Mady

ᐝ ꕀ ☼ ꕀ ᐝ AS THE SUN FINALLY SET OVER THE CLIFFS OF MYRINE, an unexpected notice arrived to the Ducal rooms of Trident’s Peak. “A war?” The Duchess questioned the courier, placing three gold farthings into his palm. “For your troubles.” She bid, allowing the man to depart. As CAERINE set her gaze over the moonlit sea and listened to the melodic song of the ocean below, she knew she was not as surprised as she thought she ought to be. “It seems I have much to consider.” ⋆ ｡༻───────────────────────────────────────────────༺｡⋆

ISSUED AND AVERRED BY, THE DUCHY OF MYRINE ⋆｡𖦹°⭒˚｡⋆ ON THIS DAY OF, 8TH OF GODFREY’S TRIUMPH IN THE YEAR OF 654A.A. ⋆ ｡ ༻───────────────────────────༺ᐝ ꕀ ☼ ꕀ ᐝ༻───────────────────────────༺ ｡⋆ TO THE GOOD PEOPLE OF THE EMPIRE AND AZURAS, AS THE TIDES ROIL AND CHANGE, so too does the happenings of man, and as such, the Duchy of Myrine now turns its gaze towards the future. The citizens of the Empire and its allies are hereby invited to attend an evening of investiture and presentation in honour of Her Ladyship, Caerine Mareno, who shall formally assume her place as Duchess of Myrine before her peers, allies and the Imperial Court alike. What begins as a solemn recognition of duty shall, in equal measure, serve as a debut into noble society following years of study and refinement abroad and within the Imperial lands of Azuras. Beneath blue and white banners, guests shall gather for an evening of courtly celebration, music and dancing as Myrine welcomes not only a new Duchess, but a young lady stepping into her station with grace, dignity and promise for the years to come. ⋆ ｡༻───────────────────────────────────────────────༺｡⋆ I. MYRNISH INVESTITURE ᐝ ꕀ ☼ ꕀ ᐝ THE EVENING SHALL COMMENCE WITH THE FORMAL INVESTITURE OF CAERINE MARENO, marking the official transfer of stewardship and authority over the Duchy of Myrine. Presiding over the ceremony shall be Her Ladyship, Circe Mareno, who has faithfully served as Regent during this period of transition within the Duchy. Before the assembled court and honored guests, Lady Circe shall formally bestow upon its heir the title and responsibilities of Duchess of Myrine, symbolizing the continuation of House Mareno’s legacy. Through this solemn and ceremonial rite, the young Duchess shall be presented not only as heir, but as the rightful lady of her people, stepping fully into the dignity and duty her station requires. Those in attendance who deem themselves a friend of the Duchess will be welcomed to speak up and share words of wisdom for her journey ahead. ⋆ ｡༻───────────────────────────────────────────────༺｡⋆ II. DUCAL DEBUT ᐝ ꕀ ☼ ꕀ ᐝ FOLLOWING THE CONCLUSION OF THE INVESTITURE CEREMONY, the evening shall transition into a grand celebration in honor of Duchess Caerine Mareno’s formal debut into Imperial society. Beneath glowing lanternlight and the banners of Myrine, guests shall be welcomed into an atmosphere of music, dancing, and lively courtly amusement befitting such a joyous occasion. A selection of games and entertainments shall be held throughout the evening to encourage merriment among the gathered nobility, while the ballroom itself shall remain open for dancing well into the night. Friends, companions, and prospective suitors alike are warmly encouraged to join Her Grace upon the dance floor as she is formally welcomed into the social sphere of the Empire. While gifts are by no means expected, any offerings presented to Her Grace shall be received with sincere gratitude and appreciation. ⋆ ｡༻───────────────────────────────────────────────༺｡⋆ III. FORMAL INVITES ᐝ ꕀ ☼ ꕀ ᐝ CONCLUDING THE EVENINGS FESTIVITIES, A competition shall be held to recognize the best dressed gentleman and lady in attendance, with each winner receiving a monetary prize. Guests are encouraged to embrace the colors and elegance of the sea through their attire, drawing inspiration from pearl, sapphire, seafoam, silver and the times of Myrine itself. House Mareno eagerly awaits the presence of friends, allies and honored guests alike for an evening of celebration, courtly splendor, and new beginnings beneath the banners of Myrine. Formal invitations are extended as such: HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY, Marcus I, Emperor of Man and his Imperial pedigree. HIS SERENE HIGHNESS, Willem van Aert, Prince of Blackvale and his Princely pedigree. HIS SERENE HIGHNESS, Rodimar Barclay, Prince in Reinmar and his Princely pedigree. HIS SERENE HIGHNESS, Edward Alstion, Archduke of Alba and his Princely pedigree. HIS GRACE, Lothar d’Amaury, Duke of Lorraine and his noble pedigree. HIS GRACE, Antonius Helane, Duke of Valmont and his noble pedigree. HIS GRACE, Duncan Baruch, Duke of Valwyck and his noble pedigree. HIS GRACE, Earoslav Rostova, Duke of Krukiv and his noble pedigree. HIS GRACE, Marlon d’Asturia, Duke of Asturias and his noble pedigree. HIS GRACE, Heinrik Ludovar, Duke of Kvasz and his noble pedigree. THE MOST HONORABLE, Her Ladyship, Arya Altwegg, Margravine of Avistra and her noble pedigree. THE RIGHT HONORABLE, His Lordship, Ezra de Senna, Count of Edessa and his noble pedigree. THE RIGHT HONORABLE, His Lordship, Volker van Hurst, Count of Totenpfalz and his noble pedigree. THE RIGHT HONORABLE, His Lordship, Robert Montalt-Rovin, Count of Aesterwaldand his noble pedigree. HIS LORDSHIP, Cassius Tiber, Baron of Hartwell and his noble pedigree. HIS LORDSHIP, Franz Galahar, Baron of Ghaestenwald and his noble pedigree. HER LADYSHIP, Anastasia Basileus, Baroness of Cascanova and her noble pedigree. HER LADYSHIP, Phoebe Malory, Baroness of Sternfell and her noble pedigree. ⋆ ｡ ༻───────────────────────────༺ᐝ ꕀ ☼ ꕀ ᐝ༻───────────────────────────༺ ｡⋆

⋆ ｡ ༻───────────────────────────༺ᐝ ꕀ ☼ ꕀ ᐝ༻───────────────────────────༺ ｡⋆ IT HAD BEEN WEEKS AT SEA WHEN A SHIP CARRYING A MARLIN CREST FINALLY SPOTTED LAND, and per the Myrnish custom an offering was poured out into the ocean's waves. Stood along the bow in her usual contemplation perch, CAERINE couldn't help but breath out a sigh of relief as she spotted the white caps of the waves upon the golden shore of her homeland. She had been away for years at this point and even now as she breathed in the salted air, she knew without a doubt that she was finally home. It took a night and half a day for the ship to reach port and dock, the cawing of gulls and the thumping of footsteps upon wood seemed to echo betwixt the lines of boats nested side by side. The young Princess watched and waited until it was her time to step back onto land, her eyes scanning the horizon beyond the crowd of merchants and families awaiting their returned kin. It was upon the steps of the cliffside where she first spotted the familiar girl of fair hair bounding down, and behind her a frail elder stopped for a rest. CAERINE knew both forms all too well, and she could not help the squeal of excitement which escaped her. As her feet hit the dock, a quick breeze ripped around her, causing her sensible curls to flutter and frame her visage. In the midst of her plight and battle with steadying herself against the sudden gust, the Mareno would feel a caress against her cheek and a soft whisper, 'The sea binds us. . .'. It took all but a few seconds for her to regain her footing and settle her hair, and by then the utterance had gone, leaving her in a confused stupor - at least for another second before the cries of her younger cousin grew nearer. CAERINE was home, but it was not the same one which she had left some years before. Each cloud and tree appeared the same, though the sense that something was missing lingered in her chest. ⋆ ｡༻───────────────────────────────────────────────༺｡⋆

ᐝ ꕀ ☼ ꕀ ᐝ THE SOUND OF BREAKING WAVES AND THE GROAN OF A WEATHERED SHIP ECHOED ACROSS THE PLACID SURFACE OF THE OCEAN, a sound all too familiar to the Mareno Princess. It had been only a month since she received her letter from the new Empress, a request to return to her homeland and CAERINE was electrified with anticipation. As she leaned against the bow of the ship, she could almost make out the golden etchings of its name: LUNA AUREA. “Princess, you should come inside before you freckle!” The call of her chaperone broke through the thoughts which buzzed through the Mareno’s mind. Looking to the ships starboard, the familiar plate of her Imperial envoys threaten to blind her if she looked too long. hum to herself as the glimmering reflection of the sun upon the ocean reached her view at last. “How many more weeks until we reach land?” CAERINE called out as she traipsed across the deck of the shop and joined her fair haired chaperone in ducking into the cabins. “I have a Coronation to attend and I’d rather not be delayed.” ⋆ ｡༻───────────────────────────────────────────────༺｡⋆

ISSUED AND AVERRED BY, THE PRINCESS CAERINE MARENO ⋆｡𖦹°⭒˚｡⋆ ON THIS DAY OF, 9TH OF HARREN’S FOLLEY IN THE YEAR OF 646 A.A. ⋆ ｡ ༻───────────────────────────༺ᐝ ꕀ ☼ ꕀ ᐝ༻───────────────────────────༺ ｡⋆ TO MY LOYAL FRIENDS AND FAMILY, TIME SEEMS TO PASS QUICKLY WHEN YOU ARE NOT SURROUNDING BY THOSE YOU CONSIDER DEAR, and it has become abundantly clear how much I have come to miss you all. Although I am still some years from my graduation, I am happy to report that my time spent in Novo Horos and the Collegium has been beneficial. The food and styles - even the air feels foreign to me, though that only means I am experiencing new things as I had set off to do. One thing I am happy to share with you all is a pamphlet that is similar to what we have within the Empire of Azuras, and I was even mentioned by name! I will write to you all again soon, and I will be counting down the days until my return. [!] Sent along with the letter, a crate of pamphlets would join for all Caerine’s friends and family to divulge in. ⋆ ｡ ༻───────────────────────────༺ᐝ ꕀ ☼ ꕀ ᐝ༻───────────────────────────༺ ｡⋆ , HER HIGHNESS, CAERINE MARENO, Lady of Myrine.

ᐝ ꕀ ☼ ꕀ ᐝ WITH THE NEWS OF THE ASTURIAN PRINCE’S PASSING REACHING THE PRESTIGIOUS INSTITUTE IN AELDIN, the young Mareno Princess would drape black veils from her windows and over her mirrors. As CAERINE donned her mourning gown and made her way down to the white, sandy shores of Novo Horos. she could not help but recall the jolly laugh of the dailor, his moustache curling up with each mischievous grin he flashed to his Royal daughter.“Princess Valentina must be devastated. . .” She'd hum to herself as the glimmering reflection of the sun upon the ocean reached her view at last. With sand finally underfoot, CAERINE would stand vigil for a time, recalling her fond memories of the fallen Asturian as the roaring of the waves settled down into a soft rhythm. In silent reflection, the Mareno would release a parchment boat carrying her final goodbyes scrawls amongst its folds. “May Myrine guide your journey and the next.” ⋆ ｡༻───────────────────────────────────────────────༺｡⋆

ᐝ ꕀ ☼ ꕀ ᐝ ACROSS RUGGED SEAS AND GOLDEN PLAINS, the pontifical announcement found its way to the Collegium of Courtly Virtue for Noble Ladies. As such scandal does not often breach the pristine walls of the institute, the halls were abuzz with gossiping young ladies, though such news seemed to impact a young Princess specifically. “And after all that wedding planning!” CAERINE cried out, aghast that her name would now be tied to such shame. Quickly the Mareno would make her way from the salon she had been sitting in, past the intrigued glares of her peers and into her rooms. There she would begin to pen a letter. “To Her Imperial Highness. . .” ⋆ ｡༻───────────────────────────────────────────────༺｡⋆

THE COLLEGIUM OF COURTLY VIRTUE FOR NOBLE LADIES ISSUED AND AVERRED BY, THE PRINCESS CAERINE MARENO ⋆｡𖦹°⭒˚｡⋆ ON THIS DAY OF, 9TH OF HARREN'S FOLLY IN THE YEAR OF 644 A.A. ⋆ ｡ ༻───────────────────────────༺ᐝ ꕀ ☼ ꕀ ᐝ༻───────────────────────────༺ ｡⋆ TO THE HEADMISTRESS AND LADIES OF THE COLLEGIUM OF COURTLY VIRTUE, AS A DAUGHTER OF THE PRINCIPALITY OF MYRINE, and currently a devoted ward of Her Imperial Highness, Crown Princess Valentina of Asturias, I have always sought to carry myself in a manner worthy of my family and the court in which I am being raised. It is my hope to one day become a respected lady of the court, known for her grace, wisdom, and steady character. For this reason, I humbly seek admission to the Collegium, believing its guidance and instruction will help me grow into the role I aspire to fulfill. A letter of recommendation has been attached to this application for your consideration. In accordance with the curriculum and tuition of the first semester, I have forwarded the admission and tuition fee, along with a small donation of 10,000 Imperial Farthing to the Collegium. As per the application guidelines, I have included my selected courses for the first term below: ༺ Advanced Courtly Etiquette ༺ Comportment & Bearing ༺ Poetry & Patronage ༺ House Alliances & Noble Genealogies I thank you most sincerely for your time and consideration of my application. It would be the highest honor to be received among the students of your esteemed Collegium, and I await your response with both gratitude and hopeful anticipation. LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION ⋆ ｡ ༻───────────────────────────༺ᐝ ꕀ ☼ ꕀ ᐝ༻───────────────────────────༺ ｡⋆ , HER HIGHNESS, CAERINE MARENO, Lady of Myrine.

ᐝ ꕀ ☼ ꕀ ᐝ AS THE MISSIVE found its way to one of the mentioned Moreno ladies, a gasp was let out in shock! CAERINE could hardly believe that someone would dare write so boldly and without shame - especially about those amongst the Imperial Family. From now on, the already anxious Princess would look over her shoulder more often when wandering through the Imperial Capital. For all she knew, anyone could be Lady Truthful. . . ⋆ ｡༻───────────────────────────────────────────────༺｡⋆

Lounging upon a plush loveseat, a Mori woman would read over the missive published by her kin, chittering proudly. “This is only the beginning…”

Gently scrubbing any ink or paint which clung to her palms upon the completion of the wedding invitations, CAERINE was enjoying her moment of respite. . .though it did not last long as she realised she must pick out a gown for the event! “Eirene! Have you seen my blue dress?” @sarahbarah

Upon receiving her cousin’s missive, the Myrinish Princess seemed to break out into hives, her anxiety raising quite extensively. “Oh goodness, do you think I am ready?” CAERINE turned to her tutor, a burly Norn with a rough exterior. @esotericas

Brushing her hair in front of her vanity that evening, CAERINE seemed to find a few stray specks of powder tucked in her hairline. A knowing smile graced the lips of the young Princess as her eyes wandered to the abandoned habit now hidden in the back of her dresser and the mischievous antics it represented.

The clicking of heels upon tile flooring could be heard as a fair haired maidservant produced the parchment upon a silver tray to the young Mareno princess. “Oh cousin, we must attend and meet the ladies of society together!” Declared CAERINE, turning from her piano keys and flashing the parchment to her kin. @sarahbarah

Issued by the Principality of Myrine · · ─ ·✶· ─ · · On the 10th of Dragon’s Roar, 635 AA The Princely House of Mareno is seeking the services of a qualified piano tutor to provide proper musical instruction to a young lady of the household. The ideal candidate will possess proven skill in pianoforte, a refined manner, and the patience required for the education of a child of high birth. Instruction is to be conducted within the Mareno household and the Imperial Capital, at times and terms to be arranged through appropriate guardians and retainers. Discretion, professionalism, and adherence to noble decorum are expected. Those wishing to present their credentials may submit a notice accordingly to the Mareno Household.