House Hjarta
The House Hjarta, once known as the House Hjarta-Viromaro, is a noble houses originating from western Ardoragh. They are known for their palatial home, one of the largest in the world, and for their contributions to the preservation of nature across the Empire.
Origins
The Marriage of Grand Duchess Freya and Prince Amantis:
During the middle of the Fourth Era, Emperor Alexander Viromaro tried to improve the Empire's relations with the then Six Provinces, specifically Ardoragh. This prompted him to construct a lavish hunting lodge, Skaði Palace, deep in the Ardoraghi forests. It was here where the future Emperor Louis Viromaro and three years later Prince Amantis Viromaro were born. Both youths grew up in Helmira, but when they turned seventeen were sent back to Ardoragh to study at the University of Ardoria. Here Amantis met Lady Freya Hjarta. The House Hjarta, though of noble blood, had served as Knights under the Dukes of Kreonix and were among the poorest noble families in the Empire. The two fell deeply in love, and soon married. Emperor Alexander jumped at the opportunity to show how lower Ardoraghi and the highest nobility can become whole in the Empire, and ensured that the grand wedding was celebrated with unparalleled opulence. The festivities began in Helmira, the Empire's capital, and spread to all the provinces, including Ardoria and Solleria. Citizens from all corners of the Empire flocked to witness the love story of Freya and Amantis. Freya captured the hearts of the peasants with her grace and beauty. The ceremony itself took place inside the White-Gold Tower's throne room and was blessed by the Arch Bishop of Helmira. The couple's love story quickly became a beloved tale across the Empire.
Honeymoon and the Creation of Fjarthrond Palace:
Following their wedding and their honeymoon in Imperia as guests of House Von Dragestein, and later in the Duchy of Lotric on the insistence of Louis, who was good friends with the Thomas Mace Duke of Lotric, they had a grand vision – to build one of the largest and most opulent palaces in the world. Fjarthrond Palace, nestled amidst lush forests, became a testament to their love and ambitions. They worked tirelessly on its construction, which spanned several years, sparing no expense to ensure its magnificence.
But their love extended beyond the palace's grandeur. Freya and Amantis dedicated themselves to the preservation of nature across the Empire and improving the living conditions of the Ardoraghi peasants. Amantis, with access to the Viromaro fortune, initiated various projects aimed at the welfare of the common people. Their joint efforts made them beloved figures, not only among the nobility but also among the common folk.
The Tragic End of Amantis:
However, their love story, admired throughout the Empire, was tragically cut short. Amantis embarked on a fateful voyage on his ship, the Blooming Rose, to Helmira to attend the state funeral of his father Alexander and the coronation of his brother Louis. A violent storm in the treacherous Mediori Sea claimed his life, leaving Freya alone with their two daughters.
With Amantis's death, the House Hjarta was stripped of its Grand Duke/Duchess title and relegated to mere Dukes and Duchess. Freya and her descendants continued to live in Fjarthrond Palace, using their fortune to establish the Amantis Memorial Foundation, which focused on the preservation of the grand forests surrounding the palace.
Legacy and Remembrance:
Duchess Freya died during a small fire in Fjarthrond Palace at the end of the Fourth Era, she was age 58. The grave of Freya Hjarta became a place of pilgrimage, visited by Ardoraghi peasants, nature enthusiasts, and all those who admired her charitable efforts. They continued to lay flowers and offerings at her tomb, honouring her memory and the love she shared with Amantis.
Her granddaughter still rules the tiny Duchy to this day from Fjarthrond Palace. The Amantis Memorial Foundation has since been renamed into the Amantis & Freya Foundation, or the A&F Group. It has helped set up nature reserves across the Empire, and to this day fights against the annual Imperial Hunt.