annanicole__

Somewhere, Ipera Amelya, the mother of the twins smiled with quiet pride. “Sixteen years… sixteen long, lonely years,” she whispered. “They’ve grown into such strong, handsome men. Alexandre would be so proud.” Her hand lifted slowly into the air, tracing the outline of an invisible face, as if she could summon the memory of him into being just by remembering.

⥼──────⥽THE VISCOUNTESS’ FAREWELL⥼──────⥽ ISSUED BY, THE VISCOUNTESS OF RETHEL ❀ 11th Of Godrey’s Triumph IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD 2075, 648 AA ⥼──────⥽ ❀ ⥼──────⥽ WITH A FULL HEART, I PEN THIS MESSAGE. After a lifetime of service, devotion, and unwavering duty to our lands and our people, I now find myself at the end of my years, reflecting upon the path that has brought us to this moment. I have borne witness to the rise of our house through ages of change, seeing the House of Enswerp grow from a County within the Holy Regency, to a County within the Archduchy of Alba, to a Baronet within the Empire, then to a Barony under Blackvale, and now to the standing of a Viscounty. Through each era, it has been my privilege to lead, to guide, and to endure alongside you all. For eighty-one years, I have carried the mantle of leadership over the House of Enswerp. Yet as I near my ninety-eighth year, I feel the gentle call to lay down this burden of rule—not in sorrow, but in peace. I wish now to spend the remainder of my days in rest, surrounded by the warmth of my family, the laughter of friends, and the quiet comforts long set aside in service to duty. THUS, WITH GREAT PRIDE AND UNWAVERING FAITH, I ANNOUNCE MY STEPPING DOWN AS VISCOUNTESS OF RETHEL. The torch of leadership must pass forward, and I can think of none more worthy to bear it than my grandson, LORD FLORIAN MALORY MAIRI ENSWERP. By my word and with my full blessing, I do hereby pass the title, duties, and authority of the Viscounty of Rethel to him. From this day forth, let him be known as VISCOUNT FLORIAN MALORY MAIRI ENSWERP. MAY GOD WATCH OVER RETHEL, bless its new Viscount, and grant me peace in the years I now embrace beyond the seat of rule. With love, with gratitude, and with a heart finally at rest, I take my leave of the leader and remain ever yours. ⥼────────────────⥽ ❀ ⥼────────────────⥽ THE RIGHT HONORABLE, DAME LORELEI MAIRI ALSTION-ENSWERP Viscountess Emeritus of Rethel, Lady of Wickwald, Lady of Clairmont Castle, Lady of Cliffhaven Hall, Lady of Clementhurst Castle, Matriarch of Enswerp

“God save the Emperor and the Empress. God save us all.” Ipera Amelya lowered herself to her knees, lighting the candles one by one. “God save us all…”

“God save his soul,” Lorelei said as she lit a candle in memory of the prince.

Lady Ipera had no clear understanding of what was unfolding around her. To her, it felt as though she had lost far more than any soul ought to bear her father, taken by violence; her mother, claimed by her own despair; her sisters, her husband, and with them, the shape of her future. And yet, in all that grief, there was but one person she believed could truly understand the weight of such loss—her dearest, and perhaps only, friend: Valentina. At last, Ipera settled at her dust-laden desk. With a steadying breath, she opened her worn book of poems and let the ink flow once more. This time, her words would not remain hidden. This time, they would be sent to Valentina alone.

@Werew0lf shut up

Finally

Ipera smiled and sent for a servant. “Please prepare a blanket for the new prince, and a basket for Princess Valentina to aid in her recovery.” She then reached down and lifted her son gently from his crib.

Thank god away with you

We all survived the 2026 LOTC Protest!

⥼──────⥽ Two Hearts, One Bloodline ⥼──────⥽ Penned by Her Ladyship, Ipera Amelya 13th of Dragon’s Roar 637AA, 2064 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. Her Ladyship, Ipera Amelya Devereux Lady of Rethel, Lady of Deveruex, Master of Imperial Regalia, The Widow

⥼──────⥽A Celebration of Seven Decades⥼──────⥽ ISSUED BY, THE BARONESS OF RETHEL ❀ 7th Of Sun’s Smile IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD 2064, 637 AA ⥼──────⥽ ❀ ⥼──────⥽ THE BARONY OF RETHEL CORDIALLY INVITES ALL TO A GRAND CELEBRATION WITHIN THE HALLS OF CLAIRMONT CASTLE It is with great honour that the THE BARONY OF RETHEL announces a GRAND BALL to be held within the halls of CLAIRMONT CASTLE, in celebrating seventy years of BARONESS LORELEI ALSTION ENSWERPS leadership of the house of Enswerp, of which she has served forty as the Baroness of Rethel, much of her eighty five years of life dedicated to leadership of house and barony alike. This ball is to be held within AMELYA'S HALL, ballroom within Clairmont Castle. The evening shall be decorated with hues of gold and blue, honouring House Enswerps own colours At the culmination of this joyous evening, an announcement shall be made jointly by the Baroness herself and the Principality of Blackvale. ⥼────────────────⥽ ❀ ⥼────────────────⥽ THE RIGHT HONORABLE, DAME LORELEI MAIRI ALSTION-ENSWERP Baroness of Rethel, Lady of Wickwald, Lady of Clairmont Castle

⥼──────⥽The Decree of Succession of Rethel⥼──────⥽ ISSUED BY, THE BARONESS OF RETHEL ❀ 7th Of Sun’s Smile IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD 2064, 637 AA ⥼──────⥽ ❀ ⥼──────⥽ WITH A HEARTFELT HEART, I PIN THIS MESSAGE. Let it be known to all within these lands that the Barony of Rethel hereby proclaims a change in heirship. By reason of absence and the continued setting aside of her duties as rightful heir, the title and succession formerly held by KATERINA MARA ENSWERP are formally relinquished. In her stead, the heirship of the Barony of Rethel is henceforth bestowed upon LORD FLORIAN MALORY MAIRI ENSWERP This decision is not made lightly, but in recognition of duty fulfilled. Time and again, Lord Florian has risen when called, shouldering the responsibilities of leadership with resolve, loyalty, and devotion to the people of Rethel. Where obligation demanded action, he did not falter, but stepped forward in service of this House and its lands. By his deeds, his constancy, and his proven commitment, Lord Florian has demonstrated himself worthy of this charge. Let all subjects and allies acknowledge him as the rightful heir, and may his path be guided by wisdom, strength, and honor. May GOD bear witness to this declaration, bless the Barony of Rethel, and keep our people steadfast in unity and peace. ⥼────────────────⥽ ❀ ⥼────────────────⥽ THE RIGHT HONORABLE, DAME LORELEI MAIRI ALSTION-ENSWERP Baroness of Rethel, Lady of Wickwald, Lady of Clairmont Castle HIS LORDSHIP, FLORIAN MALORY MAIRI ENSWERP Heir of the Barony of Rethel, Lord of Rethel

⥼──────⥽ The Last Time She Memorized His Face ⥼──────⥽ Penned by Her Ladyship, Ipera Amelya 16th of Harren’s Folly, 636AA, 2063 Ipera gasped when she saw Alexandre’s body. Her hands flew to her stomach as if something inside her had torn loose, and a broken cry ripped from her chest. She threw her arms up, palms out, as though she could ward off the truth standing before her. “No!” she screamed. “No—this was not meant to be. We were wed for only a saint’s day. No—no!” Her strength failed her. She collapsed to her knees, breath shuddering, head shaking as though denial alone might undo what her eyes had seen. “No… no, it cannot be.” Her voice dropped to a whisper, thin and trembling. “Someone is playing a cruel joke. Alex isn’t dead. He told me he would return. He told me he would not leave me.” She fell forward, sinking fully to the floor, and gathered Alexandre into her arms. Her hands moved over him desperately—through his hair, along his brow, down the familiar planes of his face. “No—no, this cannot be,” she murmured, her fingers trembling as they came away slick and red. She stared at them, uncomprehending. “Where is my Alexandre? This is not my Alexandre. Someone—someone bring me my Alex.” She drew him closer, pressing her cheek to his cold temple. “No,” she whispered again and again. “I will not leave him. Bring him back to me—please. I need him.” Her sob broke free as she looked down at him. “Where is my Alex?” “I cannot leave him,” she said hoarsely. “I am his wife—widow—no. Wife.” She dragged a bloodied hand through her hair, her breathing ragged. “I need Valentina. Someone must write to her. I need someone—anyone—who knows this is not my Alexandre.” She continued to trace his face, committing every line to memory. “This will be the last time I see him. I must take every moment I can.” Her voice cracked. “Please—find Valentina. Or someone who can help me.” She squeezed her eyes shut as fresh tears slipped free. “Can you find a friend within the walls of Alba?” she asked weakly. “Someone I may go to when the time comes. Please… I need someplace that is not here.” Her words dissolved into heavy, shuddering sobs as a servant quietly opened the door and then retreated, unable to intrude upon the devastation before them. Ipera lay upon the floor, drenched in red—her hair, her hands, her face, her dress all stained. She cradled Alexandre’s lifeless body, rocking him gently, humming softly beneath her breath. Her entire body trembled as her fingers traced his face again and again, memorizing what she would never touch again. “He cannot be gone, Romhilda,” she whispered at last, her eyes hollow as they flicked toward her. “I truly have nothing left.” Beside them lay a white sheet, folded and waiting. “No,” Ipera said, shaking her head as she pulled him closer. “I do not want to leave him. I will never see his face again. I need to remember.” Her hands shook violently as she turned toward Romhilda, grief laid bare. “I am with child,” she whispered, covering her mouth with trembling fingers. “I have nowhere to go. I want my Alexandre… please… bring him back to me.” She reached out weakly. “Romhilda… may I stay with you? I do not wish to return here until I am ready.” At last, her strength gave out. She released Alexandre’s body, her hands falling slack at her sides. “I do not want to be alone,” she whispered. “I have lost my mother, my father… and now my husband.” Slowly, reverently, she reached for the white sheet. Her bloodstained hands darkened the fabric as she drew it over him. Before Romhilda could move him, Ipera pressed her palms gently to his face one final time. “O, be still, my heart,” she whispered. “For thou will not wilt.” She stood at last, clutching the white stone behind her for support, leaving a crimson streak in her wake. I call your name and the world does not answer. They say you are gone, yet my hands still know your face, still search for breath that should be there. If this is truth, it is a language I was never taught. If this is loss, then I do not understand how the heart is meant to go on beating when it has been taken with you. And yet—I remain. I will carry your name where my voice still reaches. I will speak of the life you lived, of the light you left in my hands, so the world may learn what it has taken. They will know you were here. They will know you mattered. I will not let silence finish your story, nor time erase the shape of you. If I must walk forward alone, then I will walk bearing your memory, and call it survival. Oh heart, be still — thou wilt not win. For though you ache and break and plead, you must yet beat, and in each breath, I will remember him. Alexandre Matthias Devereux Lord Regent and Heir to The County of Trier 2030-2063 SIGNED BY, Her Ladyship, Ipera Amelya Devereux Lady of Rethel, Lady of Deveruex, Master of Imperial Regalia, The Widow

Ipera smiled softly at the news. “I pray Princess Valentina recovers in comfort and strength after her travail. We must send a gift—not only for her, but for the young prince as well—something that may serve them both in different ways. Yet what does one offer those who possess all, and yet so often lack what cannot be bestowed by rank or gold? What might Valentina long for in these quiet hours? What might the young prince one day seek? Perhaps the truest offering is not a thing at all, but the promise of friendship—and for Valentina, a listening ear, should she ever have need of one.”

—Bound Before God— Penned by Her Ladyship, Ipera Amelya Enswerp 11th of Harren’s Folly, 635 AA, 2062 LO UNTO THE PEOPLE OF THE EMPIRE, LET THIS JOYOUS PROCLAMATION BE HEARD By the grace of GOD, it is announced that ALEXANDRE DEVEREUX, Lord-Regent and heir of The County of Trier, and IPERA AMELYA ENSWERP, Lady of Rethel shall be joined in HOLY MATRIMONY. Their vows will be spoken within the hallowed walls of the CATHEDRAL OF FIFTY SKULLS. There, before GOD, clergy, and community, these two souls shall be bound as one, pledging faith and devotion. All who walk the lands of EMPIRE OF MAN are called to bear witness to this joyful union. Following the ceremony, all invited guests are welcomed to attend a grand Ball held at the esteemed estate of the HOUSE OF DEVEREUX, CHÂTEAU CONSTANTIA. Let music rise, candles burn bright, and hearts be lifted in celebration, for two are joined, faith is honored, and a new chapter is begun. Formal Invitations Unto the Emperor His Imperial Majesty, Hadrian I, Emperor of Man, and His Imperial Retinue Unto the Archduchy of Alba His Royal Highness, Edward Alstion, Archduke of Alba and His Royal Pedigree The Right Honorable, George Dover II, Count of Dover, and His Noble Pedigree The Right Honorable, Constance Devereux, Countess of Trier, and Her Noble Pedigree His Lordship, Adrian Helvets, Baron of Owynsburg, and His Noble Pedigree Master Rothwin Aldor and His Esteemed Household Master Richard von Rhoswald and His Esteemed Household Unto the Imperium His Princely Highness, Martius van Aert, Prince of Blackvale and His Noble Pedigree His Princely Highness, Cassius Mareno, Prince of Myrine and His Noble Pedigree His Princely Highness, Erwin Barclay, Prince of Reinmar and His Noble Pedigree His Grace, Duncan Baruch, Duke of Valwyck and His Noble Pedigree The Most Honorable, Konstantin Augusten, Margrave of Schwyz and His Noble Pedigree The Right Honorable, Ezra de Senna, Count of Edessa and His Noble Pedigree The Right Honorable, Sir Lothar d’Amaury, Count of Metz and His Noble Pedigree The Right Honorable, Nuvilta Whitewood Countess of Silasia and Her Noble Pedigree His Lordship, Iohannis Basileus, Baron of Cascanova and His Noble Pedigree Her Ladyship, Dame Lorelei Alstion-Enswerp, Baroness of Rethel and Her Noble Pedigree Sir Zubayr and His Esteemed Household Master Rodrigo Amaru and His Esteemed Household Personal Invitations His Imperial Highness, Titus Alexander Horen Her Ladyship, Vivienne Devereux Her Imperial Highness, Marcella Antonella Horen Her Imperial Highness, Valentina Antonia Her Ladyship, Katerina Mara Enswerp Her Ladyship, Aurelia Ottilie Enswerp Her Ladyship, Dame Manon, Baroness and Distrugestadt Her Ladyship, Lady Arya Altwegg Her Excellency, Andromede dey Medford Shugo Honda and His Esteemed Retinue Samurai Seiryū Hina, and Clan Seiryū Samurai Hirano Jiro, and Clan Hirano Kato Koukai Tsukinomiya Tsubaki Master Ebimaru SIGNED BY, His Lordship, Alexandre Matthias Devereux Lord-Regent and Heir to The County of Trier Her Ladyship, Ipera Amelya Enswerp Lady of Rethel, Master of Imperial Regalia

Lorelei smiled the sun’s smile. “Andromeda, you’ve done well. You make Florian and me very proud.”

⥼──────⥽The Baroness’s Return ⥼──────⥽ ISSUED BY, THE BARONESS OF RETHEL ❀ 19th Of Dragon’s Roar IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD 2057, 630 AA ⥼──────⥽ ❀ ⥼──────⥽ WITH A FULL HEART, I PEN THIS MESSAGE. After many long months upon the road, my pilgrimage has come to its quiet end. I return to Rethel with sand still upon my boots, the scent of foreign incense lingering in my garments, and the weight of silence settling gently upon my spirit. Though I searched far and wide for any trace of my beloved mother and father, I found no sign of their journey, nor any whisper of their fate. This truth, though heavy, no longer wounds me—for in the stillness of sacred temples and the vastness of unfamiliar horizons, I found GOD once more. In prayer, in solitude, and in hardship, my faith has been rekindled. My heart—once troubled by grief—now rests in the certainty that GOD’s hand guides all things, even the mysteries we cannot yet understand. I return not with answers of this world, but with the quiet strength of divine peace. AS I SET FOOT AGAIN UPON THE SOIL OF RETHEL, I am filled with profound gratitude for the one who safeguarded our home in my absence. To my grandson, LORD FLORIAN MALORY MAIRI ENSWERP, I extend my deepest thanks. You have ruled with wisdom, steadiness, and honor far beyond your years. Under your stewardship, the Barony of Rethel remained prosperous, orderly, and at peace. Your diligence has brought pride to our house and comfort to my weary soul. Know that your service has not gone unseen, nor unappreciated. You have proven yourself worthy to our lineage. MAY GOD CONTINUE TO WATCH OVER OUR LANDS, bless the steps that carried me home, and shine His favor upon Lord Florian for all he has done. With renewed faith and unshaken devotion, I resume my rightful place among you. ⥼────────────────⥽ ❀ ⥼────────────────⥽ THE RIGHT HONORABLE, DAME LORELEI MAIRI ALSTION-ENSWERP Baroness of Rethel, Lady of Wickwald, Lady of Clairmont Castle

“Ave Imperium, and God save the Empire,” murmured Ipera Enswerp as she opened her worn leather-bound book. With a steady breath, she put quill to page and began crafting her next collection of verses.

Somewhere across the lands, Lorelei lit a candle and murmured a quiet prayer. “You did well, better than we ever imagined. Long live Hadrian, and God save the Empire.”