Eryane

"It took them long enough to win a battle!" remarked Empress Anastasia as some word began to spread of the occurrences.

“A true warrior and knight of the empire is amongst us,” Empress Anastasia I remarked as the missive was given to her by a courier. She went on to pass it to her Vice-chancellor, Princess Catherine, as well. @AndrewTech

Following the masquerade, Empress Anastasia I followed her brother and the High Prince further into the depths of Elvenesse, where they chatted away until the signatures were finally scribed upon the last discussion of the pact's contents. All of Caras y'Tennallar was familiar to her from her youth, when she was sent to study there and live amongst their people for some time as a mere girl in her early years - under the watch of that same High Prince Evar'tir Oranor. "How times have changed," she remarked to him earlier, upon first spotting him at the masquerade.

Upon looking out to the distance towards Haelun’or - far off from where she was in the imperial palace, Empress Anastasia I raises a glass. “To you, Sohaer Ayliana, and your people. May they find solace after years of strife.”

Empress Anastasia heard the news from her husband, and with eagerness to meet this new leader of the world she informed her dearest sister-in-law the Countess Vanderfall about the two of them, along with other members of the Council of State, making a visit soon. @libertyybelle

“This is no damn rumor!” a dame shouted from the seven skies, waving her Carrion Black around in anger.

Time is an inevitability; Once Anastasia had said, muttering these words to the Duke of Cathalon who went on to pass merely days later. There were always several people in her life whom she felt were eternal that this echoed phrase did not apply itself to, could not apply itself to. Among these great men one particular cardinal remained. Such a goodness and light within her life could not simply be removed, nor would it by the grace of God Almighty. How could a creator be so cruel to put a time limit on people such as him? In the mirror was a reflection of a woman, donning an onyx dress that cascaded to the floor. A dark, shaded headdress kept her hair pinned back from sight. The empress turned away, and walked down the hallway that led to the gardens. Although there were courtiers, it felt alone. The two guiding lights of her life had now moved on. Her two moral compasses, her two pillars. She had wondered if Cardinal Albarosa - Cardinal Providentia then - had known the influence he had always maintained in her life. His words, if condemning, were like daggers to the heart. Yet rarely were they, and instead in the name of peace in humanity. He was a symbol of true Canonism. He was all that Anastasia had been lectured over in that nunnery years ago, when she was a little girl. She was the man Sister Galina told her was the definition of a Canonist. And always, she admired him for it. Rare was it to see such a good man in such a dark world. Still could Anastasia see the pain of having her removed from the Church again and again. Yet sometimes, only sometimes, he would let her stay for the funerals of the subjects of the empire. For those, he did not stop her. In the final days she had seen him, Cardinal Francis looked only to hold pain in his eyes. The pain of a world that could do easily be at peace, yet found ways to always be in conflict. Anastasia turned again, and moved into the palatial chapel where she fell to her knees. “Please be at peace now, please be at peace..”

From her chambers where she began to endure a long recovery from her illness, Empress Anastasia I received word of her councilor’s passing. With that, she sent a servant out to order candles be placed throughout the palace in her honor.

Empress Anastasia smacks away a fly with the rolled up missive - then tossing it away in the fire. “So, Your Imperial Excellency, how has your day been?” She inquired of the Archchancellor while reaching for her cigar.@Taketheshot

Empress Anastasia I yawned as she read such a document by a courier. “At least he’s creative, I suppose,” she shrugged, and moved on with her day.

Empress Anastasia I refined her best dancing skills. @Nectorist

Word reached the empire swiftly of the pontiff’s death. In spite of their few, unpleasant interactions to one another given the past few years as well as his accusations, Empress Anastasia I bowed her head in silence for some time nonetheless. He was still a faithful Canonist, and deserved a peaceful rest.

Empress Anastasia I sipped her wine as she looked over the document, having added her signature not long ago.

A Haeseni Queen of a time long ago ponders the reoccurring sadness endured by the ill-fated Barbanov princesses, destined for misfortune from birth. It seemed to be an endless cycle, as she watched on from the seven skies in sorrow.

In passing, word reached the empress of the priestess’s death. Although at first unaware of the full content of the situation, she later pressed for further information. It might have been surprising to many, given the priestess’s public protests against the excommunicated monarchs and shouts to see them overthrown, but Anastasia mourned in her private chambers - as she reflected over a woman dedicated to her faith. Perhaps in another time, another place, they might have been good acquaintances if not given the circumstances of years ago. Ileana was dutiful, faithful, resilient. Anastasia could not help but admire it as she thought of her few interactions with the woman. “We must all fulfill our duties in life. She was only doing hers.”

Empress Anastasia I finds this missive to be the greatest of all she has seen so far, and ventures to tell her children so she may purchase hats for them.

factual.