ydegirl

T H E  C O U R T
o f 
T A L E N T I N E
ISSUED BY THE HOUSE OF HAVERLOCK

ᴛʜᴇ ʙᴀᴄᴋʙᴏɴᴇ ᴏꜰ ᴛᴀʟᴇɴᴛɪɴᴇ is the people who serve it. As the area surrounding Talentine grows, the Countess-Dowager, Margot of Virdain, sees it fit to begin recruiting people to work for her and the county to ensure the prosperity of Talentine. As the lady of the household, it is her duty to find suitable workers to fill these positions within the court of Talentine. Those wishing to serve under the Countess-Dowager in the County of Talentine should write Countess-Dowager Margot and address it to THE RIGHT HONORABLE, MARGOT-LUCILLA HAVERLOCK. Failure to send a bird to the Countess-Dowager will result in your application being automatically denied. Employees under the Countess-Dowager will be paid every two years.

Payment will be discussed at the time of the interview.

The County of Talentine is looking for the following.

Ladies-In-Waiting (2) - The right-hand-woman to the Countess of Talentine, these women help serve the court in various ways. They will help the Countess of Talentine plan events, host dinner parties, and advise her on courtly matters. Ladies-In-Waiting may be any woman of a lower status than the Countess of Talentine. There are two open positions for ladies-in-waiting.

Servants (2) – The role of the servants is to cook, clean, and attend to other duties assigned by the Lady of the Household within Talentine. Whilst on duty, they should wear the uniform to make sure that the people of Talentine know they’re currently working. There are two open positions for servants.

Stablemaster (1) - The stablemaster will manage horses and work in conjunction with the bannermen of Talentine to provide them with suitable horses should they need. Additionally, they are allowed to sell horses within the Talentine region for anyone seeking a horse. The stablemaster should be knowledgeable in hippology (the study of horses). There is one open position for a stablemaster.

Jester (1) - Jesters are entertainers, and should have a background in public reciting of songs or of being a bard, however this is only a suggestion. Jesters should be able to entertain the people of Talentine by embarrassing themselves, others, telling jokes, reciting stories, etcetera. There is one open position for a jester.

Blacksmith (1) - Blacksmiths are skilled artisans who are able to create weaponry and other metal-based items. While employed under the Countess, they should work alongside the bannermen of Talentine in order to fulfill their needs as well. There is one open position for Blacksmith.

Court Poet (1) - Poets are writers seeking to create art from words. Poets of the Talentine court are not limited to any one genre or topic they write in, but are heavily encouraged to write about the world around them. Additionally, they will work alongside the Countess to create a commissioned body of work during their tenure.

SIGNED,
TRH, Margot-Lucilla Amelie Haverlock, Countess-Dowager of Talentine, Baroness-Dowager of Gotfridcher
 

It had been too many years since the dowager of Talentine had been in mourning, decided Margot of Virdain. Perhaps this was to be her first outing in the six years since her husband had been executed.

happy easter to fellow christians and happy tdov to my fellow transgendas... i'd just like to point out that tdov is on the same day every year since 2009 and the last time easter was 2013. sorry im late lol i just felt like that was important

"Illatian erasure," commented an aging and ailing Amelia de Lewes (formerly Varoche,) "What else is new?"

wrap this discourse up by midnight EST

i think unwillingly's comment rlly sums it up nicely. i dont think homophobia rp should be banned but i do think it should be more creative than just "gay ppl bad bc bible says so" lol its uncreative and unoriginal.

anyways thats my monthly discourse, blessed be!!

3 hours ago, Unwillingly said:

homophobia on LOTC is often just the same regurgitated talking points queer people hear every day. we generally frown upon just being textbook racist towards farfolk characters, so if we draw the line at being racist towards one IRL minority group, why are we not consistent and drawing the line at being homophobic towards another IRL minority group

36 minutes ago, satinkira said:

Savoyan

its savoyard btw

Amelia simply sucked on her teeth, sipping her (fourteenth) daily wine.

THE PASSING
of
ROBERT HAVERLOCK

It is with heavy heart that the HOUSE OF HAVERLOCK announces the passing of the patriarch, Robert, Count of Talentine and Baron of Godfritcher. The Count is survived by his wife, Margot-Lucilla of Virdain, his heir, Léon Henri, and his two other children, Isabelle Louise and Auguste Percival. Robert was willingly executed by John of Aaun for his curse of Vampirism. 

SIGNED
Henry Arthur Haverlock,
Regent of House Haverlock
Margot-Lucilla Amelie Haverlock, 
Countess-Dowager of Talentine, Baroness-Dowager of Gotfridcher
 

"Oh that's not-" murmured Margot of Virdain...

Aided by her father, who, up until this point had been relatively absent from court life, Margot-Lucilla sauntered down the aisle of the chapel. The woman– no longer a girl– realized that this ceremony was somewhat unimportant to the peers of Aaun. For a day, they will talk about how the thirty-year-old de Lewes spinster wed a man ten years her junior, how her birthing years are almost up, how she needs to produce an heir suitable for Robert. The melodies haunted the air, hanging over her like a cloud of thick gray fog.

And then she saw Robert, tan skin and blonde hair glistening in the dim chapel, standing at the altar. Robert, who she had known for three years prior to the wedding. Margot let a breath escape her lips, separating the thick fog of melodies away from her head. With a steady smile, Margot-Lucilla recited her vows and Robert his. The two sealed the deal with a quick kiss with scattered applause to end the ceremony.

THE NUPTIALS

Perhaps every woman feels sweat dripping down her back, wearing her mothers wedding gown from three decades and five years on her wedding day. Perhaps, as every woman walked down the aisle, she felt two things: a sense of pride, for her family– that she had endeared herself so much so that she had made an advantageous marriage to a count, and remembering that her last moments free, however free a woman could be, were fleeting.

The pianist pressed down on the keys. Aided by her father, who, up until this point had been relatively absent from court life, Margot-Lucilla sauntered down the aisle of the chapel. The woman– no longer a girl– realized that this ceremony was somewhat unimportant to the peers of Aaun. For a day, they will talk about how the thirty-year-old de Lewes spinster wed a man ten years her junior, how her birthing years are almost up, how she needs to produce an heir suitable for Robert. The melodies haunted the air, hanging over her like a cloud of thick gray fog.

And then she saw Robert, tan skin and blonde hair glistening in the dim chapel, standing at the altar. Robert, who she had known for three years prior to the wedding. Margot let a breath escape her lips, separating the thick fog of melodies away from her head. With a steady smile, Margot-Lucilla recited her vows and Robert his. The two sealed the deal with a quick kiss with scattered applause to end the ceremony.

Outside the chapel, a carriage, white and purple with the Haverlock sigil on the doors, awaited the newlyweds. The bride and her groom stepped into the carriage, one at a time, Margot’s eyes glued to the floor of the carriage.

“To new beginnings.” Spoke Robert.

“To new beginnings,” Margot said, the words like candy on her tongue. “To new beginnings.”

WOMEN OF ANTIQUITY READING CLASSICAL LITERATURE, c. 1300s

✎
THE AAUNIC BOOK CLUB

Her Ladyship, Amelia Paulina of Virdain has a deep love for literature. The former Baroness has sought it fit to establish a book club in Aaun for those who too have a deep love for literature. Those interested in joining the book club should seek out Amelia Paulina or write to her, activities within the club will include critically analyzing the books, poems, etc., that are read.

Meetings shall be held in the Aaunic tavern, or the library. To join the book club, one must be in good standing with the Aaunic government and attend meetings when announced. However, one does not need to be a citizen of Aaun to join.

Please join. The former Baroness is very bored.

SIGNED,
HER LADYSHIP, AMELIA PAULINA

OOC

7 hours ago, Sander said:

A woman by the name of Ilaria Des'nox, a known bearer of this Dark Art according to those of the Dark Elven settlement, had recently built numerous shrines in reference to a faith known as "The Shorewalkers", a faith practiced by those possessing this Dark Art.

Somewhat bored of her country manor -- which had a plethora of servants at her will -- the (retired) Baroness Amelia of Virdain planned her next vacation.

A Temesch nun of yore frowned, Hélène Marléaïs Temesch (or sometimes referred to as the bastardized version of her name: Helen Marly) remembered the glory days; the days of the Archduchy.

Catherine Temesch (or now Moere) never recalled living in Stassion, only Whitespire, where her mother worked in the courts of Aaun. How odd!

As she read the missive, Amelia, Henri's mother, simply murmured: "You cannot escape your mother's blood."

House de Lewes presents…

T H E  P E O P L E ’S  P A G E A N T
of
1 9 6 1

An ancient pagan goddess.
[Art by Julius Johann Ferdinand Kronberg]

Baroness Amelia of Virdain invites any and all citizens of Aaun in good standing with the United Kingdom of Aaun to compete in a pageant of talents, looks, and interviews. Each participant shall participate in all three categories. There will be a limit of 5 men allowed and 5 women, combining to a total of 10 participants. The winner of the pageant will be given a sum of 100 mina and the decorative title ‘The Loyalist Pageant Goer of Aaun’. The event shall take place in the theater of Whitespire.

IF YOU PLAN ON PARTICIPATING, PLEASE FILL THIS SHEET OUT.
Name:
Age:
Gender:
Place of residency within Aaun:
Are you in good standing with the Aaunic government?:

TIMETABLE

The Talent Show
Each participant will be required to showcase a talent of theirs, whether it be singing, dancing, reciting poetry, swordsmanship, or something else not listed. These talents must be safe and cannot harm anyone, else there will be risk of disqualification. Dummies will be provided for those who need them.

Cultural Wear Catwalk
This category allows the participant to show off their culture. The looks will be based on how fine the garment is, detail and cleanliness. Participants will have a chance to present themselves in a catwalk like manner.

The Interview
For the final event of the night, there will be an interview of the participants. Before the questions are asked, participants will be asked their name and age. Then, three questions will be asked for the participants to answer. First, what defines an upstanding citizen of Aaun? Secondly, how are you an exemplary citizen of Aaun? And finally, what is your biggest flaw and how do you plan on changing it?
 

SIGNED
HER LADYSHIP, Amelia Paulina de Lewes, Baroness of Virdain, Directress of the Plane

2 hours ago, Ibn Khaldun said:

https://www.planetminecraft.com/skin/daughter-of-armenia/

 

omg im like 90% sure this was one of my skins hehe. sry i deleted her </3

R E C O U N T I N G  R E B E L L I O N

by

A M E L I A  D E  L E W E S

CONTENTS

1. Preface
2. Prelude
3. The Adrian Rebellion
4. The Aftermath

I. PREFACE
    The Adrian Rebellion was a tumultuous period in my life. Words cannot begin to describe how I felt and how it affected me throughout my adulthood. I must admit, as I’m quickly approaching my seventh decade on the soil God has created, the facts have left me some. I have tried my best to recount the Adrian Rebellion in a factual way while also giving my perspective as the daughter of Sigismond Varoche, the man who some would argue had started the rebellion.
    Of course, my view will be biased. The Adrian and Neo-Renatian commanders executed my beloved father, Sigismond, and brother, Charles. I, in good consciousness, cannot be unbiased against Veletzians and Adrians, as I, nor any Varoche to my understanding, has received any form of apology.
    This memoir will serve three portions of my life; the Prelude, the Rebellion itself, and the Aftermath. I have done my best to condense these events, as they happened over a twenty year period.
    With that in mind, please enjoy Recounting Rebellion.

II. PRELUDE
    In my youth, Adria was a bustling city– which some would even call the Heart of Aaun on Almaris. My sister, Lorina, and I would often play in the town square together and gossip, usually about other Adrians. A common misconception I hear about the Adrian Rebellion was that my father and Heinrik had some sort of animosity towards each other, however, this was untrue. Heinrik, then the Duke of Adria, and my father seemed to be very close. They frequently enjoyed each other’s company and seemed to be confidants. Admittedly, it does anger me when people get this wrong. Sigismond Varoche was not power hungry, he was a justice seeker.
    Lorina and I had no idea that my father would accuse Heinrik of eight crimes, including kinslaying, adultery, consorting with Azdrazi, as well as more heinous crimes. Suffice to say, when HEINRIK’S FOLLY was released to the public, Lorina and I were astonished. We had no idea of his wrongdoings. In fact, I idolized Heinrik in a way until then. Should memory serve me correctly, we fled Adria in the following months. I took refuge with my fiance, and later husband, Fernand, Baron of Virdain. After his manor was sacked by Adrian forces, I sought refuge in Minitz with Fernand’s sister, and my dearest friend, Henriette.
    I was relatively safe in Minitz. My one mistake, however, was when I ventured back to the Virdain manor to retrieve books– I always had a fondness for books– this man, who was tanned with dark eyes and darker hair, had attacked me. Somehow, I managed to escape– I lied about who I was, claiming I was but a simple farmer. This encounter cemented what I previously thought was impossible: the war was real. War, as I have learned, was not a part of the barbaric, imperial past.
 

III. THE REBELLION
    In the dead of night, we fled. We had little to carry, and I would not be reunited with my family for another ten years. This period of time was intense, as I had little contact with my dearest– and favorite– sister, Lorina. I was cooped up in a manor I had not known as my own, and later on, Minitz. I had lost contact with my father as well, which worried me greatly. For days, I did not leave my bedroom in Minitz, I was deeply depressed.
    To add to my spiraling, my brother, Charles and my father had been captured by Adrian forces in Petra. Within the next few days, they were swiftly executed. The news reached me in the early hours of the night during my nightly prayer. Hysteria consumed me, and I did not speak or eat for days at a time. I entered a religious fervor, praying almost all hours of the day. I began to carry multiple rosaries with me. Because I was not eating, my hair began to fall out; and my body had begun to produce more hair on my body. I felt like an ape.
    Adrian forces marched upon Minitz soon after. I remember hearing the cacophony of horses neighing, women and children screaming, swords clashing together and the screams of the Waldenians. It’s something burned into my mind. Luckily, I was able to flee, freeing myself of any harm. We fled through the back gates, me and about a dozen Waldenians. One mother, middle-aged and willowy with red hair, had lost her daughter.
    “Katrin! Ich habe sie verloren! Ich habe Katrin verloren!” She pleaded with the smuggler, “Sie ist erst zwölf!” the mother begged and pleaded with the smuggler until her voice had escaped her. That night, I prayed she found Katrin.
    The King of Aaun had issued the people of Adria terms of peace, which Heinrik promptly rejected. I, for one, was appalled that the King of Aaun would even think of negotiating with these barbarians. It was a slap in the face to me. For another year fighting ensued. Petty raids had us fearful of the future.
    Towards the end of the war, Heinrik was summoned to Karosgrad for reconciliation with the Canonist Church. The then Pontiff, who’s name escapes me, had sentenced him to death. A battle broke out and once more, I fled– this time from Karosgrad. The war had ended with the Battle of Two Churches, with an overwhelming Adrian victory.

IV. THE AFTERMATH
    With the Rebellion over, life was to continue on as normal. Fernand and I wed, had children, built our manor in the floodplains. My brother, Emilio had taken up the title of Count of Varoche, later Baron of Napoliza, and his mother, Anna of Alstion, had become a judite nun. Lorina and I reunited, remaining in contact until her final disappearance. Before she left, Lorina had become a priestess, and started a settlement– Lemon Hill– with a mutual friend of ours, Ser Morgan.
    Now, forty-four years later, I witness the same war I had in my youth, albeit with a different enemy. As Adria was in my youth, the leader of Veletz has been excommunicated from Canondom, bound to a fiery afterlife. There is much to be learned from the Adrian Rebellion and my story, such as the importance of family, the importance of piety, and of course, how War changes one. It is my hope that Veletz, the successor state of Adria, perishes once and for all after this war has ended, for I cannot bear to live seeing those people thrive any longer.
 

From her confines in the chateau de Cors-Midden, news of her nephew's death was delivered to her by a handmaid. Amelia, the hysteric Baroness, did not light a candle, nor did she cry; instead-- she sat there, unresponsive.

The Heir to the Heir's grandmother, Amelia Paulina, scowled at the name.

The stepdaughter of Anna, Amelia of Varoche, sat in her chambers. Silently, she sat there, those thick, unruly brows furrowed into her temple as she stared out into the floodplains. The wind cooed and the waters wept.

Amelia of Middelan, Queen of Aaun

As a show of good faith and loyalty to the Aaunic people, Amelia of Middelan, Queen of Aaun, will tour the vassals starting in 1953. Her Royal Majesty wishes to meet her husband's lords and their families. If one wants to meet with the Queen of Aaun and her entourage of ladies and guards, send a bird to Her Excellency, Clementine Fransisca [sanriu], or Her Royal Majesty, Amelia of Middelan [chatbomber].

 
Her Royal Majesty, AMELIA ROSE, Queen-Consort of Aaun, Princess of Alstion, Duchess of Corazon and Balamena, Countess of Enswerp and Florentine
Her Ladyship, AMELIA PAULINA, Baroness of Virdain, Directress of the Plane

POEMS OF WARTIME

by
A.P. VAROCHE
Baronissa Virdain

FORWARD
The Poems written here were all written during the Adrian Rebellion (1916-1918), from when the Author was a girl, or after the announcement of the current Veletzian War. The Author A.P. Varoche (also known as A.P. de Lewes) hopes that one can find solace in her poems during these trying times.

WAR’S MELODY
In Aaun the rain spits on my skin.
When the arrow baptizes himself in
the King’s heart, inglorious blood
spilling on the carpet, he shall mourn
the moon.

SAUDADE
Near the Silver Sea, we studied 
the secret to combing our hair.
I cut flowers from your hair,
replenishing words that meant
nothing. I watch the rain bite
your skin. I am asking to be
spared. The Silver Sea turning
into an immoral red. Red like
wine. We drank wine as if
nothing had happened, our lips
sucking the top of the bottle
while we waited for our sons
and husbands to come home.

WARTIME, 1953
We watched the fat pigeons
and the lucent dolphins. 
The beach glittered with 
the glow of the sun. 
And they slaughtered
our sons. And we cried.
We found fragrant roses in
the city, but we could not
stop to smell them. Our weeping
nights did not bring back our sons.

I ASK THAT IF I DIE
– spread my ashes along the streets
of Whitespire.

Crows peck at the windows of my home,
dropping olive branches on the sill,
singing one of their tired songs.

God is the silence that
survives long after
the war has ended.

An old man who used to sell fish at the docks is gone.
Another one of God’s illustrious tricks.
His dog sits there, snoring at his crooked stall,
unaware of the war.

TUVSMAS, 1953
We tied flowers to soldiers' helmets, holly & poinsettia & mistletoe too. The Tuvsmas tree whistles over our banter while we wish our sons good luck and pray for them to come home. They will. Armor clanks together and the church bell rings twelve times, a mother’s sobs can be heard somewhere, echoing through the gray stone streets.