Maevlin 681 Share Posted May 15, 2022 *A ship bound for distant lands awaited her, she would leave again, only this time she wouldn’t come back.* Spoiler Anna Mariya lived a life she never thought she would. Of course she wasn’t always Anna Mariya. She had been born Mariya Antoniya Amador. Even now she misses the simplicity of those days. The first true memory she has from these days was following the future dame Anabella Ruthern on her final knight’s quest: going to a village deep within the Rimveld and clearing out the creatures known as Wazai, a sort of furry monster that called the ice caverns home with the habit of capturing passing traders. That’s what set a young Mariya down the path of becoming a page and then later a squire. The squire trials had her scouting keeps, fighting wolves, rats, and spiders, but most of all, had her solidifying who she was. Most of these days were spent with her friends. Sparing with Stefan and Marie, chatting with Kat and Camilla, truly enjoying life even though she knew this wouldn’t last. She was to enter a golden cage at the tender age of sixteen. But that didn’t mean she was completely willing to trade her armor for the court gowns she loathed. Rosa had tried to train her to be a ‘proper’ lady, but Mariya never wanted to fool anyone into thinking she was anything other than herself. It was a conviction she kept even now as she feels her life start to leave her. Stefan had always been a brother to her. Even when childhood feelings bubbled up, he was still her brother in arms and one of her closest friends, especially when both had beaten each other bloody during training spars or nearly blowing up a city together. Marie was her older sister she didn’t realize she needed so desperately, and while they found themselves often fighting together in crazy situations or just having a shoulder to lean on, she knew Marie would be there. Kat was her younger sister she wanted so desperately to protect, the only one that really knew what she was getting into and still stayed by her side. Camilla was the sister that was the same age as Anna Mariya, but also the level head this group needed, especially when the shenanigans got a little out of control. Spoiler Anna Mariya should’ve known her first marriage would end in disaster. Heinrik never truly loved her, it was clear to everyone but her. She would never admit it out loud, but for a long while she would hope and pray he would come to his senses. Maybe then she could get the boy she loved back. They met when they were children, running about without a care in the world despite everything happening around them. That changed when they got older and the looming fate of the crowns they would come to bear steadily became real. There would no longer be times they would hide away from the world, just being able to speak with each other honestly. Once they were crowned, the changes kept piling despite her efforts. But she would try to keep going, not just for her friends and family that relied on her, but now for her darling children. Petra and Sigismund meant the world to her and she would do everything in her power to protect them from the cold world that was encroaching on them. She would live for them, because she didn’t have anything else to live for during those last few years. She wondered what would take her first, an assailant’s blade or her own. She knew she couldn’t keep breaking down once she thought she was alone or drinking herself to sleep, not even going back to her room she shared with Heinrik, but sleeping on a cot in her children’s room. She remembers the day she fled vividly even now. It was a flower festival Rosa and her children had set up. She had managed to slip away from her patron knight, Ser Cedric Barclay, with the promise she would be back once she made her rounds. She did make her rounds, saying her goodbyes to Kat, Stefan, and Marie along with Fionn and Friedrich. It was easy enough to fake her death, the corpse had already started to rot once it was discovered in Heinrik’s office, not it would’ve mattered, she would’ve been replaced anyways. Heinrik had actually touted her replacement in front of her before she fled, and though she tried her best, she would always resent her replacement. By the time she was across the lake and off to find the alchemist, she resolved to accept what she had done; she left on her own terms, and she would return on her own terms once it was safe. She just prayed everyone would forgive her by the time she came back. Spoiler When Mariya became Anna, ending up in the empire was third on her list of outcomes. The two cities before Providence she didn’t want to burden or draw unnecessary attention to. Safely stowed away in Providence, she found a life for herself. That did mean debuting in Orenian Society, but in the end it was worth it. She met the love of her life, friends she cherished as much as the ones she was forced to leave, and started both a family and a career she could be proud of. She didn’t think of how much her life would change when Kelhus introduced her to Caspian. At first she thought he was just another person getting hounded by the older women of the season to find a partner. Later on she thought he was someone she could trust with her past and the ghosts that still haunt her. It wasn’t until she was walking down the aisle did she realize she wasn’t shaking, she was excited. She was marrying a man who knew everything about her and still loved her anyways. Their time was fleeting, though they had three children together, their work kept them apart. But she still loved him. Still loves him. Meeting Elisa and Aimee during the social season was another change she would gladly come to welcome. Sure there were others, passing friends and acquaintances, but with these two she started to heal. Sure Anna Mariya never truly conformed to society’s standards, but she stood up and fought when she had to if it meant her friends were happy. Seeing and working with Eliza again was a piece of her past that she was comfortable coming to light. She learned a lot under Eliza and still to this day treasures her as a friend, even though it was more along the times of when she regularly spent time with Eliza as she did with Charlotte and Joseph. A true crowning moment for Anna Mariya was her career in Foreign Affairs. A position she originally took part to protect her family outside of the empire, part so she could visit said family without raising much suspicion as to why she was away from the city for weeks on end. She did hold a bias to Yong Ping, having spent much time there when it was just the Taiping District to when they became a true nation in their own right. Yong Ping was always a second home. She never did go to Haense during this time officially. Unofficially she snuck away to her adoptive family’s manor to have dinner and to hear as much as she could about her darlings she had to leave behind. Though many treaties were signed, she never felt she did enough until she finally retired, but by then she was exhausted of everything she could give to her career. Spoiler Anna Mariya lived most of her life hiding what she ran from. Her story morphed as she got older and into a more secure position within the Empire. It started with she grew up on the border of Haense and the empire, though not completely false, she still had to hide major details. She never felt right having to hide so much of herself. For so long she just wanted to shout that she was still alive and wanted somehow to bridge her two halves together. Little did she know that wouldn’t happen during this lifetime. Up until Edvard VI, she had spoken with the prior pontiffs about her situation. One suggested she reconcile with Heinrik, but when she brought up the point that he had already moved on and that would only result in her death, the point was dropped. The other she spoke with more frequently, yet another set of eyes and ears for her to keep tabs on her children, but also in the end nothing could be done. Edvard had been the one to bring her out from hiding, but also caused many issues. How did she balance her position in the Empire with the one she left in Haense? The answer is she didn’t, she tried but it didn’t end up working out that well. And in the end, it drained her to the point where she had to leave yet again. Spoiler In the end, Anna Mariya outlived her husband Caspian (died shortly after seeing Elaine married), her daughters (Elaine to a fire and miscarriage and Petra to a swift death), her son was missing presumed dead for many years, her parental figrues and mentors, friends she longed to speak with, the list goes on. The subsequent wars also continued to fracture her, leaving two halves of a woman already broken to try and piece back together. “At first I wanted a life someone would remember, but now, I realize how much I just wanted a quiet life..” Anna Mariya murmured as she leant against the railing of a ship. She called for her trusty owl and reached for her quill and ink to pen a letter to the public: Spoiler Dear everyone, In all honesty I don’t know where to begin with this. When I was younger I wanted to change what I could and protect those I cared about. I grew to care for a Koengzem and I wanted to see a change where the courts weren’t miserable to people like me who didn’t always fit the mold. Looking back on that time, I suppose I could’ve sucked it up and done my duty, but even before the sleepless nights drove me further into a spiral, I realized that I couldn’t lie to the people and be something I’m niet. I am a warrior and a diplomat first, a functioning society member questionably second. So that would be my first apology: I’m sorry I was niet strong enough to tough out staying married to Heinrik and doing my duties minding the courts. My second apology goes to all that I had to hide my past from and the actions that past caused me to make. I know many times I seemed paranoid and only saw the worst in situations, I just didn’t want anyone else to be driven to what I was. Everyone deserves a life of their own choosing. I know that will niet always be the case, especially with how human society functions, but i’ll be damned if I don’t at least try. If anyone was curious about the life I would’ve chosen: I would’ve left sooner had it niet been for my children and the family I found that I cared for. I wanted them to be happy, and in my demented state, I decided it was better that I niet be in their lives. I wish it wasn’t true but it was and a lot of time remains it the case. I’m sorry it ended up that way. My only request is that you remember me as I am. A woman who tries her best, who kept trying to get up when everything kept trying to shove her down or to the side, and most of all: a woman who loves her friends, her family and especially her children. All I ever wanted was to protect as many people as I could, to help them be better and to help them niet make the same mistakes I did. But that does niet mean I want you to forget my mistakes. I want them to be remembered so nie one else suffers as I did. And I wish to pass on these pieces of advice: Do niet let yourself get shoved to the side, Learn from the failings of those before you and improve on their triumphs, and most of all: find love, it makes everything easier. Sincerely, Anna Mariya Anna finishes writing the letter before looking out of the window, she didn’t see the usual sights of Yong Ping, Karosgrad, or Old Providence, nor the boat she was on, but instead she saw the shores of Lake Viktoriya, the mountain ranges just off in the distance, surrounded by the evergreen trees and the roses of Reinmar. The color drained away as Anna tried to reach for her charcoal stylus, using the last bit of her energy, she found that she got tired quickly while starting her travels, to draw the scene but adding everyone in her life along the shoreline, looking out and for once, everything was quiet. This is what she wanted, a quiet life for once. *The ship docked, and Anna Mariya stepped off. No one saw where she went, all that is known is that her corpse was sent back, still looking as young as she was in life.* *A painting done of Anna Mariya upon her return to her natural state* Mariya Antoniya Amador Mariya of Mondstandt Anna Marie Asul’onn Anna of Sunbreak Anna d’Arkent Anna Mariya 1793 - 1872 346 E.S. - 425 E.S. Spoiler OOC: Holy damn this has been a ride. When I first agreed to play Mariya back in January of 2021 I didn't think she'd end up this way. Some of it was good, some of it was bad, but over all it makes for one hell of a story to tell later. If anyone has any questions about what happened or what's next my dms are open for the most part. 25 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
zuziee 3219 Share Posted May 15, 2022 "To life... and to death!" Maisie called out. She stood atop a snowy hill, cloaked in black with bubblegum mist flying around her in powerful wisps. Then raising a shot glass to her lips, swishing it around, and spitting it out. In honor of her late sister in law, and in honor of her dearest friend, "Revenge tastes sweet when you're the last left Annika." Finding her eyes lingering on the stars, wondering which ones were her family's spirits. 7 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wolfey34 243 Share Posted May 15, 2022 An old, former Baron raises his glass and downs the black Carrion inside, a tear running down his face. "I have mourned vy once, and I will again. I wish we could have talked more, but we will in the skies." A heavy sigh is released from his lips "I am just glad vu are finally at peace. Godan bless vyr soul, let your troubles be washed away. My true sister, I only hope for vyr happiness. I'm glad vy're at peace. I will see vy soon enough." Stefan sets down his drink and calls for his daughter. A short trip later, on the roof of the palace, Stefan sat looking up at the stars. He'd glance over to his daughter. "Let me tell vu the story of one of the greatest women to walk this ground, and how despite everything trying to tear her down, she fought. A Warrior, A Diplomat, My Friend, My Sister. " "Let me tell you the story of Mariya." 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cherrybud 277 Share Posted May 15, 2022 Ekaterina Maria had been able to give her grandmother a final hug before she departed on her travels. Though it wasn't long before the youth heard of her passing, remaining completely silent for a few moments as she recalled her dearest memories she shared with Anna. "Papej will look after vy Hauchmamej..." The young Ruthern mumbled, her gaze crossing the stars as she pondered which one belonged to her grandmother's spirit. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
annabanana1014 1631 Share Posted May 15, 2022 The Baroness, Diana Vuiller, would hold the letter close to her heart as she laid in her bed. She kept replaying the memories of her and Anna, and the latest of the two saying their final good-byes... Oh how Diana will miss Anna, one of the few that she could speak so truthfully without worry. She signed the Lorraine as she said a prayer for the beautiful soul known as Anna Mariya. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carson 936 Share Posted May 15, 2022 A certain elf made a mental note to contact her old friend, unhindered by the boundaries separating this veil and the next... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
EnderMaiashiro 663 Share Posted May 15, 2022 R Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MissToni 3487 Share Posted May 15, 2022 Katerina walked the gardens in Haense like she often found herself doing these days. She had never felt as alone as she did on that day once she heard the news. Her mind throbbing from all the thoughts in her head. A voice told her to seek Sigismund out, to speak to him of his mother. But she was too tired, all she could so was sit down by the many statues. "And so life continues..." she uttered, too numb to cry as she just continued her lingering stare into the skies. 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valannor 6345 Share Posted May 15, 2022 A Keeper of Order would find herself before the headstone - frayed and tattered cloak of black and gold shrouding her that sullen night, upon the eve of such fel news. Her head bowed in respect, a single rose lain upon the grave before she turned to march off - a tear falling to the grass beneath her boots, lost in the torrential storm that showered the land. 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Taketheshot 3834 Share Posted May 15, 2022 The Duke of Azor read over the news with a pause, a sigh emitted as he set the parchment down stepping to the edge of the tower as he looked off into the sunset considering for several long moments his friendship with the woman who had been through so much in her life. "She deserved a quiet life far far before this..." The man remarked to himself closing his eyes for a few moments as he retreated back into the halls of his exile, another friend lost, so many lost in recent years. Would he be the last? Did it Even matter if he was? Thoughts ran through Josephs mind as he unscrewed the top of his flask taking a long swig, consuming the liquid within easily he poured a second flask out for her. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnimeWolf0080 1493 Share Posted May 15, 2022 The once feral elf sighed as news reached his ears, they twitched. He reached or his flask that was filled with tea before heading out to the docs of Talon's port. Sitting down looking over the water. It was the same water the ran through Yong ping, just another view of it. He would see his mother figure again, just another life. A other view. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vic 483 Share Posted May 15, 2022 From within Anna's own home in Karosgrad, 1solde Barclay grasped the letter informing her of her sister's death tight in her palm. Their final conversation had left her feeling lighter, but still wholly unsatisfied. She had made a promise to never mourn Mariya again, but perhaps it was alright to mourn the woman she had become. The elderly Barclay blinked back tears threatening to fall from her singular eye and made her way down to the bedroom she had been staying in for the time being. In time, she would come to accept that the woman she had come to love as a sister would never speak to her again. "Ich will love you und care for you forever, schwester. No matter who you became or where you will end up." ---A paladin long since passed poured out a drink in honor of her dear friend and lari'onn. In due time she would attempt to contact Anna in the seven skies, laws of Xan's Realm be damned. 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts