A BLOODY DIET

[ErosTea 1084]

 

Issued by the House of Alstion

On the 21st of Godfrey’s Triumph, 2003

The Salvo Plot, The Free City of Venic, In the Year of Our Lord 2003

 

 

 

A PRAYER UNTO THE DEAD

Domine, animae defunctorum et nocentium, supplicamus tibi. Concede eis requiem aeternam et lucem perpetuam. Miserere eorum qui per scelera aut hostilitatem vitam suam amisere. Requiem eis dona, etiam qui in insidiis aut perperam acta perpetraverunt. Misericordiam tuam super omnes extendas, et veniam eorum peccata offeras. Amen.

 

♰

 

---

 

The Diet began in earnest, a gathering marked by purpose, where conversation flowed as it should—measured, yet impassioned. And for a time, all seemed in order, with voices raised in earnest discussion and hopes for progress running high. Yet the hall, once charged with impassioned debate, was suddenly pierced by shouts of alarm, as the Salvian Menace, acting in the name of the republic, launched their assault—with Prince Edward and the Princess as their chosen targets. The hall, a place of reason moments before, was transformed into a battleground, as violence tore through what had been a gathering of peace and purpose.

 

The spectators did make haste to flee the chamber, as the clergymen, in their pious office, did bid them forth unto the sanctuary that lay just beyond the diet hall. Erstwhile, as the Salvian Menace drew closer towards the royal coupling, those few amongst them, who were girded with steel, did take up arms in defence, striving to shield the Prince and Princess from that which threatened their lives.

 

For their charge was base and vile, these Republican hounds were swiftly struck down, and in their folly did they bring victory unto the Crown’s loyalists, with none among them suffering harm.

 

TO THE PEOPLE OF THE REALM,

WE, Prince Edward and Princess Cecily, are ever grateful for the prayers and well-wishes for our health and safety. We write to you and say this: We are alive and well.

WHEREIN the Diet of Lords and Commons had been peacefully convening to discuss the future of our beloved kingdom, but was tragically interrupted by the republican elements, whose actions endangered the health and safety of many.

WE, the Prince Edward and Princess Cecily, whomst were the intended targets of this vile act, have been brought to safety under the mercy of GOD. As we recover from the events of today’s bloody affair, we extend our hearts and prayers to the families of the wounded and lost, and our gratitude to those present who defended us and neutralised the radicals. A special thanks is due to Goran and Felix Wick, whose swift actions, and knowledge of alchemical tools, proved decisive in the defence of our lives.

FURTHERMORE, we condemn the actions of the Republic of Salvo and their accomplices, and warn all of Canondom to be wary of any approaching signs of terrorism. But let it be clear—violence will not be met with further violence, but with GOD’s justice. This attack upon our body and the Diet, a body gathered for the prosperity and future of our kingdom, is not only an attack upon us but an attack upon the very fabric of our collective being. We will not forget this.

TO those who conspired in this plot against the good men, women, and children of this realm, know this: Our resolve has not been deterred but strengthened. We will not be melted by the flames of our trials, but tempered and forged stronger. We will not be broken. 

TO those who would further conspire to see our demise, we promise this: Try as you might, you will find no weakness in our hearts, no crack in our will. Every scheme you weave will unravel before the might of our unity and the strength of our purpose. 

 

We are not so easily broken.

 

 

---

T R A N S C R I P T
Of the First Aaunic Diet of 2003

Spoiler

PENNED BY
Lord Malcolm d’Arkent,
Ward to Prince Edward Caius of Balamena.

Joseph von Preussens: “Hail, people of Aaun. The Royal House of Alstion extends its thanks to you all for your presence here on this momentous day. This First Diet will mark not only the beginning of a new chapter for our realm but the renewal of a bond between Crown and Peer. Together, let us seek a course forward that strengthens our unity, and secures the prosperity of Aaun and her people.” 

 

Edward Alstion: “My Lords, My Ladies, good people gathered here today. We meet in this Grand Hall of Venic as stewards of our shared future. As I open this forum, I ask you to speak freely, for your voices shall shape the path ahead. In all things, we seek the will of God, whose guidance is our light in these uncertain times. Let us listen, let us debate, and let us build a kingdom worthy of His grace.” 

 

Cecily Alstion: “It is not enough for anyone to merely rule. We must listen, learn, and grow together. We are all entrusted by God with the care of this land, and it is through unity and understanding that we will honor that trust. Let your words be heard, and let  us shape a future that reflects the hope and promise He has bestowed upon us.” 

 

Joseph von Preussens: “Good gentlemen and gentlewomen, as the night's proceedings move forward, under good conscience I must advocate that you state your name and whatever affiliation you might hold for the sake of our scribe here tonight, Lord Malcolm d’Arkent. I see many of those gathered here today do not directly affiliate with the Kingdom of Aaun, and I would also ask those to refrain from this discussion to preserve the opinions and voices of those who this proceeding concerns. We ask that only those landed peers and representatives make themselves known before the diet.” 

 

Goran Wick: “Am Goran, Lord af the Wickwald.” 

Lorelei Alstion-Enswerp: “Lorelei Mairi, The Countess of Enswerp.” 

Johanna von Alstreim: “Johanna, Princess of Merryweather.” 

Camilla Falkner: “I’m Camilla Monika Falkner, Mistress of Falcon's Rest.” 

Catherine Jazlowiecki: “Catherine, Margravine-consort of Grodno.” 

Vincenzo Varoche: “Lord Vincenzo Varoche of the County of Ves.” 

George of Aldersberg: “George Charles, Lord of Aldersberg.” 

Winifred Halcourt: “Lady Winifred, Regent of Artois.” 

Mother Valerie: “Valerie, Lady Mayor of Venic.” 

Edward Alstion: “Our host, Mother Valerie. We thank her once again for her continued generosity.” 

George of Aldersberg: “My legs grow numb.”

Mother Valerie: “You are welcome, your Highness.”

Alexandra of Aldersberg: “The Lady Alexandra of Aldersberg.” 

 

Joseph von Preussens: “Very well. You may all be seated. We do bid that any who have not yet made themselves known unto this Diet do make their introduction should they desire to contribute to our discourse. We give thanks to you all for your attendance, that you might partake in the restoration of our most beloved realm. The Diet shall now move to deliberate upon the position and response on the refugee bodies, both past and present; concerning those who now reside within the lands of Aaun, by will of the High Pontiff, as is his prerogative as Regent of Aaun. Is there a second to this motion?” 

George of Aldersberg: “I second the motion.” 

 

Joseph von Preussens: “The motion has been seconded. The Diet shall now open the floor for discussion on the position and response to the refugee bodies, both past and present, who have taken residence within Aaun by the will of the High Pontiff, in his capacity as Regent. Let those who wish to speak make their voices known.” 

Goran Wick: “Am seconding the motion.” 

Camilla Falkner: “I second it, yes.” 

 

Alexandra of Aldersberg: “Are the refugee bodies, those towns and constructions given out by the Pontiff throughout his Regency?” 

Edward Alstion: “Recent events have brought about a high frequency of displaced peoples around the realm. As we seek to rebuild and repopulate our nation, it begs the question of what the populace of our nation might be.” 

Friedrich von Augusten: “Be there any higher authority than that of the Pontiff? Those chosen by GOD to inherit the land of Aaun should do so.”

Cecily Alstion: “The Aaunic lords have cared for and overseen many cultural groups throughout their history but in this time of displacement. We want to ask you, our people, what it means to be Aaunic. Will you accept people of foreign lands, who seek asylum, as  our own?” 

 

Mishika: “I think you should accept anyone, there are people like me who have nothing, no family, just alone.” 

Camilla Falkner: “Pontiff granted me my lands after my families departed with the abandonment of Silasia. I was born and raised in Aaun however, being of the Azor dynasty. Yet I know of many people who also used to live in Aaun. Then there are also good people who also like me need a place to call home after the fall of their previous land. Whether it is people from Silasia or Ravenmire.” 

Alexandra of Aldersberg: “We shall for it is the Holy Mother Church who permitted their residence and doing so, they are blessed to enjoy calling these lands their home.” 

 

Cecily Alstion: “Thank you, Lady Falkner, Lady Alexandra… What is your name, Miss?” 

Mishika: “Mishika.”

Cecily Alstion: “We swear to you, Miss Mishika, the Aaun that everyone in this diet intends to build is one that provides a faithful and prosperous home for those without family. You are valued and heard. Thank you for sharing.” 

 

George of Aldersberg: “Aaunites should strictly be made up of heartlanders.” 

Camilla Falkner: “Bullshit. Many Highlanders were here at the founding of Aaun, as I sit here now.” 

Cecily Alstion: “The Heartlandic and Highlander sentiments are both heard and understood. Even our House, Alstion, bears Highlandic blood - despite our positioning in the Crownlands.” 

Edward Alstion: “George, might you elaborate?” 

George of Aldersberg: “The last time the Highlanders had any power in Aaun, they caused a rebellion.” 

 

Cecily Alstion: “One thing must be made clear, and this is one thing that we as a state upheld by principles of liberalism and progress cannot compromise on: Aaun must be a state for all. Our lords, beyond managing land, are also tasked with fostering community among their people. Regardless of cultural heritage, Aaunishmen must unite.” 

George of Aldersberg: “We must avoid a repeat of history. The Aaunites must be united through cultural heritage.” 

Camilla Falkner: “Yet that wasn't all highlanders of Aaun. My family had left peacefully, and there was no ill done by other houses. Don't get Highlander confused with the term traitor.” 

 

Cecily Alstion: “You, a lord of Heartlandic heritage, must work to build your people upwards, as a Highlandic lady like Lady Falkner, or the Prinzessin von Merryweather, lead their people. Each faction is integral to our survival, as what occurred in the past that damned the predecessors of both Edward and I was not cultural allegiance, but hubris. Hubris is a sin that you, I, or anyone else can fall victim to. This will not happen again. Does anyone else have further additions?” 

 

Friedrich von Augusten: “Godwin, Father of Aaun, was a son of the Exalted Horen, Father of all men. To declare that only Heartlanders may live in Godwin’s land is to insult the idea of Aaun.” 

Alexandra of Aldersberg: “I believe that the people of Aaun should be in tandem with creating the one and only Aaunic identity rather than having the peers isolating in their desolate towns and trying to further their own power.” 

George of Aldersberg: “My legs.”

Joseph von Preussens: “Shall there be any further additions?”. 

Alexandra of Aldersberg: “Nay, let us further with the more pressing matters.” 

Camilla Falkner: “Highlanders don't need separate towns. Highlanders and Heartlanders lived within the same communities for generations in Aaun. Not all of them were of the factions who wished to break the Kingdom.” 

George of Aldersberg: “Can we agree on no elves?” 

Camilla Falkner: “Yes.”

 

Joseph von Preussens: “Having heard the discussion, the Diet shall now move to adjourn this matter. Is there a second to this motion?” 

Camilla Falkner: “Seconded.” 

Alexandra of Aldersberg: “I second this motion.” 

Goran Wick: “Goran seconds.” 

Lorelei Alstion-Enswerp:  “I second.” 

Mother Valerie: “I second.” 

Goran Wick: “Yes, no malinspawn allowed.” 

Edward Alstion: “Let us move on then.

 

Joseph von Preussens: “The Diet shall now move to deliberate upon the proposal of a new, unified settlement, to serve as a new haven for the displaced Heartlander peoples, and fill the void left by the Ivory City of Whitespire, which has since been laid to ruin. Is there a second to this motion?” 

Lorelei Alstion-Enswerp:  “I second.” 

Goran Wick: “Am second.” 

Alexandra of Aldersberg: “I second.” 

George of Aldersberg: “I second.” 

Camilla Falkner: “I second.” 

 

Joseph von Preussens: “The motion has been seconded. The Diet shall now open the floor for discussion on possible construction of a new settlement, to replace the now ruined Whitespire. Let those who wish to speak make their voices known.” 

Lorelei Alstion-Enswerp: “Where would this settlement be? And how large would it be?” 

Camilla Falkner: “Whitespire is cursed.” 

Cecily Alstion: “A moment. Welcome, Father Elim.” 

 

Cardinal-Rebbe Elim of Esbec: “His Holiness has issued a Pontifical Decree on this matter, that I should be ready to declare, with your leave, good men and women.” 

Joseph von Preussens: “Cardinal, might you be so kind as to state your name and origin, for the record?” 

Cardinal-Rebbe Elim of Esbec: “Ah.. I am Cardinal-Rebbe Elim of Esbec. His Holiness has issued a Pontifical Decree on this matter, that I should be ready to declare, with your leave, good men and women.” 

Joseph von Preussens: “You have the floor, Cardinal.” 

Camilla Falkner: “For clarification are we saying there will be a decree against the settlement of Whitespire, or one for it?” 

Vincenzo Varoche: “For our sanity, please just let them speak! No more questions!” 

 

Cardinal-Rebbe Elim of Esbec: “Pontifical Decree, issued by His Holiness Roeh Tzon. Recent developments in the affairs of the regency, as well as the recent and most Blessed conquests of the Robertine Crusade, have sprung the necessity for a reconstruction of the countryside and a new ordering of the estates of the landed. The breadth of the country remains for the most part deserted, and wilderness has quickly reclaimed the untended parts of the realm. It is for this reason that, with leal cooperation of the faithful estates of the realm, the resettlement of the estates shall be directed from their respective localities to to populate the full width of the valley between the mountain pass and the Lemon Hill river. Those estates already landed in the valley shall retain their status, and those landed outside the valley shall be aided in the efforts of relocation and resettlement. A plan shall be devised to see the respective land granted to each estate in the valley, according to their numbering and preference, jointly with the Church. Thus reads the missive, yes.” 

 

Alexandra of Aldersberg: “May his Holiness be eternally blessed and in good health, for he is wise and caring of the populace.” 

Joseph von Preussens: “For the sake of clarity, your Eminence, are you asserting that those estates settled to the east of the Langkette or upon its mountaintops will be made to leave their keeps, and forced to resettle?” 

Cardinal-Rebbe Elim of Esbec: “Thank you kindly; I shall retreat for the sake of your goodly deliberation. Eh? Oh, you might further all questions later; I should not wish to disturb the assembly any further.” 

Edward Alstion: “Thank you, Cardinal.” 

 

Joseph von Preussens: “Very well. What say you to this, representatives of Falcon's Rest and Venic, of Merryweather and Halcourt?” 

Lorelei Alstion-Enswerp: “Now I see why they wished for me to move Enswerp.”

Alaric Bishop Andrikev: “Should the assembly have any questions of the Church, I shall remain to answer or direct them to the proper authorities.” 

Joseph von Preussens: “It will be your estates and holdings which shall be displaced by will of the Pontiff.” 

Cecily Alstion: “Let me preface any further conversation...” 

 

Levi Summers, President of Salvo: “Resist the tyrants!” 

 

Suddenly, the once orderly room erupted into chaos as Republican forces drew their vials and weapons.

S I G N E D,  

HIS HIGHNESS, Prince Edward Caius of Balamena

 

    HER ROYAL HIGHNESS, Princess Cecily of the Apostolic Kingdom of Aaun, Lady of Alba 

[gavyn 1362]

The hero named Goran Wick would spend the next many days in Enswerp, tending to the health of the Countess of Enswerp. He would remain humble in the spotlight, not showing his face or bragging of his valorous actions, his is from the house of Saint Rudolph after all.

[annanicole__ 2802]

Lorelei smiled faintly as she opened her eyes in her bedchamber, her gaze meeting Goran's. "It could have ended worse..." she whispered, reaching for his hand and giving it a gentle squeeze. "We both could have lost our lives, but we didn't. I pray for those who were hurt worse than I." She looked down, a pained expression crossing her face, and squeezed his hand tighter, seeking comfort in his presence.

[Security_ 2287]

Disgusted was Calaron Wick as news of the attack reached him. A prayer for his brother was followed by a slew of curses.

 

“Those dogs of the republic would spit upon Horen’s bounty. Great men must lead great men, though it appears the blind lead the blind in Salvo.”

[Cheese 8899]

The mother of the diet’s scribe was left aghast in horror. Without hesitation, she penned letters to both the Royal couple and her son, with both her condolences for the meeting’s derailment and relief that all were safe. With a few contemplative murmurs to herself, Esfir began to seek out a temporary guard for Malcolm, should such a terrible occasion happen again!

[Publius 4098]

President Levi Summers came armed with everything but luck. Bombs went off in the crowd, shots fired at frozen men and women - yet only those in the rafters away from the carnage perished. It was a dark day... But this dark day would become the never ending night in which the Nobility of Aaun would be doomed to, the President having escaped the bloodbath!

 

Spoiler

Pardon any of my OOC frustration, used a ton of ST items and spent a long time on this RPly for it to be of no outward consequence - I just hope those involved had fun!

 

[Mattiii 1663]

George Charles Aldersberg stumbled out of the Town Hall, blood dripping from his hand, his surcoat torn, his breaths ragged from the lingering alchemical fumes that curled smoke from his lips. Confused yet unyielding, he leaned briefly against a column, his hand resting on the hilt of his blade. “Is this what they have resorted to?” he said with a hoarse voice. “Cowards spilling blood to shatter unity. They will answer for this treachery.”

[gavyn 1362]

1 minute ago, Publius said:

 

  Hide contents

Pardon any of my OOC frustration, used a ton of ST items and spent a long time on this RPly for it to be of no outward consequence - I just hope those involved had fun!

 

Spoiler

It's okay friend, the Wick men are down multiple as well 😟

 

[mojanghunter 566]

Joseph Frederick did ponder the threat of assassination late into the night. Though his bed was soft and pleasant, sleep fled him, for the specter of death gnawed at his thoughts. He had emerged from the fray with little harm, yet the unsettling knowledge of the plot lingered, weighing heavily upon his mind. Only when the hours had stretched long and his exhaustion grew too great to resist did slumber at last claim him.

 

The next morning, when the dawn broke at last, Joseph rose with resolve, determined to muster a force—however rudimentary—to safeguard the Prince and Princess.

 

 

 

 

Edited November 16, 2024 by mojanghunter

[FireAGN 1207]

The aforementioned scribe, Malcolm d'Arkent was proud of his work being published but was also scared an attempt like this would happen again. Worried for Prince Edward, the one who had seen something in him to make him want to make Malcolm his ward. Worried for Edward's safety, and his life. Malcolm had just lost his father to sickness, he just couldn't lose his ward master too. "The Salvians won't get out of this without consequences..." He thought to himself, the young boy was resolute to do everything he could to protect his friends.

[colovian fur 8360]

 

Jhonny Konigsberg lights a cigar, finally finding a cause worth fighting for. Placing his Saint Caius prayer book in his lap, he mutters a small prayer to Saint Nafis to lead him in this rebellion as his forefathers in the Great Konigsberg Republic once did against Delaney.

 

“The bells of liberty will be rung once again against the tyranny of those that abuse the rights of man.” 

[Plausifraunz 379]

Arya, having been healed completely unscarred through God's will after the situation, read the missive quietly. "A shamble, a mess," her hand brushed over her eye, exhaustion washing over her. 

"There will be a better future, we will not crumble to a mere act such as this." 

[MrMojoMordor 2413]

Bon'Ox reads through the missive, having taken some intrest in Aaun's current climate.
The goblin let's out a hum. "Oh ahn Diet!" the goblin notes to himself outloud. "Ahn Diet iz ahn bub'hozh wai to remedy any illnezzez within' da kountry." he then reads the last phrase and raises his brow "Republicanz? There too??"

[SimplySeo 6999]

"Somehow, Aaun will survive." Muttered an elderly Ser Uther, who over the course of the last century and a quarter, has uttered said phrase no less than four times.

[JadeStryuu 534]

*Mother Valerie, will be still in her bed as she read the missive with a part of her face burned for the flame that came to her to. She didnt like how the diet goes but prefer to stay in her silence, maybe for the sadness or for the pain of foreign people destroying her peacefull Town.