Last Will and Testament

[seph-hazard.livejournal.com]

(In a chest in Katarina's bedroom in her Cambridge property there is a large parchment envelope, sealed with Katarina's wax seal. It contains four documents: the original copy of this will handwritten in Russian, this typed and translated copy (the translation being in all respects as close to the original as possible), a piece of paper detailing to the best of Katarina's knowledge the full names and last known addresses of all who are mentioned in this will, and a further sealed envelope bearing the words “For Thomas” in Katarina's flowing script.)

Being the last will and testament of Madame Katarina Svetlana Petrova, formerly Mademoiselle Katarina Pavelovna Eltsina of the Mariinsky Ballet, St Petersburg. I declare myself to be of sound mind and body at the time of writing.

My first request is that my remains, such as they may be, are returned to my sire Gospodín Rostislav Ivanovich Petrov (known as Gospodín Leonti Petrov), in my homeland of Russia.

Secondly, my two personal ghouls. Aleksandr Nikitin has been in my line for over a hundred years. As such on the event of my death he has instructions to report to Sir Charles James Henry Fitzroy, my liege-lord and cousin, to take under his own employ or return to my sire his uncle as he sees fit.

My ghoul Kazimir Gorbachov was inducted into the blood by myself at the time of my embrace, to mark the occasion and serve as bodyguard. He has served his purpose well, and if I am destroyed and he yet lives I can only assume that his death would not have saved my own. As such I ask that he pass into the employ of Prince Alder Thomas Mandrake, who I trust will treat him fairly.

My personal collection contains many playbills, scores, costumes, props, shoes and other pieces of priceless memorabilia significant to the world of ballet where I made my home. I ask that these be sent to the Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet, where I trained.

My swords I leave to Hauputmann Bastion Holtz, my brother-in-arms.

My ruby choker I gift to Sir Charles Fitzroy to pass along as he sees fit. His memory of the politics of fashion will be sufficient to remind him of the significance of this piece of jewellery to an aristocratic French line such as his own.

I make a heartfelt entreaty to Lady Catherine Moore, who welcomed me when I was new to this country and with whom I have passed several intriguing evenings: please take your pick of the remainder of my jewels and gowns. I own several exceptional and irreplaceable pieces, and left to the men these would merely be sold off. It would be criminal, and I know that you will do them more than justice. I extend this offer to any ladies of her acquaintance she feels similarly fitting.

I ask that the remainder of my estate is divided into four equal parts, to be apportioned to four equal executors.

The first of these I bequeath to my sire Gospodín Rostislav Ivanovich Petrov. My success in this second life is his doing, and I thank him from the bottom of my heart.

The second quarter I gift to Sir Charles James Henry Fitzroy, to whom I have sworn fealty. My cousin welcomed me into this country with honour and warmth, and I thank him too for all he has done.

The third share I bequeath to Prince Alder Thomas Mandrake – along with all my heart and soul, such as it is.

I was born on the 12th of February 1977. My mortal family are alive and well and living in St Petersburg. They have not heard from me since my embrace, and I have cut all ties with my human life. However, I enclose their last known address and ask that the final quarter of my estate be given to Pavel Grigorovich Eltsin and Katenka Anatolevna Eltsina, my father and mother.

Finally: my Regency of Harlow and the associated title of Viscountess of same I leave to Miss Iva Wax. She knows why.

Signed,
Mme. Katarina Svetlana Petrova
September 12th, 2010

Comments

[akonken.livejournal.com]

<3

[jm-hood.livejournal.com]

I know exactly what Lady Catherine will do with the gowns. She is organising another 'elite' party. I think it will be rather fitting if she gives the ladies that have been invited the option to wear beautiful dresses and jewels to match, if they should so wish. To honour Madame Petrova.