THE UNDERTAKING

[Axelu 4333]

THE UNDERTAKING

 

To lose a father so young is a burden none should have to bear, especially not alone. That day, Lady Olympe had been, just like so many days before, writing in her journal aboard The Savoyard, the hearty yacht owned by the grandmother, Marguerite Adela, who had years prior served as the Marchioness consort of Haute-Epine. Her strong female presence had always permeated her upbringing, given the designation of the former Margravial consort as her guardian upon her parents' retreat from public life. The items laden upon her oak shelves tremored as a wave crashed along the western flank of the boat and so, Olympe, ever focused on details, rose to adjust them. She stared at the miniature portrait of her parents, depicting them on the day of their marriage, and lamented how far they were -- oceans away. Moments later, her attention was roused by a knock upon her door. It was her grandmother -- a woman garbed in a dark crimson coat, with sable-black hair streaked with grey that was neatly held by an elaborate tricorne hat. Her countenance was sober and pallorous, yet upon closer inspection, moistened by an onslaught of tears. The Dowager Marquise voiced in Auvergnat, her silvery tone inflecting upwards, “Olympe, how are you today?”

 

“Grandmother, is everything alright?” queried the youth in kind, wafting over to comfort her ailing ancestress. 

 

The revelation that the Dowager Marquise would levy upon her granddaughter would ultimately result in silence. There, the two stood in an embrace -- two women of different generations, mourning the loss of the one that came in between. Another wave crashed against the great Savoyard vessel, yet no one was prompted to fix the items upon Olympe’s shelves that fell as a result. The painting of Louis III and Isabel fell to the ground, the glass shattering for the ultimate time. 

 

It was then that Olympe knew there would be no more boats, travels, or distance from her family. At her young age, she was reminded by the gentle yet affirming touch of her grandmother that, henceforth, there would be only duty. 

 

-=(+)=-

 

 

It is with great displeasure that the Margravial House of Dieuxmont de Rosius announces the untimely passing of His Lordship the Marquis of Haute-Epine, Louis III Etienne Olivier. His Lordship passed in the recent battle, and was cared for by his estranged yet everloving wife, the Dowager Marquise Isabel of Varoche. For the sake of privately mourning the life and legacy of Louis III, it has been the prerogative of Olympe I,  Marquise of Haute Epine, and her regent, Marguerite of Lewes, to maintain news of the passing as a family matter, except for the Crown and Privy Seal, until now. 

 

The Marquise of Haute-Epine vows to uphold the tenets and legacy of the House Dieuxmont de Rosius, and all its holdings forthwith, to the best of her ability. Additionally, as is her tantamount responsibility, she swears fealty to the Crown of the United Kingdom of Aaun, its sovereign King John I, its consort Amelya of Middelan, its heir The Prince Charles, and promises herself to service beneath it. 

 

Although riddled by sadness, the Marquise hopes that, with the turning of this new leaf, that the House Dieuxmont de Rosius may prosper and grow as their emblem, a Rose, would with proper nurturing and care. 

 

AVEC DIEU, 

Olympe Regina Dieuxmont de Rosius, 

Marquise de Haute-Epine, Comtesse de Beaufoy, 

 Arentaniebourg, Pacidia, e l’Abre d’Or, Baronne de Rosius,

Madame de Mont Louis

 

 

[MCVDK 2854]

Somewhere else - eternally distant, yet ever close - a youth sat still; his eyes fixated on books beneath. 

 

“There is intention in starting, and there is meaning in ending.” He seemed to recite from the books as his eyes ignited with candle-lit flames. 

 

Just like the Lady of Dieuxmont, this child was alone in his mission; alone in his family. He was the last of the Savoyard Basrid: He, Nicodemus…

[Franczhiz 4437]

A proud progenitor (Louis I, Margrave of Haute-Epine) of the Marquisat de Haute-Epine would give his descendants a big thumbs up.

Spoiler

Glad to see Haute-Epine is still going on

 

[Olox_ 4318]

The young Alstion prince, Charlie, rested his chin on his palms while looking out of the window towards Langkette. The boy wondered how high the peaks really are in High-Peak.