livrose 1594 Popular Post Share Posted October 2, 2022 A Fond Farewell Spoiler Streams of amber light dappled through the Queen Mother’s bedroom shutters, marking a criss-cross on her clean sheets and wooden floor. The entire room was bathed in that coppery glow of late evening, reflecting off red-painted walls. Emma tracked errant dust motes as they swirled about her from her position in her reclined wicker chair. Her chest rose and fell in shallow breaths, as she twisted her wedding ring around her finger, thinking. Moments before, she had ushered out the physicians Karl insisted on. This, their fourth or fifth visit to her chambers after all his badgering, armed with futile tonics and pastes… their soft whispers, furtive glances, and unendurable sympathy proved all too much. Hurrying them out with faint smiles and echoes of gratitude, it was only when her door quietly clicked shut that Emma let her practised expression crumble. She had braced herself against a side table, breathing heavily, before stumbling towards the chair. Music throbbed still, from the rooms of the wider Palace. Laughter rang, glasses faintly clinked, and the hum of chatter carried across the evening air. Analiesa’s debutante continued in full swing. Already eighteen… and with her youth and opportunities blossoming by the hour. Emma felt almost as though if she squinted and let her vision blur, the lamplight of her room blurred to that of dazzling chandeliers overhead… and the ballroom music drifted closer to envelop her unmoving, aged figure. She imagined herself young, feeling as light as her skirts, at one of her brother’s parties at Jerovitz. With her nuisance of a fringe… Jan clapping another Lord on the shoulder… nieces stuffing the odd chocolate in their pockets when Elizaveta wasn’t looking… her dear sisters there, looking on. The scene became a swirling of noise and movement, and the familiar wooden textures of her childhood home. But the lens of rose-tinted youth soon faded and the heavy ache settled once more like a weight atop her chest. Emma, sinking back into her own body, exhaled with a quiet hiss and tilted her chin back. She knew it would not be long now; not long for this leaden tiredness to pass. To escape the shackles of the physical into eternal lightness, eternal music and dancing, with all who had passed before her. Another shallow breath rattled out of her chest. Emma couldn’t help the small smile which wavered for a moment, at that thought. How had she found the concept of death so fearful, before? The deterioration, perhaps - a drawn-out withering of mind and body - had scared her once. Yet now, as endless sleep beckoned on the blurred horizons of her vision, death seemed a divine possibility for reunion rather than condemnation to darkness. Interrupting her vague ruminations, a door slammed below and increased voices floated up to her room. Clinking cutlery and glasses followed. Ah. Emma huffed out a long breath. They have arrived. It took another minute before she felt she could rise, reaching for Sigismund’s cane to brace her weight on, and took the stairs one-by-one to greet her gathering family downstairs. She had taken the prime seat by the large stone fireplace, a cushioned place which allowed her to observe each member of her family as they conversed. Someone brought a patchwork quilt over, laying it across her knees. Marius, with his arm slung around Nikolas’ shoulder, growing more excited the longer he spoke to his brothers; Analiesa laid on her back, speaking of the party with her hands splayed across her stomach; while Karl and Amadea poured wine and moved chairs to form a makeshift table; Ser Walton, ever-steadfast by their side. This... this is how she would remember them. And yet, soon enough, her eyes drooped heavier at the table. Shapes and colours began to bleed into one another, her bones grew leaden… just beyond the film of reality she could have sworn she heard a chuckle by her ear. Her eyes flickered open. It had a faintness, a ringing quality that grew ever-clearer. Josef. His blue eyes and ruddy cheeks, still boyish, appeared in her mind. A deep laugh followed… Edvard’s. In the corner of her vision, Emma saw the silver glint of a sword she knew in her heart to be Sigismund’s, and distant clanging of metal ensued. Her brother was there, too. Feeling his presence, his taller stature, from behind - Emma exhaled a shaky breath. Jan. Her mother, too, stood beside a man. A man… this man… she knew him, although he was little more than a stranger. Their figures were outlined in a silver glow - translucent in the distance, in the intersection between the living and dead. Slowly, her fingers reached to clasp her childhood necklace. Tonight, putting on the locket, it had felt right. With the sprig of lavender inside, now likely rotten or deteriorated, Emma lifted it to her lips. The father she’d yearned to know; finally, here. Family and friends, waiting. Focusing back to the current scene of opening presents, congratulations and chatter at the table, Emma felt enveloped by life - speaking of memories, advice, and the future. Her living legacy, in these people around her, in grandchildren and friends: a legacy infused with love. Isabel's words to her rung in her mind. Analiesa and Aleksandr, and the blossoming of their courtship. Marius and his questions. Seeing Georg with his grandfather’s cane, one which she has been leaning on for many years now. Her little Maya, reciting her last rites, as she had promised to so long ago. Emma had never yearned for Queenship; never wished for the weight of a Crown - but this life had afforded her everything she wished for, and more. If only she could return to herself as a girl, one who dreamed of happy endings and who, in naivety, was wholly intimidated by the duty asked of her. All is well… she would tell her. Do not cry. Emma thought of Kaustantin’s last words to her that very morning, in a letter she kept folded on her person even now. Of her children, with a pang of guilt at the thought of leaving them - they had known grief enough. Of Walton, who had asked her forgiveness in the end. Then, of the last word she had uttered to Sigismund. Home. She was not far, now, from seeing her boys again. As her vision began to blur at the edges, the silver figures grew more pronounced. Emma could see their expressions, earnest and loving, and a pair of arms opening towards her. A beckoning. The chatter of the Barbanov’s dining room grew more distant, muffled, as the tethers anchoring her broke - with their tension dissipating, her taut muscles relaxed. I am ready... Her lips parted, but no sound broke. They understood. So finally, at peace and old, Emma Karenina expelled a long, last breath. There would be no speech, no grand expressions of love in those final moments. She had never been one for delivering flowery addresses. Instead, her contentment and gratitude was known that evening within soft looks upon loved ones. Surrounded by noise and family, warmed by blankets and the fire, she slipped quietly from this world into the next - a smile etched into her expression. Yet, if one were to pay particular notice, they would see a little figure curled into her side - his cream shell dulled with age and roughed with various scrapes and adventures. Herman the Hermit Crab, laid atop the quilt against Emma - and died with his oldest friend. The pair passed through to the Seven Skies, together, drifting towards those silver figures...and all Emma could feel was warm, and light, as though she were a child at Jerovitz once more. Spoiler so I just want to add a little something at the end here. firstly, thank you if you ever roleplayed with Emma, or any of my previous characters - and a BIG thank you to everyone who helped me during my tenure, organising events, attending them, those who offered their kind words and advice, and to each and every person in my Council - I am very grateful. I couldn't have done it without all of you. I honestly don't think I can begin to list names, as there's far too many to begin. To Conor, who was my partner in crime for a long 8 months on Emma, and of whom I am very grateful and proud of, thank you. To the wider Haense community - thank you for truly making my LOTC experience something special these last two or so years. this post isn't solely a PK, but also a goodbye from me. school's picked back up again, and I always intended Emma to be my last character here on the server. She's grown to a rather impressive old age, so now feels the appropriate time to let her rest in peace. LOTC has meant a lot to me since I joined over COVID lockdown, not quite knowing what roleplay was, to hopping into VC every night to play games or hang out. Having the opportunity to be Queen was so humbling and amazing, and the memories and friends I've made on this stupid server are remarkable... you can catch me on discord still if you need something! #livrose0950. see you on the other side o7 62 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
zuziee 3265 Share Posted October 2, 2022 Bishop Maya, the youngest of Queen Emma, held onto her mothers lifeless body until her brother and guards stripped her away from the chilling corpse. She had not only been almost the last to speak to her father, but had given the last rites to her mother. It filled her with a warm sadness that kept her locked away for months. 9 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
shay 2265 Share Posted October 2, 2022 Amadea stood motionless for some time as the room silenced around Emma. The home, which had been overly lively and full of love not an hour prior, now feeling like an echo chamber. Every drip of water, every creak of the floors, the minuscule noises amplified more than they had ever been. The only break of the silence offered by the sobs of the late Queen's daughter echoing through the hall. Some time passed, the room thinning until only Amadea and her husband remained. "We love you." She offered in finality to Emma, holding onto her cold body some time, offering her only a sliver of the warmth the Queen Mother provided through her years. -- Anastasya offered Emma the largest piece of walnut-covered carrot cake possibly imaginable as the Queen Mother was greeted by those who outran her on the race to the seven-skies. "I have been saving this, just for vy my dear sestra. Even cooked it myself" 9 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sarahbarah 5123 Share Posted October 2, 2022 Petra Emma welcomed Emma into the Seven Skies, standing beside Anastasya, Sigismund, and all the other Haeseni that awaited her arrival. "Welcome home, dear sister of mine. Vy have been missed - oh, and vy brought Herman with vy!" Isabel stood over Emma's shoulder, a hand gently resting there as Emma passed so that she knew, in her final moments she was not alone, but surrounded by her loving family. 10 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
GMRO 5334 Share Posted October 2, 2022 Karl Sigmar stood motionless by his wife at the table where his mother's lifeless body now sat in a slumber so deep. She seemed peaceful, the small twang of a smile upon her lips, surrounded by her friends and family. A small crab sat upon her life, one old crustacean happy to have been a companion that was spoilt without equal. It had been a life that was worth living, a life full of joy despite great duties. His father had been a giant, but his mother had often been the one that cared and smothered him with love. From fixing his hair to feeding him her horrible dishes, she had been with him through it all in her motherly nature. So many memories, happy and sometimes sad from the time of his youth, many featured his mother or his mother's advice. As he returned then to the dining room, he moved forward to place his mother in a final embrace. The warmth of her frail shell still emanating as she remained in her slumber. "Goodbye, Mamej." He pulled his mother a little closer then, the boy inside growing still ever fainter. 16 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orlanth 3593 Share Posted October 2, 2022 Coin sheds a tear. 6 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DahStalker 2881 Share Posted October 2, 2022 (edited) Elia Eryka thought of the final conversation she held with the woman, toying with a ruby necklace wrought about her neck. Wordlessly she approached the window of her bedroom and watched below as the floor became laden with snow, providing only a warm smile. "Long live the Koenas." She muttered, inhaling sharply with a few tears sparking to the brim of her eyes. Lady Blue, she had thought. A woman who she would idolize, a woman who she would recall and aspire to be like. Edited October 2, 2022 by DahStalker 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tcs_tonsils_ 2833 Share Posted October 2, 2022 A crippled man rested in his bed, his breath shaky and unsteady. He watched the ceiling with a glossy stare as the opened letter laid within his tired, aged hands. The Queen had always supported him- from there very first time he walked into Karosgrad, to his first Aldermanship, to his marriage to an Orenian Noble during the war, and more. Now, it was her who had finally sought the comfort of her place in the seven skies, finally. Iulius Vernhart cried then, not ensaddened by the fact she had now passed, but for the joy that she would get to see all those who she had loved finally. "I shall join you all soon, I am sure of it." The Firr then closed his eyes and laid the note to the side. 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikoMonster 1393 Share Posted October 2, 2022 Renata Adelina, stowed away in a distant tavern, utters a heartfelt prayer for the late queen and her family. She would never forget the kindness the woman had shown her as a lost child or as a young woman when that forgotten crown had been fixed heavily upon her head."I'm sorry I never took you up on that offer to have tea. Thank you for all your kindness, Your Majesty." 5 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MissToni 3498 Share Posted October 2, 2022 Katerina turned to the altar of the church as she knelt down into a prayer. When the tears started she was not certain of, but they were there as she thought of Emma. The woman who had made her feel welcomed back into the family alongside Sigismund after the pain her brother caused her. A shining light in the kingdom that had ushered forth new rights for the women. And now? Gone. How cruel fate was to give Emma such a painful death, when she had been deserving of peace and quiet instead. A sigh escaped her mouth as she wiped away the tears, opening her eyes and mouth to finally break the silence in the grand halls. "Take care of her, Godani. She did much for us while she lived." 7 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mio 3790 Share Posted October 2, 2022 Spoiler Marius Audemar roamed quieter halls that sorrowful-eve. "Kindness and empathy to others comes more powerful than the wit of Kings or power of violence," The Prince continued on up the grandiose steps, dreading every step."As it is much better to command with the former qualities and respect than it is to command with rulings or force." The doors to his room creaked and he further crawled into the depths and confines of his quarters, taking up a spot before of his hearth."It is to connect with people's hearts, to connect in the first place- that is the most powerful thing I have encountered in my life." He concluded, finally mustering out the final words he could remember from the late Queen-Mother. These words he continued to repeat to himself over and over- and once more just for safe measure. He sought a leather-binded book from his many walls and scribed these words down for good keeping, to reflect upon in the future in whatever endeavors he may find himself on. All in all, he remembered the kindness and joy that she reflect."Rest well, hauchmamej, your impact will forever be felt upon many." 9 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MapleSunflower 1104 Share Posted October 2, 2022 Spoiler Thank you for all the rp Liv and it was awesome getting to know you. Thank you for being so welcoming when I brought Madeline into Haense. It meant the whole world to me and brought me into Haense for the long run. Good luck with school and I wish you the best. The heavens shone a little brighter and the world became a littler darker. Matviy Kortrevich looked to the snow that began to fall over Jerovitz, pausing to let a flake fall into his gloved palm. "Spathiba, Aedymamej..." He whispered, "Because of eam, mea heart am a little more kinder. In a taunting forest, vy were a friendly beacon." Somehow that day he knew it was the last time he would see her. They always did feel their best just before death. 7 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazedpudding 2222 Share Posted October 2, 2022 Klara Elizaveta knelt in the small cottage she shared with her family, the Lorraine cross given to her by her parents in her hands, and her forehead pressed to the floor. "We'll be fine..." She rasped into the silence, locks of greying hair falling to cover her tears. "Ea will be fine..." The last word left her in a choked sob as the gold of the Lorraine cut into her hands. She'd promised. She had promised her mother that they'd be fine. But it wasn't fine. It would not be fine for a very long time. Eleanora Amador chuckled softly as she drew Emma into a gentle hug. "Ea have missed vy, mea dear friend." 8 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
FlemishSupremacy 5063 Share Posted October 2, 2022 Flemius missed his favourite queen already. It's good the helmet hides the tears. 9 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mamimiux 174 Share Posted October 2, 2022 The Aged Vanir Woman sat on the side of her bed, a single tear falling down the wrinkled cheek. She had outlived Eleanora, Petra, and now her beloved cousin, Emma. Margot couldn’t help but wonder when it would be her turn when her candle would blow out, and she’d fly to the heavens amongst her family. She had stood aside Emma and watched her children grow into strong, and capable Princes and Princess… Now realizing that almost everyone she ever knew, had passed. It filled the little old lady with sadness, a great sadness that would haunt her for the rest of her days. 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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