StrongBear

For a boy to turn into a man, he must go through trials and tribulations. - The same goes for a squire who wishes to become a Paladin. As one would expect Elias Asul’onn went through many such things, either it would be his two marriages or even from being a squire to Paladin, many bumps on the journey and many different paths but all reached the same end goal, well they did for a time. It was supposed to be a normal patrol, nothing was supposed to go awry but everything quickly went downhill. One…two….three….there were only two left against a congregation before long only one remained standing, there the now silver-haired man. Elias stood alone given an ultimatum - to surround or risk the life of another. He quickly weighed his options, the percentage of fighting more, the percentage of his chance of survival if he were to be taken as a captive. His choice had come forward, offering his hands to those he lost against, there was no need for him to even put up a fight for it surely was a losing one in that situation. So for the time being, the old man was held in a deep cell within the Queendom. To help pass his time, many visitors flocked to see the Paladin that had been captured but they were all taken back by his words, by his calmness, and even by the topic of conversations many spent hours listening to. Elias had lost track of time, there were no windows, and he only felt the cold blizzard once, that was when he was allowed to go outside but had to remain bound in chains. As more time slipped by, there was suddenly an array of familiar voices calling out for the silver hair man, his time of rescue had arrived. Before he knew it, there stood the familiar elfess in the entryway of his cell, his grandmother along with a few others had come to rescue the old man which was possibly a deathly fate. Once on the surface of the Queendom once more, there he was greeted by many brothers and sisters in arms from the Vale. A few days had passed since his return to civilization, and Elias slowly got back to working on what needed to be done for a Paladin’s duties never rest. He was called to help secure a prized target, one he had just seen days before his capture at the Queendom. He silently recalled the interaction but he had work to do, the ritual had to be done for it would’ve taken a major player off the battlefield for the time being or so he thought. Another set of days passed, Elias was chatting with a friend within the tavern at the Vale before another came shouting for help, that there was something in the woods harassing people. So the old man did what he does, change into his armor and fetch his weaponry before stepping out of the Vale with two others in tow. Once they were in the wood, there Elias saw who should’ve been locked away, confused but didn’t show it, few words were spoken back and forth before Elias turned his attention towards the large flesh golem, he was called to challenge it would have been dishonorable for the man to turn down such a thing. So there he stood, battling it out with a large flesh creature but however the Lich had other plans, for he had also brought another undead soldier but he barely moved nor defended, easily taken out at the end. The battle in the woods took some time but it only caused the Paladin to grow more tired and irritated with the circumstances, everything was adding up to something but what was that something? Elias was given a warning, he was even told not to wander alone outside of the Vale. Keep inside the walls for he should surely be safe? The Vale was always kept under lock and key, one way in and many ways out if one were to jump from the walls into the ocean below. It was the safest place he could be, right? If people were truly after him they wouldn’t be so brazen enough to attempt an attack from the Vale, not in the slightest with the chance of survival. At first, it was an anonymous letter, which was quickly talked about among fellow paladins, Elias quickly shrugged it off since he had not planned on leaving the Vale, then it was a random shout from a stranger asking for him. It was now, Elias started to piece things together, maybe they were targeting him but how could he possibly be different from the rest in the Order, was it because he was deemed as an easy target after his capture? Another shout rings from the Vale gate. This time it was familiar, it was the same Lich that he had dealt with earlier, the old man’s heart began to race now but he did not show the internal panic that was raging. He found another friend, giving him a warning before moving to his house, gathering what he needed, and quickly scribbled down a call for help. He passes in front of the gate, not even batting an eye at the scene out there as he makes his way to the aviary, quickly finding a bird to send a letter off. There stood a stranger in front of him, one the old man has never seen before, then suddenly from behind a butt of an ax came down upon Elias’ head, causing the man to stumble, he shouts, calling for help, as Elias looked back, he caught a quick glimpse of four then everything went dark. The next feeling to wash over the Paladin was something that he had not felt before, it was not the warmth from his Lord's blessing, it was something far darker and macabre, his very soul was whisked away, leaving his mortal body lifeless as he went into the very depths of Hell where he stood before Ebrietaes, seeing everything that no mortal man should be able to see, all of the sin and abomination that call this place home, it was nothing but pure horror for the old man. Where his soul was, it wished to make its return to the mortal plane, back to the husk it was from. Suddenly life had awoken in Elias once more, but it was not on the battlefield, but it was in his house, his room surrounded but three people, people he would lay his life down for. He was horrified by what he saw, those images will be forever engraved within his mind for he was surely going to overcome those sleepless nights once more hopefully.

Adrian von Audrick, a Voice for Commoners! A portrait of Adrian von Audrick, cira 432. Introduction: Mister Adrian von Audrick, born in the year 408, is the eldest son between Adalaide and Ludwig von Audrick. He was raised under his father’s strict teachings of old military tactics and politics for he was supposed to replace his father at some point as the Chancellor in Haverlock but it was soon war ravished a few years later. His family was then moved to Haense, where Adrian continued to grow and turn into a soft spoken yet intelligent man with the help of others around him. He, however, chose not to follow in his father's footsteps in military life but chose to stay in the political route of things, attending Court sessions and Duma meetings whenever he could. Promises and Goals: Adrian von Audrick vows to help continue the growth in relations between the social classes to help push Haense forward with stronger interrelations. Even if he may come off as hard-headed and stubborn, Adrian is always welcomed new ideas and listens to those around him for critiques and criticism when they are needed. -Help further the relations between those of Noble birth and those of Common -Help find ways for those of Common birth to further themselves through the social ranks if they so wish to. -To aid with creating and drafting new bills that are idealized and brought forth before the Duma members. With high hopes Mister Adrian von Audrick hopes the electorates of Haenseti-Ruska vote for him for his first term as Royal Alderman in the upcoming elections!

IGN: Itz_StrongBear Character Name: Adrian von Audrick Age: 27 Place of Residence: Lorraine Lane 3 Position: Alderman

The young patriarch of house Audrick, keeps to himself, oddly silent for once. (reserved)

“A deer tethered with a golden chain can escape to the forest to eat grass.” I, Adrian von Audrick have taken my father’s place as head of the Audrick family. With everything that has happened over the years, it’s time to make a public statement about such a small title change, but I will take what I was given, with the help of my lovely wife and my siblings, to take our family to greater heights. We may not be well known to the Kingdom as of yet but must start off as a fawn before you grow into your antlers. The Family Born in the City of Karosgrad to Jakob and Alexandra Bishop, Ludwig was the youngest of four other siblings including his twin brother Franz Bishop. Upon learning of his Father's Sedanian background, Ludwig became determined to rebuild his Family's image within the Principality of Sedan, but ultimately came to a disagreement with the main Bishop branch of the family. Taking the name "Von Audrick" after his Grandfather and progenitor of the Bishop-Audrickian line, Ludwig left Haense and traveled to the capital of Sedan. Ludwig met and fell in love with Adelaide, a tailor-shop owner living in Yong Ping who originally hailed from Elysium. The pair eloped within the basilica of San Luciano, and the two moved into a small cottage in Louisville together. It is here that their first children were born; twins named Adrian and Amorie. With Haverlock being constructed after the Tripartite victory in the Siege of Southbridge, Ludwig would move his family into the city and would go on to have three more children while living in the city Aldrich, Annette, and Apollo von Audrick. However, after unsuccessfully partaking in the defense of Haverlock when the Imperial armies besieged the city, Ludwig and Adelaide evacuated their children to Karosgrad and settled into a manor that would be able to fit the growing von Audrick family. "Like the fire of the sun, my fury never rests" Ludwig von Audrick @Javert Ludwig von Audrick (Born Ludwig Bishop c. 32 S.A.) is a Haeseni-born former Sedanian politician and soldier. Much of Ludwig's younger years were spent studying military tactics, Haeseni, and Sedanian history, and researching his Family's origins. Ludwig both enlisted in the Sedanian Army and was appointed Vice-Chancellor of Sedan. As Vice-Chancellor, Ludwig offered counsel to Prince Leopold and encouraged/assisted in the construction of a new Sedanian capital (later becoming known as Haverlock). Nowadays, Ludwig spends much of his retirement with his wife Adelaide and painting many different works of art. Current age: 52 “Even when my soul is tired, I will always find strength for my children.” Adelaide von Audrick @wowsirss The first matriarch of the von Audrick household, Adelaide was now elderly and retired. Although she kept many secrets from her children, she was remembered as a kind, open-hearted mother, even to children who were not her own. Current age: 49 “How much can a crown be worth, when a crow can dine upon a king?” Adrian von Audrick The second and current patriarch of the von Audrick family, Adrian was a sassy and arrogant child, the polar opposite of his twin sister Amorie who was more daring and troubled. Growing up in Sedan, he looked to potentially follow his father's footsteps by joining the military but as he turned into his teen years, he looked in the other direction towards the political side of things. As he grew, so did the number of women falling at his feet vying for his hand to court but he had his attention set upon his future wife, Dijana Kuznetsov. The pair grew close quickly but evidently, waited until they were out of their teen years before tying the knot. Currently, Adrian's focus is on his growing family and a bigger plan for the future. Current age: 25 "Ay, Adrian! Vhat are du vaiting for? Ve're going t' find Vikky!" Amorie von Audrick @bloomtiara The young woman's face appears very close to her own brothers', usually confined within her room at the top of their home in Haense; without anyone's idea what she was up to. She works for the NGS, setting off on adventures with a grin to aid her usually pallid and exhausted features. Current age: 25 "They say 'what doesn't kill you makes you stronger'. But... that doesn't mean it can't hurt." Aldrich von Audrick @PixlHoopa Aldrich Ariel von Audrick is a young man, twin of Annette von Audrick. He often finds himself in rather unusual situations, which over time, has the blame placed upon his red vest. Therefore, it had been personally deemed the 'Variable Vest' by his own words. Holding onto his Auverginian accent, Aldrich greets any and all, friend or foe, by Monsieur or Mademoiselle respectively. Current age: 23 “Life is like a piano. What you get out of it depends on how you play it.” Annette (Annie) von Audrick @TaytoTot The youngest daughter of Ludwig and Adelaide, Annette is a sweet young woman, full of spirit. From a young age, she was encouraged to follow her dreams and she did such, pursuing music and sewing. Current age: 23 “Animals are such agreeable friends—they ask no questions; they pass no criticisms.” Apollo von Audrick @ThanksChris The fifth of six von Audrick children, Apollo spent more of his childhood among the livestock than the other children. Despite the immense struggles facing the family after the fall of Haverlock, none took more readily to the pastoral lifestyle of Louisville than Apollo. He spent early mornings minding the pig pens, long days working the fields with his father, and cramped evenings hiding whatever pets he could in the small home they all shared. After the relocation of the family to Karosgrad he was able to find work in the stables, sparking a lifetime fascination with and dedication to the care and breeding of horses for agriculture, racing, and war. Reclusive by nature and prone to spending weeks at a time alone on the farm, the recent outbreak of conflict has compelled the reserved Apollo to step out into society once more to serve and lend his experience in animal husbandry to the Brotherhood. Riding into battle on his trusted warhorse Löwenzahn, Apollo is determined to avenge the fall of Sedan and perhaps to earn a good pension with which to open a stable of his own one day. Current age: 21 "All we need is a cause to fight for. And for me, that cause is you." Aurelian von Audrick @Riftiro A boy who's pretty naive as he's young, but picks up on little details quickly around him. He's very laid back, social, and enjoys setting things on fire and playing with others a lot. He looks up to his older siblings and loves to be around them. He also has a very sharp tongue that he's not aware of, and might say things that seem offensive to others, though he usually has no intentions to hurt anyone when he says it. Current age: 12 “ It's only after we've lost everything that we're free to do anything” Dijana von Audrick @Exolaltyl0305 The second and current matriarch of the Audrick family. She was raised in a peasant home with a brother that was barely around. She was very close to her uncle And mother. Her father was part of the guard so she wouldn’t see him very often but they were close as well. She was a very aggressive little girl but after the loss of her father and uncle, she changed and became more relaxed. Her life started to change on one random day when the young Adrian asked if she would accompany him on a little adventure. Current age: 24 “Ooo, butterflies!” Alexandra von Audrick @Ztrog The eldest daughter between Dijana and Adrian, a sassy young girl like her father, well guarded and protected by her parents and the rest of her family. Current age: 1

The Union of Audrick and Kutznetsov [!] A depiction of the young couple in the gardens. All it took was a simple conversation which started to bloom and flourish as time went on, for a flaxen-haired girl and dark brown-haired boy, their stories began to intertwine and develop. Mister Adrian von Audrick and Miss Dijana Kuznetsov, join hands in holy matrimony within the next coming days, at the Basilica, after the ceremony there will be a small dinner party hosted at the couple’s home. Ceremony: This is a public event for all of Haense to attend if they wish, all are welcome to watch this joyous occasion between the eldest Audrick son and the youngest Kutznetsov daughter joined together for the rest of their lives, bound in marriage and love. The ceremony is going to be held in the Haense Basilica. Dinner Party: Shortly following the ceremony, there will be a private dinner party held at the couple's home, just near the gardens at Koengstreit IV. This party is mainly for those who are closest to the couple, family, and friends. Those with special invitations from the couple: Mister Ludwig von Audrick and the rest of the Audrick family Mrs. Sanja Kuznetsov and the rest of the Kuznetsov family Her Royal Highness Dorothea Isabel Barbanov-Bihar and her pedigree Her Royal Highness Aloisa Leisel Barbanov-Bihar and her pedigree Her Ladyship Viktoriya vas Ruthern Her Ladyship Juilya Barclay and her pedigree Her Ladyship Johanna Ludovar and her pedigree Mister D’Artagnan Palmer and his pedigree Mister Fabian Alcaraz and his pedigree Members of the Northern Geographical Society To the Kingdom of Haense: This is a public invitation to all who call Haense home, we welcome you with open arms to join us on this monumental occasion, feel free to stay for a short while or stay for the whole ceremony and we thank you ahead of time for joining the growth of the Audrick family. Mister Ludwig von Audrdick Mrs. Sanja Kutznetsov Mister Adrian von Audrick Miss Dijana Kutznetsov

“Vy remind me so much of vyr mamej, little Emerald.” A father is never supposed to outlive his children, they are the ones who are supposed to watch him grow old and turn to dust. It was just a normal day for Elias, as each day passed it was harder for the aging Count Dowager to do normal tasks for himself but he still found a way to manage. What he thought was a normal day was soon to change rapidly when an Orenia courier arrived with a letter stating it was urgent. So Elias took a moment to steady himself before he opened the letter, slowly scanning over his. Everything stopped for him, right then and there, in the middle of his daily walk around the Vale, he just stopped. His breathing started to grow heavy, and his already exhausted gaze began to falter and well with tears which hasn’t happened for years now. The old Paladin began to weep for the loss of yet another child. “Nein...Nein…Nein” He repeated over and over again, his frail voice started to crack, “Nein.” He cried out, “Ve may have had our rough times but Ich have always loved you through everything.” His knees grew heavy, he held onto his cane tighter, his knuckles turning ghostly white as he fought to stand tall, “Tell vyr mamej that ich love her vhen vy see her, tell her ich did the best ich could.” He spoke to the heavens, “Tell her ich am sorry.” After some time, the old man finally fell to his knees, tears staining his scarred cheeks, for he just sat there, recalling many memories with his eldest daughter, watching her grow from afar, to their little adventures they took while they were both still young, to be a complete family. For a father shouldn’t have to bury his child.

Skin Name: We're more ghosts than people Discord: StrongBear#1126 Bid: $10

Adrian receives his letter, a moment of excitement washed over his young visage before fully reading the contents. He stopped, the lad who always had something to say was for once silenced. Instead of leaving his home, he just recoiled to his room, reminiscing the memories and those that could've been formed.

[!] A rather worn piece of parchment with faded golden streaks lining the edges. As I sit upon this ledge, my gaze set upon the horizon. Bouncing back and forth between the stars, constantly pondering what's next to come. What is next for me? A lonely Paladin who constantly wonders what is to come the following day. What battles lie in front of not only myself but the communities I live within? What comes next for the Vale? What comes next for the Paladins of Xan? Even what comes next for Haense or even that of Oren? I sit here ‘pon my ledge, the years are slowly catching up with me. My reflexes slow, I grow with more wisdom than strength these days but am not afraid to put a young one in their place. Perhaps the following day will be my last, perhaps yet another thirty years to go. Either way, all I take is one step at a time, take a little bit through my day to watch the sky touch the ocean, watch the stars rise then fall, the moon taking the place of the shining sun then vice versa. Day in and day out, always the same and different. I am just an aging man, forever cursed by Horen with a shortened life span. I’ve lived a rather decent life, some I wish I could go back and change, alter how my actions and decisions affected the outcome of certain circumstances. There is nothing I can do to change the past, all I can do is take it, and use it as a mold for the future. For now, all I do is be thankful to wake up each and every day, perhaps even live it like it’s my last day. As I grow old, the gray overtakes the blonde more and more, my eyes grow heavy, and my face shows my age and battle-scarred visage. But that is only the surface and well, that is all some need to know. Their father, lover, son and grandson, friend, he is one who only shows what needs to be shown, for what lies deeper shall remain hidden until the time is right. When that time may be, is still unknown. Alas, here I sit ‘pon my ledge, my gaze dancing along with the stars to the unknown. Is it truly unknown or must we wait until our forever slumber arrives to fully know and understand what our lives truly meant to those around us? Upon the ledge, a graying man sits alone with a quill held tightly between his thumb and pointer, a journal resting atop his lap. Days in and day out, the old can be spotted, lost in his thoughts and the world around, drowning out the conversations, the sounds of nature ringing through his ears. Word after word, page after page, until the book was full then a subtle SNAP, the quill lay in two, falling to the pond below. For that old man dare not move from his ledge, for he would rather not be seen nor heard at times, merely listening from a distance. Oddly enough, this has been left unsigned, it could be that of just an old man's rambles...

Perhaps the eldest son, Adrian von Audrick noticed his father was home more often then usual but yet he continued with his usual routine, get up early, stay out later, only to repeat the day after -over and over again. However, he did notice the painting, looking at it with such awe until he went on with his day.

The aging Waldenian peers to the ships as they rose anew, "Ich am coming for t'e Governor and t'e Governor alone." He spoke mainly to himself as he turns his attention back to the map, battle plans running ramp it.

There comes a time when one must meet their; judge, jury, and executioner. A woman with many names and faces, originally known as Astrid Palmer, was born in Al-Faiz long before the Inferi war. She lived a rather simple life but she was rather troubled, causing tavern fights at the age of seven, it only progressed from there, outside forces aiding with guiding her through the darker ways of life; an aunt of hers a practicing Shade, another lived among them as well, finally her father loving and caring from the start but it quickly changed on one fateful night thus which caused the young Palmer to leave and search out for her distant family, to hide from her father until she was certain it was time to return to him. But during that time, many plans came to light for the death of the man, it was kept secret from him until that night came about. The family of Palmer’s and Morgaine’s all in one house, the house in the mountains of Kaedrin, her father went to his old room while the chaos downstairs unfolded. Alone, Astrid and her father were in that room, the old man had drifted off to sleep. Soon thereafter the blood bath had begun, the child who once looked up to her father, was the one to be his end. Time only progressed from there, a life in Helena working underneath Ostromir Carrion and living with her Aunt Meredith in Haense. In her free time, she studied many different languages, cultures, and whatever else she could find, spent her time traveling to other cities to meet people and to cause trouble. But the trouble never seemed to stop, she was able to always weasel herself out of any situation and avoid banishments. One time in particular, in Talons Grotto, a past sovereign Gail Cordius, the man had fallen for Astrid’s trickery and deceit, which led to a banishment but she was easily able to beat the elder man in a fight to have the ban lifted. That was just one of many instances. Enough of the past, time to make the jump to the present. A friendship had been formed with another woman, one who possessed great power in this world; she was rather fond of Astrid and took her under her wing and crafted something that many did not see coming. A woman of ice and snow finding a new path in life, one that many only hear stories of. It was not easy, at first it was quite painful, blood turning to slush, teeth turning to fangs, having to hide away as the process took its course. But after such, Astrid turned into Theodora, the same woman but a new name and look, long brown curls with a blueish-gray gaze, a devious and cold nature about her, not a care in the world with only a few rules to abide by. Her newfound life, it started off small but then it started to grow, one mother to three daughters, close they became, helping to guide one another through the world with the life that they lived. Theodora was not like the rest around her, she was the odd one out, still yet closed off to the ones she trusted, she was rather fond of getting lost for days at a time in a library or lost on the roads of travel in search of who knows what; it could’ve been knowledge, new hunting grounds, or perhaps a life she had wished to change. On her many travels, she ran into some rather interesting people, ones who wish to see all darkspawn slan, she saved one with a warning to tread cautiously, another she worked within the Haense clinic, finally met someone who was in a drunken state but was in need of a deep conversation. Now at the conversation, many things were spoken between the two, a realization was opened up, a change , of course, was taken almost. But Theodora waited and kept to herself, offering a listening ear until she was alone as so she began to write, she wrote for days on end, recalling all accounts of her past life, old things of yore. Years seem to pass by, a snack break is taken from time to time but all she did was write, the writings never seem to stop until one day it did. And on that day, a perilous and treacherous journey was made. She stood in front of those imposing gates, waiting to be let in. All she had asked was for one last final conversation and so she was granted, a few more hours of such, a sinner repenting her sins, a final cup of tea. And so, her time upon this world had finally come, a fate long accepted. Astrid, the last of the Palmer bloodline, was no more.

Two babies found alone, a story already starting. Once there was a set to twins, both flaxen hair with deep forest gaze. The older of the two, he was reserved, quiet, and had a harder time with certain things, the other, he was troubled, restless, and strived to follow in his family's footsteps. As time moved on, so did those twins. The elder turned to the merchant lifestyle, lived a rather simple life with his wife and children. The younger turned to a rougher life, one he was unsure if he would return home or not but had made a vow to his wife that he would return no matter what. Times continued to change, One brother lost his wife, lost his ways, and went to where no one could find him. The other brother also lost his wife, he fell from his tower down into a dark abyss, unable to bring himself back to the light. When all hope was lost, time seemed to slow. The younger, lost and broken, on the edge of giving up. The elder, still lost in the world, lost everything he once knew, his family had longed for his return, hoping he didn’t meet his end in the unknown. The winds and tides suddenly shifted, The elder, he eventually crawled his way back to civilization, back to his family that had longed for his return, still broken and unsure but proud to be at his brother’s side once more. But the younger, still struggling to survive, ever so slowly inching his way back to his tower. All it took for him to strive once more, was something worth fighting for. And so, that same pair of twins, beaten, broken, and lost. After years have passed, they had grown distant from one another, lived two different lives, coped in different ways, ran from the world, only to hide from the pain that it brought them. As the gray strands started to streak their flaxen locks, only did they finally return to each other’s side, to accept that they have changed and were back together once more, that brotherly bond still standing true. Two brothers, standing at each other’s side, filling the gaps of time that had been lost.

Skin: Fuzzy Shoulders Bid: 10 usd Skin: Fuzzy Shoulders 2 Bid: 10 usd Discord: StrongBear#1126

[!] A little lad runs around all through Sedan, offering and hanging up poorly drawn fliers to every child and adult around! [!] A poorly drawn crest for the Kingdom of Sadoon To the children of Sedan and not the ones of stinky Oren: I, Koeng Adrian, wish to gather off all of the children and declare our independence as a free nation under Prince Fredrick Stanimar! We no longer will be used and aboosed by our parents as their personal servants! Don’t worry, I will have my mother provide snacks so we don’t go hungry! And we will also have a puppy at all of our meetings! And we will have someone stand guard to make sure no adults try to sneak into our meetings! I, the Koeng of Sadoon, need YOU today! We shall join each other to stand up to the smelly adults and fight against the rules of the house! Join me, it’ll be fun, anyone and everyone can join unless you are an adult or from Oren! Signed,

A young tenant came into the Count Dowager of Halstaig’s chamber, the man who lay awake all hours of the night, quietly took the missive to not wake the other who slept. Elias, scanned over the letter, a small gasp escaping his lips, taking a moment to reflect on the first time he met the young Petra. “Vyr nein fun.” The young girl spoke to the Asul’onn when he attempted to stop her from going into the library at the Palace, so she wouldn’t see an argument, “Vy don’ need t’ see t’at.” He spoke in return. - Years started to drift after that, they lived different lives across the world, but every so often the Highlander would return, and when he did, he always tried to find Petra to just check in. The Count releases a soft sigh, lightly shaking his head, “It ist time t’at ich pay my Aunt a visit, ich know s’e ist nicht takin’ t’is vell.” He spoke into the candlelit room, looking to the dark sky through his window, waiting for the morning sun to creep over the mountains.

Shhhh, I fixed it a bit, now I'm going back to selling my soul

[!] A missive has been posted on all available poster boards all through Almaris Monstrous, freak of the night, I made my step, the hunt has long since started, the plan has finally come together and the first few steps have been made. Your little sibling, well, they have a new room, no longer will they wander the roads aimlessly. We found where they were spending the day and waited for them to step within the lions' maw, for then we took your little pet. They scream all hours of the night, longing to be set free from their cell. You know where to find me, for even then, I shall leave the front gates open for you, so that you may flaunt right in and even take what is yours. It was only a matter of time with this; just lying in wait, waiting for the weakest link to step out into the open. As for this, well, I will let you decide, it’s your move to make now. Do make it quick, I’m not sure how long I can keep my brothers in arms at bay. Oh, how I have longed for this to come to an end, sitting and planning is not something I tend to do. But for this; I’ve spent many, many, days of planning, hours of going back and forth with different ideas. Meeting after meeting being held month after month, everything finally coming together, for this is glorious. Perhaps you are just another piece in this chess match, we will just have to wait and see what your next move is. The lion must feast when he grows hungry for he shall devour. Signed E.O.A

Xaddy Xan

The Count Dowager of Halstaig, skims over the missive about his niece's funeral while in Haense, pondering if he shall return even amidst times of war.

[!] Posted on all available missive boards through all of Almaris No longer can I sit back and wait for this freak of nature to lie in wait for me to step into their grasp. No longer do I wish to be the mouse in the game, it is time, time to move forth and be each other's downfall. One of us may fall and the end of the game will come with that but until then, I always keep an open eye out for you, warn the people who you have brought pain and harm to aid in this torment, even if you find a sick and twisted sense of humor to this. You know who you are, I do not need to give your name the fame that comes with being posted on a missive, your name is already famed enough though me. An eye for an eye; a hand for a hand, so on and so forth. Far too long has this game been going back and forth, too long have I pushed forward then get shoved three steps back, too long have I allowed you to just simply walk over me. No more; no more of this slander to my good graces or what very little I have remaining. You know where to find me, you know what cities I patrol, you know my people, even if you ask, they shall bird me with news of your arrival. I grow tired of the consistent worry that you are lurking behind within the shadows of the street. Perhaps this time around, I shall be the one to come out on top, be the one to be the victor of this battle, throw the fight the same as you did this last time. But I will allow you this and this one time only, you and I alone, a meeting place of my choosing, none of my hounds nor yours, settle this as we have spoken. The lion must feast when he grows hungry for he shall devour. Signed E.O.A

The lone Highlander paces into the empty Keep, his worn gaze slowly looking over the pinned letter, "Don' do anyt'ing stupid out t'ere, remember ich am t'e family idiot." He jest to himself as he moves to the upper floors, returning to his room.

Amidst a conversation being held within a private study somewhere deep within the Orenian Empire, an Asul'onn, curls his digits around the missive, awaiting for the opposite party to take their leave before scanning over the crumpled paper once more, his gaze growing cold, "Vell, vell, vell" He groused, looking towards his armor, brows furrowing, "It ist time; time for t'e so called followers 'f a false GOD t' fall..."

Skin: The Tudor Bid: $15 usd Discord: I hope you know it Previous Bidder: Nein