From Scorched Earth, To Fresh Soil

[Publius 4098]

From Scorched Earth, to Fresh Soil

 

 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbLUlRiHpj0

 

The waves crashed hard against the shores of Vanhall.

 

Rocking away from home on a mighty ship, the Bracchus family stood among the Vanir, as they sailed off towards the horizon. The weight of many of the men's hearts would be enough to suffice as an anchor to the ship. Onward they drove though, in the interest of not becoming one of the sea's newest fixtures.

 

Many sobbed at the loss of their homes, others milling about idly in despair and loss. Those who had come alongside these two families clung tightly to the few possessions they were allowed to take along, many praying that the Creator would protect them, and spare them from sharing Athera's fate in drowning under the mighty oceans wrath.

 

Publius though, would not let himself be counted among them, nor would he let his kin.

 

Between them, he called loudly over the violent noises of the ocean.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G24_1FbBrbg

 

"What is with these forlorn looks to Athera? All we had there was land to labour on, and men to lord over us as we did so. That land was one of opportunities already taken lads, and you can quote me when I say I will not miss that pile of shite."

 

Some of the people aboard began to call out against him, offended by his insensitive outlook, only to find themselves again drowned out by the aging orator.

 

"If you are to let a minuscule amount of material wealth blind you to the fact that Athera was a wasteland, then you really ought to do me a favour by saving us from your sight and presence by jumping off this damned ship!

 

You cannot play ignorant to the damage done to the north of Athera during the Schism, or throughout the entirety of the lands with the wars that were wrought on us by our enemies. You cannot deny the advantage given to the commoner now that a meritocracy is more feasible than any other time in Orenian history, seeing as noble families cannot lean on accumulated wealth for political power. Lastly, you honestly cannot say what was lost in Athera is not attainable in the new lands; you could have all of what you have seen sink into the sea back in only a few short months hard work!

 

Would you really trade the opportunity for a fresh start with opportunities you would have never had, just for a hovel and a few hundred minas worth of garbage?"

 

The crowds would mill about, some inspired, others simply silenced and kept in frustration. Publius would continue to talk to his kin though, and all who listened.

 

"We have worked hard to come as far as we have as a family, and moreover, a people. Octavianus here entered Vanhall and shouldered the weight of responsibility simply out of pride in Oren, wishing to do what he could, for who he could. I would like you to look the Jace Evans, now a brother of our house; someone who has written and created the most advanced structure for a military order on his damned free time, and becoming the main force behind Vanhall!

 

On Athera, these men are simple esquires and soldiers, but come this brave new world, they will see themselves commanders and counts; as should anyone who serves Oren as fervently and faithfully!"

 

Smiling broadly, Publius would nod to Jace, then clench his hand in a fist, waving it wildly as he continued.

 

"From scorched earth, we now move to fresh soil; where we were to struggle, we are now given the opportunity to grow and thrive with hard work! Oren is now unable to overlook the great men in her midst, and should you consider yourself a great man, the loss of Athera is only your gain! Lay down the burden that is the memory of your old home causes you, and let yourself be uplifted at the thought of your new, true home!"

 

Finally, his kin would explode in applause, many on the boat taking up this enthusiasm as well. Vailor would no longer be seen as a compromise, but rather, an opportunity.

[Ludulo 75]

Jace would smile, proud to be a part of the Bracchus family. He gives a firm nod to the speech delivered by Publius, carefully listening to his every word.

 

"He speaks the truth! Now is a time for those that do not shirk from hard work to rise! Ave Orenia! We shall preservere, Comrades!"

[SteelMarshall 190]

The rising waves tossed the Vanir sea-craft as if it were a child's plaything. Water crashed against the oaken hull and drenched the beleaguered passengers in a freezing downpour. The sodden chill was enough to dampen the fire in most of the refugees' hearts. Yet the spirit of Octavianus Bracchus was not broken. The young man stood tall against the stinging sea-spray, his head bare, as if denying the ocean the pleasure of seeing him cowed. The only material possessions to his name were the clothes on his back, a full skin of freshwater, and a few stale loaves of bread. He had every reason to feel beaten, dismayed, and shattered. Yet still he remained, his spirit stronger than iron.

 

The speech of his brother Publius carried clearly above the thundering storm, his words punctuating the roaring tempest like a hot knife. Octavianus's eyes flashed like diamonds, and the ghost of a smile tugged at his thin lips. When his brother finished, he raised his clenched fist like the rest, his determination almost palpable. 

[Guy d'Yood of Mann 39]

 

The Sylvaestian lot, or, the part of it that took the risk under their new lord's promise to join the ship 'swarming with besom', carefully listened into Bracchus' rousing speech. Children fell quiet in their parents' embrace, and the colonists smiled lightly, pridefully mayhaps, as if for once, there was a reason for Orenians to smile aboard that warship.

As soon as Publius finished, their group joined overall applause, with Sentries and Sentinels eagerly shouting along other soldiering bunch - "Orin Darasuum! Oren Eternal!"

 

T'was little surprise that the wee exiled Nerezzian, trying to get a hold of some sleep, still in the same ragged clothes he wore since his escapade from Oren, was more then heartbroken when shouts of soon-to-be-Aesculians echoed over nightly water, as if the gentle waves took it upon themselves to carefully deliver those sounds of hope, joy and ambition all over the Descendants' armada.

 

Oren survived. As it always has.

[Coaster 2086]

From the heavenly skies of the afterlife, the angel whose name was once Andrik Vydra looks on in approval at his kinsmen.

[Dohvi 622]

Moved to the Archive. It shall be sorted into the appropriate category shortly.