erictafoya 2283 Popular Post Share Posted January 13, 2022 Spoiler THE WEIGHT OF RULING 4 0 7 E.S. “Throughout my entire life, I’ve sacrificed more than what vy can imagine. I’ve been humiliated, looked down upon, ridiculed, doubted, and demoted despite my best efforts. I’ve made enemies out of friends, shattered relationships, broke the trust of many. All for the welfare of our house… It sucks, life sucks. But that’s the life of our kind, my son. If I were to be handed the opportunity to do it all over, I'd do the same thing. My failures are lessons to me, and to vy. Remember, Johann, A rich man lives an easy life, but a Ludovar lives a hard one” - Robert to his teenage son, Johann Dear Ami… “I’m sorry for what happened the other day. I know I’ve just complicated our friendship to a great extent … I do dearly love Adele, but a part of me still wonders how life would be if the circumstances were different. I fear that a part of me always will… I know you do not want to hear it, but I love you. I love you with all of my heart, but I belong to another now. My heart yearns for another world where we can call each other husband and wife. I know it’s wrong, and I know it’s too late to turn back now, but the best thing for the both of us is to move on with our lives. I wish things could have turned out differently, but this is the path Godan has set for us.” … Your Best Friend, Robbie …It was a cold winter evening in Otistadt, as it always was. The old Baron had quite the dream… He couldn’t see what was going on, but the mumbling of a figure with a deep voice could be heard. These ramblings seemed to be passionate yet weak, aggressive yet controlled, and saddening, but inspirational. Robert couldn’t quite make out what was said, as the sound was drowned out by the fierce winter storms. After a quiet moment, he flickered his eyes open. Robert awoke from his slumber at the crack of dawn, as he usually does. His beloved wife, Adele, was resting by his side. For forty years, Robert had been married to Adele. She was his soulmate, and he was hers. The old man, now fifty-one, out of shape, and weakening, pressed a kiss on his wife’s forehead before getting ready for the day. “What day is it again?” Dear Ami… “Adele’s sister died today… I know this is out of the blue, but I needed to get that off of my chest. Never, in my entire life, had I ever lost someone that I considered to be family. I was never close with Dame Marie, but her death will be something I will remember for the rest of my days… It’s a hard reminder to always cherish those who are close to you. You never know when you’ll speak to them last. I wish we could have more moments that both of us can cherish. Write to me as soon as you can.” Your Best Friend, Robbie Robert hastily made his way down the spiraling stairs. The man’s armor and boots made constant clicking sounds, often revealing himself to the poor and overworked staff. He asked his eldest and most loyal butler, Sir Francois, the same question he asked himself. “Francois! What day is it?” The old and frail Auvergnian Butler nodded his head to his liege lord and briefly said “The first of Joma and Umund, Your Lordship” the butler responded in his thick accent. From the time he was just a child, Robert had always been pampered by his house staff - as was expected, of course, for the heir to a county. After being reminded of the day, Robert’s face promptly lit up! “Ah of course! That’s what it was, it’s Tax Day! Spasiba, Sir Francois.” The faithful Ludovar servant seemed… surprised by this. Robert rarely ever said thank you, and what was even rarer was addressing his servant as ‘Sir’. It was going to be a kind day today, he decided. “Merci… My Lord” Dear Ami… “It’s been two years since I last wrote to you. How have you been? Life here in Otistadt has been bland as always. The children are healthy though, which is always good. Johann is my pride and joy, as any heir is to his father. He’s only four and his mind is racing with ambition! Marie and Josef are quiet, and I hope it stays that way. Johann alone is a lot, and with a fourth on its way, Adele and I sure have a lot to handle! I’m still sorry for the way I treated you, by the way. I know it happened years ago, but the guilt still lingers… I just want us to be friends again, is that so hard? Please write back to me.” Your Best Friend, Robbie Robert made his way down the many levels of his keep. He passed the room of his son and heir, Johann, and a faint smile appeared on his features. While being as quiet as his armor would allow him to be, the proud father and grandfather went over to his sleeping grandchildren and placed a peck on their foreheads. Despite being rough on all of his children, the Baron discovered a sense of tenderness in recent times. Perhaps it was the lack of work he’d done during the last few years. It could also be that he learned from his failures as a father, like a lesson he once told Johann all those years ago. Or it could just be that the fat old man grew a soft spot for his adorable grandchildren, and he doted on them frequently. Whatever the case, he’d certainly changed. Dear Ami… “That was quite the argument we had last Saint’s Day. I’m sorry it had to end up like that, I truly am. Christopher was surprisingly calm. He’s a good man… I’m glad that your heart is now in his hands. Despite my slight envy, I trust him. That truce we made at the creek is also something I appreciate. It’s funny… I remember the first day we made a cookie truce. We’d been arguing over something so petty; I think it was grass? It’s been so long I’ve almost forgotten the good old days. You know… when everyone was still around? Life seems so stiff, so trapped. It’s almost suffocating to live in my keep now. Ever since papej left us, I’ve been so busy. Too busy for the wife, too busy for the kids, too busy for myself… anyways, enough rambling about me. How are you? Do tell me how your first child is, I hope our children become as dobry friends as we were.” Your Best Friend, Robbie As Robert made his exit from the bedroom, faint groans could be heard from behind him. It was his pride and joy, Johann, slowly awakening from his slumber. A peer and his heir must always have a good connection, and these two certainly did. However, recent events have made tensions between the two high, and the stress was getting to both of them. Johann became increasingly busy with his new position as High Justiciar, while Robert was slowly getting older, bigger, and less active in general. Despite their recent drifts, the Baron was always proud of his heir. He found solace in the fact that even after his death or abdication, they would all be in safe hands. Robert didn’t wait for his son to awakenits and quickly left for the city. “Right… Tax Day.” Dear Ami… “I’m glad we could meet and converse without bickering and arguing. I know it’s going to take a while, but I do hope that our friendship will be the way it once was… Your child, Anya, is an adorable bundle of joy. I am sure that in her future she’ll grow to be as bright, ambitious, and as beautiful as you are. Sorry if that’s bold, but it’s true - you can’t deny it! Regardless, I hope Johann and Anya grow close to one another. Who knows, perhaps their luck is better than ours? I just wish for a happy and simple life for both of them, as they are the future for both of us.” Your Best Friend, Robbie Robert continued down the long spiral stairway, eventually leading him to the first floor. As he walked the halls of his keep and his staff greeted him with a bow, Robert noticed his father’s portrait was crooked. “Godan, were the children playing again?” he asked the staff, though he seemed more amused at the prospect of his grandchildren having fun than pissed off that his predecessor's image was crooked. Robert never had the greatest relationship with his father, and he had not spoken to the former Viscount of Sezwesk since his abdication. Robert was left with a House in shambles, where most of his siblings were either too sick or too careless to put effort into the family, and where his children were still learning how to walk properly. However, in his moment of weakness, he was not alone. Aleksey advised him while also running his businesses, Erwin was his aid who employed his servants, while Adele continued to mother their children while Robert was absent. Robert learned the importance of family and friendship during that period in his life, and his House has grown strong because of it. “I’m sure vy would be proud, papej…” remarked the Baron as he fixed the portrait himself. He eyed his father’s figure with pride, despite their rough relationship. Throughout the years he’d figured out the perfect moniker for his father. Something accurate, fair, and not too biased. “Enduring. Kazimar the Enduring.” Dear Ami… “It’s been so long. What is it, six years now? I traveled to Elysium in hopes that I would find you, but I couldn’t seem to spot you no matter how long I searched. I miss the conversations that we had together. The times where I could always find you in Elysium, and you could always find me in Haense. Perhaps I just miss you, I don’t know. We’ve grown so distant… but I suppose that’s normal. Hell, Ruslan, Tatiana, and Adalia rarely interact these days outside of professional functions. I guess this is just a part of us growing up. I wish I could go back and tell my younger self to enjoy the moments that he’ll have while it lasts… I’ll always cherish what I have.” Your Best Friend, Robbie Robert exited his home, and the cold winds instantly hit his face. It was… a chilling feeling, which was odd for the Baron who’d lived his entire life in the same frozen wasteland he called home. Outside of his keep, his noble stallion, Storm, was waiting for him. Robert was fond of horses from a very young age. Since he was a young child in the Cadets, he’d been taught the art of horse warfare. The Cavalry Sergeant walked up to the stables and was handed the reigns of Storm. The few moments Robert ever felt relieved were when he was playing with his grandchildren and when he rode his horses. The sharp winds nearly cutting his face was an exhilarating feeling for the old man past his prime. Robert felt free as he traveled the roads of Otistadt on Storm as if his 230lbs mass was cut in half. “Onwards to Karosgrad, Storm. Canter, boy, Canter!” Dear Ami… “Have you heard the news? Haense is aiding Sutica to fight against a rebellion! I’ve always wanted to fight in a war where monsters and giants were not involved. Finally, a human war! I know it may sound barbaric of me to want to fight for glory in a war that ends up in the loss of human life, but how can I help it? My entire career so far has led up to a moment like this. Our first mission shall be to the Barony of Rhein, where we expect little to no resistance. If all goes well, the fortress shall act as our base of operations. Pray for my soul and for the souls of the soldiers who might die in this war. You’ll always be in my thoughts, as well as my family.” Your Best Friend, Robbie The city was quiet upon entering the gates. Apart from the occasional drunkard in the tavern, everyone seemed to be sleeping still. Robert didn’t question this, as it was still very early. In fact, it was so early that the sun had not yet shown it’s presence. As he slowly made his way throughout the streets, Robert recollected the fondest memories in his life. Towards the Barracks, he heard himself in the far distance yelling and training his soldiers. He was a much younger, physically healthy, and active man. Some would say that was Robert in his prime. As he stepped closer to the square, he thought of the first interactions he had with the majority of friends he would make in his lifetime, that being Tatiana, Harren, Annaliesa, Adalia, and last but certainly not least, his best friend of all, Amicia. These memories the old Baron cherished were ones that he held dearly, but were never ones he thought often about. Strange… Nevertheless, he made his way up the palace steps and into the tax office… Amicia… “You were born on a beautiful day in 1803, just before I was born. You died peacefully in your home of a Free Elysium, next to the people you loved and who loved you back, in 1842, two months before your 40th birthday. Your smile was as beautiful as it was when I last saw it, and reports say you seemed to be at peace. I’ll never get over your death. I’ll never be able to say farewell to you or tell you that I love you. I’ll never see your beautiful smile, hear your laughs, or stare into those eyes that have trapped me for all these years. I’ll never get that clarity, but it's okay. I know that you are truly at peace now. Your life was full of love and happiness. We shared laughs, tears, warm moments, and even a kiss. I know that in your final years, we did not speak at all, but I hope that you knew that I loved you, and I hope that I earned your love back eventually in the end. I’ll always love you.” …Robert The commotion was confusing and yet clear at the same time. A small scuffle was ongoing in the tax office. A man lay dead at the very steps Robert was walking down, and two women were the primarily culprits. Despite his advanced age and in a poor physical state, Robert was still a decorated Sergeant of five wars with four decades of experience and was sworn by oath to defend the innocent. The chase was intense, and destiny had led the Baron to find the pair in his own home of Kazstadt. It was still only the crack of dawn, and most of his household was either in slumber, or too busy in the loud kitchens to hear of any commotion. Robert found himself alone, with only his loyal steed Storm and the weapons accompanying him. This would not be the first time the veteran faced adversity. Afterall, to take on two ordinary women shouldn’t be too hard, right? “HALT!” the Baron shouted out in his disciplined tone. “In the name of Sigismund III I demand to know what’s going on!” The Sergeant’s questions went nowhere, as the two seemingly ordinary people attacked him soon after. Robert’s assumption on their ordinary state was incorrect, as one of them seemed to know magic and launched a spike made of rock towards him, whilst the other threw a dagger. The helmetless Baron seemed to inherit the luck his younger brother Aleksey had, and both attempts on his head missed. It seemed the tides were on his side, until… Dear Ami… “It’s been five years since your death… I’m sorry to say, but your daughter has passed on to the afterlife. Godan only knows if she was granted salvation… But all I know is that I don’t feel regret for what I did or the words I spoke. All I wanted was stability and joy within our house, and she wanted other things in life. I suppose our expectation for them to be close almost came true… But like us, it was not meant to be. I did not harbor hatred for Anya. I admired her protection over my grandchildren. I hope that in the afterlife, you can forgive me for my failures. It seems that the older I get, the more apparent these things are to me. The best thing I can do for my family’s future is to pass on whatever wisdom I have left. I do truly miss you.” Your Best Friend, Robbie The magic-user revealed her true form. Her skin turned as icy as the terrain surrounding them, her glare as cold as the Rimeveld itself. She resembled a human, but her face was more wicked than anything. The battle ensued, and Robert was still favored by luck. Maybe… just maybe, he can pull this off. Maybe he’ll be able to greet his wife when she rises. Maybe he’ll be able to hold his grandchildren’s hands again. Maybe… he can see his children happy together once more. It’s a beautiful and calming thought. “Vyr tricks don’t impress me, witch” Robert spat out at the enemy ahead of him. No longer was he fighting for glory, justice, or even for protection. The Baron, Sergeant, husband, father, and grandfather just wanted one thing… To see his family one more time. To Amicia, “It’s been six years since your death. Things have turned around for me in life, truly. While I’m still hard on my children, I know to control my temper and only use my judgment fairly. No longer will I pour mountains of expectations on my children. No longer will I punish them without proper cause. My grandchildren shall also be spoiled until the end of my time in this world. I value the happiness of a child early in their lives, as I was not blessed with the happiest of childhoods. Though I do value the pleasant memories of my life, especially with ones with you. I expect that I am coming to a close in a chapter of my life, whether the cold embrace of death is upon me or if my son will finally be ready to take on the reigns, who knows? Only Godan knows the path that I’ll be set on… and I hope that I’ll be united with you in the afterlife soon. This shall be the final letter I write to you. For thirty-four years, I’ve written a letter to you, and yet, I’ve sent none of them. I don’t know why I make a habit out of it, even after your death. Perhaps I find it… therapeutic? No matter. After my death, these letters shall be found by my family and what they do with them shall be on their authority. Whether they’ll forgive me, hate me, or forget me, is up to them. I realize now that my controlling behavior, although it did good temporarily, ultimately pushed myself from those who I loved. Oh well… Only time will tell. As you would say, Au revoir, Ami, and thank you for being with me, even after your passing.” Your Best Friend always, Robert What seemed like a few minutes felt like hours. The battle was two against one and yet was still a stalemate. The fight seemed to be desperate for the Baron, as he’d thrown everything from his spear to boiled potatoes. Truly a madman, Robert somehow gained near level ground, wounding the mortal companion of the frozen witch, though not before a knife grazed his cheek. Funny… this was the first and only injury he’d sustain on the head, even though he went to war without a helmet on. All hope did not seem lost… That is until a third had joined the party of companions. Now, it was only inevitable. Never did the Baron prepare for death, but he accepted it. Robert yelled the oath that was given to him as the fight ensued. He no longer thought of his survival, but only of his family. “Give me time to think, Godan… I’ll meet vy soon. I just need to think of them…” he said to himself. “One last time…” [!] In the distant rising sun, Robert would hear faint laughs in the distance. He saw an image in the blowing storm of a small boy and girl playing together. It felt so familiar, so comforting. The scene changes and the boy was now an old man. By his side stood his wife, his children, and his grandchildren. It was a happy scene, a peaceful one. The oldest man seemed to look ahead to the doomed Baron and nodded his head. It was now clear, he was looking at his own life flash before his eyes through the blowing winds. “It’s time…” In what was a show of brave defiance, Robert shouted his oath for all the land around him to hear. It was so fast, yet so passionate and clear. His loyal steed, Storm, was already cold on the ground next to him. It was clear who the next target was: himself. As the frost witches advanced, his side seemed to be impaled by a spike of ice. Finally, the time had come… Dear Ami, “I hope my handwriting has improved over the years! I’m writing this a little short notice, but I’m coming to visit Elysium for old times sake! I know that your nation is at war, and tensions are high, which is exactly why I wanted to visit. How has my best friend been all these years? I’m starting to fear that you’ve forgotten me! Well, you might not even recognize me when I get there. I’ve lost weight, grown taller than my papej, and not to mention I have facial hair! I am truly excited for when we’ll speak. I have so much to tell you! Make sure to bring freshly baked cookies for us at the gates!” Your Best Friend, Robbie It was quick and painful, but the Baron held out his sword in pride, not as a desperate attempt to cling on to the little life he had left, but as a defiant gesture to die in fear. This was his last stand, his last action, his last scene… Krusae zwy Kongzem Rest in Peace Robert Aleksandr Ludovar 13th of Grand Harvest, 1803 FA - 1st of Deep Cold, 1854 FA | 13th of Gronna i Droba, 356 ES - 1st of Jomma i Umund, 407 ES Spoiler OOC: Special thanks to @Zanthuz and @sarahbarah for helping me with the grammatical errors and formatting of the post! I truly enjoyed playing Robert, and he may even be my favorite character to date! I am truly blessed to have called myself a leader of a small community of people who want to enjoy the game and create roleplay. Good luck to my heir, @Raijen Stars. You’re gonna need it. -xoxo, erictafoya 30 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sarahbarah 4971 Share Posted January 13, 2022 As the gates of the Seven Skies opened to reveal her oldest and dearest friend, Robert, a woman in blue rose to her feet with a renewed vigor that she once had when they were both children. Amicia smiled then, those bright eyes of hers widening in surprise as she stepped forward to greet the man whose soul had just found its way into the afterlife. Pausing, she searched for the right words to say, but she found herself to be at a loss. She had heard Robert’s anguished cries of pain, shouts of jubilation, witnessed all of his sorrows, all of his joys, and more, for she had passed far earlier than he. Thus, she heard all the words he wanted to tell her, but could not when they were both alive. Amicia was a simple woman - she had always been a simple woman, so she resigned herself to simple words. “I forgave you, Robbie. I forgave you long ago.” Marie sat within her chambers at Vidaus, reminiscing upon the interactions she’d had with her father throughout her life. Some, admittedly, were hardly pleasant. The girl had come to resemble her father in a multitude of ways, bearing both his stubborn disposition and fiery temper. …As such, the two butted heads. Frequently, at that. Despite this, she could not come to resent her father, even whilst she ruminated on every petty insult, argument, or disagreement they’d found themselves wrapped up in. She respected him greatly in the end, she’d decided. He was a good father, despite some decisions he had made in his life. He was not the perfect father that Marie had wanted him to be, but he did what was necessary to secure her future. For that, she was thankful. She knew of the love that he had for his family, even if he did not always express it properly. Perhaps that’s why Marie was mourning now. “Ea just wanted to make vy proud, Papej. Ea hope vy are proud.” 11 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
CopOwl 1668 Share Posted January 13, 2022 A Ludovar child remains in her sorrowful state for many days to come, only enhancing her sickening cough.. "Hauchpapej.." Adele can commonly be found whimpering, "C-come back, hauchpapej-!" 5 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Itz_Cookie 1680 Share Posted January 13, 2022 Viktoriya vas Ruthern idly walked the halls of Vidaus with penelope on her shoulder. Listening to her mother, Marie, as she mourned the late Baron. "Penelope.." The somber child whispered towards the ivory rat. "Vhy is mamej saying that? Ist.." The girl looked fearfully down to her hands, thinking back to the many rats she'd strangled. Not having comprehended the concept of death and only partially doing so now. "'E vill come back! Right, Penelope?!" 6 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RaijenStars 966 Share Posted January 13, 2022 Johann Ludovar was now left with a title he never asked for, a broken heart and a family. He adored his father as he was a child, he wanted to be like him. He always asekd his father, who was the chief detective to teach him to be one as well! His father never got to teaching him that, as he never got to teaching him most things. But look at him now, not just a detective but the High Justiciar himself. He mused the idea, how far he has gone since he was the small child with the beaming eyes. Where is that child now? In some parts of his heart he resented his father for years now, he felt like he was left alone with no guidance, handling a crumbling house. He was desprate for support and each time he saw his father he got it but... He rarely did. There was a lot he blamed his father for, but... As his father left him alone for good he realized... With his father around he felt secure. He felt safe. But now... Now it is all on him. With the hearts of his family broken, the overprotective caring brother, son and father knew he must step up. He must be strong for his family. The need someone to lean on... Especially now. Johann has never been a drinker. It can even be said that he is scared of drinking.. But he really wished for a drink now. Oh how much he wished for one. To get drunk with a buddy who doesn't know him, someone he doesn't need to care for or feel responsible for. "Why was I born to this curse?" Johann asked himself, alone, in the Baron's chamber. The new room he never wished for. No one beside him. How he wished for his love to be there but.. She wasn't. Not even her. Johann let a final sigh, wiping his tears as he got up and wore his armor, he took he deep breath and prepared his face calm expression, for another day. Another day.... 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Weebmaster36 248 Share Posted January 13, 2022 Adele Ludovar looked down at the letters that was hidden away. She read each one as tears fell from her eyes. Her husband's death had already beaten her up, now looking at the letters it just added more fuel to the crying fire. "Ich hate it when Ich am right..." She'd mutter into her arms, dropping the letters to burn in the fireplace. Adele had known something was up when he went to Elysium, wanting to be alone. And she found out why years later. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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