When Two Lions Came Where One Life Faded

[annanicole__ 2802]

 

 

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⥼──────⥽ Two Hearts, One Bloodline ⥼──────⥽

Penned by 

Her Ladyship, Ipera Amelya 

13th of Dragon’s Roar  637AA, 2064

 

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Ipera remained within the walls of Château Constantia, confined to her chamber by her sister Vivienne’s insistence—mostly for Ipera’s own good. Within the marbled halls, the soft sound of her humming drifted through the corridors like a quiet, persistent echo, a reminder of the life she carried. 

A knock sounded at her door.

“Ipera, it’s time for you to go outside,” Vivienne called gently, pushing the door open. “Alexandre wrote to me. He asked that you take a walk through the garden and breathe some fresh air. Wouldn’t that be nice, Ipera?”  She held out her hand, inviting her sister to take it. “Come. The breeze is said to be pleasant today.”

Ipera rose slowly and took Vivienne’s hand. As she stood, her other hand instinctively moved to her stomach, and a small gasp escaped her lips. “Alexandre wrote to you?” she whispered. “Did he say when he will return from the North?”  Her voice trembled as she struggled to steady her breath. “It is too soon, Vivienne… it cannot be. O, be still, my heart,” she whispered. “For thou will not wilt.”

Vivienne’s face softened with concern as she led Ipera through the quiet halls, out into the open garden. The air was cool and crisp, the breeze gently brushing against their skin. For a moment, Ipera’s eyes closed, and she allowed herself to breathe, as if the wind could carry away her dread.

But the calm did not last.

Without warning, Ipera’s body shuddered and her face drained of color. Vivienne caught her, steadying her as panic rose in the air like a storm.

“Physicians!” Vivienne called, her voice sharp and urgent. “Now!”

Within moments, the château’s physicians arrived, their footsteps echoing in the garden’s stillness. They guided Ipera back inside, and the room became a flurry of quiet commands and hurried movement. The humming that had once floated through the halls was replaced by the tense silence of anticipation.

The labor came swiftly. It was a difficult birth, but the physicians worked tirelessly, and after a long, trying effort, Ipera gave birth to two healthy twin boys. Both mother and sons were stable and well.

As the first cries filled the room, Vivienne’s shoulders sagged with relief, tears finally spilling down her cheeks. Ipera, exhausted and pale, looked down at her sons with a love so fierce it seemed to shine through her fatigue.

The House of Devereux is proud to announce the arrival of two healthy twin boys.

The elder twin is named Venance Matthias, so called in honor of his late father, Alexandre Matthias, whose hair and eyes the child inherited. The younger twin is named Elliot Florent, so called in honor of Florian Enswerp, Ipera’s cousin, from whom he took the name Florent, and bearing his mother’s eyes and hair. A private baptism would be held at the estate, and the family would celebrate in quiet, grateful joy—each heartbeat a reminder that, despite the fear and uncertainty, life had prevailed.

 

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Her Ladyship, Ipera Amelya Devereux 

Lady of Rethel, Lady of Deveruex, Master of Imperial Regalia, The Widow

 

[FredrickTeufel 356]

Elliot Florent Devereux Looks about the room in which he was born, looks to his twin, and begins to cry. 

[kuerbis 3802]

A few days after the children's birth, a servant clad in imperial livery arrived at the seat of House Devereux, bearing two gifts. They were blankets of deep purple, soft and finely embroidered with gold thread.

With them came a note, placed directly into their mother's hands.

Have heart, dear Ipera. You have something to live for now.
I would not have you return to the capital until you are truly well again.
Tend to your children, but above all, tend to yourself.
Write to me if you ever have need of me.

- V