REDEMPTION, REJUVENATION, RESTORATION

[Wavey 2568]

 

                                       

 

 

THE RESTORATION OF THE CROWN

 

 19th of Godfrey’s Triumph, 136 B.A.

 

“He left his throne with their blessing, and the eldest rose as a new king.” (Gospel, 4:15)

☨

“Trust in your people. For they will trust in the LORD as much as you trust in them.” 

 

𖥞

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La Clarària | The Clearing

 

We navigate the tall grains 

Our vision becomes clear 

The rice fields are gone 

And we see what is near 

 

The flock follow behind me 

Their trust smite my fear

Whilst the Shepherd before me 

Patiently guides us here 

 

As we reach the clearing 

We see the fair city we hold dear

The tropical air greets us all 

And we erupt in cheer

 

The Shepard now turns to me

His lips curled to a smile ear to ear

He speaks in his succinct words

Words which we all hear

 

“Now you guide them to the city

They trust you to lead young Emir 

Stand tall as you take my place

But remember one thing clear 

They have chosen you young Prince

The ALMIGHTY answered their prayers 

For HE has witnessed your penance 

HE has witnessed your tears

HE has witnessed your journey

The path of redemption to which you adhere

Ends at the tip of this crossroad

For we have seen you become sincere 

But remember their trust young prince

Look to them as they cheer

Keep your promise to the flock 

For it is them who hold you dear.”

┗━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━┛

𖥞

 

IN THE NAME OF GOD, THE MOST MERCIFUL, THE MOST BENEVOLENT, WE BEGIN.

 

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AUSPICE (3:4-5)

4 See, and there is a bridge of many colors, and marching forth from the Skies are the virtuous dead, and the wicked have been cast down from high places. 5 See, the World is changed, and the promise of Virtue is fulfilled.

 

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have reached the end of our current journey. I am honored by the patience our flock has given me amidst this eleven-year period. The Lotharian Regency was never a permanent measure, but one of temporary necessity to ensure the stability of the Kingdom. However, this chapter must come to a close for the realm. For I have seen the strides our people have taken to uplift our nation in redemption.

A committee was to be formed by me amidst this regency to elect a new king after the abdication of Alexander II. However, I found it in my best judgment to let the people decide rather than allow a council of a few elites chosen by one man to decipher the direction of where the winds of change must blow. Thus, I waited for the commune to be established.

 

The commune consists of the segnoria which are the entirety of the Crown’s peers, and the senate which is the body of representatives elected by the citizenry of the Kingdom of Balian. Both bodies of the commune were given a chance to choose any living individual amongst the family of Novellen from the line of Alexander II to become the heir to the nation. However, amidst this choice another door was open for the people. Perhaps a new regime of their choosing. All of which were possible to debate or introduce by the very citizens of the commune. 

 

But the people remained steadfast to virtue. They refused to let any ambitious individual rise above their station. Rather, their patience and trust was directed to one man. A man who was given a path of redemption to repent for the misdeeds he had committed during his brash younger years before full maturity. That man is John Casimir Baudoin. 

 

We have witnessed his journey, from prince to commoner, to warrior. Amidst his journey of penance, he refused to be addressed as royalty. He had spent eleven years in humble service to the nation, to Lotharia, and to Canondom. His efforts garnered him recognition in virtue amongst humanity. He offered his blade against the Xionists. He stood firm against the Unholy Darktide to protect both Canondom and the Holy Mother Church. He did all not for his own glory but for the cause of the ALMIGHTY. 

 

We have witnessed his devotion to the Canon Faith. His soul was guided by all back to the light. He would ask for confession after confession, guidance after guidance from me and all pious men of the cloth. Each of his requests all had an underlying theme:
 

“How can I ask the LORD to grant my people his LIGHT?” 

 

His questions were answered. His confessions were heard. His requests for guidance were fulfilled. Amidst his path of penance, he chose rather to be motivated by a selfless intuition: to help his people. While we prayed for him, he prayed for us. 

 

The sign of his redemption came when I was told His Holiness had given John his blessing to wed Kathryn Virosi. The High Pontiff stated that he wished to reconcile John Casimir as soon as possible. Whilst I was amused, I gave the man my own three tests to assess his sincerity. He had passed each gracefully. After the third test, I gave him my own blessing to marry Kathryn Virosi. 

 

But the signs expanded further on the night of the segnoria meeting, when all peers unanimously and voluntarily declared their support for John Casimir. Thus, after the elections for the senate, I called the elected representatives to convene for their first task: elect a new leader to guide the nation. Unanimously and willfully, they all shouted John Casimir’s name. 

 

In an unprecedented moment for our nation, the people of Balian have elected their sovereign. Such a case may leave ripples within the realm. Perhaps the restored monarchy may invent a hybrid elective-primogeniture system in the future. But only the LORD knows for certain of what is on the horizon for the nation through the restored Crown’s intuition. Nevertheless, the commune has spoken, and with it the people. 

 

Thus, it is with great pride and acknowledgment that I declare the passing of the reigns of Balian to the King-Elect John Casimir. For he has been chosen by the will of the people, and I shall give my ascent to the people’s choice. 

 

However, let us remember that it is the Holy Mother Church which shall crown a Canonist Prince. And so, we adhere to this doctrine; For the mandate of heaven is bestowed through the Vicar of GOD. Thus, to adhere to proper spiritual procedure, John Casimir shall be known as King-Elect by name only. He shall not be called a Canonist Prince until he is crowned by the High Pontiff. 

 

 

Yet, I can wholeheartedly and contentedly say that my tenure as regent has ended. I shall now fully uphold my obligations through the Holy Mother Church as the people’s shepherd and shall remain as your Cardinal. For Lotharia must grow, and the flock must still be guided spiritually whilst the reigns of the nation are returned to Novellen d’Atrus. 

𖥞

 

To my flock, I speak these words in truth: 

I, Cardinal Ivan of Lotharia, having had upheld my duty to protect the Crown of Balian as its regent, now willfully and with pride transfer the duty of the Nation’s sovereignty to John Casimir Baudoin of Novellen d’Atrus of the line of John I ‘The Founder’. 

𖥞

EN DÉU CONFIEM,

Ivan Cardinal Lotharia

 

[Cheese 8899]

The Countess of Salia, who had long awaited this day, breathed a sigh of relief. "Oh, finally! His Highness has been so diligent and patient... surely, he will lead us well." Esfir leaned back, holding the missive to her chest with a smile. "Now, Balian may move forward. Ave John, Ave Balian."

[__Stal27 2148]

"Finally.. there is a head to bear the weight of the Crown and there is none other who can perform this duty than him. Let this day mark for us, the return of the King." Spoke the Amiratus at the declaration and proclamation of the restoration to Balian.

[Andustar 4143]

Spoiler

 

There is an old saying throughout the realms of men: 'Heavy is the head that wears the crown.' One could be conditioned in all faculties of life to rule; John's family and mentors made no short expense ensuring that was the case. However, it was one thing to be prepared and another to bear the burden. "Your duty to the Kingdom must come before all else," he told himself, recalling a similarly worded lesson from his father. Long he had anticipated this day; even in the wake of uncertainty, the firstborn son always knew his life would be in service to his homeland. For so long as he walked this earth, so it would remain. 

 

And yet, another lesson came to mind. "Never forget who you are: A mortal man. Never lose touch with your heart." The hearts of men were easily led astray, their ambition and drive to act often compelling them to acts of foolishness. John understood that perhaps better than most, but his heart also saved him. For with every mistake comes a lesson, and humanity's greatest strength is its heartfelt capacity to rise above the sins of the past.

Dark days lay upon the distant horizon. The Prince foresaw this much; he often dreamt of the coming fire and horrors beyond. At long last, it fell upon him to ascend the Throne of Unity and deliver hope amidst uncertainty. God was not obligated to light the path ahead; nevertheless, he who would be honoured as King prayed for a sign - for a path, however narrow - not to ease his burden but upon which he could lead his people unto paradise.
 

[MapleSunflower 1889]

Candles flicker softly along the pristine walls, their golden light casting an illumination that seems to dance throughout the sacred Cathedral. Rows of wooden pews were lined up, methodically facing the great altar behind it water poured down into the pools at either side. Footsteps echo as they enter, a single figure striding slowly through the aisle. The flicker of candlelight cast a soft glow upon her serene visage, her frame held with poise and humility. Reverent cornflower hues fixed upon the Lorraine, reflecting a warmth in her eyes. The woman, adorned in a crimson veil and bundles of white lilac, reveled in the quiet stillness of the holy space. A tender smile graced her face as she paused, her hand cradling her belly, feeling the gentle stirrings of life within. 

Kneeling before the altar, Kathryn Atalia traced the Lorraine over her geometry before humbly bowing her head. Her voice, though barely audible, carried each word of her hushed petition. “Almighty GOD,” she began, “You who blessed Horen and Julia and guided them in Your ways. My heart and soul is filled with gratitude for you have blessed us with honor and opportunity. You have called upon my husband to serve and protect his people. You have led him from the darkness, and he has sought the light. He has followed it virtuously and driven the evils into banishment. Unto You, I lift him up into Your hands.”

“Bless John with discernment, strength, and a kind heart that will follow Your will. Help me to continue to be his steadfast support. Grant us the wisdom to make decisions that honor You, compassion to care for those in need, and humility to lead with grace and integrity.” Blue eyes lift to the Lorraine, the golden light reflecting off its ornate face. Her fingers were laced together, intertwined in their firm hold. Kathryn did not waver as she professed, “Let our words and actions inspire unity, peace, and hope among the people we serve. Together, may we lead this kingdom in a way that reflects Your justice and mercy.”

“I pray for the people of this land. May we be a beacon of Your love, a source of comfort in their trials, and a servant to their needs. Guide us so that we will listen, to act with fairness, and to be a faithful steward of the trust they have placed in us.” With a deep breath, Princess Kathryn lifted her gaze to the altar, her eyes glistening with resound faith. Her voice was strong in affirmation, ringing like bells would within a steeple. “May Your Will be done. Amen.”

[Chronics 482]

The young Hier of Salia would hear of this grand news and say "Ah finally now we can see what the future holds, Ave Balian!"

[sarahbarah 7109]

The Lady Emissar excitedly made preparations to send many-a-letter to the budding King John and his to-be consort.