A Void

At one point people’s premium choices disappeared because they were bought during a DR, but you shouldn’t be having that problem.

The best I can recommend is just waiting? Quit out of the app completely and see tomorrow if the fawn makeup still doesn’t appear. If so, contact RC (even if they may/may not get back to you to let them know) and at that point you’re left waiting until the February update to see if it’s fixed.

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Tea or hot chocolate | cozy books or Halloween movies | plaid or corduroy | foggy mornings or twinkly nights | orange or black | pumpkin or apple pie | wool or velvet | picking fruit or carving pumpkins | libraries AND coffee shops | cinnamon or peanut butter | spooky AND cozy Halloween | candles or fairy lights

Tea or hot chocolate | Cozy books or Halloween movies | Plaid or corduroy | Foggy mornings AND twinkly nights | Orange or black | Pumpkin or apple pie | Wool or velvet | Chilly or warm weather | Picking fruit or carving pumpkins | Libraries AND coffee shops | Cinnamon or peanut butter | Spooky AND cozy Halloween | Candles or fairy lights | Costumes or night in |

~The Story So Far~

How will she gain independence and find love in the scheming court of Louis XIV?

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If y’all want any historical facts about the real people behind the characters portrayed in this book, look at @luminouslumity ‘s blog!

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Chapter 1: Valuables of Versailles

Setting - In a small village not far from Paris, 1665

• Default name Renée

• Renée de Noailles, daughter of the Marquis de La Fayette  ♔ Is 20 years old  ♔ Her father is Guillaume     ♕

 Has an elder brother     ♕

 His wife passed when Renée was young  ♔ Her aunt is Suzanne     ♕

 Is Renée’s maternal aunt     ♕

 Is planning to let go of most of her house staff       ♖ The staff has worked many years w/ her       ♖ Says it’s b/c they are thieves         ♗ Renée is actually the one who has been stealing           ♘ Is trying to help her father & her pass by w/ items she steals           ♘ If someone found out > they'll be impoverished & disgraced

• Renée thinks to herself that yet another day has come where she pretends to be someone else, until a sudden visitor derails her train of thoughts...  ♔ The visitor…     ♕

 Arrived in a carriage branding the coat of arms of King Louis XIV     ♕

 Is Alexandre Bontemps       ♖ is 37 years old       ♖ Has no wife or children       ♖ Came to visit Renée’s aunt         ♗ The reason is to look for the new milliner near her residence           ♘ Wants to bring samples to the King and the court           ♘ Their work is said to be the finest hats outside of Paris           ♘ Recently said to have come from India             ♙ Made the trip through the Suez Canal                ▞ Newly opened                ▞ A feat of engineering from the Ottomans                ▞ Remarkable in means of trade, travel, and for France       ♖ Is valet to King Louis XIV         ♗ No simple valet         ♗ Right hand man of the King         ♗ Second most important man in France         ♗ Has a lot of fortune       ♖ Has a good memory for faces       ♖ Is one who listens more to prayers than to actually pray

• With Alexandre’s arrival, Renée tries to change into something more elegant but starts to think about how her dress has filled over time, much like her family’s fortune.  ♔ Lost all their fortune due to her uncle, her father’s elder brother     ♕

 Alexandre knows of this and the La Fayette’s have no money       ♖ He witnessed this council & the punishments that were delivered     ♕

  Renée: “King Louis was but a boy when the rebels rose against him, his mother Queen Anne who was his regent, and Cardinal Mazarin, chief minister of France. My father’s elder brother joined the rebels. My father had no interest in politics. All he cared for was my mother, and his grief for her passing.”  “When the rebels lost, we lost everything.”

• Excusing herself, Renée goes to one of the rooms to see if she can steal something. However, Alexandre catches her and claims he now owns Renée.  ♔ Renée will now have to obey and do Alexandre’s bidding     ♕

 Alexandre plans to sponsor Renée for her to go to court       ♖ His plan is use Renée as a spy         ♗ She will spy on places inaccessible to Alexandre       ♖ Chose Renée b/c...         ♗ She’s vulnerable         ♗ Her manners         ♗ Her education     ♕

 Looks at Renée as if she is a pawn and he is the chess player

• Alexandre: “No one who serves the King bleeds. It’s not permitted, not in Paris.”

• King XIV’s court is referred to as the “Sun Court”.  ♔ During the summer, the court will reside at Versailles     ♕

 Is a hunting lodge     ♕

 Is currently under construction  ♔ In the fall, the court will reside in Palais-Royal in Paris  ♔ Renée...     ♕

 Doesn’t know much about King Louis XIV       ♖ Knows more about his father, King Louis XIII     ♕

 Has heard stories about court all her life       ♖ Doesn’t believe them all to be true or 100% accurate

• After eating, the family and Alexandre head off to where the milliner resides.  ♔ Renée can choose to go w/...     ♕

 Her father & aunt...       ♖ Suzanne will warn her not to have an affair       ♖ King Louis XIV has a mistress     ♕

 Alexandre...       ♖ Warns her to be careful in court         ♗ Has watch how she acts         ♗ Has to watch how she speaks and with whom         ♗ Rumors are likely to spread otherwise

• After a short trip, they arrive at their destination.  ♔ The village is...     ♕

 Not far from Paris     ♕

 Small but beautiful     ♕

 Has a chapel       ♖ Smells of incense and beeswax       ♖ Renée asks Alexandre if the court is religious         ♗ Many worship the golden calf         ♗ More are still devotees of Dionysus or Apollo         ♗ King Louis and his mother Queen Anne are Gallic Catholic         ♗ Most of the court attends chapel daily         ♗ King Louis’ wife, Queen Maria Theresa is Muslim • “Do I eavesdrop?” (11💎) > Renée hears part of a confessional Priest: “I understand what you are saying. But it’s been a long time since I was friends with Jacques-Bénigne.” Man: “You went to school with him.” Priest: “He now hears the confessions of the Sun King himself, King Louis XIV, God’s blessing on all of France! I am but a humble man at a small country church. I don’t meddle in politics!” Man: “Tell him to convince Louise de La Valliere that she’s damned.” Priest: “King Louis has been involved with his mistress for 4 years. I doubt he’ll set her aside at his preacher’s say-so.” Man: “Donations can be easily lost.” Priest: “…I will write to him.”  ♔ The man in the confessional is Chevalier Philippe of Lorraine     ♕

 Is part of Prince Philippe de France’s retinue     ♕

 Smells of spicy bay leaves and cinnamon     ♕

 He’s described by...       ♖ Renée as having a wicked smile       ♖ Armand as having the eyes of a devil, the smile of an angel       ♖ Catherine as having a mind dirtier than Michel Millot     ♕

 Many throw themselves at his feet

• There’s a commotion outside of the chapel, causing Renée to go check. She finds the Master of the Horse telling someone to get away from a stallion as he’s still unbroken.  ♔ The Master of the Horse works under the King     ♕

 The stallion is meant for King Louis XIV       ♖ King Louis loves his horses         ♗ Has many transported to him from all around the world           ♘ Prefers Lusitanos           ♘ Has thoroughbreds from England           ♘ Has Arabians    ♔ The horse is spooked by the feathers on Catherine’s hat     ♕

 Settle the horse and save the man (18💎)       ♖ Renée meets the siblings, Armand and Catherine         ♗ Their official titles are...           ♘ Catherine de Gramontis, the Princess of Monaco           ♘ Armand de Gramont, the Count of Guiche         ♗ Their father was Marshal Antoine de Gramont         ♗ Both belong to Prince Philippe de France’s retinue           ♘ His household has the best parties           ♘ The prince has an eye for opulence and quality         ♗ The siblings mention Michel Millot           ♘ “Who?”             ♙If Renée wishes to know, she should read L’Escole des filles

• Finally Renée catches up with her aunt, and they head of to the milliner’s hat shop.   ♔ Smells like precious spices & wealth     ♕

 Precious spices = cinnamon and cardamom     ♕

 Wealth = wool and glue  ♔ Renée sees Bonne     ♕

 She describes Bonne as elegant, wealthy, and wild       ♖ In court, Bonne says she is not considered a beauty       ♖ Renee concludes it feels Bonne is being hunted         ♗ Renee feels this is why Bonne carries around a sadness to her     ♕

 Speaking to Bonne, Renée finds out...       ♖ Her name is Bonne de Pons d’Heudicourt       ♖ She is part Queen Anne’s retinue       ♖ She was sent to investigate the new milliner       ♖ Her father is alive         ♗ He doesn’t consider traits such as “wild and free” to have value

• Alexandre finishes his task at the milliner and takes Renée to get fitted for dresses, which he will send her measurements to the Sun Court and to Paris.

Chapter 2: Glory to the Sun King

• Alexandre and Renée are on their way to Versailles.  ♔ Renée vows to free herself from Alexandre’s blackmail & control  ♔ Alexandre tells Renée details about their plan     ♕

 King Louis fears one of his ministers gaining too much power       ♖ Could bring about another uprising         ♗ The first uprising was the Fronde           ♘ Happened when King Louis was young           ♘ His cousins led other aristocrats against him           ♘ Happened so they could unseat him from his throne       ♖ The men to watch out for currently are…         ♗ All loyal men         ♗ All self-made men           ♘ Commoners who raised themselves to the highest echelons           ♘ Used their intelligence to gain power         ♗ Alexandre warns Renée that these men are ruthless         ♗ They’re...           ♘ Michel > Secretary for War             ♙ Entered civil service as a lawyer             ♙ Advocates for war with Spain             ♙ A man more esteemed than loved           ♘ Hugues > Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs             ♙ Friend of Dowager Queen Anne             ♙ A man of many vices             ♙ Unflaged in his energy for work             ♙ Negotiated marriage btwn King Louis & Queen Maria Theresa           ♘ Jean-Baptiste > Minister of Finance             ♙ Seized power from his predecessor                ▞ By exposing his embezzlement             ♙ Alexandre says he’s the only honest man in France     ♕

 Alexandre and Renée’s goal...       ♖ Lessen these men’s personal power       ♖ Make them unable to compete w/ the King

• Alexandre asks what retinue Renée will choose to join, and describes them to her...  ♔ King Louis funnels funds so various households can live at court  ♔ Renée will live, work, & draw her salary from one of these households     ♕

 King Louis XIV       ♖ Easier access to the King       ♖ Others will not accept Renée         ♗ Will be viewed as his spy     ♕

  Queen Maria Theresa       ♖ She is a lonely but beautiful woman       ♖ Renée will find no friends in Prince Philippe’s retinue     ♕

 Prince Phillipe de France       ♖ Has the best parties     ♕

 Duchess Louise de La Valliere       ♖ Has great influence over the King, Louis XIV       ♖ Is a good and loyal friend       ♖ Can allow access to the King     ♕

 Dowager Queen Anne       ♖ Frowns upon parties

Setting - Versailles, Summer of 1665

• Renée finally arrives at the summer hunting lodgeand is left in awe.  ♔ Still under construction  ♔ Is extravagent nonetheless     ♕

 Literally glitters—with light, with power, with gold  ♔ To head to Renée’s room she has to take...     ♕

 2 flights of stairs up     ♕

 3 rights     ♕

 Straight until the Aphrodite statue     ♕

 Left     ♕

 Up another flight of stairs     ♕

 Her room is at the end of the hall

• During the evening, Renée tries to find her room but ends up lost.  ♔ A white cat w/ one yellow and one blue eye, slinks past Renée     ♕

 Chase the cat (23💎)       ♖ Cat’s name is Bostanji       ♖ A woman runs up, searching for her cat         ♗ The woman is Queen Maria Theresa           ♘ Looks around 20 years old           ♘ Her gem-dotted clothing signify she’s wealthy and important           ♘ Has a Spanish accent to her French             ♙ Makes Renée think she’s still new to court           ♘ Has a lonely look to her as Alexandre said

• Renée, wanting to explain to Alexandre she got lost, goes outside to where the play is being held.  ♔ The garden smells of tuberoses  ♔ The is a play being held for entertainment     ♕

 Looks Greek-themed     ♕

 The Apollo actor then diverts his attention to Renée       ♖ Asks Renée is she is part of Apollo’s court       ♖ Accept the dance (23💎)         ♗ The actor’s hands are dry and smooth, uncallused         ♗ He smells of nutmeg, cloves, and roses         ♗ Renée describes that The actor feels like the sun himself

• After the play, a peasant woman pushes through the crowd and confront the Apollo actor.  ♔ Her face is red from tears  ♔ She blames the actor for her son’s death     ♕

 Due to them being poor, he had no choice but to take any job       ♖ When working at night, her son fell from the scaffolding  ♔ The actor reveals he is none other than King Louis XIV     ♕

 Describes himself as...       ♖ The Sun King       ♖ God’s gift to France       ♖ Queen Anne’s miracle  ♔ A Swiss guard, on orders of King Louis, takes the woman away     ♕

 Renée wonders what will happen to the woman

• After all the commotion, a toddler starts to cry out.  ♔ A woman is holding the young child     ♕

 She’s described as having a fresh and open face     ♕

 Is still a young woman     ♕

 She is Duchess Louise de La Valliere       ♖ The King’s official mistress       ♖ The King smiles at her like they’re old friends, platonic & familiar       ♖ Claims Queen Anne had a part in her meeting her son

• Alexandre approaches Renée and asks if she has chosen which retinue she’ll belong to. (I chose Louise’s.)  ♔  Renée will be lead back to her room, and converse with...     ♕

 King Louis XIV       ♖      ♕

 Queen Maria Theresa       ♖ Has a son with King Louis       ♖ Knew she wouldn’t marry for love         ♗ Married to resolve the conflict btwn their two countries     ♕

 Prince Philippe de France       ♖      ♕

 Louise de La Valliere       ♖ Says she could use a friend in court       ♖ R describes her as beautiful and has a swaying gait       ♖ Was 19 years old when she came to court       ♖ Met King Louis b/c of Queen Anne         ♗ Queen Anne arranged for her son to meet several girls         ♗ Hoped this would divert his attention from his political marriage       ♖ Queen Anne blames Louise for any wrong decision her son takes       ♖ Wishes Louis wasn’t king         ♗ Could let them have a chance at happiness       ♖ Remarks Louis doesn’t look at her like a lover anymore         ♗ Instead he looks at her like a friend       ♖ Advises to make someone promise their marriage/love publicly         ♗ Do this before doing anything privately     ♕

 Dowager Queen Anne       ♖  ♔ Will warn Renée to be careful walking about the court at night  ♔ The court will be eating shortly; almost 11PM

• The next day, Renée will have to formally introduce herself.

• The reason for the construction at Versailles is due to King Louis trying to accommodate the guests for his Party of the Delights of the Enchanted Island.  ♔ Was planned for the previous year     ♕

 Maria found out about King Louis’ affair       ♖ She was the last to know in court       ♖ She felt humiliated

• It’s not appropriate to enter another’s bedroom lest one wants rumors to spread

Putting aside any theories I may have >.>

In just 3 episodes, we’ve gotten all these free options for MC.

~The Story so Far~

Chapter 7: On Crimes

Setting - U.S.A., 1909

• Delve into your memories. (26)   ⧖ George and Theo are twins      ⧗ George         ⧔       ⧗ Theodora         ⧔ Middle name is Anne         ⧔ Is not musically gifted           ✑ Hopes to get better             🝮 Theo keeps practicing             🝮 Wishes Eutrepe would one day bless her               🝱 Eutrepe is one of the Greek muses that presides over music   ⧖ When they were 9...      ⧗ George ruined a Christmas card Theo had made         ⧔ Was for their mother      ⧗ Theo grew up with a scar on her chin         ⧔ The siblings fought over the card         ⧔ A cup breaks > George throws it at Theo         ⧔ Only time Theo remembers George was punished   ⧖ On their 20th birthday, George comes back from Harvard      ⧗ Has been at Harvard for 2 years already         ⧔ Studying to become a lawyer      ⧗ George gives Theo an emerald ring as a present      ⧗ Theo would prefer it if George went back to Harvard         ⧔ She does love her brother         ⧔ This way her parents would notice and pay attention to her   ⧖ Theodora’s try to arrange a marriage for her      ⧗ Would be between her and Mr, Pellvyn’s son      ⧗ The Pellvyns are a family of bankers   ⧖ Theodora ran away from her home when she was 20

Setting - Undisclosed Town, 1914

• Starting the day off, Theodora feels it’s already off to a bad start since she got a splinter in her foot and found her brother’s ring. So in an effort to improve her mood, even by a little, she decides to take a walk as it’s still early morning.

Setting - Outside the town of Meper, 1914

• Her walk takes Theodora outside of the town, which she later learns to be is Meper. Theodora then finds the bodies that were hanged when John and her were arriving to town. • A man approaches Theo asking if she’s alright after seeing the corpses.   ⧖ “Would you tell me about them?” (20)      ⧗ The man’s name is Kristoff      ⧗ Kristoff raised his sister         ⧔ Their dad was a drunk         ⧔ Their mother died of cholera      ⧗ Theo inquires about the man and his connection to the deceased         ⧔ They are his sister and brother-in-law           ✑ Had just gotten married           ✑ The woman was his younger sister, Marie             🝮 Worked as a cook in a good household           ✑ Her husband was Stefan             🝮 Worked as a gardener at the same residence           ✑ A week ago, Marie announced she was pregnant             🝮 Why they wouldn’t leave their home when Meper was seized               🝱 Why they were hanged and killed      ⧗ After talking, Kristoff decides to cut down and bury their bodies      ⧗ Theodora gets an idea to write an article         ⧔ How Germans violated most treaties of The Hague Conventions

Setting - Meper, 1914

• Searching for Theodora as the time is close for Roberts and her to treat the Hauptmann, Friedrich has been running all over town.   ⧖ Invite Friedrich to take a walk in the forest. (46)      ⧗ Theo asks about Friedrich’s stutter and why it occurs         ⧔ Friedrich tells her about his past           ✑ Friedrich’s father is a major in the army             🝮 Was a strict and impulsive man             🝮 Tried not to damage Friedrich               🝱 So he’d have a career in the military             🝮 When mad, he’d lock Friedrich in the attic               🝱 Physically abused his wife      ⧗ Friedrich reveals his father and Neumann are sort of friends         ⧔ Hierarchy of German soldiers is... (in order)           ✑ Major           ✑ Hauptmann / Rittmeister           ✑ Oberleutnant

• When botharrive back to town, Neumann scolds Theodora about her morning walk.   ⧖ To her, Neumann’s voice resembles chains rattling   ⧖ Should Theo want to walk around again...      ⧗ Needs to inform him and receive permission      ⧗ Someone has to accompany her

• Neumann takes Dr. Roberts and Theodora to the Hauptmann.   ⧖ The Hauptmann is referred to as Herr Ritter   ⧖ As Hauptmann tries to force his advances onto Theo...      ⧗ The room smells of illness, sweat, and alcohol   ⧖ After being examinied, Neumann asks Hauptmann’s condition      ⧗ John says Hauptmann will die within 2 weeks

• While examining the Hauptmann, Theodora loses her ring that George gave her in Herr Ritter’s room.   ⧖ Good relationship w/ Neumann > gives back the ring   ⧖ Bad relationship w/ Neumann > will not give back the ring

Chapter 8: On Realizations

Setting - A village on the way back to Himworde, 1914

• On the way back, in order to try to terrorize the trio, Neumann orders young German soldiers to kidnap the men and shoot them if they try to resist.   ⧖ Eva runs out to try and stop the soldiers from taking her husband      ⧗ Has a newborn child      ⧗ Her husband is being sent off to the mines   ⧖ Neumann orders Friedrich to shoot the woman and her child      ⧗ Friedrich refuses > Neumann tries to shoot her instead      ⧗ Eva makes it inside the house, saving herself

• The trio decide to stay back and help Eva tend to her wounds.   ⧖ Friedrich smells of pine needles and...?   ⧖ Friedrich doesn’t like the sight of blood   ⧖ John says that’s he’s from England

• After waiting for a couple of hours, the three are heading back to Himworde.

Setting - Himworde, 1914

• Theo catches up with Lawrence and then with Yoke, after she’s arrived back.   ⧖ “How long till your family comes home?” (55) / “I’d like that.” (30)      ⧗ Theo tells yoke about her family and her situation with them

• Later in the evening, Yoke rushes into Wauters’ home informing Theodora  that Bruno is missing...

Chapter 9: On Searching

Setting - Himworde, 1914

• With Bruno missing, Theodora helps Yoke search for him. But in order to do that, Theodora recruits Lawrence and John and asks Yoke what happened after their picnic together.   ⧖ When Yoke got home, she found her father lying on the floor      ⧗ Suspected the tea he’d been drinking was spiked w/ a sedative   ⧖ She looked for Bruno everywhere but couldn’t find him • Knowing time is of the essence, Theodora goes with someone to recruit Friedrich for his help.   ⧖ Friedrich’s last name is Blumhagen   ⧖ Friedrich favorite spot is away from the soldiers      ⧗ Typically behind the bakery   ⧖ Questioning Friedrich...      ⧗ One of the German soldier’s guns was stolen the night before      ⧗ All three go to talk to Kurt, the German soldier in question         ⧔ Find he is not the culprit of Bruno’s kidnapping

~The Story so Far~

Chapter 4: On Fears

Setting - Paris, 2019

• Lachance breaks Audrey’s thoughts by asking how she is, bringing her back to the present.   ⧖ He addresses her as “Madame Fleming”   ⧖ Audrey lights a cigarette      ⧗ Apologize > Lachance says he doesn’t mind the smoke

Setting - Belgium, 1914

• After hearing the scream, Lawrence and Theodora rush towards it to investigate.   ⧖ At a small village, before arriving to Himworde      ⧗ German soldiers are rounding up women, children, and the elderly         ⧔ Due to all the healthy, young men going off to the army      ⧗ Distract the officer. (11💎)         ⧔ Theodora can distract the German officer         ⧔ He won’t find one of the young woman they failed to gather      ⧗ The Officer orders the gathered group to start walking         ⧔ One of the women doesn’t           ✑ Her son was already taken to the war front           ✑ She kills herself instead of being driven out of her home           ✑ The young woman is also her daughter         ⧔ If saved > young woman will bury her mother

Setting - Himworde, 1914

• Going back to Himworde, Theodora can spend time with….   ⧖ Roberts (19)      ⧗ Theo and Roberts talk         ⧔ She learns...           ✑ The hospital shouldn’t be affected in any way           ✑ If the German soldiers need anything, Roberts has to go      ⧗ When Roberts leaves         ⧔ Theo feels as if she’d been hypnotized   ⧖ Yoke (19)      ⧗    ⧖ Continue looking around (No one)      ⧗ Theo meets Friedrich, trying to console a crying girl         ⧔ Freidrich can speak German and English; not French         ⧔ Miss Janssen is a teacher at the orphanage

• The next morning, Yoke visits Theodora at Miss Wauters house.   ⧖ Theo asks about the injured soldier from the hospital      ⧗ Thomas is present      ⧗ Yoke informs her that he is still alive         ⧔ Yoke doesn’t believe he will make it >Thomas laughs           ✑ He asks if they truly believe that • After Thomas and Yoke leave, Theo decides to work on her articles at the house.   ⧖ Taking a break, Theo takes a walk and finds herself at the hospital      ⧗ She goes to look for Roberts         ⧔ Asks about the soldier           ✑ Roberts avoids talking about the soldier           ✑ He lists all his other patients         ⧔ Asks for a possible interview           ✑ Roberts refuses • John Roberts has a citrus scent to him that Theodora picks up on.

Chapter 5: On Enemies

Setting - Himworde, 1914

• Some time passes since Theodora, Lawrence, and the German soldiers arrived at Himworde.   ⧖ Both journalists have enjoyed there   ⧖ The people and the German soldiers have learned to co-exist      ⧗ Still if the Germans don’t get their way > they become violent

• Taking a walk outside, Theodora encounters the injured soldier she met at the hospital.   ⧖ She approaches and talks to him      ⧗ The soldier is Belgian      ⧗ Is wrapped in bandages, but looks healthy      ⧗ He thanks people like Dr. Roberts for him pulling through      ⧗ He mentions having been told he has another 10 years to live

• Shocked by this discovery, Theodora heads back to Miss Wauters’ home.   ⧖ “I’ll stay.” (102💎) > Theo stays in Lawrence’s room      ⧗ Lawrence likes to take walks      ⧗ He will gift Theo a necklace         ⧔ On one of his walks, Lawrence came across a small shop           ✑ Run by a man named Benjamin           ✑ Sold handmade jewelry from Benjamin      ⧗ Lawrence has a scar on the left side of his chest

• Lawrence loves to eat lemon candies.

• Towards the evening, Theodora is sitting downstairs reading when Thomas comes down, asking her if she’ll go to the tavern since John Roberts is playing.   ⧖ Ask Thomas a question about Dr, Roberts. (8💎)      ⧗ “Who is he?”         ⧔ Thomas asks what does Theo mean         ⧔ Theo in turn states John Roberts...           ✑ Doesn’t come across as a friendly person           ✑ Considers people “petty and stupid.” yet works as a doctor           ✑ Plays the piano to raise the spirits of the townspeople         ⧔ Thomas mutters that Theo is drawing the wrong conclusions           ✑ Alludes to Theo not having the full picture         ⧔ Actually replies it’s more of an occupational hazard           ✑ Theo doesn’t believe this is the whole truth

• At the tavern...   ⧖ Roberts isn’t actually there   ⧖ Peter beckons Theo over      ⧗ There’s a giant bruise on his face         ⧔ A German soldier punched him           ✑ Because he refused to pour them a beer         ⧔ She asks Peter if he’s willing to leave           ✑ The Netherlands still maintains neutrality   ⧖ Friedrich is sitting alone > Theo sits next to him      ⧗ Peter starts to suspect that Theo could be a spy         ⧔ B/c she sat next to a German soldier         ⧔ Theo questions Peter           ✑ ‘Do you believe every soldier wanted to be part of this war?’      ⧗ Friedrich came to hear John play the piano         ⧔ Why are you alone?           ✑          ⧔ Do you like music?           ✑ He does           ✑ He plays the violin and sings a little      ⧗ A man bumps into Friedrich, trying to start a fight > Friedrich leaves         ⧔ Catch up with Friedrich and return the book to him. (22💎)           ✑ Friedrich finds a cat and pets it             🝮 Theo is allergic to cats; as well as Friedrich             🝮 As a child, Friedrich had a cat               🝱 Named Wulfred the third               🝱 Nicknamed “the Uncatchable”               🝱 Scratched him all the time             🝮 Theo as a child had a canary               🝱 Named Josie               🝱 Liked to sing               🝱 One day her brother let Josie fly away           ✑ Theo believes (and still does) George hated her and Josie           ✑ As a result of chasing him, both return to the tavern

• Back at the tavern, a German soldier enters looking for Dr. Roberts...

Chapter 6: On Changes

Setting - Himworde, 1914

• When the German soldier looks for John Roberts at the tavern, Peter informs him the doctor is not there. The soldier turns to leave.   ⧖ Theo muses he seems like a fire, ready to consume everything   ⧖ Upon spotting Friedrich, the soldier approaches him and Theo      ⧗ He smells of disinfectant--acrid and suffocating      ⧗ Friedrich stiffens upon seeing the soldier and him approaching   ⧖ A moment later, John appears      ⧗ The soldier introduces himself as Albert Neumann         ⧔ Is the oberleutnant           ✑ Is not a patient man           ✑ Friedrich considers him a dangerous man         ⧔ Friedrich warns Theo to be respectful      ⧗ Both men talk         ⧔ John asks for Theo’s help finding Yoke           ✑ Needs her to treat the Hauptmann who is sick

• Theodora takes Dr. John Robert’s to Yoke’s house. Upon finding her, they explain the situation but Yoke refuses.   ⧖ She does not wish to leave her family should something happen   ⧖ Theo volunteers to go instead      ⧗ John agrees

Setting - An undisclosed town, 1914

• After packing, both Roberts and Theodora are taken to another town. While traveling, Neumann reveals some information.   ⧖ People were publicly executed by hanging      ⧗ Due to not obeying to leave their homes   ⧖ The towns that have been seized by Germany...      ⧗ Are left to the Landsturm to administrate      ⧗ The soldiers will be moving to the front

• Upon arriving to the town where the Hauptmann is, a soldier takes John and Theo to an uninhabited home.   ⧖ Looking around, Theo concludes it had been empty for some time      ⧗ Previously occupied by a couple & their 3(?) year old daughter   ⧖ Theo asks how John cured the soldier      ⧗ He replies it was more the soldier’s willpower letting him pull through   ⧖ John Roberts theorizes that Theodora is…      ⧗ Trying to prove something to someone         ⧔ Theo agrees         ⧔ She is trying to prove to the whole world that she is worthy           ✑ Can achieve success even if no one believes in her         ⧔ She wants to prove she’s worthy of being remembered and loved           ✑ It’s been 5 years since she left her family behind             🝮 Her family is her parents and brother      ⧗ Theo describes John’s voice as being soothing   ⧖ “Yes, let’s have a look.” (53💎) > Examine a room w/ John      ⧗ 

Setting - Paris, 2019

• Lachance asks Audrey if she has anymore questions, trying to continue the interview.   ⧖ Favorite composer?      ⧗ Tchaikovsky         ⧔ Lachance remarks he was a good man and worried a lot   ⧖ Favorite artist?      ⧗ Botticelli   ⧖ Favorite writer?      ⧗ Goethe

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~The Story so Far~

Chapter 1: Back to the Roots

Setting - Paris, 2019

• MC (default name is Audrey), has an interview with Monsieur Lachance who has refused others except her. And although she doesn’t feel ready, Audrey heads into Monsieur Lachance’s home.   ⧖ Lachance is known as a philanthropist      ⧗ Sponsors artists (mainly musicians and composers)         ⧔ Audrey reminisces about Lawrence            ✑ “If you don’t have enough info., you didn’t search hard enough.”   ⧖ The house is dimly lit and smells of bergamot      ⧗ The scent is familiar to her

• At this point in time, Audrey has been alive for 130 years.

• Audrey can ask Lachance one question...   ⧖ Why did you agree to this interview? > Lachance is impressed      ⧗ He feels others are not sincere compared to Audrey   ⧖ Is Monsieur Lachance your real name? > Lachance is not impressed   ⧖ Why do you engage in patronage? > Lachance is not impressed      ⧗ Many are interested in the mystery surrounding him, rather his work

• Lachance remarks Audrey’s style of journalism is similar to that of a lady who wrote about the First World War, Theodora Avery. > Audrey starts to remember her past as Theodora.

Setting - U.S.A., 1914

• In a tiny office, Theodora clacks away at the typewriter, feeling as if she is not living up to her potential by just writing about housewives’ secrets.   ⧖ Mr. Kraus is the editor-in-chief of Housewife’s Secrets magazine   ⧖ She aspires to go to the front lines.   ⧖ Theodora takes out the California Times newspaper      ⧗ Main article covers the murder at Sarajevo         ⧔ Questions if war is imminent in Europe         ⧔ Due to Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand’s assassination   ⧖ Eavesdrop on Mr. Kraus’ conversation (22💎)      ⧗ Mr. Gramish is the Housewife’s Secret’s director      ⧗ Gramish is telling Kraus to send one of the staff to report on the war

• In the following weeks after Franz Ferdinand’s assassination, French politician Jean Jaurès was shot.

• Theodora embarks on the ocean liner, heading on her way to France.   ⧖ Depending, Theo could go w/ or w/o the magazine’s support   ⧖ Theo meets world-renown front-line journalist, Lawrence Barkley      ⧗ Is Theodora’s idol   ⧖ Theo eavesdrops on two first class passengers      ⧗ Nikolai is not meant to find out something about the war         ⧔ She suspects Nikolai refers to Russian Emperor Nicolas II

• A guy touches Theodora’s shoulder, asking what she is doing...

Chapter 2: On Meetings

Setting - 1914

• The one who startled Theodora by touching her shoulder, asking what she is doing, is none other than Lawrence Barkley.   ⧖ Lawrence claims the conversation was about the men’s friend      ⧗ Nicholas is getting married

• Lawrence invites Theo to dinner as an apology, for angering her.   ⧖ “All right.” (17💎)      ⧗ Lawrence deduces Theo came from a wealthy family      ⧗ Lawrence is not from a wealthy family         ⧔ He worked hard for all his success

Setting - France, 1914

• Five (5) days after boarding the ocean liner, Theodora arrives in France.   ⧖ She buys a newspaper      ⧗ States Germany has declared war on France

• Lawrence heeds Theodora to think things through.

• He invites her to join him and his colleagues on their travel.   ⧖ One colleague is Ronald Crowe      ⧗ Was once a successful journalist      ⧗ Failed when he tried to open his own newspaper         ⧔ No paper wanted to work with him      ⧗ He settled by writing for “Evergreen Daily”         ⧔ Not a popular publication

Setting - Brussels (Belgium), 1914

• After passing the checkpoint in Belgium, the first stop on the war front is Brussels.   ⧖ Is the capital of Belgium   ⧖ The town is said to have lost all its color and life      ⧗ Due to fear   ⧖ Within days, German troops reach Brussels      ⧗ They besieged and captured Liège      ⧗ Captured Brussels w/ ease due to no resistance

• One day, while walking around Theodora finds a woman crying.   ⧖ The woman is Yoke Van der Lusse   ⧖ Invite her for some tea (12💎)      ⧗ Theo asks her what’s wrong         ⧔ Yoke replies she isn’t being allowed to leave the city            ✑ She lives in Himworde              🝮 A small town close to Brussels              🝮 An hour by train            ✑ Lives with her father and son              🝮 Father’s name is Jan Van der Lisa              🝮 Her son’s name is Bruno              🝮 Although her son is very smart, he barley speaks            ✑ Only came to Brussels for business              🝮 Was expected to last a week              🝮 Got trapped when the Germans took control

• The railway is said to be under the German’s control at this point

• Planning to sneak Yoke out of Brussels, Theodora visits Lawrence asking for his help.   ⧖ They’ll pretend Yoke is also an American journalist

• Although they were nervous as can be, Lawrence and Theodora manage to sneak Yoke out of Brussels. And the trio head for Himworde.

Setting - Himworde (located in Europe), 1914

• After seeing Yoke’s touching family reunion, Lawrence and Theo decide to stay in Himworde.   ⧖ Yoke proposes they stay w/ Madame Wauters      ⧗ Lives by the church      ⧗ Rents out rooms

• Deciding to relax for a moment, Theodora visits the local tavern.   ⧖ The barkeeper is named Peter De Reute

Chapter 3: On Doubts

Setting - Himworde, 1914

• While conversing with the barkeeper, the sound of a piano cuts through their conversation.   ⧖ Theo asks Peter who is playing > Peter replies w/ “John Roberts.” John Roberts...      ⧗ Is the local doctor in town         ⧔ Himworde’s previous doctor left due to the war      ⧗ Is an Englishman      ⧗ Arrived shortly before the war began with a friend         ⧔ Also an Englishman      ⧗ Likes to play the piano         ⧔ Asked Peter if he could play         ⧔ Usually during the evenings, from time to time      ⧗ Is an enigma to the townspeople

• Catch up with him and introduce yourself. (20💎)   ⧖ Theodora follows Roberts in order to talk to him   ⧖ She introduces herself and her curiosity is peaked as...      ⧗ Roberts has this air about him      ⧗ He rarely smiles

• Arriving at Wauters’ house...   ⧖ A good relationship w/ magazine allows Theo to rent a better room      ⧗ Room has a desk         ⧔ Allows Theo to work whenever she wants   ⧖ Lawrence is talking to a gentleman   ⧖ Theo goes back down to talk to Lawrence and meets the gentleman      ⧗ He is Mr. Thomas Haines      ⧗ Recently came from England with a friend, Dr. Roberts      ⧗ Can ask 3 questions...         ⧔ How did you end up in Himworde?            ✑ Him and Roberts traveled around Europe            ✑ Visited smaller towns            ✑ They decided to ride around Brussels            ✑ When Germans took Liège > Roberts decided to stay              🝮 He felt sorry for the townsfolk              🝮 Haines didn’t want to abandon his friend              🝮 Haines seems to like the excitement of the frontlines            ✑ Dr. Roberts considers himself a man of peace         ⧔ Tell us about yourself            ✑ Haines comes from a family of bankers              🝮 His father makes money              🝮 Haines wastes it in Europe            ✑ W/ the war’s territory expanding > harder to secure provisions         ⧔ Tell us about Dr. Roberts            ✑ Him and Haines are childhood friends            ✑ Roberts is a very talented doctor, also an excellent pianist            ✑ He’s very skilled with his hands            ✑ He is not sociable

• Theodora goes to visit Yoke at her home.   ⧖ Bruno...      ⧗ Is 5 years old      ⧗ Loves flowers         ⧔ Likes to pick them and bring them to his mother   ⧖ Yoke’s dad is a shoemaker      ⧗ Is teaching Bruno   ⧖ “Tell me in detail.” (20💎) > Yoke will explain her and Bruno’s father’s relationship      ⧗ Six years ago (1908)      ⧗ Working at the Himworde hospital         ⧔ Yoke started to learn how to be a nurse         ⧔ The head nurse retired            ✑ Ended up working under Monsieur Christian Gossens              🝮 Gossens was married              🝮 Gossens seduced Yoke but she loved him              🝮 He made promises of a life together              🝮 Darika, another nurse worked w/ the pair            ✑ One day Darika walked in on them              🝮 Yoke finds out Gossens also seduced Darika            ✑ Yoke was blamed for seducing Gossens              🝮 Darika said Yoke tried to break up his family              🝮 The reason why Yoke is ostracized      ⧗ Gossens left soon after w/ his wife      ⧗ Another doctor replaced Gossens         ⧔ Started a relationship with Darika         ⧔ Both left when the war was starting      ⧗ He was replaced by Roberts      ⧗ Gossens doesn’t know that Yoke had a song from him

• Yoke is needed at the hospital to help w/ a wounded soldier from Ophyen. Thinking she might be able to get a story, Theodora tags along with Yoke.   ⧖ Go find the wounded soldier ( 6 Cynic ⚙️ /  6 Romantic 🏹 )      ⧗ Theo pretends to be the wounded soldier’s beloved, Arlene         ⧔ Soldier seems to be in grave condition         ⧔ The soldier says he was promised by him that he would get better             ✑ In order to go home

~The Story so Far~

**Italics will dictate past events**