[PK] The Jewelry Box

[Cheese 2307]

Spoiler

 

 

An accessory.

 

That was all Liridona ever was.

From the time she was born, it had been engraved in her mind.

 

“Ea was born to be Nataliya Amador’s twin sestra.”

 

Nataliya was the baroness of Mondstadt; the matriarch of the House of Amador.

Liridona was Nataliya’s twin sister.

 

She had worked so hard to support Nataliya.

Liridona stood at her side, quietly. Agreed to do near anything asked of her.

She attended events, she joined the courts.

 

Anything that could be done to ensure her sister could become a Baroness,

Liridona did.

 

But of course, they had their fights too. As all sisters did.

Sometimes, it would be Nataliya’s quick temper and stress.

Sometimes, however, it was Liridona’s jealousy and fear.

“What is mamej going to do? Coddle vy and say it’s going to be okay? 

Y’am her favorite, Liridona. She does niet scold me anymore.”

 

Why was it Nataliya? What if Liridona was born just a few minutes sooner?

Would that allow her to be happy? Surrounded by friends? Loved by their mother?

 

“It is in vyr hands to be remembered, Liridona.”

 

Those words- they were never forgotten. But would Liridona be?

---

A gem.

 

The Gem of Amador, to be exact.

Sparkling and beautiful and cut into the shape of perfection.

 

“Liridona will take vyr place easily,” 

Olessya had once told Nataliya. And, although not spoken to Liridona directly,

She knew all she had to do was stand in the shadows, 

ready at her mother’s disposal.

 

Radiant. Elegant. Still.

A centerpiece to be on display. Just as a perfect daughter should be.

 

“If he does niet want to marry vy- then vy have failed vyr one job.

But Yam sure vy will niet disappoint mea, Liridona- da?”

Liridona was naught but 14 when she had those words spoken to her.

She had craved for that attention, that validation, that love her entire life.

 

“Don’t vy… remember mea..? Ein little bit, at least…?”

“Ea do niet know vy girl- why are vy calling me mamej? Vy are crazy.”

But in the end, all that work was for nothing.

By the end of Olessya’s life, she did not even remember Liridona.

 

“Ea will be better…”

Liridona swore to herself following the death of her mother.

She would never be such a failure of a parent to her sons.

---

A choker.

 

Wrapped so tightly around Liridona’s throat she could hardly breathe.

It had always been that way. Shaking, struggling to get that air.

 

That anxiety consumed the poor Amador for so much of her life.

 

“Eam niet anxious, Albus.”

Liridona  had insisted so long ago.

But yet, that fight to keep her composure was so regular, so normal to her.

 

Her frayed sleeves were proof of such. An old, nervous habit she had kept since childhood.

“Vy said Amadors are nobles. Money is niet a problem for us…

then why are vyr sleeves worn?”

Benedict, Liridona’s sweet youngest son, once asked,

“Are vy afraid? Of eam getting hurt?”

 

Of course, that was the worst of her fears. 

Nothing terrified Liridona more than losing one of her eleven previous children.

And yet, it came true twice.

First, with her precious, second child- Arn. 

Following him just a few years later was her dear niece, 

a woman she loved as her own daughter- Poppiya.

“Arn did nejt come back.”

.   .   .
“. . . Poppiya dinnae make it off the battlefield.”

 

In just a few short moments, Liridona’s whole world came crashing down.

She did not cry when her mother died. No tears were shed after the passing of her twin sister.

But following her son’s death, and her niece’s disappearance, Liridona wailed for days.

---

A ring.

 

And what a beautiful promise it represented. 

That of her union with the man she loved more than anyone else, Erik.

“Somehow I know we’ll make it work together. 

You’re irreplaceable to me, Liridona, and I love you.”

 

From that very first day they met as teenagers, all those years ago….

Liridona knew he was different. She knew she would love him.

 

And love him she did, for so many years. 

Nothing brought Liridona more joy than her husband 

and the five sons they had together.

 

The secret getaways from the bustling city into the mountains,

The discreet hand-holding under the table,

The contagious smiles that only the two of them understood.

 

After Erik had moved to the mountains with his goats,

Liridona was always pestered with questions from her niece,

“Why do vy stay with him, aedymamej? He’s never around! He’s left vy!”

 

Liridona could only chuckle and shake off Theodosya’s antics.

The stack of decades-old letters kept safely under her bed was reason enough.

The kind gray-blue eyes and joyful Scyfling accents of her sons were reason enough.

The handmade hat that Erik had given her as a sign of his love was reason enough.

 

There was no leaving, nor staying.

There was only love.

 

 

---

A crown.

 

That pressure sat so securely above her head, yet the invisible weight felt enough

to crush her bones and snap her neck.

 

Liridona always carried herself with such grace, with such poise.

Such was expected of her to represent her house, after all.

 

From being appointed as Koenas Amaya’s court chamberlain, and later custodian,

To taking her House’s regency from her third cousin after Nataliya died,

To even Lifstala, where she wore her ancestress’ tiara.

 

Liridona hated that public eye.

She hated being on display.

 

And yet, it was so unfortunately necessary.

 

“Vy are a failure, Liridona.”

The last words her brother in law, Aleksandr, had ever spoken to her

before committing suicide.

 

That regret ate at Liridona for the rest of her life.

What if she had gotten him that one drink, as he asked her to?

What if she had done something different in raising her sister’s children?

What if, what if, what if.

 

---

Longing for freedom.

 

The very meaning of Liridona’s name.

She had tried for so long to escape that wretched jewelry box she called herself.

To escape from the shadows and responsibility and abuse.

 

What was all of it for, anyway?

 

Was it for the approval and pride of her mother?

Did Liridona hope her mother would love her more if she were somebody important?

 

If she were somebody at all?

 

Was it for the sister she always stood behind?

Was it for Erik? For her dear nephew, Henrik? For her own sons?

 

Was it for Liridona herself?

 

There was so much hurt. So much pain she carried silently.

Secrets she had never, and would never, tell even her closest friends and family.

 

Could she, one day, let go of all that hurt? Could she heal, and be truly happy?

 

“Henrik sent me a letter- here.” 

“...Hurt you? Where are these accusations coming from? Are you alright, my dear Poppy?”

“I wrote back- it is a situation long passed. The babies are fine.”

“But are you alright, Poppiya? Did he hurt you, ever?”

“It does ne matter, Aedymamej. He hurt himself much more than Ea was hurt.”

 

The room started spinning. Poppiya’s words were replaced with a ringing in Liridona’s ears. There was a pain in her chest. It burned. It hurt to breathe, it hurt to move.

 

“Just- breathe, Aedymamej… vy will be fine. Just remain calm. It will pass.”

But it didn’t pass.

“Poppy, my dear… I’m sorry I was not a better aedymamej. I’m sorry I- I could not do a better job at raising you and your siblings. I love you more than anything… please forgive me… yes?”

“There is nothing to forgive, Aedymamej. You are more a mother to me than my own mother- just breathe. Please?”

But she didn’t breathe.

Liridona nodded slowly, gasping for those few deep breaths. However, after a few moments, Liridona simply slumped against the table, having lost consciousness. The hand that was holding Poppiya’s fell limp.

 

When Liridona opened her eyes once more, 

She was greeted with a phoenix that stood among her ancestors and friends.

Its ruby-flamed tail, topaz-hued wings, and diamond eyes welcomed her home.

 

Liridona Ingrid Amador was no longer afraid.

---

Following the death of Liridona Amador,

A statement was released to her sons, her nieces, and her nephews:

Spoiler

“My lovely children, my beautiful sons and daughters. I am sorry to have brought you this pain. But I hope you know I cared so deeply for every single one of you. However, I fear that you have not known me before I became your mother or aunt, so allow me to tell you my story before I welcomed you into my life.

It has taken me many years to accept this, and even writing this out it feels surreal. As a child, I was abused by my mother, your grandmother Olessya. I was neglected and left in the shadows of my twin. Every day of my life, I strived to be something great- to be something- so that I could be loved in the same way the great Phoenix of Amador was. Unfortunately, it was never enough. The inconsistent insults and manipulation left me anxious- it left me afraid of my own family. I stopped eating because my mother wanted me to be a pageant queen. I didn’t speak up for myself, and I didn’t make friends.

My life changed when I met my husband- your father and uncle, Erik. He saw all the best parts of me- parts I thought didn’t exist. He showed me unconditional love for the first time in my life, and helped grow my confidence. I know you all didn’t like how he was seldom around and how I had to act as a single mother, but Erik was truly the best thing to ever happen to me.

When my mother and Nataliya passed, I did not cry. Instead, I remember standing inside Olessya’s room, with baby Benedict wrapped in my arms. I vowed that day that I would be different. I would never leave my children wondering if they were loved or not. I would never fail them the way I was failed.

For so long, I was afraid I would be forgotten. That I would fade into the shadows like I was told I would, and that only Nataliya would be remembered. But now, you have my story. You know the life of Liridona Amador. Please take it, my lovely children. Let the world know that I was not a failure like Olessya, Nataliya, and Aleksandr told me I was. Let them know that I made it.”

 

Additionally, private letters were sent out to her loved ones.

 

My sons:

Spoiler

Cassian,

Spoiler

My eldest son. The pride and love I feel for you cannot be put into words. From the day I first held you in my arms, I knew you would be special. And now, you are a count! You were a radiant little boy, and now a man. I know this is hard now, but remember that I will always be with you, and treasure you always. Take care, my sweet Cassi.

Gabriel,

Spoiler

My dearest Gabe, my loving son. You have, all your life, brought me so much joy. Your smile always warmed my heart, and it brings me such joy to have seen you grow and be your mamej. There was no sweeter sound than your “eja mamej!” and I will miss it oh so dearly. You will do wonderfully as the Consort of Kortrevich, despite any doubts you may have. Irena is a wonderful woman, and I am so proud of the daughter you have given me. I love you so much, Gabriel Lukas. Never forget that.

Aster,

Spoiler

My sweet wandering star. I have always lamented not having seen you so often in your youth, but I am glad your childhood in the mountains with your father was happy. You are a fine young man, and I see your father so much in you- in your eyes and smile, in the way you talk and your kindness towards the world around you. I love you, my dear son. Just look at the night sky, as you do so often, and I will be there.

Benedict,

Spoiler

Oh, my precious Benedict. Your heart is so pure, and your smile so full of joy. It saddens me knowing that I cannot be with you anymore. I still remember the day I first held you in my arms and brought you close to my chest. You are a special boy Benedict, so full of love and warmth. You will bring happiness to everyone you meet. I will love you forever, my sweet Benny. Take care, dearest.

 

 

Erik

Spoiler

My heart, I have been the most lucky woman in the world to have been able to call you my husband. You are the best thing to have ever happened to me, and I love every moment we have spent together. Our sons have grown up wonderfully, and I see you in each of their beautiful faces. Thank you for the happiest times of my life. I can only hope that we will not be separated for too long. 

 

My nieces & nephews:

Spoiler

Henrik

Spoiler

My dear nephew, you have truly made this House proud in your time. I have loved watching the boy I helped raise grow into such a wonderful baron- and now a viscount! I know I could never replace your mother or the childhood you lost, and I apologize for any of my shortcomings in raising you and your siblings. However, I hope you at least know that I care for you as if you were one of my own boys. Emma too, I love as one of my daughters. Take care of her and love her well, you two deserve happiness. Mondstadt could not be left in better care than your hands. Take care, my love. I will always be watching over you.

Poppiya

Spoiler

Sweet Poppy, how I love you. I know you struggled for long with the deaths of your parents, and I apologize that I could not fill the void or make it better. You have grown into a wonderful young lady, one that your parents would be proud of, and one that I am proud of. I treasure you like my own daughter. Remember that I love you Poppy, and that I am not gone forever. One day I will see you again, I promise.

Karl

Spoiler

Karl, my adventurer. You have grown into a strong young lad, and you make your ancestors proud. I am sorry if I have ever seemed less than a good mother- but I hope you know I tried so hard to raise the lot of you. Now that you are grown, let me give you some advice. You love the world, Karl, so seize it. Travel and enjoy it. Do not be afraid of what is beyond civilization like I was. Let it be yours, my dear.

Theodosya

Spoiler

Sweet Teddy, my beautiful niece. Your fiery red hair brings so much light to my life, and your smile is radiant like none other. You are gorgeous, inside and out, and I lament that you have ever felt otherwise. I am sorry I was not your mother, and I am sorry for any of my shortcomings in raising you. I have loved you dearly, ever since I held you in my arms. You are my niece, and you are my daughter. I will always love you, no matter what. 

Bo

Spoiler

There is not much I have to say, except that I owe you a great apology. It is my biggest regret that I could not have kept you and your kin close to us in Mondstadt. However, I wish you and your young family all the best in your mercantile ventures, and hope that one day, when GODAN sees it fit, our lines may reconcile.

 

 

Amaya, Marian & Rosalind

Spoiler

My best friends- I thank you for having brought such happiness to my life. As I’m sure you all know, Amaya especially, I have struggled with severe anxiety and making friends my entire life. You three changed that. Your Majesty, with the opportunity you allowed me by becoming your Chamberlain and Custodian, I have gained a confidence in myself that I never felt as a child. Marian and Rosalind, your companionship as my Grand Lady & Chamberlain parallel have made my time in the courts worthwhile. I treasure you three greatly, and I will miss you. Take care, my friends.

Liridona Ingrid “The Gem” Amador

SA 107 - SA 171

Spoiler

OOC:

I have loved playing Liridona so much, she may be one of my favorite LOTC characters of all time. Special thanks to everyone in Amador, but especially gutz and lalo for being there for Liri since day one 💪
Another huge shoutout to julius for playing Liri’s rat dog-loving husband, 

and teeylin, arvid, marb, psychra, and wavelincoln for playing my MANY sons.

Critter, Henrik has been an absolute joy to raise. You’ve done phenomenally so far as head of house, and thank you so much for allowing Liridona to be your regent

 

I absolutely LOVE Amador, and even if I’ll miss Liridona greatly, 

I’ll never forget the time I had playing her <3

FROM ASHES WE RISE!!!!

 

See u guys on Esfir ;)

(can’t get rid of me that easily! <3)

 

[DahStalker 2856]

In the afterlife, a woman with her herd of goats waited. Although Liridona was not of blood, she was a Colborn. Family. When given the time to see that woman once more, she smiled.

 

”Out of all of the gems I have seen, with all their perfections and flaws,” The late Curator of Crown Jewels began. “You were one of the strongest.” 

[lalo 297]

Theodosya von Augusten thundered away from the courier who had brought her the news of her aunt's sudden death.

The heels of her shoes clicked and clacked against the hard floors of Rikardsburg's keep. Her breath kept hitching in her throat - she desperately wished to breathe but seemed unable to find the wherewithal to.

After she had found an unoccupied corner of a staircase, she collapsed into herself, hot tears staining her cheeks in one of the few times she had ever cried.

She had lost the closest thing to a mother she had ever known.

[Lirinya 2644]

29 minutes ago, Cheese said:

Liridona nodded slowly, gasping for those few deep breaths. However, after a few moments, Liridona simply slumped against the table, having lost consciousness. The hand that was holding Poppiya’s fell limp.

 

"Aedymamej?" Poppy grasped for the womans limp hand, seeking for any reaction or response to her touch. "Aedymamej - Liridona?"

 

But there was no reply, she was quiet. Her breathing had stopped, as had her pulse.

 

Poppy checked for both- but she was not a doctor in any form, so a finger pressed against Liridona's wrist and a dip of her head against the womans mouth to check was all she knew to do. Poppy lingered, sitting in silence for what felt like a time, before she bellowed out around the room.

"If there is ne a handful of serventry in the hall in five seconds to help lay Aedymamej in her room, GODAN knows ea will drag vy all out into the fields ag let the dogs on vy all."

 

From the corner of Mondstadt, a few servants rushed out. They very carefully took the comatosed Amador and carried her downstairs.

 

---

 

When her aunt was laid to rest, Poppy retreated back to Balian and began to furiously write her missive and letters. The shock and horror of the situation, would not truly set in until the nights rest came in.

 

---

 

And then it did. It hit her in a wave. In a painful thump of aches and pains, in sobs and wails. The walls of the Godunov house were put to the test as they contained the womans anguish.

With her husband gone- to who knew where and her children otherwise occupied for the night, Poppiya laid alone in the dark, without a soul to offer her the comfort she so sorely needed.

 

Tonight was going to be the first of many a dark night for the Godunov household.

 

Spoiler

I didn't expect a harmless interraction to end with tears. But, Cheese, you've played Liridona amazingly and I'm glad to have met you on my return to Amador. Thank you for the probably a year of playing back with Amadors - and for the lovely character that was Liri.

                           

[sarahbarah 5021]

A frigid wind swept over the Queen's open curtains.

 

Amaya pulled her shawl around her shoulders taut, as if a single gust of wind could send her away - as if she was made of mere glass now.

 

How fragile life truly is, she thought.

She knew one thing for certain - Liridona, the Gem of Amador, was anything but.

[Gutz 391]

A flame- an eternal one. That was the motif of House Amador, as the Phoenix was a creature wrought up from cyclical regeneration.

 

However, when Olessya's eldest daughters were born, instead of pride and maternity, she felt a pang of shame. Weren't they the continuation of House Amador? Weren't they the female first-borns she had longed for to defy her Sedanian mother? Were they not a timestamp on her tenure as matriarch of a fading house?
 

She knew she couldn't offer her dotres a normal life. The burden of carrying the flame would inevitably fall on her eldest, Nataliya, and Olessya had made sure the girl understood the weight of that responsibility. 
 

But what of Liridona? Little, dear Liridona - as Olessya denoted her in her thoughts. A flameless being, a tool to perpetuate the regenerative cycle of their House. She would do what every other noble Haense-woman had done: forge alliances through marriage and joyfully bear children. This was her burden, to blend into the ash and soot amongst the flame.
 

Yet here Olessya now sat, enveloped in a pearlescent glow, gently swaying in her oak rocking chair. The brown-haired girl, the Gem of Amador, appeared, and Olessya's lips tightened as she struggled to voice her regrets and apologies. She had suppressed the spark within this child, and when she wasn't looking, it ignited. No amount of apology, though she had tried, could mend this rift. The shame from their first encounter-- where Olessya first looked at her babes-- resurfaced, weighing heavily upon her once more.

 

Spoiler

I am SO honored to have been a contribution to Liridona's character via Olessya. Liridona was an inspiring, beautifully written character-- and I am so sad to see her go. Yet, more importantly, her and Ilaria were a large part of the reason we met. You're a great friend to me, and I can't wait to see what you do with Esfir and House Amador.

 

Cheers <3

 

[critter 2469]

The broad shoulders of Henrik Amador wrack with sobs - a monumental loss, rippling through the house.

[Toddbringer 124]

Warded from worlds prying eyes, beneath the veil of whispering pines of the Northerly Gales, an Unmourned Son of mountains proud of Karosgrad weeps for the weary. Incense burns with a tranquil dancing serpent of smoke, writhing in the motion of the atmosphere, guiding falling nettles of the evergreens high.

 

Peace eternal; a wish for a rest well earned. 

[teeylin 996]

Cassian, the woman's eldest son, pushed the news away as it came- he allowed it to build up like a tidal wave, at any moment ready to crash through the thin glass surrounding his heart. He'd always been one to avoid his problems- abdicating from his peerage title, avoiding his wife when tensions were high, avoiding his siblings when he knew he should have done the opposite. 

 

"Well. . ." he'd utter, throat rough with emotion, "Perhaps it is time to go."

[Wavey 1446]

The youngest of Liridona's sons, half Amador and half Colborn glanced upon the bridge towards Valdev. A small smile formed upon his lips, for he had spent too long in the wilderness of the northern mountains akin to his father.  

"Ea missed mea home." Benedict murmured, "Ea hope Elena is alright." 

He quickened his pace now, slinging his satchel behind his shoulder as his quickened walk now turned into a run and then a jog. There were so many faces he would have to greet. But first, he wished to see his beloved mother, the woman who raised him. 

"Mamej! Eam home!"  

If only he knew what news would await him...

[psychra_notte 115]

Aster had finally returned to Valdev, after his pilgrimage across the continent. He quietly sat in the foyer of his home, carefully holding the letter in his hand. Tears began to well in his pale blue eyes as he read "Oh Modir- Forlati Mik, please! If only I had been with eym.." The astronomer quietly lamented, distraught at the loss of his dear mother. "I promise eym, that I shall name a star for eym! The brightest and most beautiful star!" A promise which echoed out to no one, between quiet sobs, in the empty home of Aster Amador. A promise, which he would uphold.