Unwavering Beneath The Sun

[MrGarden 295]

 

Issued by Sir Thomas Nein von Theonus

193 ARP

 

---

 

For forty one years I have carried the weight of this house upon my shoulders. I have stood as a knight upon the field, a mage beneath the stars, a healer within the halls of our clinic and as Duke within the halls of my house. In each role I sought not glory for myself, but to safeguard our people and keep the blood of von Theonus strong. These years have been a life of service, each dawn and dusk etching their mark upon me as the sun colors the hills.
 

 

---

 

To my Archduke, my kin and all who bear loyalty to the name von Theonus

 

Yet even the brightest day must bow to evening. The years have tempered me, and I know now that the hour has come to set aside the mantle I have borne so long. In the year of 193 ARP, I pass the title of Duke and Matriarch into the hands of my beloved daughter, Baroness Karla Lippe von Theonus. She shall be the rising dawn after my twilight, the keeper of our name, our burdens, and our hopes.

 

Do not see this as an end, but as a passing of the sun across the sky. Where my light fades, hers shall rise stronger, brighter, unyielding. Stand with her as you have with me, and House von Theonus will remain steadfast, ever unwavering beneath the sun.

 

Ever unwavering under the sun

 

---

To my daughter, Karla,

 

Spoiler

The mantle of our house now rests upon your shoulders, as once it did on mine. It is a heavy weight, yet one I know you are strong enough to bear. You have shown wisdom beyond your years, and the resolve needed to guide both kin and vassal.

Remember that leadership is not only command, but care, for a house is held together as much by love as by law. Stand firm and let no trial bend your spirit.

Know that as I step down, I do so in peace, for I leave our name in your hands. My pride in you is boundless.

Unwavering under the sun,
Your father, Thomas Neil von Theonus

 

---

To my son, Dietrich,
 

Spoiler

Though the mantle of our house passes to your sister Karla, know that my pride in you is no less. I have watched as you take your steps towards the templar’s path. You are not yet sworn, but already you carry the discipline and faith it demands.

In your marriage, too, you have shown strength of loyalty and love, a foundation greater than steel alone. Guard it well, my son.

Walk steady, remain true, and always know that I am proud of you. Where my sun sets, yours still rises.

Unwavering under the sun,
Your father, Thomas Neil von Theonus

 

 

 

---

To my Daughter, Annaliese,
 

Spoiler

As Duke, I bear the weight of our house and must see to the safety of our kin. Yet nothing burdens me more than your suffering. This illness is beyond my hands, and it pains me deeply to witness it.

But as your father, I see your spirit bright, strong and unbroken. I believe with all my heart that one day you will be well again, full of life and laughter. Until that day, know that my heart carries yours, and I will never stop hoping for your return to strength.

Unwavering under the sun,
Your father, Thomas Neil von Theonus

 

---

To my son, Lukas,
 

Spoiler

You walk with questions still before you, unsure of which road to claim as your own. Do not see this as weakness, but as freedom.  For the greatest men are not those who rush to a path, but those who choose it with care.

I cannot say what life you will lead, only that I know it shall be worthy. In you I see a heart strong enough to bear any burden, and a will that will one day shape the course of your own choosing.

Take your time, my son. Walk with patience, and trust yourself. Whatever path you choose, know that my pride and faith will follow you.

Unwavering under the sun,
Your father, Thomas Neil von Theonus

---

To Alaric,
 

Spoiler

You are my son in blood only, and even that tie has been stained. You chose your path in war, raising your sword not only against our allies but against your own kin. Such a betrayal cannot be excused, and I will not clothe it in softer words.

Do not mistake this letter for forgiveness. It carries none. What it carries is a summon. I wish to speak with you once more before I pass the coronet to your sister, not to mend what you have broken, but to make plain what must follow.

If you have even a shred of respect left for the name you still carry, you will come. But know this, the house of von Theonus does not forget.

Ever unwavering under the sun,
Thomas Neil von Theonus

---

 

Sir Thomas Neil von Theonus
“The Tempest” Former Patriarch of Theonus, Knight of the Petrine Laurel, Head of The Medical Society of The Commonwealth of The Petra

Karla Lippe von Theonus
Duchess of Vohenheim, Margravine of Marignan, Countess of Sigiswald, Viscountess of Karlstadt, Baronees of Raustyn, Lady of Vissingren Castle, Matriarch of Theonus

 

 

 

[Tremerus 1188]

An aging Aurel von Theonus made his way to his son's side, taking a seat next to him once he arrived. 

 

"You did well." said the father to the son. "And she will too."

[Itz_Cookie 1974]

Karla von Theonus released a breath as she began to read the letter left by her father... She had known for decades that this would one day be hers, so her posture straightened, and she prepared herself for the responsibilities that would soon follow.  

[Destructokeith 1142]

As the sun rises over the small town on the River, The Aged Master at Arm's digs in a trunk.

"Ich SWEAR ich have ein banner in here, how am ich to raise ein banner if ich didnt pack one?"

muttering and grumbling, Artair keeps looking

[LiliumDell 112]

Ivy von Theonus gives a gentle smile to her husband as she had observed him write all those letters. Her calloused hand would come to touch his shoulder, then pulling the old Duke unto her embrace. 

"Our work is done." 

She mumbles, with a nod, as she pulls away with a sigh.

"Now, it's time to see how well we raised them."

[JadeStryuu 534]

**Viola was lounging peacefully, smoking like a satisfied cat in the sun. Then, at the news—cough cough COUGH!—she nearly smoked herself to death, doubled over with the cigarette wobbling between her fingers.

 

“What the—?! HIM retiring?!” *she gasped, puffing out smoke like a deranged chimney.

 

**She thumped her chest, caught her breath, and with a half-sarcastic, half-exhausted sigh muttered:
 

“Well, I guess even the theonus give up at some point… or maybe I’m just working myself into the grave.”

 

**Then she slumped back into her chair, propped her feet on the table as if nothing had happened, and let the smoke curl lazily upward. A sly grin tugged at her lips as she thought of the dream she wanted to achieve before her own “grand retirement.”

 

“I’m not ending up like grandma, that’s for damn sure…” she declared to the ceiling, like a comedian closing her act.

[TaytoTot 1587]

Annaliese’s hand lifted the letter, slowly rising into her field of vision. “Vater. . . ich vill get strong for du, some day.” She murmured, a heavy rasp in her voice.

[MrMojoMordor 2413]

Bon'Ox nods approvingly: "Thiz iz how it zhould bi - women ihn power.." he says


 

and unfortunately continues ".. bekauze they're too meek fo' war & ill-fit to resist mi ihn debatez & demandz.

Wizh Arch-Duke & Tar were women.."