A Pelican's Death, 1826/30 S.A

[ApplePieKathy 561]

A Pelican's Death, 1826/30 S.A
Vivaca Rutledge, 1722-1826

At the age of six, Vivaca had a reputation for embarrassing her father Matthias out in public, swearing and picking fights with Curonian locals. One time, at the age of ten, she beat a middle-aged Auvergne man in a duel. 
By the age of sixteen, she began to educate herself on politics and democracy. She'd recall that her grandmother, Rivaini Rutledge, was the first Southeron and the first Southeron woman elected to the Pertinaxi Parliament.

Inspired by her grandmother, she wanted to become the first woman and the first Southeron woman elected to the Imperial Diet. She served as an Imperial Senator for Curon for twenty-four years. She set a precedent for women in politics made many friends along the way, such as Jeanne Vladov, Gwynnestri Elwitt, Terrence May, Cyrus Basrid, Edward Napier, Duarte de Antunyes (who later became her husband,) and Lauritz Christiansen. 
During the height of Senatorial politics, she was almost killed by the Cheloveks as they torched the Varoche Hall, with them aiming specifically for Vivaca.

In 1760, she married her former colleague Duarte de Antunyes and gave birth to Rigoberto, her only son. In the 1762 Senate election, she faced a significant challenge from George Calverley - without a doubt the most heated election in Curon's history.
During the Senatorial Debate, assassins tried to end her life: however, their attempt failed, and Vivaca walked out of the debate intact. She won the election.
However, after the election, she announced that she would not run for re-election. But why? The assassination attempt on her life put her off national politics.

Eventually, in 1764, the Imperial Senate was dissolved & Vivaca was the last sitting Senator for Curon.
She moved to Helena after Curon's dissolution, and she got involved with the short-lived Universal Union.
She co-hosted a debate between the Everardine and Josephite candidates. 
In her late 80s, she was elected to the House of Commons as an independent politician, representing Right-Bank.
A few years after she lost her re-election campaign, Vivaca published a piece on women's representation and women's rights. "The Importance of Female Representation."

She had recently gone on a trip across Almaris, making a new friend in the Fahkr Oasis. 
At the ripe old age of 104, Vivaca traversed most of Almaris.
Shortly after her trip, she fell ill: coughing, bedridden and alone for days. 
Eventually, the veteran politician shut her eyes for the last time. 
Vivaca Rutledge was dead.

Spoiler

OOC: I've played Vivaca for two years and it's been an absolute pleasure. TYSM  @1_Language_1 for giving me the opportunity! :^)

 

[sergisala 2794]

Sir Charles Galbraith would light a candle for Vivaca "The last Curonian Senator that I remember. A true veteran of orenian politics and, above all, a stateswoman. You shall be missed Madam Rutledge." He would sign the Lorraine

[Urahra 5359]

Anthony Bentarus had only really known Ms. Rutledge through her political writings - and their singular in-person meeting when he interviewed her for the paper.

Regardless, though, he had admired the woman as a progressive and forward-thinking stateswoman. Ms. Rutledge had dared to push the boundaries, even in times when it was frightening and even dangerous to do so. As a fellow Farfolk, she inspired him.

 

”You made Oren a better place, Ms. Rutledge,” Anthony sighed as he read her obituary. He signed the Lorraine. “Be safe on your journey to the Skies.”

[1_Language_1 1671]

    In the distant corner of Haense, the silent specter listens in on the daily gossip passed around the citizenry, hoping to hear any worthwhile news. Though, his attention is piqued upon hearing the death of his granddaughter.  Most would be mournful about it, and some would be grieving.. but the benevolent specter slowly cracked a soft smile, happy to know that his granddaughter had a full and adventurous life. To die of old age, to die with the greyest hair around, is to die with wisdom beyond your years.

 

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    Though, on the other hand, Matthias is happy to see his rebellious daughter. It was worth the wait. He only hopes that Vivaca had no regrets before her death. He regretted many things in his life, but since his death ultimately prevented many more, he wouldn't have died any other way. It wouldn't have been long until Vivaca was probably ambushed by her brother, who had been earlier killed by a terrorist attack in Haense. Vivaca had the privilege of being the only immediate family corpse left behind to for a funeral.

 

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    Gwynnestri, now known as Sister Elizabeth, falls pale upon the news of her colleague. She had no idea that Vivaca was alive, and felt guilty for not chatting with her. She softly curls her greyed hair around her wrinkled finger, before handing the missive to her son who she kept hidden from the world all these years along with herself. "Pour out a cup for Vivaca, she was stronger than all of us."