The Iokan Court: Empress Penelope's Ladies-in-Waiting
I'm starting a new series on Iokan Court life which combines my two loves: VADD and history. These are probably one of the longest series of posts I'm ever making.
Ladies-in-Waiting are the noblewomen and aristocrats who act as personal attendants, companions and private secretaries (sometimes spies) to a Queen/Empress. Most of them a usually married to high ranking aristocratic men. The Empress can select any noblewoman as her lady-in-waiting, including members of her family, widows and infamous individuals. They also have a very high personal salary. Ladies-in-Waiting can also gain political and social powers while serving under their mistress. Most, if not all ladies, are powerful players in the game of politics, due to their imperial connections. All ladies report gossip, rumors, marriages, and possible alliances to their mistress.
Lady Marianne Terosi Porter, Countess Porter - She is currently a professor of archaeology at the Imperial Academy and wife of Count Cedrick Porter (Callisto made him a count for his services). She is the only part-time lady-in-waiting who accompanies Penny during her archaeological exploits and was the second one appointed to her. She also has three kids with Cedric. She is the only daughter of Count Terosi, who opposed her archeological pursuits.
Lady Emily Meyer Reuss - She was granted a noble last name (Reuss) and a ladyship rank by Callisto so that she could become Penny's lady-in-waiting. At this point, she and Reynold were still an dating in secret. Since becoming a lady, she's been able to provide for her family and pay off some debts. Also, she managed to save a lot of money and finally indulge in things for herself, like nicer clothes, reading, and better shoes. She is the main lady-in-waiting for Penny while she's in the Palace. She does the companionship thing the most but also reports rumors in the palace.
Lady Thalia Verdandi - She's @bluebutterflyrose and @eloise175 's character. She was recommended as a lady-in-waiting by her cousin, Vinter. She basically looks like a female version of Vinter. She is a very optimistic yet secretive lady, who is two years older than Penny. The Imperial Children love her because she also helps Vinter out with the magic and sorcery stuff. She also helps Penny with magic issues when he's gone. She is in charge of wardrobe and dressing. Her job is mostly picking out Penny's outfits and jewelry every single day. Which is a very stressful job since imperial clothing can be used to convey underlying messages.
Lady Valerie "Val" Amerling, Marquise Amerling - A personal creation of mine. She is the baroness's (Callisto's nanny) daughter who is the same age as Callisto. She has mid-length silver grey hair and dark blue eyes. Generally, looks menacing and judgmental but she just has a resting b*tch face and is really nice and supportive. She is married to Marquis Amerling, a General in the army but he's away at the borderlands, most of the time. She also has 4 kids with him. Her job is to help with Penny with her daily schedule and is her head lady-in-waiting because of her experience.
Lady Selene Hanover, Marquise Hanover - @bluebutterflyrose helped me out with her. She has long moss green hair and hazel brown eyes. Usually appears quiet and formal but looks out for Penny and the rest of the ladies like little sisters. She's the second-oldest lady after Val. She’s a year or 2 older than Penny and is married to one of Callisto's commanders in his army, with whom she has two sons with. Her job mostly involves managing Penny's massive wardrobe, buying clothes, and working with Thalia.
Lady Edelheide "Edie" Pyrmont - @seirclys helped me out with her. She is the orphaned daughter of a noble under Vinter's domain. Shortly after her parents died, she became his ward until she's turned 18. Although her status at birth is uncertain (It was speculated that her mother had a lover), she is still considered a member of nobility. Her reputation amongst the nobility is neutral, with an air of mystery surrounding her. Because of her so-so reputation, she is Penny's unofficial personal informant, rumor master, and spy. She does the most socializing out of all the ladies because of her job. She also has no intention of ever marrying because she's already content in life.
