To Those Keen on Slander

[annanicole__ 2802]

 

 

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–A Widow’s Crusade for Truth–

The 3rd of Harren's Folly, 2003

 

 

LO UNTO THE PEOPLE OF THE HEARTLANDS,

 

I write unto you, my heart heavy with sorrow, for I must now mourn a husband, taken by GOD, and a brother and sister, led astray and claimed by the deceiver. In such trying times, I lament the betrayal of my own kin, who have debased themselves as to rise up against their very own blood; they seek to claim but a mere morsel of power in lands which they’ve abandoned in all but name, foregoing the everlasting ties which bind us.

 

My most dearly beloved husband, Roan, was taken from this mortal coil upon the eve of the 5th of Godfrey’s Triumph, long before I had the chance to meet with the House of Keen. At that time, I was still deeply mourning for him, for his loss did pierce my heart as no other could. Our youngest daughter, born a year before Roan fell ill, yet stands as a living testament to the strength of our union, which my brother and sister—John Paul and Arya Elizabeth—do so vilely seek to debase. Such a wicked suggestion is an affront not only to me but to the sacred memory of my late husband, whose soul now rests with God. Whilst I languished in my sorrow, they, in their deceitful cunning, did conspire behind my own back, plotting to usurp my Comital title, seeking to cast aside the will of the Pontiff, as though their base ambitions could override that which His Holiness has ordained.

 

Although Lord John and Lady Arya have no lack of ambition nor cunning, they do not possess the means to bring their ungodly designs to fruition. To this end, they have aligned themselves with the House of Keen, seeking to make my husband’s passing a tool of my undoing, to weaponize my grief against me. I had chosen to keep my husband’s passing private for a time, knowing the turmoil surrounding the 'Bloody Diet' and the threat it posed to my beloved cousins, Prince Edward and Princess Cecily. Where, I ask, was House Keen during that dark period? They chose to meet with me only after the Diet had concluded—after my husband had already been laid to rest, still freshly in his grave.

 

UNTO THE HOUSE OF KEEN,

 

I ask that they examine their own motives and the source of their accusations. Is it not they who have taken up the mantle of self-righteousness, seeking to judge and condemn without cause or mercy? They speak of honor, yet their words ring hollow in the face of such flagrant slander. I do not seek to challenge their power or their influence, but I will not stand idly by while my name is so dishonored. Let them produce evidence of their claims, for words alone are nothing more than the empty noise of ambition. 

 

You throw the responsibility of the actions of the Marnan Brigade upon me. I was but a child, scarce more than a shadow, the weight of the world thrust upon me, not by my own choosing. My father, whom I loved above all, bade me follow, and I, too young to defy, obeyed. I kindled no flame, wielded no blade, but stood a witness, trembling ’midst the horrors I could not withstand. I am no monster, but a child ensnared by cruel fate, bent beneath the tempest of a world that would have broken me had I not bowed to its yoke.

 

I am innocent of all charges laid before me. I am no adulteress, no traitor, no murderer. My soul is pure, and my conscience clear. Let the Almighty be my judge, and let the truth of my heart be known throughout the realm. I will only answer to God and his most holy and pious messengers. 

 

 

THE HONORABLE, LORELEI MAIRI ALSTION-ENSWERP

 Countess of Enswerp and Warden of the Holy Army

 

[HIGH_FIRE 5490]

Atriana Rorin would read the missive that seemed to be a reply to the one she had previously read. The woman would nod her head slowly at such "Aye, people trying to subvert the churches will... a common occurrence it seems." she would tut soon after reading the message "At least allow the widdowto lay her deceased husband to rest peacefully"

[gavyn 1362]

Goran was quick to ensure the safety of himself and Lorelei in lands far from the blasphemous heathens, called the Keens. Now making sure the Church will receive their side, the true side, of these slanders and rumors.

[Turbo_Dog 3571]

Spuds Wick, missive in hand rolled the paper up after reading it all as he stuffed it with alchemist sugar. Setting it alight with a candle after and taking a long drag from it “Sweet sweet stuff. On Leyd I love sugar. Oh and I guess something to take away from this.” After talking to himself he took another drag of the special chemical treat he burnt 

[Security_ 2287]

"Only fanatics who believe themselves the very chosen of God would pull down He to be used as a sword and shield, making Him of the mundane. Tainting the heavens, meddling for titles with a lack of evidence, they have made themselves judge, jury, and executioner. May Truth be found."

 

Calaron prayed for his brother and the Countess.

[tilly 5115]

"Quite the shame that men are once more trying to tear down a successful woman who has devoted her life to rebuilding a place destroyed by the same kind of men who do this now." The very aged Renilde of the Petra said the entire run-on sentence in one breath, begrudgingly. "Seem like it's just stupid A**nite games they're playing yet again...

"Though, of course the church will not do anything to support a loyal vassal, let alone a woman accused of adultery! Why not accuse a woman of being a bad person or lousy leader? Why must you debase a woman in power by questioning what may or may not happen behind closed doors? If it were the King of Haense, no one would bat an eye." The grandmother to the realm pondered what to do next. First, a nap, most definitely. 

[GMRO 6187]

"These KEENS seem to be appearing out of the ground for their schemes! A massive attempt at crafting a scheme that I surely hope the Pontiff will not fall for." Remarked Ser Rickard; political observer of Aaun and the lineages of regal lands far away.

[HeyitsNano 1582]

 

 

Lorelei the Adulterer,

 

Submit yourself to the auditor and cease this farcical war of birds and missives; lest the siege stays on. I see them flying from your keep. Lest you think them aenguls, they can not save you. 

 

DEUS VULT.

 

His Grace, Ser Atticus Keen,

Princeps of Ivoria, Knight of Ivor, Protector of the Ivöri people

[brujera 1152]

Charles Ferdinand was on a stroll through the lowlands as he saw the shanty walls and trenches dug into the surroundings of Enswerp. "Those darned Keens. Once Orenians dogs, always Orenians dogs, I guess. Such a shame."

[latte 2238]

"They hate to see a Wick winning, don't they?" replied Georgiana to her wall, smoking a cigar.

[Javert 9628]

"I wonder where the inhabitants of this settlement are..." commented Ser Meili Altwegg, a Knight under the service of the House of Keen. He and the Ivori Knights had been laying siege for nearly two saint's days, yet still no sally forth was made by the inhabitants! A shame, for the Knight had helped construct this really cool camp he didn't want to go to waste. "I dug trenches and everything. Darn."

[bickando 3967]

5 minutes ago, HeyitsNano said:

 

 

Lorelei the Adulterer,

 

Submit yourself to the auditor and cease this farcical war of birds and missives; lest the siege stays on. I see them flying from your keep. Lest you think them aenguls, they can not save you. 

 

DEUS VULT.

 

ATTICUS KEEN,

PRINCEPS OF IVORIA

"FATticus Keen,

Tiny tiny ween.

 

You'd best not be seen,

Lest you be stabbed in the spleen."

 

Unfortunately, every letter that Atticus attempted to send to Lorelei was intercepted by a hidden archer regiment, who sent the above poem in return.

[amyselia 2962]

A woman cloaked in pure white cloth peered out with fleeting eyes over the black expanse of the eastern fields as the carriage rocked and creaked with movement. Her face, beneath shadow, held stern and languid, for she carried the fear of God within her. As she neared Enswerp, she felt her gut tighten with his conviction.

 

“You will not take another. You will not.” She repeated until her tongue and lips grew dry. “Pray he brings mercy unto you who play the games of power, and lose without glory.”

[Legoclub22 122]

"The wicked flee when no man pursueth, but the Righteous are as bold as a lion,"  An Ivori Knight stated from the ramparts of the besieging camp.

[Plausifraunz 375]

Arya sits amongst the camp with his Grace, Lord Keen. A paper withdrawn from her journal and written in charcoal atop her knee.
 

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"To Lorelei,

Do not mistake your crimes of sin for childhood innocence. Mother told me all and if she does not accept you as her daughter then may GOD allow me to disallow you as my sister. Mother told you not to get involved with the Brigade of Marna, you chose to follow what our father woefully believed as protecting his family and lands. You are not innocent merely because you were a child. 
 

While you were still married to Roan in witness of me and Lord Keen along with our noble pedigree, you clarified that Goran Wick was to be your "Future Count-Consort." You SPOKE of annulment as though the vows you upheld with your significant other were naught but loose things; when confronted you withered and cried a woeful story about how he was never there for his children and you saught someone who was. Roan, who I had never heard of as sick before this incident, suddenly died thereafter. 
 

The Keen's had visited us just before we were to settle our Aunt and they paid their respect. It was NOT my brother-in-law, who we laid to rest; all of which came before you announced seeking to dissolve your vows to your husband. Your daughter was born this year, just before Roan died. 
 

All that is required to be done sister is to turn yourself over. Should the audit be shown, you will be innocent. And if not, may GOD have mercy on your soul. Yet you cower in fear.
 

Your lies aplenty will not save you.
 

Caspian, your son, and Sunnhild, your daughter, have been secured and are safe from harm; of which you have now abandoned to flee with that paramour of yours. 
 

Signed,
Her Ladyship, Arya Elizabeth Alstion"

 

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