The Lotharingian Ascension

[Thatpyrodude 2008]

The esteemed John D’amaury sat at a desk in a stately room at the crack of dawn. The gentle sunrise over the plains of Metz filtering in through his window. A stack of papers, dabs of inkstain and a plate of half-eaten venison featured upon his table. He looked down at the notes for the speech he had prepared, a half-conjoined mess. He pushed it aside with a tight sigh and abruptly rose to his feet. No more preparation would do him good. He left out his front door to embrace the Lorraine sun.

 

An hour later last of night’s darkness had faded away, daylight reigned and the esteemed D’amaury waited at the edge of Metz’s town square while a town crier in a tri-cornered hat rang his bell and bellowed out a message to the gathered commonfolk:

 

“Hear ye, HEAR YE!”

 

“Let it be known that the regency of Lorraine under the honorable Count Bradshaw Gray of Johannesburg has now concluded. The new rightful Archduke of Lorraine, the esteemed John D’amaury will be assuming his role as rightful ruler of all the lands of our southern plains, with all proper rights and responsibilities attached.”

 

The crier cleared his throat and silenced himself, turning and performing a bow to John D’amaury, who stood behind him. At his cue, John stepped upon the podium, filled his chest with air and spoke with a power of command.

 

“Good folk of Lorraine… my countrymen!

 

Ours was once a proud country, a strong one. The pride of the Empire! Our lords fought in the frontlines and commanded legions and brought glory to the race of men. Our lands were prosperous with barley and grain and our cities filled with trade.

 

Now… now we have fallen into disrepair and stagnation. But much like the tree on our banner, we shall bloom again come the spring! I thank the honorable Count Bradshaw, whose diligence and service kept our archduchy together during my absence. However, a new era has dawned upon us, and Lorraine’s nobility as returned.

 

I swear, upon my family title, upon the Empire, and upon GOD that I shall bring our lands to the glory they held under my father and his father before him. Lorraine will once more be the pride of the realm of men, and when folk look to the prosperity and good living of Oren, they shall look to US!”

 

A cheer from the crowd overtook the Metz town square, and it was known to all folk of the south that a new lord had taken his place.

 

[Publius 4098]

Jacques hears of his brother taking the reins of the ill fated lands of Lorraine, his face hot with emotion. Aggrieved, yet proud and joyous, he pens a letter to John from his self imposed exile. It reads as follows:

 

Dearest brother,

 

Word has reached me about your position in Lorraine. I am glad to hear that my work was to not simply be wasted and that it remains our birthright. My heart is still heavy from the betrayals I suffered so I know not if I will return, but I hoped for you to know that I am praying for you. Be wary of the snakes in the great plains of our lands; I found far more of those than men. Approach the good people of Chambery, they proved the most steadfast of all my vassals, and by far the most genuine and supportive.

 

The title you have been asked to inherit is more arduous and difficult than it is prestigious, and even your closest advisers may prove to simply be ambitious men who hope to use their proximity to you for authority. You will need to stand tall and bear the grit of the founders of our great Empire, those like our father Augustus.

 

Should you ever need me John, send for me - I will not leave you to toil alone. I have retreated north-west aways. Perhaps our upbringing in the mountains of Kaedrin drew me up north, perhaps it was just for the peace, I know not.

 

I will cease my rambling for now though. Farewell dear brother, and may GOD show you more favour than he did for me.

 

Humbly yours,

Jacques d'Amaury

 

[MunaZaldrizoti 8037]

Anna Sofia Jrent would read of the ascension soon after arriving in Sutica, showing it to Taliah. "I should learn more about that duchy. Perhaps I have a book about them back in Haelun'or."

[whiteferrarii 123]

The young count of Cleves would turn to his twin sister, brown curls falling loosely over his eyes. Brushing them to the side, he would hear of the news of the d'Amaury ascension. "We should seek out our new archduke, sister. Him, and the other lords." Samuel would smile at the solidification of a new leader, and moves off to take at his studies within their small chapel. 

[d0ntc4r3 104]

Theodora smiles upon hearing the news, happy to hear Lorraine's rightful House is in power once again. "'Tis a shame that can't be the same for all Houses..."

[trinn 5146]

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