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Anne Shahrizai
Statistics Name Anne Marie Shahrizai Status Alive Age 19 Class Noble Rank Marquise Affiliation Kusheth House Shahrizai Themesong Cancao do Mar by Dulce Pontes Quote "He is not dead that sometime had a fall" - Sir Thomas Wyatt Portrayed by  Natalie Dormer App Status Taken

Contents 1 Background 2 Whoso List to Hunt 3 Play a Volta 4 The Surging Storm 5 Dear Heart, How Like You This? 6 I Am and Will Remain 7 Dramatis Personae 7.1 Royalty 7.2 With the Scions Blood 7.2.1 Azzalle 7.2.2 Kusheth 7.2.3 Siovale 7.3 Upon Mont Nuit 7.4 Around the City 7.5 More About Anne

Background

Anne is the first child of Donatien and Céleste Shahrizai, born in the province of Kusheth to the former Marquis and his wife. Her birth was a great comfort to her mother and father, having come just on the heels of her grandfather’s passing and her father's promotion to the official position of Marquis, and head of the Shahrizai clan. Even as a baby, she startled her parents with her cool beauty, praised for her pale skin, deep sapphire eyes, and trademark dark hair. She was regarded as a perfect sample of the Shahrizai bloodline, and her birth marked as a herald for prosperity to come.

Her childhood was an idyllic one. She relished in the love of her parents watching them take on typical roles. Her mother ruled the household with the same calculating efficiency as her father ruled his vassals, putting a breadth of lessons before her each day to complete her education. She had tutors in music, dancing, history, letters, languages, and even mathematics, though the latter did not emerge as a particular favorite. At the age of four she received her first pony, a gift from her doting father. Of the two parents, Anne favored him, though this was in part due to the fact that all discipline was doled out by her mother, and in her father's care she knew only indulgence.

At the age of nine, Anne's mother Céleste again began to grow thick with child. This was a cause of some concern within the family, as she was of an age where such an undertaking might prove difficult. Still, her father seemed pleased enough at the prospect, and Anne happily anticipated a little brother or sister to dote upon. In her mother's second month however, she was confined to bed, the pregnancy nearly as much a challenge as the birth. Though Anne welcomed her brother Marc into the world with joy, it was quickly matched with sadness, as her mother never recovered, passing away near the end of the year.

The death of Céleste had a sobering effect upon the young Anne, her days not passed with quite as much spirited joy as they had been before. Soon however, she rose well into the position of 'lady of the house' preening to no end when her father called her such despite her nine years. As time moved onward, his affectionate title became the truth of the matter, and at an age as young as twelve, Anne was managing the household, pouring a glass of wine for Donatien each evening as he returned from his business, and asking for each detail to be recounted. As such, she quickly learned the ways of power and politics, as keen an observer as her father was.

The young Anne's beauty only blossomed as the years went on, and she did not grow up unaware of it. Instead, she became as proud as she was educated, known as something of a flirt among the Kusheline nobles with whom she passed her time. The absence of a mother allowed the girl a unique freedom, along with her father's position of power. Much of her younger adolescence left her alone to forge for herself, filling the days with whatever activities suited her best. When lessons were over, this often led her to the fields and stables. The combination of Donatien's instruction and the finest of breeds led Anne to become a gifted horsewoman, sharing her father's enthusiasm for the sport.

Donatien Shahrizai's call to the city as Duke Bastien competed for the throne left Anne and her brother at home with the seneschal, and desperately awaiting news. The selection of a Kusheline to rule the country resulted in great joy in the province, though the history of competition between houses Shahrizai and de Morbhan left some to receive the news without delight. The King's appointment of Donatien as his replacement came as a shock to some, and was a proud moment for Anne as his eldest and favored child. Prouder still was the summons she received from her father to come to court to be with him and share in his connections.

Whoso List to Hunt

The Lady Anne's arrival at court was wrought with scandal from the beginning. Her father, Donatien, had sent a note to Kusheth with a paragraph implying that perhaps in the next few weeks he would invite her to join him in the City of Elua and assist him in making some valuable connections for the family, and a possible future for herself. That was all it took, and Anne arranged for a carriage to take her from the province that very next morning. At 17 she was impetuous, impulsive, and had dreams of creating a brilliant future. Though she knew that she would be the Duchess of Kusheth one day, she hardly wanted to wait for the father she doted on so much to pass before her own days of glory would come. They would come now. Nothing less would be settled for.

Though Anne did come to court with her imagination set on securing power and influence, her dreams were of a much smaller scale than her actual future would be. This was a Kusheline court now, the very King of Terre D'Ange one of Kushiel's own scions, as was she. She remembered Bastien from her girlhood, an impressive and imposing young man just as one would expect from his heritage. The Shahrizai and the de Morhban's had a history of vying with one another for power, though with his position as an adviser to the past two Ducs of Kusheth, Anne's father had done much to improve relations. Still it came as a shock to many, including the young Anne, when she found herself the fleeing doe in the hunter's sight of King Bastien.

Play a Volta

On the night of the Rites of Spring fete, the glances shared between the Sun King and the masqued Lady Artemis came to a head, and he asked the musicians to play the notes of the Volta. The pair danced each step to perfection, the Sun King pulling his prey closer with every swell of the music. Courtiers stopped to watch, mouths held agape as after the strains of the song were over, the Sun King dragged his virgin huntress off to one of the ballroom alcoves. But when time passed and the now unmasked lady fled from alcove and ballroom alike with fear wide in her sapphire eyes, tongues only wagged further.

The Surging Storm

And so began a passionate and tumultuous relationship, with Anne fleeing the King's eager pursuit just swiftly enough to get caught. The love that blossomed between them was born of surging storm and flickering fire.

Still gossip raged through the court, much of it cutting deeply. Rumors suggested that Anne's romance with the King was born as much from her father's ambition as it was from her own passion, and her fleeting nature oft caused the King to doubt the truths of her heart himself.

Whatever the debates in their private chambers, in the end Bastien publicly declared Anne his Maîtresse-en-Titre, giving her lavish rooms in the ladies wing that some servants suggest connect to his. In addition to the official declaration, Bastien presented Anne with the gift of the lands of Anjou in the Lusande valley, making her a Marquise, a woman of wealth, and her father's vassal all in one key move.

Dear Heart, How Like You This?

And so it went, with the pair inseparable and Anne often appearing at Bastien's side at social functions, her place in his life solidly established. Still Anne found herself concerned with what the future would bring. Without the security of a husband and possible heirs, she knows that her place as her father's heir may be in jeopardy so long as she remains the King's companion. Would the people of Kusheth ever accept a duchess whose line is so uncertain? Or would it be a wiser choice for her brother Marc to inherit when the time comes and he is securely married off to a proper pure-blooded wife?

Anne's doubts and demands caused rifts between her and the King, one so striking as to send her returning to Kusheth directly against the King's orders. Rumors ran rampant that he would put her aside and take another, and even named a prominent lady at court with her eye on the King as the woman who would take Anne's place. She returned to the City of Elua to frosty reception from the King, more determined than ever to pull his heart once more into her keeping. And somehow she did so, for in a manner of weeks she was returned to her place in the palace chambers and the King's side.

Upon her return to the city, rumors about Anne's relationship with the King have ebbed and flowed. At times they were distant, hostile even, and at others the romance between them seemed to thrive. Anne looked forward to the Progress to Kusheth, and to showing off her family's province to the whole of court. Though a wealth of entertainments were planned, when tragedy struck they fell by the wayside. The loss of Queen Athenais' child seemed to have effect on King Bastien's relationships with House Shahrizai, and some spoke of a rift between he and Donatien, and subsequently Anne. Upon return to the city however, Anne seems no lower in the King's favor, and she still holds her place among Her Majesty's ladies.

I Am and Will Remain

Anne's personality may seem frivolous at first glance. She loves fine clothes and jewels, attending fêtes, riding horses, sailing, and visiting the Night Court while at His Majesty's side. Her enthusiasm has been called infectious by some, for she loves life and feels entitled to drink deeply from the cup of privilege.

Those who take the time to dig a bit further however, find that she is fiercely loyal to her family and takes a great pride in her heritage. Being a member of House Shahrizai, the oldest house, means something to her, and she works hard to do honor to every drop of her pure bloodline. The future of her House and her duchy are everything, both for her own reasons and because serving the interests of the House is a sure way to earn her father's praise and pride, which means more to her than life itself.

She enjoys flirting for the sheer sport of it, but it is women with which she makes friends easily, even if those are for the most part the shallow friendships of court, complete with snide barbs and healthy competition. Lucrèce Dior has been her closest friend and confidant since childhood, but she has also been seen laughing and talking with the Comtesse Briar, and was close with Alexara d'Aiglemort before the latter left for Camlach.

Her education in Kusheth was an impeccable one, and though she does not take pains to flaunt her intelligence, she is on occasion seen in the library studying books on languages. It is said that her father is teaching her the skills she will need to one day rule, and that she is oft consulted regarding his plans to expand the Kusheline navy as well as curry favor with the high and mighty at court. Rumors abound that Duc Donatien has high plans for her, and for the future of House Shahrizai.

Dramatis Personae

Royalty

Bastien de Morhban - Anne is King Bastien's Maîtresse-en-Titre, and their relationship is both passionate and tumultuous. Though she is oft accused of playing games with his heart, both by observers at court and Bastien himself, Anne claims that games are simply the nature of love when bestowed by one of the Shahrizai line.

Athenais de Morhban - It was to serve Queen Athenais as a lady-in-waiting that Anne first came to court. Though her ambitions sometimes make relations uncomfortable with the Queen, Anne tries to treat her with respect as her Père asks.

Balcime de Morhban - A Prince of the Blood, Balcime is also a childhood friend from Kusheth, and Anne finds him amusing, as well as always good company for a glass (or a cask) of wine.

With the Scions Blood

Azzalle

Hermès de Trevalion - The Duc of Azzalle, Anne shared a carriage ride home from a court fete with him that caused a good deal of gossip. The Azzallese are as known for their interests in ships as the Kushelines, and so rumors abounded that House Shahrizai was seeking to build positive relationships between the families. Of late Anne has seemed particularly interested in some of the Duc's political machinations, though it could be attributed to a blossoming interest in the Game of Houses as a whole.

Briar D'Rosiers Renaud - A fellow lady-in-waiting at court, and one who perhaps shares some of Anne's tendency for ruthlessness and ambition. The two were destined to become either fond friends or dire enemies, and Anne seems to find the first more beneficial than the latter. She is amusing company, and Anne puts a great deal of value in being amused, especially by someone in whom she sees the kind of potential she notes in Briar.

Kusheth

Celeste Shahrizai (deceased)- Dear Maman died due to complications from having borne her brother Marc, and though it was a long time ago, Anne still misses her as daughters will tend to do. She remembers how beautiful she was, and how strong, and aspires to be someone who would make her proud.

Donatien Shahrizai - The only man in the world that Anne holds dearer than Bastien is her Père. His praise makes her preen like a show horse at the Hippochamp, and his disapproval on the rare moments it is given is utterly devastating.

Marc Shahrizai - Anne's younger brother, he is a source of both annoyance and pride depending on the day. It is much more often the latter than the former though, and she dotes on him, doing her best to help Père raise him a true and proper son of the Shahrizai.

Lucrece Dior - Anne's best friend in all the world, she has known Lucrece since she was a girl. The two were nigh inseparable amongst the nobility in Kusheth, and now that they are amongst the court in the City of Elua still favor each other's company, though they seem to have branched out a bit. Lucrece is known for being a fashion plate (and a criminal), and Anne always consults her when considering what to wear (or who not to marry).

Anton LeFebvre - Another childhood friend from Kusheth, Anne is delighted to find Anton at court again. His company is as engaging now as it was before he left for University.

Siovale

Adelaide de Royan - Adelaide was the head of the Queen's Ladies in waiting and Duchess of Siovale. Considering her position it is only sensible that the two came into contact now and again, and it was always pleasant and friendly enough.

Phillipe de Molay - A Comte from somewhere in Siovale, Anne hasn't quite decided what to make of this particular gentleman. His wordplay is enough to pique some of her curiosity, and wonder about the nature of his business here at court. Whatever it is, its certain that she finds his company amusing. Even if she thinks he ought wag his tongue a bit less.

Upon Mont Nuit

Ariana nó Valerian - Valerian. Some say that Ariana is among Anne's favorites upon Mont Nuit, which may not be surprising considering that she serves House Valerian. Anne herself believes that Ariana is a rarity among the Night Court blossoms, one who remembers what the blood of Shahrizai means and is eager to serve it.

Evangeline nó Balm - Balm. Evangeline is a friend and confidant of Anne's, whom the Marquise knows that she can count on to guard her secrets, even if her willingness to do so may be purchased with coin

Genevieve - Mandrake. Anne has only met with the Dowayne Mandrake a few times, but whenever she does she finds the conversation stimulating. They certainly have their traits in common, even if they show them in far different ways.

Around the City

Marcello Giordano - The clothier amuses Anne, and she's been known to pay him generously to provide her with the latest flattering styles, especially when she doesn't have to wait.

Antonius Stregazza - A distant cousin on his mother's side, Anne doesn't know yet what should be made of Antonius. His new position as ambassador from the Unitas certainly intrigues her, but whether it will serve to benefit the family remains to be seen. Her eye is certainly out for the potential.

More About Anne

The Webspace of the Lady Anne Shahrizai
Sources and Inspirations
Logs of Recent Roleplay
Memories and History
Anne's Armoire