In Memory of Those Who Died in 1318
La Reine Mère Joan of Willow Creek
La Reine Mère Joan was the wife of King Philip the Fair and the mother of King Louis X. Her marriage was one of respect and she was frequently given power and responsibilities by her husband. It was well known throughout the lands that if you wanted something from Philip, the best way to ensure it was to convince Joan.
Joan was also highly involved in seeking out matches for her children when the time came for them to be married. Instead of focusing solely on the politics, (although that certainly played a factor) she encouraged her husband and then later her son to ensure that the matches were, well, matches. Her main goal in life was to ensure her children were as happy in their lives as she had been.
Her husband's respect ensured that her children also held their mother in high esteem. When Philip passed away, Joan remained a powerful woman. Throughout her son's reign, she was one of his most trusted advisors. Up until her death, she was actively involved in politics.
As befitting a woman of her dignity, Joan passed away in her bed, accompanied by her eldest son and youngest daughter. The king has said that she passed into the Watcher's embrace with a peaceful smile on her face.
Joan is survived by her five living children and four living grandchildren.
Llewelyn was born a nobleman in Granite Falls. He had no true title because once Windenberg took over, his father was stripped of all of his titles - although, they were allowed to keep their lands.
Llewelyn married his wife, Llecelu, when they were both young. They had a fairly healthy marriage that produced many sons. Llewelyn always insisted that proved his true nobility and truly struggled to accept the Windenbergish taking himself and his countrymen's rights and titles from them.
This anger and resentment led him to plan a revolution, finding the support of other noblemen who had their birthright stripped from them and even bringing his own sons onto the battlefield. However, this revolution was not successful. It was a bloodbath and, seeing that the battle was lost, he surrendered himself to the earl Humphrey de Bohun (VII). He was arrested, but his older two sons managed to escape unscathed and return home.
While his imprisonment wasn't comfortable, he was kept well fed and safe. That is, until the baron Hugh Despenser showed up one day. He dragged Llewelyn from his cell and unceremoniously killed him. It is debated whether it was an execution or a murder.
Llewelyn is survived by his wife, Llecelu, and their six living sons.
Dowager Queen Margaret of Windenberg
1279 - September 7th, 1318:
Dowager Queen Margaret of Windenberg was a noble of Willow Creekian origin. She eventually married King Edward I of Widenberg in a political marriage as his second wife in the year 1299. Their union, while not a love match, was a solid one. Margaret was a quiet and yet stalwart pillar as a queen and when her husband's reign ended in 1302, she transitioned to one of her stepson's most loyal supporters.
Margaret only ever had one son, Prince Thomas. She did fall pregnant again after Thomas, but this led to a horrible miscarriage in which she almost lost her own life. It was highly suspected by her physicians after the fact that her body lost the ability to carry children. Instead of becoming bitter over this, however, she poured her love into her only son and the children of Edward II and his wife.
The Dowager Queen was found dead by her stepson, King Edward II, on the day of the summer harvest (September 7th) after, presumably, succumbing to overheating.
She will be fondly remembered by everyone as a stern but fair woman. Crown Prince Elfain and Princess Elanor will remember her as the woman who would sneak them desserts even when they were supposed to be rationing.
Margaret is survived by her son, Prince Thomas.
His Grace Duke Daemon Tagaryen
1256 - September 12th, 1318
Daemon Tagaryen was the Duke of Windenberg which in itself came with power and privileges. However, he managed to gain more power and standing by ensuring that not only did he marry Princess Joan, the daughter of King Edward I, but all of his children from his first wife married a royal. His daughter, Katerine, became queen of Windenberg through this arrangement. While it made their family tree look strange, it ensured that his lineage is the most powerful lineage in the entire Windenbergish realm.
It didn't take long for him to realize that his union with Joan wasn't just political, however. The two fell deeply in love and had three sons together. Unfortunately, the labor with the twins was incredibly difficult and the princess passed away, forcing the physician in attendance to cut the boys from her womb. In the aftermath, Daemon swore off marriage, proclaiming that his heart belonged to his wife forever.
Perhaps that's why in his elderly age, he didn't speak up when he felt his health declining and instead quietly handled his affairs and let himself slip peacefully into the Watcher's (and hopefully Joan's) embrace.
Daemon is survived by his six children and his four living grandchildren.
before 1266 - December 2nd, 1318
Father Walter de Stapleton was a Windenbergish bishop who served faithfully for many years. He was beloved in the community and was known to give advice to anybody who would come to his door.
Walter had a particular love for education. Throughout his lifetime, he helped fund (and indeed, founded) many educational programs and buildings.
As such, his legacy will outlive him.
