Take What You Love

I’ve been absent/sporadic for awhile now because the end of law school and the beginning of my career has been at times dreadful and otherwise delightful, but most of all a whirlwind. I have kept playing the Sims though, and have some screenshots piling up. 

One of the consequences of limited time is that I ended up (accidentally) switching to the Sims 4 - I just couldn’t spare the time it took for the Sims 3 to load. Although I’m still not a huge fan of the Sims 4 cartoonishness, I’ve been won over by quick load times, toddlers, and Tudor-era gable hoods (!). As a result, I have some Sims 3 screenshots left but I’ll be eventually transitioning to the Sims 4. I’m also hoping to post a lot more regularly than I have been.

Late in the year, Jocelyn and Elysabet shock all of Illyria by announcing that they are expecting a second child. 

The cordial but distant relations between the two have been an open secret for years, not to mention the whispers about the duke’s proclivities. A few folk even go so far as to declare the duchess’ condition a miracle. 

Perhaps some of the only people not bowled over by the news are the de Clairnes. Certainly, they ought not to be, since it was by Catalina’s advice that Jocelyn returned to his wife’s bed in the first place, for the sake of familial harmony as well as appearances. 

In the winter, companions are brought to court to be educated and entertained alongside the future duke. The choices are, of course, largely political. 

Young Martyn Grancourt was selected for his strong lineage and family history of commendable loyalty. Unlike his father however, he doesn’t dream of military glory but rather immortality brought about artistic endeavours.  

Philip Perroy was chosen for his uncle’s useful cunning and his father’s useful wealth, both of which have often been at the disposal of the crown. Elysabet is also pleased to hear that the boy is of a quiet nature, which she hopes will influence Kitt. 

Every Thursday that they are both in residence at court, Elysabet makes a point of very publicly going to Jocelyn’s chambers for a private supper. In truth, the conversation is lately stilted and mostly centered around the household and other banalities.

Today, Elysabet muses over this thing and that, while Jocelyn stares at the bottom of his cup and wonders whether his new horse ought to be re-shoed. Suddenly, he jerks his head up, “You want to send Alys away? Why? What’s wrong with the girl?”

“Well yes, Jocelyn. Surely you must see that it is time. She can’t scamper about with Kitt any longer. She must be settled where she can be educated as a young woman.” 

She turned her face away, “Besides, they are too much in each other’s company. You know it can only do ill. Better she be obscure so as to not reignite questions about her parentage.” 

Catalina has arranged for foreign tutors for her boys, and has set them to studying with a firm hand. They now learn Latin grammar, Greek, mathematics, history, and perhaps most significantly, comportment of the upper classes.

Today, she has decided to get a glimpse of that future. She has cajoled Jem into seeking out a fortune teller. 

The new year brings the opening of the Duke’s Theatre, a great success by all accounts, save the duchess. Unsurprisngly, Elysabet, who grows more reserved and conservative with each passing year, does not enjoy the spectacle of it. 

The nuns at Whitewood Monastery were not the only ones altering their behaviour in anticipation of the new year. The dawn of 1499 had brought about a renewal of faith for all the people of Illyria. Like much of Christendom, this was motivated less by the Spirit of the Lord and more by the fear of what was to come. The year 1500, “half time after the time” in the Book of Revelation, was now dawning, and many were certain that the end was nigh.