WELCOME TO ALBA

[ErosTea 1084]

 

Issued by the Duchy of Alba

On the 21st of Horen’s Calling, 2007

 

 

The City of Elizabeth by Mary Aldersberg, 2002

 

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Upon crossing the threshold of the gatehouse, one is greeted by a lively and bustling square. The joyous giggles of children ring out as they toss shillings into the central well, rumored to grant the children their wishes. Atop the podium, the Lady Mayor of Elizabeth addresses a gathered throng with measured words. To the right, the young Lady Treasurer engages with a young family, showing one of the few remaining apartments within the city’s bounds. Meanwhile, to the left, the patrons of the Jolly Heart Tavern burst into an uproar of laughter, their glasses raised in a celebratory toast.

 

Just beyond the Jolly Heart Tavern, nestled within the tranquil yard of Camilla’s Court, lies the memory of Lady Camilla Falkner, whose life was tragically claimed by the terrorists of the Bloody Diet of 2003. Here, the resolute footmen of the Alban guard may be found in quiet reflection or engaged in the spirited clash of sparring blades. Each one serves with unwavering commitment, ever mindful of their duty to safeguard Alba, ensuring that past atrocities shall never again darken her land. A marble statue of Lady Camilla watches over the cloister, standing as a solemn tribute to the resolve to protect the future of Alba – one that she gave her life for.

 

Passing beyond the bustle of St. Godwin’s Square, patrons linger by the windows of boutiques, bakeries, and bazaars that line the main thoroughfare, their gazes fixed upon the fine wares within. The air becomes sweetened with the delicate fragrance of roses as a young woman steps forth from the Aldersberg Atelier to join her family, the woman's face aglow with delight as she twirls in her newly fashioned gown. The aroma of freshly baked bread then wafts through the street, carried from the de Lewes Delights bakery, where a young Lewes girl carefully places a basket of loaves in the window. Further down the street, a man bids farewell at an Alstreim grocer, a laden satchel swinging at his side, while another departs the Wickmart clutching a pair of candles, his steps aimed towards St. Catherine’s Chapel, where the toll of bells mingles with the distant preachings of Father Edmund.

 

Looking over the City of Elizabeth sits Castle Morvelyn with humble but strong walls. Upon passing the heavy gates that ward off intruders, one must face the statue of St. Godwin whose stony hand points East, to the lands of the Old Kingdom, lest we forget our heritage. Moving past the statue and the maids toiling about the courtyard, the intimate halls of the Castle greet you with subtle scents of sage and orange blossom. To the Eastern wing of the Castle lies a series of apartments for courtiers and newly ennobled families, while to the Western wing holds the heart of the Castle: the Great Hall. The hall, adorned with mahogany paneling is a long procession of clothed tables and finely woven carpets, leading to a dais upon which the Duke and Duchess of Alba sit, their heads held high to the rafters which drape with the banners of their vassals. 

 

Fealty of a Lewes by Mary Aldersberg, 2005

 

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[!] A map would be drawn upon the back of the pamphlet

 

Spoiler

 

Edited December 18, 2024 by ErosTea

[sanriu 738]

Antonia Letizia the young Lady Mayor smiled at the pamphlet. "Is that- That's me! Look Antoine I made it into the city welcome pamphlet!" She shouted in pure excitement. Then hanging the pamphlet inside the De Lewes Apartments. ( @sondher )

[Gnomeh 470]

Spoiler

What shaders?