Obituary of James II

[VIROS 2709]

Obituary of James II

by Caspian of Rhen
 

James II, High Pontiff of the Church of the Canon, passed away peacefully the morning of the 7th of Horen’s Calling 1802, at the age of 90. It was the anniversary of his enthronement forty-nine years prior.

 

The late Pontiff was born as Godric Virosi in 1712. Though his parents were mere glaziers, he was a distant relative of Cecil Virosi (privy councilor to Ex. Godfrey) and Bl. Fabian the Lesser (spiritual brother of St. High Pontiff Daniel the Great). He was sponsored for seminary after refitting the stained glass of the Basilica of the Fifty Virgins, in the wake of the War of Two Emperors.

 

James II will be remembered as the longest-reigning High Pontiff in the Church’s history, responsible for the publication of the Holy Scrolls in the common tongue, eleven canonizations (the most of any High Pontiff), and an update to the Canon Law heretofore incomparable in scope. This Pontiff restored the institution of the Holy Palatinate, reasserted the moral authority of the Church, and personally invoked an apparition of Archangel Michael at the last battle of the Inferi War. He likewise celebrated the coronation of four human monarchs: Peter III as King of Kaedrin, Anne I and Joseph II as co-Empress and Emperor, and Josef I as King of Haense. In his later years, he struggled against a palsy which disabled the left half of his body, and eventually paralyzed him. Yet this did not deter him, for by the time of his passing, no other king or cardinal from the year of his election still lived. Quite literally, none remember a time before the reign of James II.

 

In his personal life, he made the acquaintance of many--his last testament, below, includes a list of these--and his friends described him as conciliatory, affable, and sentimental, but given to wry humor. He frequently commented on God’s apparent desire to call him home early, so often was the Pontiff imperiled: on a pilgrimage to Anthos, his boat foundered and he was afflicted with pneumonia after almost drowning; on a hunting expedition, his party was beset by a pack of wolves, and he resorted to clubbing one over the head with his crozier; and in the invasion of Korvassa, he was nearly dissolved by an acid bomb, if not for the timely intervention of his Knight-Regent. He was given to self-imposed solitude as his friends began to pass away, but the Pontiff nevertheless maintained a cheery public demeanor. He retained his work ethic into old age, co-authoring the first volume of Epochs of the Empire, and maintaining daily correspondence with the great leaders of humanity. After forty-nine years of laborious service to the Church, James II has found rest in the bosom of God, reunited with lost friends and family.

 

He is survived by his nephew and niece, Theon and Beatrice Virosi.

 

---

 

Testament of James II

 

Exhortation: Sola Gratia “By Grace Alone”

 

It is by grace alone I have served as your High Pontiff these long years. Because this is so, I give thanks to God and the faithful; to the priests and the laymen; to the Empire and the Dual Crown. With His Grace and also yours, our Church has persisted in loving majesty. Together we dispensed righteousness unto the nations.

 

My reign has lasted one year short of half a century. In that time, I have loved God in the faithful, and they have loved Him in me. Since my enthronement, I have treated with emperors and kings, and been confronted by visions of saints and angels--but nothing has reaffirmed my faith so strongly as the piety of the least of us: an adoring mother of adopted children, an imperiled soldier defending his homeland, and an elvish priest who abandoned his name and patrimony to serve God. Though I have ruled them, I am small in faith compared to those who have so little to spare, and yet they still offered what remained: they gave their love to God and their obedience to His Church.

 

Thus, though my tenure has been long by the standards of the Sons of Horen, its true brevity is revealed in the history of our faith: four centuries ago, Exalted Godfrey established the High Pontificate, and a millennia before, Exalted Owyn created the priesthood. Canonism has endured all these ages because it is guarded by grace of God, and our mission shall continue into the last days. I pray that, if He is willing, we shall each of us meet again in the Seven Skies.

 

DEO GRATIAS ET GRATIAS VOBIS,

High Pontiff James II

 

---

 

Last Wishes

 

To Theon: I have loved you as my own son, and so you have given a gift I thought forever lost to me. Though it is not mine to give, I petition my successor that he allow you to remain in the pontifical apartments as a guest, until such a time you leave this earth.

 

To Beatrice: All my life I have been visited by saints and angels, yet of His varied miracles, you were his greatest to me. I give you all my worldly possessions, though they are few, and sole care over my body and funeral arrangements.

 

To Philip: You still look upon me with the admiring and reverent eyes of that young prince I met in Helena, and I have always strived to meet your expectations. I will never leave your side.

 

To Johan: I pray I may see your father again, and hope to tell him of the fine servant of God his son has become.

 

To Pius: Nothing I can say will compare to a word you have written. Your diligent work and your beatific manner give proof that with God, we may all achieve the promise of the Virtue. I am blessed that now that I have departed, I may finally pay you a compliment you cannot humbly wave away.

 

To Simon: Though you always kissed my ring at our parting, I should have been kissing yours. In times of chaos, you forged peace.

 

To Manfried: You are the model of the priesthood.

 

To Josef I & Joseph II: Wear carefully those crowns I set upon your heads, and love each other as brothers.

 

To Griffith: I pray that, in Gwynon, you have finally found the rest you seek.

 

To Goren: All is forgiven.

 

To Alfred: I can think of none better to defend my old See, beloved Jorenus.

 

To Viktor Lorenz: When some tried to make me a stranger in the land of my own birth, it was your family who welcomed me home.

 

To Anabel: I have been assured of your quality each day since we met, when Bl. Harald appeared to us.

 

To Laurence: Though often I sent you away, you have always returned. God willing, I will set aside a bottle of champagne for our next meeting.

 

To Sergei: Despite the many perils I have faced with you by my side, I never feared you would falter.

 

To Tirilan: The Palatine Guard is made nobler by your efforts.

 

To Viktoriya: We have met but few times, and yet your strength is so remarkable that I could not pass without paying you a final compliment.

 

To Amadeus: You have served faithfully, opening doors I could not on my own.

 

To Corwin: My greatest failure is that, when given the opportunity, I did not place the crown of Sutica upon your kingly head.

 

To Bram: None can match the fervor with which you defend the tenets of our faith.

 

To Ailred: Reinmar shall always remain the second home of my heart.

 

To Cyril: You are enduring proof that those who are truly called to the priesthood, no matter their circumstance, will always flourish.

 

To Luisa: Your gift to me has been of great comfort, and you are a testament to the worth of the virtuous mage.

 

To all my friends and family, I say only that I love you, and in each of you resides a ray of God’s light. I have no other last words except “The righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance. He shall not be afraid of evil tidings, his heart is ready to hope in the Lord.” (Proverbs 3:12)

 

Spoiler

 

[DahStalker 2839]

 

          The ocean of robes in the pallid colors of creams and sharp reds had gradually escaped the confines of the Holy Father Chamber’s, leaving behind only the scent of dust and tobacco. At the foot of the bed where the corpse of the aged James II once lay now sat a somber Beatrice, features overshadowed with grief and relief. As if life itself were an orchestra and she a lute - a chord from her body had been plucked - gone forevermore. A stolen note from her soul, from her grasp. As she sat there resonating about the past she could only reach out nimbly and try to collect all of the flooding memories that crashed into her mind, consuming her entirely, and threatening to devour her entire being until she was no more. Beatrice could only continue and sit there with a pang of guilt as she allowed the envy to escape from the depths of herself, extending outwards from her core as it entangled her in a sheer web, jealous of those with certainty. A certainty that they would be reunited once more with their beloved Holiness as she sat with a boiling uncertainty
and doubt. 
 

         She hated Oren and the Church, despised even. As her nimble hands worked around a ring once worn by her exalted relative the woman sulked into a state of muffled scornfulness, metallic stare averted onto the window at her front as it became clouded by a complexion of murk. As death slowly consumed the late Vicar of Man - she heard muffles and utterances of the next High Pontiff alongside the looks of dismay and corrupt curiosity. Only few radiated genuine love for the man who slowly fell into eternal slumber. As the last confession spewed wheezily from the mouth of James II a newfound relief spilled into the tight room, allowing it space. Yet, in a bold flicker of aureate light and an overwhelming fatherly warmth he was gone. It was difficult to hear her own shrill cry as she hunched over the warm corpse of James, sobbing into whatever comfort remained as it slowly faded, lost in a haze of tears. 
 

Following that wretched night the woman would stand at a window sill in silent prayer, holding onto the memories of adventures and simple encounters fondly. As she lifted her chin to the stars she could only hope to dream - to dream of a future in which she would meet her beloved friend once more. As she turned her gaze and noticed a used candle the girl would take a hold of the match box nearby and ignited one to spur the burnt wick into a timid flame. A tradition she would continue until her final breath. 


 

The bittersweet flavor of chocolate covered the roof of the young teen’s mouth as she’d silently eat at the messy treat, boots clad in dirt as she traversed along the roads of Kaedrin, green skirts flourishing in every haste step. Out of boredom the girl had begun to scourge her newfound home, admiring every aspect of it; the stalks of wheat, fertile soil, musing cattle. The vibrant melody of the providence brought herself a certain tranquility and to her it was a dream, something made by the Saint’s themselves she had learned further into her adulthood. Yet, as she approached the old cathedral built from ivory and stone she couldn’t fight the urge to enter, muddied boots stepping foot within to an aisle composed of red carpet. And there stood a pious man of humble stature donned in robes of crimson and white, hair an unyielding color of chocolate akin to the bar she had previously ate. And as the girl had introduced herself and he himself she could not help but smile and say:
“Godric. Goooodric. God-ric. What a silly and fitting name.”
And in return he smiled.

Edited January 7, 2021 by DahStalker

[Harald 2465]

As Johan once more entered the chambers of James II a tear would quickly form in his eyes as the large man would look to the floor. "You shall never be forgotten old friend, not only where you the Longest lasting High Pontiff in our history, but I dear say the greatest" he'd sign the Lorraine before bowing kissing James II hand before whispering something to him "Though we might not see one another again in this life. we shall in the Seven skies, give father my good words, I shall watch over your family as if they where my own." after this he'd rise saying a small prayer before once more signing the Lorraine turning to leave the room..

 

Within the peaceful realm of the Seven Skies Saint Harald would stand ready at the gates with his cane and pipe awaiting his old friend. once he finally saw James II enter he'd smile opening his arms "Your aged a bit huh?" he'd say in a joking manor. as they went into the seven skies Harald would finally feel a bit more at peace after hearing all the story's James would have to say

[Caranthir_ 2088]

Vice Chancellor Amadeus, now Regent of the Holy Mother Church, prepares the College of Cardinals without delay whilst intensely mourning the death of his very old friend.

[rep2k 2477]

Hearing the news of the death of High Pontiff James II, Alfred's thoughts wandered.  They wandered into the past, where everything was simpler, better, and more beautiful.  The former warrior had known about the main icon of the Church since his war days were over, and he had known his Holiness even more since he had embarked on church waters.  After reading the official obituary, because he did not want to believe in his death in any other way, his face turned pale.  That news was too much for him, because he knows that High Pontiff was on very good terms with his family.

 " God..Oh God, does the news have to mentally end a man ..? Such unexpected information, that God forgives my sins. His Holiness..was an icon and figure that we, all believers, should have in mind, all his deeds gave us a fine example of how we, as humans should think and act .. What more can I say .. " 

Father Alfred signs a Hussariyan cross, praying for the late High Pontiff James II.  

" God bless you, Your Holiness .. It was an honor  to know you and share the faith with you. "

Edited January 7, 2021 by repl1ca

[Jameson_h 334]

Tirilan reads the obituary as he sits in his office quietly sipping at a glass of whiskey, his eyes water at the brief acknowledgement of his efforts, determined to make the  9 simple but powerful last words to him mean something 

[JoanOfArc 4586]

Griffith of Gwynon found his peace at last, but it was not in Gwynon. He learned of the news of James II's death from Beatrice Virosi firsthand. He offered a small prayer to Blessed Seraphim to take care of his dear friend. Did the prayer ever find its way to Seraphim? he wondered. How many more friends of his had to die and how many more friends did he have to outlive until he was able to see God at last?

Edited January 7, 2021 by JoanOfArc

[GoodGuyMatt 7060]

Brandt Barclay crosses the lorraine as he hears of the holy pontiff James II(k)'s passing "Saint Tylos deliver him" he said simply before dipping his head into prayer

[Lojo613 1420]

Goren smiles, and repeats “Requim aeternum donna eis, Domine, et lux perpetua luceat eis, luceat eis.” The final refrains of the hymn sung over peaceful body of High Pontiff James II.

[Draeris 3118]

"A sad day for the faith," Laurence kneeled beside James II, holding his now cold hand "We have fought and reconciled, but you were truly a father that I never had to me. From a young boy until now, you have nurtured me to become who I am. Thank you, Your Holiness. May your soul find the rest it finally deserves."

Edited January 7, 2021 by Draeris

[drowknows 696]

A Santegian Bishop would sign the Lorriane cross infront of a fine weaven print of Mother Julia within his apartment. "Descansa en paz, the Holiest Pontiffico is in Horen's realm now, Deus bless."

[LithiumSedai 4835]

A single tear stained the brief note and the obituary Corwin had received. A wistful smile played on his lips between earnest prayers for the Pontiff's soul, as the old man set off to light another candle in the endless sea of flames representing countless friends - and once foes - now long gone, awaiting Paradise in eternity. He whispered to the parchment in his wrinkled hand:

 

"A lasting torch in the lasting darkness neither burns out nor loses its bright light."

[Axelu 3691]

Sister Anabel had offered His Holiness her prayers and chaplet prior to his departure. Despite this final encounter, his August and holy presence was indubitably yearned for - by she and the Canonist flock. 
 

“You will be among the best of us,” she told him with confidence, despite her somber disposition, that fateful day - a notion that was, without a doubt, the very picture of reality. 

[Drumoldth 207]

As Father Otho rang the bells of the Bassilica of Karosgrad in a sorrowfull tone, he said to himself  "May God rest our Holy Father's soul."

[Viggen92 325]

Subprior Ademar of the Wigbrechtian order signed the Lorraine as he received the news of the passing of the High Pontiff. His head hung low as he uttered a couple words into the air that filled the Cathedral of Providence. "May you find eternal peace in the Seven Skies, and may your successor be as diligent as you have been, Your Holiness." The voice of the aging monastic would be solemn, but carry a certain warmth to it as it echoed throughout the halls.

Edited January 7, 2021 by Viggen92