Providence; a Reflection of the Past

[Ivoreyy 2182]

Spoiler

Hey guys- this is my final PK post before I head on off of LOTC for a multitude of reasons. I'm really thankful for all of the good times, and I'm happy that I've been able to build all of these stories over so many different characters. There's of course been ups and downs along the way, as everything has, but overall I can look back on my time here in a relatively positive light. The only thing I will say is that I hope people take a moment, sometimes, to consider what they're doing and why they're doing it. We all play LOTC as a game, so when things draw the line to becoming a negative experience, take a moment and think about it. 

 

Anyhow, I've played this character for the last year and a half now, so please don't mind the extensive post :) 

 

Pce out!

- Ivory

 

“She is my firstborn child. . The first time I ever held her, I felt that she embodied the progress of our Empire, the hopes we as Humanity shared as the Troubles fell into twilight. Late into every night, I would stay awake by her little crib, and make sure she was still safe and slumbering. My most treasured moments, as a mother, was to hold her in my arms as she fell asleep. Elizabeth Anne was always quiet- always gentle, and she has always been kind. To watch her grow into the young lady she is now has been a blessing, and I know she will continue to do great things- wonderful things, and I could not be more proud of her.”

Empress Anne I’s words upon the day of Princess Elizabeth’s Debutante, 1771

 

-=-=-=-

PROVIDENCE

---

Simon Basrid looked to a ten year old Elizabeth with some conviction - almost with a glower.

“I will tell you, ma'am. You are the most dignified of your siblings. Neck straight as an arrow, conquering etiquette, decorum, and imperial grace.” He stated firmly, placing a hand atop the child’s shoulders. His words struck a chord in the young girl’s heart - rendering her silent in a moment’s contemplation.

 

“I want to be dignified, Mister Basrid- I do” Elizabeth began, frowning deeply. “But I do not wish to be alone. They do not talk to me, nor do they include me in their games. I feel as though I’ll never be accepted by them.”

 

“If you fear such a fate, it has power over you. And if you let khesm dictate your life, then you are a slave.” The elder statesman mused in return. The pair stood together within the Novellen Gardens, surrounded by the busts of the imperial ancestors - a stern reminder of their path laid in history.  “We are given the power of the heavens by our maker to break our conditioning. It is a curse of your father, your mother, and their fathers. That they all lived in some depravity away from the warmth of family.” 

 

Simon Basrid tilted the girl’s chin towards her mother. Then, the Archchancellor stepped over to face the imperial bust of her grandfather, guiding the Princess alongside him.

 

“But, look what legends they came to be. You have that heart and imperial mind. There is no reason you could not too.”

---

 

ON this day, the 5th of the Sun's Smile, 1831, Her Imperial Highness The Princess Imperial and Countess of Rosemoor and Susa, Elizabeth Anne, passed away peacefully at the age of 76 from the same terminal illness that claimed her Mother Empress Anne I all those years ago. A devoutly private woman, she withheld news of her declining health from the public, determined to carry out her duties of state within her final years. 

 

She is remembered fondly for her devout service to her Empire, being a woman who spent her entire lifetime in various spheres of military service and state duty. The Princess Imperial passes as the oldest member and matriarch of the House of Novellen, having claimed this position following the death of her Father, Emperor Joseph II, in 1814.

 

---

 

Princess Elizabeth Anne was born upon Saint Julia’s Day, the 17th of Owyn’s Flame 1755, as the firstborn child to the then Princess Imperial and Duke of Helena. From a young age, she was raised to serve her empire with a fierce devotion. Tutored by Sir Simon Basrid and Sir Jahan Basrid, the Princess’ early lessons echoed the progress and forwardness of the Empire’s emergence from the period of the Troubles. Rhenyari fables and tales of history formed the core of her learning, instilling a passion for writing that continued far into the span of her life. Her first publication came at age fourteen, titled “OF PROVIDENCE; A mentor to the Future”, and many more followed suit.

 

“An Everardine may see differently to a Josephite - yet all are bound in one single, shared desire: to work in good and gracious intent, and to seek a society bound in prosperity. For that is our making, no matter who the maker may have been...May [Providence] lead us, as both an empire and a world, upon a path blessed by those who have walked before us. For in them, we learn the past, and in Providence - we shape the future.” 

OF PROVIDENCE; A Mentor to the Future (c.1769)

 

Elizabeth was later joined by five younger siblings, and growing up the six Imperial children were known to be fairly close with one another. In her youth she fostered strong friendships with a number of her fellow children at court, particularly Elizaveta Ruthern, Mary d’Arkent, Safiye Basrid and her brother, Iskander Basrid. 

 

Notably, within her youth Elizabeth claimed to see spirits of the past lingering within the halls of the Novellen Palace, publishing two journals on her observations. She would often make bold claims in relation to these visions, famously rejecting the arrival of her brother’s betrothed, Irene Ruthern, with claims that the young lady was ‘cursed’ by the haunts of the palace halls. Though never proven to be true, nor disproven to be delusions, it is undoubtedly true that these sightings shaped much of the Princess’ character. 

 

“My experiences first began with dreams, in my youth. They were often terrifying nightmares which would keep me awake for hours, fearing what I may encounter when I slept. Certain figures would reappear in my nightmares, you see, and on occasion they would speak to me. I grew to understand them individually – their nature, traits and appearance are all distinctly different.”

The Haunts of the Novellen (c.1772)

 

At age sixteen, the Princess debuted before society in the traditional form of a Debutante ball. Rather than choosing to don the traditional formalwear of a High-Society ball, young Elizabeth chose to have every attendee dress in the costume of an “influential figure” of Imperial history. The evening was spent relishing in the company of Asulon-age Knights, ancient Orenian Empresses and modern era statesmen - a true testament to the character and inclinations of Her Imperial Highness. In fact, her own costume was modelled off of her grandfather, Emperor Peter III. History remained a firm fascination of a young Elizabeth Anne, inspiring her to produce another published work - this time a play based upon the legacy of the War of the Two Emperors.

 

I was a visionary, my ideals astute.

I fought for the liberty of many.

Yet when put to the test in active pursuit,

I was not an Emperor of any.

 

My war, it had failed, when ends came to meet,

Mere writing no match to their blade.

For my army was forced into rapid retreat.

My ideals live on, I prayed.

 

And live on they do, I am known for my word,

I’ve inspired a new way of thought.

And be it my writing, at the time was not heard, 

But in future - it is what shall be taught.

The War of the Two Emperors, first staged in 1771

 

After making her debut into society, the question of the future Princess Imperial’s marriage arose - something which would prove to cause numerous challenges across her youth. As the firstborn daughter to the Empire’s heir, her hand was widely sought after, and a series of missteps and unfortunate circumstances led to a number of ultimately doomed courtships within her lifetime. After much struggle in choosing a suitor, Elizabeth thereon determined at this time that she would never wed - an idea in which she expressed to her Father in mid 1775. The Duke of Helena obliged by his daughter’s request, allowing for Elizabeth to focus her efforts upon different endeavours, particularly her newly-found passion as a cadet of the Imperial State Army.

 

---

 

“What I mean, Elizabeth, is that you are still in the prime of youth” Her Father warned, peering over the church pew toward his young daughter. They had in fact just spent the latter half of four hours watching a marriage ceremony - one that seemed to drag on with each passing minute. 

 

“Twenty years is a long time - to you. To all of us, really, yes. But the Supreme Creator has not yet bestowed upon you the strongest of educators, madam; Experience. Only Father Time might do that. I certainly cannot, nor your mother. You'll get tired, Elizabeth. You are currently thinking within the boundaries of extremity, as if on a violent quest to separate the spheres of life; labor, State, duty. You will find however that the ends of life are not mutually exclusive, for there is one true end - and that, Madame, is Providence”

 

---

 

Princess Elizabeth sought to further serve her Empire through enlisting within the Imperial State Army as a cadet medic in 1772 at the age of sixteen. The Imperial family, particularly the Duke of Helena, had been initially reluctant to allow the Imperial Princess to serve in the military - however a series of discussions with the Archchancellor, who advocated in her favour, eventually caused him to relent. Elizabeth enlisted alongside many of her childhood companions, such as Peter Sarkozy and Iskander Basrid, as well as eventually beside her younger brothers John Charles, Philip Augustus and Peter Maximilian. The Princess was a firm believer that as it was inherent that her brothers (as Princes of the Empire) should serve the state in a military capacity, she should also. It was in fact a trend of Elizabeth Anne’s life to raise herself to the same standards of involvement as her Imperial brothers, and her involvement in both military and political endeavours laid the foundations for the stronger presence in service that many female Imperial Household members see today. Dutiful in her role, she aided in the expansion of the ISA Medical Corps underneath John Pruvia’s tutelage, publishing a field medic guide as well as developing comprehensive and standardized medical procedures. 

 

Her most notable involvements include her participation throughout the Sutican War and the Inferi Crisis, as well as rendering foreign aid to the Haeseni soldiers during the various battles of the Scyfling War. The Princess’ enlistment within the ISA lasted the fifteen year tenure of her youth (1772-1787).

 

In 1784, upon her Mother and Father’s ascension to the Imperial throne, Princess Elizabeth inherited the honorific title of ‘Princess Imperial’ - formerly her Mother’s own styling. With this ascension there was a series of titles bestowed upon Anne and Joseph’s children, and within these Elizabeth was afforded her own comital peerage as the Countess of Rosemoor. This made her one of the three women to hold a peerage under the reign of Anne I and Joseph II, and one of only two in the later reign of her brother, John VII. 

 

Elizabeth Anne cultivated the legacy of the Princess Imperial left behind by her mother - primarily through further fostering the ‘Imperial’ mindset, something that Anne I is acclaimed for creating. In short, it refers to the joining of identity between the Empire and it’s ruler, rather than having the two as entirely separate entities. Due to the strong influence of Elizabeth’s upbringing under her Mother’s guidance, she instilled this same principle into Princess Imperial - dictating her perception of the title in a later published document.

 

“The Princess Imperial, only seconded to the Holy Orenian Empress herself, acts as one of the leading female presences within the Imperial Family and further household.  Primarily, [she] should embody the spirit and values of the Orenian Empire, and her position in court should reflect her drive to serve her country….[She] must uphold the highest standard of etiquette and decorum, and her actions will set the trends of the Imperial Court. She is vested with the opportunity to positively influence the culture of the Empire, particularly that of the palace, and her decorum is an integral reflection of femininity within the Empire as a whole.”

The Nature of the Title of Princess Imperial, 1818

 

Two years following her inheritance of Princess Imperial Elizabeth wed the heir to the County of Susa and a lifelong companion, Lord Iskander Basrid. Though she had sworn off marriage for an extended period of her youth, her long withstanding companionship with the Lord Basrid eventually led to a courtship and later engagement. The pair had met in their early youth as Iskander’s Father, Sir Jahan, was tasked with tutoring the five year old Elizabeth in rhenyari mythology. They had held a strong friendship from thereon, and later enlisted and served together as ISA cadets. 

 

Where Iskander offered the calm stability of a trained soldier, Elizabeth countered with her own passion and fervour - making for a union that was widely known to be one of an incredibly loyal and happy nature. The pair remained married and very much devoted to each other all across their 58 years of marriage, siring four children together; Jasper Clement, who’s life remained shrouded in sickness and mystery until his assumed death in 1795, Anthony Alexios, the heir to Susa and later Imperial Cabinet Member, Dame Helena Augusta of the Canonist Church, and her youngest - the quiet and unassuming Nicholas Andreas. Together they cultivated a respected family, and at the time of her death Elizabeth is survived by three of her children, as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

 

In her tenure as Princess Imperial, Elizabeth Anne placed significant emphasis on establishing a recorded precedent of the title and it’s duties. She involved herself heavily with the court, particularly through her development and administration of the first, second and third Orenian Social Seasons. In fact, much of the Princess Imperial’s work surrounded the education and upbringing of the Empire’s youth, and she cared deeply about ensuring that the future generation had every possibility granted to them. Elizabeth told the women of each Social Season that they held a role in this Empire; they were the statesmen of the future.

 

Her final notable involvement came from her selection as an Imperial Grandee within the House of Lords. First appointed in 1810, Elizabeth Anne served consecutive terms for twenty one years, being the first woman in history to sit within the House. In 1830 she introduced the Rosemoor Bill to this house - revolutionary for its time. Unfortunately, the Princess Imperial’s bill was not passed on initial debate, and therefore she would not live to see it’s outcome.

 

Elizabeth spent her last months within her estate, Rosemoor Manor, surrounded by her husband and her wider family. She passed quietly in the night of the 5th of the Sun's Smile, 1831, at age 76.

 

In her death the Princess Imperial is remembered for her service, care and fierce devotion to the Empire of her birth. Her legacy remains firmly rooted in her lasting influence across many spheres of the Empire, and she leaves behind the sense of duty and innovation that she described long ago as Providence. 

 

“Thus the virtuous of other tribes are marching down from heaven, and the Skies are given over to the sons of Horen.”

(Auspice 3:12)

 

HIH THE PRINCESS IMPERIAL, ELIZABETH OF OREN

---

The beloved daughter to Anne I and Joseph II of Oren

The Princess Imperial, Countess of Rosemoor, Countess-Consort of Susa and Imperial Grandee of the House of Lords.

A loving and devoted Sister, Wife and Mother.

1755 - 1831

“Providence is echoed in our Empire…. her very function, her legacy and her truth. It is not something to be reached, but rather it is something to be followed. Providence, you see, is the eye of wisdom; the eye of God himself. In Providence we inspire liberty and justice, innovation and progress.. it is the guiding light to move us from one place to the next.”

 

 

In her final months the Princess Imperial penned an open letter:

 

Spoiler

OF PROVIDENCE; A Reflection of the Past

 

To the denizens of my Empire, Oren,

 

For the entirety of my life, these seventy six years, I have been inspired by the resolve of our people. The Empire that we share basks in the vision of the glorious God above, and through him we have seen many a victory, and in the same - many a defeat. As a girl I feared this ebbing and flowing of success; I was concerned that perhaps someday we’d fall again into the troubles of our past. These troubles, as my Mother long ago described to me, claimed hundreds of lives in violent assault and indefinite instability. However, despite a precedent in history that we would fail, I never saw a cloud in the eyes of the street’s baker, nor a tremble in the steps of the Imperial soldier. We fought, time and time again. 

 

It was not fighting just war; or enemies - no, certainly not. It was fighting each day for the survival and stability of this Empire. We still fight for the sake of our future, and our resolve remains the one thing that the course of history cannot ever dare to remove.

 

I am often reminded of a passage I wrote at fourteen years old. I spoke of Providence - the guiding light in front toward our progress, and the driving force behind us as we moved toward it. Providence was God’s vision towards all that was good, and all that was holy. 

 

The walls outside of my window tell of the City of Providence. I pray that I have honoured its namesake. 

 

Alas the clock chimes, and the end of my days draws ever nearer. When I leave you, Oren, I will leave behind the words I was imparted with long ago by a man who I came to admire. He told me that in order for our Empire to prosper, we must acknowledge the need for change - for innovation. When progress comes upon the Orenian doorstep, we must embrace it. We must not not fear that hunger for success in which has shaped who we are, and what our Empire has become. 

 

Embrace it, Oren. 

 

Upon my deathbed I feel many things. Pride, sadness, joy, and each in between. It could be said that I feel nearly every relevant emotion in this moment - except for one; unsatisfaction. Truly, I leave this world behind wholly satisfied. I have served my country in every capability I could, and despite my misgivings at times, I know that the sixteen year old princess who long ago vowed to do all she could would look upon herself now with a smile. My children, grandchildren and great grandchildren hold my familial legacy, and the lasting work I leave behind is something I think fondly of.

 

The time that I shall meet my creator grows near. I should hope God will smile on me, and I await eagerly to embrace my Mother once more. It has been far too long.

 

God bless Oren.

Onward in Providence we stride, for the blood of our ancestors has paved the road behind us, and the hopes of our successors clear the path in front. 

 

With love, 

HIH The Princess Imperial

 

[libertyybelle 5476]

A familiar Baroness of Carrington whom in her younger years of walking the plains of Arcas was a confidant of the now passed Princess Imperial, smiled upon her close friend entering the skies. 

 

She recalled their memories, whether it be the time the Princess drank far too much of her mother's Novellen Red, Mary cleaning up the mess and consoling the drunken Imperial, or the time the two ladies sat under the awning of the Novellen gardens and watched the rain. Speaking of their darkest fears and ardent hopes.

 

They hadn't always been close, one time the Carrington filling the Princess's room with slime. Though as time grew and as the Carrington became a mother- it only felt right to make her the God-mother of her first daughter. 

 

At the core, she was happy to be reunited with her long lost friend and hugging her once more simply felt right.

[BobBox 3211]

Anthony Alexios Basrid sat alone at the Rosemoor estate alone - to his side was the paper that had delivered the news. He sat in silence as he reflected upon the lessons he learned from his mother. The constant questions she had asked him still sounded in his head and pushed his curiosity of the world further. The advice she gave him was still useful to this day and he thought about it often. Most importantly, the memories she had created with him would never be forgotten. 

[liz 962]

A maturing Alina Isidora Basrid, normally jovial and carefree, stood solemn and statuesque amidst the grounds of Rosemoor. She gazed out at the expanse of the world, cheeks stained as melancholic roses. "How vast this world is..." She muttered to herself, wrapping her arms around her own body if only to feel warmth once more. "And now I am truly alone in it all." She added, tears welling up over her the dim forest of her eyes - threatening with each passing moment to break loose. The girl knew that the time for tears was long gone; everyone else had managed to stay so strong. And yet... that solitary Basrid, alone amongst family who scarcely knew her name, and cared for it even less, couldn't help but to allow the tears to flow. 

Edited August 1, 2021 by VeganWalmart

[amyselia 2182]

Claude had been fixed outside the Countess' doors for some hours now, a letter and parfum phial clutched at the midsection- both for delivery to the ailing princess; a charity for an expected private session regarding the Rosemoor Bill.

She lingered, breaths awry, with the expectation that the princess was merely deferring the meeting because of her contempt with the Lords after the injury to her person. A natural reaction to contempt, but had the Countess realized further detriment in her old age? Anathema could ill a soul already hurt, and expel the life from a finely fettled woman.

 

Claude had always known Elizabeth as the greater of the elder Novellens. The boldest and most affable, never less than the magnitude of her birth, and yet never greater than the youngers that outranked her, despite their common admonishment of the nature of such a rule of succession. The Princess Imperial was, in all things regal, proper and orthodox. 

 

Thus was the moment when Amelia ( @libbybelle ) exited the room- tears festered in her grey eyes -the only moment that Claude had ever wondered what had gone wrong in anything with reference to HIH, The Princess Imperial, Elizabeth Anne. A model of grace, and now... a phantom of hope.

[Mannyy 934]

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[Dyl 1568]

Isa sat by his grandmother's side in her final hours, pondering why it had to be her. His baba had disappeared when he was young, only imparting on him his native tongue, and his imma had died years prior. Yahya was the last remaining paternal figure in his life... and now she was gone. "Yahya...." He muttered as the life faded from her, alas, the young adolescent could not cry. Isa knew all too well this pain, it could not wring tears from him anymore.

Edited August 2, 2021 by Dyl

[Proddy 2246]

R

[Azie 657]

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[Juli 1340]

Isabel of Valwyck held a steaming cup of cocoa within her grasp as she observed the Princess Imperial make her ascent into the Seven Skies, “While I was nie’ close with the Princess, she was one o’ the most spirited women I’ve ever had the pleasure in meetin’. An inspiration.. I do nie’ doubt she will continue t’ influence many young ladies even after her passin’” The former Queen regarded to her husband as they sat within the Prikaz gardens.

[Kholibrii 978]

R

[ncarr 2235]

Mary sits silently within her palatial suite, her mind reverting back to a conversation she had with the Princess Imperial. Her words were kind and wise, aiding the young d'Arkent in her social season endeavors all those years ago. The exact words of the Countess Rosemoor escape Mary now though the impact she had, not only within the courts but in her political life as well, rung out in the woman's mind for hours. Even in conversation days later she still thought of the change the passed princess had created within the Empire.  

[LithiumSedai 4837]

Holy Sir Armand never knew the woman well, yet he felt compelled to light a candle and utter a prayer in her honor. Departing then from the Providence Basilica, the man was then informed of his spouse's illness...

 

Spoiler

o7

 

[Axelu 3691]

The Countess of Temesch, Holy Dame Helena, congregated her children that night over dinner and commanded they join hands. With a countenance characterized by its a sober serenity, she told them, “Today, we celebrate your grandmother - a woman who persevered always, who set a precedent of strength and piety, and who will forevermore be remembered. Bless you, mother - imma, for your love was godsent in and of itself.” 

[MRCHENN 3663]

Ethereal curtains of sunrise dawned upon Provins, as the Viscount and his eldest, Philip Michael Pruvia, shared a cup of morning brew. @Valecius

 

"My heir, see to it that you fully read the testimony of the life of the Princess Imperial; a legacy which has hitherto not been so profound as Her Highness's in the Imperial Courts. Despite our philosophical discrepancies, Her Highness was the amalgamation of courage - to inspire a movement when no one previously had the capability to. This is a trait shared within all of our greatest leaders and statesmen, just like Joseph Marna - you must remember this."

 

The Foreign Minister continued, lazily beckoning his son to continue writing it down.