The Passing of Autumn

[Deets 1130]

 

 

[!] A weathered document was delivered into the city of Riviènse, backdated two years prior.

From wherever it was sent, its delivery had taken some time, yet its authenticity was true.

 

The Passing of Autumn

“The Commonwealth is a land of rebirth and renewal. It has come a long way since the desperate days of Vissingren Castle, yet still, we must toil to see its dream come to fruition. I pray for strength for what lays ahead.”

Musings from the journal of the Archduke Joseph I, circa 200 A.R.P

 

Issued and averred by

His Highnesses

Atstana de

Regne Petrère

223

 

✠════════════════⊱⟡⊰════════════════✠

 

THIRTY-THREE YEARS AGO, amidst the Great Exodus from Aevos did I take the mantle of Archduke of the Commonwealth of the Petra from my lord father. In the years preceding, the Commonwealth was scattered, made exiles by Orsathiael’s capture of Vallagne. In our Eastern Cantons, Vissingren Castle was besieged as the forces of the Mountain pushed eastward, threatening to subsume what remained of the Pétrine Meadowlands. Yet we endured, every assault repulsed, every small victory saw us closer to the reclamation of our home. In those days, I oft found myself confiding in Duke Thomas von Theonus. 

 

The turmoil seemed unending, the challenge we faced insurmountable. Duke Thomas offered sage counsel, that so long as we yet stood together as Pétrines, the Dream of Furnestock endured and hope was not yet lost. He proved correct, in the years since I have thought of our conversations frequently. The Commonwealth’s founding was little different two centuries ago, Paul Salvian arose to the challenge and forged the Commonwealth through steel. I thought its reclamation would prove little different, and in many ways it was not. 

 

Slowly did we push westward, first past the confines of Osmont and into the Canton of Solland. At Faubourg the gravity of these tidings finally made itself known. From the hamlet could I see Vallagne, occupied for half a decade, yet its walls still stood in defiance of the  Mountain’s taint. It was here that our future would be determined as the host within the city had sallied forth to halt our advance. At Faubourg I took command of the Petrine Laurel under Sir Artair von Theonus and the Company of the Silver Spears, a hard-fought battle and the final step before the Reclamation of Vallagne could occur. It saddens me to this day to think of the fate of many of those knights I fought alongside in my youth. 

 

Vallagne. A glorious series of days those were, when the banners of the Commonwealth, in tandem with those of then-Númendil stormed through the streets and vanquished the influence of Orsathiael from the city. The great scattering of the Pétrine people was at its end. From the Eastern Cantons, Cartref Mor, Grense and beyond did the slow, yet steady return of our people commence. Many of our finest were present that day, Sir Arth von Theonus, my sworn-shield, Petyr Valkonen who proved himself a brave man amidst the turmoil of the streets, Caz Reinhold who in spite of his earnest nature always proved amongst the most fierce and loyal Pétrines I have had the honor to lead.

 

Even with our home reclaimed, the coming years did not see an end to the turmoil. Across the River Petra in the Canton of Ladyr forfeited amidst the Peace of Nóruiel did the newest challenge emerge. To this day, I do not think I can say I have ever found myself opposite the field of finer soldiers than those of the Druscan Archduchy. To those familiar with I, it is not infrequently that I have bemoaned the carnage seen at the Fields of Westmark in the many years since. 

 

Had it not been for the brave men in my retinue that day, the Commonwealth would instead have been ruled by my sister, Maude Eliona. Sir Dietrich and Étienne I have forever owed my life to since for their actions that day. I don’t believe either host expected to encounter one another in such force as they did nearby that unnamed farmstead. As we dismounted, it became evident the Druscan infantry was having the better of the fighting, and soon we faced ruin in the center. Sordid, I can only say I am glad that our cavalry wheeled about and returned in time to rout the Druscan center that day.

✠════════════════⊱⟡⊰════════════════✠

The Great Exodus from Aevos proved perhaps the most stressful period of my reign. It was amidst the preparations to depart the continent that my father named me Archduke in 190 A.R.P. I had taken men to war in the past, though this proved far simpler in truth. In war, you know what you must do, the premise remains simple, the goals unchanged. The reckoning is simple and the aims are clear. To plan the journey of an entire people into waters unknown, such weighed heavily upon me. Were it not for Magdalena, the fleet may have simply floundered in the waters beyond what had once been Whitespire. The delays upon that isle afforded much time to think, much time to reflect upon what I wished for the Commonwealth when we arrived upon Azuras. Together, she and I spent much time, as we did in our youth, planning for what was to come. 

 

Riviènse, the Jewel of the Land of Autumn. It did not commence as such, admittedly. The boom in population proved both a blessing, and a curse at times. By his own admission once, the reign of my father had been conducted with too light of a touch. The authority of the Throne of Saint Emma waned in those early days as the uphill battle to restore order to a people used to excessive freedoms commenced. When I think upon my years as Archduke since landfall, I am drawn to what my father said within his own writ of abdication.

 

“I have known moments of joy, of pride and of sorrow. I have always tried to act for the good of our people, though I am not blind to the fact that my choices have, at times, caused pain. Such is the weight of rule, and it has been a heavy current to bear.”

Archduke Therin I, 190 A.R.P

 

My own sentiments are similar as I have often shared with confidants such as a man who came to be an unlikely and steadfast friend to me, Jarad Mah’nel. I have been the most conservative and traditional of Pétrine rulers since perhaps Paul Salvian. In an odd dichotomy, I have also been the least traditional in the sense of the policies I pursued. The city was rid of many of its magi, for good reason too. From would-be assassins to attempts at secret voidal projects in the basements of some denizens. A far cry from my great-grandmother and her efforts in the creation of the ill-fated Hokhmat. 

 

While steadfast in my beliefs, I am not blind that my actions came at the cost of the uprooting of many, and the loss of lives for some. Some I shan't apologize for, those who attacked my children, or sought to conspire with the daemonic to overthrow the existing order, would-be assassins and brigands in our woods. It cannot be said, beyond perhaps one, that I did not offer a chance at clemency. As Prince Vârdamir may attest from our many conversations, I had tried to turn the Land of Autumn into one guided by the principles of Saints Rhosyn & Emma. Clemency, redemption and virtue, I have found these traits to be found often amidst the Pétrine people. I have seen the redemption of those who have committed past wrongs, I have seen clemency and kindness offered to those we once called our foes. Does evil not prevail when we simply allow its existence as fact? Inaction is the death of what is good and what is right.

 

Yet I will not diminish what has been achieved. The Commonwealth has become a center of arts in the west of Azuras. Within the Court of Autumn, we have seen playwrights, artists, scholars and socialites prosper and play host to many events in our lands, promoting the culture of the Commonwealth to those of Idunia and those abroad in the wider Empire. In the years since landfall it has become a home to many, oft requiring the discussion of the expansion of its walls to house those who wished to make its confines their home. Within the High Kingdom, we have found ourselves prosperous, expanding our lands both east and west into fertile land which the houses of the realm continue to settle.

 

I have put my house in order, I have put my Commonwealth in order. The authority of the Throne of Saint Emma over the lands it rules has been restored. At every turn we have driven the ill from our ranks and brought the land back into the grace of the Faith, so that we might tread a path worthy of those who hold both Saint Emma and Saint Rhosyn in such high esteem within our hearts. It has come at a price, yet the rot I found in my lands when I came to sit the throne all these years ago has been largely expelled. I will not delude myself into the belief that I have rid it wholly, for no land may claim such. Evil foments in the hearts of man, yet I know that never again shall the Commonwealth find itself amidst the grip of such rot, of sloth nor of complacency anew. 

 

All of this, my own efforts, and those of the Commonwealth could not have been achieved without the unwavering efforts and support of the River Council. For every oddity and incident faced by myself, it was not without the counsel and support of leal councillors who have kept the Commonwealth functioning. I have naught but the highest of praise for they, for without them, I fear the realm would have come undone years ago. I know my son who shall reign as Archduke now shall benefit from their continued wisdom and support.

 

What I had envisioned for this Commonwealth in some measure has come to fruition, it has prospered within the High Kingdom of Idunia, working alongside the Tar and the wider realm to construct a future within Azuras. We have rid many ills from the Commonwealth, its institutions remain intact, the Pétrine culture yet stands as its own unique fixture within the High Kingdom, and there is peace in the Meadows and Riverlands. From the Autumn Hills in our East, shared now with our friends in the Duchy of Adria, as far west as Nydia’s Crossing and the River Gemmeres in our West, the banner of the Commonwealth endures. If nothing else might be said of my time as Archduke, it is this:

 

The River Endures.

✠════════════════⊱⟡⊰════════════════✠

Thus, in the year 222 A.R.P I, Prince Joseph Antonius Aurèle Temesch of the Petra, Archduke of the Petran Commonwealth and Prince of Riviènse pass forth the titles of Archduke of the Petran Commonwealth, Prince of Riviènse and all associated titles of the Throne of Saint Emma to my son, 

Prince Alberic Étienne Temesch of the Petra, Count of Valfleur. 

 

Henceforth, he shall be known as

Alberic Étienne, Archduke of the Commonwealth of the Petra

 

O   S A I N T E   R È G N E   P E T R È R E

✠════════════════⊱⟡⊰════════════════✠

 

 

Spoiler

 

[!] The conversation below is not common knowledge beyond the two characters involved, unless spoken of.

 

 

“It is liberating in some measure of the word I think.” He said moments after the quill affixing his signature upon the parchment had made what he thought to be but a dream in recent years reality. “I have not been but Joseph since we were young. Even then, I wished to be what I thought was needed in this land. Truthfully? I am fearful, I recall not who I was before. It was so many years ago now.” 

 

“You say this, but there have been plenty of moments during our reign where you have reminded me of the man you were when we fell in love. Regardless, I am happy for it, the abdication. You are far happier overall without the realm’s worries looming over you.” Magdalena offered from a seat nearby. Her gaze was affixed to the quill as it glided across the parchment. “We have raised a very wonderful young man. Alberic is quiet, but that does not make him any less brilliant. He will do just fine, find solace in that as you rest.” 

 

 

“In equal measure I have regrets. My father too, I can only hope it is easier for Alberic in time. Quiet, yet he is not weak. I have always hoped those like Ansel and Robert would be his voice if it came to such. While I am disappointed in some, I am not in those three, they embody what I had hoped this land would become.” His gaze shifted so that it fell upon Magdalena. The words which were spoken were tired in their nature, though it was evident he took comfort in her reassurance. His weathered features did soften as he spoke next, however. “I would have been content had we never left that tower, you know.”

 

 

Magdalena offered Joseph a smile as his gaze met her own. She’d fold her hands over her lap as she thought of what to say. “I tried. I am unsure if you recall, but there were many days where I had suggested we run away. Maude and Petyr would have done just fine, but you were intent on staying to keep that burden from her. While I am happy to have been Archduchess, such a title meant nothing to me when compared to the honor of getting to be your wife. There are many worlds in which I became someone and something far different. Even in this life alone there was the chance to have demons for children, or have an absent husband who names our son ‘Diddicus.’ However, God was kind enough to deliver you to me once more. I do not know what would have happened had we stayed in the tower, but I am thankful that we did not. We may not have had the children we did, or made such loyal friends - We would not have Ansel. I am happy for the family I had the pleasure of building with you, I do not think the tower would have been capable of holding such love.” She would glance down at the parchment once more, letting out a long sigh as if a small burden had been lifted from her too. “We could go back to the tower if you wished. We have enough land here that we could make a new one where we can retire in peace.”

 

 

“It would not have been, truthfully. We’d have been but hiding from the realities of the world, however much we might have tried. Even here, I yet was. I don’t think I could have been anything else, much as I may have lamented or tried to deny it. There was comfort in it, to say something and see it made manifest as so. It was always akin to a battle for me, I took comfort in such It was.. Simpler, your foe is arrayed against you and the recourse is there. Alberic I pray shall not see it was a war for the soul of Petra.” He admitted with a degree of hesitation in these words. A smile was offered in turn before he drew closer to Magdalena. “A tower would be nice. I recall where we had visited some years ago. I’d not ask you to give all up in an instant. I too shall not let my own habits cease, admittedly I have difficulty in imagining myself confined to a tower. My whole life was spent amidst great halls and courts. I’d wish the rest of it to be spent well.” 

 

“I am capable of getting on a horse and riding where I please if need be. There would be no confinement, just a place for ourselves. This will be especially true once grandchildren start coming along. Robert and the Lady Diana have been courting for some time now, as have Ansel and Irina. We will need to be there for them too, and Alberic will have questions.”

 

 

“We shall see, I suppose. I aim not to return for some years, at least. I simply cannot remain any longer- it is hard to put into words, yet I know that I simply cannot linger any longer, Magdalena. I must be Joseph, I must have hope that it shall be better that way.” Joseph turned to pace towards a nearby window, allowing himself to gaze from it upon the Meadowlands below. “Did I do well, truthfully? It would never have been perfect, though.. I think Petra is better than I had found it. Even at the cost with which it came.”

 

 

“I am biased, but I think you did greater than any who had come before with what you were given. You have brought a sense of order back, and once more do people respect Petra… At least more than they previously had. I never want you to doubt what you have done for the Commonwealth despite the complaints of the ungrateful few.” 

 

 

“I doubt they ever will, not without an army at its back, nor the fortitude of character of the people to wish  themselves to be better in spirit so that this new world must respect them. Still, it is no Cerulia, Lurin, or any denomination of ill. All these years later still, I am yet disappointed in those I ruled. They are stuck in a past that no longer exists, with beliefs that remain unchanged in the world of now.” He could only agree with this sentiment, though there was an evident relief which washed over his features at her words.”My one regret, perhaps, is that the crown could not be restored. Not with the world as is- vain, I am well-aware. I did what I could, you know this, and the River Council knows this. It is all so tiring, one eventually does find, however dedicated, that patience is finite, and fatigue a true burden. Still, I take solace in that we will have the rest of our years together. It is all I desired, how fortunate was I to spend them with you.”

 

 

“No, but I do believe that you have pushed the Crown one step closer to restoration should those after you wish it. The relationship that grew between us and those of Idunia has set the Commonwealth up nicely.” Magdalena cooed softly, a brighter smile pulling at her lips over the tail end of his words. “I am very thankful that you chose me. I very much look forward to what is to come.”

 

 

In the following days, and in the months which followed, it became evident that the former Archduke was nowhere to be found within the borders of the Commonwealth, let alone the High Kingdom. Letters on occasion did return, alongside his person to Magdalena, yet his presence had all but diminished to naught in the time after. His story had concluded for the time being. [OOC: Shelf, not pk’d]

 

 

 

[BoyWonderr 346]

A few years have passed since the missive had been sent throughout the continent. The now Archduke, Albéric Ètienne, would occasionally gaze upon the missive whenever he sat alone. He had not seen his father in some time. At times he wished he was at his side, offering him counsel.

 

During council meetings, he'd instinctively look over towards the seat beside him... only to notice he was never there. At times, he would find himself roaming the palace alone. His body would take him to his childhood room, only to regain consciousness and remember the Archduke had a room of his own. 

As he sat at his study, reading the missive once more, his golden circlet laid just beside him. The circlet was not quite like his father's. It was a simple band of gold, lacking the red and black gems that adorned that of it's predecessor. He closed his eyes for a moment. Minutes had passed, perhaps even hours. But, once Albéric awoke, the setting sun creeped through the nearby window... and a thin band of light highlighted the tail-end of the missive across his desk;
 

Thus, in the year 222 A.R.P I, Prince Joseph Antonius Aurèle Temesch of the Petra, Archduke of the Petran Commonwealth and Prince of Riviènse pass forth the titles of Archduke of the Petran Commonwealth, Prince of Riviènse and all associated titles of the Throne of Saint Emma to my son, Prince Alberic Étienne Temesch of the Petra, Count of Valfleur. 

It was unknown whether Owyn had purposefully highlighted this section, at that particular moment, on that very day. But, one thing is true; Alberic understood that it was his duty to continue onward. For Temesch, and for the Petra. He knew he'd see his father again one day...

Until that day, Albéric would carry the burden of leadership, and everything that came with it.

[Phersades 1710]

Magdalena Anastasya packed her bags, she was ready for a lonnnnnngggg vacation alongside her husband. 

[Destructokeith 1142]

Within the City sat a lone elf, cast in that faux sunlight of his sword
"Damn it all, now I know why I haven't been able to find him about my PAY!"
Shouts out Taurel, that crazed Xannite bannerman

 

elsewhere

 

Even with all the decades that had passed and the marks each had left on one another does a once-Knight smile some at the paper as it comes to rest in his hands
"Ich have seen der Haus of Petra take many faces, but ich do think this has been mein favorite one"
Is all the words Artair can say of his old friend.
"Let us see what this new face brings"

[mothsthetic 2250]

Spoiler

take care of yourself, deets. we all love and appreciate you for everything you did and continue to do!

 

[bloomtiara 379]

Quote

Even with all the decades that had passed and the marks each had left on one another does a once-Knight smile some at the paper as it comes to rest in his hands
"Ich have seen der Haus of Petra take many faces, but ich do think this has been mein favorite one"
Is all the words Artair can say of his old friend.
"Let us see what this new face brings"

Sat atop some crates nearby, a younger once-Knight leans forward to peer over Artair's shoulder.

Arth thus offers the man a wide grin, glad for his friend's retirement.

A quiet cheer echoes.

[MrGarden 295]

On a lab sat the old Duke of Vissingren as he read the notice while finishing the details of a animii eye. As he was setting the lenses, he read the first part, noticing the part of his conversation "Ich am happy du took mein words to ihr heart." He nodded as he set the lenses aside, reading the notice as it piqued his interest. "Du did gutte. Ich remember vhen du vere just ein boy, ze one zhat took charge vhen hope seemed lost. Du vere ze one to call for our people to unite und stand strong as one." He chuckled, remembering the old temporary castle Idunia offered for the Petrans to stay while they planned the counterattack on the chain enemies. "Und zhat we did under ihr command, but now das time du rest Archduke. Let zhe fruits of ze tree zhat du once planted bring new colors to Petra."

[Travisty 1020]

Spoiler

MY HUZZ 

(will reply fr when im not trapped by employment)

 

[garentoft 9265]

A letter is sent from Tomasz van ve Karoswald, Lord Chancellor of the Commonwealth (though more importantly for this matter, the father-in-law of the former Archduke), to Joseph, wherever he may be.

 

Spoiler

To Joseph Aurèle,

My boy. I cannot express how infinitely well I believe you have served as Archduke of the Commonwealth. I know I have expressed this sentiment to you before, but I do think it goes without saying that I am eternally grateful to have been able to serve you as Lord Chancellor. All mine failures in that regard are mine, and mine alone. I shall aspire to do better for Albéric, so long as my body, mind, and most importantly he, allow. 

I remember well the day that you asked to for my permission to be with my daughter. Such was an incredible joy to me to hear, we had come to Petra as refugees, abandoned by the Edlervik, and it is thanks to the efforts of you, your father, Mattea, and so many others that we managed to create a home for ourselves in the Commonwealth. I am most glad that I chose to accept your pleas. One ought not to stand in the way of love, don't you think? Well, lest it is a Daemon situation. Goodness me. Anyhow! I remember you asking made me ponder if perhaps I had time left to find such love again, of course, I have yet to, perhaps such was just not me. Regardless, I am so ever glad for that family that you and my Magdalena have given me, I am quite so fond of mine grandchildren, and I thank you for them most immensely. I hope to endure even to see your grandchildren, and I do hope that you shall see them too.

I must ask that you take good care of my Magdalena, wherever the road shall take you.

P.S. I visited the city of Haelun'or recently. Yes, they've a new one, I do not know if you know. I have been thinking of becoming a mali'aheral, you know. I have the looks for it. I am still quite youthful in appearance. Perhaps you shall find me there one day, it is called Taliyu'lin. There is a wonderful tree in the square. Ay'Larihei!

Tomasz van ve Karoswald,
with love.