Austina of Aldersberg

This page contains information about a character that has been or is still played by a member of the LotC community. Please keep this in mind as you proceed reading.

Austina of Aldersberg "The Duel Countess" by Stefaniya de Sarkozy, c.1904 Duchess of Adria Tenure: 1903 - 1914 Predecessor: Charlotte of Aldersberg Countess of Aldersberg Tenure: 1909 - 1914 Predecessor: Edward Clement, Count of Aldersberg Successor: Cressida of Aldersberg Countess of Veletzia Tenure: 1897 - 1914 Predecessor: Founded Baroness of Aldersberg Tenure: 1888 - 1904 Predecessor: Alexander Leopold Novellen-Aldersberg Successor: Title Dissolved Born: 11th of Owyn’s Flame, 1876, Johannian Hall, County of Aldersberg, Kingdom of Oren Death: 8th of Harren’s Folly, 1914, Velec, Adria Spouse: Heinrik, Duke of Adria m. 1897 Issue: 4 House: House of Aldersberg Father: Edward Clement, Count of Aldersberg Mother: Anne of Sunholdt

Austina of Aldersberg (13th of Tobias' Bounty, 1876 - 8th of Harren’s Folly, 1914), otherwise monikered Austina, The Affluent was a member of the imperial branch of Novellen-Aldersberg. She was the only daughter of Edward Clement, Count of Aldersberg, and his wife, Anne of Sunholdt. Upon her eldest brother's passing, she would inherit the title Baroness of Aldersberg and subsequently brought glory back to her dying family lineage through her marriage to the Duke of Adria, Heinrik Otto, in 1897, and in 1903 the promotion of her families Barony to its former County.

Biography

Early Life

Austina Prudence Novellen-Aldersberg was born in the family home Johannian Hall on the eve of the 13th of Tobias' Bounty in 1876 to the Count of Aldersberg and his faithful consort, Anne of Sunholdt. She was named after her parental great-grandmother, Anne I, as well as taking her mother's favorite adjective as a middle name. Her lineage was complex, sharing paternal great-grandparents due to her mother's incestuous family as well as descending from three rulers of the Holy Oreanian Empire.

At the time, Austina was the youngest child of the Count and Countess of Aldersberg, with two older brothers, and was regarded as yet another fair-haired Aldersbergian child. She especially resembled her parental aunt, Georgiana Maria, with her father having been quoted stating how "her tresses just as platinum, and her eyes just as inquisitive."

"The Lady Prudence" by Swanhilda de Owynsburg, c.1879

Furthermore, her birth brought the already turbulent home life some peace. Her brothers, senior respectively by nine and two years, had faced their parents bickering often which left them at silent odds around the home for years. Once Austina was born, however, this changed. The family seemed to forgive each other for past grievances and find ways to move on.

Her early childhood was spent away from the courts in the Orenian countryside of Almaris, mostly due to her father's stress about the changing political states and the girl's likelihood of sickness. He had watched many of his sisters and aunts rot from unnamed ailments, all facing tragically slow deaths respectively. This fear, along with the demotion of the family of Aldersberg to merely a Barony, sent Edward into deep emotional turmoil which was only resolved by his disappearance in 1880 when Austina was merely six.

From thereon, Austina's education and health were entrusted to her mother who took a harsher form of schooling. Although the extent of the abuse is unknown, the girl was commonly found with numerous bruises and sprained wrists. This affected the way she would raise her own daughters almost 20 years after the fact, considering herself a very well-rounded individual and how the tactics seemed to work well.

Following the victory of the Eastern Almaris Treaty, the family of Aldersberg would see their estate turned to rubble and their title landless. Austina would blame her brothers insolence, finding ways to undermine him whenever she could. Her mother, very against chaos, would have the adolescent Austina sent to the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska, writing to her former Carrington cousin, Amadea of Susa, and imploring her to take Austina in as a ward. The Queen-Consort was unsure at first, but quickly made room for the Aldersbergian child upon noting the state of the Orenian lifestyle.

No longer under the strict thumb of her mother, Austina finally had the chance to form friendships and pursue her own passions. Noteworthyingly, she'd befriended Manon Yvaine, Baroness of Verskaya, and her distant cousin Viorica Irena, Countess of Jerovitz. As a ward from her previous society, the girl would adapt quickly. Her perfectionist upbringing and fondness for history set her above the other warding girls, being given the task of compiling the biographies of Princess Royals throughout the history of Hanseti-Ruska. By the age of 11, she had finished the task and formally published her first collection of feminine biographies in 1884 [1]. Thereafter, she would offer guidance to the other ladies in her cohort, even writing a few more biographies on the Grand Ladies of Haense, but those were never published.

As Baroness of Aldersberg

Austina would inherit the Barony of Aldersberg after the tragic loss of her eldest brother and the disappearance of her other brother. Her predecessor, Alexander Leopold, would lose his head from a bandit on the road in 1888 on his way to propose courtship to Princess Octavia Helen Novellen, which left no heirs other than herself. The title was fairly lost at this point, her brother having forfeited their land and influence over the old Orenian lords, so Austina, though titled, stayed within the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska. In an attempt to regain what was lost, she would plead with the lords of Haense to recognize her title, but she was merely 14 and no grown man took her seriously enough to even consider allowing her into their ranks.

So, as she had done before, she would begin writing in order to relieve herself from the stress of being the Baroness of Nowhere. In 1889, she would publish a collection of biographies of her ancestors, impressing some, but most continued on overlooking her. She then threw herself into recollecting, analyzing, and publishing detailed drawings and descriptions of the fairly vast collection of Aldersbergian jewelry. Some notable pieces within the collection were the Furnestock Tiara, worn by Empress Julia, and the Elizabethan Diadem, which belonged to Princess Imperial Elizabeth Anne.

Finally, the news of Austina's inheritance of the title reached her mother's ears, who had been vacationing in Ba'as since her husband's death, and decided to trek to Karosgrad to offer guidance to her only daughter. Her guidance, of course, was to marry and to marry well and fast. Anne would plot within the courts of the Morrivi Palace, setting her eyes on the young Valdemar Baruch, heir to the Duchy of Valwyck. Through careful schemes and planned outings, Anne and Austina would attempt to persuade Duchess Isabel and Valdemar himself into marriage, however, Austina could never get close enough to the young suitor to see any success.

Debut into Society

A portrait of Austina's debut outfit at Lifstala c.1889

Austina would debut in the fifth Haeseni Social Season, named Ve Lifstala, in 1890, when she was at the mere age of 14. She was much too young to properly debut, but her attendance was considered mandatory by her meddling mother who desired her daughter to be on the marriage market swiftly. Austina felt disconnected from the trials and tribulations of Lifstala, seeing it as a loss of her family's cultural debutante balls which she desired more than anything having read about how they introduced a lady into society as a woman and no longer a child. The idea of having a mass presentation of the ladies felt like a horse show, proclaiming to her cousin, Viorica, on multiple occasions her innate desire to not attend.

Nevertheless, she was the 5th to present themselves before the Queen, Princess Royal, and the Grand Lord. Her gown was made of pastel yellows with delicate floral designs and a large royal red cape. Atop her head was the Tiara of Furnestock, her most prized possession. Yet, as gracefully as she waltzed down the aisle, her discussion at the end of the carpet ended with failure. As Austina curtsied to the Queen and her companions, Princess Royal, Analiesa Josefina, would ask her about her plans if she were to marry high above her station. This was a jab at the budding girl who had just days earlier confessed to the Princess her desire to be a Duchess and the oracle's reading of her future which indicated a high likelihood of a grand marriage. Reportedly, Austina would give a rather simple answer which displeased the Princess enough to send the dias into silence. The awkwardness of the situation put her name in gossip papers nationwide, leaving her no choice but to end her wardship under the Queen and leave the Kingdom immediately to protect her family's honor.

At the same time, her older brother, Arthur Marie, who had been missing for some time, would announce his engagement to a woman who was shortly disowned by her family. The scandals surrounding this era not only marked the downfall of the line of Aldersberg but the downfall of Austina herself.

Vanishing to Petra

Austina would pack her bags as the opening ball of Lifstala commenced, leaving in the cover of the night alongside her mother who planned to return to Ba'as. Using her Novellen connections, she would be rehomed as the secretary to Miss Yvaine Beitris within the Archduchy of Petra. There, she'd learn to live a life unkept by the nature of etiquette or fashions. The nature of farmland brought her peace, having commented to Miss Yvaine on a multitude of occasions just how comforting it was being so close to a lake, the fresh air, and the open sky.

While Austina preferred the comforts of her cabin, away from the capital of the Archduchy, she would visit periodically to purchase ink, paper, and collect parcels for Yvaine. During these brief visits, she'd become acquainted with the population, befriending Ser Emir d’Abbassia and his sister, Livia. The knight would see potential in her, noting to the Archduke, Paul Salvian, that she would make a good knight alongside the other orders. The Duke was desperate to find a leader for his vision of a circle of dames to accompany his circles of knights. She would accept, beginning her journey alongside Emir to become a shieldmaiden. One notable mission was when she, Emir, Livia, and their collective friend Cliement Halcourt traveled to the lands of Elvenesse to conquer a stone tower that had once belonged to one of Emir's relatives. It took her almost two years of rigorous training before she was worthy of the title. Her ceremony to be knighted was on a pleasantly warm afternoon atop the ruins of Garmont. Paul granted her the moniker "The Affluent" because of her abundantly selfless nature, however later in her life, the meaning of the moniker was because of how rich she had become.

Now a Shieldmaiden, she'd begin to draft up the ceremonies, traditions, and training of her ladies. Austina held a close connection to the Saint Emma, having been baptized under her name. So, the knight circle was named The Circle of Saint Emma. In 1892, she'd publish the first constitution of the circle and begin to train wards. Under her, the circle thrived with culture, and many famous Dames of the Circle of Saint Emma were trained as wards with her attentiveness. Furthermore, this process brought her closer to Ser Emir, having been almost engaged to the knight. However, in a tragic twist of fates Emir would be married off to a woman of foreign nationality as a favor for the Archduke. Austina was left in the wreckage, feeling weaker than ever as she once more lost. She'd briefly considered an engagement to Cliement for Yvaine was his cousin by marriage, but that fell through after his disappearance.

This did not worry her for long though, for her time as a prominent figure within the Archduchy came to a sudden halt as her childhood illnesses began to recure. She'd be bound to a sickbed for up to a year, traveling very little. At one point, the sickness got so detrimental that Austina would draft a will that bestowed the title of Baroness of Aldersberg and all the relics in the trusted hands of her cousin, Viorica Ruthern.

Marriage & Family

A Portrait of Austina and Heinrik c. 1900

WIP

the trail of three failed courtships

Austina found that her presence in Petra was more than welcomed, having two brief flirtations with men of the land but refusing to marry either. This was because her cousin, Viorica, had read her fortune many years prior. This fortune indicated that she would not only marry well above her station but that as long as she was gentle with her husband, their love would be eternal.

She held onto this future, praying for it nightly, along with her health. This was until one day, she would be granted a knock at the door of her tiny cabin. Yvaine had brought a simple, yet ambitious, Heinrik Sarkozic, to her door. The pair hit it off instantly, with his thirst for greatness and her detailed initiative from years of tutorage under her mother. He would tend to her for many moons, waiting for her to garner enough health for them to wed. During this, he would confess to her his dreams of reuniting the Crow houses under the banner of Adria once more. She, awestruck, happily engaged herself in his dream.

They would wed in 1897 in a private ceremony registered by Heinrik's cousin, High Pontiff Pontian IV, with her mother, Anne of Sunholdt, as a witness to the service. Austina wore the same wedding gown as her mother, which she was gifted by her husband who was granted the gown by Amadea of Pomp. Together, they would move to the capital of Aaun so that Heinrik could continue his service to the crown and she as the new Countess of Veletzia.

Duchess of Adria

WIP

Heinrik was first elected duke in 1896 before the pair were married, but due to certain disagreements, it was considered void. As the people readied up for another election, Austina would be aiding in the completion of the Castle Saint Emalyne and the beginnings of the City of Velec. She would also give birth to her first child, Suzana Otta, in 1902 after a tragic accident pertaining to her husband's kidnapping. Austina would blame Heinrik for Suzana's sickly condition, putting the first strains on their marriage.

"The Duchess of Adria" by Stefaniya de Sarkozy c.1911

In 1903, as Austina was pregnant with her husband's second child, the fourth Dumapalooza was hosted in the kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska. There, Heinrik was elected duke for a second time and this time, it was official. Viorica had been correct. As they returned to Veletiza, they were met with thunderous applause and adoring Adrians waiting earnestly for their home to be returned to them. Later that year, Viktor Stefan was born followed by two more between the years of 1904-1906. As a mother, she was strict and would punish both of her daughters heavily for any minor missteps.

- Went on to write the biographies for the duchesses of Adria - Began to write the duke of Adria's biographies, but passed before such could be completed - Began a wardship program where she fostered many young Adrian lady's hobbies. (Lorena and Lemons, Wilhelmina and painting) - Collected more tiaras - Played matchmaker between Princess Anna and Count Sigismond and Count Jan and her niece, Cressida - Declining marriage - Barony of Aldersberg raised to a County

Death and Legacy

Austina's health began to decline in the early 1910s, being put on forced bedrest along with her eldest daughter, Suzana. This time was hard on her and the people of Adria who felt abandoned by the Duchess for little knew of her true ailments. For almost four years, she would battle feverishly but to no avail. In a last-ditch effort, she would open the walls of Castle Saint Emalyne for guests. During this period, she would learn of her husband's ill intentions and adultery as she lay in bed sick. This sent her into a frenzy where she would stab him in the arm in front of guests before fainting from exhaustion.

Austina would never wake after this, being pronounced dead in the midnight hours of the 8th of Harren’s Folly, 1914. She had succumbed to her lifelong battle with Leukemia, leaving little to no instructions. Her title as Countess of Aldersberg and relics would pass to her only known relative, Cressida of Aldersberg, and her belongings would be sold.

Titles and Styles

• 1872 - 1888 Her Ladyship, Austina of Aldersberg
• 1888 - 1892 The Right Honorable, Austina, Baroness of Aldersberg
• 1892 - 1897 The Right Honorable, Dame Austina 'The Affluent', Baroness of Aldersberg, Shieldmaiden of the Circle of Saint Emma
• 1897 - 1903 The Right Honorable, Dame Austina 'The Affluent', Baroness of Aldersberg, Countess-Consort of Veletzia, Dame of the Circle of Saint Emma
• 1903-1914 Her Grace The Duchess of Adria, Countess of Aldersberg, Countess-Consort of Veletzia, Dame of the Circle of Saint Emma, Mistress of Castle Saint Emalyne

Full Style as Duchess consort of Adria

Her Grace, Dame Austina 'The Affluent', Countess of Aldersberg, Duchess-Consort of Adria, Countess-Consort of Veletzia, Dame of the Circle of Saint Emma, Mistress of Castle Saint Emalyne

Issue

Name	Birth	Death	Marriage
Suzana Otta Sarkozic	15th of the Sun’s Smile, 1901	Alive	Unwed	Firstborn child of Heinrik and Austina. Born two months early due to stress on the mother which resulted in a lifetime of sickness.
Viktor Stefan Sarkozic	6th of Owyn's Flame, 1903	Alive	Unwed	Secondborn child of Heinrik and Austina
Markus Marie Sarkozic	8th of Owyn's Flame, 1904	Alive	Unwed	Thirdborn child of Heinrik and Austina
Kzenia Adriata Sarkozic	20th of Horen's Calling, 1906	Alive	Unwed	Fourthborn child of Heinrik and Austina

Ancestors

Ancestors of Austina of Aldersberg

16. Joseph II, Holy Orenian Emperor               8. Prince Joseph Leopold, Count of Aldersberg                       17. Anne I, Holy Orenian Empress               4. Prince George Alexander, Count of Aldersberg                             18. Henry Louis, Count of Österland               9. Henrietta Maria of Österland                       19. Angelika Helena of Kvasz               2. Edward Clement, Count of Aldersberg                                   20. Iskander Alexios, Count of Susa               10. Anthony Alexios, Count of Susa                       21. Elizabeth of Helena, Princess Imperial, Countess of Rosemoor               5. Juiya Rose of Susa                             22. Erik, Duke of Reutov               11. Valeria Eleanor of Reutov                       23. Theresa Polyxena of Sunholdt               1. Austina Novellen-Aldersberg                                         24. Alexander-Lucian d’Arkent               12. Peter Alexander, Duke of Sunholdt                       25. Victoria Adelheid of Balain               6. John Alexander d'Arkent                             26. Philip II, Holy Orenian Emperor               13. Josephine of Crestfall, Princess Imperial, Duchess of Crestfall                       27. Judith Alice of Rochefort               3. Anne Josephine of Sunholdt                                   28. John Michael, Viscount of Provins               14. Simon Casimir, Viscount of Provins                       29. Casimira Philippa of Pompourelia               7. Anne Adelheid Pruvia                             30. Philip II, Holy Orenian Emperor               15. Princess Anne of Crestfall, Duchess of Auvergne                       31. Judith Alice of Rochefort