To The End

[Aidoro 464]

(Credit to UnBaed for the art!)

 

11th of The Amber Cold, 1795

 

           The sun was beginning to set as Ser Demetrius Ruthern and Nataliya Reza made their way back towards the port. Having gone to retrieve their items from Valwyck, the two were running late, rushing to make it back before the boats left them in Arcas. After the sky began to fall a few saints days earlier, the inhabitants of Arcas were leaving, and the two planned on niet being left behind. 

 

         Moving through a grove, the pair stopped to allow Nataliya time to adjust her pack, as it had begun to be quite uncomfortable to carry. As they did so, Demetrius would notice a few figures stepping out from the trees. Scruffy folk, a few men wearing patches of clothes, with dirtied appearances. “Heading back to the boats, eh?” one of them questioned, bearing a toothy grin. “Da, we are.” Demetrius replied, eyeing them warily as he drew his warhammer. “Afraid not.” the bandit replied, eyeing the two. “Ye see, it seems we are not deemed fit to be saved, by the rest of ye” pointing to their packs. “However, I’m sure your supplies will be helpful enough. Just give them here and I’m sure we can let ye pass” giving the two a quick smirk. 

 

   Turning to Nataliya, Demetrius signaled for her to prepare to run. Stepping forwards, he would hold out his pack to the bandit, gesturing for him to take it. “Thank ye, we appreciate it” the bandit would respond, reaching for the pack. However, his movement would open a small gap ahead. Taking a deep breath, Demetrius would lower his shoulder and knock the man over, pushing Nataliya forwards as the two began to run. As the two ran, more vagabonds appeared ahead of them. Not having time to stop, the pair hit the bandits head on. As one of the bandits went to swing for Nataliya, she was able to duck under his arm, moving free. Continuing about another fifty feet, she would pause and turn back, spotting Demetrius still surrounded. Clutching her trident she began to head back. “Niet Nataliya, GO. They are about to leave.” Demetrius would yell frantically. “Niet Uncle, I will niet leave ye here.” Nataliya replied, adrenaline causing her to shake. Demetrius would shake his head “Ye must, I will catch up with ye. These bandits are niet any warriors, I can handle them easily” offering an almost arrogant grin to the Princess. “Ye better” Nataliya would reply, before turning and continuing to run. His attention once again on the bandits, Demetrius would wink at them “Which of ye wants to die first?”.

 

          Nataliya would arrive at the ships some time later, panting. Begging one of the members of the HRA to go back for Demetrius, she would try to hide tears beginning to form as he said they didn’t have time. For what seemed like an eternity she paced nervously, staring towards the shore. Eventually she heard the order to leave, as the sails began to be lowered. Her gaze did not move from the shore, even when the ship had left. Finally, as the shore was about to leave sight, she let out a sob upon spotting a figure stumble onto the beach. Demetrius had arrived, but too late. Falling to his knees on the beach, Demetrius was clutching his injuries, in a lot of pain. Nataliya began to weep, asking the captain to turn around one last time. Gazing back to Demetrius, she saw him offer one last wave, giving a teary smile in response as he flashed her one of his cocky grins. As the shore dipped out of sight, she would clutch the railing tightly, watching as Demetrius now fell to the ground, before disappearing. After a while of crying, she would feel a tug on her shoulder. “Mommy, what’s wrong?” she would hear, turning to smile at her son, scooping him into her arms. She would be unable to offer a response, but continued clutching Sigismund.

 

Krusae zwy kongzem.

 

[Emery 958]

The Ludovar men gather in the ships lower deck, mourning the loss of an old ally. 

[doreebear 605]

Nataliya’s electric blue gaze watched in utter horror as the boat drifted farther and farther from the only father figure she had growing up. The woman clung onto her child tightly, trying to muster up the courage to speak.”I-” she then paused, attempting not to burst into tears in front of Sigismund. As Nataliya continued to stare out into the endless dark waters, memories began to flood her head. “Alright Kiddo! Take your pick.” Demetrius gestured to the shelves that laid in front of her. A young eager princess began to scan the shelf, pondering at what she should get. After a moment, something caught the child’s gaze, a beautifully handcrafted trident. “That one!” she exclaimed, pointing to the weapon. “Really? You want that? Alright- wait how even old are ye?” he inquired with perplexing look. “I am eight.” she’d fluttered her eyes with innocence. “Eh- old enough for me!” he’d chuckle, passing the child the trident. "Now be careful do niet hurt yourself alright?” he raised a brow in question to his niece. “Da da! I promise!” she’d giggle running off to show her mother the new gift she had just received. As one faded, another came as quickly as it left. ”Can I come!? I want to come fight with you and the HRA!” she exclaimed, balling her hands into fists before punching the air. “Mmmm maybe..” Demetrius pondered. “Demetrius!” Viktoria scolded. “Okay maybe niet.. Sorry little one, however you can join me when you are old enough. And when you become one of the greatest Dame’s that Haense has ever known!” Her Uncle then began to ruffle her dark hair. ”Da da! I will make you proud Uncle!" She saluted before embracing Demetrius in a tight manner. “I love you..” she stated warmly, gazing up to Demetrius with a jolly expression. “I love ye too kiddo.” As Nataliya came but to reality, tears began to stream down her face like a brisk waterfall. “I will never forget you Uncle, spasibo for everything you have done for me… your death will niet be in vain..” she whimpered, embracing her child tightly. After a moment, Petyr wandered up behind Nataliya, embracing her and Sigismund into a loving hug. The pair gazed out once again to the ocean, muttering a few words of thanks to the brave Ruthern.

 

[GMRO 6187]

Boris var Ruthern bobbed his head as he saw each member of his family make their way onto the boats, waiting for the last few souls to make their way aboard the boats. His eyes scanned around the deck as he began to notice the absence of his elder brother, Demetrius. As he would glance back upon the shores he finally recognised the limp body of his brother, frowning. "Dravi brother. May vy find peace. Krusae zwy Kongzem."

[Eryane 3698]

Oft did she remain quiet in most circumstances, but upon the order to leave Irena Ruthern had made it certain to count all of her family members that were to be aboard it. One by one, she saw the other Rutherns join her on the ship to the new lands; to a place that she hoped would bring new beginnings and great promise for her family. Her heart sunk as she heard someone shout in the distance they were to depart, and she had yet seen her cousin. Panicked, she hurried further to the edge of the boat to hear that Demetrius had been found dead. Her heart sank, and she buried herself in her work for the night– endlessly studying historical tomes and pieces to cover her grief. "By Bones and Barrows, coz."

[Sarven 2619]

*Marcus would offer a salute from the seven skies, a sense of sorrow for the old comrade knight*

[erictafoya 3276]

Upon reading the unfortunate news, Ser Ivan would give a final salute to the last other Knight of his generation. He would give no tears, for the man had not cried in years and was sadly used to losing his close comrades. However, he was not sad either, for he knew that Ser Demetrius “The Young” had fought bravely to protect the innocent, as he believed any Crow Knight’s life should end. “To the strongest and to the bravest soldier and knight I had the pleasure of knowing, may you rest in peace comrade.” The aging knight said as he gave a final salute. He was now the last Knight of his generation, a growing reality that he had to face.

[Aidoro 464]

Bit of ooc:  PK posts have never been my strong suit, but I’m pretty happy with how this one turned out. Big thanks to doree for allowing me to write this mostly from her perspective. After seannie left, her character didn’t have a father figure irply, and I had the honor of being that figure with Demetrius. Demetrius was a unique character for me to play, I’ve always been involved in any character with the military but I was able to do more than ever before in that regard. I was given amazing opportunities with him (big thanks to everyone in Haense for the trust to do that) and he has by far been the most enjoyable character I’ve ever played. From being knighted at age 14 irply, to helping return Rubern to Haense, I’ve been so proud to play this character and watch myself evolve both ingame and out. Haense is an amazing community, and I want to thank everyone in the community for the opportunities I was able to have on this character. I hope I made the most of them, but they mean a lot. 

[Imperium 3495]

Erik var Ruthern is getting ready to board the Oren Ship when word reaches him of his brother fate, Erik calls how they all once gathered to bury their father so many years ago the last time all of them were together. "To bones and Barrows, rest easy my brother. I regret we grew apart, if only you could see me now."