Mady

Established 450 E.S. Founded and coined as the official business venture of House Ruthern by the sibling duo Aleksandr var Ruthern, Duke of Vidaus and his younger sister, Adelajda vas Ruthern, the first known location of Black Company Trading appeared within the Haeseni capital of Karosgrad. While Duke Aleksandr assisted with the financial funding of the bustling shop, it was the Lady Adelajda who ran the day to day business. Together, the siblings grew in age and their own monetary value as they crafted a business which successfully lives up to its founding family’s heritage. VALDEV HEADQUARTERS Nestled within the market district of New Valdev, the headquarters location of Black Company Trading is located at Krawnstriet V with the famed Ruthern crest perched atop the shop's signage. Many select items may be found within the shop, including Corpse Hill Honey products and brews from Bonebreakers Brewery. Patrons are encouraged to keep an eye out for any Black Company guardsmen who may be of assistance should aid be required. Black Company Trading, Krawnstriet V, New Valdev. Black Company Trading, Monterosa I, Portoregne. PORTOREGNE BRANCH Located just off the main square of Portoregne, this Black Company Trading branch is catered to the southern kingdom and its patrons. Seriously Svetlana’s Atelier boasts a grand selection of fine silks and textiles for custom made clothing or jewelry luxury items. Corpse Hill Honey is brought to the Balianese capital as well as the weekly wares offered for both Black Company Trading locations as all should be entitled to a good sale! Should any patron be in search of a custom item or specially requested brew, they are encouraged to send a letter north to the Ducal residence of Vidaus or find a nearby Black Company guardsman for assistance. CORPSE HILL HONEY Beginning atop a graveyard hillside apiary within the Duchy of Vidaus, Corpse Hill Honey products have been a House Ruthern staple, later being offered within Black Company Trading. Products made from the honeycomb of well cared for bees are offered at all Black Company Trading locations, ranging from yearly honey reserves to honey based pastries. BONEBREAKERS BREWERY Branded after a storied Ruthern of yore, the strength of spirits brewed and reserved within the Duchy of Vidaus are difficult to match. A wide array of drinks are crafted by the Monks of Castle Morteskvan, their best made items including honey mead and the traditional Haeseni Carrion Black. THE APOTHECARY OF BLESSED DMITRY Hand crafted and collected alchemical brews will line the shelves of Black Company Trading locations, typically made within the snow capped Ducal lands themselves. The Apothecary, named after the Ruthern’s own Blessed Dmitry, serves an abundance of medicinal and alchemical herbs and potions that may be bought as well as specially requested by any wayward patron. BLACK COMPANY PUBLISHING Since its founding, Black Company Trading has furthered its business mission to provide an array of products for its customers. Having been an avid seller of books encompassing all genres, the company has henceforth extended its branches to create Black Company Publishing, a branch of the main trading company which sells books as well as publishes The Hammerhead, a local Haeseni newspaper covering multiple topics for the news readers of the realm. MARIC’S MEATS Founded in the later years during the reign of Maric, Duke of Vidaus, Maric’s Meats served traditional Raevir cuisine to the Haeseni capital city of Karosgrad. Focused on providing hearty and high quality meats, Black Company Tradings has worked tirelessly to uphold the traditional standard set by the late Duke. For those seeking out high quality game and traditional Raevir meals, find the Maric’s Meats section within your nearest Black Company Trading location. As referenced by its label, each week the members of the shop will divvy up amongst themselves a random assortment of items to be put on sale at a discounted price. These items can range from luxury goods to simple stacks of pastries or ores. Displayed upon the ground floor of each location, patrons are welcomed and encouraged to check in weekly for a new assortment of wares and even try their hand at negotiating should a store owner be present - though a fair warning in advance, those blood of Ruther drive a hard bargain should you test your luck. SERIOUSLY SVETLANA’S ATELIER Amongst the rustic shop, a section most known for its custom designs and luxury items is available to patrons who inquire first hand. Seriously Svetlana’s Atelier is a service offered to customers where they may meet with Svetlana’s vas Ruthern and order custom made materials which can range from ceremonial tabards to embroidered courtly gowns for any regal lady hoping to stand out amongst the crowd. Anyone in search of such services may contact Lady Svetlana vas Ruthern for further commission information. DUCHESS DECOR & DESIGN For the Haeseni citizens in need of interior decorations or exterior gardening and landscape designs, Duchess Decor & Design is a newly added service within Black Company Trading. Anyone who may find themselves seeking out a designer for their humble - or not so humble abode, may contact Tatiyana vas Ruthern for a design consultation and a thorough run through of pricing, negotiations and offered services within the boundaries of the commission. As Black Company Trading is owned and operated through the Ducal House of Ruthern within the Kingdom of Haense, any member of the family may be contacted for services offered or sought out. Those most active within the company are listed below: Her Grace, Tatiyana vas Ruthern, Duchess of Vidaus. @Mady Her Ladyship, Svetlana vas Ruthern. @libertyybelle His Grace, Bishop Rhys of Andrikev. @ReveredOwl His Excellency, Rickard of Vidaus, Lord Marshall of Haense. @GMRO

ISSUED BY HOUSE RUTHERN 14th of Gronna ag Droba 525 E.S. It is with great sadness that the Ducal House of Ruthern announces the passing of its esteemed and noble patriarch, Ser Viktor var Ruthern. Having lived a dedicated life to King and Country, the late Duke accomplished tenfold what many others within the realm could ever dream of and with heavy hearts, the Ruthern family mourns this great loss. Throughout this trying time, the family of Duke Viktor asks for privacy and prayers. Viktor III, Duke of Vidaus 489 E.S. - 525 E.S. The late Duke’s heir, Tatiyana vas Ruthern, now ascends to the titles Duchess of Vidaus, Countess of Metterden, Viscountess of Greyspine, Baroness of Rostig, Lady of Morteskvan, Matriarch of All-Ruthern and Protector of the South. As the eldest child of his eldest child, Lady Mikhaila vas Ruthern, her inheritance is undisputed, the first female matriarch of House Ruthern in almost two centuries. Still in her minority, the council of His Grace must now declare a regency, until such time the Duchess of Vidaus reaches the age of majority. To fill this role, Duke Viktor has selected Ser Rickard Ruthern, the young girl’s father, who shall guide and shepherd the new matriarch in her duties till that awaited maturity arrives. He is named Lord-Regent by this decree, until the Duchess reaches her 18th year. Below are marked private writings discovered in the study of the late Duke. It was his will that such letters be published to those to whom they are addressed, and perhaps bizarrely, that a certain set of clothing articles be gifted to the new King Ivan VIII, alongside the words, “A King must dress as well as he wishes to be respected.”

Letter to the Royal Duma: ON NARCOTICS KRUSAE ZWY KONGZEM Issued by the REPRESENTATIVE OF VIDAUS On this 14th day of Wzuvar ag Byvca of 524 E.S. VA BIRODEO HERZENAV AG ALDYLEVAR Whilst our Duma does await the official announcement of a government and the official appointment of the Lord Speaker, it is the belief of those loyal denizens of Vidaus that the government must continue to operate. In previous iterations the Duma did create bills and often found themselves rubber-stamped into approval or denial with little debate. In an effort to help renew life to the Duma, the house of Ruthern does instead propose legislation in a public appeal with law being created by the government thereafter. For hundreds of years, the Haeseni society has been degraded by the use of narcotics of all sorts. The youth has been spoiled with fields going unharvested whilst they instead choose to smoke or make merry rather than work a decent day in the fields. Grown within other nations to make our own lazy and subservient, the time has come to see the matter addressed and appropriately fixed. We propose debate upon the prohibition of use and cultivation of narcotics within the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska as to implement a standard within our society of which the use of these derogatory substances are held in account for their unholy influence. May the Lords of Haense righteously enact their rights as peers of these lands to settle this growing concern and usher forth a more thriving and prosperous abundance amidst the citizenry. IV JOVEO MAAN Signed, Ser Rickard of Vidaus, Representative of Vidaus, Knight of the Order of the Crow, Champion of Vidaus Her Ladyship, Tatiyana vas Ruthern Ward to the Office of the Lord Speaker

ISSUED BY HOUSE RUTHERN 11th of Msitza ag Dargund 523 E.S. With the harrowing news of the change in the Comet Lesanov’s trajectory towards the Haeseni capital of Valdev spelling utmost ruin, House Ruthern will open the gates of Castle Morteskvan to any and all Haeseni citizens in need of refuge and respite. Those displaced by the destruction of the incoming comet shall be provided with shelter and sustenance within the Ducal lands of Vidaus where they will be permitted to stay through the duration of the comet’s strike and the following period of reconstruction for the Royal Capital. In the coming months, those seeking refuge will be welcomed into the safety of the Duchy’s walls to settle in and find comfort within our bastion. The grounds of the Duchy will be open to all and those wishing to pray for the safety and security of the Kingdom are free to seek prayer within the Church of Blessed Dmitri where alms and comfort will be provided.

ISSUED 15TH OF JULA AG PIOV 523 E.S. Penned The Black Company Scribes Founded by Rhys var Ruthern I, Count of Metterden over two centuries ago, the Black Company has stood the test of time being one of the longest-lasting and well-known vassal levy’s within the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska. Since its founding of yore, the company has expanded past its simple levy duties and branched out into trade and entrepreneurship, the creation of Black Company Trading as a mercantile shop and now The Hammerhead, relaying continent-wide information to the Haeseni people. In recent months a new bandit has harangued our roads and Queenswood. Particularly preying upon children and the less fortunate, the killer was first seen at the recent circus according to reports by Lady Ioanna d’Arkent Kortrevich. Whilst thought relatively harmless at first, they have since been heard to be luring children into the woods with the allure of petting their dog. Beware the woods, and strange men within it! This should be common sense as it stands anyway. In recent news, it has been discovered that the Woodsy Strangler has killed their first victim. An unknown elven child was found in the farmlands outside Valdev, a single blade wound ran through. The Crown and Brotherhood of Saint Karl have sworn to catch the culprit. An artist's rendition of the Karoswood of Haense. A Brotherhood sketch artist's design of the Valdev gallows. For the first time in well over a hundred years, a peer of Hanseti-Ruska has been found guilty by the Crown, and tried as such. Baron Anatoliy Godunov, having long since disappeared from his homelands to cavort with elves and horned folk, flaunted his obligations, dues and services owed to the Crown that granted he and his family nobility. In an operation headed by Ruthern men under the command of a brave patriot, the rogue Baron was captured and brought to Valdev where he was then tried by the Crown, and declared guilty of treason by Her Majesty Nataliya. He was hung by the neck till dead, a fate both swift and most deserved. Wzuvar ag Byvca ❅ Jula ag Piov ❅ Vzmey ag Hyff ☼ Grona ag Droba ☼ Tov ag Yermey ϟ Msitza ag Dargund ❅ Joma ag Umund ❅ A diagram of the stars. With Mistress Ingrid The Queen is going into retrograde. That serves as an unfortunate warning for those born under that sign! High intensity mood swings, horrible luck and clumsy balance will be a large symptom of the shiting heavens. Beware tall buildings, mountain-tops and strong weather. Romance during this time shall be dangerous and daring. Roll the dice, you shall either strike it lucky or fail miserably. The Drake has good times ahead. Wisely-timed jokes, good swordplay and plots shall come to fruition during this time. Success is on the cards for those under this sign, and now is the time to gamble big. Use your cunning and wit for now is the time to gamble your life-savings for they shall be doubled. Romance during this time however shall fail miserably, and you are likely to end up with an Erkindelir for your betrothal dinners should you be scheduling them in the near future. Yuri, Resident of Waltonburg 65 y.o. Yuri of Waltonburg inspecting the ruined fields. Today The Hammerhead interviews Yuri, a peasant man of Waltonburg. Yuri has served in a number of conflicts for the Crown over a long service. Being initially called up to join the Levy during the Adrian rebellion under King Georg I, he thereafter served in every conflict for the Crown loyally. After returning home from the war against Veletz in the south, Yuri ventured back to his homestead of Waltonburg to find it over-run with the odd and the plain nightmarish - flying skulls, robotic dogs, three-eyed fish in the polluted waters and farms torn down in the name of ‘industry.’ Is this what Yuri fought for? When questioned about the state of Waltonburg, Yuri commented “I fought for this country in the Midlands and when I marched on home after, I found it wasn’t the Adrians that had destroyed my home but those damned priests.” “The water’s brown instead of the God given clear it was before and I saw some flying skull pumped full of Owynist magic floating around my local church.” “... one of those dogs made of metal bit me on the arse that one time for getting too close to the carrots on their side of town.”* “F*ckin’ criminal, mate.” said the veteran. Is our country turning its back on its veterans? The Jeremic liberties have been swept aside by these Owynist invaders with a freeman losing his farm and thus no longer being a man. Is this what we fought for? Is the Biharist freedoms dead in this modern Haense? We must act for the common man. The Duma has already voted against this church within Waltonburg but nothing has been done. The time to act is now! Where’d they get those flying skulls from anyway? They must’ve desecrated Haeseni remains to get them. ✔ The White Comet Strikes Again Whilst all occurred with the Lord Godunov, Cardinal Villorik of the White Comet was on the search for darkspawn! Once more his crusade led him to the city of Kaethul where he came upon a man with an Inferi Grimoire. With the might of GOD, Cardinal Villorik alongside fellow crusaders sought to bring the rapscallion back to Valdev wherein, after thorough interrogation, they were rightfully burnt at the stake for the evil-doer that they were. Once more the White Comet proves to be an order for our kingdom to be proud of. Let evil wither and shake at the mention of their name. In the last few year we mourn the deaths of our late monarchs, Queen Amaya of Venzia ‘The White Flame’ and our King Aleksandr II ‘The Conqueror’, a funeral service shall soon occur for King Aleksandr II. We at Hammerhead shall be in attendance! We wish good fortune to our new King and Queen, Ivan VIII and Nataliya of Ghaestenwald. The kingdom remains in a state of mourning, and so no current announcement of the government has yet to occur alongside an announcement of a coronation. We look forward to the announcement of the future festivities! THE SCYFLING WORLD As a means to encourage Haeseni enterprise and mercantilism, the Hammerhead wishes to encourage you to shop at the Scyfling world. At the centre of Valdev by the gates stands the Scyfling World. One of the only shops in our fair kingdom to offer a range of merchandise that are actually well-stocked! We would be remiss to not recommend you buy something Scyfling based in honour of the late Queen Amaya, The White Flame. Whether you want to buy a morningstar for all your Woodsy Strangler smashing needs or you have a particular fascination with cheese like Karl III - Buy the best goods at The Scyfling World! The Scyfling World, Market Stall I. The Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska. Our home. Our way of life; but this doesn’t come free. All over Aevos, darkspawn and evil-doers are spreading their power over the continent. Our kingdom could be next, unless you make the most important decision of your life. JOIN THE BROTHERHOOD OF SAINT KARL. Prove to yourself that you have the strength and courage of a true northman. Make friends and represent the best of what Hanseti-Ruska has to offer. Become part of something larger than yourself. Become a hero. Become a legend. Become a brother. Sponsored by Ser Rickard of Valdev Endorsed by the Brotherhood of Saint Karl

The following days spent within Castle Morteskvan would prove to the young Ruthern heiress once more that to love and to be loved needn’t be what the young girl sought in life. From her dead mother to the now stricken down Queen, the proof that adoration and comfort were luxuries more easily taken than one might think. The days of weeping over friends were long lost, the cruelty of the world and life itself seeming too prevalent at this stage that a young girl might simply fall into the tempting ideology of abandoning all hope for a life of love and happiness. Yet, Tatiyana knew that should she fall into a hopeless reality, any purpose or light within her would dissipate into cruel nothingness. So as the girl wandered the Ducal residency her family held within the snow capped mountains of the kingdom, she made note to plant roses wherever they might take root. “For Amaya. . .”

MC Name: Madyyy Discord: Mady123 Image: Description of Image: Vidaus COA Dimensions: 1x1

Overlooking the Haense square, the Ruthern heiress would be forced to quietly swallow the building anxiety which welled within her small frame, the events of recent months still etched within her youthful mind as she went over then repeatedly to herself, not yet able to sleep. The bright flames enveloping the cabin upon the mountain and the sickening thud of her great uncle falling off his horse seemed to ring throughout her mind day in and day out. What could a girl as young as she do in circumstances such as this? Could she wash away the stain of blood upon her castle's walls? Or could she cure the guardian she so admired from his illness? "No." That was the answer Tatiyana has to face herself as she grew to analyse the world around her - its cruelty and darkest sides. That evening, the young Ruthern girl would sleep unsoundly, the sickly noises of the world bouncing within her skull as her vision of rose coloured lands soon dissipated into a bleak and dreary reality.

A CALL TO THE HAESENI PROGENY Issued by the Office of the 11th of Joma ag Umund, 519 E.S. Calling all children below the age of 15 to the reinstitution of the Kindvikzein Duma, an opportunity for the Haeseni youth as an introduction to traditional governmental participation. Overseen by the wards of the Office of the Lord Speaker, the Kindvikzein Duma will mimic the procedures of the Royal Duma to the extent of it being customized for the youth of the Kingdom and to promote participation for all those who choose to attend. THE DUCAL HOUSE OF RUTHERN THE DUCAL HOUSE OF BARUCH THE MARGRAVIAL HOUSE OF LUDOVAR THE COMITAL HOUSE OF COLBORN THE VISCOMITAL HOUSE OF AMADOR THE VISCOMITAL HOUSE OF WEISS THE BARONIAL HOUSE OF GODUNOV THE BARONIAL HOUSE OF STAFYR THE BARONIAL HOUSE OF KORTREVICH THE BARONIAL HOUSE OF VALKONEN THE BARONIAL HOUSE OF KOVGRAD Regardless of rank, any child from the Haeseni citizenry and beyond is welcomed to participate or observe the ongoings within the Kindvikzein Duma. Should anyone have any inquiries regarding the Duma, they may forward their questions to the Office of the Lord speaker or its ward, Lady Tatiyana vas Ruthern. Signed, Father Amleth, Bishop of Andrikev, Lord Handler of the Duma Her Ladyship, Tatiyana vas Ruthern Ward to the Lord Speaker of Hanseti-Ruska

Tucked soundly into her goose feather bed, the young Ruthern heiress slept soundly, the soft pattering of snowfall trickling against her windows on the snowy mountain of Vidaus. At peace for hours, the sudden disturbance within her youthful dreams would stir the child, Tatiyana vas Ruthern beginning to toss and turn beneath her comforter. The vision came quick, flashing through the girls subconscious and jerking her from her slumber, a chilling feeling climbing up her spine as she sat up in bed, gasping for air. The strange feeling of true fear clung on to the child’s heart. Tatiyana would not fall back to sleep that night.

Within the stoney walls of CASTLE MORTESKVAN, the Ruthern heiress would smirk a greedy smile as she witnessed her young sister ordering the servantry about, ensuring the upcoming festivities were up to her own standard. "We must scrub the walls clean. . .we will have guests soon enough!" TATIYANA proclaimed.

The Ruthern heiress, TATIYANA VAS RUTHERN, having bore witness to the bloody battles of Morteskvan, would grin with pride alongside her younger sister Svetlana as the two celebrated the victory and safety of their home. "By bones and barrows, sestra. . ." @libertyybelle

✥ ALL THOSE WHO WANDER . . . ✥ ༺═────༻❁༺────═༻ Long had it been that Elena had the opportunity to wander off from the grandiose display of royalty and monarchy, losing herself within the lands and nature which covered the continent, unexplored and undiscovered. The freeing wind blowing against her cheeks and the smell of earth reinvigorated the aging women's sense of purpose as peace was finally had. Upon her trusted steed, the Princess in disguise would race through the lands now at peace from ongoing conflict, traveling from coast to coast on her own, free from prying eyes and opinions. STINGING HER EYES AS SHE RACED THROUGH THE DRY LANDS OF THE DESERT, THE STAGNANT SAND WOULD FLOOD ELENA’S MEMORIES OF HER TIME GROWING UP WITHIN THE CITY OF ATRUS, HER PEOPLE PURGED OF THEIR HOMELAND ONLY TO FIND IT ONCE MORE AMONGST THE DUNES. SCUTTLING ACROSS HER PATH AS HER HORSE MADE ITS WAY THROUGH THE SANDS, A BEARDED LIZARD WOULD FLARE ITS NECK OUTWARDS, A SILENT HISS EXTENDED TO ELENA AS IMAGERY OF DRAGONS BREATH AND THE GIANT WINGS OF CLOUDB-REAKER FLOODED HER MEMORY. THE GOLDEN HUES OF THE SAND DUNES REFLECTING OFF OF THE SUN’S RAYS WOULD BRING THE TRAVELER TO SLOW HER HORSE TO A MELLOW TROT, ALLOWING A SURVEY OF THE LAND WHICH FELT SO FAMILIAR YET REMINDING HER OF A REALM WHICH WAS RECOGNIZABLY UNREACHABLE TO THE MORTAL WOMAN. The sting of childhood memories and dreams pricked her mind as the princess re-upped her journey across the continent, the fresh air bringing back a youthful emotion to Elena, though with the sudden abandonment of conflict, returned the anxiety of complacency stirring within her. The feeling of emptiness and lack of purpose scorched the Amiratus’s mind. What was she to do now? Her whole life, the Princess had an enemy to battle and focus on and now. . .now that was gone. CONTINUING ON WITH HER JOURNEY AND FINDING HERSELF AT THE WATERS OF THE AAUNIC COAST, THE REMINDER OF THE SHORES HUMANITY LANDED UPON WHEN FLEEING THEIR BIRTHPLACE EBBED THEIR WAY INTO HER REELING MIND. WHAT WAS MEANT TO BE A PEACEFUL ESCAPE SEEMED TO TRANSITION INTO A RECOUNTING OF ELENA’S LOSSES AND YOUTHFUL MEMORIES - THE GOOD AND THE BAD. THE REALITY THAT THESE LANDS ONCE FELT SO FOREIGN TO HER ARE NOW THE BIRTHPLACE OF HER PEOPLE - HER FAMILY SENT A CHILL DOWN HER SPINE AT THE REALITY OF HOW TIMES CHANGE AND HISTORY CONTINUES TO REPEAT ITSELF AS THE GREAT SCHOLAR SARSON RELAYED UNTO HER IN MANY YEARS BEFORE. Only after a brief visit to old friends within Lemon Hill, Elena would recognize the darkening horizon, mounting her horse once more as she internally declared her travels at an end. The Rubinissima coast was calling the Balianese woman back as the craving for salty air and warm nights grew within Elena. A homeland that was not her own yet grew upon her after the decades resembled some semblance of what the woman once had in her youth. REACHING THE BORDERS OF HER SOUTHERN HOME, THE PRINCESS WOULD STRAY FROM THE PATH OF THE QUEEN’S ROAD, OPTING TO FOLLOW A LESSER ROUTE THROUGH THE CYPRESS TREES AND FERNS WHICH SPROUTED FROM THE EARTH. THE SHARP TROTTING SOUND OF ELENA’S STEED WOULD QUICKLY SUBSIDE INTO A MORE RHYTHMIC MELODY FROM THE TRANSITION OF STONE TO DIRT AS THE WOMAN SOON BECAME ENVELOPED INTO THE NATURE SURROUNDING HER. COMING UPON A STREAM AND MOSSY CLEARING, THE WOMAN OPTED TO DISMOUNT AND ALLOW HER HORSE SOME REPRIEVE AS SHE LED HIM TOWARDS THE STREAM FROM COOLING SUSTENANCE AS SHE TOO TOOK A PEACEFUL REST UPON A PATCH OF DRY MOSS BETWIXT THE FERNS AND TREES. THE CREATURES OF THE WOOD AND HERSELF SEEMED TO BE ALL WHO ENJOYED THE PEACEFUL CALM OF THE LUSH FOREST, THOUGH A SHIVER OF BRANCHES AND THORNS SOON REVEALED THE FALSE TRANQUILITY THAT WAS AT BAY. ──────────────────────────────────────── “Hail, wayward pilgrim.” The words had cut through the evening’s silence like a knife. In Elena’s ears, the rustle of the wind seemed to mute; the hum of the crickets seemed to vanish. Only her own heartbeat drummed between her ears. “Um … hellooooo? Pilgrim?” It took her a moment to realize why Elena’s hair stood on end, and why her blood suddenly felt like ice. For that voice, too, was another childhood memory - one that she had locked away in the darkest part of herself. One that she did not know she could never forget. Atop her mount, she slowly turned her head to the source of the voice. On that moonlit hill near Beleth, through which the lonely road to Balian ran, a strange figure lounged against a leafy palm tree. A figure garbed in green, and with a broad-brimmed straw hat tilted to cover a veiled, dark-skinned face. Her heart thrummed like a war-drum. She remembered that face - that face - from the road outside Atrus, when she was just a girl. She remembered his warm smile, and how she offered to guide him to the dragon ruins nearby. “Are you deaf, too?” the hatted-figure lamented. With a melodramatic sigh, he pushed off the tree, and slowly trudged towards her. “The last pilgrim that came this way was deaf, and - let me tell you - that was a real headache.” Elena remembered when that man - so many decades ago - had plunged his fangs into her neck. No, not man -- vampyre. “It’s … you,” she managed breathlessly. “H-how …?” The figure paused, and tilted his head curiously. “Oh. Have we met?” She remembered the fear, back then as a child. She remembered her powerlessness. “You!” she snarled, and there was a hiss of steel as she ripped her blade free from its scabbard, and brandished it in quivering arms. “Hm.” The vampyre tapped his hat, and pressed a hand pensively to his chin. Even now, it was so hard to see his face - that infuriating face - in the shadow of his hat. “Not a fan, then, is it? Well, that is a shame. I’ll -” Her horse brayed as she urged it forward, and she very nearly buried her blade in the vampyre’s face as she passed. When she wheeled her horse back around, though, she saw no blood glistened on her blade, and the vampyre was already clambering to his feet after he had leapt aside from her charge. “Okay,” he began sourly, “that was rude. You -” She called on every fibre of her strength as she charged once again. She quashed the aches of her age, and the fragility of her form. She would not fall victim to this wretch again, so many years later. “Just - stop -” the vampyre managed, but those were the only words she heard. As she swung her blade down, the vampyre moved in a flash, and she could only watch as claws - mounted with nails as long as knives - split through the aged flesh of her forearm. Time seemed to lull as the sword dropped from her fingers, and clattered to the road. Oddly, she could not feel the pain in her arm where the vampyre had clawed her, but she did feel her body slip from the saddle as she lost control of her mount. The world swam as she fell, and then … Crack. Hours, or minutes, she did not know how long she lay on the road, blinking away the darkness of unconsciousness. Something must be broken - that much she knew. She could not feel her legs or arms, and she could not so much as twitch a muscle. But she could see, and she could hear. She heard the stomp of boots towards her, and those boots appear standing over her. “Tsch,” came a grunt. “Now, look at what you’ve done. And here I was, trying to be merciful. Well, jokes on me for trying, I guess.” She felt the faintest tingle in her arms. If she could just reach her sword, wherever it had fallen … if she could just reach it, and plunge it into the darkspawn … The vampyre crouched down. She could see his face, now, up close; she could see that the witty drawl he spoke with did not seem to match the deep, sad eyes that stared at her now. Lost eyes. “You don’t mind if I borrow some blood, do you? I mean, it doesn’t look like you’re going to need it all that soon, anyway.” She did not feel the fangs enter her throat, but she felt the scar it left on her soul. The vampyre said nothing as it left, alone with only her mare poking its nose at her motionless form, but he did spare one last look at her, his maw stained with his blood, before he disappeared into the night. AND SO, THE AGED PRINCESS LAY UPON THE STONE OF THE QUEEN’S ROAD, HER HEARTBEAT STEADYING TO A PAUSE AS HER LIFE WAS TAKEN TO EASILY, LIKE A TOY TAKEN FROM A BABE. AS SHE RESTED SILENTLY UPON THE EARTH, THE BLADES OF GRASS AND FERNS LICKED HER SKIN AS THE WARMTH OF HER LIVING SPIRIT WAS EXPELLED. PERHAPS THERE WAS SOME TRUTH TO THE TRADITIONAL SAYING REGARDING EYES BEING A WINDOW TO THE SOUL, FOUND TO BE TRUTHFUL AS THE FINAL LIGHT OF ELENA’S SPIRIT SEEMED TO LEAVE HER GRAY EYES, LEAVING BEHIND THE COLD HUSK OF THE WOMAN TO BE DISCOVERED BY ANY WANDERING STRANGER. . . ──────────────────────────────────────── ELENA CASIMIRA NOVELLEN - DE LYONS Princess Royal of Balian, Countess of Rosemoor, Baroness-Consort of Enderoca, Amiratus of the Kingdom of Balian, Lady Seneschal of the Crown and Chief Minister of the Royal Duana. 8TH OF LOTHARS GIFT, 35 BA - 11TH OF SUN’S SMILE, 96 BA [!] LETTERS WOULD BE SENT OUT TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS IN ACCORDANCE TO THE PRINCESSES LEGAL WISHES WITHIN HER LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT. ༺═───────────────༻❁༺───────────────═༻

Tatiyana vas Ruthern would lock herself up, mourning her mother’s loss. . .

Penned by the Office of the Amiratus Issued on the 10th of Godfrey’s Triumph, 94 B.A. With a heavy heart, the Crown seeks to recognise and speak upon the recent passing of our beloved Palatiadora, Dona Poppiya Sosina Gudonov. Dona Poppiya was a shining light within our community and her tireless efforts to pursue a thriving court will always hold a space within the heart of Balianese history. We know that Dona Gudonov is resting within GOD’s kingdom, free from the suffering we all endure as Canonists. With such stated, we recognise the efforts of our Palatiadora and know that she would wish for her efforts to be taken up swiftly. This being said, progress pushes forth and it is with great pleasure that I announce the appointment of the next Royal Procurator, Segnora Maria del Maur. May God guide her in her endeavors and pursuits of merriment within our blessed Kingdom. Signed, Her Royal Highness, Elena Casimira Novellen-de Lyons, The Princess Royal of Balian, Countess of Rosemoor, Baroness of Enderoca, Amiratus of the Kingdom of Balian, Lady Seneschal of the Crown and Chief Minister of the Royal Duana.

Penned by the Office of the Amiratus Issued on the 10th of Godfrey’s Triumph, 94 B.A. Many fruitful changes have occurred over the last several months within the Balianese Kingdom and more are to come thanks to the blessings of GOD and the people of Balian. Progress is pushed forth and made daily and as of this day, progression within the Royal Duana proves itself once again. It is with great pleasure that I announce the appointment of the next Royal Procurator, Don Rhys var Ruthern. May God guide him in his endeavors and pursuits of inclusion within our blessed Kingdom. @teeylin Signed, Her Royal Highness, Elena Casimira Novellen-de Lyons, The Princess Royal of Balian, Countess of Rosemoor, Baroness of Enderoca, Amiratus of the Kingdom of Balian, Lady Seneschal of the Crown and Chief Minister of the Royal Duana.

The Princess Royal of Balian, ELENA CASIMIRA, would look to her niece as they perused the publishing within the hookah room of the Balianese palace. “It was not me!” The Amiratus cried out as she spotted her own first name upon the missive. @HIGH_FIRE

A melodic humming could be heard from the rooms of the Princess Royal, Elena Casimira. Echoing through the halls of the Balianese Royal Palace, the Amiratus of Balian would repeat a certain lyric which had become stuck in her mind. “I think I like this little life. . .this little life. . .”

The Amiratus of Balian would smile the sun's smile as the newest treaty for her Kingdom was published. The Princess Royal ELENA CASIMIRA, PRINCESS OF PROVIDENCE, DUCHESS OF LORRAINE, HELENA and SUNHOLDT, COUNTESS OF POMPOURELIA and BARONESS OF RENZFELD would happily sip a Pina Colada as she basked beneath the Southern sun. . .

As she was being attended to by the Royal physician, PRINCESS ELENA would sip a well-aged brandy upon her return home from yet another victory. "We can count on my hand how many battles is took to defeat those Novellen claimants." Remarked the Countess of Rosemoor to her niece @HIGH_FIRE . "Let the title division begin and AVE BALIAN!" A smirk rose upon the aged Amiratus's features as she cheered aloud.

Limping home from the battle, ELENA OF BALIAN could not help but grin through the pain in the old woman's body. "Let those who speak with hatred remember this day as a day of reckoning. . .No longer will the vultures of Stassion screech their jealousy, for they are buried deep beneath the hills of their failures."

From the heart of Morteksvan, the young TATIYANA VAS RUTHERN would be playing with her newest toy gifted to her by her great aunt. Humming along to an unknown tune, the young Ruthern would begin to plot her wedding gift for her aunt and soon to be Uncle Cassian. . .

PRINCESS ELENA OF BALIAN would be perched upon a bench within the Palatio's gardens, a medley of Balianese cuisine spread around the Novellen as she studiously kept record of her nations growing coffers. "Those bastards have it coming. . .mess with my family and you will receive a tsunami upon your doorstep." Uttered the Amiratus betwixt the swaying palm trees. "Ave ******* Stassion."

“Along the stepstones, senora. The hippo season.” The Amiratus Rosemoor’s young attendant pointed a lone finger out along the outline of the peninsula, where dozens of the great gray beasts lounged in pools and inlets along the coast. As they’d submerge into the sea and propel up in graceful arcs, Elena let loose a fleeting smile, bittersweet toward her squire’s naivety. Throughout her life, the Balianese Princess Elena Casimira had seen her father, the King Alexander, struggle against brutal raids on Atrus, her brother, King Adrian, mocked and derided by foes foreign for his Balianese pride and pedigree, and now, her niece, the reigning queen Sybille captured days after her coronation. As Amiratus, she never forgot each slight with time and time again, the same bands of brigands coming to infringe on her kingdom’s due majesty for little more than perceived slights long settled centuries ago. But on this day in the hippo’s grazing season, an army of ten-thousand and a hundred lancers slithered from the pits of Veletz and their acrimonious allies, set to soil Balian with a slight so deep it could only be met with pitched battle. This was an attempt to slip a dagger into the Balianese nation and seize its capital. It could not go unanswered. Balian’s worthy allies in the Covenant - the mighty dwarves of Urguan, storied Haeseni troopers, Petran infantrymen, Numendil riders, the resilient Hyspians, the fierce Aaunish cavalry and the fearsome warriors of Norland all stood to reinforce the interception of the enemy march, but this was no simple battle ahead of them, with the Veletzian coalition’s forces swelling to new heights after their prior victory. The Amiratus reined in her horse and looked proudly at the Balianese army assembled in its rich red and royal purples. Commanding their host was the new Fleet Admiral Ruthern, backed by the veteran Admiral DeNurem, with dozens of battalions standing at the ready to meet the riding horde. She could spot them now, packs of Veletzians rushing down the mountains like some avalanche of steel and flesh. With one sharp breath, clearing her mind before the Admirals and Covenant Generals rose the standard for battle, she thought last of the dishonor these armies brought to Balian by sacking Portoregno during its first queen’s coronation. She remembered her Queen’s response - a vow to remain united in face of their terror, and a promise that their blood would mix with the fresh brine of Balian’s coast before Balian would ever be broken. Hard words, strong words. The only sort of words that would make sense in the face of such adversity. “Ai, ai, pecherocito. The hipopatam have come for a show. Let’s give it to them.” Elena, assured to her squire, as the vanguard of the Covenant army charged forward. Three times, the Veletzians and their allies attempt to barrel in from the west, with Covenant armies crashing into them and pinning them fixed in place. With every push came a returning shove - every melee met with Covenant arms. Elena maintained her position along the left flank of the battlefield, fighting aside the troops to avoid a counter-flank and having a keen eye on the captains of the field in pitched battle. Her heart soared seeing the grizzled DeNurem cut through an Uruk warband like a Sariant reborn, and Captain Banjo order the forces to crash again and again into their ranks. She saw Ser Garen, fearlessly charging into their lines and cutting down many foes, and marveled at the dwarven regent Sigrun Stonehammer, who rode with Dungrimm’s fury as he led the cavalry battalions. By the third crash of armies, the Veletzians were forced to route - with their coalition banners trampled underfoot by roaring Covenant forces chasing down stragglers. But in some display of the land’s own will, Elena gaped as the hippos of Balian, which had first fled at the sight and sound of warhorns and stampede, now began to frenzy in the chaos. The colossal watchers of Balian’s waterways started to chase and maul the fleeing Veletz and Orc soldiers foolish enough to try and escape via the freshwaters. BATTLE OF HIPPO’S GORGE 10th of Peter’s Glory 91 BA The latent might of these hippos was now unleashed as they defended the lands alongside the Balianese that they lived aside. Elena watched with horror as she even saw one great corpulent hippo kicking along in the still waters of the stepstones, with a lifeless Stassion bannerman dragged by his great maw. However grotesque that sight was, she took some solace knowing that this was the fate of any who came to trample upon Balian’s shores. As the soldiers of the Covenant rejoiced at their decisive victory, the Amiratus herself stood proud, doing her duty as penultimate force of her country - keeping the promise of her Queen, that Balian would not yield, and remain FOREVER GOLDEN.