The Gracious Widow

"Are you quite sure you want to know this?" Beyond this point lie major spoilers for Fallen London, Sunless Sea, Sunless Skies, or Mask of the Rose. This may include endgame or major Fate-locked spoilers. Proceed at your own risk. You can find out more about our spoiler policy here.

"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 William of Rubruck, who would have been in her father's court at the time) 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 brewing peach brandy which serves as the source of her immortality. 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.