The Final Curtain

[DahStalker 3692]

Her Final Show

The Death of Miss Menza

Emerentia de Falstaff in her youth.

[The Hon. John Collier]

 

Her breathing became shallow as powdery lips fetched for water but found none, cradled in her abyss of rich polyester and thick furs belonging to exotic cats. Over the past years her health had quickly deteriorated, leaving her nearly bedridden at all times. Only the acceptance of her oncoming death had kept her sane oddly enough, for once she knew the outcome, rather than anxiously anticipating the conclusion of an unfathomable ordeal. As the clock struck its next point in time her mind slowly drifted away into consciousness as she thought of her life, thought of her happenings. She had always thought of life as a production. It ached primarily, but then it subdued. 

 

A rushed giggle of laughter as she rushed down the ivory halls of a boarding school with Anna Henrietta, Esmee Clemont, and Josephine Augusta at her flank, scoring the corners in swift pivots as they filled the gloomy halls with an ambience of mirthful hysterics. They rushed in their uniforms as the fabric abrasively flicked about and within her fabricated memoir she paused, standing before a large foyer of mirrors, glancing as each detail fluttered into her mind once more. Each contour held history and for her it was the point of her beginning. 

 

Onwards, and she found herself in the courtier beside her beloved sister Natalia, having discovered her for luncheon as the raven-haired painter beckoned her young suitor a farewell with a lewd kiss. And akin to then she found herself flustering at the recalled memory, embarrassed at the very concept of romantic gestures. She called out to the eldest sister and they spoke of their miserable days, eagerly discussing when they would next be joined together to have one painting and then the other play their violin. 

 

Time seemed endless as it skipped ahead once more, beckoning to life another vision, that of her brother and father. So much alike if you’d count out the gout and baldness. She always envied John for his ignorance, yet he held no pride, something she admired. Perhaps it was the sweetness of his wines and fashioned words she would miss the most from him. He was the poet, in a way, always soothing over situations with provided wisdom. And her father was always a determined figure, always placing Oren before himself and his family, something both cursed and beloved.

 

A little boy by the name of Arthur, her first love. He sparked a joy in her, a relative of her nanny Lottie. Lottie held beauty akin to Sabrina, yet not the same charisma. Both women held their relative importance to her, and yet both from other sides of the society chain. Before her floated a bronze pen and she gasped, always writing with it, but forgetting its relevance to her for a time. She knew who to give it to now.

 

Daniel. His smile. His eyes. His heart. She couldn’t tolerate this image much as she stared at her husband, the one who she held close to herself, the one who left her too soon. It was an aching memory, though she would meet him soon, and thus she moved on. 

 

A nimble girl with wide-brimmed glasses who went from an ugly duckling to a swan of grand beauty. Perhaps one of her biggest regrets would be never saying goodbye to the girl. The de Falstaff was a beloved sister to her, more than that, a family member beyond words. She knew she was safe in reality, and that she would move on, though she had hope though her guidance was cut short in life that she would flourish. 

 

The next image caused her to suck in a breath, a picture she tried to scrub away from her thoughts as it brought anguish, one of a sickly girl in rags too big for her size. Once Fay now Beaumont, her daughter, her first child. Perhaps a bond one could never describe, she had loved her, that silly daughter of hers. And her regret came in not telling her twice as much of the pride she felt for that little girl. She still called her a girl yet in reality she had become a woman.

 

Her darling twins - Daniel and Francine - Danny and Franny. Two of primary joys in her heart, beloved children from her lost husband, a gift from him. Her regret for them came in many forms. She had not given them a life that they deserved, and she would torture them further with her death. Though she did not fear the hands they were left in, she had almost wished they were not born at all or given another set of parentage. For what she gave them was not what they deserved. They deserved the world, something she could not give. 

 

Blanche and Wolfgang, her illegitimate daughter and her adopted son, two of great charisma and potential. She had remembered taking on the boy as he played piano within the tavern, sensing his skill, and sensing his need for love. He became her youngest son, and the piano she provided him became his outlet. Blanche had turned to look akin to her father, a brief lover, though a man who meant plenty to Menza. She hoped he would keep his promise to some extent. 

 

She thought of her nieces, her nephews, her sister-in-laws, and more. She thought of Leopold who she thought of as a brother, and Varon who always brought a smile to her lips. Elizabeth who was cunning and smart, Henry who was akin to a son to her, and the sweet Nicole as well. She thought of Nikolas and his brothers and his sister named partially in her honor. She thought of Yuliya who was both family and her mentor. Each of them flashing before her eyes and she smiled.

 

However, lastly, and most importantly, she thought of someone who became above all else. Natalia. She became something otherworldly besides a sister, she became a mother, and a hero. In each step she took a sacrifice, in each step she fell a little closer to misery. Yet like their ancestors she held her head high in pride and sought to reach toward the flames, careless of the burns which embraced her. So many words, and not enough time. She would await her the most in the afterlife. 

 

As the woman stood before the abyss of darkness the lights flickered onwards in heavy beams, engulfing her in its warmth, and before her stood a crowd of those who came before and those who awaited her. As she positioned herself in front of the audience she hoisted her limbs outright and with a quivering smile, took a bow.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[I cannot bother to do spoilers!]
 

To Papa: I shall forever look up to you in the seven skies, continue to carry on your legacy even in my death, papa. I love you dearly, Menza.

 

John: You have been placed in a trial with many tribulations, and you shall succeed, we both know this much. Never forget your craft, and continue to keep this family on. Tell your children of me without mentioning the paste, you foolish John. I love you forevermore.

 

Natalia: For once, I have beat you to something. Be jealous and let it set in. Think of me fondly and do not let it bring upon you more misery, I am safe, thanks to you. I love you, Nat, I love you so much.

 

Natalie: My daughter, you are strong, and you shall conquer everything you aim for. I ask of you to continue and go on your adventures, and when it is time see that Francine, Wolfgang, and Blanche go on theirs. Assist them in seeing the world as we once had. Do not live small, live deliciously. And recall my words, men are wallets, you are strong. And I love you, Natalie. You have made me so proud.

 

Francine: Do not be sad that I am gone, remember our memories, and remember what you carry on. You shall bring on our legacy and not allow it to falter, I know that much. Play in my memory, and do not fight Wolfgang for me. Make sure you keep an eye out on him for me, I love you my darling. You shall live to be a woman of worth.

 

Daniel: My son, named after your father, you shall grow to be heroic. To be a soldier of might, to be an image of strength. Learn from the errors of those who became before you, and those of your name. I love you, make me proud. 

 

Wolfgang: Never forget the melody, never forget the tune. When time comes it shall call to you. I am proud to call you my son, my beloved prodigy. Take care of Franny for me, I know you will for me. No matter what happens, make sure she is taken care of. I have left you a gift from her father to grant to her during her Social Season. Ensure she flourishes in my absence, I love you my little wolf.

 

Renee: One foot before the other, never haste. The outcomes may be sporadic but I am determined you will know the way. I love you, you have made me proud. I wish for you to wear my pearls on your wedding day - I know that Sergei is for you - do not forget me. When you are lonely, play your piano and I shall be there. I love you.

 

Blanche: So little, and so innocent. To be raised without a mother and father is horrendous, and my only regret is not being able to inform you of your father. When time comes and when time is right, your Aunt Natalia shall inform you. Though not now, not now. I love you my sweet girl. The importance of your name is grand, you carry on a legacy. I love you.

 

Eliza, Nicole and Henry: Born of grand stock, I know you will flourish. Forget me not. I will forever be there in your hearts, and I shall never be short from missing. Pray to me and I shall provide guidance, I love you all.

 

Arthur: I hope you shall forgive me. I always kept my promise, and kept a place in my heart for you. 

 

To The Theater: My regret is not publishing my plays, when time is right, they shall be sent out. Continuing on Yuliya's legacy, that is my only desire. I loved her dearly, and her works deserve to endlessly flourish. 

 

Frederick Teufel: Daisy Cadette Emerentia Kovachev at your service. 

 

Josephine: I love you my dearest friend, forever shall  I hold onto my halve of the necklace. Forget me not, for I shall meet you once more in the seven skies.

 

Dardot: You are my family, you were my family. I do not know. But in the end, I still firmly believe you killed Daniel. Although it matters not to you, I forgive you. 

 

Spoiler

Holy ****! Once more a super epic character. THANK YOU SO MUCH! To everyone who made her character, certainly going into one of the better memoir buckets! Insanely-insane. Love you guys all.

 

 

[Kholibrii 1211]

The news of Emerentia’s passing would’ve been delivered to Natalie Julia at her new estate by a young delivery boy who seemed rather nervous to hand the woman the letter. As soon as Natalie took the letter the poor boy would’ve received a slamming of the door to his face, the young lady then turned to look over her house which was in the midst of a remodeling. “WHYY!!! WHY DOES SHE HAVE TO DIE!” She’d shout into the empty house, tears already beginning to form in the corners of her eyes, her whole body beginning to ache.

 

After the much needed scream she’d take a deep breath, quickly moving towards a stray sledgehammer, picking it up and setting off towards one of the many stone busts which decorated the beautiful estate. Natalie would then look the statue straight in the eyes before lifting the sledgehammer in the air and sending it flying down towards the top of the bust. SLAM! Over and over again she’d swing the hammer down on the statue, tears now streaming down her cheeks and she destroyed the bust. “It’s too early…”

 

When Natalie’s bout of destruction finally subsided only small bits of rubble would be left scattered across the ground. “It’s too early.”  She’d repeat again as she fell to her knees, rocking herself back and forth as her wails filled the halls of the estate. “It’s too early! Blanche isn’t even five. . . Renée isn’t back yet. . . Francine hasn’t had her social season. . . She can’t walk me down the aisle.”  She’d go through everything that her mother would miss, her cries only growing louder with each thing listed.

 

After lying on the floor for what felt like hours Natalie would finally lift herself from the ground, her hair an unkempt mess, her makeup smeared across her face, ruined by the constant flow of tears. She’d then move through the house towards the kitchen, scanning the liquor cabinet before finally removing a bottle of vodka from a shelf, biting down on  the cork, yanking it out of the bottle, then spitting it on the ground. The lady then pressed the opening of the bottle straight to her lips, taking a large, excruciating gulp.

 

She continued to periodically take much smaller sips as she walked around her house, ripping paintings off the walls as she went along, throwing them onto the floor and slamming her foot into each one. After making her way through almost the entire house she finally sat the bottle of vodka down, knowing she’d reached her limit. If it wasn’t for the voice of her dear friend Brandt in her head telling her not to drink too much she probably would’ve died by drowning her body in liquor.

[kal 170]

It would be some time before Renee Caroline de Falstaff would learn of her adoptive mother’s death. The young woman’s pale eyes filled with tears, recalling the last conversation she had with Emerentia.

 

The older woman had said Daniel would be proud of her, and that she was too. Letting her go with a kiss on the forehead and the gift of a violin, Emerentia had let Renee go on a five year trip with her now fiancé. It was the last time she had seen her mother.

 

A sob broke through Renee’s lips, hands shaking as she read the news before falling to the floor. Emerentia had done so much for her, had been the one to take her in when her family left Providence. She owed practically everything to her. The young woman’s hands gripped the violin to her chest, one of the few things she brought with her.

 

Before long, a numb feeling came over her. Another family member lost. A thought came into Renee’s mind, how many family members could she lose? Was it a curse? A weak, sardonic laugh escaped her lips. Practically delirious from crying, sitting on the floor a mumble of “Will I lose everyone?” came from her. Her stare became blank, pale blue eyes gaining a hardened look— almost resembling chips of ice. Before long, she got to her feet.

 

Wiping the tears from her eyes, Renee moved to her music room to pour her grieving through her music. Dark, gloomy songs of mourning would be heard for hours after the news of Emerentia’s death. The note her mother left her would remain by her side as she grieved. Only occasionally would the young woman leave her music room, if her fiance wanted to see her.

Sergei- Harry. was one of the few comforting presences she had. The man she loved and would spend her life. If only her mother would be able to attend their wedding. Her hands clenched into fists, another fit of sobs wracking her body. It was where her fiance would find her, hunched over her piano with her head in her hands.

[jolfrey 155]

The blurred vision caused by Wolfgang's teary eyes make it difficult for him to read the little letter Emerentia left for him. "I'll miss you" he says as a tear falls down his cheek, blotting the paper and smearing the ink. Emerentia was now the second parent-figure he lost in his life, with the first being his own father Pyotr von Bachmeier. Nonetheless, Wolfgang knew to stay strong, to stay determined and focused on the path that was his musical career. That was the only way he could honor the lives of his loved ones. 

[shay 2582]

Clanging, banging, and other various noises could be heard reverberating from the Kovachev home nestled on Selm Street. The manor was devoid of its usual buffer of background noises provided by gleeful children, bickering adults, and rampant hands running over piano keys - this notable lack making the noises from the third level of the house so much more apparent.

 

"It's not right - it's not right. No.. No. This is not how she would have kept it, absolutely not. This is ALL out of place"

 

Natalia, the sister of one - previously two, yelled out to the unfortunate servants standing watch as she tore the room of her late sister apart. Books scattered the floors, the vanity - ruined, the walls stained from the broken bottles that had recently been smashed against them. The room, quite like the current occupant of it, was in an obvious state of dishevelment.

 

"Get out."

 

She spoke briefly, the words providing a temporary sense of relief as the servants quickly scattered from the room. Breakdowns were not foreign in the house - many furnishings had been replaced over the years due to unfortunate events and drunken stupors, but this one... This one was different. The noises continued for hours, sometimes briefly ceasing before starting up again - like a periodic wave there were highs, and lows, continuing on in a sinusoidal motion until -

 

The letters.

 

It had been so long since they were written, they were just girls. Innocent, well, as innocent as Natalia ever was. Lonely.. Missing each other most ardently. The grieving woman was shocked that her sister kept them, so neatly assembled, aged from the years yet surprisingly well-kept. It was this bundle, neatly tucked away within the confines of Emerentia's domain that finally caused the destruction emanating from the eldest of the Kovachev siblings to cease.

 

"I failed you."

 

She muttered, running her battered hand over the parchment, a frown stretching over her increasingly-weathered features before she withdrew her hand, then withdrew herself from the room entirely

 

"But I will not fail them."

 

[PinkLemonLime 10]

Emerentia sat at the piano with Francine, stroking the keys with a simple melody.

 

Francine simply watched while wiping the tears beginning to form under her eyes.

 

Emerentia nudged into Francine gently as she lowered her voice with a soft smile. “What happens if I am unable to play, Franny? You must push through and play so they may hear me through you. When I am gone, my melody shall live through yours,” Emerentia's voiced hushed in a soft whisper.

 

Francine would begin playing in the upper keys one after the other with her mother, her countermelody dancing along in an independent yet familiar way.

 

Emerentia’s fingers trickled along the ivory keys beside Francine. Then as a warm smile crawled over her complexion, her eyes became shone with tears, though she refused to spill them. “You will create stories, and you will continue mine on. When you cannot remember my smile, merely look in the mirror and smile for us both. When you are sad, you may find me here in these very keys. When you are lost, simply look to the stars.”

Now Francine sits alone at the piano. She cannot force herself to touch the instrument. Nothing provokes her to grace the ivory keys with her small hands. The melody that once spiraled in her soul is now muted. It by heart was her beloved mother that delivered to her the divine gift of music. Now that spotlight of motivation was gone from her life.

 

Days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months. She would walk wearily by the piano and her violin, yet she could not bear looking at them. Her profound silence was loud enough to furnish a vacant room. One day, she would regain the frantic energy to play again. She merely needs time until that spark will let up once more.

[zuziee 4004]

A jolt would push the young girl awake from her sleep, like most nights. A chill running down her spine - yet - it wasn't Nicolette or Amara who woke her like usual or an oddly dark figure. It was Emerentia. Not how Nicole remember Emerentia, with her pale lips and blood shot eyes, but a youthful and beautiful Menza. Her tiny hands gripped for a giraffe "Tell me a story" she'd call out. 

*＊✿❀○❀✿＊*

Maisie took a deep breath, opening yet another notice slowly. Gliding her boney fingers across the paper as she pulled it open. Unfolding the notice with care as her cerulean eyes started to read. When she finished, all she could think about was Natalia and her well being, turning to Leona and expressing quietly "We should have her for tea... I worry."

@MayRndz

[VIROS 2915]

Josephine Augusta dismisses her subordinates, spending the better part of the day alone in the office, silently watching people pass down the streets of Providence. She tugs at her necklace, fiddling with its little silver half-heart. Occasionally, she steals a look down—but not for too long, for her eyes begin to water. 
 

She had thought she had enough children, but perhaps she could bear one more daughter. “A little Emerentia,” she thinks.

[Shmeepicus 4213]

Caspian sighed as the news was delivered to him. "How many more people that I called friends do I have to lose?" He asked himself, shaking his head as he folded the paper and tucked it into a drawer in his desk. "I hope you say hello to Daniel for me."

[DahStalker 3692]

[[Positive vibes only, if anything is laughing or obviously poor quality rp, it'll be removed from the post. OOC friends reply once and have the rights to reserve first.]]

[FredrickTeufel 356]

Fredrick Teufel Takes a break from reading his fellow politicians policies in order to read this letter he had received. His face would turn into that of a soft smile as he sits by his crackling fire. “Even in death, you still curse me with those words.” He states, the smile now fading away, he could feel something within him, memories flooding back. His ever aging self feeling more and more tired. “May your journey to the Seven Skies be swift, for I will join you soon.” He states finally, before drifting off to sleep.

 

Leon d’Azor Does not feel like a wallet for some reason..

[Mannyy 982]

Wilhelm hears about the news, rejoicing. He was not much of a fan of the woman who slandered his mother.

[Urahra 5776]

When Emerentia Kovachev closes her eyes for the final time...

 

Without warning, she would jolt awake to the sound of a familiar voice and the feeling of a warm hand on her shoulder. 

 

“Wake up, dear. Quickly! The crowd is waiting!”

 

Emerentia would open her eyes to find herself in the dressing room of the La Fleur  Theater - yet somehow more beautiful than she remembered it. The colors more vibrant, the fabrics softer to the touch. She gazes at herself in the mirror and finds her health and beauty restored - her lips plump and red, her cheeks pinkened, and her eyes exquisitely bright. Clad is she in a gown of immense luxuriance - glimmering silk with fine hand worked lace and rich embroidery.

 

She looks up at pale hand touching her shoulder. At first, Emerentia might not recognize the young, lovely, smooth-skinned and dark haired woman next to her. But one look into her green eyes and recognition would sweep over Menza. Yuliya Styrne - her mentor - yet without scar or disability. Made perfect and whole by the blessing of Heaven. Yuliya smiles at Emerentia and offers the lady an instrument case, containing a violin.

 

“Come, the show must go on!”

 

Yuliya takes Menza by the hand and leads her out of the dressing room, toward the stage. When they step past the plush, velvet curtains out upon the stage Menza built, Emerentia beholds an amazing sight. An audience of thousands, stretching on infinitely, full of faces she had only ever seen in books, myths, and legends. The faces of saints, of prophets, of heroes, kings, and queens.

 

“May I present,” Yuliya speaks over the crowd in a booming voice, “the irreplaceable, the unimpeachable, the amazing Emerentia!”

 

A deafening roar of applause, greater than anything Emerentia has ever heard, breaks over the theater. Yuliya turns to her, beaming. She stoops and opens up the violin case. With a low bow, she presents the instrument to Emerentia.

 

“Don’t keep them in suspense, dear...” she says softly. “Play.”

 

And Menza does.

[TheNunnery 1853]

 

Years would pass while up in the Heavens . . .

 

Five, ten, eleven, it was to many to count. It felt like a million years of waiting.

 

But! Finally it came- finally. . .

The time came where she can finally redeem herself. She regretted the day when she died at the hands of the very sinful Carrington nun, Emma Elaine. As her daughter, finally came up to the heavens and was seen by her mother, she'd turn around to look towards her child.

 

"Emerentia- my dove. You look beautiful, your father's blonde locks and my and his sapphire eyes. Come, let me introduce you to your aunts, uncles, and cousins." The Kovachev spoke with a warm smile on her face while she walked up towards her daughter with her dark hair, pale skin and sapphire eyes. As she'd walk, she seemed to be in a cheery mood before hugging her softly, then, tightly, the mother saying to her daughter.

"You came too soon, you came like me. Too soon, but I am so proud of you. I wish I could have seen you grown to be a beautiful and honorable woman." As Sabrina Elaine Kovachev nee Halcourt de Artois, finished speaking with her soft and soothing voice, she would then extend her left hand to her own daughter's, still keeping up her soft and calm smile. The youthful looking woman saying while she stared at her with an elegant pose in her green silks.

"Lets go. There is so many waiting to meet you."

And with that, a mother and daughter, was united once more.
 

Spoiler

 

Lemme just write this bittersweet thingy once!

:(

I dunno if its breaking lore. If it is!

Sorry!

I don't know what is OK or not OK for characters dead in the Seven Skies.
 

 

[ydegirl 2357]

As the young day grew into midday, Theodora kept thinking about her husbands brother's son's wife.. The two weren't always that close, but, close enough that they had a few good interactions. Her poor kids- who'll take care of them? Someone ought to.

 

Theodora was a homeless woman, now- she had traveled wherever the sun took her... And she'd wonder, about Emerentia, about Oren, her grandkids- if she had any.

 

She sighed, finally.. She knew that Emerentia never slandered anyone- and would never wish death upon anyone, not even her greatest enemy. Those who do are sick individuals.

 

She slumbered off by a pond, praying to god that Emerentia was in good hands.