[PK] A Servant's End

[Da_Emperors 1987]

 

Spoiler

Ledicort's Life Song
 

 

 

 

Sir Ledicort d’Azor

(1760-1849)

15th of Harren's Folley, In the Year of our Lord 1849

 

 

Blood upon silk. Ledicort would wake in the morning to the sound of birds chirping as the past month’s events would ring in his ears. The peasant sounds would be soured by cancer continuing to take piece by piece of the aged man. He would toss the handkerchief and pick up a new bright white one as he began to prepare to travel. A new Emperor and Empress of Oren were crowned and he had but one wish left in the waning days of his life, to see the new capital and to swear his loyalty to the new Dias. 

 

Carriages would arrive at the Azor Manor in the mountains as his children would answer his call to bring him to New Providence City for his first time. Ledicort would exit the Manor as he would lower himself down to pitch off a bit of soil from the lands -- a habit that has become a tradition for him --  before entering into the carriage with his daughter the now Baroness Diana Vuiller of Azor, his grandson Edmund and his firstborn Joseph. The family would catch one up with each other as the Glorious Revolution began to be discussed. 

 

As the carriage traveled closer to New Providence City the normal pains that harmed him over the past two to three years were gone. Instead in its place, a pain that would overtake him would settle in. His chest was burning, his energy levels fading and his lungs felt as it was piercing him with each breath. Diana would place a hand to his forehead and could tell that something was not proper as she attempted to ease his pain.

 

Now at the gates of the city and moving upon the Unification Bridge the pain was insufferable. Ledicort would hold unto his cane with his left hand as he would whisper, “D-Diana, I-I do not think I feel so wel--” He struggled to finish off his sentence as the man would begin to fall forward as his grip on the cane would loosen. Joseph and Edmund would quickly move to catch the man.

 

Ledicort’s eyes flickered open slowly as his surroundings would form from his blurred sight. He was in the Hospital. “Water.” He spoke so lightly that one would miss it if not for a silent room. Diana would be the only one in the room at the time she begun to care for the man. Medicine after medicine, therapy after therapy, extended rest after extended rest -- in three years he knew one day would come in which he was to meet his creator, God, and he knew today was perhaps that day inside. 

 

Joseph had called for all the d’Azors by blood or by marriage to come within the eve to spend time with his father. One by one the family entered the room as they all spoke to him as a group -- the man would know it was to be his last days as his mind would begin to accept the outcome of the eve. He asked everyone to leave the room --  and to come one by one to speak to him one last time, and to call for a few friends to come visit.

 

Emotions were tested and his will was tested to the highest of limits. First it was his Princess Diana -- conversations led to his eyes being left with nothing left to cry. Next was Philipa -- conversation led to mind being tested if he was there enough for his family. Next was Fredrick -- conversations led to wisdom of what the end means in life. Next was Rosaline -- conversations led to understanding that he should of done more for his children. After many more conversations and hacking pains the last was to enter. His heir, Joseph d’Azor -- conversations led to him understanding that his son was not who he thought he was. He was not the weak boy nor the one who did not care for his Empire -- rather one who did all for it but made sure to do the same for his own family. Something that Ledicort would have dreamed of in his own life. He whispered to his son at the end of the conversation, “I-I have but one last request -- T-Take me to my Emperor, and my Empress. S-So I can do what you have already. To pledge.” He would take a few moments to catch his breath, “To pledge my loyalty one last time.”

 

The dying man had no color to his face, no life left in his body and was living for one last test for himself. He gripped his cane in his left hand with all his strength and held Joseph’s shoulder in the other. Stab. Jolt. Pounding of the heart. His chest was lit aflare. The bleeding lung sickness was gripping the man with all the power it held over him. He walked step by step. Cough by cough. Pain is all he felt but his head was focused on his last task.

 

He would enter into the Imperial Courtroom as he remained still. He would take in a deep breath as he looked around the room. The new thrones for the Emperor and Empress, the colors of the Empire decorated the room and grandeur of the Empire was present to peak. The man smiled. The Monarchs entered. Ledicort would look at them. He would step away from Philippa and Joseph as he would inch forward to his Emperor and Empress.

 

“I-I have come b-before you to p-pledge my loyalty.” He would speak up as the lungs would grip him. The man brought before a cloth to his lips in his free hand to cover his mouth. He would then drop down a knee before the pair of them. His panting would increase as his lungs would feel as if they would be crushing themselves. 

 

The Emperor replied, “You have one last task for me good Ledicort, good man seek God in your final hours.” It would seem the Emperor knew what was occurring and Ledicort’s own children did not know. The dying man replied, “I-I h-have made. Made my c-confession t-to God. To God and my Children. I-I have but one l-last request, I-I ask.” He paused as he would hold his chest -- the pain increased tenfold.

 

The Emperor would offer his ring to the man before him. The Empress would stand behind him with eyes that held sadness but not piety. They both knew the man was here but for his final wishes. Ledicort would move his hand to the Emperor’s and kiss his ring. And move then to kiss his Empress’s hand and kiss her own. “I s-swear my loyalty to Philip III and A-Anastasya -- the rightful r-rulers of the Holy Orenian -- Empire.” He paused for a moment as he held his chest. “A-And my line shall n-never raise blade against there rule. And support i-it.” He would cough blood towards the ground before he would raise his head towards the pair.

\

Her Imperial Majesty would reply -- “I was once told to keep an eye upon the House of d’Azor, when I was little. That if I watched closely enough, I may one day be as great as they. I have no clue how right then they were. I hope that we can only try to be half than man that you have been for this Empire.”

 

Ledicort would raise his hand to his forehead as he offered one last salute towards the Monarchs. “Y-Your words bring me great comfort -- such -- such kind words.” He would whisper “One God.” He would begin to feel a sharp pain. “One Empire.” He would feel a jolt in his lungs. “O-One Emperor.” His lungs would begin to feel a sharp burning sensation that would be unbearable. The man would be at his physical limit as he would begin to falter as he would fall towards Joseph. “O-One. One Emp-Empress.” He let loose as he fell completely to his son. His vision would completely blur as the heat in his body would begin to tear at him further and further.

 

Everyone in the room knew this was the end -- the Count would fall within moments itself. “Adesto Deo.” They would would echo to the dying man as they would offer their prayers. They would be proud that a servant would have been as loyal and dedicated as this man to the throne.

 

“And thus another titan falls.” The Emperor would speak with authority as he would sign the Lorianne to his chest. 

 

Joseph would lower his head as he lowered his father’s body to the ground as Ledicort would use any ounce of strength left. He would raise with great difficulty to raise his hand to his cheek. “M-My sweet boy.” He eyes would flicker as he would lose the ability to continue, “I-I hope -- Y-your mother.” The last words would escape him as he would lay in his arms. “A-Awaits me.” The body of Ledicort d’Azor would lie lifeless in his son’s arms as his hand would fall from his cheek -- slamming into the ground. The man was no more -- all that was left was the last expression he left to his son -- A sofft and gentle smile.

 

Spoiler

OOC

I have played LOTC since 2011 when the server has come out and I have loved all of my memories from it. This has been the most meaningful character I have played since the entire time both OOCly and ICly -- with both contributions to the Holy Orenian Empire and also to a family to take over after me. I have a lot of love for everyone that came to me and interacted with me on Ledicort and I thank you for all the times we have shared. I may make a few history posts about him at a later time due to the significance of the role itself in the roleplay and history. Thank you guys. The story has ended. And I could not of asked for a better ending.

 

[Azie 657]

Philippa Antoinette d'Azor - She wore a melancholy countenance throughout the year when her father-in-law passed. A tinge of bewilderment and grief swept across her demeanour. "My daughter," words that Ledicort would utter in repetition, alas no longer.  Her gaze was flat as she moved around her surroundings. The words she heard from Ledicort, which were so prominent in helping her to feel safe amid the warmth of her family, to whom she is united. The woman drifted out into her County holdings, her quarters engulfing her. Tears flowed down her cheeks slowly, allowing the whispering winds to pass her by. The now Countess of Azor was determined to live up to her name. "I'll keep my word, Father," She took a deep breath and recited the last words she said to Ledicort with a soft smile on her lips. "By our blood, we shall rise."

[MapleSunflower 1889]

Thump. Thump. Thump. 

The sound of steel hitting wood echoed through the bastion's training grounds. A girl clad in a bright pink uniform diligently fought the dummy, grunts and shouts coming from her with each swing of the sword she carried. One would be able to see that she was not fighting to train; no, she was too clumsy. Some slashes would entirely miss, but she went on, leaving evidence of her beating of the dummy on the wood. She was fighting something within herself, something was on that girl's mind.

The first trickles of rain plopped onto the dirt and left small circles on the hot pink hat she wore. Yet, the blonde did not stop, each swing becoming more accurate and accelerating in frequency. As the downpour began and soaked her, the squire let out a blood-curdling scream that rang out through Providence as she decapitated the dummy's straw head. 

Seeing what she had done, Madeline Rose d'Azor stood, staring at the dummy's head before dropping the sword onto the grassy ground and bringing her white-gloved hands to her face. Sobs racked her small body, her tears becoming one with the rain. 

 

He hadn't seen her grow - He didn't get to see her in her uniform, or how much she had learned from her mentor, Sir Vladrick var Ruthern (@PapaCaliente). There was so much she wanted to say, to show - to do- with him. Yet, now he was gone. 

 "Grandpa!" Madeline wailed,  "Please... Please watch over me, just like you promised. I promise I'll make you proud!"

[Taketheshot 3834]

Joseph d'Azor sat within the County of Azor as he stood pacing towards the window, the man clasped his hands together as he looked out towards the land below... His own lands now. A sharp breath was drawn as he stepped into the foyer, the marblecutters had left that morning. Where he once looked upon the visage of his Father and late Mother, he now saw his own. "I look older in stone..." he admitted quietly as he drew his gaze to the bust opposite, bearing the likeness of his Lady Wife, Philippa Antoinette."I suppose I am old now even without the stone." The Count of Azor made his way into the courtyard as the sounds of the garden filled his ears, his children playing, his family. Joseph had dreamed of the death of his father, his heart bore hatred for many years of his life for the man. Yet their last meeting had changed the pair's opinion of one another, it reminded Joseph of what he had told his own son Edmund, that men are called upon to do great things. Ledicort had been called, Joseph too heeded the call of his Empire, and so one day would his son and his grandson and so forth.

 

The Count of Azor looked out to the valley that had become prosperous since its construction as he spoke softly drawing his gaze to the setting sun. "I have learned from your lessons Father... A titan of the state falls, and in their place must rise new ones..."

 

Spoiler

I gotta give another big thank you jay for trusting me with being your heir. I know we spoke more last night but, thank you. Also dont expect to be let off the hook yet. Now the real work begins on Peter....

 

[annabanana1014 2084]

The Princess of d’Azor, Diana Valentina Vuiller, could be heard from the Azor Manor, in the room that once belonged to Ledicort, her dearest Father. She would be sitting underneath one of his portraits, sobbing as she hugged his ArchChancellor ring tightly..

 

”Father.. I want you to come back… just once.. one last time.. one last embrace.. one last dance.. one last tea.. one last talk… just one last thing.. anything..”

 

She knew this would not of happened, but she prayed to GOD as Ledicort always said “God, Empire, Family..” Her beloved Father.. The flashbacks of her mind starting with herself, Leon, Ledicort, and Juliana. Ledicort lifted her upon his shoulders as she saw Providence for the first time.. Then continuing over to family dinners… Him meeting Kelhus to Rev.. His dance with her at Joseph’s wedding… Her final good-bye with him.. May he rest in the Seven Skies..

Spoiler

BE11A CIAO!! YUHHH!! 

 

[Jokinghills 825]

Captain Quinn Darkwood would note another name in his book of deceased great soldiers and men of government and note to the soldiers before him "And another soul passes from this world, fire a cannon barrage in his honor men!" [!]shots would ring out through providence as the barrage would be fired signaling the end of a historic individual

[_Bueno_ 492]

Valentino Gradic would shed a tear as he hears of his old friend Ledicort d'Azor's passing. "Enjoy the Seven's Sky, old friend." 

[Imperium 3495]

General Erik recalls his old friend, "Rest easy, one day may we see each other in the seven skies."

[bugbytes21 790]

Garret Darkwood Stands at the gates of the Seven Skies. He see's Ledicort D'Azor arrive as he nods the old Inspector-General renders a salute to his Arch Chancellor "You can sit under your own vine and fig tree now, a moment alone now" 

[Dinochad 524]

Up in the seven skies a nervous brunette waited, holding a flower. She didn't know what to say to the one she most missed and held regrets towards. She was scared to face her father again and how it would be now that they'd both be free of their lives. Fear was easily beaten however as finally she saw him. A small gasp left her, her eyes watering up in joy. The girl stumbled and tripped as she began running over - jumping up to embrace her father, the flower flying out of her hand and onto the ground beside them.

 

" Oh how I've waited and missed you father. "

[bloomtiara 379]

One odd figure, scaling around the outsides of city by city- listening to those passerbys. 

A familiar name came to ear, the death of that one.

Another one has fallen.

 

Oh, how long until she'd be the last to remain?

How long?

But, who even knew? For that unearthly one gave a sharp whistle, sitting down at a street corner. Tapping away, as if at an invisible piano, a long gone song, one played for those many soldiers in the halls, at one drunken party. 

"Good night, Ledicort.

                   I hope you see the rest of them up there."

 

And so, the countdown continues, years pass by. 

No one sat at that fire pit, no longer, in a continent long passed; burnt to ash.

[clonky 1976]

A certain twin to a member of the family would be out in the deserts of Savoy, but far from any sort of civilization. Having lost touch with her relative Philippa, Maude Eleanor Vilac heard the news as travelers passed by to give her updates. 
 

Not only of the Empire’s new beginning, but also of the two Pontiffs, and lastly, the death of Ledicort d’Azor. 
 

Maude gave the weary and sun-drained travelers some mina she had from her pouch, with most of the weight carrying sand now rather than actual coin. 
 

Even in the lonely desert where the rain is rare and the promise of a water oasis was highly unlikely, her eyes still produced the tears of a most gallant waterfall, showing that life still bloomed in the desert, and life still wilted in the Empire. 
 

“You are like the father I wish I had. Thank you for taking care of my dear Philippa.”

[sergisala 3451]

When Sir Charles Galbraith heard of the passing of the Count d'Azor, he shocked. Even though he had witnessed along the D'Azor family how the health of the Count slowly deteriorated within the Clinic of Providence, he could still not believe that his old friend, no, not just that, that his old friend and mentor had passed.

 

Afterwards, Sir Charles proceeded to write a letter containing all the things that he missed to say to the Count before his death:

 

"My family, the House Galbraith, has a solid reputation of statism, imperial bureaucracy, and loyalty to the Crown and to the Imperial Household. As such, since its modern foundation by my father, Sir Edward Galbraith, we have served many different Archchancellors and many different Emperors.

 

However, I admit that never, in all our history, we have had -- with the exception of Sir Simon Basrid the Titan of State -- the opportunity to serve an Archchancellor whose leadership was so solid, wise, comprehensive and, most importantly, inspiring for the Orenian people and for our troops than Sir Ledicort d'Azor.

 

Furthermore, historians will study the martial excellence and commanding abilities that the Count d'Azor had, both during his service within the Imperial State Army as a Captain and as Archchancellor in his brilliant leadership (shown both in diplomacy and in military might) during the Tenth Nordling War.

 

On the personal level, I wish to think Sir Ledicort for selecting me, above all others, for the position of Solicitor-General of Oren and for giving me the freedom that I needed to implement the policies that I saw fit. 

 

Having had the honor to serve the d'Azor Ministry has been the greatest honor of my life.

 

Thank you, Sir Ledicort. May you rest well. Your family and your friends love you.

 

May GOD bless you and the Holy Orenian Empire.

 

Sincerely,

Your friend Charles."

[Aehkaj 1244]

Aldrich Akerman, one of the greatest butlers in Azor would have traveled a long distance back from his short term 'retirement' to see his old friend  "You will surely be missed. A great man, and an ever greater friend." He would smile fondly, pondering who to pass on his duty to.

 

Captain Sir Vladrick var Ruthern would salute as cannons fire in memorial for the former Archchancellor "One of the greatest men in the Empire. I believe I remember him even sticking out for me after I cut off some poor elfski terrorist's hands." 

[Harald 2875]

Father Johan Vuiller.. a aged patriot of the faith and Empire would be saddened as he made his way towards the clinic. Having been dreading this day for multiple years by this point. Ledicort being his now last living friend within this mortal realm of GOD.. as he entered the clinic he saw his son Rev seated next to his wife Diana Vuiller of d'Azor, the daughter of Sir Ledicort. he spoke to their family for a while before the time came for Ledicorts final confession. "Brother.." was the only words leaving Johan as he first entered the room the two aged men stayed within the clinic in private for close to two saints hours, what was discussed only now known by Johan, who soon himself would carry these secrets to the seven skies.