AstriaS

"Paladins eat infants! I watched it myself," remarked Tar-Caraneth Aryantë, perhaps suspiciously repeating thereafter a "firsthand" anecdote which was nearly identical to one her father had told a few days prior.

Tar-Caraneth Aryantë, self-declared Templar #1 and Malchediael's Favorite Princess, kept trying to call her patron but the brazen bonfire only responded with a busy tone. Unfortunately, she was unable to confirm his feelings on this matter.

My answer to this last time I was asked was Oath of Conquest or Oath of Glory Paladin. There's a case to be made for Oath of Vengeance as well in some cases.

Tar-Caraneth Aryantë, Queen of the Númenedain, Ruler and Protector of the Adunians, bloodied warrior and beastslayer, stood atop the battlements of the white city, bellowing out commands in High Adunic, the Royal Sword Caledfwlch held aloft overhead and enwreathed in the radiant fires of the Archangel Michael.

Tar-Caraneth Aryantë was happy to have more friends!

We love Josh

Deed of Enfeoffment for the Lordship of Al’Ildic Issued the 11th of The Amber Cold, in the Year 175 of the Second Age This Royal Deed of Enfeoffment is entered into on this day, the 11th of The Amber Cold, in the year 175 of the Second Age, between the reigning Monarch of Númendil, hereinafter referred to as the "Grantor," and House O’Rourke, hereinafter referred to as the "Grantee." WHEREAS, the Grantor holds rightful dominion over the land and territories of the Númenaranyë, and desires to establish a new vassal holding within said territory; WHEREAS, the Grantee has demonstrated loyalty deserving of recognition and reward, serving both militarily and in facilitation of community; WHEREAS, both parties acknowledge and accept the principles and obligations of feudalism, including the duties and responsibilities inherent in vassalage; NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants contained herein, the Grantor enfeoffs the Grantee with the following rights, privileges, and duties: ARTICLE I. Grant of Land and Title The Grantor hereby grants to the Grantee the Lordship of Al’Ildic, consisting of the lands, buildings, and resources within the boundaries of the fields and crossroads before the Kingswood [tile_midlands_18]. The Grantee shall rule said holding in the name of the Grantor, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Deed. ARTICLE II. Rights and Privileges I. The Grantee shall have the right to govern the inhabitants of the fiefdom in the name of the Grantor, including the power to enforce royal laws and decrees within the fiefdom’s boundaries, the power to appoint a sheriff for enforcement of the law, and the power to enforce local ordinances, so long as they not be contrary to royal law or edict. II. The Grantee shall be entitled to the rents of any tenants dwelling within the bounds of their holdings. III. The Grantee shall have the right to arbitrate local disputes within the fiefdom that do not necessarily violate the law. IV. The Grantee shall have the right to evict unruly tenants at will without requiring authorization. ARTICLE III. Duties and Obligations I. The Grantee shall render homage and fealty to the Grantor, pledging loyalty, obedience, and military support in times of war or conflict. II. The Grantee shall pay the prescribed feudal dues and obligations to the Grantor, providing Two Baich on a yearly basis. III. The Grantee shall be responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the fiefdom, ensuring its prosperity, productivity, and the welfare of its inhabitants. IV. The Grantee shall attend the Grantor's court, council meetings, and other important gatherings, unless reasonably excused or otherwise instructed. ARTICLE IV. Inheritance and Succession I. The fiefdom and its associated rights shall pass to the lawful heirs of the Grantee, subject to the approval of the Grantor. II. In the event of the Grantee's demise, the appointed heir shall assume the rights, privileges, and duties associated with the fiefdom, upon the Grantor's approval. III. Should no successor be appointed by the Grantee, the Grantor reserves the right to appoint one themselves, or fully reabsorb the fiefdom and associated titles back into the personal holdings of the royal house. ARTICLE V. Reservation of Royal Rights I. The Grantor reserves the right to intervene in disputes within the fiefdom if necessary, intervene in matters of grave importance, and modify or revoke this Deed upon just cause. II. The Grantor may require the Grantee's military service outside the fiefdom in cases of national defense or emergencies. III. The Grantor retains ultimate sovereignty over the fiefdom and may demand the return of the fiefdom or alter its boundaries at their discretion. ARTICLE VI. Term and Termination This Deed shall remain in effect for an indefinite period unless terminated by mutual agreement, breach of obligations, or other lawful reasons. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Royal Deed of Enfeoffment as of the day and year first above written. Signed, HER ROYAL MAJESTY, Tar-Caraneth Aryantë of the House Arthalion, by the Grace of GOD, Queen of the Númenedain, Princess of Númenost and Minas Amath, Protector of the Adunians, Master of the Sharadûn, Templar of the Archangel Michael Her Ladyship, Maerîl-Emigliana Maeya Cristonia Iduna Anne Theodosia Anastasia O'Rourke, Maestra de Musica la Hyspana, Court Musician of Númendil, Jovenaar of the Aulic Court, Matriarch of House Rourke, Lady of Al’Ildic His Lordship, Caderyn-Edwyn Isovar O'Rourke, Lord of Al'Ildic, Templar of the Archangel Michael, and Knight of the Realm Witnessed, Ser Alwyn II of the House Glennmaer, Royal Castellan of the White Court of the Númenaranyë, Lord of Formindon, Templar of the Archangel Michael, and Knight of the Realm

Tar-Caraneth Aryantë, who had no particular horse in this race but happened to be feeling mildly contrarian at the time, gave a mild frown and a squint. "This seems like a bit of a wasted effort - surely there are better things to be doing than going around checking everyone's skin just to find one Warlock for every hundred or more completely mundane skin-drawings... Bah. Sure, whatever I guess."

ROYAL BOUNTY ON SIRENS Issued the 13th of Sun’s Smile, in the Year 175 of the Second Age BY THE WILL AND AUTHORITY OF THE WHITE THRONE Whereas it has been observed that the concerning rise in occurrences of suicide via pitching oneself into the waters beneath fair Númenost, the White Throne has been advised that this trend may be influenced by the song of wicked SIRENS dwelling in the waters below. Therefore, the Crown does hereby grant any would-be Siren-slayers to investigate the headwaters of the Foroduin for such a presence. NOW THEREFORE LET IT BE KNOWN; Any man who shall present a Knight or Her Majesty the Queen with the head of a Siren shall be compensated for his troubles with coin in the amount of 3 Castar, or 60 Minae. In the event that there are in fact not Sirens, the Crown will instead put the money toward the installation of suicide nets to catch would-be jumpers. BY ORDER OF, HER ROYAL MAJESTY, Tar-Caraneth Aryantë of the House Arthalionath, by the Grace of GOD, Queen of the Númenedain, Princess of Númenost and Minas Amath, Protector of the Adunians, Master of the Sharadûn, Templar of the Archangel Michael, Knight of the Realm

"Damn," remarked Tar-Caraneth Aryantë, a woman of few words as always.

I'm a big fan.

"Barclays are at the top of the Númenedain friendship pyramid," remarked Tar-Caraneth Aryantë. "They even got the accent over the 'u' correct."

Tar-Caraneth Aryantë did not listen for she was far, far to busy lining doorways with salt and preparing traps to capture awful, terrible soul-reaving pixies before they might try un-soul-ifying her children and stealing her people's corgis for war-steeds! The horror! No, such a thing would never come to pass. She refused this fate. She would spit in the face of the Pixie Queen, a curse be upon her court, and grind her little pixie wings into powder with which to make glitter for her arts and crafts.

Tar-Caraneth Aryantë misses her daughter.

THE VERY IMPORTANT DECREE of 173 SA Issued the 20th of the Sun’s Smile, in the Year 173 of the Second Age BY THE WILL AND AUTHORITY OF THE WHITE THRONE As it is the observation of Her Majesty that the whimsy of the world has come under attack by forces malevolent and misguided alike – for indeed have the house-fairies been driven into hiding and the gnomes cast out of their forest abodes – it has been decided that it is become most necessary for the faerie tale creatures to find shelter and guardianship amongst the non-fantastical peoples of the land. Verily have the kindly creatures of the old tales been cast into endangerment by the wrongdoings of those who too greatly fear them, or who wish them ill for the joy and cheerful faces they bring to the Lord’s creation. Pursuant to the remedying of this grievous crime against the world’s continued lightheartedness and laughter, the following edict shall be put in place effective immediately. NOW THEREFORE SHALL THIS PROCLAMATION STAND HENCEFORTH AS THE LAW OF THE NÚMENARANYË, I – Whimsy and the Obstruction Thereof Any person found to have harassed or obstructed the fantastical activities of a protected Faerie Tale Creature shall be guilty of the crime of Obstruction of Whimsy, punishable by a fine of 420 Minas and one hour of public ridicule. II – Protected Faerie Tale Creatures The following creatures shall hereafter be considered a protected class, and no obstruction nor harassment against them shall be tolerated: - Gnomes - Fairies - Brownies - Corgis - Musin, and in particular Blind Musin - Singing Birds - Unicorns - Griffins - Sentient Pastries - Talking Donkeys - Jenny III – Unprotected and Shunned Faerie Tale Creatures Those faerie tale creatures which are considered malevolent and destructive shall not only be denied any protections, but obstruction and harassment against them shall be encouraged. These creatures shall include, but not be limited to: - Hatless and/or Evil Witches, Wizards and Sorcerers - Pixies - Leprechauns - Wolves - Fairy Godmothers - Hags (All Varieties) - Non-Donkey Anthropomorphs Additionally, though it need not be said, shadowkin, dragonkin, undead and other such dark and evil beings do not qualify as fairy tale creatures and deserve nothing but extreme violence upon their person. BY ORDER OF, HER ROYAL MAJESTY, Tar-Caraneth Aryantë of the House Arthalionath, by the Grace of GOD, Queen of the Númenedain, Princess of Númenost and Minas Amath, Protector of the Adunians, Master of the Sharadûn, Templar of the Archangel Michael, Knight of the Realm

XVI On this day of THE 12TH OF THE AMBER COLD, IN THE YEAR 172 OF THE SECOND AGE, Aranuir Arthalion swore the Oath of Tar-Númenatâr, in witness of Tar-Caraneth Aryantë and the White Court. On this day of THE 12TH OF THE AMBER COLD, IN THE YEAR 172 OF THE SECOND AGE, Aranuir Arthalion swore the oaths of chivalry, in witness of Tar-Caraneth Aryantë and the White Court. XVII On this day of THE 12TH OF THE AMBER COLD, IN THE YEAR 172 OF THE SECOND AGE, Arathor Arthalion swore swore the Oath of Tar-Númenatâr, in witness of Tar-Caraneth Aryantë and the White Court. On this day of THE 12TH OF THE AMBER COLD, IN THE YEAR 172 OF THE SECOND AGE, Arathor Arthalion swore the oaths of chivalry, in witness of Tar-Caraneth Aryantë and the White Court. XVIII On this day of THE 13TH OF THE SUN’S SMILE, IN THE YEAR 173 OF THE SECOND AGE, Azrubel Arthalion swore the oaths of chivalry, in witness of Tar-Caraneth Aryantë.

Tar-Caraneth Aryantë who was, at the time the letter arrived, on a grand and valorous quest (and more troublingly, somewhat stranded on a far-away island) did not immediately receive her invitation, but she would most certainly appreciate it upon her return. Probably. At that particular moment, she was busy drawing a face on a small rock and giving it a name.

+1

Who could have predicted this?

To This Erik Fellow, I appreciate your contributions to the world greatly, largely on account of the fact that I agree with you. Henceforth, you may imbibe free of charge in any tavern in the lands under my rule. GOD bless. Signed, HER ROYAL MAJESTY, Tar-Caraneth Aryantë of the House Arthalionath, by the Grace of GOD, Queen of the Númenedain, Princess of Númenost and Minas Amath, Protector of the Adunians, Master of the Sharadûn, Templar of the Archangel Michael, Knight of the Realm

To Whom it May Concern, No. Absolutely not. Signed, HER ROYAL MAJESTY, Tar-Caraneth Aryantë of the House Arthalionath, by the Grace of GOD, Queen of the Númenedain, Princess of Númenost and Minas Amath, Protector of the Adunians, Master of the Sharadûn, Templar of the Archangel Michael, Knight of the Realm

The Melody in the Wood ♪♪♪ High in the sky sat the fair spring morning's sun as the young herbalist passed through the wood. The light peered through the branches above and naught reached one's ears save for the chittering birds and rustling of the wind through the leaves. Aran-în-Eryn, it seemed, was at peace in this portion at the least. Indeed much of the great forest had become tainted by sorcery and blood, but not so there. In that place the forest's quiet was yet preserved, and so it was there that the herbalist – a girl known as Gwenniel – had found her path to lead. And much to her delight was her journey not only undisturbed but bountiful besides. By midday already she felt nigh overburdened with her pack full of roots and greens, from wild garlic and burdock to even a few medicinals. As good a haul as any she had seen, she thought, but a tiring morning's work, and so she wandered without aim seeking only a place where she might sit for a time and rest. Through brush and bramble she came, and down the forested hills until at last she stood upon a shallow rise of a ridge. Far ahead and below, she saw through the boughs a humble few cottages, and the rising ivory spires of the city on the horizon afar. Then it was that Gwenniel, as she paused to take in her surroundings, heard a gentle bubbling of water; she had, by fortune, stumbled upon a grove of sorts, nestled above a whispering spring. Perhaps twenty-odd yards off, the young woman approached in caution, for it seemed a beautiful place, but disconcertingly so. Blossoms floated carelessly on the wind, and the air smelled sweet, and the forest seemed to flourish, all centered around a single tree: white of bark, red of leaf, surrounded by dancing motes of light, and more fair than any tree that stood in its periphery. A Heart Tree as the one in the city, she thought at first, or perhaps something similar. She was uncertain for it was quite different despite its similarity, though she dared not ponder it overmuch. After all, she knew well the superstitions of her folk; to tarry overlong in such a place may attract the mischief of the pixies and their kin that live hidden in the greenery, and so tarry she would not. Superstition or not, it was a chance best left untaken, thought she, and she then made to leave. Yet, against her judgment, she paused as she gazed at the pond. By all rights she should already have turned from the grove, but her limbs wanted for rest and the water appeared clean enough, at least, to rinse her hands and face. Thus, she chose to linger. Nevertheless, she was superstitious still, and so she called out to the empty wood – somewhat foolishly, she thought after – to ask permission to rest at the pond. And though her call echoed from tree to tree, there emerged no malevolent pixies or any other such being to harass her. Deciding it safe enough, Gwenniel knelt by the water and collected a handful in a cupped palm to splash on her face. Suddenly, as the cool touch of water left her skin, the young woman’s eyes became heavy, and it was then that a chorus of murmurous, dulcet tones sounded through the grove. As misfortune would have it, there was indeed one denizen of the grove that had heard the herbalist’s call: the tree itself. A moment later, consciousness slipped from young Gwenniel, and the ivory roots of the tree began to envelope her body…