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[PK] The Road Less Traveled


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The Road Less Traveled

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Iulius has thought about his life in the past. He had ascertained many joys and made many mistakes... oh, so many mistakes. He remembered his long, pained talks with his sick wife, their frustration and sadness over their failures plainly on the table.

 

That is often what he dwelled on during the last few years, not the good life he had lived, or the things he had accomplished, or the people he had met, but the things he never got to do, or the things that had not turned out well. He stared at his desk, memories of a flurry of flashes in his mind. 

 

Then his cane hit the floor before he could even comprehend he was falling. His legs, their strength ripped away by the tribulations of sickness and age, simply could not hold him any longer. The Vernhart fell with a crash, his body slamming into the dusty floorboards. Yet it felt slow, almost as he was time slowed to a snail's pace.

 


 

Do not worry, mother, I will be fine. The young boy said, arms outstretched beside him so he could steady himself utop the bridge railing. He was pretty active, even for an adolescent. He was never shy away from wandering the mountaintops or climbing the top of the tallest trees. So, the prospect of going out on an adventure, past the hills and valleys he paused at every time, made him quiver with anticipation. Iulius Erik Vernhart had stayed upon the rampart, peering out over the sheer drop. The waterfall roared underneath, and the white river gushed, pouring out over the edge and dropping to the rocks below. He stood there for a long time, glancing out over the expanse. He knew he would journey out there sometime.

 

Don’t worry, I’ll be fine, mother.The teen called out, a pack strapped onto the side of his horse. He patted the brown-dotted stead before pivoting in the mud. “I will be back, I promise.” He smiled brightly, stepping forward so that he might embrace his parents before crouching down to look eye-to-eye with his little brother. The Vernhart ruffled his hair and shared some words of encouragement. Standing back up, there was still a look of regret on his face, though it was a facade. He had no intent on coming home until he had explored the world, and there was so much to find and learn.

 


 

"You don't look like you are from around here." A voice resounded from behind the seated man. Iulius placed a thumb into his sketchbook before twisting so that he might get a look at the one who called out to him.  He was indeed an interesting person. His skin had been tanned due to the sun of the desert, yet his hair and clothes were very similar, identical to those the Elves would wear. There Sigismund stood, the nation's King, though Iulius had no clue of knowing that then. He simply asked, almost like a passing comment. 

 

"Erm naet, from all 'round. Been travell'n nere 'ere and 'here." He responded, placing the journal to the side, the man now paying full attention. Perhaps he should have realized it was someone important by the golden crown that sat upon his head. 

 

"So, where are you from? You look like an elf, but you speak like a dwarf. Sigismund asked, his arms folded over each other, studying this odd man. The yet-to-be-identified King glanced the boy up and down.

 

"Erm from de west, travel'n all 'round - lived wit de dwed an de elves," Iulius answered, moving to stand where this well-dressed man was. Only at this moment did he realize it was someone of importance, though perhaps not the King himself.

 

"Well, I promise to sit down and hear it sometime, but I do have to go for now." The King said with a smile before dipping his head and moving away from the strange firr. Little did he know that a brief, simple conversation would begin a long friendship.

 


ZSlSe8TV_p0fFzSvkmGVGjQNIXuMnHBkobdppOm6kBXhDqacEaByfOQ9wY2Gkur0VgU-Qse_A2QeKU_t94Lzz2JVpMOU5gDWReez2RKn9uD_VLtUJr5jQxOeg4P9WBaRYs6gsTnDMfk6pwLwTPlFT1CwbhpPxYTs6DSY7lchBPrrYuIKqX55w4Q5mQ

[!] An exquisite drawing of a hand with a quill.


 

Why does frost and bitterness define so many hearts?The Vernhart tapped the quill upon his legs, which dangled off the side of the brick walls by the palace. He scribbled a bit more, jotting down whatever came to mind, whatever felt like it flowed… then, as he read back over it, he dashed through that which didn't make sense.No, it seems that there is a deviousness behind these personal attacks, one which is set forth with a certain precision. These words, a well-executed knifestroke directed at the heart of order and reason.He continued, thinking out loud at this point. 

 

A divisive letter, written to chaos with blood ink. It is the perfect mix between fact and fantasy, truth and deceit. This is the stench of deep-seeded hatred, envy, and scorn.Iulius smirked, placing a firm dot at the end of the sentence as he glanced around. “That is quite nice… I must admit… the imagery is piercing.” 

 

In reality, despite his ability to think well on that brisk summer morning, it would take him almost a year to write A Juxtaposition of Power and Envy. It was his first work, one he was proud of and one that took well to the people of Haense. He was a newcomer, yet his challenge of taking on the Hearsay had not gone unnoticed… and even more so, it had been appreciated. Iulius Vernhart - Tutor, Philosopher, Scholar. The Vernhart finished the paper, the first of many missives he would release over his years.

 


 

Discomfort was all Iulius could feel as he moved up the steps, stopping just short of the well-dressed man. He had been here once before, but it was empty- Madeline had ensured that. This was different, vastly different. What am I doing? This is stupid, this is stupid, I am going to die. It was all he could think as he shifted, his hands wishing to fall behind him so they might interlock, but his arm stayed locked with her’s.  Hello, your Lordship.” He spoke slowly and clearly, attempting to hide the new Marian he had spoken to for around 10 years.


 

Joseph d’Azor stood there, the Arch-Chancellor of Oren, the right hand of the Emperor. Iulius had, by plea of Madeline and by request of her uncle, gone to meet him… not in a neutral place as his friend and mentor, Johann Ludovar has encouraged him to do, but within the halls of Vuillermoz. Upon the Firr speaking, the d’Azor grimaced. “You may refer to me as, Your Excellency”

 

Fear overtook the man; he was already in a place he did not know and meeting a man that, at the snap of his figure, could have him executed. However, he did not quiver as he choked out, “Uh- oh, apologies, v-your excellency.” Iulius dipped his head once more before glancing at Madeline. 

 

-=+=-=+=-=+=--=+=-=+=-=+=--=+=-=+=-=+=--=+=-=+=-=+=-

 

The meeting went just as well as one might think… with the Lord d’Azor ventually finding out, not due to misstep, but to a gamble… to a reference to a longtime pen-pal in Haense he had had, Eirik Baruch. Johann is going to kill me. The foolish man thought, taking a step back as Joseph drew his cane sword, looking as if to strike the man that stood infront of her. 

 

On GODAN, Madeline, a Haenser?He erupted angrily. There was a fierce, passionate rage in his eyes. One of the enemies, those he had killed and almost been killed by, stood in the living room of Vuillermoz

 

Terror held a grip upon him. Surely those around him could hear his heart thump. If this man doesn’t kill me first. Iulius Vernhart then thought, hopping back as Madeline stepped between the two. He watched as the two moved off to the corner, where he was sure they would have a quiet screaming match. He stood there… for what felt like an eternity before his betrothed took his hand and quietly exited the building with him, back to Haense, home, and safety.

 


 

I never learn, do I? Iulius Vernhart thought to himself, his arms once more interlocked with his fiancee. He ascended those steps he had not returned to since meeting with the Arch-Chancellor. At the top of the stairs, this time, however, stood a couple, their own arms interlocked. "I am insane, aren't I?" He whispered to the girl who stood a foot shorter than him. "To meet my parents during the war? Perhaps." Madeline patted his arm with a cheeky smirk resting upon her face. She seemed nervous, though she had a right to be. Her face was slightly pale, her figure taut. They both knew the consequences of coming, the possibility that her parents may deny them their love- or worse. 

 

The Solicitor-General of Oren and Surgeon General of Oren stood watching the pair from above. There was apparent neutrality in their gaze, which would throw any hope out the window. They lead the group to the roof before sitting down. It was not a happy conversation, one filled with hearty laughter, one filled with joy as they carefully planned the terms of the wedding. No, it was a tense, uneasy discussion. "Vy breaks my heart, Madeline. I will always love vy, my sweetheart, but vy do niet have my support." Sir Rev Vuiller said with a huff. He had yet to turn and face them after he stood up. He simply kept to the wall, looking out over the vastness of the Vuillermoz. 

 

"I am sorry I am not the daughter you want me to be," Madeline sniffled out, her words almost choking in her throat. She wanted nothing more than to cry. Inhaling deeply, she tensed, his hand quickly finding its way to take Iulius'. "Mama, Papa... I love you both dearly. I thank you for everything you've done for me as I've grown up, but this is the only thing I've ever asked for... and I know I will never be allowed to have it. It will always be a "later or conditional. I hope you know that without your approval, we will still be wed within the year." The two of them left in quite a hurry… 

 


 

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[!] Iulius Vernhart and Madeline d’Azor-Vuiller before their wedding. 415. E.S.

 


 

"Iulius Erik Vernhart, will you have this woman to be thy wedded wife, to live together according to God’s law in the holy union of Matrimony? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health? And forsaking all others, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live?” Father Adrian asked, his hands held before them. 

 

I do.Iulius Vernhart spoke in a clear voice; his accent was barely audible in the back of his tone. He did his best to mimic her Orenian accent, a smirk placed upon his lips as he did. Shortly afterward, he was directed to place the ring upon her finger, which he happily did.

 

Madeline Rose d’Azor-Vuiller, will you have this man to be thy wedded husband, to live together according to God’s law in the holy union of Matrimony? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health? And forsaking all others, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live?Father Adrian asked, his hands still held before them. 

 

Ea do. Madeline d'Azor-Vuiller held the ring carefully as she signed. A soft smile grew upon that blonde bride's lips as she carefully tried to mimic his Haeseni accent, "Ea do." She then placed the ring on his finger. 

 

Following the kiss, they turned to the single, clapping witness, Emma Karenina, the person they both, trusted more than any in the Kingdom. The four in that room were the only people to witness that secret union. As promised, the two were married… not even 2 hours after meeting with her parents. No invitation had been sent to her parents or to any relatives. Nobody would know, not until they wanted them to.

 


 

Myself and Lady Diana are coming to Haense- please be waiting for us by the gate to let us in. We need to speak, but I am trusting that you are able to assure our safety. We shall meet you in a couple hours.

 

Iulius Vernhart blinked rapidly, his hands beginning to quiver at the letter. It was nearing midnight, and the pair had just been married less than 4 hours before… surely they had not found out already, had they? And they were coming here, to Haense… The Arch-Chancellor and the General Surgeon of Oren. And they showed, as they said they would. As Iulius said he would, he quietly, secretly escorted them to his home.

 

It is clear Madeline cannot be stopped in her intention, she has that Othaman stubbornness in her blood… unfortunately.” The d’Azor began, his gaze trailing from his sister and onto the Vernhart. “And while we would have appreciated the terms being met, I can’t say I would have done entirely different if it were me in the situation.”

 

Iulius Vernhart froze. How did they know alright? Certainly the Keonas would not have said anything… and the priest… no, he was sworn on the book. He forced a smile, one that was bright as not to arouse any suspicion if they didn’t know. “Your words are very comforting.

 

Dame Diana Vuiller glanced at Joseph d’Azor before resetting her gaze back upon the man across the room. After a short talk of pleasantries, she said “We respect your decision. I have come to terms with accepting the marriage, yes.” She nodded her head. “However, I believe accepting and supporting are two different words, it will take me a few months for my support.”

 

Joseph d’Azor interjected then. “However, there is a condition that must be met.

 

These words made Iulius pause. They have already asked that I take on their name… they have requested that I move to Vuillermoz. Which one will it be? Or do they want me to ask the Emperor? Be married within the confines of the Providence Basilica?

 

When she walks down the aisle, she will walk down the aisle as Madeline Rose d’Azor-Vuiller.He said then, breaking any expectation that the Vernhart had.

 

They don’t know. He thought, his forced smile  becoming a genuine one. 

 


 

There was so much more he imagined in his head as he lay upon the dust-ridden wood panels of his home. His tutoring sessions with the prince, now King, all of his trials, the birth of his children, the gradual acceptance of his parents-in-law. It had taken years, perhaps, but they had formed a bond- one which he treasured. He thanked Godan for his foundation... But he also thought about his sit down with Keonas-Mother Emma

 

"You have lived a good Life." She had said, and while he disagreed… These memories reminded him of so much. 

 

Flashes of images filtered in and out of his mind. They were clear as day before becoming fuzzy and eventually fading out of existence. As he lay on the floor, he tried to remember those visions he just saw, the memories of the past, but nothing was. Everything that came left a chasm behind, an empty void. 

 

And yet he felt that peace. It would be all over soon. He opened his mouth to speak, but he had naught the strength to say anything. It is finally my time to go. He thought in an almost feeling thought. It was difficult to hold anything now; even his breaths became shallow. 

 

Iulius Erik Vernhart shut his eyes. 

 

He stood at the precipice, looking over all that was left. There was the void, the endless expanse that he did not understand. He allowed himself to fall, sinking down into the shadows.

 


 

 

Spoiler

OOC

 

I was never one to stay on LOTC very long. I joined LOTC in October 2014. Throughout my 8 years, I basically played the same way. I made a character that wasn't related to anyone and played till I got bored… which would usually be 2-3 months. No, I was not a good role player, and there are many things that I absolutely regret doing. 

 

I joined again in January of 2022 as Iulius Vernhart just to explore and see the people and the things I missed. I never expected to be pulled back into the world of LOTC. And yet, 10 months later, here I am, still playing and loving the things I am doing.

Iulius was the first Character I have ever played for over three months. The things I did and the people I got to roleplay with will always hold a very special place in my heart. The roleplay experience I got was far more than anything I could have asked for, especially one who still fervently remembered his time roleplaying in previous years. I especially want to thank @Raijen Stars @MapleSunflower for everything that we got to do. 

 

But that is everything, and I appreciate all of you who helped get me through and let me learn- gave me chances to lead. I still am shocked at the things that happened, the way things when… I hope I wrote that into my post for all of you to share as much as I did in the excitement and fright. 

Thanks for everything, and I look forward to continuing my experience on other chars <3

 

 


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The Long deceased Milo Kutznetsov flashes a smile as he finally sees his closest friend once again! He rushed over to Iulius, “Iulius! Zdravo! Ja have been waiting for te moja Prijatelj! What took te so long!” The Long Gone Kutznetsov chuckled out for as he embraced his friend, who finally joined him!

 

-

The also dead Pyotr Ludovar sat around a round table with his friends who had joined him in death over the years. Upon spotting The Vernhart. Pyotr smiled one of his old wide smiles as he spotted his friend Iulius, he had been dead for a few decades now, awaiting for his friend to join! “Prevja Iulius! Ea’ve been awaiting vy to join us! Ea vas vorrying vy vould niever come!” The Ludovar laughed with joy!

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Ledicort Vuiller sighs, the sadness being rather audible as he does. “And here I am, everybody keeps dying and I am left alone with my work and little else” he surmises, the death of his brother in law, merely another hit to his mentality.

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The now-older Adele Ludovar curses as she hears the news. Iulius had always been there when she was a child - one of her first memories of Karosgrad (which the older man had highlighted, to her embarrassment, years later) was of crouching behind her father's tall legs for shelter, and peeking out at the strange scholarly man he was speaking with. Her presence had distracted the Count, of course, but Iulius had still been there watching. Even if she didn't know it as she grew, he had always been watching over her from afar. And now he was gone - not only a figure of support and guidance, but one of her most dutiful Jovenaars. One of the last relics of her Father's full legacy was now gone, and she hadn't even thought about it until the news reached her. That night, Adele set aside a note written for the deceased scholar, and left a candle lit in his honour. 

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"Mea darling..." The familiar feminine voice breathed as darkness fell upon the Vernhart father, his heart drawing to the final beat it would give. "You only deserved light." A delicate, deinty hand extended like a beam of like for Iulius, guiding him home. The imagery and voice seemed like it was right next to the man in his last moments, perhaps simply just an illusion of the mind. "Welcome home, Iulius." 

 

~*~*~

 

A brunette girl found her father, for she was the only one left near the man in his last days to see him and know how his health had fallen. Juliana dressed in black and veiled her head in mourning for the only parent she had left. The girl was always so shy and quiet, afraid to speak up for herself or for others... but the only one she would talk to was her dear father, even if it was just one phrase. 

 

Now she would never speak again. 

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A deceased Josef Ludovar would offer a soft smile as he saw the former Komptroller enter the Seven Skies, where he had been for a tad longer than him "It took vy a while to come here, my friend, longer than Johann anyway" he commented before placing a hand on his friends shoulder "About time you got some rest, do vy niet think? Am ea’m sure vy’re glad to be able to see my handsome face again now that vy’re here" the Ludovar would chuckle a little at that

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Diana d’Azor-Vuiller looked upon her grandson with a warm smile, opening her arms to him. “Welcome little one.. I’m glad to see you, perhaps tea?”

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Countess Johanne Vuiller leased a heavy sigh, signing the Lorraine in turn as the news came her way. Today was meant to be a happy day. A marriage meeting for her little brother. Instead, yet another family member has passed. The woman made way for the Basilica, intent to pray as her head lowered, seeking quiet in this time.

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Karl III lit a candle in his chapel upon hearing the death of his mentor and tutor, offering silent prayers thereafter. He had spent long hours in the man's classroom, with Iulius then accompanying him as an Aulic Council member. "Go and be at peace, for you have surely earnt it."

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Clara Vernhart recieved the news she sat down "Papej you are gone now to, what will I do now?" runs a hand in her hair the two didn't get along to well they had ups and downs. "I have to take care of this mess I am in, somehow" so wiping her tears she heads back to hanese to take care of her issues

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Nikolai Mikhail had remembered the first time he ever met Iulius.. His sister had come up to him mentioned a 'creepy man' who had seen her within the tavern, sketching her in a notebook while she slept. Nikolai loved his sister Vasilia with all his heart, though he was aware of the drama that followed her and the issues she caused.. It was hard to take her seriously, but being the present brother, he had to do his due diligence... The lanky teenager had walked up to Iulius, pushing on some intimidating tactic to keep the commoner stranger away from his sister. A threat perhaps? It was so many years ago that the conversation within the palace had slipped from his memory almost completely.  

But he did remember Iulius as he was met after- The intelligent Vernhart, a fellow student of Johann Ludovar. Nikolai didn't have many friends within the city, only the Ludovar that took him under his wing, and Iulius who encouraged him through his work towards becoming a Jovenaar and even after. 

Now they were both gone, a reminder of how quickly time moved.. The Count sat in silence that night, reminiscing on years now long passed. 


 

Spoiler

Rip Law Lad #1

 

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Ser Reinhardt Barclay sits in silence after hearing of the passing another one of his friends, the retired knight paramount slumped further into his depression

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Lura Paleheart sits above a roof in Haense, overlooking the skyline of the city, with a bottle of scotch in her hand she wonders as she thinks back to when she received the news of her uncle's passing, 'When will it end?' 'Rest in peace aedypapaj Iulius, spasiba for everything you've done for friends and family.' Before continuing to drown herself in alcohol and grief throughout the lonesome night.

 

Alexander Paleheart is not here anymore.

Edited by AlexMKPX
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johanna ludovar would catch news of her beloved uncles death. as she layed in her bed speaking to herself "vy had a dobre life aedypapej. dobre for vu to pass on and be with vur family once again." she would say with grief yet happy for her uncle to pass from such a cruel world.

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