Part 1: A Quest's End, and Lotharingian Resurgence

[Publius 4098]

Spoiler

 

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Watercolour painting of a Heartlander Horde  flooding the streets of Belcrest, by an Unkown painter 1683

 

From Aeldin came hope for the Heartlanders left in the lands of Atlas. Gold and green banners were flown from the cloud temple to the Capital of Humanity, Carolustadt.

 

Such a sight it was, dozens of men pouring from roads along the way. Most noteworthy of all that had gathered though was Clan Gromach, the old vassals of d'Amaury. So many had gathered that a stop in the abandoned city of Belcrest became necessary; there, they organized for the rest of their journey as a horde of gifts was created to present to the Emperor, no matter the trying times settling put upon their people.

 

Hughes d’Amaury scratched his chin, too proud to ask for help, but his people did not reserve their bounty. “Good Hughes,” Said Ser Septimius, “Any descendant of Vibius ought to present the Emperor a Stallion, take mine.” At that, he did not even remove his supplies from the saddle, leaving them for the young Lord. At this, Lord Hughes dipped his head, and recognized the respect and humility of the Bracchus.

 

“We must present wealth too - is Lorraine not the land of great harvest and bounty?” At that, John d’Anpalais gambled everything he had of great value; foreign gems and jewelry abound, enough to fill the boxes. Lord Hughes, perhaps naive or simply so pure of perception, saw only the traits he would want of any rich man in his lands - someone who would be so generous with their wealth for Lotharingia's sake.

 

Reserved and smiling upon the man, an older gentleman finally stepped forward, offering two old books. “These are original copies of your ancestors writing - a folk tale and poem. Their meanings were very pro-Imperial, the Emperor would be most pleased to read them, I’m sure.” Lord Hughes read through them, shocked and saddened at having to relinquish the heirlooms - but his respect for what hidden knowledge Pepin de Bar may have had him eager to speak with the man after their debut in court.
 

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Illatian Courtiers accompanying the Lotharingian band, Painted by Fabius Bracchus 1683

 

Dramas flooded the the courts of the Emperor as they always did, but the play that was Imperial politics was shook as Hughes arrived accompanied by old and new nobility alike. Lotharingian soldiers had numbered nearly the same as the Imperial troops assigned to protect the Emperor: It was hoped that this display would earn the Heartlanders respect from the courtiers who beheld them.

 

Though winded from the long and hasty march, Lord Hughes d’Amaury and his companions brought before the Emperor their gifts, and after hearing the late Prince-Bishop Jacques’ poem of regret for his acts against Empire, received this good Lord Hughes with the respect of an honoured guest. 

 

Quick discourse led to the most clear solution - Lord Hughes, for his monumental display of his people’s exaltation of the Empire and impressive display of power, he would be named the March of Ardennes; he was to prove his worthiness greater than that of his ancestors before he could claim the fabled title of Lorraine.

 

Opposing out of turn though was a man in the back, claiming interest in the land that he wanted respected. Ensuing was a nasty affair - backing up this men were the Adrians, distrustful of those who would embrace the legacy of the Archduke that laid waste to their people generations ago. Out of order was the man who pressed his claim, ignoring all etiquette, and the Duke of Adria withdrew his support to not earn any ire.

 

Ser Septimius, remaining late into the proceedings, brought before the Emperor two heads for each of the blackmarked men who had been charged with him for the riot he led. On the issue of his Barony and Adria though, he abdicated in favour of his brother - he wished to keep his family safe from any grudges and wished to bestow a token of good faith upon the Duke of Adria and his administration.

 

Beholding so many slain Vaeyl, he welcomed the story of the adventure. Without reservation, the man recounted the quest, moved even to make wild motions in excitement! Emperor Aurelius, amused with the story, suggested he attend court the following day.  Their banishment lifted, he and Dario sought Belcrest to accompany their new shield brothers.

 

Upon Atlas now, the people were beholden once again to the Green and Gold of d’Amaury. From thence on, the Empire of man could count on a strong and unified heartlands once again.
 

Spoiler

Hey friends, rather than doing reports or anything like that on Lotharingia, I will be making a series of posts about major RP the prominent citizens have had, as well as events we partake in. Soon, we will have one for Haense - should you be awaiting a Part 2 at all!

 

[blago 1602]

"A good day, bless th' d'Amaury, bless Ardennes and the Gromach with 'em." The young Gromach would chirp among his soldiers and fellow family, soon returning to the drilling of the Honour Guard. 

[Your Stepdad 711]

“If they can declare themselves Lorraine I Hereby declare myself Prince of Veris” remarks Hektor Bolivar