Thus the Virtuous

[Ivoreyy 2303]

 

THUS THE VIRTUOUS

---

 

His stomach turned to be in the presence of the man who betrayed his own brothers. But Owyn was filled with godly strength and recited his ancestry, and he did not balk.

Gospel 4:33-34

 

Lucia d’Azor had come to be known as many things. She was a Lady of Azor, known by her family and to the court. A bold and determined soul, to her betrothed. Perhaps to some only a brash child, brazenly staking her claim to that long-coveted position.

 

And finally, most importantly, she was a devout canonist. A daughter of the Creator. 

 

The situation laid before her appeared uncannily familiar. To what, however - she would not know. For she was a woman raised amongst the tender care of family; the quietly unassuming final daughter of a fruitful ducal union. It was certain that her family had before faced trials and tribulations, as every other had, yet what defined her kin from another was their sense of unity. Thus when her city, her new home, had erupted into chaos, she had fled back to the familiar warmth of Azor. The gently burning fireplace and expansive collection of books did a great deal to calm her.

 

In truth, the Lady d’Azor had believed herself to be called personally by God. It was his voice in her mind, his command, that had willed her to declare such bold intentions before the Imperial crown that day. The Faith was in turmoil betwixt infighting and schism, and thus it was her sworn duty to defend it. An Emperor of Oren must bow before God. Beside one she could ensure it. Rally the faithful, it had long ago been said.

She had answered His call.

 

And thus, tucked away in Azor, in her private reflections she wrote:

 

14th of Owyn’s Flame, 1868

 

It is He who commanded me once before, dictating the course of my life thus far. My faith is resolute; in steadfast will I follow what is true, and what is Holy. The Empire of Oren was long ago created in God’s own word through Exalted Godfrey, and therein He has commanded the will of nations. At his whim we rise, and in his wrath we fall. 

 

The plight of man is oft a fruitless one. We may aspire to great heights, and yet before His judgment in the Seven we will be each seen as equals, assessed upon our virtue. It is not a crown in which grants us redemption, but rather, it is the will of the man upon whose head it rests.

 

And thus I pray for His guidance. I pray for the soul of my betrothed, and the soul of his brother. I pray for the canonist flock who will suffer upon the sins of many. 

 

Lord, admonish my soul. I have grown decadent. I have sinned. I have forgotten my purpose - the purpose you set me.

You punish me for my sins.

 

Command me again as you have before. I call upon you in my times of fortune, and equally so in my times of need. I forsake my worldly pleasures, the spoils of my name and my wealth for your hand in guidance. I am Iulia, servant of God, follower of the divine legacy of the first wife. I beg of you to redeem me of my sins and once again light my path.

 

Orenia aut mortem. Rally the faithful.

Long live the Emperor.

 

Iulia, 

formerly,

Lucia d’Azor

 

[ncarr 2806]

"This man really does ruin every woman he touches..." murmured Sophie to her newest Basridi friend ( @sunflowerist ) , her lips curling in a grin as a laugh escaped her lips.

 

[Imperium 3495]

"One GOD, One EMPEROR, One EMPIRE!" John continues to pour into his writings.

[HIGH_FIRE 5490]

Drako Darkwood smirks as he reads the post “Glad to see others won’t stand for this kingdom nonsense”

[sergisala 3451]

"One GOD, One Emperor, One Empire!" remarked Sir Charles Galbraith