The Gracious Widow

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"The Widow: half London's contraband bears her mark. Call her the Gracious Widow. She likes that."

The Gracious Widow is a survivor of the fall of the Fourth City, also known as Karakorum, the Mongol capital. She is the daughter of Mongke Khan. In The Silver Tree, her real name is revealed to be Shirin (alt: Cheren).

In 1254 CE, it was her forbidden love for a European artist named William (possibly Guillaume Bouchier, who was the creator of the Silver Tree in real life) that brought Mr. Wines to Karakorum, and thus brought its fall to the Neath as the Fourth City. She crafted the Silver Tree that still stands in The Forgotten Quarter. Before the Fourth City's fall, she began experimenting with peaches from Cathay to create a peach brandy that would later become her source of immortality in the Neath. She must drink it regularly to remain immortal.

The Widow, as she is commonly called, is now the leader of a smuggling ring, probably taking after her true love. She has been known to smuggle jewels and Clay Men into and out of London. She is also the founder and secret owner of the Greyfields winery.

Her son, or at least a friend of hers, is Yesterday's King.

Historical and Cultural Inspirations

Peaches are a Chinese symbol of longevity; birthday desserts are commonly decorated with or designed to look like peaches. In many of the folkloric and religious traditions that comprise Chinese mythology, the xian (humans who have ascended to godly status) consume Peaches of Immortality to extend their lives. The peach trees that bear this fruit are said to only do so every several thousand years (the exact number depends on the source).