#i think alexandra feodorovna (the one that got shot)

[best-romanov-monarch]

Vote for Elizaveta, our pretty, pretty princess (well, empress but you know)! Alexander may not have been an ideal husband during her lifetime, but he'd be damned if he lets her down in this for some French floozy (now that HIS french floozy is out of the running).

Jean-Baptiste Bessières

"Jean-Bap is the closest thing we have to a cool brooding white haired anime pretty boy here, okay? He knew the powdered hair look was a classic that made him Look Good and didn’t give into the mainstream when everyone else ditched the floppy locks and pomade. And he was a regular ice queen who still had a reputation for kindness and passion, a real kuudere as the animeheads would put it, you know in private when that ice is melted he’s got some real fire going on. He’s got genuine chivalry and politeness going on unlike a bunch of these other rough losers, and Napoleon himself compared him to the good knight Chevalier de Bayard. So vote for our sexy ice queen JB!”

Elizabeth Alexeievna

a. “Pushkin had a crush on her. She was called Psyche to Alexander's Cupid and, according to the Romanovs themselves, the most beautiful (and the most unhappy) of Russian Empresses. Noted at the Congress of Vienna for her beauty and elegance, and habitually referred to as an angel.”

[romanov-ramblings]

Cadets Evgeni Makarov and Vasili Agaev - Playmates and close friends of Tsesarevich Alexei Nikolaevich of Russia In the 1916 diary of Tsesarevich Alexei Nikolaevich, which was gifted to him by his mother, the Empress, there is mention of two boys who frequented Mogilev (Stavka, General Headquarters) with the Tsesarevich. Alexei wrote of them quite often, mentioning playing with them, and even what cadet schools they were both from. He mentioned how they would write letters to him, and also during December of 1916 there was an album sent from Cadet Agaev to Tsesarevich Alexei, of which he makes mention of it in his diary: “December 12 Morning in bed. My hand and the worm are bothering me. All is well during the day. Wrote Mama. In the evening I cleaned my bayonet, played and went to bed early. Received a letter from Agaev and an album.” Attached to this post are cropped face shots of Cadets Makarov and Agaev from photographs in the albums of his eldest sister’s from 1916. The large photograph (the last one) shows Tsesarevich Alexei with the two cadets - Vasili Agaev to his left, Evgeni Makarov to his right. Also attached are the epaulettes of their corresponding cadet corps. The Orlovsky-Bakhtin Cadet Corps had epaulettes of dark, navy blue with yellow gold marking out the insignia of the school - О.Б. The Simbirsk Cadet Corps had epaulettes of pastel blue with a darker gold marking out the insignia of the school - С.К.  The following excerpts of diary entries, letters and notes come from the translations of George Hawkins and his brand-new publication, “Alexei: Russia's Last Tsesarevich - Letters, diaries and writings.” This book (which I have on Kindle) is a treasure trove of insight into the life of Tsesarevich Alexei, and also anecdotes written in the diaries of his sisters, letters from relatives, and daily reports from his tutors. A must have for fellow Romanov enthusiasts out there!  ________________________________________________________________ In a letter to his mother, the Tsesarevich wrote about his first real meeting and the beginnings of friendship with Cadet Makarov, whom he affectionately referred to as “Zhenya.” Cadet Makarov as mentioned below was part of the Orlovsky Bakhtin Cadet Corps. Evgeni Makarov had a brother, also named Alexei whom the Tsesarevich referred to a few times in his letters to his mother. Of Cadet Makarov’s life, little is known. However, it is known that he was killed in Moscow, in 1918.  “Mogilev, 16 July 1916 My darling Mama, Yesterday, Cadet Makarov, the one who always stood in the corner, came with us on our walk. We played together and he told me lots of about his corps (Orlovsky). In the evening, I was at the town gardens again. There were about 100 children there. The boys did a tug-of-war and the girls played cat and mouse. It is very hot today! I am reading a lot. May God protect you +! Kisses, Alexei.” ________________________________________________________________ There are also some letters which Cadet Makarov wrote himself, including one which he included a greeting from his older brother in congratulating the Tsesarevich on the occasion of his name day: "October 4, 1916. Your Imperial Highness Highly respected Alexey Nikolaevich. My brother Alexei and I congratulate Your Imperial Highness on the day of your Angel and wish you complete happiness and health for many years. We apologize to Your Highness for the fact that we could not congratulate you in a timely manner: the reason for this was that the telegram was not accepted from us. How do you feel now. I'm quite comfortable with the body. When do you think to come to Tsarskoye Selo? I practiced pretty well got 2 and the rest are good points. I bow to Peter Vasilyevich and Mr. Gibbs. Now probably do not drive on the Dnieper. It is cold in Petrograd and it rains every day. Time passes with us very soon. I bow to His Imperial Majesty and Her Imperial Majesty Empress Alexandra Feodorovna. Her Imperial Highnesses: Olga Nikolaevna, Tatiana Nikolaevna, Maria Nikolaevna and Anastasia Nikolaevna, and His Highness Igor Konstantinovich and the entire Suite. I have not yet received letters from Agayev and have not yet written to him, because I do not know his address. I go on vacation and spend time quite fun. Lyolya goes on vacation with me. I wish Your Highness all the best. I remain your loyal subject E. Makarov, who loves you." ________________________________________________________________ Along with these letters, are a small group of writings from Cadet Agaev. Vasili Agaev arrived at Mogilev a little after Evgeni Makarov, and became quick friends with the Tsesarevich. The three boys can be seen in photographs taken by his parents and sisters, joking about, romping and playing together. In one of Alexei’s diary entries, for the month of July, Cadet Agaev whom he affectionately referred to as “Vasya” is mentioned during his arrival that day:

“July 22 Friday I was at Church. I wrote two letters: to Mama and Zhilik. Luncheon with everyone. Makarov came after luncheon and later on a new cadet, Agaev. (from the Simbir Corps). We were on the square with Papa. I had dinner with the cadets at 5 1/2, and then we went to the cinema. I read and listened to P.V.P. To bed early.” ________________________________________________________________ From Vasili Agaev, as mentioned above are a number of letters and small notes. Reading them, you really get a sense of the friendship shared between these three boys, however brief it was. These letters are unfortunately undated. “Your Imperial Highness,  I have already been a few days with the 1st Corps and as it is my first free day, I am writing you, Your Highness, and express all my foolish thankfulness for all the kindness I received, thanks to Your Imperial Highness. The Corps has already started to get on with the right activities and life goes on as usual. Our ones will arrive today and leave tomorrow and I will have to stay on by myself again. And you are still in Mogilev! Do you still walk on the shaft? Has Makarov left?  Strongly loving you, Vasili Agaev” ____________________

“Your Imperial Highness!

Congratulations on your Name Day! I sincerely wish you much health, and many, many happy years. Your deeply loving cadet Agaev” ____________________

“Your Imperial Highness! We arrived in Moscow without incident. I went to the Corps, but they hadn’t heard about my transfer yet so I am staying at a hotel and waiting. During the day, I go for walks in Moscow. I am missing you a lot and wish I was in Mogilev with you. Strongly loving you, Vasili Agaev” ____________________

“Your Imperial Highness!

How is your health? I sent the album. Strongly loving you Vasili Agaev” ________________________________________________________________

In an excerpt from a letter dated 13 August, 1916, the Tsesarevich writes in an enthusiastic tone about graduating from mud baths, but then switches quickly to a marked, sad tone to his mother of Cadet Agaev’s leaving from Mogilev: ”Stavka, August 13, 1916 Here’s a letter for you My dear, Sweet Mama. I graduate from mud baths today! “HOORAY”. AGAEV is leaving today! “NO hurray!”...” The letter is followed by another, the very next day (14 August), also to his mother, mentioning Cadet Agaev’s leaving from Mogilev: ”Stavka 14 August 1916 My darling, sweet Mama. I was at church. Papa is at HQ. The weather is not so good. It is raining a little. Agaev is coming to say goodbye to me today. He is leaving at 4:50. Goly and Nilov are going with him. I shall be having more study from next week. P.V.P. has bought himself a new dog which looks lik his old dog “Pulka” I spent yesterday afternoon as always. Time to finish. It is nearly time for luncheon and I still have to write to Siny. God protect you and the sisters. See you soon.  Lovingly yours, Your old Corporal Alexei”  Another letter, written the next day, also to the Empress mentions the absence of Cadet Agaev, as well as, the fact that Cadet Makarov would be leaving soon: ”Stavka, 15 August 1916 My dear, sweet Mama, I have just got back from church. Papa as always is at HQ. It has been raining since morning with some breaks. Yesterday passed the same as always, but without Agaev. I went with Makarov to the town garden. Makarov will be leaving soon too. I shall be left on my own with Papa. (x) Thanks (x) don’t need the Danish letters you sent. Today [illegible] arrives. Igor is already in his room. His leg still hurts and he gets a massage for it. Everyone thanks you very much for the greetings. The End. May God protect you and the sisters!!! Kisses Not yours A Romanov” ________________________________________________________________ Of the whereabouts of Cadet Agaev, again little is known. However, it is known that he did die, prior to the the deaths of Cadet Makarov and of course those of the Imperial Family and their retinue who had chosen to remain with them at the Ipatiev House in Ekaterinburg.  In a letter written to Petr Vasilievich Petrov (P.V.P, the Imperial Children’s Russian tutor), the eldest sister of the Tsesarevich, Grand Duchess Olga Nikolaevna asks if it is true that Vasili Agaev had died. It should be noted that the letter she received from the old Petr Vasilievich was a month after he had actually sent it. Newspapers likewise were not current either. From Grand Duchess Olga Nikolaevna’s letter to Petr Petrov: “Tobolsk 23 November 1917 “...We just read in the newspapers about the death of poor Vasya Agaev. Is it really so? Petr Vasilievich, maybe you can find out the truth about this from Zhenya Mak[arov]’s mother. She probably knows, and could she pass on to his mother how my brother and all of us sympathise and grieve with her.” ________________________________________________________________ I think it is so sad that these two boys were all but forgotten to the World. The only reason they are even known is because they were friends of the last Heir of the Russian Throne. They are only known from photographs, and mentions of them in diary entries of their dear friend, who valued their friendship immensely. Their lives were meaningful and they were people. They should be remembered just as much as the Imperial Family has been. Too many times we focus on the Romanovs. What about the servants? What about the tutors, friends of the Imperial Children, or the Boatswains Derevenko and Nagorny? The doctors? The ladies-in-waiting, etc. What about these people? They are just as important and deserve a voice.  Apologise if I’ve become a bit too passionate but it’s the truth. They deserve a voice too. I therefore dedicate this post to Cadets Makarov and Agaev. May they have known peace, even in their last hours. ☦💐 ________________________________________________________________ Photographs: 1. Cadet Evgeni Makarov. Album of Grand Duchess Tatiana Nikolaevna, 1916. 2. Epaulette design of the Orlovsky-Bakhtin Cadet Corps. “О.Б.”  3. Epaulette design of the Simbirsk Cadet Corps. “С.К.” 4. Cadet Vasili Agaev. Album of Grand Duchess Olga Nikolaevna, 1916. 5. A photograph of Tsesarevich Alexei with Cadets Agaev and Makarov at either side. Album of Grand Duchess Tatiana Nikolaevna, 1916.

Sources: Альбом Ольги Николаевны, 1916 год Альбом Татьяны Николаевны, 1916 год “Alexei: Russia's Last Tsesarevich - Letters, diaries and writings.” - George Hawkins. Published, Circa. January, 2022. “Letters and writings of Nicholas II and his family.” - Facebook Page RIA Officers (largest database on officers of the Russian Imperial Army during the 20th Century) Link of courtesy: https://www.flickr.com/photos/149552988@N02/albums/with/72157706508137595 https://www.amazon.com/Alexei-Russias-Tsesarevich-Letters-writings/dp/B09PMBKYN7 https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100067001081671 https://www.ria1914.info/ (you can search individually for the Orlovsky-Bakhtin and Simbirsk Cadet Corps here)

[sicparvismorrigan]

Long Last - Chapter 1

Friends. Foes. Lost treasure. One Samuel Drake.

The librarian is in too deep to back out now, and higher stakes means further to fall.

Uncharted/Sam Drake/Post-U4

Viewpoint: 3rd person female OC

Warnings: Language, implied s*x work

Word Count: ~850 (Chapter 1) [incomplete]

Part 2 of The Golden Library story, this is the sequel to Long Overdue.

Read on Ao3

People forget that the greatest conqueror is he who conquers himself - Alexandra Feodorovna Romanova, Empress of Russia

St. Petersburg

The strip club was ablaze, acrid columns of smoke billowing out of the doors and windows, blasted wide open by the explosion just a few minutes before. Both punters and dancers were still running out of the burning building, collapsing on their knees in the street and coughing, gasping as they tried to catch their breath. The thumping music had long since ground to a halt, the speaker system presumably melted into a puddle of goo.

Sirens could be heard in the distance, fast approaching from the far side of the River Neva, but they wouldn’t make it in time to save the club. Precious seconds were rapidly ticking away for anyone left inside.

Another blast shook the ground, throwing more debris from the windows, the roar of the flames growing louder as the building was quickly engulfed.

Sam Drake and Georgia Chapman burst from the haze of smoke in the doorway, sprinting out of the club and into the freezing Russian winter. They weren’t out of harm’s way yet, far from it. The two of them were being pursued. Outnumbered, armed men hot on their heels as they tried to flee.

Sam grabbed Georgia’s hand to stop her falling as their feet landed on cobbles coated in a layer of ice.

“Haul ass!” He yelled at her.

“Shit, shit, shit!!” Georgia shrieked, completely terrified as she heard the bullets whizz past her. “They’re shooting at us!”

“I know!”

“Where are we going?!”

“Workin’ on it- oh, bike, bike, bike!” Sam had clocked the motorbike pulled up at the side of the road 30 yards away and abruptly changed direction, yanking her arm. “C’mon, Peach, faster!”

“I’m in heels, you bellend!” Georgia just knew she was going to break an ankle any moment. She was convinced she was seconds away from meeting her maker. That would really ruin her day.

This is it, this is how I die. My bullet-riddled corpse is being sent back to England in a box.

They skidded to a halt on the ash-coloured snow piled up at the side of the road and crouched behind a parked car. Sam went to work on the bike.

“There’s no keys!” Georgia pointed out.

“Don’t need ‘em. Trust me, this ain’t the first time.”

They could hear voices approaching, someone barking orders in Russian, trying to locate them in the dark voids between the street lamps.

Sam whispered to her. “Keep your head down. Take this, cover me.”

He tried to push his handgun into her closed fists but Georgia shook her head and mouthed no. Was he forgetting who she was? She was a bloody librarian! She’d never held a gun in her life, never mind used one!

“I can’t!” She protested.

“You gotta! We ain’t gettin’ out of here if you don’t!”

“I can’t, Sam-“

“Just take the damn gun!” He hissed at her, temper fraying.

“I don’t know how!”

“Point and squeeze. If all else fails club ‘em to death with it or somethin’.” He wasn’t kidding this time, they were really in the shit.

“Fuck!” She whimpered as a stray bullet shattered the car window right next to her. Their hunters were firing short bursts randomly, trying to catch them out.

Sam yanked her closer towards him, trying to keep them both out of sight behind the car. “Head down! Goddammit...”

The men with guns were getting closer, they didn’t have long until they would be discovered. Georgia blindly poked the handgun over the top of the car wing and fired a warning shot. She heard swearing in Russian. Shit! Did I actually hit somebody? There was no way she would be peering over to check.

“Hey, I think you got one! Just need another few seconds here…”

“Sam, what about the others?” She asked worriedly.

He was still fiddling with the bike, trying desperately to get the engine to start, it was stone cold in the sub-zero temperatures.

“They’ll be fine, c’mon, c’mon you son of a-“

Vrrooommmm

“There we go!” Sam yelled triumphantly over the sudden noise.

He revved the bike loudly, drawing attention to the fact they were about to make a quick getaway. Georgia heard the men clamouring to each other, narrowing down their search area to where she and Sam were hiding. They too were slipping and scrambling on the ice, struggling to get a foothold.

“Time to go.” Sam held out his hand to her. “Hop on!”

Georgia grabbed him and scrambled aboard as fast as she could, her first time on a motorbike. She’d barely got a grip on Sam’s jacket before they were gone, speeding down the street away from the inferno.

There were more gunshots from behind them, but they were now a moving target, and soon out of firing distance. Neither of them dared to look back.

As they crossed the river she finally had time to think to herself how the bloody hell did we get out of that alive?

The motorbike roared off into the night, Georgia still clinging tightly to Sam, seriously regretting her decision to follow him to Russia.

Chapter 2

***

Notes:

And we’re back!

This will be mainly updated on Ao3, I’m unsure if I’ll put it all on tumblr. If it’s anything like the last one, there could be around 50 chapters :/

- I’m not sure how often I will update, but I’m so excited to finish this story! Hopefully at least once a week (but I said that for Long Overdue and I uploaded nearly every day pfffft who am I)

- As before, full notes will be at the very end of the story, confirming what is historical fact and what I’ve made up.

- All named characters except Georgia Chapman and Volkova are the property of Naughty Dog and I take no ownership of them

- This work is not for profit

Thank you for all the support, I still can’t get over how well Long Overdue was received. It feels like a really weird dream. Hopefully Long Last will be as fulfilling, enjoy!

Peace,

Morrigan x