PETITE POTINS: The Race Begins

[veganwalmart 1059]

PETITE POTINS

Published by the Imperial Court Office of the Arts

A N N O

D O M I N I

13th of Tobias' Bounty, 1827

2nd Article:

THE RACE BEGINS

Art by Nikoleta Barbara, c. 1827.

Dearest readers,

The children of the Augustine Palace thank you for showing interest in the hottest gossip column; written, designed and managed entirely by us palace children.. With this column, we hope to provide a window into life at court during the Orenian Social Season while we eagerly await our own debuts. We hope also to encourage more people to get involved in the affairs of the Social Season. So, without further delay, we welcome you again to The Petite Potins… which, quite simply, means ‘the little gossip.’

 

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THE GARDEN PARTY

 

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The garden party, with our hosts their imperial highnesses the Count and Countess of Renzfeld sat opposite each other.

 

The Contest of the Ruby Continues

Spoiler

 

Art by Eugénie Cécile Ashford de Savoie, c.1827.

 

Just a few minutes into the revelry, the dastardly Adrian Lothar de Sarkozy spilt a drink on our ruby, Juliya Basrid, evidently purposefully! Many readers have declared their distress for having our favorite Orenian celebrity Lady Helena Rochefort not be rewarded with the ruby, and clearly Adrian Lothar is equally- and extraordinarily -  vexed by the ordeal. Could this be a result of their having spent so much time together recently? What an insolent boy nevertheless! His brother Edwin, seemingly the better of the two, rose up to take the blame for the spill, but any who were there know the truth behind his confession.

 

A Covetous Break Up!

Joseph d’Azor and Helena de Sarkozy had been publicly courting- possibly even betrothed -for quite some time, but for some unknown and highly suspicious reason they recently declared their relationship null. This made for an awkward table at the garden party, as Joseph was seen ogling at Philippa Fitzpeter, possibly to make his ex jealous!

 

On the other hand, a Petite Potins reporter has told us that they’ve overheard Sir Tobias de Sarkozy talking about a betrothal of one of his daughters to an attendant of the party, a raev man by the name of Borys Jazloviecki. Could the ‘daughter’ be Helena, or could it simply be her sister, Octavia? The ladies of Petite Potins ask ourselves this question - who will be the first married debutante of the season?

 

Lieutenant of Honor

Lieutenant de Sarkozy caused quite a scene when he declared to his sister Helena that he had to leave the party to rescue some unnamed man. Helena, near tears, begged for him not to go, stating that he was much too injured already (as we can tell from the man’s scarring) and could risk death if he were to undertake another dangerous journey. The attendants all began to crowd around the siblings, with the other Helena (Rochefort) joining in on the sister’s plea, even asking lady Claude Ashford de Savoie to grab him as he attempted to leave! Regardless of the dramatics, the Lieutenant insisted on exiting. One of our reporters attempted to chase after him to be able to follow-up on the event, but sadly they lost him. We’re praying for the de Sarkozy family and especially the Lieutenant’s safety in light of these circumstances.

 

 

Miss Maude Fitzpeter Proves Her Exellence

The Fitzpeter sisters are extremely popular with the men this season! However, a particular man’s attention has caused quite a stir in the courts: Antonius, Prince of Vilachia and Shield of Providence, recently returned to the courts of Oren after extensive travels. He’s the same man we saw feuding with his wife, Tatiana Ruthern, the month before at the Debutante Ball.

 

Married and only just returning, the Prince has already been spotted twice with the young Maude Fitzpeter, once dancing alone in the imperial gardens and another at the garden party discussing a second dance! Maude, known to have been fancying Baron Carrington, seems to be exploring other options this season. Rather wise, we think, seeing as putting ones eggs all in one basked is hardly ever wise.

 

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AN IMPERIAL BETROTHAL..?

 

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We at Petite Potins have been privy to rumors about a possible betrothal between His Imperial Highness Philip Amadeus, future emperor, and the founder of the Children’s Club, Lady Anastasya of the Comital House Ruthern. What a shocking turn of events! If the rumors are true, we applaud our brave founder for the greatest catch of them all, but if they are untrue, one wonders if Anastasya isn’t being besmirched by some ladies of the court who’ve taken up to bullying by seeking to make her a laughingstock when she’s revealed to not at all be our long awaited Raev-cultured empress. Regardless of the veracity of the claim, we’ve set up an interview with the lady, conducted by an anonymous reporter of the paper!

 

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Lady Anastasya Ruthern, sitting for her interview.

 

Q1: What are your goals for the Children’s Club?

 

A: My main goal is unity. I used to see a lot of the children not all playing together in the palace and wanted to see a change to that, or the noble children wouldn’t play with the ones who were a part of gentry or common families. That isn’t their fault either, they didn’t know these people were around. My only other goal right now is to help others grow in the court so when we’re adults, one day we’ll be able to make great changes for the empire. 

 

Q2: What do you think about the rumors of you and Philip Amadeus being betrothed?

 

A: I hadn’t heard about this until now since I haven’t been at imperial court. I’ve spent most of my time in the cathedral praying for my family and the empire. But what do I think of it? I’m only nine, so I’m not sure what I should say. 

 

Q3: Do you think founding the Children’s Club helped start the rumors of your betrothal?

 

A: If they’re looking for unity and leadership, perhaps that’s why but there’s lot of girls in the Children’s Club who show lots of good leadership. This is also a really tough question. I’m honored that people would even think I could be empress. I was always taught that betrothals were because of someone’s family but who knows. 

 

Q4: What do you think of Philip Amadeus?

 

A: One day, he’s going to change the world. I know that’s obvious because he’s going to be emperor, but he has a lot of really good ideas and he’s different. He’s one of my good friends until I’m the target of his pranks. Otherwise, he has really good pranks too. If you’re reading this Philip, don’t you dare prank me before I come back to the palace!

 

Q5: What were your thoughts after Princess Amelia blamed you for the bee attack on the garden luncheon a few months ago?

 

A: This is a tough question to answer. I was upset because it was Philip’s prank and I didn’t really have anything to do with it, but I remembered what my father always told me and stayed strong. She’s young anyways, and was only five at the time so perhaps she didn’t understand what she was doing. Amelia and I spoke after and everything is all right now.

 

Q6: If you were Empress someday, what would be the first 3 things you’d want to do?

 

A: I’ve always dreamed about bringing girls together to change how we’re viewed. I know Empress Anne really made a difference in this but I hope that change doesn’t stop with her. One thing I’d want to do is get a bunch of girls together, as many as I could, and talk about being stronger. We’re not just event hosts. The other two things I’d want to do is help Canonism be practiced more in everybody’s everyday lives and celebrate more culture. The empire is so vast and there’s so many cultures and races, so why not celebrate them? Rhenyari, Raev, Adunian, and much more. 

 

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We at Petite Potins love Lady Anastasya’s plans, especially those endorsing the empowerment of girls! We hope for the best in her plans, whether or not the gossip is true!

 

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POTINS

 

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THE PRINCESS ROYAL OF HAENSE SPOTTED WITH A BASRID

The Princess Royal of Haense, Petra Emma, was spotted in conversation with our very own Matyas Jahan Basrid for essentially the length of the debutante ball! A stalwart young boy, there can be no doubt about Matyas’ power of charisma now that we’ve seen him able to keep even the celebrated princess at bay with his skill in conversation. We hope to see the boy speaking to more ladies in the coming months, though the Princess Royal’s nearing debut (hauchmetvas in naumariav) could have him otherwise occupied.

 

‘PRETTY PRINCESS’ TOO PRETTY FOR HER OWN GOOD?

Princess Helen Antonia spotted wandering during the debutante ball.

 

HIH Helen Antonia, otherwise known as the future Countess of Kositz or as ‘Pretty Princess Helen’ has always been a shining light on our empire. However, gossip has circulated that her husband, the heir to Ruthern, laments his wife’s perpetual absence and has even gone so far as to accuse her of talking to other men, though which men exactly has been left to our imaginations! Keep an eye out for this one.

 

HELENA DE SARKOZY POSSIBLY ILL

Our reporters’ writings on the de Sarkozy-d’Azor break up allowed them to bask in the presence of Lady Helena for quite some time. So long, in fact, that one of our reporters began to pick up on a habit of Helena’, of picking at her fingers almost every other sentence! They immediately rushed to report it, worrying for Helena’s health after noting that this type of movement could be a symptom of the pox! Anyone who has gone near the lady recently should be wary of any new symptoms that they could take up!

 

JULIYA LUDOVAR STIRRING THE POT

One of this season’s late-entry debutantes, the haeseni Juliya Ludovar, was seen defending Lady Tatiana Ruthern last month after her outburst in the debutante ball, even calling Maude Fitzpeter a ‘stuck up brat’! It was then when HIH The Countess Renzfeld cut in to scold the debutante! With the new knowledge that Maude is placing herself between Tatiana and her husband, we can’t help but ask about the extent of the drama that’s been going on behind closed doors. Although Juliya seems intent on disregarding the decorum of the debutante season, we can’t help but want to see more of her for the sake of entertainment.

 

 

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The Imperial Court Office of the Arts©.

Proofread and maturized by Miss Apollina-Calypsa Draghicescu.

 

[Mannyy 982]

"I suppose it could be possible." He commented to Juliya as they spoke "If it was on purpose that is ridiculously childish, you have earned the title of Ruby!" The Baron exclaimed, smacking the article onto a nearby table "Though I grow tired of the drama, let us speak of something different."

 

@gohliad

[aldskar 842]

The usually good-humoured Juliya Rose found herself ogling the 'rendition' of herself with slighted distaste. "Wilhelm," she'd call to the Baron in her surrounding, "Do you believe it was on purpose, as they say? I simply assumed he was incompetent..."

@MannyMannyManny

[amyselia 2962]

Claude Élisabeth tucks her copy instantly within her desk drawers upon receiving it, fingers creating a staccato atop the chestnut boards as her anxiety ceded her little patience for the new issue's reception. "I hope it doesn't put us in trouble again. Je suis épuisée, Alie!" The youth gabs towards her fellow author.

@VeganWalmart

 

[clonky 1976]

"It seems I've a populous of gossip after me. Nothing wrong with a little dancing, right?" Maude Fitzpeter commented to herself, a smile drawing across her face at the praise she received - what a special season this would be, surely. She took the papers and stashed them away for sharing purposes. 

[zuziee 4004]

[Azie 657]

Philippa Fitzpeter trailed back to her family's home in the palace, weary from the interactions of the day. Upon seeing the tabloid, a perky smile lit upon her lips. "Ah! Another gossip tabloid, from the palace children. I quite enjoy these, entertaining." She'd move to a chair, sliding herself into the seat comfortably. 

 

The Fitzpeter scanned the columns of the tabloid diligently, reading the gossip with an arched brow during some of the writings. "Ogling at Philippa Fitzpeter?" She questioned, scrunching her expression in bewilderment, proceeding with thoughts to herself. "That's an odd way to put it." A sigh escaped from the girl's mouth. "Maude has been mentioned quite a bit, yet again!" The youth would tuck away the tabloid for the time being, speaking to her triplet sister when she next sees her.

[Taketheshot 3834]

Joseph d'Azor piqued a brow as he read the newest tabloid from within his home his lips pursing as he read over the pages "Oh my... I do not remember being in a betrothal..." continuing the path down the page.. Joseph d'Azor's eyes stopped scrolling as he paused "Oggling to make jealous... I rather enjoyed my time with Lady Philippa in truth..." Joseph d'Azor frowned as he closed the tabloid tucking it away "I faced worse on John's Hill standing off against the Nordling scum, time to go to work." 

[fetty bridgers 4492]

As he sits before the fireplace as his four kids courted their way into the house from the recent social gathering, he'd snicker after reading the article. "These witches of reporters are quite nasty to dear Helena, it is a shame that she is being picked on by them. Joseph had embarassed her enough, now this." he says folding the paper as he sets it aside, "Atleast the family name was mentioned a quadrillion times in the paper, that is good enough of compensation for using my daughter as fame; I suppose."

[Guzr 2050]

"My damn sister is not ill." Spoke the Lieutenant de Sarkozy, tossing the paper away into a fire. "Gossiping away, as if a man's life is a subject of their entertainment. This paints me in a far too positive light."

[kal 170]

16 minutes ago, VeganWalmart said:

We at Petite Potins have been privy to rumors about a possible betrothal between His Imperial Highness Philip Amadeus, future emperor, and the founder of the Children’s Club, Lady Anastasya of the Comital House Ruthern. What a shocking turn of events! If the rumors are true, we applaud our brave founder for the greatest catch of them all, but if they are untrue, one wonders if Anastasya isn’t being besmirched by some ladies of the court who’ve taken up to bullying by seeking to make her a laughingstock when she’s revealed to not at all be our long awaited Raev-cultured empress. Regardless of the veracity of the claim, we’ve set up an interview with the lady, conducted by an anonymous reporter of the paper!

A young Amaliya vas Ruthern's eyes widened as she read this a loud "WHAT!" escaping the girl's lips. She immediately ran off to question her sister about this.
[ @Eryane ]

[Mescaffier 6197]

'Dame' Viktoriya I slowly rose from the stone undercroft she'd dozed away in for how many woebegone months, lichen and sodden strands of moss giving way as that old bat rose like some herald of undeath. Yet, she was just as lively - and grumpy, and vexing as ever before.

 

"Is someone making jabs at  .  .  .  The Helena de Sarkozy? She vas such a nice girl."

 

Clank, clank. That behemoth husked in iron plate began to move toward the entrance of the estate; up stairs, past a few eight thrones, and over mountains toward the border. A patrol clad in red passed on horseback; she waited, and then waded through the reeds and to the next town.

 

" . . . I need to catch up with Tobias' dear family, don't I, mein deukcendanav?"

 

The lanky suit of armor beside her warbled something and continued on with their prowl, as did she.

[annabanana1014 2084]

Diana d’Azor would raise a brow towards the paper she found on the dinner table of the d’Azors. “Goodness. Betrothed? My brother, Joseph? False news, but I hope the Sarkozy’s found a marriage somewhere else..” She would shake her head lightly as she moved along down the (AMAZING) column. “Helena having a sickness.. I hope she gets well.. Goodness, these authors get information quickly. I applaud them for that… I wish I was present for this glorious event.”

[ncarr 2806]

"Pox!?" exclaims Mary, her face scrunching up at the idea of how close the woman had been to everyone at the party.

[Nectorist 12869]

30 minutes ago, VeganWalmart said:

He’s one of my good friends until I’m the target of his pranks. Otherwise, he has really good pranks too. If you’re reading this Philip, don’t you dare prank me before I come back to the palace!

That night, when Anastasya opens her door to head to bed, a bucket of water spills atop her, drenching the girl.