THE FIRSTBORN

[Axelu 3691]

 

THE FIRSTBORN

The Patron of Petra, Countess of Mardon, and Lady Montalt c. 1890

 

 

To my dear friends and family, 

As the sun dips below the horizon, casting a golden glow upon the world, I find solace in the knowledge that these words will forever carry the essence of my spirit. I write to you now, with a heavy heart, burdened by the weight of a life filled with trials and tribulations. I wish to share the story of my sickness and impending departure from this realm, for it is a tale that deserves to be told, to be etched in the annals of history. Not for my pride, but so that those who follow me understand that they, like the Phoenix that boldly serves as the sigil of the great House Montalt, must not be so easily vanquished.

 

From the very moment I drew breath into this world, destiny's gaze fixated upon me, marking me as the firstborn daughter of a noble king. The crown, a symbol of authority and power, was never meant to grace my brow, as a brother followed suit of me, yet I nonetheless sought to guide our kingdom to greatness, as our ancestors had vied to in their times. Yet, fate conspired against me, weaving a tapestry of tragedy and sorrow.

 

At the brink of day, the very same day I had come of age four and ten, a storm of violence swept across the land. My family, the pillars of my world, were mercilessly taken from me. Their lives were extinguished in an instant, leaving me alone, a solitary soul adrift in a sea of sorrow. The grief that consumed me was suffocating, threatening to drown me in its depths. But in the darkness, a spark ignited within me—a flicker of resilience and determination.

 

As the smoke of my family's demise cleared, I found myself abducted by the very people who had ripped my world asunder. I was a captive, confined within the walls of my own despair, by the very same persons who had elicited the demise of my father, mother, and youngest brother. But I refused to succumb to the clutches of hopelessness. Though weakened and battered, I nurtured a fire deep within my heart, stoking it with memories of the love and strength that once surrounded me.

 

Days turned into weeks, weeks into months, and months into years. I endured the most unimaginable hardships, facing cruelty with an unwavering resolve. The lessons I learned etched themselves upon my soul, molding me into a woman of indomitable spirit. I forged friendships with fellow captives, sharing stories of defiance and survival. We became a beacon of hope in the darkest of times, our collective resilience a testament to the power of the human spirit.

 

Eventually, a moment of liberation arrived when my husband’s brother, Saveliy, wrought me my freedom, and I emerged from the chains that had bound me. But the scars of my past were etched deeply, and they followed me like shadows. They marked my physical body and infiltrated my spirit, planting the seeds of an illness that would accompany me until the end of my days.

 

As I emerged unshackled from the chains that bound me, a profound decision took root within my resolute heart. In an act of profound gratitude and faith, I relinquished my claim to the land that once belonged to my lineage. With unwavering determination, I bestowed upon my trusted godfather, Paul Alexander Temesch, the sacred task of establishing the realm of Petra—a bastion of democracy and knightly values.

 

Upon the verdant banks of a breathtaking lake, Petra rose, a testament to the ideals I held dear. Guided by the principles of justice, equality, and honor, this land became a sanctuary for the weary, a sanctuary where the chivalrous spirit thrived. The foundations were laid upon the pillars of unity and fairness, where the voice of every citizen was valued, and the valor of every knight was celebrated. 

 

Now, as I stand at the precipice of the great unknown, I do not fear what lies beyond. For I have lived a life of purpose, a life that defied the expectations cast upon me. I have tasted both the sweetness of victory and the bitterness of defeat. I have loved deeply, laughed wholeheartedly, and fought with every ounce of my being. For this, I thank my husband, children, nephew and nieces, and siblings - the latter of whom I have not seen in years, yet nonetheless love very deeply. And in this journey, I have discovered the true essence of strength—the unwavering determination to rise from the ashes, defy the odds, and leave a legacy of resilience.

 

Though my departure looms, I implore you, my beloved kith, to carry my story forward. Let it be a testament to the power of the human spirit, a reminder that even in the face of insurmountable adversity, one can prevail. I leave you not with tears of sorrow, but with tears of gratitude—for having been given the chance to experience life's extraordinary highs and profound lows.

 

As the final pages of my story unfold, know that I depart with a heart filled with love for you and for all those who have touched my life. Hold fast to the lessons I have imparted, for they are the legacy I leave behind. And remember that even in the face of darkness, there is always a flicker of light, a flame of hope waiting to be kindled.

 

Signed,

To some

Her Royal Highness, The Princess Maude Fredericka Augusta Mary, 

Princess Royal of Oren, Countess of Mardon, Lady of Montalt

To others

Her Excellency, Dame Maude "The Reborn,"

Countess of Mardon and Lady Montalt, Patron and Hero of The Petra

To most

Matilda Montalt,

 Firstborn to King Frederick the First

 

RESQUIESCAT IN PACE 

Matilda Frederica Augusta Maria

1869-1930

 

 

POSTHUMOUS LETTERS: 

 

TO MY HUSBAND, SER PAUL, Lord of Montalt: @excited

 

Spoiler

 I do not know what life would be without you, perhaps nothing, given how you had commanded that your brother salvage me from the von Dracos during the Orenian Civil War. Together, we have built a home, a family, and a name for our children to develop for themselves—free from the bindings of agnostic and cognatic descent that defined our lives for so very long.  As I pen these words, my heart overflows with profound gratitude and unwavering love for the knight who has stood as my pillar of strength. Throughout the trials and tribulations that have beset my path, you have been my unwavering shield, my saving grace in a world fraught with darkness.

 

From the moment our paths intertwined, I recognized in you a kindred spirit—a fierce warrior with a heart of gold. Your unwavering loyalty and unwavering dedication to safeguarding my well-being have been a testament to the depth of your character and the profound love that binds us.

 

In the face of adversity, you stood resolute, battling the shadows that threatened to consume us both. Your unwavering courage and indomitable spirit emboldened me, giving me the strength to rise above the darkest of storms. Through every trial, you were my guiding light, illuminating the path forward and instilling within me an unyielding resolve.

 

You have been my unwavering shield, protecting me from harm, and the steadfast anchor that grounds me amidst life's tempests. With your presence, I have discovered a love that transcends the boundaries of time and space, a love that empowers and fortifies my very being.

 

As I prepare to embark on the next chapter of my journey, I want you to know that your unwavering support and boundless affection have shaped me into the woman I am today. Your belief in me has propelled me to conquer the seemingly insurmountable, and your unwavering faith in our shared dreams has spurred me to defy the limitations imposed by a world intent on extinguishing our spirit.

 

I entrust you with a precious legacy—the memory of our love and the dreams we wove together. In your capable hands, I know that our love will endure, steadfast and unyielding, a beacon of hope amidst the trials that may yet come.

 

Thank you, my beloved knight, for being the rock upon which I lean, the source of strength that sustains me. As I depart from this realm, know that I carry you with me, etched upon the very fabric of my soul.

 

Forever and always, 

your devoted princess

 

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

 

TO MY ELDEST, PHILIP DMITRY-FREDERICK

 

Spoiler

My Dearest Son,

 

As the first light of dawn paints the sky with hues of gold, I write to you, my cherished firstborn, with a heart overflowing with love and unwavering pride. You, my son, hold within you the essence of our lineage—the strength, determination, and responsibility that have coursed through our veins for generations.

 

Just as I, your mother, stood as the firstborn daughter of a noble king, so too do you bear the weight of being the first of your generation. Within your being resides the legacy of our family—a legacy that carries with it a profound responsibility.

 

From the moment you took your first breath, destiny's gaze fixed upon you, marking you as the torchbearer of our bloodline. With this mantle comes great privilege, but also great duty. As the firstborn, you are called upon to be a beacon of honor, wisdom, and leadership—an embodiment of the values and traditions that have shaped our lineage.

 

Know, my son, that this responsibility is not burdensome, but a sacred trust bestowed upon you. It is an opportunity to leave an indelible mark upon the tapestry of our family's history—a mark that speaks of unwavering courage, resilience, and compassion. Embrace this responsibility with steadfast determination, for within it lies the power to inspire and uplift others.

 

I have witnessed within you a strength that mirrors my own—a tenacity that refuses to yield to adversity and a spirit that soars unencumbered by doubt. Nurture these qualities, my son, for they will guide you on the path to greatness. Embrace the lessons I have imparted and seek wisdom from the experiences that life presents to you. With each challenge you overcome, you will emerge stronger and more prepared to fulfill your destiny.

 

Remember, my beloved firstborn, that the legacy we pass down is not merely a name or title. It is a legacy of integrity, honor, and the unwavering pursuit of truth. Let these principles guide your every decision, and in doing so, you will honor the sacrifices of those who came before us.

 

As I embark on the final chapter of my journey, I do so with the utmost faith in you, my son. Embrace the responsibility bestowed upon you, for it is a mantle woven with the threads of courage and honor. Carry our legacy with pride, and let your actions be a testament to the strength of our bloodline. I leave to you the hereditary County of Mardon, a title wielded by Kings—be certain to hold it dear and honor it. 

 

Know that my love for you knows no bounds, and my spirit will forever be by your side, guiding and protecting you. Embrace your role as the firstborn, my son, and seize the opportunities that lie before you. The future awaits, and within you resides the power to shape it.

 

With all my love,

Your Mother

 

TO MY DAUGHTER, PAULINE-MATILDA FREDERICKA @GrowingIvy

 

Spoiler

My Beloved Pauline-Matilda Fredericka,

 

In the depths of my heart, a love for you burns unwaveringly, despite the distance that has divided us. As your namesake, you carry within you a piece of my soul, a connection that transcends the physical realm.

 

Though our paths have diverged, know that my love for you remains steadfast and unyielding. From afar, I have watched you grow into a remarkable woman, a reflection of the strength and resilience that runs through our veins.

 

May your journey be filled with grace and wisdom, my dear daughter. Embrace the world with a courageous heart, and know that you are never alone. Draw strength from the love that flows between us, and let it guide you on the path of your own unique destiny.

 

Forever bound by love,

Your Mother

 

TO MY YOUNGEST, PETER NICHOLAS-FREDERICK @MRCHENN

 

Spoiler

My Dearest Peter Nicholas Frederick,

 

As I pen these words to you, my courageous and adventurous child, memories of a bygone era flood my mind—a time when the world was filled with boundless possibilities and the spirit of adventure echoed through our hearts. It is you, my youngest, who embodies the essence of that indomitable spirit, evoking memories of a beloved brother who departed this world on the day of the Astercalian finale.

 

In you, I see a reflection of his daring soul—the fire that burned bright within him, igniting the world around him with its fierce radiance. Your unwavering bravery and insatiable thirst for exploration serve as a reminder of the boundless potential that resides within you.

 

As you venture forth into the vast unknown, my dear child, I implore you to retain that same spirit—the spirit that drove your uncle and continues to drive you. Embrace every opportunity that beckons, for it is through the pursuit of your dreams that you will truly come alive. Let not the shadows of fear or doubt dim the flame that dances within your heart. Embrace each challenge as an invitation to grow, to discover the depths of your own strength and resilience.

 

Know, my beloved Peter, that as you tread the uncharted paths, you carry with you the legacy of your uncle and the indelible mark of our family's spirit. You are a torchbearer of that unwavering determination and audacious spirit that refuses to be bound by convention. The world awaits your brilliance, yearning for the light that only you can bring.

 

Remember, my courageous child, that true bravery does not lie in the absence of fear, but in the ability to face it head-on. Trust in your instincts, for they are the compass that will guide you through life's twists and turns. And in the face of adversity, let your heart be your anchor—a wellspring of compassion and empathy that will illuminate the darkest of paths.

 

As you embark on your grand adventures, know that my love and support go with you, coursing through your veins like a steady heartbeat. No matter where your journey takes you, you will forever carry a piece of my soul within you.

 

May your path be strewn with wonders and triumphs, my brave Peter. Let the world bear witness to the extraordinary soul that resides within you. Embrace life's challenges with unwavering resolve, and never lose sight of the vibrant spirit that binds us as a family.

 

With all my love,

Your Ever-Proud Mother

 

TO HER SERENE GRACE THE ARCHDUCHESS OF PETRA, @tilly

 

Spoiler

My Dearest Renilde,

 

As I pen these words to you, my cherished goddaughter, my heart swells with immense pride and admiration for the remarkable woman you have become. 

 

In your capable hands, Petra has flourished, becoming a beacon of light and a testament to the enduring values of democracy and knightly virtues. Your unwavering dedication and resolute spirit have propelled its growth, transforming it into a realm where justice, honor, and unity prevail.

 

I cannot express the depth of my gratitude for your unwavering commitment to upholding the principles that Petra was founded upon. Through your leadership, the land has continued to thrive, remaining true to its noble purpose of fostering democracy and nurturing the knightly spirit.

 

As your godmother, I have watched you navigate the challenges with grace and resilience, always keeping the vision of a just and honorable society at the forefront of your endeavors. Your unwavering determination to lead with compassion and fairness has made you a true exemplar of the ideals that Petra represents.

 

Know that my heart overflows with joy and pride as I witness the indelible mark you are leaving upon the tapestry of our shared legacy. Your spirit, Renilde, carries the echoes of my own determination and the echoes of our familial bond.

 

As Petra continues to grow and evolve under your stewardship, my dear goddaughter, I urge you to never lose sight of the profound responsibility that rests upon your shoulders. Embrace each challenge as an opportunity for growth, and let the virtues of justice, unity, and knightly valor guide your every decision.

 

May you continue to shine as a paragon of leadership, a living embodiment of the ideals we hold dear. The future of Petra rests in your hands, and I have every confidence that you will guide it toward even greater heights.

 

With endless love and admiration,

Your Ever-devoted Godmother

 

TO RICHARD LEONUS OF NOVELLEN @Optimus420

 

Spoiler

To Richard Leonus,

 

A love as vast as the starlit sky resides in my heart for you, my beloved nephew. From the moment fate placed you in my care, I embraced the solemn duty of nurturing and guiding you in the shadows, away from prying eyes.

 

As you grew under my watchful gaze, I marveled at the strength and resilience that blossomed within you. Your spirit, akin to a soaring falcon, was unyielding, refusing to be confined by the chains of circumstance. Through the years, I watched you transform into a prince—a true heir to your lineage, filled with noble virtues and a heart ablaze with determination.

 

Though the world remained unaware of our connection, the bond between us, unspoken yet unbreakable, has thrived in the secret recesses of our hearts. In the solitude of our shared moments, I imparted wisdom and bestowed upon you the lessons I had learned through a lifetime of triumphs and tribulations.

 

As you step into the light, my dear Richard, embrace the destiny that awaits you with courage and fortitude. Let the lessons you have learned under my tutelage guide your path, for within you lies the strength to surmount any challenge that may come your way.

 

Remember, my beloved nephew, that your true worth resides not in titles or accolades, but in the content of your character and the noble values you embody. Embrace the responsibilities that come with your birthright and let the flame of honor and justice burn brightly within you.

 

Though we must part ways in the realm of shadows, know that my love for you remains unwavering. I will forever stand as a silent guardian, watching over you from afar, guiding and protecting you with an invisible hand.

 

May your journey be filled with triumphs, my dear Richard. Let your spirit soar and your heart be your compass. Embrace the challenges that lie ahead, for they will shape you into the noble leader you are destined to become.

 

With unending love and pride,

Your Devoted Aunt

 

TO FRANCESCA AND VIVIENNE OF NOVELLEN @ncarr @RaindropsKeepFalling

 

Spoiler

My Dearest Francesca and Vivienne,

 

As the winds of time carry my words to you, my beloved sisters, my heart yearns for the closeness we once shared. Though life's path has led us on separate journeys, know that the bond of sisterhood, forged in the fires of our shared history, remains unbreakable.

 

Rene, my courageous and esteemed sister, who ascended to the esteemed rank of a dame, your achievements have filled my heart with immense pride. Through your unwavering dedication and strength of character, you have carved a path of honor and distinction. May your noble endeavors continue to inspire those around you, and may the flame of your righteous spirit burn brightly.

 

Ada, my dear sister who found love within the noble House of Ruthern, I rejoice in the happiness you have discovered. May your union be filled with love, prosperity, and the unwavering support that you so deserve. Remember, my dear sister, that the ties that bind us transcend the boundaries of distance and time. My love for you remains steadfast, regardless of the miles that separate us.

 

Though our lives may have grown distant, my dear sisters, know that you are forever etched upon the tapestry of my heart. The memories we forged together, the laughter we shared, and the tears we wiped away in times of sorrow—these moments shall forever be cherished.

 

As life unfolds its myriad of experiences before us, I pray that you have not forgotten the love that binds us, the unbreakable thread that weaves through our shared past. Let it be a beacon of solace and strength in moments of doubt and a reminder of the unyielding support that resides within our familial bond.

 

May life's blessings be abundant for both of you, my dear sisters. May you find joy, fulfillment, and purpose in the paths you have chosen. And may the love we have for one another transcend the boundaries of time and space, forever connecting us in spirit.

 

With an enduring love that knows no bounds,

Your Ever-Loving Sister

 

(HRH to RIP 💀)

[excited 10833]

Paul still remembered the latter days of his youth, where the woman - Maude - had held a sword aloft, allowing its flat to glance gently against the apex of his shoulder blade. It was then that the Duke of Petra pronounced, "... And you shall be called Pavel Ivanovich, The Tongue."

 

His time in Petra had largely determined his future. He remembered the time they spent together in the church, discussing Maude's mother's poems. So too did he remember the many times he lifted his sword in her defense. Paul reminisced while standing on a hilltop overlooking a vast tree line, the sun setting over the horizon and bathing the sky in an orange-tinted light. The two shared an ambition that was simple, to allow their children not to suffer the same tribulations they both had suffered.

 

There were many times that his lady wife had saved him from the summit of his own worst impulses. The bodies of his past were something he could almost instantly envision, the many people he had killed in his life. From enemy soldiers, to a Carrion, to Sons of Petra, and his friend's sister. When his friend Emilio had died, it was Maude who was there to support Paul. For a boy who had been orphaned early, who was born a bastard legitimized only by the love of his life's father for committing murder during the Revolution, that had meant more than many people could fathom.

 

Paul Montalt drew his sword from its scabbard, eying the icy blue-tinged steel and its emblazoned Ruskan letters with remorse. His wife was now going to die. The love of his life was gone, and even worse he was going to be left to pick up the pieces. However, he did not allow his grief to consume him. From the very moment he had been born he had been faced with such tribulations. His father was killed in war, his mother was dead when he was born, so he was just pleased to have met one kind soul who would do more than tolerate him.

He knew whether or not she died, he would never marry again, nor humor the idea of another partner. Paul did not believe in the Seven Skies, and he was not sure he would see Maude again - but he knew one simple thing: Honor and virtue before all else.

 

"Over twenty-years," Paul commented to nobody but the trees, accompanied by the hooting of an owl in the distance as sunset plummeted and the earth was shrouded in opaque darkness.

 

I shall love you always.

[Optimus420 1732]

Richard resided at a tavern he had come across within his long journey, taking time to rest with his comrades Sir Baldwin and Sir Arthur. During this time, a courier had brought forth a letter bearing the seal of his aunt. He withdrew his dagger and slid it beneath the wax seal, breaking it. With great care, he unfolded and read the letter from his beloved Aunt, each word of hers sinking in deeper than the last. As they came to an end, the paper was neatly folded, and set down. Richard brushed his sleeve across his eyes to remove the forming blur with a sharp inhale, before sighing. "I have large shoes to fill, hopefully I can live up to your expectations, Aunt Maude."

[RaindropsKeepFalling 884]

___________________________

In the far reaches of Adria's dominion, IRENE BASRID, once Francisca, reclined within her chair tucked within a study, gazing out the window to a rainy day. She had a family of her own, by now. Her days as a Dame in Petra had long passed her by. Yet, when the letter had ultimately reached her with the news, it was as if she was a teenager being knighted atop that peak which hosted the ruins her forefathers looked after once again. She was not an old woman anymore, rather, an oblivious young girl with too many questions to subdue. 

 

She read the final line silently over and over: Your Everloving Sister...

 

Your Everloving Sister...

 

Your Everloving Sister...

 

Your Everloving Sister...

 

Was she so deserving of that everlasting love? She had not been a good sister in many years, memories making the bottom of her stomach knot. So often, she claimed that it was never too late, even in death, but did she want to find out? Perhaps it was too late, and perhaps there was no point. Irene did not know; she wept. She had not cried in a long, long time; only when the reminder of her mortality and the loss of someone she had not known for so long did she weep. She wept until her collar made it evident, until her eyes were dry, and she did not know why. 

 

Maude had always been the wisest of their family, their generation. A generation bygone, she realized. They were the last of a lost era, but never forgotten; she swore that unspokenly. She swore that. 

___________________________

 

[MRCHENN 3663]

The cold, stony ambiance of the Czernin hall was eerily quiet, save for the reverberated echoes of Captain Peter and his brigade of militant merchants and glorified brigands. The men had finished a fine day’s work of Balianese animal slaughter, and instead of joining his men in the Crow’s Catch Tavern, he retreated to his quarters to bear the news.

 

If not for the safety of his leathered gloves, his palm would have been ravaged by his nails. He hated this feeling: weakness. Helplessness. His father would not be there to scorn him, his siblings to mock him, and most importantly: his mother to uplift him. For the first time, he truly felt alone. It made him sick to the stomach.

 

He reminisced fondly over his youth in Petra, and childlike antics behind his mother’s back - traversing the long alleyways of Mardon after sitting through long, boring meetings of the Round Table with his mother. He remembered her worried look after their home was traded over to the Aaunites, yet her presence was enough solace to him. He now regretted leaving her for his multiple yearly ventures to the sea, his calm pastime, and his repertoire with his mother over the years diminished.

 

I wish she knew not to worry for my safety. He thought to himself. I wish she knew of the friends I met, the adventures I had, and the rash decisions I made. I wish she knew that I learned everything I needed to be a man. I wish she knew I missed her.

 

His hand rose to stop the tear that began forming in his eye.

 

I wish she knew I want to make her proud.

[JoanOfArc 4586]

Justinian took notice of his pen pal’s lack of letters when he noticed his wife received a letter. He sighed, remarking briefly, “My poet, and now my Sister-in-law, passing on. Will there be a time when I receive no more letters Allah?”

[Nord 313]

Darius sat in his study, surrounded by books and memories of years gone by. As the afternoon sunlight gently streamed through the window he would receive a missive from his granddaughter bearing somber news of his childhood friend’s passing. A deep sigh escaped Darius's lips as he clutched the letter, feeling the weight of loss settle upon his weary shoulders. “I wish I could have introduced you two, I’m sure you would have gotten along.” He murmured in a thoughtful remark as he set the letter aside. “Perhaps my time will come as well.”

[hemomancy 2850]

Pauline-Matilda took in a breath, eyes glazing over whilst cast upon the letter she'd received. Not the first time she had read the words penned to her, rather words she continued to mull over with time. She'd grown to become a woman of few words, focused rather on her actions. With the parchment in one hand, an index finger of the other tapped the pommel of a sword that rest at her hip.

 

"Perhaps it is time I finally return to my kin."