How did it come to this?

[winterblood 11181]

 

 

[[Jakub Schikaneder]]

 

“Why should I fly from those who love me dearer than kin or kind?”

“Because they will tear the heart from your breast if you go, and the soul from your body if you bide.”

[[Esther M. Friesner]]

 

“To Saint Catherine I pray, and to God Himself who reigns over the Seven Skies… I implore you both for your Insight, for I feel so horribly lost and afraid.”  Margaux Helvets’ words were incredibly faint, a mere quavering whisper that just gently slipped out from her lips.  Pressed close to her was her cross of Lorraine, though it was of Haeseni design.  It was made of silver, though its glimmer and sheen were rather tarnished for this particular cross was quite old.

 

This very cross had been the one her aunt Arianne of Kaedrin had clung to through her own toils, and continued to clutch close to her as her wounds from the Scyfling Conflict in Hanseti-Ruska killed her.  It was said she gave her life to save two Haeseni royals while trying to guide them to safety on the field of battle; she used her body as a shield from a volley of arrows and her strength soon left her.

 

Margaux was stuck on a question that formed in her thoughts, which refused to leave her ever since her and her friend, Nataliya Reza, ventured toward Karosgrad at the start of the month…

 

The following is a published journal entry of Margaux Helvets.

 

Nataliya and I agreed to travel to the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska together, now that the snows of its passes had begun to thaw with the coming of spring.  I had asked if she would accompany me, as I’ve often been quite hesitant in leaving the Empire with no form of escort or anyone to keep me company.  In addition, I felt that the presence of Her Highness would aid me in calming my nerves, as well as communicating with the ever-silent Knight, Prince Aleksandr; a sibling to Nataliya and my new instructor in a school of light combat who had sworn a holy vow of silence.

 

Our reasons to trek toward the red city of Karosgrad was to meet with Prince Aleksandr, as I had begun to notice my letters to him went unanswered for too long to feel at ease.  I also had an interest to meet with Princess Katerina Ceceliya, for she and I had become rather good friends within the past recent weeks; she had made an extended visit to my family’s home to clear her head after struggles with her family.  A fresh bruise marked her cheek.

 

Unfortunately, Princess Katerina’s visit was cut short after but a few weeks as knights of Hanseti-Ruska soon came knocking upon my door; helping themselves into my home, before I could officially welcome them, to inquire about the princess’ whereabouts and escorted her back to her homeland after a lengthy discussion.

 

Princess Katerina and I haven’t seen each other since, and I had longed to see my dear friend again and to ensure she kept her promise to me of scavenging for herbs and flowers in the countryside of her Kingdom; I have always adored nature, and was curious to learn on what medicine secrets that herbs possessed as I have kept my studies almost purely to flowers.

 

Our trip was rather long and tiring, the harsh and bitter winds of Hanseti-Ruska were hardly welcoming as they always are; I fear that I shall never become inured to the frigid climate of Rimveld.  Fortunately, once we passed through the walls of Karosgrad the winds weren’t as harsh, but I had already been chilled to my core.  The springs of Haense hardly felt any different compared to their winters.

 

We sought warmth in the Nikirala Palace, hoping to find either Prince Aleksandr or Princess Katerina in the open halls.  As it turned out, King Heinrik and his family had been absent on a trip to the nearby hold of Reinmar, according to a gentleman in the foyer.  Not excited to return to the chilled weather outside, Princess Nataliya and I chose to loiter as we were informed that the royal family would return soon enough, within the Saint’s hour.

 

Soon enough, they did; however, we were not greeted with whom we originally sought.  Rather, we ended up crossing paths with King Heinrik himself and his many guards; one who turned out to be the gentleman to lead the party that sought after Princess Katerina naught but a few weeks prior.  He stood right at the king’s flank, and introduced me as ‘the one to harbor Princess Katerina’ to the King.

 

Not long after formal introductions were had, it was as if the world was turned upside down for Princess Naraliya and myself.  His Majesty promptly ordered for the arrest of Princess Nataliya, accusing her of treason and that she practiced dark magics; crimes that would sentence her to death by being burned at the stake.

 

I was near speechless at this sudden order for arrest and, despite the knot in my gut, I tried to speak up to question such bizarre claims; however, I was soon ordered to remain silent by the King.  Demanded to not question or interrupt him, while I was forced to watch Princess Nataliya be bound, blinded, and assaulted - once she struggled; but who wouldn’t refuse their instincts of fear and survival once they’ve just been informed that they shall be tied to a post of kindling and oil that would be set alight?  With no trial even offered to defend her innocence. 

 

To say the very least, I was horrified.  Horrified for the safety of my dear friend as well as for myself; it was as if everything became a blur for me at that point, as if I found myself in a dark dream; watching myself deep from within my own body while a different part of me held control over my own actions.  All I could do was watch with bated breath.

 

I was escorted out of the room where my friend was arrested, it was demanded that no one else be welcomed in the palace; the pyre was being constructed in the square.  Between my walk from the Haeseni ballroom, through the throne room, and into the foyer; I had tried to convince myself that what had just occurred was but a figment of my own imagination.  It couldn’t have been true.  Reality came screaming back at me, much akin to the icy winds of Haense howling past me as I stepped through the doors of the palace and was granted a view of the city square.  A pyre had been constructed.

 

All that I could think to do in that moment was cling to my cross; the cross of my aunt’s who gave her life to save members of the family that now demanded an execution without trial against one of their own.  How did it come to this?  A large crowd filled the entirety of the square, surrounding the pyre as they listened to the beckoning and shouts of His Majesty; telling them of Nataliya’s assumed guiltiness and her soon-to-come death. 

 

Cries came from everyone; words of support and excitement to see a witch killed for her crimes… And words of protest, which gave me hope; questioning the integrity of this whole situation and reason for such severe means of punishment and lack of a trial for an innocent woman.  One of the loudest voices that caught my attention was an elderly man in a green coat.

 

He went forth to recite the law to the King and a Haeseni judge that was quite vocal in his support for the king’s hasty judgement; proceeding to ask the judge if he truly was a Haeseni Jovenaar or an actor as he clearly showed no regard for law and order.  Near immediately, this man was flanked by the knight that led in Princess Nataliya’s arrest and Princess Katerina’s return who now threatened to arrest this gentleman for speaking against the King - already proceeding to push him away from the pyre.

 

Shouts continued to be made from people of all sides of the city square, more now in favor of defending Princess Nataliya’s innocence and demanding her right to a fair trial; but all of their words together still fell upon the deaf ears of His Majesty, who still ordered for the execution to commence.

 

Everything was becoming a blur for me as I watched my friend be tied to the stake raised in the square, amidst all of the shouting and frenzy, my heart pounded loudly in my ears.  I had even tried to join the fellow voices of reasons that favored Princess Nataliya, but it seemed as if matters somehow turned even more dark.

 

The King’s eyes were suddenly blackened and his mouth opened, spilling out words in a language unknown to everyone’s ears and brought only ill-feelings and discomfort to the ears.  It was blatant proof that some form of dark corruption ailed His Majesty’s spirit, who soon collapsed to his knees; and despite his struggling, still gestured for the execution to continue.

 

The leading knight chose to not question what event had occurred, and seemed more focused - nay, eager to proceed in being the one to end Princess Nataliya’s life.  Her pyre was set alight and the definition of pandemonium became Karosgrad.

 

So much happened so quickly, I doubt I shall be able to describe it accurately with words. To put it short; a sorceress on the opposite side of the square stepped up and took action with her spells.  With her might, she was able to put out the flames that licked toward my innocent friend. And at some point, The King had been escorted back into the palace.

 

Unfortunately, I know naught of the sorceresses fate - for the crowd became more dense around me and I was prevented from my clear view.  Therefore, I sought higher ground to see if Nataliya still remained unharmed; however… Once I had finally caught a glimpse of her, I saw her go limp against the stake - with an arrow protruding from her chest.  The knight responsible for her death was the same one that took charge of her execution; it seemed he could not bear another second in this world with her still living and chose to try to take her life.

 

Most of the chaos stalled when Nataliya’s cries for help ceased.  Through my tears, I could see the man in the green coat tentatively approach her still body.  It turned out that this gentleman was Konstantin Wick, former Lord Palatine and the beloved uncle to Nataliya.  He was allowed to remove her from the pyre, delicately holding her still body in his arms.  We both agreed that she ought to be delivered to her family; her true family.  Her family that didn’t shun her and cast her away; her family that didn’t choose to take her life.

 

Together and in silence, Konstantin and I left Karosgrad and Haense with Princess Nataliya.

 

The entry then ends.

 

 

 

How did it come to this? This cannot be the same family my aunt chose to sacrifice herself for… This cannot be the same family that Nataliya came from; who is so loving and sweet. Margaux Helvets felt the familiar sting of tears in her eyes, she knuckled them away.  

 

Wherever had Prince Aleksandr been throughout all of this? She had not seen the silent knight anywhere during the incident and grew deeply worried, despite her grief.  Margaux could do nothing to locate him now, as she was leagues away from Hanseti-Ruska and should likely not ever return.  The thought of seeing King Heinrik and his most leal knight again nearly made the woman nauseous and shudder.

 

Margaux had prided herself in not being scared easily, but this was the first night where she felt terrified.

 

 

OOC Comment:

I got no OOC hard feelings and would like for it to be said that no one should take this RP into OOC, despite the conflict between characters.  I also apologize if my writing quality is poor, since it's nearing 4:00 AM...

[Tiresiam 462]

1 hour ago, UnBaed said:

 

 

 

 

Robert Bourdon signed the Lorraine, and began to bop to Spyro toons as the Lady Reza began to burn. No amount of melting flesh nor screaming hairy Northman able to ruin his nostalgia as he hummed those tunes of the purple dragon. 

[BobBox 3798]

An 'Ame was handed the publication by a friend and he soon read it, a frown then forming on his features. Looking over to his left, at the previously used set of armor and tools, he spoke "They're really drawing me out of retirement? And here I thought I could rest at least two years..."

[Isthatyou 131]

Varon Draskovic frowns, reading the missive. He then began to sell flowers to the grieving.

[TheNunnery 1853]

 

Alyssa Seregon would be sitting upon beaches of the south- upon the beach's grainy, but, smooth sands. The 'aheral would take a deep breathe as the wind blew over her pale, golden, hair. For a moment- the Seregon simply closed her eyes- going back to the vile memories a month ago- to her trying to stop the hanseti burn an innocent woman on the stake and being arrested for doing so, fearing for her life and being told she was doing no help by trying to save here- where she told herself she was going to die- where she feared she was going to die- but was realesd but threatened by the knights of Haense. All the way to her friend, Marguax, shutting down and turning down her offer to help- when she told her so much of her own problems to comfort her. Then having to pack her bags before, to leave a place she no longer felt safe. After all of these thoughts came in- there was one thing the 'aheral did when she opened her eyes- cry- cry not for the lost of one's life- but the lost of her home- the life she built- was crumbling down.

 

Every

 

Single

 

Minute

 

[louislxix 3198]

The Knight in question perched in an old seat of timbre, nearing the farms of the demesne he was raised upon, reflecting on that day of events. His face exhibited as a forbearing and compliant exterior, but the eyes of the man, they spoke a different story.

[Security_ 2287]

Reading through the journal, an elder’s gray eyes flicker over the text in clear dismay. Laying lazily upon a tortoise, he lowered the writing for the shelled ancient to see, “Trying times it seems, though the people will always aim for righteousness.” Rolling the entry into a roll the man whistled as the scroll was pocketed, the duo now heading northwards into the Rimveld.

[HurferDurfer1 2978]

"He truly is a carbon copy of his father, not a single unique trait or mannerism in his body. I had hoped this would all quiet down over time but the boy so called King of Haense didn't learn from his predecessor, a shame." Sir Candle said this to the people around him as he gouged out the earth in his tunneling endeavors.

[CopOwl 1707]

The resigned Asphodel cries but a single tear as she reads the entry, having found it maybe nailed to a post, the noticeboard or a building. She writes in her own diary and records that she hopes someone carries the innocent woman in their prayers henceforth. She brushes away the tear and places a gentle hand on her heart in silent sadness. "I'm sorry I could do nothing for you, poor, unknown blank. I regret to inform you that few people will remember you in 5 years... However like my own siblings and those who've passed, I'll hold you close and dear though no one will hear my cries of silent memory." This outburst of poetry and eloquent language surprises her but she continues to write it in her own diary, dedicating the page to those whose lights go out unfairly and unheard.