A FALL FROM GRACE [PK]

[Juli 1340]

Spoiler

 

 

A FALL FROM GRACE

 

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Since the passing of her late husband, King Josef I, Isabel chose to avoid the boisterous chatter of courtiers during any court length. Today was no different. Peering from her typical spot upon the dimly lit balcony, she fixed her gaze upon her son, the reigning monarch, King Heinrik. This is what she used as her prime chance to catch her breath, away from the demands of the public, due to her being a member of the Royal Family. Court was no different today, and the Queen idly pondered. 

 

The chatter seemed to have died down, but the bliss was sliced through, as it always was. A nearly silent metallic tone noted, as a glimmer caught the eye of Isabel. Yet not even a blink could be afforded by the woman, as the steel bearing the sound sunk into her chest. It was a dagger! And all seemed to drown out as Isabel briefly closed her eyes.

 

Extending an ear out from the staircase, a young Isabel overheard the arrangement that would betroth her to the King of Haense; Josef I. She was to be his Queen, yet the magnitude of the situation seemed to fall deaf upon her innocent ears. Her life would change from that day forward, but she spent that day in youthful, ignorant bliss. The days passed from there, and worries only seemed to grow more and more, in the mind of the girl. Did I fulfill those expectations? I did. She was subject to torment of the courtiers, nobody expected anything less than the perfect Queen to-be. The young girl was not capable of filling the shoes of her predecessors, but now I’m the staple predecessor.

 

Twisting his blade deeper, the assailant seemed to spur Isabel from her stint of shuteye. It had seemed like forever, but even the crowds of courtiers had not yet noticed. They had locked eyes, but the violent hues of the man reasoned fear in the woman. The typically confident Isabel was a shell, and left behind, was naught but a frightened and hapless woman; reduced to that younger and fearful girl of her past. Her idle thoughts carried her away again.

 

Clamours and cheers resounded throughout the streets of New Reza, from the agape mouths of the recently independent people of Hanseti-Ruska. Accompanying the ringing city bells, where the callings of the joyous men and women, “Haense is free! We are free!” And as the news continued to spread, like wildfire to an arid spruce, the cheers grew to be almost blaring. Shortly hearing of the news, Isabel descended the steps from out of the palace, and sought to wander the streets of Haense; joining on with the celebration. In the name of their independence! Minutes after, King Josef and an entourage of his cantered to the square, from their prior meeting in Helena itself. From the sidelines, all could only see a remarkable smile upon his lips, defining a moment in his Kingship as he took the side of Isabel. A momentous memory, never to be lost in the eyes of Mother Ruska, and Lady Haense. Was this where it all started going downhill? A few months into marriage, and already at my zenith.

 

Pitilessly attacking again, the man retreated the dagger from her chest, and pushed his hand against her side. She swept, and toppled over the side of the balcony, seeming to be caught halfway through the air as the gasps of courtiers finally echoed. Time was frozen once more.

 

His reign was the longest, but I yearned it to be longer. Josef’s passing brought a pain into the heart of Isabel that never quite left, but her relief was that he no longer had to suffer the stress of his Kingship; one that was not desired by him. Isabel had the other half of herself taken away, her duty, meaning, it was chosen for her, was it not? Defined by that marriage and betrothal to Josef. Franz had served as true as a brother than any in-law could, so she took to his counsel. “You are free. Your purpose, your meanings, it was always derived from Josef. You were his Queen.” Spoke Franz, Isabel in tow. “Wha’ am I to do now tha’ my one purpose, the purpose tha’ had been drilled into my head for years, is nie’ here anymore.” Silence took over the pair, but Franz eventually spoke again. His words resonated forevermore. “You will suffer like the rest of us do in our quest for purpose. You will have to find your own meaning, not one given to you by someone else.” Did I ever find a purpose without him? Realigning my son perhaps, but even then, I’d find that to be more of an excuse.

 

Everything was muddled for her now, it was all sound, dastardly sound to Isabel. Her plummet was ongoing, but she wanted to remember, to reflect, so her eyes delicately closed.

 

Alone in an office, sat the Queen Mother. A low light shimmered from a nearby oil lantern, and a golden ring that almost magically caught the light of the room; set upon her finger. Sitting on the centerpiece was a red stone, revolving, almost proudly and it set the tone of the bearer. The emotions of the Queen Mother took to parchment rather than any typical verbal response, and from that pot of ink, she scribed; This author has much to reveal. It tore my family apart. It was published for all of Hanseti-Ruska to see, but her family internally damaged the most for it. Katerina wept. Heinrik lost his wits. Nikolas hid away. Josefina was her love, but a shameful product of the hearsay. That ring certainly lost its way from her finger, wrenched her heart through thick and thin, but it clambered elsewhere. Was it all worth it? No. I don’t think that was quite me.

 

Then like the crack of thunder sounding after the light, she hit the ground, but didn’t feel the pain until her eyes jolted. But was it the physical pain? Or the pain of the courtiers laying their eyes upon her dying self? Katerina took to her side, desperately trying to save her as waves of pain stabbed through the heart of Heinrik, the monarch unable to stay without a shake; barking for her life to be saved. 

 

After the death of her beloved, Isabel without that purpose, at least strived to fill that gap in the void. At first, her mouth was often wetted with the likes of luxurious and expensive wine, but that only made her more sad. But it also made me reflect. She did miss that intimate company with Josef, a shoulder to rely on, or just another ear to listen. Both innocent and not, she set about filling the gap, and chose to indulge herself in the attention of others. Isabel did repent, twice in the confession booths of Karosgrad. This filling of the void was only a temporary fix however. Besides, the men she acquitted herself with, seemed to face more problems than she did. So she looked elsewhere, but her eyes were to be forever restless. Will Godan forgive me? Where is the choice?

 

No more thoughts passed the mind of Isabel. Whom had caught her last ever breath. A dreary, tear stained face and a lasting frown.

 

---

 

REQUIESCAT IN PACE

ISABEL OF VALWYCK

QUEEN OF HANSETI-RUSKA

 

1770-1817 | 323 - 370 E.S.

 

Spoiler

I just wanted to thank the Haense community for giving me the opportunity to play this character despite having just returned from a hiatus. It has been an amazing ride but it was time for the dancing queen to retire! Love you all <3

 

I also wanted to thank @biggestdon for being a wonderful secretary and helping me out with this post.

 

[louislxix 3066]

Ser Alric Ruthern eyed the limp Queen through the eyeslits of his helm, feeling the weighted loss of an old friend as a solemn sigh parted from his lips.

[MissToni 3487]

Katerina Ceciliya whailed as her mother passed in her arms, the woman clutching her like there was no tomorrow. No more would the two speak of things that was common for that of a mother and daughter. No more could Katerina go to her for her troubles and hug her when she needed to. No more could she have her mother stand up for her when she needed her to. For she was gone, dead. Just like her father and her best friend. 

 

"Please mamej... Don't go where I can't follow. I need vy, more than ever" she whimpered into her mother's hair. But she knew there was no point, she could not bring her back. No matter how much she wished it, and she had never wished for anything more. After all, she had just lost her best friend over a year ago. How could she handle another loss so soon when she had just begun healing from her first loss. She couldn't, but she had to. For Petra, for Sigismund, for Stefan, for Camilla and for Marie. But who would carry her? 

[MotherLay 815]

Reserved

[1_Language_1 1671]

Wilheim, though he was simply a normal citizen, is glad to see his favorite customer in the Seven Skies as well. "We've all been waiting for you, Queen Mother. No longer will you know sorrow, for Godan will wipe away your tears as he has wiped away ours."

[Pureimp10 5178]

As Matthieu sat in his cell and awaited his fate, he could not help but smile at his handiwork. He had served his God well, and would surely be rewarded for it in whatever was to follow.

[Rudi 1736]

Quietly Heinrik Karl wept with a rosary in hand. His children surrounding him Heinrik planted a kiss on each of their heads before he went to cells. The man would not see the light of the next day. His knuckles cracked

[Mady 3020]

Annika Vyronov was in shock. Shock over seeing one of the strongest women she had known be killed right before her. Shock over seeing death occur once more in a city she still felt foreign in. She would pray and contemplate over this and would consult with the only person she knew would have the answers, and that was her God. She would see this as a reminder that as great as someone may be, they still are at the mercy of Godan. 

 

In her room on Astfield, the lady would light a candle for the late queen mother, a single tear shedding at the horrific memory. Once again, she would have a sleepless night, the reminder of death enveloping her mind and causing her senses to remain alert. "Godan bless the Koenas."

[Maevlin 681]

Charlotte Baruch waits outside of  Valstadt as another familiar face comes to join her. "You're here sooner than I thought, but I'm glad you made it safe sister..." She holds out her arms, pipe in hand, to welcome her sister home.

 

Dr. Aestenia Aevaris would walk out of the palace and back to her clinic, another stripe of white joining her hair as she loses yet another friend before her. 

[Legoboy7984 2441]

(( Reserved ))

 

Stefan Vyronov lets out a sigh.

"Another Queen I have outlived it seems. Long may vu rest Isabel, you've served the Koengdom well."

Edited April 21, 2021 by Legoboy7984

[UnBaed 8939]

"Pitiful way to go," Alexandria Karina idly commented to her husband Konstantin as she chipped away at a piece of wood, the beginnings of her next carving project.  "I had hopes for her, when she was younger.  She had potential of being a good woman, before Viktoria also sunk her greedy claws into her."  The corners of her mouth tugged into a frown as she pondered back.  "Isabel lived her life lost, let's pray her soul won't remain that way now."

[erictafoya 2307]

"It was a fixed trial from the start! Why do I even try..." said a frustrated Robert Ludovar after the murder trial that happened shortly after the death of the Queen-Mother

[Dyl 1567]

In the tavern of Freeport sat a miserable man. Three empty bottles were on the table, a fourth one half empty within the man's right hand. "Excuse me sir," a voice said, it was a courier coming to bring the man a message. "You might want to read this."

 

The man grabbed the paper out of the courier's hand, scanning it over, "What did you bring m-" he'd pause, going to lay the paper down on the table. He'd walk out of the tavern, leaving his fourth drink untouched. A tear could be seen coming out of his eye, "I'd thought I'd been over you, but it seems now I miss you more than ever. Rest in Peace Isabel," said the teary eyed Leopold FitzPeter.

Edited April 21, 2021 by Dyl

[Drew2_dude 2130]

Andrik Jan Baruch would sigh as he sat in his office, moments after watching the event unfold. the bells of the Cathedral would ring out, signaling the death of his dear cousin, Isabel.  "Rest well Cozaer..." he'd say to himself after signing the lorraine. The distraught Andrik would then ride out to Valwyck to tell his family of the events that had just occurred. 

 

Sigmar Joren Baruch alongside her brother, Matyas, would greet his granddaughter as she arrived. "Seems neither o' ye could survive long withou' yer Hauchepader." he'd let out a hearty chuckle. "Oh well, yer hear now, no point on dwellin' on how it happened, ye've done me proud. now c'mon, we've Carrion to drink 'n stories to tell!"

Edited April 21, 2021 by Drew2_dude

[Fionn__TWG 2616]

reserved.