A Ship Sailed For Freedom

[Nectorist 12875]

 

Spoiler

 

A SHIP SAILED FOR FREEDOM

"Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon ‘em.”

- Shakespeare

 

One step forward. Two steps forward. “By God,” muttered the Duchess of Furnestock as she collapsed to her knees on the gravel pathway, surrounded by tulips, roses, and bushes trimmed to perfection. All that surrounded her, from the pristine white walls of the palace to the fine crimson clothing she wore then, was all perfect. Her eyes widened in shock as she stared at the path that seemed to grow ten times in length the longer she looked at it. In her grasp an old letter crinkled as she gripped it tighter. What price had she paid for the diadem that now rested on her head? A cry of agony erupted from the Duchess as she held her head in her hands. The crumbled letter she once held dropped to the garden floor, soon thereafter followed by the metal ringing of a diadem skipping across the gravel rocks.

 

Dearest Victoria,

 

Childe, you know I was remiss upon hearing of your betrothal - I do not blame you for failing to tell your poor mother, however, given my reaction when I did learn of it. Please, though, think of your own future - with Philip, you shall be shackled by the bonds of my relatives - and I fear you shall find yourself damaged in the process. With-

 

Behind her, heavy footsteps thudded against the grasses that swayed in the evening winds. The glow of the soft moonlight was obscured for a moment, tucked away behind a large silhouette. Perhaps to any other, such a large figure looming overhead would have brought fright, but Anastasya knew who he was: a man who could bring some comfort on this wretched eve. The Duke of Furnestock took to his wife’s side, resting a hand atop her shoulder as she bore her burden.

 

"At the hand of none other than my own, I brought destruction and desolation to my family all for this. A mother murdered, a father missing, and my sister is nothing like how I recall. Cold, distant. Rarely have I seen a glimpse of my brothers. It eats at my soul ‘til there’s nothing left but a wonder if it was worth all that has been lost.”

 

Were she to ask, perhaps Philip Amadeus would have lied, a rare thing from him, and said that he had caught her out while on a stroll. He knew, though, that she would have caught it in a moment. No secrets left unshared between the two, just as Philip knew his wife’s heart grieved, so too did Anastasya know that her husband found her on his own accord. The soldierly prince lifted his head to the sky as he wordlessly consoled his wife, looking to the blanket of stars glistening brightly above. Even the many lights emanating from the Augustine could not obscure them, for it was nights like these- clear, cool, with a gentle breeze- that held beauty.

 

"Raise your head and look above, my dear. The glory of this world is ceaseless, even for those who have been dealt by it a poor hand. There is a God above this all, one who ordains this world under a vision of paradise. We face loss so we may know what it means to treasure someone, we see imperfection because it strives us to reach perfection, we face evil so we may appreciate good. You have suffered, but it is so this future may be delivered to you.” He said to her, his tone far softer from his naturally humorous, loud demeanor.

 

Thus Anastasia sprung from her fallen place and brought her arms to wrap around her husband as though it would be at any moment that she might lose her greatest friend and confidant. “You have suffered the same, Philip. This role has been thrust upon you from birth, weighing on your shoulders before you had the ability to carry it.” When she moved away from the embrace, confusion dotted her countenance. “What future is it you speak of?”

 

"Look up!” He once again urged her, pointing to the night sky. “It’s beautiful, no? It’s the same sky that is seen in Yong Ping, in Elvenesse, in Redenford and Dobrov and here in Providence. Even further, to the distant corners of the world; lands that we’ve yet to know, they stare upwards to the same sky. The world is connected, so no matter where we are, we know that we are not alone.” At that, he began to laugh heartily, the spirit of the young lad still within him ringing throughout the night. “I had feared something, Anastasya, that if I ever left, I would be lonely, away from those I love. Yet the stars guide me- they tell me that no matter where I am, I am not alone.” At that, he reached a hand out to her, offering to take her own. “Join me, so we may be free.”

 

"Free?” She queried when looking upon his opened palm with some subtle curiosity, yet it all seemed to settle in her mind what the meaning was behind his words. A subtle laugh of her own escaped her. Without another moment to hesitate, Anastasya laid her hand in his. “Where are we off to this time?”

 

"I think east. I’m no sailor, but I can find a crew for us. They’ll come cheap enough. We can find some new land, surely, a place to call home once again,” he told her, the excitement in his voice growing. He soon expanded upon the plan in great detail, laying out the logistics of the undertaking. As he spoke, the Prince’s mind drifted not towards the future he would build with Anastasya, but instead the dream that captivated him when he was a boy:

 

He was on a boat in the middle of a lake. He didn’t know what lake, he didn’t know where, he didn’t even know who ‘he’ was at all. None of it mattered under the sun’s warm rays basking against him, or the gentle sway of his craft on the calm waters. For once, no burdens rested heavily upon his broad shoulders. He was not a prince expected to rule an Empire, he did not have a nation to represent, he did not have some higher conduct to uphold. He was merely a man adrift at a lake, enjoying the stillness of the day. He was at peace, for once, and because of it he considered the moment the best he had ever lived.

 

"A life of peace and serenity, of our own choosing.” Was it her mother’s voice she heard ringing sweetly in the crevice of her mind, or was it her father’s? Perhaps it might have been both. “I hope there will be festivities full of dance and song near wherever we land, and a small place to call home where I may pick up gardening. And when our children are ready, we shall send them to these lands if it is what they so desire, for them to prosper.”

 

---

 

A large boat anchored near the dock of Providence’s Harbor, a flurry of passengers and crew alike bustling about to load the ship, prepare the decks, and make inspections for a sailing soon to commence. At the head of these men was an elder statesman, the esteemed Franz Sarkozy, barking around numerous orders to the members of the crew. Beside his stood a proud, handsome woman of short stature, but coldly fierce disposition. All it took was a mere glare from her to get the more lax among them to resume their work at a quicker pace. Among the crew was a tanned elven man with white hair, a fat boy sweating mightily in the morning sun, a young ISA recruit doing all his tasks with a joyous energy, a muscular wood elf bearing the tattoos of the Ithelanens, a twisted and ugly snow elf shambling along, and lastly, a tall and lanky priest- a homely man who looked something like a bird. 

 

As busy as they all were, they immediately snapped to attention upon the arrival of the Duke and Duchess of Furnestock, the two of them dressed plainly, as not to distinguish themselves from the bustling crowd of the city’s port. Cradled in the Duchess’s hands was a cross that seemed to emit a gentle glow. As they made their way up to the deck, Philip shook Franz’s hand, passing the elderly fellow a sum of coins.

 

"You and your crew are willing to do a daunting thing, following us in our travels. This coin may not mean much, wherever we find ourselves, but it is the only gift I can give you now.” Said the Prince, looking out over the great expanse of the sea.

 

"No worries, Your Imperial Highness. I just confessed to a crime, so it’s probably best I skip town and find adventures elsewhere anyway...” Franz’s voice trailed off upon saying that, and he quickly switched the topic. “But yes, the men here all have something they desire out of making new lives in new lands! It’s an odd thing, life. You know, life is actually much like a sandwich, for you see-”

 

"Shut it, dear, I shan’t hear that damned sandwich metaphor again!” Screeched the older woman at Franz’s side, bonking him over the head with a cane. Rubbing the top of his noggin, Franz rolled his eyes, gesturing for the pair to board the vessel. 

 

 

A weight lifted from Anastasya’s shoulders greater than she had imagined it to be. Would those who bore her at last be proud of her decisions? Not one doubt came across her mind, for she knew the decision that she and her husband had come to was the right one. No longer did stress flood the young woman’s mind at each waking moment; instead, a beautiful image painted itself when she closed her eyes. A remote cottage on the outskirts of a city where the roses grew rapid and the grass was a hair too tall decorated her dreams. Several children laughed and played, chasing each other endlessly without a moment’s rest from the fun. When Anastasya opened her eyes again, an endless sea awaited her. A smile came across her lips.

 

"SET SAIL!”

 

As soon as the cry came, the sound of an anchor being lifted from the floor of the ocean began to whine. Slowly, and steadily, the ship took off to sea. Philip took to the side of the vessel, allowing the wind to blow through his strawberry hair. He was elated, a joy rose within him that he had only felt on the field of battle, having tasted victory as soldier and commander alike. Such spiritedness, though, drove his passions, and no sooner did he thank the Lord for his chance to depart his old life and live a new one, he ran to the back of the ship, desperately hoping to catch a final glimpse of Providence, the city he so loved. His gaze, blurred by tears forming within him, then found it! The spiraling towers of the administrative buildings, the bells of the Cathedral, the looming figure of the Augustine! These familiar things, though he was losing them with every passing second, consoled him until they became too faint to perceive on the boundless horizon. He rested there for a moment, the breath expelled from his lungs as he thought of all those he had left behind, but soon enough he rose once again, making for his wife’s side at the front of the ship. A new life had now begun for the both of them.

 

At last, the ship sailed for freedom.

 

Spoiler

 

 

 

 

The stress of real life should not be exacerbated by a game that you are supposed to enjoy — and I hope this advice I have been given is something that everyone on here takes as well. As many of you know I have a new puppy, Reina, who I love and want to spend all my free time with. I have 18 credit hours and need to focus on my life as there is so much going on. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to my time here (Nectorist, JoanOfArc, Zaerie, GMRO, and so many more) o7 - Eryane

 

Let’s hope Corona II doesn’t hit and force us back on. Also, y'all are great. Take it easy. - Nectorist

 

[Taketheshot 3834]

Joseph d'Azor stood in the garden with his family as he read of the departure of the Duke and Duchess of Furnestock. A demure look washed over his face as he felt unease for the first time in a long while, the man handed the missive to his wife as he looked over his children, blissfully unaware of the affairs of state that unfolded around them. The way forward was what was ahead. "The future is unclear... all must pull together for this next chapter, may Philip and Anastasia find peace abroad... the hopes we had for them are gone now, but at least they are together in their journey wherever it might lead them, at least they are not alone..." The man crossed his arms as he looked to the gardens around the small family, worry washed over him internally but the man offered a light smile for his friends who would not feel the pressure of the Empire. 

@Azie

 

 

Spoiler

Nectorist, Eryane, yall were really some truly great people, big parts of our community that I saw as leading us into a great era in the Orenian community. Ultimately you gotta do what you need to do IRL, that always comes first. But im glad I got to speak with you both over these last couple of months. @Nectorist @Eryane Good luck in your future away from LOTC, yall deserve nothing but the best!

 

[Azie 657]

Philippa Antoinette shifted her sight to the missive, her face contorted by a heavy sigh exhaled from her lips. Memories of the imperial wedding, which had only happened two months before, poured over her. With a frown on her lips, the woman considered herself, her family, and her friends. "We must, for our future." She said as she walked to her gardens to greet her children.

 

Spoiler

Hey @Eryaneand @NectoristI wish you two luck with real life endeavors, and thank you for what you've done for our community. Best wishes :) 

 

[Maevlin 724]

Anna d'Arkent had just gotten back from yet another trip when she was made aware of what happened. "Please Godan, keep them safe as they take the break that is so desperately needed. Please let them enjoy the peace and quiet, and live long, happy lives..." She prays upon her entry, hoping it reaches them.

[veganwalmart 1059]

Upon receiving the news of Philip and Anastasia’s disappearance, the usually-smiling Ruby’s face twisted into a defeated frown. What was she to do, without the guiding light of her truest friends in this world? The thought was far too troublesome to think, and so she prayed. She prayed to GOD for an answer, she prayed that He would grant Philip and Anastasia peace in their journey, but most of all she prayed for the future of Oren — for what was this nation now that it’s brightest leaders had vanished? She shuttered to think this treasonous thought, and yet she could not vanquish it from her mind. “GOD save us, for they no longer can.” She muttered finally as she rose, retreating from the cathedral with her head hung low. 

 

[amyselia 2962]

Claude Élisabeth lit a candle for the pair and set it to billow in the open wind of a nearest window, a symbol for the slow and whickered death of the memory of the greatest among the friends she'd known for so long. In their absence was a dream to cherish, love to foster, and hopes to carry on in the wake of a new fear.

 

Spoiler

I'LL MISS YOU SO FRICKING MUCH HOW DARE YOU LEAVE. :( We love you Ery & Nect.

 

[Harald 2875]

r

[libertyybelle 6187]

Amelia sat in her room and stared in the mirror. Another family member gone from the Renzfeld kin. 
 

“I will always have your back, Amelia.”

 

”Thank you, Pip.”
 

She grimaced at the memory but knew her brother would be happy on the other side. He never really was one for court, she thought.

[JoanOfArc 4604]

Griffith smiled down upon is prodigy with a certain reverence. "Learn from my mistakes," the priest said up in the heavens, "Your wife will always be more important than your duties. Have faith, and stick to God's word. I will see you soon."

[kujo_ 2510]

14 minutes ago, Nectorist said:

Would those who bore her at last be proud of her decisions?

 

The husk of a figure halts its aimless trudging along the coast of Almaris, glancing to the waters. It was overcome by relief, something hard to come by. The being then reached into a trouser pocket, squeezing a cross that bore a dim glow, before it continued on.

 

Spoiler

Have a good one, it's well deserved.

 

[Asutto 2452]

Spoiler

o7 Long live the King

 

[MunaZaldrizoti 8037]

The Dowager of Dobrov was brought the news by her little Josephine, whom had heard from the courtiers of the ducal departure. She let free a heavy sigh, thinking back upon words spoken by her eldest, in regards to the palace and it's underlying nature. She wondered if their family was cursed, driving away those of sharpened mind in favor of continued pompous revelry.

[MRCHENN 4741]

From yonder, an aged Imperial lord lays a cigar to the side, flickers of divine ember and ash falling from his maw in cold temperance. The ethereal gaze of the morning sun lights the small room within Provins. It was daybreak, yet, it felt like the end of many things, an era of Regency. A bird flutters from his desk; perhaps it would find the entrenched duo.

 

"To the dearest, Their Imperial Highnesses,

 

The squire is the pride of his knight. He is as equivalent to his sword: his own arm. I think of myself as a disciplined man in principle, yet Her Imperial Highness was the most bright squire of mine, like no other in my advents of foreign diplomacy. Yet, life is only as worth as the cherishing of its dreams. Seize it with as much gusto, it will be your only happiness aside from each other's company.

 

This is the one regret of my life. Do not repeat my mistakes.

 

The Hon. Viscount Pruvia-Provins."

 

Spoiler

This leaving post was probably the most sad ones I've read to date, but I know it's for the best.  You both have achieved your time's worth on this server, and everyone will have a time where they recognize its best to move on!

If it wasn't for you, David, I'm not sure where I'd be on the server without your efforts to give me chances to prove myself. You're one of the few people I know who empowered noobs no matter who they were, and for me, it means the world. The past year and a half have been one riddled with tons of memories, whether it be the Josephites or ******* around in our groupchat. You'll be missed! Stay around on discord or else I'll hunt you down myself. Cheers!

 

 

[annabanana1014 2084]

Diana d’Azor would of gripped the missive so tightly as if she thought it was just.. it couldn’t be. It couldn’t possibly be. She just saw the two wed- they were the future of this Empire.. 

 

“I’ve known you some from our work Anastasia.. My heart will mourn you leaving and just- I wish things were better.. I just wish they were..” 

 

“Such roles in the Empire.. it is the highest you climb too.. the amount of effort and pressure though.. The pressure is so terrible and eats you alive… I only hope they will enjoy their freedom.. be safe and well…”

 

The eldest daughter of Azor could not bring herself to say much as she sat against the wooden floors of her room. She held her face in her hands as she was worried sick for what the future held and what would happen now. She clasped her hands together and prayed.. prayed and prayed to God that this Empire would continue to rise and not fall so defeatedly. 

[sergisala 3451]

"Their Imperial Highnesses shall be missed but at least I am happy that at the end they were able to sail to freedom. May God bless them and may god bless freedom." Sir Charles Galbraith remarked after hearing the news.