THE MAIDENSRITE

[Koodini 854]

					“. . .and then entered the Duchess of Furnestock, arrayed all in white. Her sable tresses were drawn back and hidden under a veil, and her cheeks, though naturally hued like the rose, were without any artificial furnishing or color. She was in all points the very image of the Queen Mira of Aaun. At her side came the Duke, so appareled as to represent the Saint-King Godwin. This being the final act of that Court, they did declare openly that the Duchess was at last again with child. Whereupon, those assembled burst forth in great applause, and a prayer was said. For it was to all present a thing most evident…   That a son was near to being born.”
					— A transcript of the Court at Highbury, c. 2076

KNOW YE ALL, BY THE DIVINE GRACE OF GOD, THEIR HIGHNESSES, THE DUKE AND DUCHESS OF FURNESTOCK DOTH PROCLAIM MERRY TIDINGS UNTO THE COURT: Her Highness is found with child, and the realm doth rejoice as one heart made glad. Blessed be this occurrence, delivered unto Us after a spell of infertility from which the Duchess-consort long suffered in the years now passed. Wherefore, prior to the babe's own cometh, it is ordained beneath the greater Ducal Coronet and Court of Glasgon that there is to be held a festival of springing mirth; in hope a son's delivery be one of ease and thereupon he is recognized heir.

Thus, We decree an invitation to all manner of honest subjects, of origins both common and high, to join in celebration amongst the repose of Little Furnestock. There shall be set forth sundry pastimes and gentle trials, wherein the spirit of fellowship may be put unto grand display and Her Highness may be assured strength by rite aplenty, all in service of blessing and good fortune for the babe yet born.

 

The undern shall be host to an array of leisurely festivities, wherein the haleness of the babe yet had is to be assured by way of trials and rites inspired by the Daelish of olden.

 

THE RITE OF WARDED KNOTS A humble observance wherein each soul doth take a length of cord and bind a knot with quiet thought and stalwart heart. As the knot is drawn, so too is misfortune held fast and kept afar, seeking to guarantee the uproot of all which may prove malefic and bring flourish to all well. Those whom tie their cords in sincerity shall be kept in good health and fortune, guarded from adversity.   THE GOODWIFE’S TRIAL A spirited yet friendly contest of strength, wherein two bands of goodman and goodwoman alike shall take hold of a stalwart rope and strive for victory through measured tugs. Though existing in good cheer, for all may find great mirth and fellowship amongst the practice had, a purse of 100 mina doth await the trial’s victors, split evenly amongst the five.   THE KINDFOLK’S GARLAND Once fatigued from the celebration’s happenings, all whom remain shall be invited to share in an exchange of garlands amongst parties of like favor.

Be it the kindliness shared betwixt those of shared blood, the enjoyment of one’s mere companion, or another’s most beloved, together shall those welcomed be allowed a mass of freshly harvested blossoms from the Crownlands’ hills, to freely craft garlands and bloomed crowns. Might thy hand prove skilled, for to bestow another flowers of poor vision is said to be thought of as a slight, rectified only by a lifetime of proffered bouquets.

A PRAYER FOR A SON, PENNED BY THE DUCHESS OF FURNESTOCK.   O Almighty GOD look with favor upon us, we beseech the, and grant unto us a son, an heir to oure Princely Coronet. Let him be formed in health and born in safety, and when thou dost deliver him into our arms, endue him with wisdom, courage, and faithfulness. May he grow to serve thee and his people with honor all his days. May his reign be a blessing to the realm for generations yet unborn. We humbly commit this petition into thy merciful hands. Amen.

 

Issued from the Castle Glasgon,  the First of Owyn’s Flame, Year of St. Julia,  by order of the Duchess of Furnestock.       Spoiler EVENT TIME April 18th @ 3PM EST | Held at Little Furnestock, just outside of St. Godwinsburg!

 

[MunaZaldrizoti 8037]

The gentle condition of the Duchess Furnestock did warrant a rare showing of sympathy from the Lady Chancellor, who deigned to attend that festival despite her duties. For naught else, she sought to support a young lady whom now faced childbirth yet again, a trial she herself had faced in utter terror. Alas, the succession of Alba would not allow the maiden of Beaufort such freedom.

[Axelu 4333]

The late Archduchess of Alba, Cecily Amelia, watched the dragonblooded Duchess with quiet delight from the heavens. The stars and the angels seemed to favor her, for she would soon bear an heir to the Johannian dynasty.