ALL DREAMS MUST END

[LithiumSedai 5750]

Spoiler

 

 

ALL DREAMS MUST END

 

 

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Deafening blasts and ear-piercing cries, shrieks of the wounded and battle chants of the rallying soldiers, all echoed across the Renatian bastion, carried by the wind; atop the Imperial palace, hastily recommissioned into a citadel of war, stood line upon line of battle-weary soldiers, gazes fixed unto the city beneath. The Capital of Man burned before their very eyes, homes and palaces drowned in thick layers of smoke. Unto them as they wish unto us, mournfully mused an ancient knight stood atop the ramparts - as Orenian siege engines roared, raining stones onto Helena, Imperial archers and crossbowmen rained death upon the Marnan hordes, drawing ever closer to the seat of Imperial might.

 

Ser Jan Sigmar, the Blood Raven, stood among his battle brothers: Renatian, Norlandic, Courlandic, human, elven, and orcish alike. Beneath the numerous battle flags of the Imperium, archers fired on command in unison - it was as if Death itself guided their aim. “Woe be to the poor soul that comes within range!” cried out a Renatian crossbowman, and the old knight couldn’t help but concur. Clad in aged Aesterwaldic plate, upon his back bearing the terrible banner of Alstreim, he peered unto the battlegrounds below. Long has the light in his eyes faded, taking with it most of what remained of his sight; to him, blurry shadows danced underneath the dim lights beneath, flickering and fading sometimes - by his doing, for the Dragon Knight, guided by righteous anger, with his arbalest dealt justice and death to the apparitions, beside his comrades. The banners beneath they carried, he could recognize as they approached, or so it appeared to him; long ago, he had marched under them - in another life, or in a fleeting dream.

 

He wished to go. In the heat of battle, heroes rise in glorious ways - so it had been since the ancient ages, in the countless stories of Man. The boy’s hands trembled with excitement, rough and calloused, they which had never held a weapon nor tool beside the smith’s hammer. The man draped about his shoulders an oversized, worn coat, covering the auburn-haired lad’s brigandine decorated with the royal crow. “Komm zu mir zurück,” spoke his father, to his apprentice and son. The boy knew; in the old man’s eye, flashed worry that contrasted his firm words. “Komm schon, Alstreim!” beckoned his friends at the gate, for the marching lines of men were to depart any moment now. None dared step inside - the smithy of Wilhelm, the old Alstreim, commanded awe and respect even in this glorious moment. And so the boy parted with his father, whose gaze trailed after him; with his laughing friends, along with the Royal Army, their black-and-gold banners proudly soaring in the skies, they marched to crush the invaders at Elba…

 

He wished to come back. In the heat of battle, men die in gruesome ways - so it had been since the ancient ages, in the reality of Man. Bewildered and broken, clutching tight his pike bloodied at the ferrum-plated tip, the boy cast frenzied glances across the blackened field; upon it, beneath the tattered banners of Haense and Courland, hundreds of bodies lay mangled, and the shrieks of the fallen wounded resounded through the woods. In the fray, their formation withered - the Courlanders had broken through, and once the brutal struggle had ended, his childhood friends lay dead. Forced to fight for his very life, tears streaming down his face, along with what little of the levy lived through the push and the merciless encirclement, the boy, drenched in blood, ended three…

 

The bells of the palace rung amidst the onslaught, and a company of halberdiers rushed past Jan. A breach in the western tower, so he’d heard, and the Waldenian parted from the battlements, his fellow Dragon Knights following to join the fray. Old as he was, his endurance and strength had been honed for decades; the blacksmith-turned-knight rushed along with the brigadiers, heavy arbalest swapped out for his waraxe. As they marched, the soldiers mumbled prayers in earnest. “O Creator of Man, Overseer of all things right, whose powers none can resist…” frantically whispered the youthful Legionnaire by his side. How long has it been since his own youth had been stolen, traded in for near-endless war? How many comrades now resided in the Seven Skies, while he pressed on and fought? Every past struggle now seemed to be nothing more than a distant dream. “...Grant me the strength to defeat Thy enemies. From Your grace…”

 

“...I shall know no fear,” chanted Ser Jan, rising to a stand before the Holy Cross; his knightly brothers followed, tracing the Lorraine across their plate-clad chests. A glorious atmosphere reigned in the Cathedral of the Holy Martyrs. All of Karlstadt made their appearance, wishing luck upon the crusaders - the brave men who would face the demons of Arberrang in the name of the Empire and the Holy Mother Church. It would be the third crusade the Dragon Knight was to embark on; with a grin, he reminisced of Vjorhelm and Ruriksgrad, the trenches, the moment upon which Aurelius, then King and now Divine Emperor, had bestowed upon him the knightly title of Ser, for his acts of bravery and heroism. And amidst these memories, one burned the brightest - her smile. Adelheid, his wife, awaited his triumphant return…

 

The Dragon Knights’ arrival soon settled the breach in Imperial favor through a quick, although bloody struggle, granting the battered men a moment’s rest. And so his thoughts wandered, to happier times, to those cherished pockets of peace he had once enjoyed alongside his beloved wife and friends. So many old faces faded from his memory, as those present faded from his sight. But not hers, perfect and unchanging through seventy years of marriage. And by her side at night, in a dream within a dream, it was not Elba nor Jornheim Fields he stood at, but the summerfields of Lorraine, their hands intertwined.

 

"Now, with the exchange of rings being complete, I pronounce the two of you husband and wife," the cleric announced, concluding the ceremony with a bright smile. "May the Lord of Light watch over this newly wed couple, and ensure that their marriage is long lived." And as he took her hand into his own, scarred and burnt, nothing else mattered - the two shared a kiss, and the bells of Cloud Temple chimed…

 

The palace bell tolled once more in desperate alarm, in a call to him and his knightly brethren. Torn from his thoughts, rising to a painful stand, Jan deduced its meaning quite easily; companies of lancers already began forming battle lines before the palace gates, intent on halting the mass charge being prepared at the square. And so, moments later, the Imperial knights rode out atop their chargers, melding with the rally from the side passages and alleys, carrying Renatian banners. Jan reined his horse in the first line, flanked by the other Dragon Knights. Opposite them, down Aurelius Avenue, converged the Orenian hordes, thinned by the earlier arrow barrage, but still numerous - to him a shadowy mass, whose flags and weaponry he could not discern. Thousands, likely, compared to their hundreds, though facing a mounted force of Renatia’s finest - their counter-charge set to buy time for barricades to be set up within the throne room.

 

Ever so slowly, the shadows approached, flooding towards the gates. The hour has struck for the streets to witness true slaughter, for the ground to be soaked with blood of patriots and traitors alike. For the final time, he turned to his memories, to days long gone, seeking inspiration for a rousing speech to deliver to his comrades...

 

“...We must recall the examples of Exalted Godfrey and Exalted Sigismund, who crafted righteous Empires from the disparate human Kingdoms…” The words echoed through the hospital near Metz, upon the eve of the Sixth Empire. “...We also recall the blessings the Creator poured forth on Exalted Godfrey, and pray too that He may bless us in our endeavours...” And as the proclamation had been read aloud, the sick and the wounded, battered and crippled - those lucky enough to have been left with their hands intact - signed the Lorraine, their deafening cheers echoing the halls. And with them, a burnt, bandaged man praised his new Emperor…

 

“...We have seen our heroes make an army that is unstoppable, and for those who have perished for the greater good we shall build up their glory - their spirits shall ascend to immortality and forever remain within the thoughts of the living...” The Dragon Knights stood triumphant before Emperor Aurelius, pride overcoming them as he spoke, as he praised their deeds and those of their fallen battle brothers. The last Coalition War of Atlas had ended, leaving thousands dead in its wake. “...You have forced the world to witness that we are here perpetually to stand in shining everlasting glory. You, my warriors, are my thoughts that illuminate the darkness that others may cross. You are one with your Emperor, our souls are joined at my will. To Death and Glory! Hail our names! Hail Mankind!” Holding the victorious banner of Alstreim high, Jan chanted the Imperial anthem in Waldenian - joined by hundreds upon the square of Karlstadt…

 

...But once he spoke, to them he delivered but a simple battle cry, one exclaimed from the heart and with utmost commitment, loyalty and fierceness, soon joined by a hundred others.

 

“GOTT, ALSTREIM, RENATIA! VICTORY FOR THE REICH!”

 

A hundred lances dropped as one, aimed like an arrow towards the Orenian living wall. As one, as if it were a dream, the Renatian host pushed forth, banners fluttering in the wind. The fearsome knights of Renatia charged onwards to victory. Towards death and martyrdom. And as they gained ground, as the fleeting, foggy forms warped into mailed Orenians, bearing the flags of Haense, Adria, Fenn - the sounds of battle faded in Jan’s ears. His lance sought its target, and one by one his memories faded, his thoughts drowned out one by one, save for the final truth.

 

Someday, all dreams must end.      

 

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[!] Word spreads across the Renatian realm that Ser Jan Sigmar, the Blood Raven, knight and blacksmith, had succumbed to his wounds incurred at the Siege of Helena, after three Saint’s days of healing efforts that ultimately proved unsuccessful. His last will, translated from Waldenian, made its way to the relevant parties.

 

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MY LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT

@Areln @LoLzboi @TrendE

 

-=(x)=-

 

Over sixty years I have served Renatus and the Realm of Man with unwavering loyalty and dedication, my blade and counsel pledged to the rightful Divine Emperor of Mankind. While the treacherous insurrection plaguing our domains has not broken my resolve, it has in my final days shattered my trust in the ties we had painstakingly crafted through the decades, the supposed brotherhood of Man we once shared. Thus I amend this document, and leave no word nor recompense to traitors who would besmirch my name and my legacy as a faithful Canonist, thrice Crusader, and His Divine Imperial Majesty’s Dragon Knight, but a warning: They who would not be brothers to us, shall be subjects. I have no doubt in the abilities of the Renatian Legion, which I pledge, as it befits the honor of true, loyal soldiers, to carry on this struggle until the final victory over the pretenders, and the day of reckoning upon which all traitors to the Crown shall be judged for their ungodly deeds.

 

-={x}=-

 

I hereby appoint my beloved wife, Adelheid, Lady of Alstreim, as the executor of the remainder of this decree, to ensure its faithful interpretation to the word.

 

As my legal heir, the sole fitting candidate of good standing and my blood, I hereby name Corwin of Alstreim. Upon him I bestow my riches, domains and titles, by right: he shall inherit the lands of Alstreim and Blackwater, and call himself the Keeper of the Blood Chalice and the Opal Crown, and the Blood Raven of Lorraine.

 

-=(x)=-

 

It is my wish that my personal belongings are distributed as follows:

 

To Corwin of Alstreim, I leave the relic blade of Alstreim - my greatsword Mordred, and my ring of the Imperial Dragon Knight. May they serve him well in defiance of the enemies of the Crown.

 

To Corwin of Alstreim, I leave the Opal Crown of the Royal Trade Federation of Sutica, the Blood Chalice of the Northern Atlas Alliance, and my golden Blessed Cross of Lorraine, in hopes that he shall recognize the worth of these relics and their service to the legacy of Alstreim.

 

To Corwin of Alstreim, I leave the leather coat which my father, Wilhelm, passed on to me upon the day I began my march towards Elba, more than a hundred years ago. To his care, I entrust my faithful raven companions, Godfrey and Tancred.

 

To Adelheid, Lady of Alstreim, I leave the house at Owyn’s Lane of Helena, my wedding ring and my medallion to keep safe, and one final note: We shall meet once more.

 

To Lewin of Lorenz-Alstreim and Blackwater, I leave a ferrum-tipped spear with a simple reminder: Life is a dream.

 

To what remains of the Holy Mother Church not under the grasp of Haensetic traitors and Josephite pretenders, I pledge the holy relic in my possession, the embalmed finger of Saint Michael of Cordobe, and a sum of a thousand minas. It is my solemn wish that after this war, once the divine and earthly unity of Man is restored, a portion of this sum is directed towards the construction of a memorial to the fallen martyrs of Elba.

 

To Ser Darius Ault, I pledge a thousand minas with a request to put them to use in his craft of death, towards the eradication of all who fly the flag of rebellion against the Imperial Throne. To this man I was honored to call a knightly brother, who embodies the heroic principles of the saviors of Man, the Dragon Knights, I issue a request to, should my heir prove himself worthy in the days to come, restore upon him the knightly titles which had once been bestowed upon me.

 

Any other personal possessions I might have, I entrust to the care of Adelheid, Lady of Alstreim, to keep or distribute as she sees fit.

 

-=(x)=-

 

Lastly, it is my final wish that my remains be preserved according to the ancient Teutonic custom, and that they be interred within the crypts of Helena alongside my fallen brothers.

 

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GOD WITH US

??? ℜ????? ??? ????????

Ser JAN SIGMAR, Imperial Dragon Knight of Alstreim, Renatus and Waldenia, Lord of Blackwater, Blood Raven of Lorraine, Keeper of the Blood Chalice and the Opal Crown, Savior and Liberator of the Sutican Realm

 

 

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Spoiler

OOC: Late delivery thanks to Fireheart’s hold on warclaim-related RP and other loose ends tied up in the meantime. One story ends and others begin. To everyone I’d interacted with in the past hundred years, thank you for the RP.

 

[Vege 4804]

“One of the Greatest Knights ever to have lived.” says Godfrey as he signs the Lorraine. 

 

“He final wish will be fulfilled, the dead of The Great Northern War will be honoured.”

[TankM1A2 840]

”For decades I have served alongside Ser Jan Sigmar – the very embodiment of Renatian values and spirit. God, will that man be missed.” says Ser Carlovac, muttering a quiet prayer for him and his family.

[sergisala 3451]

“I never had the opportunity to meet Ser Jan, but his heroic deeds will never be forgotten. In fact, I’m sure they will be remembered for generations” Alexander would say as he hears the sad news and signs the Lorraine.

[Ragnio 510]

A druid would pass the grave of Jan, only to place several pots of flowers down around it and even a replica of his shield, made out of flower blossoms.
“Even despite his hate towards many druids and mages, he never raised his sword against me when I talked with her. He never tried to act against her own wishes. I do not agree with everything he did...how he handled all events and that he fought in so many battles, yet, I approve that he was a great men, one that loved his family and tried to protect it as much as he could. As such he shall rest in peace and become one with the earth once more.”

[TrendE 1347]

Ser Darius Ault frowned deeply at the news; sinking into his chair, placing the missive upon his oak desk. Overlooking the Capital from his keep atop of Whiterock memories of serving with his fellow Dragon Knight, as well as fighting the man for a period through his mercenary days as a man long-lost to time, would occupy his mind; pondering how many more years he has left of this world himself. Taking a lengthy sip of his red wine, the aged Knight would recite a silent prayer for his fallen comrade.

A harsh reminder for the Grand Knight that not even Dragons are immortal.

[Lirinya 4021]

A young Amelia sobbed as she caught wind of the Dragon Knights passing. 

She looked fondly at the figurines he had given her, and only wished that she had not had chance to spend more time learning from him. 

[Reckless Banzai Screamer 15456]

“When cities burn and armies turn, and flee in disarray, cowards will cry 'tis best to fly and fight another day. But warriors know it in their marrow when they die and fall. 'Tis better to have fought and lost than not have fought at all.”

 

Father Odus closes the dusty leather tome and says to himself “A pity we ended up on different sides, old friend. I knew ye and Adel well!”

[mika1278 3213]

A Uialben hears the news, giving his thoughts "A life filled with moments of glory, action and leisure, one many would have wanted to have themselves. Jan was a true man with a clear mind and to that, i shall raise my glass in his honour” as he'd raise his glass filled with rum

[helldiving 5793]

The newest appointed Dragon Knight would finish a prayer, he knew the story and peers of The Bloodraven, and he knew his legacy would live on throughout the years.

[SubscriptShark2 197]

Jan Petyr Welcomes Jan ritter in the seven skies!

[Chase 3793]

Ser Conan Vallberg af Mórr dipped his head upon hearing the news. Though he pressed on in aiding the war effort. It’s what Jan would have wanted, after all.

 

Evar’tir Ithelanen offers a salute skywards, at the lost of the man he was acquainted with many years ago. He also couped his at the time partner, but that’s water under the bridge.

 

Pierre Luc Talraen prepares to hold a sermon to honour the lost life of the Dragonknight.

[Auriel_ 652]

“Memento Mori.” He said such, turning to his children.

 

 A thrice damned mage frowned as the news reached him in his decaying citadel; not even knowing of his injuries, the man frowned so deeply as he sunk further into his den of depravity and sadness- the war was too much! And it had taken yet another old friend. The elf then closed his eyes and drifts on into a deep slumber, assuming this was a cruel joke.

 

[Skyrunner 257]

Upon first hearing the news of the Dragon Knight’s passing, Utaria would pass it off as propaganda driven by the war effort. But, as reality set in it would hit like a ton of bricks straight to her heart. Jan Ritter had been one of her older friends from Sennestein which defined the earlier portion of her life, but unlike the other friends Jan had been consistently there. He was one of the first people she revealed that Lily and herself were planning her vow renewal. Despite her relation to the higher branches of the Sutican Government, he had entrusted a role to her against Trade Princess Cyrene in the seizure of power. Not long after, Jan would be a brother-in-arms as Utaria followed him through many of the campaigns of Third Atlas Coallition War. He even saved her from a cruel fate from the hand of a few over-zealous constables during one of her visits to Karlstadt.

After her wife ascended to the throne, bridging the gap between Jan and Sutica was one of her primary goals. Though not directly involved, Jan was part of the path forward which she pushed forward in bringing peace between the Empire and Sutica. Reestablished relations would soon turn to a return of Jan back to Sutica, and even to her own Vow renewal. During the party afterwards, she proclaimed  “A Dragon Knight can never die.” How wrong would she turn out to be? In her saddness of hearing of Jan’s death she remembered that even though the flesh may fail the person shall never truely die as long as their memory is kept forever.

She would pen one letter which would be sent out to his wife Adelheid, and it would say the following:

An Official Notice From the Federation of Sutica

 

To Lady Adelheid von Alstreim,

 

I write this letter with heavy heart on your recent loss of your husband Jan Ritter von Alstriem. I have known of Jan’s importance to not only me, but to the entire Federation of Sutica. It is because of his importance that I find a mark of distinction to be made towards this man who has famously defended Sutica well before I was born against the undead. As Captain of the Watch, it is my duty to ensure those that defend this nation are given the respect they deserve, and as a man who did so much for this nation, it has been an injustice that honor has not been given prior.

 

Therefore, I am officially granting Jan Ritter von Alstriem the Medal of Civic Honor for his actions in the defense of Sutica in Axios. Furthermore as Royal Consort, although this officially is outside of my duty (However I don’t believe anyone will notice), I grant Jan Ritter von Alstriem the title of “Der Zweihänder of Sutica“ after his relation to said weapon. Furthermore, for the next days the flag of the Palace shall remain a half-mast during what is personally for both you and the royal family a great loss.

 

Gott Mit Uns,

Her Highness Royal Consort Utaria Grandaxe Helenson-Anarion, Captain of the Watch, Head Librarian, and Steward of the Federation of Sutica.
 

[Morigung-oog 5697]

Vexalia's gaze lowered as the news reached her. She joined Auriel within their keep, tending him in his deep slumber and providing comfort to her beloved where needed. She’d lost a good friend that day... And also become the oldest citizen of Renatus, aside from Auriel..