fanfic – Page 10 – Longest Night Midwinter Masque

Storyline: From the Royal Archives, A Survey of the Ducal Families

Warning: this page may contain spoilers for Jacqueline Carey’s Kushiel’s Legacy series.

From the Desk of Helisende de Toluard, Royal Archivist

What follows is a survey of the current ducal families of the D’Angeline provinces. Listed below, in alphabetical order by province, is the information compiled by the Royal Archives to detail the history and standing of the D’Angeline ducal families.

Azzalle – Duc Jourdain de Trevalion

Following the disgrace three generations ago, the ducal title had been stripped from the Trevalion family and given instead to House Somerville, a decision that caused no few ripples considering the Somervilles were not even an Azzallese family. After the disowning of the Somervilles by their ducal heir, however, and his adoption back into his maternal Trevalion family, the ducal title has been restored to the Trevalion family with Bertran, the firstborn of Ghislain and father of the current Duc Jourdain.

Camlach – Duchesse Laetitia D’Aiglemort

Even following the shame of that unspoken-of Aiglemort ancestor and the raising of the Unforgiven, the traditions of a place like Camlach are difficult to break. Though the Unforgiven answered to the Anguisette, her passing left them with only the leadership of their military commanders and military commanders do not a ducal power make. The Unforgiven still guard the borders to reclaim the honour they believe Camlach lost but it is once again an Aiglemort that claims the ducal title. Duchesse Laetitia D’Aiglemort spent her time training with the Unforgiven and earning their respect and loyalty before she petitioned the Crown to restore the honour of her House by serving as Duchesse of Camlach. With the support of the Unforgiven and the Time that passes to ease the wound, Queen Anielle de la Courcel granted the request and Duchesse Laetitia D’Aiglemort was instated.

Eisande – Duchesse Iselette de Mereliot

The Lady of Marsilikos has distinguished her rule as have the other women of her line. Her mother was an accomplished chirgeon and patron of the medical arts. Duchesse Iselette succeeded her mother and balanced her mother’s medical interests with her own interests in architecture to authorize building projects to preserve and strengthen the beauty of Marsilikos. She will be succeeded by her daughter Eleanore.

Kusheth – Duc Thiebault de Morhban

The standing of the ducal power in Kusheth is forever in debate among those families that claim it. Though it has not yet, this Archivist believes that fight will only grow. The current Duc de Morhban is a stern and uncompromising man, weathering the storm of Shahrizai objections, complaints, and accusations as steadily as the Morhban stronghold weathers the winds and waves. However, his only daughter, Lorelai de Morhban, has chosen for her wife a daughter of the Shahrizai line, Roxana Shahrizai. The Shahrizai family now has even more of a claim to the ducal title than before, despite their arguments about blood purity. However, as part of the marriage between the noblewomen, one of the requirements for the union was for Roxana Shahrizai to give up any claim to her family titles and lands and to consent that any children borne or adopted by this union would bear the Morhban name. Regardless, the Shahrizai family is now closer than ever to the ducal seat.

L’Agnace – Duc Roland de Chalasse

Though the Somerville family had held the ducal title of the region since the reign of Queen Ysandre and the Skaldic Invasion, the subsequent actions of that House, as with the ruling of Azzalle, prompted the stripping of the title from them, allowing it to revert back to the Chalasse family who had held it for generations before it was gifted to the Somervilles. The current Duc de Chalasse is a tall and strong man for his age and his line is secured by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Namarre – Duc Sebastien L’Envers

With the history of House L’Envers marrying into foreign houses and ruling families, the succession of the ducal seat of Namarre was watched with interest by not only D’Angelines but Aragonians and Akkadians as well, each country believing they had a scion of that house with a claim to the ducal title, and viewing that ducal title as a way to sway D’Angeline politics toward foreign interests. Some of Nicola L’Envers’ line, members now of the Aragonian Royal Family, were interested in establishing further influence over Terre D’Ange but their children were much more interested in remaining in Aragonia. Valère L’Envers Shamabarsin, wife of the Lugal of Khebbel-im-Akkad, gave birth to three sons and it was there that the answer was found. Her oldest two sons were raised as princes of Khebbel-im-Akkad but the youngest was returned to Terre D’Ange to foster with a D’Angeline family and it is his son, Sebastien, that has inherited the ducal title. Sebastien has been a longtime friend of Prince Gustav de la Courcel.

Siovale – Duchesse Niniane de Perigeux

A distinguished scholarly family, there is little to disrupt the passing of the Siovalese ducal title. Duchesse Niniane will be succeeded by her son Lancelin. There is little of note to offer about the Perigeux family, an old House with firm loyalties and a history of scholarship and service. House Perigeux is close friends with House Rocaille.

Storyline: Petrea’s answer to Marco

Petrea, Second of Cereus House, held out her sealed letter to the messenger bound for Tuberium. She handed him a gold coin. “You know where to deliver this? You’re certain? This is highly important that it reach its destination with all haste.” She spoke insistently, with almost an air of desperation.

The courier smiled. “My lady, I will put it in the gentleman’s hands myself. I know him well and will see he gets it as soon as I am able.”

He winked at her and grinned. “I am certain that any correspondence from you is of the utmost importance.”

He took her letter and placed it in his saddlebag. He patted the bag firmly.

“I shall protect this with my life!” he said with mock bravado, spurring his horse.

Petrea laughed and waved to the young man as he rode away.

My dearest Marco,

I cannot, at present consent to becoming your wife, much though the thought intrigues me. I offer you instead a counterproposal. As a sort of trial engagement, I propose that I join you on your next trade voyage wherever that may take you. I know not of your life, other than your stories, and should like to experience it for myself before making my decision.

I shall await your reply, and instructions as to the garments I should bring.

All my love,

Petrea

One week later an exhausted courier delivered a hastily scrawled letter to Cereus House.

My darling,

I will return within the week to collect you. Pack for Alba. I shall take care of everything else.

Yours,

Marco

Three days later, he arrived.

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Want the backstory?

- Watch: Petrea’s Offer
- Read: Petrea’s future

Storyline: Petrea nó Cereus’s future

Several days after the Masque, Aliksandria, Dowayne of Cereus House and her Second, Petrea, met to discuss a marriage proposal Petrea has received from a long time patron. The proposal was sudden and unexpected and Petrea is giving serious consideration to accepting, and leaving the Night Court.

“I don’t understand,” said Aliksandria. She and Petrea were sitting in her private chambers, drinking wine, and having the long awaited and uncomfortable discussion. “Is it children you want?”

“Of course not,” said Petrea, scoffing at the assumption.

“Because if it is, you needn’t leave the Night Court over it. You know that both my parents were working adepts when I was born, and for many years thereafter.”

“I am not leaving to have children, Aliks,” the Second said quietly.

“Then why? Do you have any idea what the life of a Tiberian matron is like? You know what threats came to Odilia after the Masque! And that was here, in Terre d’Ange, where Naamah’s service is a divine calling, entered into as a sacred trust. What do you imagine it will be like in Tiberium where you are not a revered servant of Naamah, but a whore?” Aliks snapped.

“You needn’t shock me with such language,” said Petrea sharply.

“Really? You don’t seem to understand the gravity of the situation, or at the very least you fail to explain it to me.” Aliks looked pointedly at her friend

“I’m simply tired of it all,” Petrea said sadly.

“Tired of what? Our life? This was our dream, yours and mine. Whispered to each other in the small hours of the night as children in these halls. To one day rise to be the premier courtesans, and run Cereus House, together. Don’t you remember, Petrea?” Aliks pleaded, taking her friend’s hand.

“Was it our dream, or you dream for us? I don’t know anymore. All I have ever known is the Night Court, and I grow weary of gossip, and fetes, and frivolity,” Petrea said with frustration, standing to pace the room.

“Is that truly all you think Mont Nuit is? Frivolous ornaments good for nothing but to share the exploits of others?” Aliks was aghast.

“No, no, of course not, but you know of my weariness. Besides, it is likely Odilia is to become the consort of the Dauphin! It is the same thing, except that I cannot be Marco’s consort and he does not live in the City! Both Odilia and I are following our hearts, our love! She dealt with her threats and I will deal with mine!” the Second said, her voice rising with vehemence.

The Dowayne shook her head. “Oh Petrea, your situations are so different. It is as if you were to compare the moon to an apple and say they are identical because they both look round. You are seeing only with your heart and not with your head, love.”

Petrea sat down on the chaise next to Aliks. “But I do love Marco and clearly he loves me. He did propose marriage.”

“Well of course he did! You are beautiful, kind, intelligent, and quite skilled in Naamah’s arts. You don’t actually expect me to believe this is the first time a patron has proposed to you after an assignation. Blessed, Elua, I’ve lost count of the proposals i’ve received over the years.”

“No, it isn’t, but I’ll not pretend disinterest in this particular offer. This is not an easy decision and I don’t make it without careful thought and consideration. I would hope that you know me well enough to understand that.”

“Well of course it isn’t easy. If it were, we would not be sitting here, having this difficult discussion. You either would have left with him immediately after the Masque, a ring on your finger; or we would be sitting here, drinking this wine, laughing about yet another proposal from a besotted patron!”

Aliks paused, turning thoughtful. “When does Lord Marco return? In a fortnight?”

“Yes, as a matter of fact,” Petrea replied with surprise.

“Oh don’t look so shocked.” Aliks smiled. “As important as he is to you, I make it my business to keep tabs on his schedule and ensure that you have ample time with him when he is in the City. And after he leaves, how long will he be gone then?”

Petrea thought for a moment. “He is bound first for Alba. After that, I know not his route, though I would presume he will return to Tiberium at some point. He’ll like as return to the City six to eight months hence. Perhaps longer?”

“Then I propose this: go with him. Go and see a world outside of Terre d’Ange. Why, you have never been farther than your parents estate in Namarre. Go see this great life he is promising you. You know what a life in the Night Court is like; see the alternative.”

“I can do that? just leave for half a year or more?”

“Why not, who is to stop you? Your Dowayne? I warn you, Petrea, the world is not kind to courtesans and you would be best to consider…” Aliks toyed with a phrase, “…calling your relationship with Lord Marco something other than it is..at present.”

Petrea thought a moment as Aliks’s words sunk in. Aliks was speaking to her not just as a friend, but also as her Dowayne. The notion of not only traveling with Marco, but telling strangers that she was his wife? Would that affect her ability to make a decision?

Aliks continued, all business. “Now for guild purposes, we will write it up as an extended assignation, so you retain guild privileges and protections. Your marque is made, and your fees are yours to dictate between you and Lord Marco. When you return you may either tithe a portion to the house, or keep it as a dowry with my blessing.”

Petrea weighed the offer carefully, then smiled and agreed, hugging her friend. She had been dreading this conversation; had still been unsure of her decision. This was a beautiful compromise.

“This is perfect. Brilliant even. I knew there was a reason I love you so much.”
She dropped a kiss on her laughing friend’s brow and hurried back to her apartments to write a letter to Lord Marco and prepare for the voyage.

Storyline: The next morning..a warning on Mont Nuit

In a stunning and terrifying move the morning after the Masque, Mont Nuit awakes to a chilling warning. A cloak is hung from a rope on the gates leading into the Night Court, a rather significant cloak, a cloak of a particular color. A sangoire cloak. Upon Phedre’s cloak is pinned a note that reads “No prostitutes in the Palace” and it is signed with a Navigator’s star.

A group of new friends; Niklos Shahrizai, Sahar Bareket Auclair, Adiun Terresande of the Priesthood of Elua, and Constance de Mereliot, first comforted Odilia when she saw the warning, having returned from where she stood the rest of the Vigil with the Dauphin after leaving the Masque at Cereus. Then they proceed to the palace to assist Captain Remy LeBlanc of the Royal Guard with discovering the identity of the traitor. The clues they piece together – shoe polish in the wardrobe where the cloak is kept, witness from the guards about a young man dressed as a lion, the clues in the note itself, and the information they were given by a palace maid, Marian – led them to a young, ambitious noble named Cyran de Somerville. Cousin to the ruling Duc Jourdain de Trevalion, his lineage goes back to the famed Lioness, as it appears, so did his treachery.

The youth’s manservant admits to all and the party witnessed the young Cyran reveal his treason to a betrayed young Princess Livette de la Courcel, who takes this betrayal personally for she thought Cyran was a friend. He tries to explain, to assert that it was necessary to keep a courtesan from controlling the throne, but the princess orders he be taken away.

The Princess reeling, the City still afire with the gossip of the theft and the warning, it is clear that this Masque and the events of the day afterward will have an effect on the country moving forward. A bold move like this by young Cyran will certainly cause ripples…

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Video: Jasmine House

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Jasmine, whose scent lasts long into the night, an exotic perfume.
We surround your senses and intoxicate. We are wilder, lush, freer, and more passionate than most. Jasmine House surrounds itself with beauty; we live our lives with sensuality. Pleasure is found in seeing and touching, in the senses and in the mind. We are unrestricted in our canon: any tastes and desires will be met, all are for pleasure’s sake. To visit Jasmine is to enter paradise…
–Samaria nó Jasmine, Former Dowayne

Video: A Quiet Moment – Cyrille nó Alyssum writes to a lover

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My dearest Amelie,

You do not know how much your letter warmed my heart and brought joy to these chilly nights. There is much happening in the Court and amongst us flowers but you will have heard all the gossip by now and you know I am not one to share other’s secrets but do know I have heard most of the current whispers as always. What you will not have heard about is my health. I am unwell and we do not yet know the cause so you do not need to worry about something too well known. Most days I am alright and am able to maintain my duties and loves as I wish and on the days I am not my darling Amarante steps in and helps care for me. I could not ask for a better Second. The rest of my news can keep until I see you on the Longest Night but I do beg of you that you keep me in your prayers to Eisheth.

With all my heart,

Cyrille nó Alyssum

Video: How to Get in Touch with Orchis

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A woman is lying face down on a bed, her back bare, a sheet covering her from the waist down. A man’s hands are massaging her bare from off-screen. Soft, romantic music plays in the background

The woman moans and sighs contentedly.

WOMAN: Have you got any protection?

She sighs

Camera pans up to the curtains in her room. The music stops, replaced by loud metallic screeching and banging noises.

The camera pans back down to the woman and man lying in bed, wearing full body personal protection equipment, including body suits, medical face masks, surgical hair coverings, plastic face shields, and nitrile gloves.

Man: (whispering) You got the stuff?

The woman opens a bottle of antibacterial hand gel and squirts some on their gloves. They rub the hand gel vigorously over the entire surface of the gloves. Soft, romantic music resumes.

Fade to: white text on black screen: Get your Masque on!

Fade to: the woman and man stand opposite each other on the bed. The man holds out a measuring stick and touches it to her chest. She shrugs.

Video: Welcome to Dahlia House

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I’m Jocaste nó Dahlia the Dowyane of Dahlia House. And I suppose you’re here because you want to learn more about us you want to understand more about what makes us feel very special.

Well, to understand us you need to understand that many of us come from other Houses, originated somewhere else. We were chosen for this House because we demonstrated an ability to lead; we demonstrated a bigger vision; we demonstrated a deeper understanding of the allure of power.

Now, our friends at Mandrake and Valerian definitely understand that. But we’re talking about political power. We’re talking about the ability to lead people…into movements, into abundance, and into fulfillment.

And in fact, a night at Dahlia House is simply a chance to be to have an audience with us, to be part of that environment of power crackling with electricity, crackling with anticipation, with tension or flirtation and courtly love. To have the opportunity to be noticed. And the opportunity to be chosen, among many.

Every adept in the Night Court, regardless of your House gets to choose their own patrons. But in Dahlia House, we have many patrons that we can choose from any given night, or we can choose none at all.

And that itself is satisfying that itself is the tease, and the play, and the intrigue, that we inspire.

For example, I should have been in Gentian House. I should have been a mystic and a seer – a dreamer of dreams. But I wanted to change the way that they approach things. And at the tender age of 10, I tried.

And that is how I got chosen for Dahlia. That is how I was fostered into leadership of this House. Because bringing out the best in our lovers and making them earn that opportunity to see the private “us”, to have that pedestal of acclaim and achievement is seductive in and of itself.

Who doesn’t want to take credit for a queen, inviting someone to her bed? A king, recognizing you in public, and giving you his favor?

We are no stranger to those who have been locked out at the court and their ambitions have been thwarted one way or another. They get to play out that fantasy with us to earn our attention. And it’s no mistake that we are often called upon to be advisors to the court.

So, House Dahlia will definitely surprise you. Yes, we hold our heads up high. Yes, we all have imaginary crowns on our heads. And you will want us all the more so for it.

Please enjoy this Longest Night’s Midwinter Masque, the biggest event in Terre d’Ange. We look forward to meeting you and seeing you show your worth.

Video: Petrea’s Offer

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PETREA NO CEREUS and MARCO DECIMUS, her lover, lie in bed in her private chambers after an intimate evening.

PETREA

I wish your time in the city were not so short. Your visits come far too rarely for my tastes. You scholars – how you do wander. It’s a wonder you visit me at all, what with you jaunting from one end of the world to the other.

MARCO

(chuckles)

You know that I always make my way to you, no matter where my travels take me, dearest.

How go your plans for the Midwinter Masque? I know from your letters that Aliksandria tasked you with the preparations.

PETREA

(groans)

MARCO (CONT’D)

You have concerns of the ball? Or is it this scandal you have written about that troubles you?

PETREA

Oh the ball, itself, will be spectacular. But I fear there shall be no joy for me on the Longest Night. You know the City of Elua loves nothing more than a scandal. And I hate nothing more than a scandal – so tiresome.

(annoyed)

The gossiping grows worse by the day. One can no longer avoid the rumor mongering. There is even a whisper that I am humiliated by the thought of another Second being chosen over me – when nothing could be further from the truth. It has gone too far. The foolish stories are on the lips of every person in every shop on every corner throughout the city, not to mention in every chamber of every House here on Mont Nuit.

(angrily)

There is literally no one I do not hate right now.

MARCO

(laughs, then his voice turns serious)

You seem less and less content each time I see you. And this..this seems too much for you.

He pauses briefly as if something has occurred to him.

MARCO (CONT’D)

(thoughtfully)

Would you ever consider leaving the Night Court?

PETREA

You mean retire? It is not…it is not done.

(sadly)

One does not retire for the simple fact that one is unhappy in one’s place and dislikes courtly gossip.

MARCO

No, no, of course not. But there are other reasons for leaving. Marriage, for example. Others who have made their marque have married and left the Night Court. Left the City. Left Terre d’Ange, even.

PETREA

(thinking out loud)

Marriage? Well, yes, that does happen. But who would I marry? I have dear friends, it is true, but not any who would agree to a marriage of convenience and certainly not any whom are not entangled in..oh.

She pauses as his meaning dawns on her

PETREA (CONT’D)

Oh.

She is silent for a moment, realizing what he is suggesting.

PETREA (CONT’D)

Are…are you proposing marriage?

MARCO

I am.

PETREA

But surely you wish to marry for love, and not simply to take pity on an unhappy woman.

MARCO

I do wish to marry for love. And I would be.

PETREA

Oh.

MARCO

I love you. I love you more than any words in the world can express. Why do you think I come back to you time and again?

PETREA

I thought you enjoyed my company. That I was a stop along your way back to Tiberium from…wherever it is you go.

MARCO

Well there is that, but you are so much more to me than that. Marry me. Come to Tiberium with me. I have a home there. Perhaps not quite as lavish as Cereus House…

PETREA

(laughs)

MARCO (CONT’D)

(his words coming faster)

..but it is comfortable. Let me take you away from here. Away from this life that you do not love. We could travel if you like. Let me show you the world. There is so much more than what you have seen and experienced here in the City. Or not. We don’t have to travel. We can stay in Tiberium. We can have children if you like. Or not. You can study at the university if you like. Or not, if you do not wish. It matters not.

(more gently)

All that matters is that you come home to me at the end of each day. Whatever you want, I will give you.

(quietly)

You can return as often as you like. Whenever you like. I know that there are people here that you love and could not bear to be separated from forever. I know that this is your favorite time of year, and I promise that we’ll always arrange any travels so that you’re here at Cereus House for the Midwinter Masque. What do you think?

Video: Odilia Gets The Letter

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SCENE: [ODILIA is looking out the window, pensive, worried, something weighing on her mind.]

ROSANNA: (offscreen) Odilia?

[ODILIA turns to look at ROSANNA waiting by the couch, she manages a smile]

ODILIA: Rosanna.

[ROSANNA knows her friend, she knows better than to believe the smile.]

ROSANNA: What is it?

[ODILIA crosses to the low table and hands ROSANNA the letter lying there.]

ROSANNA: The royal seal…

ODILIA: Read it.

[ODILIA sits at her couch and sips her wine, watching ROSANNA read. She sits slowly too as she reads aloud.]

ROSANNA: (reading aloud) “Dearest Odilia, In these uncertain times when I have more on my mind than ever, I find my thoughts turning to you more and more.”
(breaking off) Odilia, this seems personal…

ODILIA: Keep going.

ROSANNA: (reading aloud) “The loss of my beloved brother weighs heavily on me, nearly as heavily as that weight that I never thought to bear. As the nights grow longer, I have more time than ever to consider that which lays before me. Mon coeur, I long for your arms and for your advice as to what is next for me. For us. I must take the crown and my mother has warned me that the weight of it will change everything. I stand at the precipice of something new, knowing now more than ever I will need guidance. And so I have made a choice. The Longest Night celebrations will soon overtake the city but my heart is not in them. Instead, I will stand Cassiel’s Vigil through the night, praying for Elua’s guidance and blessing. I regret I cannot share the evening with you as I had wished but to that end I ask for your assistance. As I cannot attend the fete at Cereus House, go in my stead and speak with my voice and represent me among your peers and other guests-”
(breaking off) Odilia, this means something.

ODILIA: Yes, it does.

ROSANNA: Has he asked you to be….?

ODILIA: No. Not yet. I thought he might but then the plague and the loss of his brother…there was no time.

ROSANNA: (reading aloud) “I can trust this to no other for no other is the queen of my heart the way you are, no other knows my heart and mind the way you do. I have every faith in you and place my trust in you completely. I miss you and pray the spring will bring us together again. Yours ever devotedly, Gustav.”

[She sets the letter aside and looks at her friend. ODILIA is valiantly trying to keep her composure but ROSANNA knows her friend too well.]

ROSANNA: Are you alright?

[ODILIA stifles a laugh. ROSANNA takes her hand.]

ROSANNA: Are you ready for this?

ODILIA: I have to be.