know will keep your brother afloat. I will miss you dearly, use that same capability and bounce back from the news delivered to you. Assure that the family does not suffer. 

I love you all,
Ophelia

 

NATALIYA AND PETYR WICK - @doreebear @NJBB

Spoiler

Nataliya and Petyr, 

Nat you stood witness to the third attempt of my life and by godan I am thankful you missed whatever attempt took me this time. If this letter reaches you, then I am glad it is a time you did not have to witness. For I know you coz, and how you allow these things to plague you, to torment you until you somehow convince yourself that you were at fault. But none of this was, Nataliya. Instead, I ask that you work with my husband to oversee the upbringing of the children, aid to him will be so desperately needed and I am terrified of those infants being raised and not knowing how dearly their mother loved them. 

As for you Nataliya, I love you dearly and I am immensely thankful for the joy you brought upon my struggled evenings. Please, do not tell your little ones of my fall yet - let them live and thrive without the worry or mourning that comes with a person's passing. It will only come to stay with them as they grow. 

Petyr, you began as a thorn in my side but as the years progressed I grew aware that it was my own attitude and blindness that prevented me from truly seeing your nature. You are a pillar to the family and from what Nataliya loves to chatter about, a wonderufl father. Please keep with your children and provide for them what my own could not.

All my love,
Ophelia

 

DOMINYK WICK - @Harald
 

Spoiler

Dominyk,

Unfortunately if this letter finds you then my fate has been served to me by Godan, I have passed. Though I beg that you do not let the news of this parchment anger you, we've worked too hard together to see your outbursts settled - nor will you lift a bottle to your lips. It will merely cause me to weep from the place I now rest, you are stronger than whatever emotion will come to plague you. 

Do not blame yourself either for the fall of my own, you did all you could to prevent it and in the prior attempt almost lost your life in doing so. I will forever be grateful for the protection you offered and the time spent together, each moment will forever be remembered. 

Please, tell my coz's that I love them and that this will pass. 

All my love,
Ophelia 

 

HRH, FRANZ BARBANOV,  - @Gusano

 

Spoiler

HRH, Franz Barbanov,

I owed you tea and it saddens me it is a venture I never truly got to fulfil. You were many things to me Franz and each moment was a new lesson - our friendship was a special one and the fond memories that came of it always nurtured my worries that came with my standing office within the Empire. I've heard many things about your successes and I am immensely proud of the path you have paved for yourself. 

Continue to strive for the betterment of Haense and leave behind large shoes to fill.

Ophelia. 

 

ALRIC VAR RUTHERN - @dyselxic
 

Spoiler

Alric Var Ruthern,

Upon our last conversation, I did not wish to plague your already present burdens with ones of my own, but now I suppose it is inevitable that you find out. During the last few years of my time within the Empire, my life has been attempted thrice, all chances that I could have fallen but did not. I lived and took the time I was given for granted if this letter finds you then such is the case and the attempt present succeeded. 

I shan't fill this parchment with pleasantries, as you need to read the truth I present to you. You've children, Alric and two infants that desperately need you as I had children that required me. I did not consider how easily a life might be taken and now they are without a mother. Whatever perception you hold, that you are invincible and will ensure you can both stay alive and raise two children. Is not the case. 

Please for the sake of those infants consider both your actions and choices very carefully for it is something I should have done long ago. You are capable of so many things, but the path you venture upon now - will see your ruin. 

Nonetheless, you provided depth to my development and eventually, wonderful companionship. 

Do keep yourself safe,
Ophelia

 

HRM, QUEEN-CONSORT, ISABEL BARBANOV - @Juli
 

Spoiler

 

HRM, Koenas Isabel, 

My life has sadly come to an end if this letter finds you, I had many intentions to spend more time with you especially during your time of desperate need. I plead of you to not let the news of this parchment burden your mind whilst the Kingdom of your son's needs desperate guidance from your experience.

I shall admit that we had our moments of tension and conflict, but as I have aged with the years and come to mature - I see now that those tensions were merely formed due to two similar minds upholding the beliefs they understood as the correct approach. Instead, I come to learn how selfish I had grown in my near-adulthood and how I disregarded all that you had provided for me when many had walked from me. 

The woman I am today, the education and intelligence that paved my success within the Empire is thanks to your tutorledge, so I thank you. 

All my love, 
Ophelia
 

 

 

 

[MCVDK 2830]

William stood with a small child within his hand to ensure the little Theodora didn’t fall onto the floor as her brother had done moments before. Over the three members of Aubert were a softened peace as William had shoved his work aside to use the time with the children -- though an uncertainty and confusion as to Ophelia’s whereabouts. “Oh. Hear that?” William added towards the child in his hand as one letter slid beneath the creak of the door. “Pick it up for your father, yeh?” the man noted as the child promptly leaned to take the letter from the floor to hand over to William. 

 

He had laid both children to bed before finally sitting down to read to the letter which had arrived as the man turned the letter around to find a sender before his hues widened as the name ‘Ophelia Aubert née van Wick’ appeared before a haste moved over the man as the letter was drawn out of the envelope to read. “Wh. . Wha-?” was all that were allowed to escape throughout his first read. 

William read it two times- three times- four times- fifteen times before Theodora waddled into the bedroom of his -- the man sitting on the side where his wife slept -- as red and teared hues raised towards the child with a forced smile towards her. “Oh honey. .” the man mumbled towards her as his arm motioned the frightened child over to him as the arms of his moved around her smaller frame to embrace tightly. “Father is alright.” He assured her with a mumble before once more repeating “Father is alright. .” before his awaited tears ran down his cheek. No sleep was had that night- nor the next.

[Cymoril 440]

A young Thalius sat isolated in his room, hovering over a parchment sprawled about his desk. The gentle glow of the lantern flickered a flame in the youth’s golden eyes, a hand rubbing angrily at the bits of parchment that had become soggy with fallen tears, ruining the scrawled handwriting. It was here, in his reclusive state, that he had heard of his mother’s passing, and it was here he had remained ever since, secluded from the rest of the mourners, left only with his fury and sorrow. A small hand traced the wooden surface as he slumped back in his chair, trying his hardest to remember the fond memories, but they were all clouded by the fear that had overtaken him for the past years of his life, a fear that manifested itself finally before him, the loss of his mother. 

 

His eyes moved slowly to the portrait beside his desk, illuminated only by that dim lantern at his side, the figures would have been hard to make out, but he knew the picture well, and had spent many a restless hour staring into the familiar eyes of his siblings which, now staring back at him, filled him with a dreadful sense of loneliness. He felt the warm tears begin to fall from his eyes once more, a rush of anger overtook him and he slammed his fist into the desk, crying out loudly, likely disturbing all his siblings in the rooms nearby. The young boy kicked his chair out from behind him and grasped the inkwell which he had been dipping his quill into, launching it against the wall to shatter it. For the remainder of the night the pained weeping of the boy would echo through the halls in his family’s home. 

 

The next day, without bothering to clean any of the mess he had created, Thalius wrapped himself in his jacket and stepped out into the crisp morning air, a single deep exhale created a puff of steam before him. Briskly, he set off down the road with purpose for a rendezvous, eyes sunken and red, still raw from the weeping he had done the night prior.

[Goon 1614]

Spoiler

 

For the young Cosimo Falcone, this news would not reach him, for perhaps a long while - by way of letter or by word of mouth.

 

No. Long before her pass he had resigned himself to a distant land, one so far removed from the Crown Jewel of Man; in search of a newfound solace. Or more accurately, a fear of the repercussions: her retaliation.

 

Though, not a day would pass that he did not think of the Wick woman. Perhaps at once a mentor to him and perhaps to whom his involvement had brought him to this point.

 

Of the time she told him to be brave in the face of adversity, or of the last time that she ushered him to her home.

 

Mercy had become more common a theme for the young Illatian.

 

Perhaps a final lesson he would learn from the Wick.

[gavyn 1362]

Corbin Wick let’s out a heavy sigh hearing of the passing, only shaking his head as he continued on in has daily matters “Let us settle our differences soon” A sense of guilt hanging over the man for days to come. The Wick  often to repeat the words so many before him of this ancient house lived to. “We aren’t done yet”  Words from the true Wick, Coltaine, father of Wick.

[Nectorist 12869]

"Rest well, for even in death it never lasts for long," muses Franz as he reads over the letter addressed to him while finishing supper. He then sets it back down on the table, going upstairs to tell his son a bedtime story.

[bumblefina 2766]

Juniper Wick received the news and the accompanying letter within her quarters at a certain Ruberni castle. After reading through the letter, she gently folded it up, tugging open a desk drawer and placed it within, palm pressing it closed once more. She leaned back in her chair, chin lifting as her gaze rose to the ceiling, though unfocused. She began to reminisce, recalling every fond memory of the young, ambitious Wick girl, playing them over and over so that she could cement them into her mind forever.

[BDanecker 867]

"Hmph." says the Yemekar's Pick of Urguan, situated in a fine, comfortable chair in the depths of the caverns that were Kal'Mugdor. A response he gave to his Workers who had came back from Haense to supply their shop there. As they milled about, Dorimnur Goldhand thought to himself of the first interaction he had with Ophelia, a conversation initially of a Boomsteel craft which ended tearfully for her with the embrace of Brynaelda Grandaxe and words of affirmation of Ophelia's worth. His work over his draftspaper wanders into a re-etching of the plans for her glaive, and he gives a deep sigh, saying to no one but himself "Suppose The Voice of the Strong will be silenced after all." 

[Taketheshot 3834]

Sir Henry frowns as his friend arrives in the seven skies "Too good this world was for you my friend, too early were you taken. T'is the going way of those who work so hard these days,"

[Security_ 2287]

Within the northern pines of Almaris, an ivory bat flaps erratically through the snow-crusted forests with letter in tow. A solemn man of raev descent unravels the letter as it did land by his side, taking a seat on a mossy knoll nearby. Under the pallid moonlight he read with a heavy sigh, pocketing the letter with a sullen expression. “The flame of one so prodigal, snuffed far too soon.” 

[Harald 2875]

Dominyk Wick would grin as he first saw a letter had arrived for him from Ophelia. as he opened it he's face would quickly go from one of being glad to one of anger and disbelief. the man throwing his tea cup to the walls within his chambers, after which he'd move towards his desk pushing it over so it would wall towards the floor. "H.. how could this happen... we where to enjoy a gathering in just some saint days.."  a slight tear would leave the eye of Dominyk as he's eyes looked towards the floors and the mess he had made, after which he'd raise to his feet leaving his courters stopping as he came down to the living room looking over a painting of Ophelia that hanged on the wall "Ich can niet forgive this, niet now niet ever..."  as his eyes moved from Ophelia they would suddenly stop looking to a liquor cabinet that stood in the living room, the man would slowly make his way towards the cabinet placing his hand at its doors before looking down once more. his eyes slowly  watering as he'd take a hold of his cane lifting it up before he'd smash the cabinet and the liquor within.. 

[BobBox 3798]

Amthalion Wick heard of the news but a moment before he finished his last drink. Pausing for a long moment, he then spoke. “I knew you since I was but a boy, and I took the Wick name for you, but it was never enough.” He sighed midway through his words, a hand soon pushing away a man that had been listening. “But I am not surprised. While others took bets at my life, you enjoyed the castle. But as people seem to find out, castle life doesn’t save you from a blade, and a blade won’t halt its progress because you hold a quill and write for the greater good.” Glancing towards the listening man once more, he shook his head. “Rest well, but there are still things for others to do here before we join you.” Amthalion then took the bottle from which he had been drinking from and promptly slammed it over the listening mans head, for he was not an elf of words but one of action, and he felt like a good bar fight was needed.

[Blanchables 528]

The halls of the Augustine remained coated in an eerie quiet against the padded footsteps of various servants making their way to and from the receding chambers of its occupancy. Deep within its recesses, however, somber tunes drifted endlessly across its corridors, fading into the night with a brevity as short as the evening to day. Charles Augustus played a tune familiar to some, but not to others, as the man kept alone within his privacy, the only friend to keep his company a cold glass of whiskey laid atop the piano with which the man played. The song would be one taught to him on a simple Eve like every other, played by a stalwart and quiet Wick. He would speak no words, but allow the dulcet melody to carry itself around the Augustine, his eyes closed in a huff as his body swayed to the music, engulfed not only in his current moment, but one of a fondness that he had lived many years prior. 

[JEEGK 1367]

A young man sat in his bare room, clinging to the letter that was handed to him, reading over his mention. He bit into the knuckle of his finger as he shoved the letter into his coat, swinging the door wide and moving for the exit of the Ruberni castle, grabbing his cowl and moving off, muttering beneath his breath, "I swore to protect her and I failed. How could I?" All the while, he set off towards the Druids, making sure his protection of another was secure, even if it was too late for Ophelia, it wasn't too late for the one he loved.

[Mannyy 982]

Elijah d'Emyth learns of the news, perhaps a few days later than most, having been mostly cooped up in his room as of recent.. Being one of Ophelia's many wards in his youth, the news would take him somewhat by surprise... Though young Elijah had no more tears to shed for anyone in his life, having grown rather accustomed to being left behind, or considered a secondary thought. Despite having not spoken to Ophelia in some time, he would mark this down as yet another casualty on the long list of people he cared, that have met their demise. Taking a spot alongside his sister, mother, and, even though he was still alive, Elijah's own father, whom had died in his eyes many years ago.