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Post by Empress Isabel de Roque on Jul 8, 2022 22:26:01 GMT
When her visit to the Associated Cities was finally complete, the more important items where loaded into a train bound for Divinum, and the less immediately necessary cargo was left at Isabel's Estate in the Dauthwais. Unfortunately due to the war with Moderal, sailing back home would be too dangerous, and as such, the Empress would be forced to stay in Divinum for the duration of the conflict. She had also planned on meeting the young Emperor Florin, so a message was sent explaining the situation and the authorities back home were warned that the Empress would probably not return home, at least until the war got to a point where it would be safe to sail across the Sea of Wolves. The Ship, for her part, was sent to sail through the Wolfsea and hopefully make it unscathed to St. Helena. Hopefully no harm would come to it, and it could peacefully sail through the chaos and rendezvous at the Divinan Capital.
Isabel had been told that the young Emperor was particularly fond of History, so among the possessions sent on the train, were several tomes on Lusitani and Magdali History. Among with several other gifts that might interest Emperor Florin. She did feel for the child. Both had lost their mother at a young age, and even though she had a few precious memories, which he definitely had not, the loss was still there. She would, at least for the duration of the war, be more than happy to help fill that void.
The arrival at Divinum was met with little fanfare, it was a time of war after all. She was picked up and escorted to her palace at Latium Novum, where she spent a few days settling in, before finally setting out to St. Helena to meet with Florin and his regent.
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Post by Emperor Florin von Marcum on Jul 9, 2022 7:15:47 GMT
The Empress Regent made a point of posting herself on the steps of the palace when the Empress arrived. Although Ethlynn knew full well her health was failing, there was something to be said of her duty, and the sense of normalcy it would give her grandson. Florin, for once, stood at his grandmother's side, without making an attempt to hide from his guest. After all, the Magdali weren’t so strange, he reasoned. Most of the councilors spoke highly of them. The emperor shifted his paludamentum, twisting the fibula holding it in place about his shoulder.
While Ethlynn coughed violently into her handkerchief, trying in vain to hide the blood that speckled the cloth, Florin spoke up to greet Isabel in practiced Magdalese. “Welcome to Divinium, Your Majesty. It’s very nice to finally meet you.” Though he did not meet her eyes, he nonetheless held up the scallop shell for her to take as a customary symbol of hospitality.
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Post by Empress Isabel de Roque on Jul 9, 2022 15:12:03 GMT
"It is good to meet you too, your Majesty. You are most kind, thank you." She said in near perfect Latin, and retreating the scallop shell. She then nodded and bowed slightly. Noticing Ethlynn's coughs, the Empress adequately presumed the old woman was in desperate need of some rest. Isabel followed with "It is good to finally meet you two. Shall we head inside?" She tried her best to retain a sense of normalcy, and to smile at the young Emperor. The poor lad had suffered through so much already. "I've elected to bring you a few things, They should be arriving shortly. I've been told you're as much of a scholar as I am." She said, signaling one of her aides.
The aide quickly dashed down the steps of the palace and into the street. Not long after, a cart containing several books was unloaded and their contents brought into the Palace. They were mostly Historical tomes, containing accounts of ancient battles and the peoples of the Isles. Among them was also a tome on Magdali metallurgic tradition. Some were in Magdalese but the vast majority were tomes translated by the University at Maglhães into Latin.
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Post by Emperor Florin von Marcum on Jul 10, 2022 4:37:25 GMT
Florin squinted, looking the Empress up and down. Foreigners always dress so funny. Still he thanked her, grabbing at the metallurgical tome and walking into the palace without another word.
Ethlynn, finally done coughing, gestured toward the palace. “Of course. You’re welcome here as long as you’d like. Apologies for my grandson. You know how children are. His heart is in the right place but he’s still not quite good at handling relations with new people. So unlike his mother. We’ve got quite the spread for sexta, if you’d care to join us?”
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Post by Empress Isabel de Roque on Jul 12, 2022 3:27:44 GMT
"I'd be delighted to." She said, eyes still fixated on the young Emperor.
"He's been through a lot. Especially for his age. I would know. I lost mother when my youngest sister was born." She said, sighing. "But enough melancholy for the day, after you."
And with that, Isabel waited for the old regent to slowly waddle up the staircase. Her aide went and picked up one final item, but she would keep it on her, for now.
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Post by Emperor Florin von Marcum on Jul 12, 2022 19:35:34 GMT
The Regent chuckled dryly at Isabel’s sympathy, as they headed into the maze of the Argent Palace. “He lost his mother, uncle, and brothers before he even knew them. There’s not much to mourn except for the ideal he’s been spoonfed since he first stepped out. He’ll grow out of it as he matures.”
She hung a sharp left, her hand grazing the wall for support before continuing down a series of further corridors until finally entering a modest drawing room. This part of the palace had always felt to her like an oasis compared to the rest of the complex. Instead of the idealized classical styles, it was simple oak and cottons. Clean. Simple. Almost rustic by comparison. A wedding gift from her late husband. She gestured to a table set for tea, before continuing the conversation.
“I’ll admit, I’m eager to hear how the young princess is coming along? She and Florin are both so young, but it would be wonderful if a match were to happen in future. Especially after the… spat your son and my grandson had when the Tholes visited.”
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Post by Empress Isabel de Roque on Jul 15, 2022 1:31:25 GMT
"Carolina is growing up well, strong and healthy. She seems be quite fond of studying Latin, incidentally. She's also taken an interest in fencing and is quite adept at it for her age. Though I'm partly to blame for that." She said. "As for Guilherme, I wouldn't worry too much. He's a good natured child, just a little too prideful for his own good. He is quick to forgive, though he does not forget. I'm sure he's already gotten over whatever might have happened."
Isabel took a sip of the tea. She detested the stuff, coffee was her beverage of choice, but she would not refuse a offer from the old regent. She made her best attempt to pretend to be enjoying the beverage.
"I am thankful for you hospitality. You have been very accommodating. This whole ordeal with the Moderali... such a shame. I had hoped we could solve this peacefully, but it was not meant to be. The Lords will reap what they have sown. God knows we do not look kindly upon slavers."
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Post by Emperor Florin von Marcum on Jul 16, 2022 14:44:39 GMT
“We wholeheartedly agree. And to that point we should put all our attention and care. The slaveocrats tarnish their souls with such a practice. I heard the Tholes were interested in abolition of the trade internationally. Perhaps we can come to a concensus on how to-“
Florin found his way into the room as she spoke, and dragged a chair up to the table, his nose still in a book. His legs kicked absentmindedly under the table as he reached for a pastry. Mouth full, he asked “Why’d you name this War after a bird? Did you use trained hawks?!”
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Post by Empress Isabel de Roque on Jul 17, 2022 17:23:39 GMT
"The Lords of the Northern Province were quite fond of Falconry, yes. Their Kings used to decorate their Heraldry with the Goshawks native to the isles. Since the war was between two members of their Royal House, we've simply taken to calling it the War of the Hawks." She said, mildly amused. "As time went on, the isles became more united, and a lot of the culture unique to the more disparate regions of the isles was unfortunately lost. Nowadays, the Northern Province identifies herself with the Gilded Grapes."
She then signaled one of her aides to step forth. He produced a sheathed sword. "Thankfully, not all has been lost. We recently found the tomb of our founding Monarch, Viriathus. This Falcata is a replica of the blade found within. It is yours to keep and study, Your Majesty."
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Post by Emperor Florin von Marcum on Jul 17, 2022 22:37:17 GMT
“Ah, thank you very much… Ma’am?” The boy smiled slightly, though his hand did little more than touch the scabbard. Instead he tried to continue the conversation
“Gilded grapes. Like the Sorleis Muscat? They’re super tasty! People think they’re the best for wine but I like them in sweet cakes. Oh. Umm… but they’re out of season right now. Sorry.”
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Post by Empress Isabel de Roque on Jul 17, 2022 23:22:37 GMT
"You can call me Mrs. Isabel if you want, or just Isabel. We're both Emperors after all." She said, laughing. "And the Gilded Grapes are believed to be the Magdali Verdelho, a species of white grape that develops a golden tint under the sun. They're very sweet and good to eat on their own, but they also make pretty good dessert wine. Though if I'm being honest, I like the cakes better." She said, letting out a wink.
She took another sip of the tea. "You know, I have plenty of time to go through the books with you if you'd like." She said. "After I'm done talking with your grandmother, we can retreat to your study."
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Post by Emperor Florin von Marcum on Jul 18, 2022 3:10:55 GMT
Red crept to the Emperor's cheeks. “Yes mo- I mean Ma’am. I um. Bye!” He very quickly pushed the chair back and fled the room, leaving his book open on the table.
The Empress avoided comment by coughing violently again, nearly doubling over before regaining the ability to speak.
“God above what are we to do with him? I can’t exactly send him off like I did with my own children. If something were to happen to him Divinium would be in dire straits. I’ve heard what’s said about him, you know. But a Marcum has sat this throne for over 700 years, and I’ll not be the one to let it fall away from us. Let the others gawk if they wish. What do Sadalers or the rest of the western ilk care for civilized traditions and transference of power?”
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Post by Empress Isabel de Roque on Jul 18, 2022 3:57:29 GMT
"He is a young child, and one that has experienced nothing but grief and incomprehensibly high expectations. His reactions are, if not understandable, expected at the very least." She said. "But he has much to learn, and plenty of time to grow into the Emperor Divinum needs."
"My father was not supposed to be King, you know." She said, putting the teacup down on the table. "My Uncle passed unexpectedly from a disease we later learned to be cancer. For years, all father was reminded of was how he was expected to carry on the legacy of his older brother, of how he was the Kingdom's last hope for survival. That type of pressure thrust upon anyone is more than enough to break lesser men. Both my father and Florin are stronger than what any of us can possibly imagine."
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Post by Emperor Florin von Marcum on Jul 18, 2022 4:10:44 GMT
For the first time in many years, Ethlynn allowed herself a genuine smile in front of a foreign dignitary.
“How true that is. Florin was not meant to rule. Neither was his mother, to be honest. I regret not aiding her now, but how is a mother meant to choose between her children? I myself was only afforded my position because my late husband needed money. Power has a funny habit of landing in the lap of those best fit to wield it, eh?”
She took a sip of tea, grimacing before reaching for a pitcher of wine.
“Catherine would have liked you, I think. She was certainly charmed by your father. He was the only foreigner to receive state mourning in Divinium. And if I may be so bold my dear, you’ve handled your own delicate transition of power exceptionally. If you’ll allow an old upjumped merchant to offer you some advice? You seem to have a great deal of care for humanity. Do not ever lose it. We may be elevated above the common folk, but never forget who it is we serve.”
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Post by Empress Isabel de Roque on Jul 18, 2022 4:44:44 GMT
"The crowns both he and I wear are not a symbol of Superiority. They are a symbol of servitude. We are bound by them, made to be the guides of millions. They can both make us who we are and be our undoing." She said, getting up, and walking about the table.
"Have you ever heard about how my ancestors rose to power? The old Lusitani kings were repressive and cruel. They persecuted their own subjects, and by the time the populace rose in rebellion, anyone who was even suspected of treason met the headsman's axe." She said. "The first of the Magdalas, who we call The Liberator, vowed to rule for the people, not over them. It is a vow we have tried to uphold since."
The Empress was unsure if the old woman was trying to flatter her, or testing the limits of her temper. Still, she pressed on.
"There have been two Civil Wars since then, and the people have always fought tirelessly to free themselves of bondage." She said, sitting back down, and pouring herself a serving of wine. "I do no more than what is asked of me and my position, even though God knows I wished to be able to do so much more."
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Post by Emperor Florin von Marcum on Jul 18, 2022 22:28:32 GMT
Red foaming bile rose in her throat, but Ethlynn chuckled nonetheless at Isabel’s impassioned speech.
“Heavy is the head that bears the crown, yes yes. I’ve known many in my time who wore a crown. We’ve all lost a bit of that passion; bit of that reforming zeal, as we aged. Though certain people never seem to lose their penchant for violence and bloodshed. Now that is the real shame.”
“You know my dear, I am well educated on your nation's history. Would that surprise you? It is not dissimilar to our own struggle against tyranny. I would suggest that is why our people get on so well, but we both know the truth of that don’t we?”
The regent finally rose, steadying herself on the table. “Well that is certainly enough of that. You must see the atria. I think you’ll find them lovely. We could tour the greenhouses. Or the insectarium! If I remember the way?”
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Post by Empress Isabel de Roque on Jul 21, 2022 6:05:56 GMT
"Lead the way, I'm sure we'll have plenty of time to tour the palace. Besides, from traveling from Sheen to arriving here from Latium Novum, I haven't had much time to spread my legs." She said, happy that she could finally leave that detestable cup of tea behind.
There was something clearly wrong with the poor woman, Isabel had noticed the incessant coughing fits ever since she arrived. Hopefully she'd pull through whatever it was, but knowing what happened to father was similar, she likely had little time left.
Poor Florin, She thought to herself. The kid can't catch a break.
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Post by Emperor Florin von Marcum on Jul 29, 2022 3:33:51 GMT
Ethlynn was happy to show off the various atria of the Argent Palace to her guest. Foreign visitors so often overlooked these more rustic parts of Divinian culture in favor of the ostentatious or unusual. They stepped over running streams and past hanging vines which were carefully trimmed back to allow passage, but not carefully manicured as some others would. The specimens had been carefully selected from across the empire, in an attempt to reflect the various states.
Upon entering the third such atrium (which was filled with foreign Magnolia, whose petals carpeted the ground), the empress paused on a bench, breathing heavily. They had come across Florin, who was sitting in the grass plucking at the strings of a lyre. He muttered out the lyrics of an ancient verse as he corrected his chord progression.
“sic erit; haeservnt tenves in corde
sagittae,
et possessa fervs pectora versat Amor.
Cedimvs, an svbitvm lvctando
accendimvs ignem?
cedamvs! leve fit, qvod bene fertvr, onvs.”
Ethlynn simply smiled and allowed him to finish before coughing slightly to alert him to their presence.
“My dear boy, would you like to escort Isabel about for me? I believe I’d like to rest for a time.”
The emperor blushed and ran his fingers absently across the strings of his instrument before speaking. “Umm. I-but, I was gonna visit the Lupercal. I dunno if that’s…” he trailed off, unsure how to proceed.
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Post by Empress Isabel de Roque on Aug 8, 2022 19:49:27 GMT
"Oh, that is alright, you don't have to drag me around if you do not want to. Besides, until it is safe for me to return home to the Isles, we'll have plenty of time for me to tour the Palace. This little spat with the Moderali was most untimely." She said, sighing. "In any event, I quite liked the performance, you're very gifted with the lyre! I loathed my Guitar instructor, but I'm still fairly good at singing. If we find the time and you find it to your liking, I could teach you some of our songs."
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Post by Emperor Florin von Marcum on Aug 9, 2022 5:41:22 GMT
Florin wriggled where he was sat, thoroughly uncomfortable with the praise. Aodhan would have scolded him if he was found practicing his instrument instead of studying. That was the reason he had come out here after all.
Instead he chose to answer Isabel’s offer. “Um, yeah. It would probably be good to learn some Magdalese music. Since we’re allies and all that stuff. Quieter he asked “I mean, does Carolina like music?”
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