Phersades

Surely, even when Mariya was to age, the prospect of throwing animal shit on the side of her uncles keep was not very 'princess-like' or proper by any means.... But coercing other children into doing it for her was a more likely option.

Rhaella Ashwood would have read the missive sent to Elvenesse, ripping the page from wherever it sat as the perpetually tired gaze neared the end.. Her thin digits shakily moved over the words before she crushed the parchment in her hands, nearly tearing it with her nails as she pulled it close to her chest. Her eyes filled with tears as the crazed woman stumbled a bit to then sit on the stone of the seaside city.. "She knows I am here... And she will not even do me the service of... Sending me my own baby... -" Her jaw quivered still, the paper dropping from her hands to reach up to the tangled mess of snow white to pull at it from the scalp violently "All Jusmias should die- Vile self-righteous things... vile-" - "Only her head" Came the quiet mutter of a pained mother.

Rhaella Ashwood read through the missive, a smile growing as she reached its end.. "A.. Boat? They're putting all their Mali'ker on a boat? Oh goodness....." The woman giggled, shoving the parchment down to her hip as if shoving it into a pocket that her dress didn't even have.. The missive crumbled and fell to the floor anyways as the woman ran out of her home to make her way to Dark Hallow within Helious whom she thought she should visit more often. Aelia Morvayn sat on a boat somewhere, the miserable 'ker humming along to some song her crew of Mali sang behind her as she watched the water below their ship ripple about. The sea is just a much better place to be when times are tough.

The Death of Nikolai Mikhail Kortrevich 8th Baron of Koravia, 6th Viscount of Krusev. And 4th Count of Jerovitz “With Duty, Comes Honor” [!] A painting of Nikolai Mikhail Kortrevich, Esmee Kortrevich, and their eldest daughter Esfir Rose Kortrevich. “♫ Over the hill... And beyond the vast fields...♫” The soft tune carried out among the crops... It was less like a song, and just something the Knight had found himself improvising with some odd little melody as he worked... The scythe moved over the base of the wheat, cutting them down to allow the man to step over and pick them up in bundles, walking back and forth between the fields of Jerovitz, and the cart where the rest of the harvested wheat lay. “♫ There lies a man in the forest- awaiting his kill...-♫” Nikolai had stopped for a moment, setting the scythe at his side as he hummed the full tune once more as if trying to figure out where to go from there... He was unsure now... “♫ But as the birds sang above, a warning for all... It was he who was hunted, awaiting his fall...♫” - “♫ Fore the trees have eyes, and the wind howls loud; It were his screams that were silence, no trace of a sound...♫” The Lord Kortrevich was unsure why that was his string of thought... He continued to hum the same melody he just conjured, reaching down to pick up another bundle “♫ Tangled up in the vines and the branches above, the forest picked up the man a- ♫” His song had been cut off by a voice somewhere near the wheat cart. It was sweet, and despite the advice, playful. Merely a joke from the one who had listened to the man's singing as he worked... “You should really stick to fighting and farming...” Nikolai shook his head a bit... A dramatic sigh escaped his lips as he hugged the new bundle of wheat and turned to deliver it where the woman stood. There stood Isabel Fenika Kortrevich. The darker parts of her hair graying slightly now as they entered their sixties. “Ea think yam quite creative actually... Like Borris but niet as known for mea arts. Vy do niet think ea a creative like him?” Nikolai pretended to be offended by her words, setting the wheat down before reaching up with both of his hands to wipe at the sweat that began to bead on his forehead, stepping forward to meet the woman face to face. There was not a day that passed from the moment he met her that he did not think of her beauty. Her eyes are a shade of green that he has adored since he was ten... Her features still soft and full of youth despite the wrinkles that began to creep about her smile. Nikolai Mikhail loved her more than life, he was luckier than any man that he got the chance to call her his wife. He loved Isabel, and he would for the rest of this life, and to any that might come once he has left this plane. “Ea did not marry you for your art...” - “Does not mean vy can’t support mea efforts... Ser Nikolai Mikail Kortrevich... The Jovenaar, The Knight... The... Bard?” He raised a brow towards his wife, nodding some as if the idea sounded swell. “More pressing matters, My love. Rumors from the capital say that our Esfir has captured the Grand Prinzens heart, and Anton and Vlad are almost ready to do their knight trials...” “Two Knights and a Kortrevich Queen… And Margot was so mean to eam all those years, and all ea did was make absolute winners. Have they spoken any of the news yet? I imagine it would be good for the house...” Isabel shook her head, grimacing softly as they both glanced back towards the same Jerovitz Nikolai and his siblings had been born into. “I did not wish to have that conversation with her, I believe she was hoping to push Lady Alana towards the prince... She had really tried during the Lifstala season.” Isabel's hands passed over each other nervously, her lips thin at the thought. Nikolai simply reached to take them both is his own. “Yam sure she will be delighted... Besides Margot has calmed over the years, Ea think being the countess really took the energy out of her. Ea can niet imagine her sabotaging Esfir, and besides, their children are doing well for themselves… Vladrik told me he and Margot will be abdicating soon. Dobry! The old man needs a break... They both do. Erik is a little worried but he has them and us as well should he need help. Once Erik is Count, perhaps we can convince Margot and mea borsa to travel like he had been wanting… Perhaps we at some point can join them once Esfir and the others finally have their weddings.” Isabel smiled brightly at the prospect, her worry of the Komitas’ judgment seeming to melt away as she nodded in agreement. Absolutely perfect. Nikolai truly believed his life had grown to be perfect, just as he had hoped for... “Ea have a bit more work to do out here, but ea will be back up to the keep for supper, ai?” Isabel nodded, moving to stand on her toes to offer the Lord a kiss on his cheek before she headed back towards Jerovitz. He did make it home for dinner that night... Just as planned. Margot and Vladrik Abdicated to their first born Erik Otto and lived their lives just happily as planned... Nikolai and Isabel’s children, all six, went on to marry good wives and husbands. The Lord eventually retired as a Knight, as a Jovenaar, seeing that he and Isabel traveled a bit as they aged further. Meeting with old friends, trying new things, living their lives, before one day Nikolai got sick. So as life goes, he lived out his remaining days happily in the comfort of his wife, children, and grandchildren before in the night he wheezed his last breath with Isabel’s hand grasping his own. And so that was it. As it was supposed to be. As it was planned. But the truth is… He was afraid. Nikolai could feel himself deteriorating with each passing day. He was not an old man, in shape and active as much as he could be, ate well, and never was he a drinker… but sickness is not always something you can ward away. His nights were miserable, hidden away in his room so his children could not hear his murmurs of fever... Or the bloodstained handkerchief that sat in the pocket of his coat, the washes becoming more frequent. He remembered those that had passed before him; their hacking of phlegm mixed with that taunting crimson, their skinny bodies, and sunken features... The loss of strength and hope. Even nearly twenty later, he remembered each one; Johann, Sigismund, even his own brother Vladrik. Nikolai had gone through too much to die in such a miserable way. That couldn’t be him. He hadn’t told everyone in his family, he didn’t want them to worry. What would his wife say? Would she find peace in a quiet end, ignoring the situation until it could no longer be ignored? Would he be left to rot alone? What of his children? Would they count down the days to the inevitable? Each second that drew them closer to his death bringing them nothing but fear and mourning. He remembered what it was like to lose his father at a young age, but his children were grown and Nikolai could only imagine that at their age, watching their father slowly grow weaker would be more painful than anything. He loved his wife and children so much, he had spent a majority of his life selling himself to keep them safe... His morals, time, and energy was all for the family he had created with Esmee… He hoped it hadn’t been for nothing, as long as they could live happily after he was gone, that was enough for him. He festered in his thoughts near the end... The mistakes he had made, perhaps ways he could have been better as a father, or a husband. Maybe Herzen Ruthern was right. Had he not spoken to his wife enough? Had he been so useless? Nikolai spent so much time in his halls, dealing with issues that fell beyond his responsibilities as a count... The wars he had fought, the creature in Dobrov... Was the Ruthern right? Was he, Nikolai Mikhail... So pathetic? Was his countess the reason he mattered to anyone? She assured him otherwise, but that did not mean it did not sit there in his mind like a parasite. Even worse that his soul was burdened with the curse to feel nothing but a sort of malice towards himself, or his life as a whole... _______ He hadn’t planned his death. He had told Esmee he was going to Reinmar to see Josefina and his grandson, Manfred. The news of the baby born to the Herzen and Herzenas brought joy to the man, joy still hidden somewhere beyond that miserable host. When he got to the Duchy however, nobody whom he had been looking for was there, only some children playing dangerously close to the Dobrovi forest... They began to weave between the trees, their giggles resonating within the area. The Lord knew better than that, he had seen it play mind tricks before, but he could not stop himself from allowing the children to lure him into the trees. The closer he got to the city, the darker the sky fell... The children had disappeared by then, their laughter nothing but a lingering sound before it faded completely. Nikolai continued his peaceful walk and began to speak out loud, his words directed to the creature he had hunted all these years, knowing it was listening. One of the children had appeared at his side, pulling at his empty sleeve “Mister, there is no turning back, you know?” A few words were exchanged, words that slipped the Lord's mind as the end came... Something about how he was sick anyways. How ‘Normal Men’ would have wished to let the sickness take them, live out the rest of their days with their family, bedridden. “Normal men don’t tread these pines, Nikolai Kortrevich…” “Suppose that makes me at least… some interesting... Is that a good thing?” He felt he might cry, nervous laughter escaping him. the child had vanished once more... “Yam tired of fighting vy, ea think- Yam niet a knight, Just a lord. Ea do niet even like bein’ a Jovenaar anymore. All ea live for es mea children, mea grandchildren… En they are all… Already good enough without eam- Ea think Matviy is good.... As is Viorica....” The words fell from his mouth and out into the open air. A new voice had filled the area, one that was painted with many; Men, women, and children. This voice had been so familiar to Nikolai. “You know... You were always My favorite.” “So you have told me” “We are not long for this world, I fear our game will soon be at an end...” The two had talked some more, Nikolai’s walk continuing. They were familiar with each other at this point in Nikolai’s life. Even though he had hunted the creature since he was eighteen, this conversation brought him some sense of peace the longer it continued. Nikolai had faith that his children and friends would finish what they had all been working for. At some point, Nikolai had stopped somewhere on the trail, turning around to be met with the towering creature. The exposed deer skull covered in the moss and vines, greenery hanging from its branches and antlers of sorts. The grime and dirt that caked the host sat thick along it’s arms and legs, somewhere hidden along it’s shoulders and back sat the skulls and chains of those now long gone. Their conversation came to a close, and the elder Kortrevich knew it was about his time. “You will make it quick, Ai? Have ea earned that much over the years?” “It will be quick...” Those branches began to twist and turn, outstretching towards the familiar Lord. Nikolai closed his eyes as a pointed thin finger found itself to his forehead. In that moment, over the span of mere seconds, Nikolai had been shown a different life. One he dreamed of for many years; a peaceful life with all those he had lost due to circumstance... Or those he had gained in his true life of sixty three years. One where he became a knight, was never marked by malflame, never lost Isabel. When that life was lived, and his time had come, he would have fallen into the arms of the forest never to wake again. OOC Statement My Nikolai Art (+The Artists) Good Nikolai Moments (The last few are good)

Nikolai Mikhail Kortrevich was delivered the message while working in the farms of Jerovitz.. His lips pressed together after he finished reading through the missive "A shame.."

WRIT OF ABDICATION WITH DUTY, COMES HONOR Issued by HOUSE KORTREVICH On this 9th of Msitza Ag Dargund, E.S. 450 VA BIRODEO HERZENAV E EDLEVRIK, For the last thirty-six years, I have been the leading Lord of House Kortrevich. My attainment of the titles and the responsibility that comes with peerage was unconventional, that I acknowledge. I was born the second son to Jan Otto, fully aware that my elder brother would be the one to wed and pass the County of Jerovitz down to his children and so on. I reflect often on the years leading up to it; the relationship with my brother, or perhaps the emptiness of the halls. I do not think I am a perfect man, and in these last three decades or so there are plenty of things I could have done better as a leader, brother, friend, and father, but I take pride in the woman I have taken as my wife, and the family that we have grown together. They give me faith that after I am gone, that they will elevate the house far higher than I ever could. That alone is good enough for me. Naturally my titles would fall to my eldest daughter, Esfir Amelya Rose Kortrevich, however due to her ongoing courtship with His Serene Highness, The titles will pass from Esfir to her younger brother and my first born, Anton Otto Kortrevich. However, due to recent events, I have decided that it is in the best interest of House Kortrevich that Anton Otto Kortrevich be stripped of his ability to inherit the titles. Thus, I, Nikolai Mikhail Kortrevich, proclaim that all of my titles - Count of Jerovitz, Viscount of Krusev, and Baron of Koravia are to be abdicated to my second born son, Matviy Artem Rahoul Kortrevich. I wish him and his wife, Viorica Irena Kortrevich, all the luck in the world and long may they reign. IV JOVEO MAAN, The Right Honorable, Nikolai Mikhail Kortrevich, Count of Jerovitz, Viscount of Krusev, and Baron of Koravia

Nikolai Mikhail had remembered the first time he ever met Iulius.. His sister had come up to him mentioned a 'creepy man' who had seen her within the tavern, sketching her in a notebook while she slept. Nikolai loved his sister Vasilia with all his heart, though he was aware of the drama that followed her and the issues she caused.. It was hard to take her seriously, but being the present brother, he had to do his due diligence... The lanky teenager had walked up to Iulius, pushing on some intimidating tactic to keep the commoner stranger away from his sister. A threat perhaps? It was so many years ago that the conversation within the palace had slipped from his memory almost completely. But he did remember Iulius as he was met after- The intelligent Vernhart, a fellow student of Johann Ludovar. Nikolai didn't have many friends within the city, only the Ludovar that took him under his wing, and Iulius who encouraged him through his work towards becoming a Jovenaar and even after. Now they were both gone, a reminder of how quickly time moved.. The Count sat in silence that night, reminiscing on years now long passed.

The cold hands of the beautiful Ashwood gripped both sides of the missive, still as if the reader herself made of stone.. Her thin fingers brushed over the ink that spelled our the late R'ikarth's name.. "Lost..."

Nikolai Mikhail couldnt be faulted as there is a Wilheim and a Wilhelm in the Barclay family. In other words, Cope

An Awaited Betrothal The Lok feast of His Lordship, Wilheim Barclay and Lady Josefina Kortrevich. [!] A depiction of a lively dinner taking place in the halls of Jerovitz With the Lifstala season coming to a close, the Ducal House Barclay and the Comital House Kortrevich would like to announce the potential union of his Lordship Wilheim Barclay and Lady Josefina Kortrevich. As per tradition, a betrothal dinner will be held within the County of Jerovitz where the Count will serve the young Barclay a feast of either Lok or Erkindelir depending on his decision on the union. Herzenas Johanna Barclay and Komit Nikolai Mikhail Kortrevich have chosen for the dinner to be a private event between the families and close friends of each respective house. It’s encouraged that each guest in attendance wears colors in relation to one of the two houses. @Fionn__TWG @crazedpudding PRIVATE INVITATIONS ARE EXTENDED TO FOLLOWING. Karl von Theonus Frey Daerine Aestenia Aevaris Felix Weiss Anabel Colborn Niamh Baruch Wynanya Arvellon Her Excellency, Johanna Klaudia Barclay, Princess of Sutica, Duchess of Reinmar, Margravine of Vanderfell, Countess of Freimark and Kretzen, Baroness of Madvon, and Freising, Lady of Erwinsburg, Neuberg, Wilheburg, Freisburg and Rozenfeld, Lady Vandalore, Chieftess of the Reinmaren, Lady Palatine of Hanseti-Ruska The Right Honorable, Nikolai Mikhail Kortrevich, Count of Jerovitz, Viscount of Krusev

The County of Jerovitz 16th of Tov Ag Yermey. 446 E.S. County of Jerovitz, Haense Many years have passed since Jerovitz was constructed by the first Count, Jan Otto Kortrevich. It was first constructed after the Siege of Krusev, leaving the seat of the house in ruins. Quickly, those of the House moved to rebuild, coming back stronger than before. After the death of Jan Otto, the empty keep had found itself quiet and stagnant, collecting dust as the children were off doing their own things. Upon the succession of Nikolai Mikhail Kortrevich, the house had been demoted back to a Viscounty in hopes that the house would once more rise to their former greatness to regain what had been lost. After many years of hard work, the comital titles were once more restored to the family and with this new era came a new keep to hold the growing, hardworking house The Keep Named after the Queen Mother, Emma of Jerovitz, youngest sister of the first count Jan Otto Kortrevich, ‘Karov’ is the new home for the members of House Kortrevich.. Upon stepping up to the gates of the keep, you will be greeted with the courtyards and a bridge that overlooks the entrance and over the land. Pressed within the walls of the courtyard is the Blacksmith. A place to be used by the family who might have such an interest, forging blades for personal use or business. Dedicated to Count Nikolai’s eldest son Anton Otto Kortrevich As you ascend the steps to the main keep, you will be greeted with the statues of the house leaders of years past. Starting from Otto to Vladrik Otto Kortrevich as well as some empty spaces for those to come. In front of it stands an outdoor bar. A small tavern owned by Viktor Mondblume, where drinks saved for only the finest events and guests will be stored.. After finally entering the south halls of Karov, one will find themselves within the event halls. A place for announcements that connects to a (Blank) seated dining hall fit for any event. Under the dining hall however sits plenty of other amenities such as the Kitchen, the Library, the Alchemy Lab, The hoonseti club house for the future and those to come, and an aviary that sits high within one of the towers. All residents of the land, Kortrevich or not, will have access to this end of the keep and the amenities within Behind the Matriarch and Patriarch seats within the dining hall sits the bridge that leads to the northern wing of the keep. Set up with plenty of rooms for not only those of the house, but any wards or workers one might take on. The Church Of Jerovitz With the new keep also comes the reconstruction of the Church of Jerovitz, still dedicated to the Venerable Dame Primrose Kortrevich. The capacity has been increased to comfortably hold members of the family as well as the community. Underneath the church sits the new crypts, large enough to hold all past lords and ladies and those who wish to be laid to rest there in the future. The Farms of Jerovitz On the outskirts of Karov, nestled along the path towards the keep and within the farms sit three beautiful homes as well as a public tavern. Here small events such as tavern nights will be held by the County or those of the community for the public to enjoy. The farms of Jerovitz is filled with a variety of product - Offering a lovely harvest each season with something new that is not only used to provide for the residents of Jerovitz but are also used to make the food and drinks that fill the shelves of the Kortrevich businesses not only in Karosgrad but in other various parts of the realm as well. The Future Despite reclaiming the title of the County of Jerovitz, those of the House Kortrevich still seek to work diligently in hopes that their strength will continue to grow to allow them more opportunities to serve their community and bring pride to their nation. “With Duty, Comes Honour”

The Count smiled brightly, taking a moment from his writings to receive the good news. "Just like her Hauchpapej" He beamed with pride.

Sylvie Esmerie, The youngest child and daughter of Conrad De Falstaff, read over the Hearsay handed to her in the streets of Sedan.. She walked around the dirt roads anxiously, the grip on the paper tightening "No no no no no no no! EUGH!" The loud and frustrated squeal came from the dramatic mess of a girl, her usually tidy hair coming undone as she pulled at it with a free hand "First we lose our home and now we lose our self-respect! Damn you Manon, Damn you Emelie- AHHHHHH" Esmerie was not involved in the lives of her older sister, nobody could ever really guess why, but as the done-up woman tore the paper with her teeth in a fit of psychotic rage then perhaps one might have a clue.

Nikolai Mikhail wrote up the letter to Emma, a farewell of sorts though of course he was hopeful, oh so hopeful, that his lovely aunts health would get better. Perhaps just enough to come and see their new home, perhaps just enough to make it to one of his children's weddings or so.. But he knew. A letter had arrived back from Emma, reading it through with a heavy heart as he sat in the pavilion they saved before rebuilding. The same pavilion he had his last talk with Sigismund in. Nikolai held the queen mothers letter close to his heart and inhaled deeply. He feared losing more family, even in natural ways- He feared now being some of the eldest of his living blood. Regardless of his fear, the news would break sometime later, a notice of Emma's passing arriving at the County. As his eyes moved over the paper, he felt a small tinge of peace knowing she must have felt much better; That she would see her own friends and family long past, including Jan and her sisters, parents, Sigismund. Nikolai cried, as he did every loss, but for some reason, this one weighed on his chest heavier than all the rest.

Nikolai Mikhail Kortrevich stared up at the false taxidermy head above their bar, pondering to himself over a drink whether or not it was a bull or a stag before his wife came running outside from the dining hall to greet him with the news. In shock, the new Count dropped the mug of whatever brew was within to instead pick his wife up and put her over his shoulder "AHA! AYE! WE DID IT!" As he celebrated with his wife, at some point, he offered a subtle nod to the statues of his father and brother as well as the other past Lords whose statues watched the scene.

The firress Rutledge, once Deputy Surgeon of the St Amyas hospital, read over the paper with a raised brow.. She had decided to take a moment from her time of packing to read the latest edition.. She rolled her eyes at the language used about her and her once beloved Baruch, but upon getting to the affair bit, she burst out into laughter "Oh no no! That would have been so much better though Pfft! Haha!" Nikolai Mikhail read through the paper as well, getting to the part about his heiress.. The Viscount had grown tired of the public, finding them spoiled and awfully gossipy- though he kept up regardless as it was a subtle duty. "Honestly.. ea do niet know why Esfir's hair turned out like that... Nobody else's did. It reminds eam a bit of Isabel" He commented about the deceased Mondblume as he set the paper down and set it aside "Well should Esfir chose one or the other, we have already made our plans should something go in a different direction.. It is funny how we can save a house from absolute death and somehow it still not be good enough, they always see that in their future regardless. Esfir is a good girl, nie? " He asked his wife as she walked into the room "She will make the decision that makes her happiest should it come down to it, right?" @dove He also thought some of the parentless bit, thankful for the discussions he had with his children. Sharing Heirlooms and taking them on trips, hugging them and letting them know how much he loved them no matter what. He made sure to let them know that everything he did, he did for them and only them. They were proud of him, and he of them. That was enough for him, that was all the approval he needed.

Nikolai Mikhail Kortrevich was delivered such a message in the midst of stressful planning.. The irritated viscount read over the message before throwing it back onto the pile so he could continue the investigative work he was focused on. "Well, Should they come looking.." He furrowed his brows, muttering to himself as he wrote down a number and passage on some parchment "..Taking the bulls on could be an interesting challenge to observe..."

The Eagle and Her Owl The PK of Renate Mariya Barclay The whistle was strained and broken as it came from the seven year old. Rather than a call, she spit out in front of her: A disappointing display. “She will nicht know to come back to du if du do nicht get it right. Take your time, and really think about it.” Conrad kneeled next to the child, shaking his head softly as he tsk’d out a pseudo showing of disapproval. This wasn’t a page lesson, but it was a nice gesture for Conrad to show the girl how to send off her grey owl, Osha, and how to bring her back with a whistle.. The call of the bird came from the canopy of trees that lurked on the edge of Reinmar. The air was still besides that, waiting for Renate to make her last attempt at a whistle to bring her beloved bird back. With a show of confidence, the ashen haired Barclay adjusted her stance as she raised her fingers to her mouth.. The mighty sound rang out into the empty air, and within seconds, the owl came diving towards the child and her mentor.. A small field mouse in her talons as a showing of her prize. The bloody creature was dropped at Renate’s feet with a little splat, and though the knight at her side grimaced at the gross sight, the child’s eyes widened with excitement and pride. “AGAIN, ICH WANT TAE DO ET AGAIN!” The page bounced slightly with excitement as she raised her arm to allow the owl to now perch on a padded glove. The knight nodded once to offer her a chance to do it herself, and with that permission, Renate pushed her arm out to allow for the Owl to head out into the forest once more. She disappeared into the forest and now it was just a game of waiting, listening for that call as a signal the bird had caught its game. The child looked up at Conrad with bright eyes filled with adoration. She wished to be just like him, strong and talented, a dame of her own. Renate ‘The Owl’ Barclay; Her mother had mused the idea to her, a watchful and careful woman, an informant to her fellow knights. She would earn Reinhardt’s Claymore, and teach other pages just like Conrad.. He was not her father, but some days she wished he had been, he raised her like one of his own anyways, and she loved him all the same: At least she would have grown to. The call of the bird returned once more, and in her excitement, Renate raised her fingers to try for that loud whistle, and after a moment of mental preparation- she blew. But Nothing Came. Renate had reached up to adjust her spectacles after the first whistle seemed to fail. It was unlike Osha to not come back upon her first call. They had been doing this for some ten years now, the reliable gray owl would have never taken more than a couple seconds to return. The now sixteen year old looked around the forests of Krusev, her eyes shifting around the ruined buildings and the overgrowth of the area.. She may have gone a little too far while hunting, but all Osha needed to do now was return back and they could both make their way back to Reinmar, it was not far anyways. Still though no trace of the bird, and no sound.. “Osha!” Renate resorted now to yelling the Owls name in hopes it would work better, but what returned wasn’t her bird. “Osha” - “Osha!” - “OOOSHA!” - “Oshhhhaaaa!” - “Osha! Osha!” - “oShA!” The plethora of voices came rushing back towards Renate, none of them having been her own. Instantly, it was a sprint back towards Reinmar down the roads. “CONRAD” The girl screamed, hoping her mentor would hear her from wherever he stood in the world. “CONRAD PLEASE!” “Osha!” - “OOOSHA!” - “Osha! Osha!” - “oShA!”“Osha” - “Osha!” - “OOOSHA!” - “Oshhhhaaaa!” - “Osha! Osha!” - “oShA!” The voices continued to torment the frightened page as she continued to run, the trees coming alive as they opened their eyes to burrow down on her.. Their watchful gazes blackened with an oozing sap that bubbled with the growing tension of the forest. Renate tried to cover her ears, a heavy and warm breath now breathing down her back and neck to alert her to the proximity of the creature as she was followed. In the attempt to move faster, the Barclay tripped over her boot and waited for her end.. But Nothing Came… Instead, she heard her mother's name. Theodosya. . . It's been so long… you've gotten… smaller. Nikolai visited not so long ago. Feels like the good old days… no? Did this creature believe Renate was her mother? “Theo.. Theodosya is.. My.. Mama..” She whispered back through a shaky voice A daughter? Such a frail thing… nothing like her. No. Nothing like her at all. The little page nodded softly “Where es mein Osha? What did du do vith her?” And there came the splat, her answer was a gruesome show. Thrown at her feet from the air was the carcass of her bloodied Osha, gone to the world. There was only so much Renate could do against the creature.. But she prayed with all her heart, and spoke through her anger at the nameless and invisible entity. She reached down with shaky hands to pick up the dead owl who was alive mere moment ago “Yam niet fragile- But ich hope mein mamej hurts du..” She pulled the dead owl close to her stomach, her jaw tightening as she attempted not to cry any more. “I do hope she tries..” it answered back in it’s whisper “She vill succeed.. So will conrad..- En so will ea..” “Is that so? You can hardly stand, welp.” “Aye.. Da.. Et es.. Et es.. Et es..” She muttered through her tears, the wannabe knight moved to set the bird aside carefully before attempting to stand. As soon as she was upright however, gray hands moved from the nearby river to pull her under by her ankles.. In her panicked attempt to stay above water, she grabbed on to a nearby pole, though it was not enough. More hands sprouted from the water to assist each other, and just like that, Renate Mariya Barclay had been dragged into what felt like a never ending pit. There she felt small again; The water dark and cold as she held on to the last breath she would ever comfortably take. As she was pulled deeper and deeper, it spoke to her one last time; Something about her mother, but the poor teenager had already started to choke as her lungs filled, and just like that she had slipped into her forever unconscious state. Her body wouldn't be discovered though, not if they had gone out looking for the missing Barclay. Now, in her state of peace as she entered the seven skies, she prayed for her mother and Ser Conrad. Perhaps her prayers would be enough this time around.

The now middle-aged Hyspian sat on the second floor of the clinic.. Her head laid against her arm which sat flat on the table. Through blurry eyes, she stared at the well-kept Rose that posed as a centerpiece. She did not know Madeline very well, so why was she crying so hard? Lucia realized then that her hot face caused for the trail of tears to sit tacky against her cheeks, the drops gathering as a single damp spot on her sleeve. Why was she crying? She did not do this often, not anymore. Was it because Madeline had a husband she was leaving? Or children? Was it because she lost a well-trained physician? Was it because Madeline held her hand when the Vuiller came in for a Lung Drainage? Was it because she wasn't cared of the inevitable? Was it the fear in her daughter's face? Madeline died, leaving behind a life that mirrored one Lucia wanted all her life. Children, a husband- She was well loved, and well respected. Lucia couldn't imagine the pain her family must have felt at that moment. With her strength, she stood up and moved around the clinic and it's gardens, returning to the table with a potted white Orchid that would sit next to the Darkwood's symbolic rose. With that, the Rutledge would head home, tears still falling as she made her way. She passed the large birds as she entered the house and moved to sit on the couch with a particular Barrow. No words were said after, but she cried in his arms and planned her missive then.

Nikolai Kortrevich looked at his wife, shaking his head softly "Vy would think so, wouldn't vy? Ea would imagine that her majesty would have plenty of young women in her council, who are fresh vith their ideas, have a better reputation, and are more capable of filling the position en bringing something new to Haense.. Godan, the city needs et.." He clicked his tongue as he read over the missive once more "Thes es a prime example of a family on the rise, new families with a better attitude.. Always liked the Vernharts, truly the hardest working." "More so than Mikhail who was born into the position of Herzen out of pure luck.. He asks for more votes on the duma to drown the rest of us out, tried to believe he es the most fit to examine our families as Royal Inquisitor despite being a patriarch himself, and has the reputation of street kill.. between the way he views the other houses like that of Barclay and his general attitude towards his community... What an odd choice of her majesty, truly. Ea would much rather talk to my promiscuous dragon-loving... Mother than support the Ruthern.. But Ea suppose they do both come of the same blood.. Nie surprise there, seems there are quite a few Ruthern's who can't keep et in their pants, perhaps that es why he got picked and has the support... Or maybe this picking es that of other unknown forces.." Nikolai bit his tongue though a smirk still broke through, a pity laugh even.. Dobry job, Maer.." The Lord moved to kiss his wife's forehead, handing her back the missive "Should a response come in, burn it with the spam mail we got when hosting our Orenian Shop.. et's all useless just the same."

Nikolai Kortrevich took a moment from writing, looking up at his wife as the missive was shoved into his face then. He set the quill of his own down as he reached for the paper from Esmee to read over. "As they should, vy do wonderful work. Ea could niet be prouder of vy" He offered a smile then as he handed the missive back. In turn, Lucia Rutledge read the paper as well in the Rutledge abode.. Her eyes wide in surprise at this. "Oh.. They said something nice about me.." She called out to the man she has been in care of over the last couple years.. She began to smile brightly as she waved the missive around before hugging it to her chest "Anton did vy hear that!? Eek!" @BoyWonderr

Rhaella Othan-Ashwood settled on the wooden floor of her home, warming by the fire that roared out as the only sound that filled the room.. She let the heat beat against her face, and made no move to adjust as she just watched the flame "Another move.. - So many.. We are always moving.. They.. I wonder when the 'Ker will be enough to warrant a forever home.."

Nikolai Mikhail nodded firmly at this, smiling at his daughters work in the office. "Ah, hopefully she vill be just like her hauchpapej"

Nikolai Mikhail read over this missive, the tired viscount quietly muttering the words he read. Upon reaching the end, he would have set the missive down and moved his hands to rub his face as if attempting to wake himself up.. He recalled encounters and nightmares, he wondered if it was the same creature that had haunted the forests in his youth.. "Perhaps ea should finally bird Theo.."

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