The Lamentation of the North

[Emenzi 1069]

It was an ordinary day it seemed during the troubled times of war. Peddlers trying to make a living, blacksmiths sharpening spears and the streets of Reza even though constant fighting took place in the south seemed to be bustling with life. However soon the horns and bells of war was rung once more. The armies of Haense marched out through the gates and joined their fellow Orenians outside of Leuven. Within the contigency the Lord of Stafyr, Leopold marched along them. 

 

Leopold and his fellow Stafyrs joined up with the Marnan host inside of Leuven, right before the Renatian host came marching down the road. The arrows started raining down on the two forces before the infanty clashed, shield against shield, sword against sword, brother against brother. Men fighting men is always a gruesome affair as once these soldiers fought on the same side, drank from the same wine and died alongside on another. Now all that remains is hatred and death.

 

 

As the skirmish raged on the fairly young but combat experienced Leopold fought bravely alongside his men, after what seemed like eternity the Orenian forces began to scatter and march back to Haense. Leopold retreated with the suriving men but not long after a searing pain gripped his side and he noticed the blood covering his tabard.

 

With the fear of more Renatians appearing the Lord of Stafyr ordered the Stafyrian men to march the long treck north to their hold. But the march back to Nenzing was long and after marching for almost a day and a half straight the soldiers were forced to a sudden halt. Lord Leopold could not walk a step further. As they took to the side of the road and set up a camp, one rider quickly began the galopp towards Nenzing.

 

The wound in his side had begun to fester, an infection was growing in his body and it was quickly understood by the men that if help did not arrive soon Leopold would perish. Dying from the infection that his wound had caused. But help was several days away and the tired lord asked for several stacks of parchments and a quill to be brought to him. With effort the lord sat for hours, writing letter after letter before finally, exhausted collapsing down on his bed.

 

 

Hours passed as the lord grew paler and paler until he finally, after almost fourteen hours. He closed his eyes and uttered a final word with a rasped and tired voice “Valeria..” before his last deep breath was forever taken. Succumbing to the infection that had quickly spread within his body. The Warrior Lord of Stafyr was no more.

 

As the contigency marched towards Nenzing with his body they found the lone rider dead along the road, two arrows in his back. No help was ever coming and regardless of how much they would have tried his faith had been sealed the moment he rode north with his men. Once the news broke within Nenzing the bells rung, they sang the song of their dead lord. The lamentation of the North.

 

---

 

 

 

 

The Final Letters of Lord Leopold of Stafyr, Count of Nenzing, Viscount of Grauspin, Baront of Thurant, Lord-Palatine and Chancellor of the Realm

________________________________

 

To my beloved wife, Valeria Reza

 

My dearest wife, what a cruel trick of God to leave you to raise our children on your own. Alas if there is any woman in this world that would be able to, it would be you. Since that day you threw a pebble over the walls of the manor in Reza you have brightened my days with endless amounts of joy, laughter and filled my heart with love and compassion. I owe you a debt of gratitude that no man could ever repay and even if my life has ended my love for you is endless and can’t be described to no comparable measure of existence. It is the essence and core of my being and you are the reason I am the man I became.

 

I know you shall remain strong and raise our children right, the men and women of Stafyr shall always be your kin and they will aid you in any way you could ever need. That is my final decree as Lord of this House. Our children could not wish for a better mother and I have but a simple wish, that when you kiss them goodnight on the dark winter evenings, remind them that their father loves them and remain very proud of what they shall become.

 

Mourn and remember me but do not feel sorrow or lonely. I will always be present, look to the sky for the falcons soaring high and you shall find me there. With my ancestors in the Seven Skies. Riding on the never ending plains of the ancient Almannir I shall await you, my love.

 

My love is yours, now and forever. Until the day we shall meet again in the Seven Skies.

 

Leo

________________________________

 

To my son and heir, Erich Marius

 

It is a weird feeling, to write a letter to your son that you know you shall never see him read. I will never see you learn how to ride, how to fight, how to rule and govern. But you are the blood of Godwein, always remember that Hanethor runs in your veins and that you are blessed with the capability to do amazing things. Such as your ancestors.

 

I would never label my own tenure as a Lord but I would consider myself. Decent, at the least. But I know that your tenure will be that of greatness. I regret that I will not be there to see it with my own eyes and guide you through the perils I know you shall face. That is the true reality of being Lord, that your greatest achievement is that of your Son but you shall never see him truly become the man he is supposed to be. But know my son, that I shall always be watching from the seven skies and I shall be doing such with a pride that only a father can know.

 

The Shield of Saint Godwein shall be your guide as it was for me, you are the Golden Falcon of this house and to you I leave my cross necklace, the sword of Edmund and the unfortunate burden of Lordship. Know that I shall always be proud and watching over and your sister. Be kind to those around you and respect those you serve, remain loyal to your people and honourable to your betrothed, you’ll be the greatest of us.

 

Your Father

________________________________

 

To my daughter, Katherine Marie

 

I’ve been trying to start this letter for the last thirty minutes, but finding how to tell your daughter how much you love her and the anguish I feel of not seeing you grow up to be a Lady can not be put to words. I would have given up everything I have only to walk you down the aisle on your wedding day or to have simply given you a hug, one final time.

 

But perhaps that is not the will of God. Perhaps his will is for me to be in the Seven Skies and watch over you as you take these steps on your own. But maybe, just maybe that is not a bad thing. Even if it hurts and I would never be able to say farewell to you it is perhaps what is required. Just know this Katherine, that I shall always be there, as a gentle breeze rolling through the highlands when you stride down the road. I will be there for you.

 

If you ever feel empty and alone my dearest daughter. Look out north in a star covered night sky and know that the brightest star there shall be me, forever following your footsteps with a smile as bright that it would light up the darkest of days. You are and will forever be the emerald of my eye.

 

Your Father

________________________________

 

To my brother, Nikolas Flynn

 

Perhaps I was always to harsh on you, get a wife, stop drinking so much, stop glorifying yourself and all the things I have angered you with. Know that all I did, even if my words have been harsh was out of love. If I could take certain things back I would not. Because in the end you became the man you are today because of all that led us here.

 

You were always vain, prideful, jealous and quick to anger. But you were always my brother and my best friend. I look back so often on our childhood in Markev with so much joy. Snowcovered sparring outside our manor in furs as thick that we could barely move. We never had that spar by the lake outside of Reza, when the day comes in many years that you shall join me in the Seven Skies. I promise you that I shall beat you once more, as I still stand undefeated as I recall.

 

I rely on you now my brother, teach my son the ways of Hanethor, give my loving wife all the care she requires even if you despise her and most of all. Remain the man you are. As Saint Godwein once said. Remain true to yourself, true to life. That will be my final historical quote for you to annoy yourself with. Until we meet again, my best of friends.

 

Your brother, Leopold

________________________________

 

To my sister, Sybilla Helena

 

Little dove, I was a foolish teenager when you were brought into this world and I wished at times that I would have been a better brother. One that you deserved. But the laments of lordship was thrown upon me and I had to send you away to live with our aunt. Even though that decision was for the better I weep for the days that I didn’t get to spend with you, watching you grow up to be the girl that is so pure and innocent.

 

I pray that this wretched world won’t rob you of your innocence as it is a precious thing to keep hold off. Always think the best of people and they shall at most times prove themselves to be that version of themselves. When our father remarried I had not much care, but perhaps that may have been the only thing that wretched man ever did right.

 

I leave you in this world with a heavy heart as I shall never see you wed, never have the honour of seeing my nephews or nieces to be born. That I shall never have the privilege of watch you be truly happy in the arms of someone you love as you so much deserve. I will always be present and always be proud of you. Know this my little dove, that regardless of whatever happens in life, I will guide you and Saint Godwein watches over all of us.

 

Your brother, Leopold

________________________________

 

To my cousin, Ser Gerard

 

If you read this cousin, that means I am no longer here. I have journeyed on to the Seven Skies and rejoined the Stafyrs of old. I’ll make sure I mention you to Lord Symon. Know that I have no regrets. Our life together has been strange, our road to where we are today has been rocky. But without you, Gerard. Stafyr would not be the house it is today and I will forever be in your debt for that.

 

 

For many days I have envied you. You were given the freedom to live your life without the obligations that comes with the Lordship of a Hanethor but you stayed by my side regardless if it was your duty or not to do so. It saddens me that I shall not see my niece and nephew grow up but I know that you and Nataya shall be great parents and that the Galtor line shall live on and prosper, all thanks to you.

 

You’re a good man, Gerard. Know that whatever you may undertake in life you can succeed as long as you put your back into it. Send my regards to Nataya and I hope the two of you live long and prosperous lives together. I shall always be there in spirit as I look out from the seven skies and watch you and your family grow. But I have one final request I ask of you. Watch over my son, teach Erich how to fight and be a man as I mourn that I can not do so but most of all teach him to lead and rule. I could not think of any other more suited to guide him to manhood.

 

Your Cousin, Leopold

________________________________

 

To my nephew and niece, Symon and Leana

 

Alas you younglings won’t grow up to know your uncle which is a shame. However I hope that your father shall tell stories of our youth as the tales of the spice islands can surely be something to remember. What a shame I shan't be there to visit it with you.

 

Symon, your father is a great warrior and I hope that you shall grow to be as strong and prideful as him. A knight in service of our great Kingdom. What a sight to see. You were named after one of the four great lords of Stafyrs history. Know that you shall live up to that name and serve our house diligently. I shall toast with Lord Symon in your honour.

 

Leana. Ah, sweet Leana. What a shame it is that I wont see you grow up to become such an honourable lady as your mother. Listen to your parents, don’t run away on the roads so much during these dangerous times. And remember that in these trialing times to look to the sky and God for guidance for I shall be listening along with the Stafyrs of old and look upon you and your brother to guide you.

 

Your Uncle, Leopold

________________________________

 

To my cousin, Artos of Sybilla

 

Artos, the pride of Sybilla. I’ve never met a man as diligent as yourself, Nenzing at what it is has a lot it owes you and how hard you have worked to ensure that it came to fruition. I could not have wished for a better steward to have assisted me through these years. For what it's worth I owe you my gratitude and much more. Perhaps I should have showed it more. You were always there for me and the house when it was needed and just that is worth more than you could ever imagine.

 

I wish and pray that you will lead a happy and joyous life and that whatever path you may choose shall take you to a place that gives you all that you deserve for I was not able to give you that. You and Gerard were the ones that give this house its soul back, not me nor any other Hanethor. The strength of Stafyr lies in the combined effort of the three lines and you are the greatest Sybilla that has ever lived, know that.

 

But I shall leave you now with sadness in my heart that I can guide you further cousin. I wish I could be there to see your children grow up and know what a good father you will be but God works in mysterious ways. He has sent me to the Seven Skies where I shall find my rest, but whenever you need my advice. Simply listen to the voices in the wind and you shall hear the whispers of the Almannir in the highlands where you shall find me in the midst.

 

Your Cousin, Leopold

________________________________

 

To my aunt, Rosemarie

 

Perhaps the title is misleading as you are actually my cousin but the age difference always made it hard for me to figure. At the end of the day you were more as a mother to me and Nikolas then anyone else ever was. I always wished that you were with us in Markev, Reza and Nenzing but alas you found love in Curon and that’s where your home is. Father always called your husband Curon Man but from what I heard he keeps you happy. And that’s all that matters.

 

It's a shame I won’t  see your children grow up and lead lives of their own. Fendrel, Rowan and Liliana. I pray that they shall live long and happy lives and I shall keep an eye on them in the afterlife and protect them as best as I can. Let them know that their uncle will always be there for them, as the blood of Godwein that runs in their veins is strong and they are as much Stafyr as my own children. Ensure that they know of their legacy and take pride in it but are humble to those around them.

 

When the first snow begins to fall during the cold winter months and the cold breeze comes in over the frozen sea. I want that to remind you that whatever happens, you, your family and your children are not alone. I shall always be there for all of you. You are sons and daughters of the highlands and descendants of Saint Godwein. Remember that.

 

Your Nephew, Leopold

________________________________

 

To my cousin, Liam Adrian

 

I don’t really know where to begin with this letter. First, I apologize. I wish we would have been closer, I always enjoyed your company but our paths never seemed to fully cross. I suppose God put us on different roads for a reason but perhaps we should have taken more time to simply enjoy a cup of wine in one another’s company. You always were more intellectual than most of the house combined and I believe we could have learnt much from one another.

 

But the times for that has passed as I now rest easy in the embrace of the Seven Skies, the burdens of lordship stripped from my shoulders and passed down to my unfortunate son who shall carry this now. Perhaps we were not close for the simple reason that you were not meant to advice me, but to aid Erich to ensure that he knows not only the ways of the Haeseni but also that of the rest of the Empire. Heartlander and highlander alike. I would like to believe that is the case so I ask of you, aid my son in becoming the Lord we all think he could be and ensure that the line of Hanethor remains strong.

 

The only thing that we truly can be sure of when we are born upon this world is that one day we shall die. In many years when you are old and grey I know you shall rejoin me in the Seven Skies dear Liam. And know that we shall enjoy Auverginian wine together in the presence of the Stafyrs of old and have those discussions I so much hoped for when we both lived. Live a long and joyful life, be deserving of the gifts bestowed upon you by your ancient blood and remain steadfast until the end.

 

Your Cousin, Leopold

________________________________

 

To my nephew, Thondor the Younger

 

Little Thondor, perhaps not as little anymore. Your father died so that Gerard and I could live and when the first sun hit the trees of the Spice Islands we promised that we would raise you and take care of you until you became a true Galtorian man. And what a Galtor you have become. The Guardians of Old would look upon you with such pride and joy that it would make Emmanuel’s strength fade in comparison to yours.

 

It makes me glad knowing that even if I pass on this day you remain amongst the living, to protect my son and our lands from whoever would wish us harm and to guard not only the House of Stafyr but the Kingdom and Empire we so serve.

 

You were always strong and I know that you shall remain so until the day you rejoin your father and I in the Seven Skies but until then young Thondor. Remember to be brave, be loyal, be honourable but most of all be the man you were supposed to become. The strong protector of Stafyr and Galtor that your father so much wanted you to be, that he himself was. I shall sit with your father in the embrace of the afterlife and look as you grow into the role bestowed upon you with such pride. Thondor the Guardian of Stafyr.

 

Your Uncle, Leopold

________________________________

 

To my cousin, Hans the Small

 

For to many evenings I have mocked and made fun of you when all we really should have done is sit by the fire in Nenzing and had a cup of wine and simply laughed at all the foolish insults we had thrown on one another. Behind all those sly insults, rude comments and general insultive behaviour lies one of the most shrewd minds I ever had the pleasure of meeting.

 

Together we stormed the gates of Caer Baddyn and watched as the Vaeyl fell and the endless night was over. But it scarred us both to measures that I could not have imagined alas you remained there for the House when we most needed you. I will always owe you my life for what you did on that evening in Reza where you saved me from the tyrannical wretch that was my scum father.

 

I owe you my life but I never could truly give you the respect you so deserve, that is a regret I shall take with me to the grave. Perhaps you were not an easy man to respect as you gave little back but maybe I just didn’t try hard enough. But alas it is what it is. My funeral shall be an expensive affair but yours, not so much. As we all know short people are cheaper to bury. One final insult, to ensure I get the final word.

 

Your Cousin, Leopold

________________________________

 

To my cousin, Sigmand

 

Sigmand, oh you were always a strange one. But that is the beauty of our house isn’t it? We all come from different paths in life and then we merge it together into this beautiful melting pot in Nenzing. It creates the greatness that is the House of Stafyr. And you are truly great.

 

You’re.. Superstitious but somehow at the same time a sceptic. You’re scrawny but somehow still strong. You spent an hour arguing with Liam about the benefits of eating spam whilst you down a tankard of ale having its content run down all over your tunic. You are the true north, Sigmand. Even if you perhaps should learn more etiquette and finesse. You are who you are for a reason and God has plans for us all.

 

I task you to be brave, strong. Control your fear of goblins, the shadows of the night and creeping desolation of the darkness for know that with fear is the only time a man can truly be brave. And I see bravery within you. And from now on use the garderobe in the northeastern tower, unless you want Elyse to throw you off the battlements.

 

Your Cousin, Leopold

________________________________

 

To my cousin, Konrad

 

Ah dear Konrad. To join our fold in these times of war may perhaps not be easy for a person of a scholarly disposition as yourself but you suit yourself well in war. I pray that your squireship under Ser Ulric will go well and that you shall grow to become a strong knight in servitude to our majesty’s crown. I do also hope that Georg shall teach you the manners and duties of that of the Duma.

 

I wish we could have known one another better. But the brother to Artos is as much a brother to me. Through the seven skies I shall guide you on your journey to greatness and I will take pride in the path you shall walk upon. The world needs men like you.

 

Continue on your path to manhood, Thomas is a steadfast guide for you and so is Ser Ulric. I know that this war will shall be long and tedious but survive. Grow a family, be happy and serve the Kingdom and your House diligently and one day we shall get to know one another truly. In the seven skies we shall all rejoice in the arms of God. Go well, cousin.

 

Your Cousin, Leopold

________________________________

 

To Thomas and Elyse

 

Thomas and Elyse.. When I hired the two of you I would never have guessed that one day you would plan to join hands in holy matrimony but here you both are, betrothed and I could not be more glad for the two of you. My two most trusted servants and dare I say it friends joining together until the end of times. It is truly a sorrow that I feel, knowing that I won’t see the two of you join together in the blessing of marriage.

 

Thomas, you were always strong, loyal, honourable and just. I gave you tasks that few men could handle and you so gracefully executed any given role bestowed upon you. The tasks ahead of you are hard and requires the utmost diligence but I trust that you shall to the challenge and soar to see unbelievable heights. Remember that the Spice Islands are yours and that all trade that flows through there is to be within your hands. You were at most times my most trusted confidant and I ask that you remain so to my son, as he will surely need a man like you.

 

Elyse, I could not think of anyone more loyal to the House of Stafyr than you. Simply from the moment we hired you, you remained so loyal. So diligent. The keep of Nenzing flourishes because of you and what you do for this House can't be measured in words. So you have grown as a person since you came to our fold in the early years of Arcas and alas so proud I have been to follow you on your journey. But unfortunately my journey ends here. Make your something truly special.

 

Your Lord and Friend, Leopold

________________________________

 

To Ginevra Steiger

 

Oh Ginevra, I will have to admit that during about half of our conversations I could barely understand a word that you spoke and simply guessed my answers but it seems that I have been fairly sufficient with those guesses.

 

Always the eccentric. The scholar and inventor that you were was an amazing sight to see. We are blessed to have had you join our fold and serve our house to the capacity that you have and I simply pray that you shall remain in our service so that my son and daughter can learn from you. That they can be knowledgeable and wise in their lives and not only know of what is but also what has been.

 

History is always the best foreteller of the future and that’s why I always enjoyed your company so much. As your knowledge and our discussions about the past history could surely have been about what is coming as well. I wish I could look at your clocks one final time and simply admire the craft but here I lay, dying on a wet field in the middle of nowhere. Live a good, long and prosperous life, Ginevra. That’s all I ask of you.

 

 

Your Lord and Friend, Leopold

________________________________

 

To the King, His Majesty Marius II of Haense.

 

To His Majesty, King Marius. If this letter reaches you then I am afraid that I, Leopold of Stafyr has fallen. Know my liege, that the greatest honour of my life was to serve under your reign as your Lord Kastellan and later Lord Palatine. It was a duty bestowed upon me that I so humbly tried to execute with the utmost diligence that I could. And I pray that I did such with the satisfaction you so asked of me.

 

As a Lord and Count I did my best in to ensure that the north was held under your name and I gladly die serving under the banners of Haense. I have no regrets and my life was given so that this Empire we both serve can live free from the rule of tyrants. My son Erich shall now serve as the Count of Nenzing and God willing he shall serve diligently and the House of Stafyr shall remain loyal to the House of Barbanov until the end of days.

 

One day my King perhaps we shall rejoice and celebrate our victory against the Pertinaxi in the Seven Skies together but I pray that it is many years until you rejoin my company and that our Kingdom shall see your long reign of peace and prosper. Many will perhaps see you as the man who let Ves burn but know your majesty. That Stafyr shall always see you as our King who we would follow to the neverending darkness of the void. And I shall always see you as, Marius. My friend who I gladly lay my life in service for.

 

Your Loyal Subject, Leopold of Stafyr

________________________________

 

To the Emperor, His Imperial Majesty Joseph I. Holy Orenian Emperor

 

To His Imperial Majesty, Joseph the First. You are the emperor we chose, the one we wanted to lead us. I willingly give up my life in service of the Empire you envision and know that the future for the Empire, Haense and Stafyr is great and it is owed to your wisdom and grace.

 

It saddens me that I shall not witness your reign any longer then I have. I believe you will be the greatest emperor our realm has seen in a long time and it makes me very proud to know that I fought alongside such a man as yourself. A man I proudly proclaim My Emperor and who I followed into the frays of battle together with my King and the Haeseni people.

 

My son will be a good man, a strong lord and a loyal vassal to Haense and the Empire but most of all he will be a good husband to your daughter. During their wedding day I shall look down from the Seven Skies and know that I shall shed a tear for that I am not there to see the union of our two ancient houses. But alas that is the decisive truth of war, is it not. That some may die so that others will live and if my death means that the Empire shall live on then so be it. I die with pride in my heart.

 

Your Loyal Subject, Leopold of Stafyr

________________________________

 

To my friends, the members of the Council of Nenzing

 

Perhaps calling us all friends is a stretch. Maybe we were more of necessary allies who came together with the belief that the realm needed to change. But I would die for every one of you, as our cause is in the end was just and we all serve our purpose to ensure the prosperity of the realm. So with that I shall forever consider you all my friends.

 

Know that what we have done for this Empire is that of something great and that House Stafyr shall not falter to the cause regardless of my demise. Some will spit on the ground and call us traitors but in the end we did what we did as it was the right and honourable thing to do. We set aside our differences, our past conflicts and tensions to give the Empire something it deserve. Justice and honour.

 

Do not let this fragile alliance falter once our goals have been accomplished. I beg of you all to do what you all can to ensure that prosperity of our Empire and that it remains strong. The Imperial ideas of Mankind is the cornerstone of every realm that has ever been, since the days of Asulon humanity has only been as strong as its emperor. And by God I believe we will be stronger then in centuries now.

 

Lord Leopold of Stafyr

________________________________

 

To the people of the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska

 

For all my life my one purpose has been to serve the Haeseni people to the truest extent of my capabilities. Perhaps the annals shant remember me as the greatest Palatine this realm has ever had but do know that I tried. Our Kingdom is that of a prideful history and strong standing and it shall remain so far after I have perished. Until the end of times the foundations and belief of Haense will stand.

 

The honour and pride that I have felt of being a part of this glorious nation we all share as our home can not be measured in any word and I can not even begin to explain the humility I have felt in serving the Haeseni. The House of Stafyr shall always remain as a steadfast pillar of our society and protect the northern borders of our Kingdom so that you all may live in a state of peace and prosper.

 

I give up my life for you today. So that the nation of Hanseti-Ruska and the people of Highlandic descent may continue to live within its borders and shed the shackles of tyranny. I ask of the people to remain strong and follow its King and the House of Barbanov in these times so that our Crown can guide us to newfound prosperity and a new era of greatness for the north. The Falcon shall always follow the Crow and the Almannir shall always ride for the Haeseni.

 

We come as crows.

 

Your Chancellor and Lord Palatine, Leopold of Stafyr

________________________________

 

[Flapman 625]

“The North just lost a great man.” Lerald lets out a deep sigh as he hears about the untimely death of Leopold.

[Kanadensare 456]

Ser Dominic welcomes the fellow Haenseti lordling to the Seven Skies.

[GhostSHTR 1205]

Ser Bjolfr Nord  would read the detoxified paper from across the Continent sighing” another gone.....my little leopold” The broken old man would silently cry upon the roots of a great tree, for he has seen his friends and now their children die. yet he lingers with a shattered mind.

 

“Lord Leopold was a good man, shame to see him go so soon” the Young Petyr Ludovar spoke after the battle

[Piov 2643]

“Truly a great loss to humanity. He will be remembered as a great servant to the realm, a father, and a friend to our people,” Prince Georg laments as he commemorated his colleague upon hearing Leopold’s death. 

[Imperium 3495]

King Marius sits in his chamber as he reads the letter, as he finished he’d lay it down on the desk. His eyes dart to the sword resting by his bed which hasn’t seen combat since the battle of Upper Rodenburg. “I won’t let your death be in vain my friend,” Marius grabs the swords handle taking a moment to look at the two headed Crow on the pommel. “I’ll be with you soon. . .” Marius mutters to himself before departing the chambers leaving the letter on his desk.

[Cymoril 440]

Erich Stafyr waddled around the courtyard of Nenzing, playing with the flowers to keep himself occupied. He looked up at the cloudy sky, a strange sense of foreboding entering the young boy’s mind. A cold chill blew across his face, giving him a shiver... something was off. He took the first few steps up the stairway to the keep when the large wooden doors creaked open. Out stepped several of his kin, on one side was Artos. The boy met his gaze, noticing the red around his eyes, the man had been weeping.

 

“I want to show papa something...” Erich said with a break in his voice, the large crowd had made him nervous. “Where is he...?”

[AndrewTech 3334]

Later that evening, a young man would burst forth into the courtyard of Nenzing. Adorned in chainmail armor, decorated with the Stafyr colors, he would have a gigantic pelt tucked underneath his arm...

 

...But that same direwolf pelt is tossed onto the floor as soon as the squire storms into the keep. His greatest treasure, discarded on the floor. He will rescue it later, but in the meantime, he must see to his kin.

 

“ARTOS! THOMAS! GERARD!” He cries out frantically, rushing up the steps of the keep toward his lordship’s bedroom. “Sorry I’m late, I just heard the n-“

But he would say nothing further, for he is stopped in his tracks. Family members are already filing down the stairwell, where the body had been taken shortly after the contingent’s arrival at the castle. He’d run into his brother, but the man would be left speechless. Konrad knows better than to speak to him during such a time as this, and so he doesn’t.

 

The young knight aspirant would move up the steps nonetheless. As he enters the bed chamber, he would look down upon the body, guarded by several keep guards.

 

“Cousin...” He would collapse at the foot of Lord Leopold’s bed, the color draining from his face. “...I... I’m sorry, that I wasn’t there to see you pass on to the Seven Skies...”

 

A tear would run down Konrad’s face, This man had given him everything, a chance of making something of himself in life. Although he had pulled no strings for the lad, it had been Leopold who had first encouraged him to pursue a squireship. Had he not done so, he might have never thought himself worthy to even try.

 

And now, on the cusp of knighthood, the man that he owed his ambition to, the man that had filled him with confidence, was dead.

 

He was not particularly close to Lord Leopold. The two had never spoken for long, as the late Lord Palatine was a busy man and he was but the younger brother to one of his cousins. However, he had always admired the man, always looked up to him. And he owed him.

 

Konrad remains only a few moments longer, before the guards urge him to leave. Sighing, he would decide to do so, having said his final farewells to the late lord of the House...

 

---

 

Konrad moved into the Castle’s library, a modest collection that contained some of the oldest written works in all of Haense, perhaps even Arcas itself. This was his place of solitude, where he would absorb tomes of knowledge for hours on end.

 

Perhaps it was the Sybillan blood in him? Yes, that was probably it, the scholarly branch of the House. His brother had never shared those exact same tendencies, but-

 

Suddenly, he would hear the sound of crying. Moving to investigate, the young squire would find a woman in her early thirties sitting on the ground, adorned in a blue and grey dress complete with an oily inventor’s apron.

 

“...H-He ees gone, Konrad...” The house librarian and patroned inventor would murmur in between sobs. “...Lord Stafyr... H-He ees-“

”I know, Ginevra.” The young man would reply in a firm, but well-composed manner as he moves to take a seat at the reading table. “This war has claimed many lives, his included...”

 

“Bah! W-War ees exactly zhe way zhat Lord Stafyr deed not want to go...” Ginevra would cease in her sobs, the blonde lady lifting her head up a bit as she says these words.

 

“He once told me, you know, zhat he hated war. Vhen Curon und Haense nearly went to war well over eh decade ago, he said zhat she mere thought terrified heem! Een his earlier days, zhat ees... I suppose he had grown accustomed to eet, but he vould have razzer died during peace time. Vith his kin... Making a more beautiful und better kingdom for zhe citizens of zhis great land!”

 

“...As would all of us,” Konrad would murmur, he himself having only reluctantly taken up arms at the beginning of the war. It had changed him since then, greatly, into a fighting man as well as a man of the written word.

 

Ginevra Steiger would glance back to the astrological grandfather clock in the reading room of the library, a device that she had made herself with the intent to donate it to the Royal Duma as soon as the war was at an end. “I vill dedicate mein Magnum Opus to heem.” She would state resolutely. “He loved eet so, you know... Oh, how Lord Leopold loved mein clocks!”

 

“And I shall see to it that the Horologium is given a proper home,” Konrad would state rather simply. “As the Speaker’s clerk, I will make sure the matter is discussed.”

 

“Lord Leopold v-vould like zhat... Und so vould I,” Ginevra would nod, a soft smile coming to her face as she continues to wipe away the tears. “You, young Konrad, should not concern yourself vith such thoughts right now though. Zhe direwolf... Ees eet-“

”Yes,” Konrad would grunt, burying his face in his hands. “I had hoped to tell Lord Leopold of my triumph, but-“

”He vould be happy for you, Konrad... And proud to call you eh Stafyr.” Ginevra would reassure him, moving to stand up as she drags herself off of the floor. The Hansetian would sniffle, but would seem to have regained control of herself for the time being. “Read zhe letter that he had written for you, as I have read mine...”

 

The inventor would place a sealed envelope in his hand. “Take care, young Konrad.”

 

And as she leaves, Konrad would be left alone, letter in hand. Moving to open it, he would read the note, smiling as he absorbs every word of it. Such thought, and for a cousin that he had never truly gotten the know...

 

“I’ll never forget you, Lord Leopold.” The young man would murmur to himself as he folds the letter up, intending to place it with the rest of his valuables.

 

And with that act, ‘Wolfsbane’ would return to his room, to contemplate the events that had taken place on this day of the greatest import.

[bickando 3967]

Kristoff Stafyr welcomes his grandson to the Seven Skies, a bittersweet smile crossing his face.

 

“Did you cross before your father, even after so many years?” he might have asked, had he not been watching for so long, seen the rise and fall of his son. “Did you do well?” he might have asked, had he not seen Leopold bring so much honor to his name. Instead, all he says is,

 

“Welcome home.”

[KIIWIKILLA 342]

The bells in the keep at Ayr rang out after the news of Lord Leopold’s death reached it. Marius Baruch sat in his chamber, wrapped in thick furs but still his bones ached with the cold. “A shame I’ve lived so long.” He mutters to himself. “Everyone I knew, everyone I respected, and most of the people I’ve loved have predeceased me.” A tear comes to his eye and as he blinks it is released to run down his cheek as if a horse had been released from the blocks. The death of his granddaughter’s husband had moved him; put into perspective just how much he had lost. He pens a letter to his granddaughter, Valeria, offering his and his families services in raising the children, should she need it. 

[MotherLay 996]

Erich sulks past Leana and Symon, his face full of deep sorrow. He would not spare a glance over at the twins, heading straight for the manor. This was quite unusual behavior for him, seeing as he jumped to speak or play with them every chance he got.

 

Leana follows Erich with her eyes, watching his sulky form move away from them. ”C’mon Symon, let’s go with Erich.”  She nudges him, moving off in a small skip. She’d  swing open the doors to the manor, a concerned look on her face as she drew near her cousin.  

 

Symon follows behind Leana, not really sure why they followed Erich in the first place. 

 

Erich would begin up the stairs of the foyer, little tears prickling in his eyes as he does so. He would ignore the twins’ presence, wanting to mourn alone at this time. He could not find the will to rush up the stairs as he had hoped, but submitted to taking slow steps.

 

Leana ignores this message to leave him alone, following up behind him on the stairs. She’d become more and more concerned over Erich’s behavior each step she took. ”Erich, what’s the matter?”  She questions lightly, wanting to help make her cousin feel better.

 

Erich would  plop down onto the nearest step, leaving no room for warning for Leana, who would almost trip over the poor boy!  He would have a face full of tears, sniffling loudly as he sat on the stairs, not wishing to move any longer. 

 

Leana would set herself of the stairs with him as  he almost trips her,  almost immediately pulling Erich into a tight hug. She’d be in quite the uncomfortable spot, but would suck it up for her cousin’s sake. ”What happened?” she questions simply, not letting go of the embrace.

 

Erich would cry onto Leana’s shoulder, his small body shivering as he mourns. ”P-papa.”  He stutters lightly, beginning to clutch onto her as he cries a bit harder.. He was quite distraught about it all, the words proving hard to sound out.

 

Leana pulls from the hug only lightly,  retrieving her small handkerchief that she usually carries around for situations like this! She’d lightly tap Erich’s face with it, soaking up his tears to soothe him a bit. ”Is he alright?” Leana questions, a bit panicked.

 

Erich would allow her to wipe his tears, though more flooded down, making it a bit useless to wipe them. He would sob gently, shaking his head as she asked him the question. He couldn’t give her a verbal answer at the moment, his whole throat becoming dry.

 

Leana would give a look of absolute confusion at this. How could her Uncle NOT be okay? It was just almost unheard of to her. She’d begin to tear up at that, pressing herself into another tight hug with Erich. She didn’t like this idea of Uncle Leopald being hurt, and she hated the sight of Erich being so broken. Soon, she’d just begin to cry like Erich had been. ”Is he gonna get better?” Leana asks him, unsure of the extent of his injuries.

 

Erich  shakes his head yet  again, crying louder than he had before. ”N-no” He stutters, forcing the words out. He’d continue in his crying fit, slowing down after a few minutes. Soon, he’d turn to just shaking like a freezing child. 

 

Symon would grow frustrated by this, shouting out a simple “No!”, before stomping out of the manor. (He had been afk the whole time and had to go lmaoo)

 

Leana begins to mourn with him after his answer, her little heart breaking at the thought of never seeing one of her favorite ( ❤️ ) uncles again.  She’d be consumed with grief alongside Erich, hugging onto him as tight as she could. She’d soon notice his shaking, letting go of him slowly. She’d move to stand, wiping her eyes, before reaching down to him. ”C’mon, let’s go rest” she offers,  helping him to his feet.

 

Erich silently uses her help, following her down to whatever empty bedroom the could find. He’d climb into the furthest point of the bed as they entered the room, snuggling himself in the blankets. 

 

Leana would decide to leave  Erich some space, not wanting to intrude on his mourning. She’d set a pillow and blanket on the carpet of the floor, beginning to make herself comfortable. She knew it would be a long night already. She’d begin to cry again as her uncle’s memory flashes in her mind, this time, silently.

 

Erich follows suit with Leana, crying on the bed as he begins to fall into an exhausted slumber. The slumber wouldn’t come though, not for a while at least. Every time he felt he as falling into slumber, he’d awaken again to release more tears.

 

The night proved to be long for the two, though after hours of trying, they would both fall into a deep slumber, only awakening by night the next day!

 

 

 

[___siren___ 591]

Erich and Katherine would enter the library within the walls of Nenzing, win which their great cousin Konrad was talking to their Uncles daugther Kamilla Julya Baruch.

 

Not much time passed and Kathrine danced around the room chanting "Konrad and Kamilla sitting on a tree! K-I-S-S-I-N-G!", whilst Konrad was talking about asking their great grandfather and Erich for permission to take Kamilla as his lovely wedded wife. Curious, as Katherine is and always has been, she proceeded to ask why he wouldn't ask their father Lord Leopold Stafyr.

 

Suddenly the room went quiet. Erich's eyes started watering, as he looked down on the table, his body tensing up with the growing quiet. "What?" Katherine would ask, visibly confused by their sudden change in behaviour. She could feel her heartbeat go up, she knew that something was wrong. "What is it Konrad?" she'd ask her cousin, her voice now quieter. 

"I don't think I should be the one to tell you, Katherine." her cousin would answer hesitantly. 

"Oh, well can Erich tell me?" she would turn to her younger brother, who started sniffling in memory of what happened to his father. Unable to answee himself he turned to the young man, allowing him to bring these gruesome news.

Moments passed before Konrad would take a deep breath.

"Your father died, Katharine. He was killed by a Renatian archer" he'd finally say.

 

As he spoke those words a chill went down Katherine's back, it seemed as if he world got shattered and everything felt black. Her emotions were in complete chaos... she didn't knlw what to feel or what to focus on - the mind numbing pain of the realization that she just lost her father, the one who had always been there for her, the one who raised and loved her since the day her mother gave birth to her, the infuriating anger flowing through her body, making her fume or the hope that this was just a dream and that she would wake up to her father sitting in the main hall talking to her mother and wishing her a wonderful morning. 

 

Her limbs were growing weak and tears woumd start gathering in her eyes as ahe shook her head in disbelief "No..." she'd mumble "No, he's not dead." she'd say, even though her words came out as a mere whisper. Her body began to feel like she was burning alive, the tears hurt in her eyes. "I'm sorry, but he his" Konrad replied. 

 

"NO, HE'S NOT DEAD" Katherine would shout at him, before everything grew distant. She covered her eyes, sank to the floor and started crying. Nothing seemed to matter anymore, it was like the others disappeared and she was all alone in the library. In the backround she heard Konrad saying something through the blur, but all she could do was cry. At some point, the sun was already riding again, Katherine could be found on the library floor sleeping, disrupted by occasional cries for her father.

[Legoboy7984 3155]

Ser Henrik Ludovar lets out a sigh upon hearing the news.

“How the mighty have fallen... your death will not be in vain as the tyrants of Renatus shall meet their fate as well.”