#Beatrice of Provence

[winterhalters]

historical sisters (1/∞)

— Marguerite, Eleanor, Sanchia and Beatrice of Provence

Four sisters who had risen from near obscurity to become the most celebrated and powerful women of their time. Almost nothing of significance that occurred in Western Europe during the period in which they lived was not influenced by the actions of their family. It is impossible to fully understand the underlying political motivations of the thirteenth century without them. — Nancy Goldstone, Four Queens: The Provencal Sisters Who Ruled Europe

[tercessketchfield]

♕ — The Four Queens

"In fact, this elite gathering represented the triumph of international diplomacy. <…> The architects of this diplomatic coup were neither ambassadors nor statesmen. No king’s counselor had a hand in it, no great knight nor influential baron. It was managed entirely by one family –a family of four sisters who had risen from near obscurity to become the most celebrated and powerful women of their time. Almost nothing of significance that occurred in Western Europe during the period in which they lived was not influenced by the actions of this family. It is impossible to fully understands the underlying political motivations of the thirteenth century without them."

— Nancy Goldstone, Four Queens: The Provencal Sisters Who Ruled Europe

[thefreelancehistorywriter]

Marguerite of Provence, Queen of France

Marguerite of Provence, Queen of France

Marguerite of Provence from a fifteenth century manuscript Raymond-Berengar V, Count of Provence, married Beatrice of Savoy in 1219. Their eldest daughter Marguerite was born in the spring of 1221 in Forcalquier, and they would have three more daughters, all of whom would become queens. Marguerite married Louis IX of France, Eleanor married Henry III of England, Sanchia became queen of the…

[palecleverdoll]

Ages of French Queens at First Marriage

I have only included women whose birth dates and dates of marriage are known within at least 1-2 years, therefore, this is not a comprehensive list.

This list is composed of Queens of France until the end of the House of Bourbon; it does not include Bourbon claimants or descendants after 1792.

The average age at first marriage among these women was 20.

Ermentrude of Orléans, first wife of Charles the Bald: age 19 when she married Charles in 842 CE

Richilde of Provence, second wife of Charles the Bald: age 25 when she married Charles in 870 CE

Richardis of Swabia, wife of Charles the Fat: age 22 when she married Charles in 862 CE

Théodrate of Troyes, wife of Odo: age 14 or 15 when she married Odo in 882 or 883 CE

Frederuna, wife of Charles III: age 20 when she married Charles in 907 CE

Beatrice of Vermandois, second wife of Robert I: age 10 when she married Robert in 990 CE

Emma of France, wife of Rudolph: age 27 when she married Rudolph in 921 CE

Gerberga of Saxony, wife of Gilbert, Duke of Lorraine, and later of Louis IV: age 16 when she married Gilbert in 929 CE

Emma of Italy, wife of Lothair: age 17 when she married Lothair in 965 CE

Adelaide-Blanche of Anjou, wife of Stephen, Viscount of Gévaudan, Raymond III, Count of Toulouse, and later Louis V: age 15 when she married Stephen in 955 CE

Bertha of Burgundy, wife of Odo I, Count of Blois, and later Robert II: age 19 when she married Odo in 984 CE

Constance of Arles, third wife of Robert II: age 17 when she married Robert in 1003 CE

Anne of Kiev, wife of Henry I: age 21 when she married Henry in 1051 CE

Bertha of Holland, first wife of Philip I: age 17 when she married Philip in 1072 CE

Bertrade of Montfort, wife of Fulk IV, Count of Anjou, and second wife of Philip I: age 19 when she married Fulk in 1089 CE

Adelaide of Maurienne, second wife of Louis VI: age 23 when she married Louis in 1115 CE

Eleanor of Aquitaine, first wife of Louis VII and later Henry II of England: age 15 when she married Louis in 1137 CE

Adela of Champagne, third wife of Louis VII: age 20 when she married Louis in `1160 CE

Isabella of Hainault, first wife of Philip II: age 10 when she married Philip in 1180 CE

Ingeborg of Denmark, second wife of Philip II: age 19 when she married Philip in 1193 CE

Agnes of Merania, third wife of Philip II: age 21 when she married Philip in 1195 CE

Blanche of Castile, wife of Louis VIII: age 12 when she married Louis in 1200 CE

Margaret of Provence, wife of Louis IX: age 13 when she married Louis in 1234 CE

Isabella of Aragon, first wife of Philip III: age 14 when she married Philip in 1262 CE

Marie of Brabant, second wife of Philip III: age 20 when she married Philip in 1274 CE

Joan I of Navarre, wife of Philip IV: age 11 when she married Philip in 1284 CE

Margaret of Burgundy, wife of Louis X; age 15 when she married Louis in 1305 CE

Clementia of Hungary, second wife of Louis X: age 22 when she married Louis in 1315 CE

Joan II, Countess of Burgundy, wife of Philip V: age 15 when she married Philip in 1307 CE

Blanche of Burgundy, first wife of Charles IV: age 12 when she married Charles in 1308 CE

Marie of Luxembourg, second wife of Charles IV: age 18 when she married Charles in 1322 CE

Joan of Évreux, third wife of Charles IV: age 14 when she married Charles in 1324 CE

Bonne of Luxembourg, first wife of John II: age 17 when she married John in 1332 CE

Joan I, Countess of Auvergne, wife of Philip of Burgundy, and later John II: age 12 when she married Philip in 1338 CE

Joanna of Bourbon, wife of Charles V: age 12 when she married Charles in 1350 CE

Isabeau of Bavaria, wife of Charles VI: age 15 when she married Charles in 1385 CE

Marie of Anjou, wife of Charles VII: age 18 when she married Charles in 1422 CE

Charlotte of Savoy, second wife of Louis XI: age 9 when she married Louis in 1451 CE

Anne of Brittany, wife of Maximilian I, HRE, Charles VIII and later Louis XII: age 13 when she married Maximilian in 1490 CE

Joan of France, first wife of Louis XII: age 12 when she married Louis in 1476 CE

Mary Tudor, third wife of Louis XII: age 18 when she married Louis in 1514 CE

Claude of France, first wife of Francis I: age 15 when she married Francis in 1514 CE

Eleanor of Austria, wife of Manuel I of Portugal and later second wife of Francis I: age 20 when she married Manuel in 1518 CE

Catherine de' Medici, wife of Henry II: age 14 when she married Henry in 1533 CE

Mary, Queen of Scots, wife of Francis II: age 16 when she married Francis in 1558 CE

Elisabeth of Austria, wife of Charles IX: age 16 when she married Charles in 1570 CE

Louise of Lorraine, wife of Henry III: age 22 when she married Henry in 1575 CE

Margaret of Valois, first wife of Henry IV: age 19 when she married Henry in 1572 CE

Marie de' Medici, second wife of Henry IV: age 25 when she married Henry in 1600 CE

Anne of Austria, wife of Louis XIII: age 14 when she married Louis in 1615 CE

Maria Theresa of Spain, wife of Louis XIV: age 22 when she married Louis in 1660 CE

Marie Leszczyńska, wife of Louis XV: age 22 when she married Louis in 1725 CE

Marie Antoinette, wife of Louis XVI: age 15 when she married Louis in 1770 CE

[shibasaurusrex]

𝐝𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐥𝐬

fandom : post! a plague tale requiem

ship / pairing : young adult! lucas x fem! reader

warnings : MAJOR spoilers for a plague tale requiem, anxiety, panic attacks, mentions of death, angst, fluff

word count : 5000

secondary image / graphic credit : @lesbianvamp thank you bby <33

description : after the de rune siblings, lucas, sophia && yourself had settled down into your new home, you realized that you were in love with lucas but weren’t certain if he felt the same way. years later, after having contained your feelings for so long, hugo pleads with you to take him to a nearby town festival, where a particular incident brings a surprising revelation to light.

A/N : set in 1354, 6 years after the end of requiem, so lucas is around 20 / 21, && hugo is around 11 / 12. everything canon wise is still exactly the same, ie. the count having tried to take hugo, emilie killing beatrice, && arno sacrificing himself, but obviously hugo doesn’t give in to the macula fully && managed to find a peaceful life with you, amicia, lucas && sophia at the de rune home in the mountains. written over the course of 4 days && i didn't even intend on writing this much but my brain literally wouldn't shut up lmao uibuibiubhk also someone pointed out that lucas looks like ethan nestor && i literally can't unsee it, so he's lucas' official adult face claim in my eyes :')) anway, i hope you all enjoy! <3

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“ this has got to be the most amazing thing i’ve ever seen! ”

you can’t help but to chuckle at hugo’s enthusiasm, a hand reaching down to gently ruffle his hair.

“ hugo, you’ve already said that at least three times today. ”

“ i have? but everything’s just so – oh goodness, look at that! ”

his fingers close around your wrist before giving a gentle tug, guiding you in the direction of whatever wonder he’s just laid eyes on. to most, this would simply be a joyous day at the town festival, filled with wonderful sounds, sights && smells – but to hugo de rune, it was something much more.

it was a miracle.

amicia had relayed the child’s tragic tale to you one night after he’d drifted off to sleep, obviously wishing to avoid burdening him with the memories of marseille, or for him to notice the tears welling up in her eyes as the three of you rested in the dwindling light of the nearby hearth. after so much tragedy && loss, it was no wonder that you’d all grown extremely close, the closest thing to some semblance of a family after the macula had dispensed its twisted design on the world. to you, they were family.

amicia. hugo. sophia. lucas.

lucas.

beatrice would have been proud of him, having studied for years to continue her legacy && to become one of the most renowned alchemists in all of provence. how he’d stood by her daughter without question in order to save her son’s life, hugo’s delighted yells being more than enough indication that his bravery had paid off immensely.

you were proud of him. more than proud –

“ Y/N, Y/N, come && look at this! ”

one minute, the atmosphere is merry, perfect even – the next, frantic && uncertain.

the grip around your wrist is now absent, a completely innocent act as the youngest de rune had clearly gotten carried away with his excitement, racing off to ogle at the marvels located amidst the sea of colour. except, your mind isn’t at all welcoming to such a rational train of thought, sheer panic beginning to take hold as you can already sense your throat tightening.

no, not now – please, not now –

joyous laughter shifts to undiscernible noise, drowned out by the thundering rhythm of your now racing heart whilst you futilely attempt to resist against the hysteria tormenting your psyche.

breathe dammit, breathe – he’s fine, absolutely fine –

yet as quickly as the reassurance comes, you find it being ejected away && instead replaced with deeply unpleasant outcomes.

pull yourself together, this isn’t what he needs –

your feet appear to have a mind of their own because before you even realize it, you’re already attempting to meander your way clumsily through the bustling crowds, hoping, praying for even a brief glimpse of the familiar green tunic. what would amicia say when she found out that you’d lost her baby brother? out there all alone, with the dreaded macula still coursing through his veins? oh lord, oh lord.

“ please, i need help! i’m looking for a boy, a boy of about eleven! ”

perhaps it’s the unwavering sound of the festivities, or your own laboured breathing, maybe even both, but no matter the case, your frantic pleas fall upon deaf ears, people clearly too engrossed in the event to even cast a bewildered look in your direction. in their eyes, they didn’t have time to deal with raving lunatics who threatened to spoil their day – yet your anxiety portrays a completely different picture as your back smacks against a cold stone wall.

hundreds of people, if not thousands, all with their piercing stares trained on you. you’re completely frozen to the spot now, your head spinning violently as you desperately fight back the growing wave of nausea. && just when you thought it couldn’t get any worse, the laughter begins. it’s quiet at first, a few small sniggers here && there, but soon, the deafening sound bounces around inside of your skull, && you just want it to stop.

whether any noise manages to come from you as you open your mouth to cry out, you’re unsure, because all you can concentrate on is the chorus of jeers growing louder, && louder, && louder.

you can’t handle it any more.

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“ -- hear me? Y/N, please -- "

it’s quiet. the faint melody of bird song, && a voice that sounds so familiar, yet not – then again, you were still transitioning in && out of consciousness. groaning softly, you soon realize that there’s something plush positioned beneath your head, likely to cushion it from the hard cold ground below. what had happened? where were you? where was hugo?

hugo.

“ no hugo, wait - ! ”

apparently, deciding to try && sit abruptly up isn’t a good idea, as you’re soon wincing in pain before a gentle hand on your shoulder ushers you into laying back down. the surroundings begin to spin violently, so much so, that your stomach lurches && you have to fight back from emptying its contents.

“ Y/N, just please calm down, it’s alright! ”

you can’t help but to note how fraught with worry lucas’ tone is, && you feel a slight pang of guilt for being the cause of it, but there’s only one matter that consumes your mind entirely as your fingers weakly grasp the fabric of his sleeve.

“ hugo, where’s hugo? ”

“ he’s fine, i sent him to get some jasmine from the florist so i can help bring your heart rate back down – now please, stay still && try not to move, you need rest. ”

&& just like that, his reassurance fills you with more comfort than any plant ever could, your head retreating back down to nestle upon the comfort of your newfound pillow. it takes you a few seconds before you notice that the cloak usually draped around lucas’ shoulders is nowhere to be seen, your heart skipping a beat as his gaze carefully observes your face for any signs of additional discomfort.

the familiar sound of festivities starts to become more noticeable as the minutes pass && your grogginess begins to dwindle, albeit much quieter than before to your relief. in fact, there’s barely anyone else in the vicinity except for you && lucas, save for the few stragglers who had likely decided to depart for home prematurely. judging from the colours emblazoned across the sky, night would soon be drawing in, as a composition of fiery oranges && reds were beginning to bleed into the crisp shade of blue – a beautiful shade that was practically identical to lucas’ eyes. there’s a few more moments of silence before you carefully tilt your head in his direction, speaking softly in an attempt to conserve your strength.

“ lucas? ”

he seems almost in a trance whilst watching you, seemingly catching himself as you speak his name before quickly clearing his throat. if you hadn’t known any better, you’d say there was a faint blush spreading across his cheekbones.

“ yes Y/N? ”

“ what happened? ”

lucas hesitates for a moment as if he’s contemplating exactly what to say, && whilst you might believe that he’s trying not to alarm you, there’s more to it than that – he’s trying not to alarm himself. the sight of you hyperventilating && inconsolable is already lingering unwantedly in his mind, but regardless, he swallows && takes a deep breath before giving you an answer.

“ hugo said that when he found you, you couldn’t stop shaking && that you couldn’t hear him – you must have lost consciousness after that, so he helped me carry you here. ”

there’s a slight tremble in his voice that you notice almost immediately, but you decide not to question it. after all, it would surely be rude to impose on his state of mind when he’d gone to the trouble of ensuring that you were safe && well, although you can’t help but to wonder exactly why the question seems to unnerve him so much – especially when he doesn’t allow you time to reply by hastily reaching down to retrieve something from the contents of a pouch on his belt, && you notice that it’s a tiny silver flask as it glitters beautifully in the radiance of the sun.

“ here, drink this, it should help you feel better. ”

opening your mouth to ask another question, you don’t get the chance as lucas has already fastened an arm around you to assist you in sitting upwards, a soothing warmth exuding from him && making your stomach flutter with a strange, yet pleasant sensation. he’s so gentle && attentive with his touches, almost as if you’re made of glass && he’s terrified that one careless move will break you. his fingers gingerly bring the neck of the flask to your lips, && almost immediately, your nostrils are filled with the pungent scent of copper && honey. noticing your slight grimace, he has to bite back a chuckle, yet the same concern knitted within his brow persists regardless.

“ trust me, it tastes a lot better than it smells. ”

if it was anyone else trying to reassure you, then you wouldn’t exactly be filled with confidence, but lucas was a master of alchemy, so holding back the bile from rising in your throat, you trust in his words && swallow a particularly large mouthful of the liquid. true to his word, the sharp taste of lemon floods across your tongue, immediately eliminating the foulness that had pervaded your nostrils only seconds beforehand && lulling you into a welcome state of calm. of course, your inquisitiveness can’t suppress itself as you feebly smile up at him, becoming lost in his beautiful sapphire eyes.

“ lucas, that’s unbelievable – where did you get it? ”

“ actually, i – i brewed it myself. ”

there’s that familiar shade of pink again as he gives a sheepish smile of his own, a hand going to nervously scratch the back of his neck before he continues.

“ it’s quite simple really. i discovered it when i was trying to help amicia find some pain relief for her shoulder – just some honey, chamomile and burdock. the plants contain anti inflammatory properties, but it’s the honey that really makes a difference. see, honey dates back to as far as the ancient egyptians, && they knew that it could help soothe pain, which is why we have such vast knowledge of its medicinal properties today. of course, there’s still so much more potential for future discoveries, && i think that - ”

you’re surprised when he pauses mid-sentence, hesitating for a brief second before brushing a stray strand of chestnut hair from his eyes.

“ i – i’m rambling, aren’t i? ”

lucas was clearly so filled with joy when discussing his work, && his level of commitment to the subject was extremely endearing, almost adorable even. the fact that he was seemingly comfortable enough around you to bring up the said topic of conversation in such astounding detail genuinely melted your heart, so you can’t help but to shake your head in disagreement whilst offering him an encouraging smile.

“ it’s alright lucas, you don’t have to be ashamed. ”

you can make out a flicker of relief upon his features at your reassurance, && for a second, you find yourself wondering if he’s had the chance to talk so openly about his interests with anyone else. the thought soon fades however as his beautiful sapphire eyes focus so intently on your face, a smile of his own tugging at his lips before you feel your heart practically in your mouth at his reply.

“ it’s strange, really – it only tends to happen when i’m talking about the things i’m passionate about. ”

you’ve only just realized that his arm is still around you, with neither of you making any attempt to move from your current position. to think that not all that long ago, you’d been completely consumed with fear && panic, feeling as if everyone && everything that you’d ever loved would be lost forever. but now is the complete opposite, a pleasant warmth burning in your chest && making you feel as if you were ready to take on the entire world. there’s nothing but silence between you both for a few more seconds as you find yourselves smiling at one another, a silence that spoke a thousand words – except that silence doesn’t last, a familiar voice calling out amidst exhausted pants.

“ lucas, Y/N! ”

you barely have time to make out the hugo sized person before he practically throws himself onto you, arms fastening around your neck && cheek nestled against the silkiness of your hair as he embraces you tightly into a hug. there’s a slight twinge of pain from the initial contact, yet you manage to bite back a cry before wrapping your own arms around his much smaller frame, catching a brief glimpse of the basket loaded with flora that he’d been carrying moments beforehand.

“ Y/N, i’m so sorry that i ran off && left you – you could have gotten hurt && it’s all my fault. ”

“ hey, what matters is that you’re safe. but promise me you’ll never do that again, alright? ”

hugo hesitates for a moment before slowly pulling back from the embrace, one of his hands gently wiping his eyes as he nods. his attention soon turns back towards the wicker basket beside him, reaching down to grasp it before handing over the contents to lucas. taking it from the younger de rune, his eyes twinkle with relief as he smiles widely, evidently pleased with the yield that he requested.

“ this is more than enough hugo, thank you. ”

“ you’re welcome. but that’s not all, i got something else - ”

exchanging confused looks, both you && lucas are clearly oblivious to what he means until you catch sight of the beautiful sunny blossom sitting within the palm of his hand. you can vividly recall hugo telling you all about his memories of beatrice, how she’d educated him in botany alongside tirelessly searching for a cure to rid him of the macula forever. whilst he was indeed a special child, he deserved a normal life, free from being controlled by the disease inside of him && being able to truly appreciate the ‘ nice things ’ as he referred to them. amicia had often allowed him to braid them into her hair when he was younger, wearing it like a badge of honour – as a protector to the carrier.

whilst you’d always been able to identify even the most basic of flowers, hugo had been your own teacher, passing down his mother’s knowledge && his face practically lighting up as he’d shared stories of all the beautiful blossoms that he remembered from back home in guyenne. a symbol of rebellion almost against the hordes of rats that had delivered nothing but suffering && ruin – a reminder that no matter how dark the night, how turbulent the storm, there was always hope that lay deep within.

“ a daffodil. ”

there was no doubt that lucas also possessed a vast amount of knowledge in regards to botany, perhaps even more so than the young boy, considering the countless years that he’d spent studying under the watchful eye of his magistra. it honestly amazed you that not only could he name flowers that you’d never even laid eyes on before, but their medicinal qualities too, so it comes as no surprise that he’s able to recognize the sunshine coloured bud outstretched in hugo’s hand. he always had been intelligent. admirable. breathtaking.

“ used to treat chronic pain, && in rare cases, epilepsy. hm, not native to the area, meant to symbolise - ”

“ forgiveness. ”

it’s astonishing how your own voice && hugo’s chorus together in such perfect sync, alarming even, but it undoubtedly acts as further proof that you both share a beautiful && unique bond. proof that you would never allow anything to hurt him. ever.

“ i hope you like it. ”

his enthusiasm that had snatched you up into a hug only moments earlier is suddenly gone, instead replaced by a meek, almost timid demeanour whilst he fidgets idly with his hands. as if he was nervously seeking your approval. already, you can sense a lump in your throat && your eyes welling up with tears, completely touched by the innocent gesture but taking extreme care not to let your emotions out into the open – hugo was likely already anxious enough without having the weight of a major misunderstanding looming over his head. the momentary pause between you both must already be bothering him however, his tone frantic && clumsy as he peers up at you worriedly.

“ i asked the florist lady if she had some because it was for someone really special, && - ”

“ i don’t like it hugo. ”

you don’t have any time to register his expression as you’ve already pulled him back into your arms, but you can feel his posture stiffen as even lucas appears apprehensive from the brief glance that you manage to catch of him.

“ i love it. ”

&& in that moment when his arms gently weave about your neck in order to secure himself against you, when the tender petals of the gift brush delicately against your skin, everything is perfect. you truly adored hugo with all of your heart, && the very thought of him having to endure such unspeakable horrors to reach this point was honestly haunting – which is perhaps why your grip upon him tightens ever so slightly, cheek nestled comfortably against his chestnut brown locks whilst you can’t help but to contemplate on how the world was such a cruel place. he was just a child.

you don’t allow it intentionally – hell, you likely wouldn’t have even realized if not for the concern knitting lucas’ brow, but one of the tears that you’d been attempting to suppress manages to slowly trickle down onto your cheek. the happiness of the child in your arms however took priority over everything && anything else, so rather than putting his peace at risk even for a second, you quickly manage to brush away the bead of moisture against his hair && not a moment too soon, as his infectious smile greets you whilst he delicately places the daffodil into the safety of your lap.

“ you’re so thoughtful, thank you. ”

there’s a smile of your own in return before you purse your lips in thought for a brief moment, both lucas && hugo only being able to speculate exactly what you have in mind as the latter tilts his head to an inquisitive angle. an idle search into one of the pouches on your waist && a faint metallic clinking later, some of the contents are emptied out into his palm, the contrast of bronze && silvers twinkling beautifully in the sunlight like a regal kaleidoscope.

“ i’d like to thank the florist too, so do you think you’d be able to take this to her for me? ”

his fingers already curled around the collection of coins, hugo hesitates for a moment before reaching over to placed his balled up fist into your hand, clearly intending to return the payment as you’re now the one sporting a perplexed look.

“ she said she didn’t want any money for it, and as long as i gave it to that someone special, then that was enough payment. she also mentioned that daffodils were one of her favourites, because her husband always used to bring her some. ”

the obliviousness on the youngest de rune’s part to the true meaning behind her tale is almost endearing, && if you hadn’t have known any better, you could have swore that you caught a glimpse of lucas attempt to conceal a smirk behind his hand whilst you have to suppress a giggle yourself. surely, he’d come to come to understand in time as he grew older, as single every day that passed was a defiance against the macula, but for now, all he had to concern himself with was achieving what he’d already been deprived of for so long - living a normal && happy childhood.

“ well in that case, how about you keep it instead to buy yourself something nice? ”

there’s a brief moment of quiet whilst he studies your expression carefully, ensuring that you’re absolutely certain with the decision before he accepts the gift that you’ve just offered - && the sincerity that greets him is more than enough reason for him to deduce that that is indeed the case, that smile that practically melted your heart making a more than welcome appearance as hugo peers up at you with a newfound excitement.

“ i won’t let you down, i’m going to find the most amazing thing ever to bring home! ”

“ hugo? please try to stay in sight this time, hm? ”

lucas has likely already recognized his overwhelming eagerness to depart back into the maze of stalls in search of a souvenir, && sure enough, there’s a reassuring smile before he races off to investigate a nearby crafts stall – free to explore without any anxiety or worry. as a kid should be able to. to say that this wasn’t exactly the day that you’d planned was an understatement, but you don’t bother concerning yourself with such trivial matters for the moment, as everything is currently perfect as it is. the both of you sit in silence for a few minutes, yet it’s not at all uncomfortable, quite the opposite in fact. even if you were alongside lucas all day && neither of you exchanged a single word, you’d still feel as if you’d had the most engaging conversation, finding yourself becoming entranced by those beautiful eyes of his –

“ he really loves you, you know. ”

“ i – i’m sorry? ”

it goes without saying that the both of you understand the alternate implication of lucas’s statement, prompting that all too familiar shade to creep across the entirety of his face as he clears his throat nervously, && you too find yourself attempting to suppress a considerable blush. neither of you notice it for the time being, but there’s also the matter of the empty space between you both slowly diminishing since hugo’s departure, almost as if there’s a hidden yet powerful force at play to make you both desperately desire one another’s presence. with him, all of your concerns && worries were non-existent, or at least an obstacle that you could tackle together && emerge from upon the other side. lucas was your home, && you prayed with all of your heart && soul that he considered you the very same.

“ hugo, i mean – i’ve never seen him so frantic before. ”

repositioning yourself around to face him properly now, you can’t help but to note his unexpected shift in demeanour, his eyes having a certain solemnity about them whilst he swallows particularly hard – he spoke about hugo displaying panicked behaviour, but lucas himself, was he really shaken that severely too?

“ i was working on some texts detailing the history of the prima macula, when he came bounding in and pleaded with me to go with him as quickly as i could. naturally, imagine the fright he gave me – especially given the circumstances of what happened. ”

perhaps you were listening to him a little too intently, or it’s your head still rebelling against your prior state of unconsciousness, but whatever the case, you’ve only just come to the realization that lucas is now seated merely inches away from you, so much so, that you’re uncertain who the persistent rhythm of a pounding heart belongs to. you don’t know what to do, to say, to pour out all of your emotions && confess to him how he made you feel – except you don’t need to, because he’s already chosen to take the initiative first.

“ i – i think i understand. why he was so hysterical when he came to see me – because i know exactly what it’s like to worry about losing someone special. ”

if you didn’t have the slightest inclination of what to say before, you certainly don’t now, breath hitching in your throat && your heart threatening to practically implode. had he really just told you that? surely, the giddy sensation tugging within the pit of your stomach was indication enough in case you weren’t entirely convinced, as is the sheepish smile that lucas offers you whilst politely gesturing to your lap.

“ may i? ”

for a brief moment, you can’t help but to wonder exactly what he’s referring to, until a delicate golden shimmer provides a clue. what was it that he’d said? that daffodils were used as relief from both chronic pain && epilepsy, but that only generates more questions rather than answers. you didn’t have either of those, so perhaps he wished to study it more closely for one of his future endeavours. his fingers gently furl around the delicate blossom before scooping it up into his palm, taking extra care not to damage the fragile petals as he lifts it upwards. what was he – it’s only when his free hand lightly tucks a stray strand of hair behind your ear that you realize his intention, && instinctively, you lean further into his touch whilst he gets to work on weaving the daffodil amongst your silky locks. a simple gesture but one that makes you fall in love with him all over again, as he makes you feel like the most beautiful woman in the entire world. && to lucas, you were.

the way he gapes at you in total awe after he leans back to observe his handiwork speaks absolute volumes, prompting you to take the initiative this time around by reaching down to take his hand into your own whilst his other caresses your cheek so tenderly. lucas had never really been a fighter, yet you can still detect the remnants of callouses over his fingers, a silent mark of the battle to prevent hugo from succumbing to the prima macula. && even though he’d probably dismiss the notion, a mark that he was a hero. if there was the opportunity to stop time at this very moment, then it was almost certain that you would without a doubt, everything being absolutely perfect as lucas leans closer to affectionately rest his temple against your own. you can’t help but to giggle at the sensation of his own hair lightly tickling your cheek, drawing a soft chuckle from him before he gently shakes the messy strands from his eyes.

“ it really suits you. ”

there’s that damned blush again at his compliment but you don’t overly concern yourself with it this time – in fact, you actually allow your emotions a little more leeway, not even realizing that you’ve leaned your head further forward for your lips to press softly against his cheek until it’s too late. you can’t help but to melt over how adorable lucas’ reaction is, his sapphire eyes blinking in amazement before a content noise sounds from within his throat. after all of the hardships && cruelty that the world had dealt, you both needed this – the chance to face a new day, together.

“ thank you lucas. ”

the soft chorus of songbirds from high on up, the sensation of lucas’ hair as it continues to softly caress your skin && the silent yet heartfelt smile shared between you both – nothing could make this moment any more perfect, or so you believe, as the second that he opens his mouth once again, you can already sense your heart melting.

“ so, i was wondering if – if you’d like to come back to the festival later once amicia gets back, just the two of us. ”

he seems proud of himself for speaking without any significant stutters, although he’d likely already forfeited the battle against attempting to suppress the reddening colour in his cheeks. not that you minded, quite the opposite in fact.

“ or if you prefer, we could both talk a walk? i know of a trail not far from here alongside a stream, && it’s home to some of the most beautiful flowers && wild life. oh, perhaps if we ventured out at night, we could go star gazing – yes, i could show you all of the constellations! there’s practically hundreds, but aquila has to be my favourite. i – i’d love for you to see it. maybe if there’s a first quarter moon tonight, then the cosmos will be in perfect alignment, && there might actually be a chance for it to - ”

“ lucas? ”

“ yes Y/N? ”

“ you’re rambling again. ”

“ ah! m – my apologies. ”

you feel a slight pang of guilt at the sight of the mortified expression upon lucas’ face, but the manner in which he became so flustered was too adorable to pass up, && you emit a playful giggle as reassurance that you’re only teasing him. thankfully, the sound appears to do the trick because those gorgeous sapphire hues peer up at you once again, a bashful smile tugging upon the corners of his lips whilst he slowly scratches the back of his neck. truth be told, you’re overjoyed at the prospect of spending a chapter of your life alongside your very own someone special, && as his arms gently wrap around you whilst your lips linger upon his cheek once again, you both know that this is the beginning of something truly beautiful.

“ so, tell me more about this aquila. ”

•·.·''·.·• •·.·''·.·•·.·''·.·• •·.·''·.·•·.·''·.·• •·.·''·.·•·.·''·.·• •·.·''·.·•·.·''·.·• •·.·''·.·•·.·''·.·• •·.·

[kyndaris]

Protect One, Protect All

A Plague Tale: Innocence was one of the most harrowing games I’d played in a long time. It was a little known title from a AA studio that might have sailed beneath most people’s noses except for those in the business. I, for one, had been intrigued by the trailers and you can read my impressions on it if you search far enough down on my Tumblr blog. 

Though it took players on a journey across war ravaged France when pestilence and disease reigned in the early half of the 14th century, at its heart, the game was about a brother and a sister and the bond between them. Forged from familial ties and strengthened by the challenges they faced - whether that be deadly rats ready to tear the flesh off your bones or the Inquisition, Along the way, they were aided by strangers and friends. And though they suffered loss, the ending to A Plague Tale: Innocence was an uplifting message.

A Plague Tale: Requiem is not so kind.

Following on six months from the end of the first game, A Plague Tale: Requiem starts off peaceful enough. Hugo, Amicia, their mother Beatrice and Lucas are headed towards a city where a known Order member resides. There, they hope to find a cure for Hugo’s ailment: the Macula.

Along the way, they enjoy the fresh air and countryside, with Amicia and Hugo taking the opportunity to play at a local creek and explore what initially appears to be an abandoned tower. But after they climb inside to look around, disaster strikes. They two siblings are mistaken for thieves and Amicia must once again do the unthinkable to protect her brother and herself. The skirmish triggers the disease in Hugo’s blood and when they make it to Provence, they find that the rats have followed them.

Over the course of those opening hours, however, Hugo talks about an island that he has seen in his dreams. One he hopes that will provide the cure he so desperately needs. When Provence is overrun and they attempt to flee, so begins Amicia and Hugo’s journey to unlock the secrets of the Macula.

Watching a few of the trailers, I initially feared that something terrible would beset Amicia. I was convinced that she would have to sacrifice her life in a desperate bid to keep Hugo safe. But as the game went on, it became clear that my fears were unwarranted. True, Amicia does suffer a terrible head wound and is shot and stabbed, but as the main character, she managed to pull through - her love for her brother and the bond that they share allowing her to stand back up after every setback.

Along the way, she and Hugo discover what happened to the first known carrier of the Carrier and the origins of the Justinian plague that was hinted at in the first game. Just like Hugo and Amicia, it is implied that Basilius and his protector Aelia were family.

What I loved about A Plague Tale: Requiem was the impact that the first game had on our protagonists. During those first few hours, it was clear that Amicia was still struggling with a lot of trauma. And in the sequel, some of that trauma manifests as anger. Scared and terrified, she no longer wants to be the victim - instead turning the tables on the guards that she faces as she goes on a murderous rampage. One that culminates when their mother, Beatrice, is killed in a ritual sacrifice.

Hugo, too, has seen his own share of death across both titles. Despite Amicia’s attempts to shield him from reality, Hugo is wiser beyond his years. And yet in those early moments of the game, he still retains a lot of his childlike wonder. Being out on the sea, enjoying the games and festivals in Provence...

These moments are short and precious and give players something worth fighting for. It’s easy to understand why Amicia wants the best for her brother. He didn’t ask to be the Carrier of the Macula. He’s just a young boy that is curious about the world around him. And just like Amicia, I couldn’t help but want the best for him - even though I didn’t always agree with Amicia’s methods - especially when she became deadset to find out what happened to Basilius and Aelia. Like, couldn’t they have waited a day or two to explore the shrine atop the mountain? It wasn’t as if going into the fort with slavers a week or two after more preparations had been made would have made too much of a difference. And perhaps then, as well, Emilie and Victor wouldn’t have realised that Hugo was special.

But then, of course, we might not have had the game that we had. Sometimes events need be contrived. Like how Hugo befriended Arnaud.

In all honesty, that moment caught me off guard. For the first several chapters, Arnaud served as an antagonist to our erstwhile heroes. But then suddenly, his helm was off and he had become a reluctant ally. At first, I didn’t know who he was - as he’d been dressed in plate armour and his face hidden. The sudden 180 degree turn was jarring and probably could have been tackled slightly better.

Still, story-wise, I was utterly devastated by the ending. Even when I felt that the bond between Amicia and Hugo had become somewhat twisted and was a little too co-dependent, having to kill the young brother that had grown from an annoying liability to something precious and dear to my heart was almost too much. But kill him, I did.

And the way those last few moments played out - with the slowing of the animation as Amicia took out her sling...it was the perfect demonstration of how difficult the entire situation was.

From a gameplay standpoint, A Plague Tale: Requiem builds on what came before. Amicia now has plenty more tools in her belt when it comes to enemies although I did find it best to play it stealthy as much as possible. Or, at the very least, be a little more creative. For, just like the first game, Amicia isn’t built for combat. She doesn’t die immediately with one hit but she’s still no stalwart warrior.

There was one part in Chapter 10 that was so thoroughly infuriating because no matter what I did, I would always be detected. The guards, too, were far too alert for the slightest noise and it was a struggle to use my crossbow, pull open the door and dash through the opening without wasting too many resources.

So, while much of the gameplay had improved, there were still frustrations because of the limitations presented by the game itself.

Beyond that, the puzzles were much more enjoyable this time round. As was trying to find and locate every collectible. I didn’t quite manage to get them all, but most of them were placed just far enough down path not followed that they weren’t too hard to find.

As for the graphics, they were mighty impressive. The rat swarms, especially. I can’t really attest to the 300,000 rats that were in the advertisements, but the waves of rats that I encountered near the end of the game were terrifying. The way that they would pop up from the ground, the wave of them rushing towards Amicia and Lucas...

I cannot say if A Plague Tale: Requiem will have a sequel. While it did bring closure, I didn’t want my time with Amicia to end. Truth be told, a part of me wanted her to find happiness. Whether that be with Sophia or in the pursuit of a noble goal in aiding the future Carrier. The stinger at the end did imply a Carrier in modern times and I would be curious to see how that might play out given the years of COVID that had us all locked up in our homes.

Just like its predecessor, A Plague Tale: Requiem isn’t quite the perfect polished game that AAA game studios will pump out. But perhaps because of that, it was able to reach my cold dead heart. The story is rich and the characters were a joy even if the ending brought with it a difficult decision to make. Amicia and Hugo have left a profound mark on me and their story is something I would like others to experience.

Its nomination for Game of the Year at the Game Awards 2022 is a recognition that it’s most definitely a game worth playing. Will it win? Probably not. I’m sure Elden Ring or God of War Ragnarok will take that lofty title, but I’m satisfied that it, along with Xenoblade Chronicles 3 might finally enter the popular zeitgeist. For too long, big titles like Halo and Call of Duty have dominated the charts. It’s time for more introspective games to take the helm and show off, once and for all, that games can be art and great vehicles for narrative.

[rarougrougrou]

Me and @ladamedesames watching a Plague tale Requiem

Me "I know those mountains, it's the Alps, I recognise the type of rock"

Beatrice, only 30 secondes later "so we're on the lands of the count of Provence[...]"

Me and Lu immediately losing our shit because I was right and recognised fucking ROCKS

[sleepingfancies]

shoutout to ramon berenguer IV count of provence and countess beatrice of savoy for having four daughters ALL of whom became queens. no one’s winning like them

[1weltreisender]

Frankreich: 24 Sehenswürdigkeiten und vier Spezialitäten

Inhalt:Bourgogne-Franche-Comté Zisterzienserabtei Fontenay Burgund ist eine sehr bekannte Weinregion Besançon liegt auf sieben Hügeln wie Rom Das Knotenpunktsystem kommt ins Juragebirge Belfort und die Löwen Kirchenbau der Moderne Welche kulinarische Spezialität empfiehlt Marie-Hélène? Provence-Alpes-Côte d‘Azur Der regionale Naturpark Camargue Porquerolles Insel Der Fenouillet-Pfad in Cavalaire-sur-Mer Saint-Véran Moustiers Sainte Marie Villefranche sur Mer Die Empfehlung von Beatrice für eine kulinarische Spezialität der Region: Vallée de la Drôme Die «Trois Becs» L’Auberge des Dauphins Der Turm von Crest Kanufahren auf der Drôme Mirmande Clairette de Die in einem Weingut kosten Die Empfehlung von Nicolas für eine kulinarische Spezialität der Region: Médoc Atlantique Das Naturreservat Etang de Cousseau in Lacanau Die Basilika-Notre-Dame-de-la-fin-des-Terres in Soulac-sur-Mer Château Saint-Hilaire in Queyrac Caraïbos Lacanau Pro Der Leuchtturm von Cordouan in Verdon-sur-Mer Das 20-jährige Jubiläum von Soulac 1900 Die Empfehlung von Emmeline für eine kulinarische Spezialität der Region: Social Media: Auch interessant: Alle Jahre wieder stellt Atout France, die Französische Zentrale für Tourismus, in einer Medientournee durch deutsche Großstädte der Reise-Presse und Reise-Bloggern ausgewählte Ziele des schönen Reiselandes Frankreich vor. Corona-bedingt fielen die letzten beiden Veranstaltungen aus und die Medientournee 2023 wurde daher mit besonderer Spannung erwartet. Übrigens, wusstest Du, dass Frankreich 2019 das beliebteste Reiseland der Welt war, das weltweit die meisten Touristen zählte. Ich fragte auf der Medientournee in Berlin stellvertretend für die zahlreichen anderen Reiseregionen unseres Nachbarlandes vier Regionsvertreter nach ihren sechs Lieblingsorten. Außerdem bat ich sie, mir ein typisches Gericht ihrer Region zu nennen. Lies ihre Antworten.

Bourgogne-Franche-Comté

Marie-Hélène Vernerey ist Pressesprecherin von Bourgogne-Franche-Comté Tourisme / Foto: Ingo Paszkowsky Das sind die sechs Empfehlungen von Marie-Hélène an Sehenswürdigkeiten in der Region Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, die Du unbedingt sehen musst: Zisterzienserabtei Fontenay In Burgund solltest Du die Zisterzienserabtei Fontenay besuchen, sie gehört zum UNESCO-Welterbe. Die Abtei ist landschaftlich sehr schön gelegen und Drehort berühmter Filme.

Abtei Fontenay: Der Klosterinnenhof ist fast quadratisch - 36 mal 38 Meter. Burgund ist eine sehr bekannte Weinregion Das Burgund ist eine französische Weingegend mit sehr berühmten Weinbergen. Marie-Hélène empfiehlt Radtouren durch die Weinregionen mit Weinverkostungen vor Ort. Im Frühjahr 2023 wird das Cité des Climats et Vins de Bourgogne eröffnet. Das Museum verfügt über drei Standorte in Beaune, Chablis und Mâcon. (Lies auch unseren Beitrag über Wein-Tourismus in der Region Bourgogne-Jura.) Besançon liegt auf sieben Hügeln wie Rom Im Jura-Gebirge ist Besançon ein Anziehungspunkt mit der Zitadelle. Sie ist eines der schönsten befestigten Bauwerke Vaubans und eines der meistbesuchten Bauwerke der Franche-Comté. Mehr als 100 Meter hoch überragt sie die Altstadt und bietet einen spektakulären Ausblick. Aber auch sonst lockt Besançon mit seinem großen Kulturangebot mit den fünf Museen, seinen zahlreichen Theatern, seiner Cité des Arts et de la Culture, seinen nationalen Bühnen und seinen Gemäldegalerien. Besançon ist auch eine Uhrenindustrie und als "Hauptstadt der Uhrzeit" bekannt. Das Knotenpunktsystem kommt ins Juragebirge Dieses einfache Wegweisungssystem bietet Radwanderern viel Freiheit bei der Routenplanung und bei der Orientierung unterwegs. Das Départment Doubs hat das Knotenpunktsystem im Mittelgebirge des Haut-Doubs und zwischen dem Ognon- und dem Doubs-Tal eingeführt. Belfort und die Löwen Belfort ist eine wunderschöne Stadt in den Südvogesen mit einer interessanten Altstadt, einer mächtigen Zitadelle und einem großen Löwen aus Stein, dem Wahrzeichen der Stadt. Über die gesamte Stadt sind Löwenskulpturen verteilt, aber kleiner als der monumentale Löwe von Belfort des Bildhauers Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi. Kirchenbau der Moderne Die Kapelle Notre Dame du Haut von Ronchamp wurde 1950 bis 1955 nach Plänen des französisch-schweizerischen Architekten Le Corbusier errichtet und zählt zu den berühmtesten Kirchenbauten der Moderne.

Kapelle Notre Dame du Haut in Ronchamp Welche kulinarische Spezialität empfiehlt Marie-Hélène? Comté, den Hart-Rohmilchkäse aus der Region Franche-Comté. Und Weinbergschnecken, Escargot de Bourgogne.

Provence-Alpes-Côte d‘Azur

Beatrice Manzato ist Pressereferentin bei Provence-Alpes-Côte d‘Azur Tourism / Foto: Ingo Paszkowsky Die sechs Empfehlungen von Beatrice an Sehenswürdigkeiten - die Du unbedingt sehen musst - lauten: Der regionale Naturpark Camargue Ein ganz eigenes Reiseziel am Rhône-Delta, zwischen Sümpfen, Reisfeldern und Salinen. Hier haben Stiere, Camargue-Pferde, Flamingos und so viele andere Tierarten ihr Zuhause.

Der regionale Naturpark Camargue / Foto: XtianDuGard / pixabay Porquerolles Insel Ein Stück Paradies im Nationalpark Port Cros und im Pelagos-Meeresschutzgebiet vor der Küste von Hyères. Seine unberührten Strände und das türkisfarbene Wasser sind ein Reichtum, den es zu bewahren gilt. Der Fenouillet-Pfad in Cavalaire-sur-Mer Ein 4,5 Kilometer langer Rundwanderweg zwischen Land und Meer mit einer atemberaubenden Aussicht auf die Küste des Golfs von Saint Tropez. Saint-Véran Das höchstgelegene Dorf Europas liegt im Regionalpark Queyras, einem kleinen Juwel in den Südalpen. Im Winter kann man hier Abfahrtsski und Langlaufski fahren, im Sommer kann man hier viele Murmeltiere sehen. Moustiers Sainte Marie Eines der schönsten Dörfer Frankreichs, im Herzen des Regionalparks Verdon gelegen, bietet ein einzigartiges geologisches und gastronomisches Erbe!

Villefranche sur Mer / Foto: bogitw / pixabay Villefranche sur Mer Der malerische kleine Fischerhafen und der Küstenpfad sind die perfekte Kulisse für einen Aufenthalt an der Französischen Riviera! Die Empfehlung von Beatrice für eine kulinarische Spezialität der Region: Panisses de Marseille - Frittiertes Kichererbsenmehl, das man frisch vom Kiosk im Stadtteil Estaque am Strand genießen kann.

Vallée de la Drôme

Nicolas Adam ist Direktor des Tourismusbüros Coeur de Drôme / Foto: Tourismusbüros Coeur de Drôme Die sechs Empfehlungen von Nicolas an Sehenswürdigkeiten - die Du unbedingt sehen musst - lauten: Die «Trois Becs» Von der Spitze dieser Berge, über den riesigen Klippen, ist die Aussicht atemberaubend: Du kannst die Alpen, das Massif-Central, den Mont Ventoux sehen ... Du fühlst dich wie auf dem Dach der Welt.

Von der Spitze dieser Berge, über den riesigen Klippen, ist die Aussicht atemberaubend / Foto: GRANDEMANGE Dominique / 4Vents.fr / Tourismusbüro Coeur de Drôme L’Auberge des Dauphins Es ist ein kleines verlorenes Schloss, ganz alleine mitten im Wald. Die Umgebung ist großartig, die Architektur typisch Französisch. Es beherbergt ein Museum über die Geologie und Biodiversität der Region. Der Turm von Crest Mit 52 Metern Höhe ist er der höchste mittelalterliche Bergfried Frankreichs. Sein Besuch ist sehr nützlich, um die Geschichte der Hugenotten zu verstehen, die dort inhaftiert waren und viele Graffiti an den Wänden hinterlassen haben.

Der Turm von Crest / Foto: Tourismusbüro Coeur de Drôme Kanufahren auf der Drôme Die Drôme mit ihrem türkisfarbenen Wasser ist einer der wenigen Wildflüsse Frankreichs. Wenn Du es mit dem Kanu bereist, kannst Du eine sehr reiche Fauna und Flora entdecken und in den natürlichen Becken schwimmen. Mirmande Dieses Dorf gehört offiziell zu den schönsten Frankreichs. Aber es ist nicht nur schön, sondern auch sehr lebendig, mit vielen Künstlern und Kunsthandwerkern. Clairette de Die in einem Weingut kosten Clairette ist der typische Wein des Drôme-Tals. Es ist ein Naturschaumwein, den es seit 2000 Jahren gibt. Die Empfehlung von Nicolas für eine kulinarische Spezialität der Region: Pfirsiche aus der Drôme. Sie sind als die besten Frankreichs bekannt ... so sehr, dass auf den Flaschen von Duschgel oder Shampoo sogar oft Marketingslogans stehen: "à la Pêche de la Drôme" („Mit Pfirsich aus der Drôme“).

Médoc Atlantique

Emmeline Azra ist Leiterin der Abteilung Attraktivität bei Médoc Atlantique Tourisme / Foto: Ingo Paszkowsky Die sechs Empfehlungen von Emmeline an Sehenswürdigkeiten - die Du unbedingt sehen musst - lauten: Das Naturreservat Etang de Cousseau in Lacanau Dieses Naturschutzgebiet, das nur drei Kilometer vom Ozean entfernt liegt, beherbergt über 200 Vogelarten, Otter und Schildkröten: ein magisches Schauspiel, das man zu jeder Jahreszeit entdecken kann. Die Basilika-Notre-Dame-de-la-fin-des-Terres in Soulac-sur-Mer Diese Basilika, die 1998 als Teil der Jakobswege in die Liste des UNESCO-Weltkulturerbes aufgenommen wurde, hat eine bewegte Geschichte! Sie wurde zwischen dem 11. und 16. Jahrhundert erbaut, stand zweimal unter dem Sand und erlebte mehrere Überschwemmungen, da das Grundwasser sehr nahe an ihren Fundamenten stand. Château Saint-Hilaire in Queyrac Die Familie Uijttewaal, die das Weingut besitzt, empfängt die Besucher mit viel Leidenschaft, um ihnen ihren Beruf als Weinbauern, aber auch als Rinderzüchter näherzubringen: eine doppelte Tätigkeit, die im Bordeaux sehr selten ist! Caraïbos Lacanau Pro Dies ist das unumgängliche Ereignis für alle Surfbegeisterten an der Atlantikküste. Seit seiner Gründung treffen sich jedes Jahr im August (14. bis 20. August 2023) Pro-Surfer aus der ganzen Welt zu einer beliebten Etappe der Qualifying Series.

Atout France stellt in einer Medientournee in Deutschland ausgewählte Urlaubsziele in Frankreich vor / Foto: Ingo Paszkowsky Der Leuchtturm von Cordouan in Verdon-sur-Mer Der letzte Leuchtturm, der auf offener See bewacht wird, steht seit 2021 auf der Liste des UNESCO-Weltkulturerbes. Der Besuch dieses Leuchtturms ist ein echtes Abenteuer, da man einen halben Tag dafür einplanen muss und das einzige Fortbewegungsmittel das Boot ist. Das 20-jährige Jubiläum von Soulac 1900 Vom 2. bis 4. Juni dreht die Stadt Soulac-sur-Mer die Zeit zurück und lässt die Besucher die "Belle Epoque" wieder aufleben. Auf dem Programm stehen alte Autos, Pferdekutschen, Sonnenschirme und zahlreiche Animationen. Die Empfehlung von Emmeline für eine kulinarische Spezialität der Region: Entdecke die Grenier Médocain: Diese traditionelle, gut gewürzte Wurstspezialität kannst Du warm oder kalt als Aperitif oder Vorspeise genießen! Sie ist bei allen guten Metzgern im Médoc Atlantique zu finden. Mehr Informationen über das Reiseland Frankreich erhältst Du bei uns und Atout Frankreich: https://www.france.fr/de info.de@atout-france.fr Social Media: Twitter: @DE_AtoutFrance Facebook: @DE.ExploreFrance Instagram: @explorefrance Youtube: @Explore_France TikTok: @explorefrance Linkedin: @Atout France Deutschland Titelfoto / Vor einiger Zeit wurde der Löwe gereinigt. Er strahlt wieder in zartem roten Sandstein / Foto: Ingo Paszkowsky

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[nanshe-of-nina]

Favorite History Books || Four Queens: The Provençal Sisters Who Ruled Europe by Nancy Goldstone ★★★☆☆

Marguerite, Eleanor, Sanchia, and Beatrice, as daughters of the count and countess of Provence, were steeped in the culture of the troubadours. It played as important a role in their upbringing as their lineage—indeed, it was their lineage. Their father, Raymond Berenger V, came from a long line of poets. His grandfather, Alfonso II, king of Aragon, was a highly respected troubadour whose verses were praised by Peire Vidal, the greatest poet of his day. Raymond Berenger V inherited his grandfather’s talent and passion for literature, and embraced the troubadour culture. He wrote verses and his castle was always open to visiting poets and minstrels. His was a very literary court.

... Despite the troubadours’ influence, by all accounts, the sisters’ mother, Beatrice of Savoy, countess of Provence, was very happy with her husband. Beatrice had married Raymond Berenger V in 1219, when he was fourteen and she twelve. Raymond Berenger V was the first count of Provence to actually live in Provence in more than a century—all his predecessors had preferred to stay in Aragon. During the summer months, when the weather was fine, he and Beatrice traveled around the county, meeting the barons and accepting their homage. The count was young and strong and athletic: he climbed the long eastern side of the Alps and visited villages unknown to his ancestors. In the winter months, he and Beatrice held court at their castle in Aix-en-Provence, or sometimes went south to Brignoles, which he had given to Beatrice as a wedding present.

Beatrice gave birth to twin sons in 1220, but they did not survive. Marguerite was born in 1221, when Beatrice was just fifteen years old. Eleanor came in 1223, followed by Sanchia in 1228, and finally the baby, Beatrice—four girls in ten years. The children inherited their mother’s loveliness. The renowned thirteenth century English chronicler Matthew Paris, an eyewitness with no great love of foreigners, called Beatrice of Savoy “a woman of remarkable beauty.” But she was also intelligent and capable. One of ten children, eight of whom were boys, Beatrice had learned at an early age to value strength and power. From her father, Thomas, a bellicose, domineering man who was happiest when making war on his neighbors, she had inherited a family ethos of solidarity at all cost. Thomas had ruled his large, unwieldy brood unconditionally and with an iron will. From their first breaths, Beatrice and all of her siblings had been taught to think first of the family’s ambitions, and these were many.

… During this period, Marguerite and Eleanor, only two years apart, were each other’s constant companion (Sanchia and Beatrice were too young to be interesting as playmates). Marguerite’s temperament resembled her mother’s. She was patient, capable, intelligent, and responsible, with a rigid and highly developed sense of fairness. Eleanor was more mercurial. As is often the case with second children, she both admired and competed with her accomplished older sister. The differences in their personalities were complementary, and the bonds these two established while growing up in Provence would survive into adulthood. Marguerite and Eleanor were always much closer to each other than they were to either Sanchia or Beatrice.

... Raymond Berenger V and his family were very much a part of this culture of studied affluence. They entertained often and lavishly. “Count Raymond was a lord of gentle lineage…a wise and courteous lord was he, and of noble state and virtuous, and in his time did honorable deeds, and to this court came all gentle persons of Provence and of France and of Catalonia, by reason of his courtesy and noble estate,” wrote the medieval chronicler Giovanni Villani. Among his many visitors were his wife’s brothers. The count kept a large retinue and rewarded his entourage with gifts of money and clothes. His daughters were dressed in gowns of rich red cloth, the sleeves long and tightly laced to their arms. Over this they might wear a jacket of green silk. White gloves protected their hands from the sun. Even as children, they had their hair, which they wore down around their shoulders (only married women put up their hair), dressed in jeweled combs.

[maryrosetudor]

[historicwomendaily]

Margaret, Eleanor, Sanchia, and Beatrice were born into the royal family of the minor French county of Provence. But they would rise to be the most powerful women in Europe as the Queens of France, England, Germany, and Sicily, respectively.

Margaret, Queen of France (Spring 1221 - 20 December 1295) was born in Forcalquier, the eldest daughter of Ramon Berenguer IV, Count of Provence and princess Beatrice of Savoy. She was a famous beauty endowed with dark hair and dark eyes and was very close with younger sister Eleanor. In 1234 she married King Louis IX of France. Their eleven children included Queen Isabella of Castile, King Philip III of France, Duchess Margaret of Brabant, and Duchess Agnes of Burgundy. Though Louis loved his wife, he was stuck between his wife and his mother, Queen Blanche who treated Queen Margaret terribly. Margaret, however, was supportive of her husband, going with him on his first crusade. She became the first woman ever to lead a crusade, after her husband was kidnapped by opposition. Her strengthening of France’s relationship with King Henry III of England and Margaret’s sister Queen Eleanor resulted in the Treaty of Paris. King Louis died in his second crusade. Margaret then returned to her Provence where she died.

Eleanor, Queen of England  (c. 1223 – 24/25 June 1291) was born in Aixe-en-Provence, second daughter of the Count and Countess of Province. Just like her sisters and mother, the brunette princess was a beauty, who was called by contemporary Piers Langtoft as “the fairest may of life.” In 1236, dressed in a glittering golden gown walking down the halls of Canterbury Cathedral, she married King Henry III of England. Theyir five known children included the famous King Edward I of England, Queen Margaret of Scots, and Duchess Beatrice of Brittany. The young Eleanor never felt at home in the primitive court of England, being so used to the extravagant—though small—court of Provence, and relied heavily on the comfort of her Savoyard relatives. Her association with those Savoy relatives made her unpopular with the people. Her and Henry’s favoritism of the Savoyards over the English nobility caused parliament to call for a new government. Although she tried to raise an army to restore the royal supremacy, it came of nothing. When her husband died, she was isolated in her son’s new England where she died at Amesbury, the convent she had retired to.

Sanchia, Queen of Germany (c. 1228 – 9 November 1261) was considered the most beautiful of the Provencial sisters. Sanchia and Beatrice were annoyed that their queen elder sisters forced them to sit on stools in their presence because of lack of queenship. This would change however, for both of them. In 1242, her sister Queen Eleanor contracted a marriage between Sanchia and Richard, 1st Earl of Cornwall. In 1257, Richard and Sanchia were crowned King & Queen of the Romans. Richard doted on his wife, basking her in extravagance and affection. Sanchia and Richard had only one child, Edmund. Only four years after becoming Queen, Sanchia died at only 33 years.

Beatrice, Queen of Sicily (c. 1231 – 23 September 1267) though she died young like her sister Sanchia, Beatrice by far led the most romantic and exciting life of the sisters. A beautiful princess, Beatrice’s marital prospects were increased when her father made her Countess of Provence in her own right. She had many suitors, including the King of Spain and Charles of Anjou, the latter whom she married. The match was one of affection, if not love, and produced seven children, including Countess Blanche of Flounders, Beatrice the wife of the titular Emperor of Byzantium, King Charles II of Naples, Philippe the titular King of Thessalonica, and Queen Isabella of Hungary. Beatrice & Charles were a team, including pushing Beatrice’s mother out of the control of Provence; setting up a highly efficient and lucrative administration in Provence; and accompanying each other on the Seventh Crusade. As Charles was not yet King, Beatrice was forced to sit at a lower table than her sisters when they all met. In 1266, she and her husband were crown Queen & King of Sicily, finally earning Beatrice a seat at the high table with her queen sisters.

[reginanobilis]

Sister Queens (5/7)

Marguerite of Provence (1221-1295), Eleanor of Provence (1223-1291), Sanchia of Provence (1228-1261), and Beatrice of Provence (1229-1267)

[catherinesboleyn]

Every Queen of France Ever

Other posts in this series: Every Queen of England ever, Every English Princess ever

Richilde of Provence - Queen consort of West Francia from 870 to 877 (wife of Charles the Bald)

Adelaide of Paris - Queen consort of West Francia from October 6th 877 to April 10th 879 (wife of Louis the Stammerer)

Richardis of Swabia - Queen consort of West Francis from 884 to 887 (wife of Charles the Fat)

Richardis of Swabia - Queen consort of West Francis from 884 to 887 (wife of Charles the Fat)

Théodrate of Troyes - Queen consort of West Francia from 888 to 898 (wife of Odo of France)

Frederuna - Queen consort of West Francia from 907 to 917 (wife of Charles the Simple)

Eadgifu of Wessex - Queen consort of West Francia from 919 to 922 (wife of Charles the Simple)

Beatrice of Vermandois - Queen consort of West Francia from 922 to 923 (wife of Robert I)

Emma of France - Queen consort of West Francia from 923 to 935 (wife of Rudolph of France)

Gerberga of Saxony - Queen consort of West Francia from 939 to 954 (wife of Louis IV)

Emma of Italy - Queen consort of West Francia from 965 to 986 (wife of Lothair of France)

Adelaide of Aquitaine - Queen consort of the Franks from 987 to 996 (wife of Hugh Capet)

Rozala of Italy - Queen consort of the Franks from 996 to 996 (wife of Robert II)

Bertha of Burgundy - Queen consort of the Franks from 996 to 1000 (wife of Robert II)

Constance of Arles - Queen consort of the Franks from 1001 to 1031 (wife of Robert II)

Matilda of Frisia - Queen consort of the Franks from 1034 to 1044 (wife of Henry I)

Anne of Kiev - Queen consort of the Franks from May 19th 1051 to August 4th 1060 (wife of Henry I)

Bertha of Holland - Queen consort of the Franks from 1072 to 1092 (wife of Philip I)

Bertrade de Montfort - Queen consort of the Franks from May 15th 1092 to July 29th 1108 (wife of Philip I)

Adelaide of Maurienne - Queen consort of the Franks from 1115 to August 1st 1137 (wife of Louis VI)

Eleanor of Aquitaine - Queen consort of the Franks from August 1st 1137 to March 21st 1152 (wife of Louis VII)

Constance of Castile - Queen consort of the Franks from 1154 to October 4th 1160 (wife of Louis VII)

Adela of Champagne - Queen consort of the Franks from November 13th 1160 to September 18th 1180 (wife of Louis VII)

Isabella of Hainault - Queen consort of France from April 28th 1180 to March 15th 1190 (wife of Philip II)

Ingeborg of Denmark - Queen consort of France from August 15th 1193 to November 5th 1193 (wife of Philip II

Agnes of Merania - Queen consort of France from 1196 to 1200 (wife of Philip II)

Ingeborg of Denmark - Queen consort of France from 1200 to July 14th 1223 (wife of Philip II)

Blanche of Castile - Queen consort of France from July 14th 1223 to November 1226 (wife of Louis VIII)

Margaret of Provence - Queen consort of France from May 27th 1234 to August 25th 1270 (wife of Louis IX)

Isabella of Aragon - Queen consort of France from August 25th 1270 to January 28th 1271 (wife of Philip III)

Marie of Brabant - Queen consort of France from August 21st 1274 to October 5th 1285 (wife of Philip III)

Joan I of Navarre - Queen consort of France from October 5th 1285 to April 2nd 1305 (wife of Philip IV)

Margaret of Burgundy - Queen consort of France from 1314 to 1315 (wife of Louis X)

Clementia of Hungary - Queen consort of France from August 19th 1315 to June 5th 1316 (wife of Louis X)

Joan II of Burgundy - Queen consort of France from 1316 to 1322 (wife of Philip V)

Blanche of Burgundy - Queen consort of France from January 3rd 1322 to May 19th 1322 (wife of Charles IV)

Marie of Luxembourg - Queen consort of France from September 21st 1322 to March 26th 1324 (wife of Charles IV)

Joan of Évreux - Queen consort of France from July 5th 1324 to February 1st 1328 (wife of Charles IV)

Joan of Burgundy - Queen consort of France from April 1st 1328 to December 12th 1349 (wife of Philip VI)

Blanche of Navarre - Queen consort of France from January 29th 1350 to August 22nd 1350 (wife of Philip VI)

Joan I of Auvergne - Queen consort of France from 1350 to 1360 (wife of John II)

Joanna of Bourbon - Queen consort of France from April 8th 1364 to February 6th 1378 (wife of Charles V)

Isabeau of Bavaria - Queen consort of France from July 17th 1385 to October 21st 1422 (wife of Charles VI)

Marie of Anjou - Queen consort of France from December 18th 1422 to July 14th 1461 (wife of Charles VII)

Charlotte of Savoy - Queen consort of France from July 22nd 1461 to August 30th 1483 (wife of Louis XI)

Anne of Brittany - Queen consort of France from December 6th 1491 to April 7th 1498 (wife of Charles VIII)

Joan of France - Queen consort of France from April 1498 to December 15th 1498 (wife of Louis XII)

Anne of Brittany - Queen consort of France from January 8th 1499 to January 9th 1515 (wife of Louis XII)

Mary Tudor - Queen consort of France from October 9th 1514 to January 1st 1515 (wife of Louis XII)

Claude of France - Queen consort of France from January 1st 1515 to July 20th 1524 (wife of Francis I)

Eleanor of Austria - Queen consort of France from July 4th 1530 to March 31st 1547 (wife of Francis I)

Catherine de' Medici - Queen consort of France from March 31st 1547 to July 10th 1559 (wife of Henry II)

Mary Stuart - Queen consort of France from July 10th 1559 to December 5th 1560 (wife of Francis II)

Elisabeth of Austria - Queen consort of France from November 26th 1570 um May 30th 1574 (wife of Charles IX)

Louise of Lorraine - Queen consort of France from February 15th 1575 to August 2nd 1589 (wife of Henry III)

Margaret of Valois - Queen consort of France from August 2nd 1589 to 1599 (wife of Henry IV)

Marie de' Medici - Queen consort of France from December 17th 1600 to May 14th 1610 (wife of Henry IV)

Anne of Austria - Queen consort of France from November 24th 1615 to May 14th 1643 (wife of Louis XIII)

Maria Theresa of Spain - Queen consort of France from June 9th 1660 to July 30th 1683 (wife of Louis XIV)

Marie Leszczyńska - Queen consort of France from September 4th 1725 to June 24th 1768 (wife of Louis XV)

Marie Antoinette - Queen consort of France from May 10th 1774 to September 21st 1792 (wife of Louis XVI)

Maria Amalia of Naples and Sicily - Queen consort of the French from August 9th 1830 to February 24th 1848 (wife of Louis Philippe I)

[sandersstudies]

Did you guys know that at one point four sisters of the same household were married to the kings of Sicily, Germany, England, and France? Four sisters, queens of most of Europe at the time. The eldest two daughters, especially, were influential in their husband’s courts, and brought peace between France and England among other influences. 

Perhaps the craziest part is that their parents were fairly minor nobles in comparison to their husbands, and not royalty. They WERE major sponsors of the arts, and paid money to troubadours and performers to essentially go to the courts of royalty and sing about how beautiful and talented their daughters were. And it worked!

You’ll find the four sisters on Wikipedia under these names, though different sources may cite them by slightly different names: 

Margaret of Provence (wife of King Louis IX of France)

Eleanor of Provence (wife of King Henry III of England)

Sanchia of Provence (wife of Richard of Cornwall, King of Germany)

Beatrice of Provence (wife of Charles of Anjou, aka King Charles I of Sicily)

Can you imagine the family reunions?

[marzipanandminutiae]

Crimson Peak name meanings

Edith (Old English) riches, blessed

Thomas (Aramaic) twin

Lucille (Latin) light

Alan (probably Breton) meaning uncertain; possibly “fox”

Eunice (Greek) good victory

Margaret (Greek) pearl

Pamela (English) invented for a 17th-century novel; no known meaning

Enola (origin unknown) first appears in late 19th century census data and a popular novel; no known meaning. the novel’s author mused that it’s “alone” spelled backwards

Eleanor (Provencal) meaning unknown

Beatrice (Latin) she who makes [others] happy