Humbled Letters: A Regency's Conclusion

[Publius 4098]

 

“How naive I was to think I could be strong enough for us both…”  

 

Spoiler

or

 

 

Jacques sat at his study, slumped over a mess of papers as his distant gaze passed over the room in quiet thought. For nearly 6 years, he had ruled Lorraine through its most trying time. Far from the jovial young man he was when he assumed the role, his tiredness was far more thorough than he could ever allow to be observed.

 

Hard pressed was he to even look upon what he had written, his eyebrows furrowed and lips pursed. All but one letter was sealed for delivery by the servants of the house, lying open for his brother. In silence, he would exit, careful to not even let the chair scrape against the floor, the door being left open for his brother.

 

The following letters would be left in the study:

 

To the gentry, counsellors, and landholders of Lorraine:

 

Spoiler

 

Most prized subjects of Lorraine,

 

Such a long and straining battle we have fought, settling these new lands. A battle we have finally won. It pains me to announce this on the dawn of our victory, but it is time that my regency has come to a close.

 

What I have done is the work of a second son, so I pray I need not beg you have faith in my brother Lothar. He is the heir of Augustus. Do not mistake his absence as weakness, as the illness he has had to overcome pales my efforts by comparison.

 

My heart is heavy with this news, and moreso with the rest; I see myself no longer able to go about the Archduchy as I did before. The trials that I have faced has made it impossible for me to enjoy my place as a simple resident of these lands. I hope this is more easily understood than it is written.

 

I offer you all as I have before my counsel, should you need it, as I bid you adieu. My prayers will be with you and your success, and it is my hope that you do not look upon our time working with one another in contempt.

 

Your efforts have maintained Lorraine’s premier position, and it is your efforts alone that will see that continue.

 

With love and respect,

Jacques d’Amaury

 

To the Emperor of Oren, John III Owyn.

 

Spoiler

 

Dearest Nephew,

 

As my motions cease so I may allow my brother to take the leading role again in Lorraine, I wish to present you good news along with this notice; the Dreadlandic men and women have abandoned their posts, and have left it to Lorraine to secure!

 

I hope this serves as ample notice, but I would suggest that the Southern Sea’s companions be sent most immediately. It is yours now to administrate though, so do not take my suggestion with any assertion from myself. Perhaps Canon gain footing on the island as we populate it, but such matter would need consultation with the Church.

 

My apologies if this feels sprung upon you, as they are quite large motions. I will be residing in Johannesburg I reckon following this letter, so if you need anything from myself I hope you do not hesitate. Any titles reserved in Lorraine will need to find someone else to operate them, as I have spent all the efforts I am willing there.

 

Anyhow though, farewell in the meantime. Perhaps we will have an encounter before this even reaches you!

 

With warmth and prayers of wellness,

Jacques d’Amaury

 

To Lothar.

 

Spoiler

Dear brother,

 

From my hands to take abrasive reins. I will not lie; I resent you for it. It is as if I have guided us through a course that saw us pass the treacherous conditions of Vailor’s Kaedreni mountains, only to have you prepared by the time we pass Arnault to Summerhall. I use these references, as I sincerely doubt you are acquainted enough with Axios to get any analogy I make of it.

 

Robbed I am of reward, for the sin of being a second son. Perhaps I am petty, but it is not your mind and hands that have been calloused in assuring our father’s legacy.

 

You better be strong, brother, as I can no longer do as you asked of me. I have sewed the seeds and cultivated the conditions in which Lorraine sees any chance, mark those words. On you lies only the responsibility to begin reaping. Rejoice.

 

I will play no more role in administering Lorraine, as I have done far too much as things stand. Do better by it than me if you aim for my ire to be released. Otherwise, farewell.

 

Regards,

Jacques d’Amaury

 

[Anderssn 1115]

 

[Medvekoma 2073]

 

[Wendigo 786]

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