A Haverlock's Flame

[Javert 9625]

A HAVERLOCK’S FLAME

 

Louis Owyn Haverlock camping within the Mountains of Aaun

 

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The old Count of Talentine had many regrets in his mind. The chapters of his life replayed in his head many nights over and over again, demanding that Louis never live them down. It brought down Louis’ ability to effectively lead his House or be part of the Regency council, and so he sought out a way to clear his mind of the rough storms that swirled in his brain. 

 

Often the Count would set out in the later hours of the day and find a quiet place to make camp and lay his head. He would find solace in the stars and comfort in the moonlight, and at last Louis felt as if he had found his path to mental clarity. Finally, he could allow himself to enjoy the present rather than reminisce about the past.

 

This night was no different. After briefly speaking with his old friend Heinrich, Louis gave charge of the House to his eldest son Ser Leopold and left the house with his camping items. Louis trekked for some miles before arriving at the plateau of a mountain near Whitespire, the cold Autumn air filling his lungs and granting him relief as he placed down his belongings and struck up a fire. 

 

After his usual stargazing and having a quick dinner consisting of rabbit meat, Louis set up his tent and allowed himself to lay within it. Louis allowed the fire to continue as it allowed him to keep warm in the cold Autumn nights. Louis finally let his guard drop, and the Count began to rest within his tent.

 

Yet, it would be the allowance of the Fire to continue that would be the Count’s undoing. A small ember, no larger than an ant, fluttered its way over to Louis’ tent as it was carried by the wind. Suddenly the wool caught aflame and fire began to roar around the startled Louis. The old man, too tired and slow to escape the flame, felt the tent begin to lose its hold and collapse around him.

 

Smoke rose from the distance, visible from Whitespire itself. The grass, bush, and even some trees caught alight and burned in the mountains near the capital. A simple mistake had been made, and it was a simple mistake that cost the Count everything.

 

In the morning, the Whitespire city guard found a corpse burnt beyond recognition near the campfire. With no other sign of Louis anywhere, it was assumed that the Count had been unable to escape the flame and as a result had perished in the fire. The corpse would be returned to the Haverlock family thereafter, with his son and heir Ser Leopold taking up his Father’s titles.

 

 

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Louis Owyn Haverlock (born de Joannes)

75 S.A. - 147 S.A.

 

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[Kitomine 902]

Julietta, the Count's one and only daughter, was one of the first to hear the news. That night, the echoes of wailing fell upon the poor city. The poor woman fallen to her knees in grief and sorrows. 

While she and her father had their moments, she loved him greatly. Out of all the children she was the one who turned out most like him, much to her dismay. He was the one she could relate to. And now, much like her deceased mother, he has also passed. She hadn't let anyone console her, blocking anyone and everyone out of her surroundings. Not even her husband or children could comfort the heartbroken woman.

She shut herself in, unable to process the grief that now claimed her.

[Wavey 2568]

Upon the news of his father's passing. Michael Haverlock was at a loss for words. He stared towards the fireplace whilst sitting upon the chair in the living room as he then murmured, "You were firm yet loving in your own way Papa. I'll miss you." His voice was a hoarse whisper as he brought his right wrist upwards to wipe his eyes. 

[Olox_ 4318]

"Ruhe in Frieden, Graf Haverlock."

Heinrich II Lothar said as the news of Louis' death reached him

[annanicole__ 2802]

For many years, Augustina Therosia had forgotten about her ex-lawful brother. The Elder Princess bowed her head as she heard her ex-brother in law passing. "Oh Louis, I knew you would be the first to leave. I'll never forget our time spent in Sedan. You kept me out of trouble. Many thanks, Louis.”

[HIGH_FIRE 5490]

The man's eldest son would run up to his father to greet him in the seven skies shouting "AYYYYYY FATHER, TOOK YOU LONG ENOUGH, AY?" He would sound rather joking but in his face it would be obvious that he would  be happy he finally had a recognisable face in the skies.

[MapleSunflower 1889]

The past years were difficult for Olenna. From Otto, to the tsunami, and to the loss of her library... The quiet girl could no longer bottle the pain she felt. A sorrowful scream was heard from deep within the woods of Petra. With tears in her blue-green eyes, the little Haverlock tilted her chin to view the cloudy skies above. "Why?!" She cried, her voice raw from the emotions that burst from her. Birds fluttered out from the spruce trees, startled by the girl's weeping. Everything she carried within her satchel was tossed, the bugcatcher's jar completely shattering into billions of pieces upon impact with the tree trunk. Finally, her tear-stained cheeks lifted to the Seven Skies above as a weak whisper rasped from her throat, "I didn't even get to say goodbye..."

[Sebbysc 744]

Riding throughout the Aaunic countryside was often not a chore, but a simple pleasure for Ser Leopold. Except for the occasional highwayman, the roads were often tranquil enough to be lost in thought. With Leutwin and Robert in tow he was riding towards Stassion for the Feast of Unity. However, as the group rode closer, they were intercepted by a simple courier boy. The lad didn't look above the age of sixteen and held a flushed countenance given the distance he had been running. 

 

It was within those next few moments that Leopold's hands tightened around his reigns. The boy's meek words brought trouble to the Knight's heart. He would offer this courier boy the best he could. A faint smile and some coin was traded before the trio rode back towards Whitespire. Given these new circumstances his workload would surely increase ten-fold...

 

The now 'Count of Talentine' would also likely face much worse in his future. 

 

@alien_mc