The Aaunic Reifenia

[ncarr 2806]

Issued the 24th of Harren’s Folly, 1930

The Kingdom of Aaun

 

---

 

 

THE AAUNIC 

REIFENIA

The rite of maturation of the Aaunic peoples.

 

 

 ‘Nobles Set Sail’ by Fenika of Vidaus

 

Penned by HRH the Lady of Alba

Published by the Clementine Court

 

---

 

INTRODUCTORY NOTES

 

For many years, on the various continents we, humanity, have inhabited, the act of maturation has been a milestone of great importance in the life of those royal and common alike. Traditionally styled as the ‘Social Season’ in heartlander culture, or the Haeseni ‘Lifstala’ and the Balianese ‘Symposia Pragma’, what’s to be known as the Aaunic Reifenia within the Aaunic realm shall replace its predecessors in the Heartlands as the nationwide rite of maturation. 

 

The Aaunic Reifenia is to be far shorter than those of the Heartland’s past; it shall only span over a few saint’s days, whereas those of imperial frivolity would span over an entire saint’s week. The festivities shall mostly remain within the capital, though vassals are encouraged to invite participants of the festival to their holdings throughout the realm for culturally specific events that showcase the various bustling cultures of Aaun. 

 

---

 

STRUCTURE & PURPOSE 

Purpose and  Proper Formalities

 

Purpose

The season is to reflect the decentralized style of government practiced throughout the Kingdom, and the values of familial ties are to remain at the forefront of the Reifenia and all of the accompanying events. The Reifenia itself shall be configured in a somewhat less formal style than its predecessors (The Orenian Astercalia), though the previously established etiquette of the Kingdom, and stylings of the various nobles shall be continuously in place. 

 

The rich culture that’s present within Aaun is encouraged to be showcased in, both, the dress of the debutantes and in private events hosted by the vassals. While the Reifenia is sure to inspire couplings across the participants, it is important to note that this is not a main focus of the season as a whole. The Aaunic Reifenia is meant to act as a season in which the youth of Aaun will begin their transition into adulthood, and to celebrate such a momentous milestone in any Aaunic person’s life. 

 

Proper Formalities 

It is important to keep in mind the proper etiquette put in place, and respected, throughout the realm while navigating the Aaunic Reifenia. Events of the Reifenia are to be regarded as a similar level of importance as Royal Court, and thus proper etiquette is to be followed in regards to regalia and vestments worn by Aaunic nobility. Due to the lack of publications regarding the proper etiquette of Royal Court, the stylings of each tier of nobility and royalty is laid out simply below;

 

Addressments of the Tiers of Nobility

 

Grand Prince/Princess - His/Her Serene Highness

Children of a Grand Prince are styled with the honorific His Highness alongside any subsidiary titles they hold.

 

Non-Royal Prince/Princess - His/Her Highness

Unlike the Grand Prince, children of a Non-Royal Prince are not styled with the honorific His/Her Highness, but instead are styled as His/Her Lord/Ladyship alongside any subsidiary titles they hold.

 

Duke/Duchess - His/Her Grace

Children of a Duke are styled as His/Her Lord/Ladyship alongside any subsidiary titles they hold. 

 

Margrave/Margravine - His/Her Lady/Lordship

In writing a Margrave is afforded the ability to sign documents using the honorific The Most Honorable. Children of a Margrave are styled as His/Her Lord/Ladyship alongside any subsidiary titles they hold. 

 

Count/Countess - His/Her Lord/Ladyship

In writing a Count may style himself as The Right Honorable. Children of a Count are styled as His/Her Lord/Ladyship. 

 

Viscount/Viscountess - His/Her Lord/Ladyship

In writing a Viscount has the right to style himself as The Right Honorable. The Viscount’s children are styled as His/Her Lord/Ladyship. 

 

Baron/Baroness - His/Her Lord/Ladyship

A Baron has only one honorific and signs documents with only His Lordship. The children of a Baron are styled as His/Her Lord/Ladyship. 

 

More detailed works regarding etiquette of the kingdom is to be published in the near future. 

 

---

 

THE REIFENIA

The Rite and its Structure 

 

The Reifenia is managed by the Mistresses of Reifenia, a tribunal composed of Her Majesty the Queen, the Lady of Alba, and a third royal member of the House of Alstion.

 

The rite itself is somewhat simple, lacking many formalities often seen in maturation ceremonies around the continent. The event is more akin to a banquet than presentations as noble houses are expected to arrive as familial assemblies composed of the Lord and Lady of the House, flanked by any children of the immediate or extended family (bearing the same last name) of the age of sixteen or greater. 

 

Upon the arrival of each house they are announced and present themselves before the Mistresses of Reifenia and join the others present at the banquet following their arrival. The congregation as a whole are welcomed to talk among themselves and intermingle at the start of the season. The inaugural event acts as both the opening ball and the presentations. 

 

---