sarahbarah

A cool gust of air swept over Amaya's shoulders as she stepped foot into the city of Valdev - the city she would now call home... She smiled, inhaling the scent of river and pine. Home.

Amaya Milena is thrilled for the Baroness and her consort-to-be! She saves the date with haste.

Amaya Milena beams as she receives a copy of her sister’s publishing, hastily placing it atop her nightstand for some nighttime reading.

The exhausted bride-to-be hastily starts penning yet another personal invitation.

Amaya Milena was unaware of the nation's name change; thus she hastily scribbled a revision onto the invitation as sweat rolled down her brow.

Amaya Milena makes haste in penning a personal invitation for one esteemed Ser Vlad.

THE ROYAL NUPTIALS OF 480 E.S. [!] A depiction of a grand Haeseni wedding procession gracing the newfound continent. Issued by THE CROWN On this 8th day of Joma ag Umund of 479 E.S. VA BIRODEO HERZENAV AG EDLERVIK, It delights the Crown to finally announce the forthcoming nuptials of His Serene Highness, Prinzen Aleksandr Otto, and Her Ladyship, Amaya Milena of Venzia: a most anticipated ceremony, in which the pair shall be wed under the gaze of Godani and, in their matrimony, unify the Houses Colborn and Barbanov. The betrothed couple warmly imparts invitations to all to revel in the festivities soon to come, and looks forward to celebrating upon the shores of the newfound land. WEDDING AND RECEPTION The nuptials shall unite the bride and groom under the guidance of the Vicar of Man, His Holiness Sixtus V. Following the grand ceremony, the newlyweds will guide the attendees to a grandiose buffet, catered by a multitude of chefs from all corners of the Kingdom. At this time, guests are warmly invited to present the couple with gifts, mingle, and enjoy the refreshments proffered by the feast. (Sunday, June 4th, 5:00 PM EST) BAROVIFEST The post-wedding celebrations will begin with the age-old tradition commonly known as Barovifest, in which a multitude of celebrations and festivities will occur over the span of two Saint’s Days to honour the kinship of the Haeseni people. The newly wedded couple extends invitations to all to partake in the upcoming Barovifest, for it is sure to be a celebration of the ages. Day One During the first fortday of events, all citizens of the Kingdom are encouraged to take the day off from any responsibilities they might assume to enjoy this time of leisure and celebration. The Capital’s Square, once it has undergone complete construction, shall host a lavish potluck feast, in accordance with the traditions of the Day of All Souls holiday. All peers and citizens of the Realm, regardless of their status, are invited to bring their favourite dishes to share with the newly wedded Grand Prince and Princess. As to ensure no leftovers go to waste, the traditional Harutopolta will commence, in which attendees will partake in a raucous food fight in the centre of the square. (Monday, June 5th, 6:00 PM EST) Day Two When the blazing sun looms over the newly founded walls of Hanseti-Ruska, the second celebration shall herald the bravest warriors of the realm to demonstrate their talent upon horseback. On this day, the newly wedded couple intends to host a mighty joust, and its winner will emerge the new Grand Champion of Haense. (Tuesday, June 6th, 4:00 PM EST) Special Invitations have been issued to the Peers of the Realm: His Royal Majesty, Georg I, King of Hanseti-Ruska and his royal pedigree @gusano His Highness, Franciso de Pelear, Viceroy of Hyspia and his royal pedigree @HIGH_FIRE His Grace, Wilheim Barclay, Duke of Reinmar and his noble pedigree @Fionn__TWG Her Grace, Roslin Baruch, Duchess of Valwyck and her noble pedigree @kaylacita His Grace, Aleksandr var Ruthern, Duke of Vidaus and his noble pedigree @Demavend The Right Honourable, Stanimar Ludovar, Count of Otistadt and his noble pedigree @HogoBojo The Right Honourable, Ileana Kortrevich, Countess of Jerovitz and her noble pedigree @MissToni The Honourable, Carolus Colborn, Viscount of Venzia and his noble pedigree @Seuss The Honourable, Audo Weiss, Viscount of Novkursain and his noble pedigree @Frostdrop1 Her Ladyship, Alyona Godunov, Baroness of Verskaya and her noble pedigree @ibiou His Lordship and Her Ladyship, Arthur Stafyr and Elia Colborn-Stafyr, Baron and Baroness of Thurant and their noble pedigree @AndrewTech@DahStalker Her Ladyship, Nataliya Amador, Baroness of Mondstadt and her noble pedigree @cherrybud Honourable Invitations have been extended to the following Nations and their Leaders: His Royal Majesty, Adrian I, King of Balian and his royal pedigree @ErikAzog His Royal Majesty, James Leopold, King of Aaun and his royal pedigree @LithiumSedai His Royal Majesty, Uriel I, King of the Adunians and his royal pedigree @MalchediaelVult Her Grace, Renilde I of the Petra and her noble pedigree @tilly Her Royal Highness, Idril Sylaveri, High Princess of Amathine and her royal pedigree @JJosey His Grand Majesty, Agnar Grandaxe, King of Urguan and his pedigree @Legoboy7984 Matriarch Miven Caerme’onn of Nevaehlen and her pedigree @WestCarolina Dolly Peregrin, Elder of the Halflings and her pedigree @TakeMeT0TheFae His Majesty, Shire-King Cyris I, Thain of the Halflings and his pedigree @Hearth The Silver Lubba, Mika Anarion of Lurin and his pedigree @mika1278 Sohaer of the Silver State of Haelun’or, Luthien Maeyr’onn and her noble pedigree @BlueBudgie Evarir Veralya Wynasul of the Principality of Talar’nor and her noble pedigree @Amuletic Rex Kybal’Akaal of the Iron Horde and his pedigree @Evonpire Primarch of Nor’asath, Netseth Loa’chil and his pedigree @ColonelKuehl1 Personal Invitations have been addressed to the following Individuals: His Excellency, Fabian Kortrevich @critter Mister Gawyn Tiber @ferdaboys69 Ser Arthur Gant @indiana105 Ser Vladimir Ruthern @Dyl His Lordship, Malcolm Gant @Greehn His Excellency, Otto Gant @Drew2_dude His Lordship, Alasdair Baruch @esotericas Her Royal Highness, Briar Pendraic @Ireneically Her Excellency, Josefina Barclay @crazedpudding Her Ladyship, Aleksandra vas Ruthern @Moenah His Lordship, Viktor var Ruthern @ContestedSnow His Lordship, Jakob Ludovar @Dogged Mister Roui Tawarenion and his family @MakeshiftFoxxo His Lordship, Walter Weiss @SethWolf His Lordship, Haus Weiss-Vuiller @PrimnyaQuorum Miss Marian @CasChaos His Lordship, Andrik var Ruthern @ReveredOwl Mister Demitrey Novikov and his family @Nymstra Miss Franziska Morovar @PerfectlyPeachy Her Ladyship, Allessandra de Vend @Smol Mister Landor Hardyng @BatmanWhoLaughs IV JOVEO MAAN His Serene Highness, Aleksandr Otto Barbanov-Bihar, Grand Prince of Kusoraev Her Ladyship, Amaya Milena Colborn

THE FLIGHT OF A RAVEN THE COMING OF AGE TRIALS OF LADY AMAYA MILENA COLBORN Issued on this 6th day of Jula ag Piov of 479 E.S. [!] An oil painting depicting Lady Amaya Colborn tediously working in the clinic. O’ GUD, VOR HJELP I GYNE ERE, At the tender age of fourteen, the Viscount of Venzia - my own cousin, Carolus Colborn, bestowed unto me the “Vaskr” or “the washing” that allows the youth to obtain true adulthood as per tradition in Scyfling culture. The Vaskr is the trial that all Colborns must undertake in their adolescence to learn about and honour the Patron Ancestors in preparation for “Nattrvaskr,” known symbolically as the night that washes away youth upon completion of the bestowed trial. Inspired by the tenacity of Jesper Colborn, Patron Ancestor of the Sickly, and the tremendous intelligence of Katherine Vanir-Colborn, Patron Ancestress of Education, I dubbed these two figures my designated Patron Ancestors. Thus, I achieved an apprenticeship at the Hospital of St. Amyas with the intent to learn all I could about medicine so that I would one day publish everything that I have learned for the betterment of Haeseni knowledge in accordance with my trials. Every patient I have tended to - as well as my knowledge of various medical procedures obtained over the past eight years, are recorded for the Kingdom’s perusal. With this publication, it is my hope that those encountering similar injuries will know how to address and treat them as we navigate this new world on the horizon. PATIENT LEDGER AND PROCEDURES Name: Unknown Male Location: Aaun Injury Sustained: The patient sustained a minor cut on the top of his forehead. Procedure: The wound was cleaned and disinfected with alcohol. Tippen’s root herb is a useful coagulant, and thus it was used to stem the bleeding at the source, and the gash was properly sutured with some needle and thread. Name: Anatoliy Godunov Location: Haense Injury Sustained: The patient’s left ear was severed by a blade. Procedure: The wound was promptly disinfected and coagulated with the help of Tippen’s salve. The remaining viable tissue was sutured and bandaged with sterile gauze. Name: Renilde I Location: Petra Procedure: The patient was in labour, two healthy twins were delivered and checked, and the patient’s health was closely monitored following the birth. Name: Fabian Kortrevich Location: Haense Injury sustained: The patient’s wrist was broken. Procedure: Blissfoil was applied to numb the coming pain, an incision was made to remove bone fragments before the wound was sterilized, stitched closed with thread, and the limb stabilized. Name: Fabian Kortrevich Location: Haense Injury sustained: The patient needed his cast removed, however, he had also rolled his ankle. Procedure: Ice was applied to reduce swelling of the ankle, a compression bandage was applied, and the ankle was elevated to reduce blood flow to the area. Name: Princess Analiesa Josefina Location: Haense Injury sustained: Deep stab wound was sustained to the hip. Procedure: Pressure was first applied to stop the bleeding, Tippen’s root was then used to coagulate the blood and stem the bleeding further, internal fragments of bone were removed with forceps the wound was stitched and cleaned thoroughly, and wrapped in gauze bandages to protect it. Name: Fabian Kortrevich Location: Haense Injury sustained: The patient had sustained gashes to the back of the head. Procedure: Upon receiving the patient, his hair was cut for the sake of better access to the wounds. Superficial bleeding was quelled with pressure, and Tippen’s root salve, the wound was cleaned and sterilized with alcohol-soaked gauze, numbed with a blissfoil salve, and then stitched and bandaged. Name: Demitrey Norikov Location: Haense Injury sustained: Stab wounds in the stomach and neck. Procedure: Surface-most bleeding was stopped with Tippen’s salve. The wound was then quickly bandaged during the transport to the clinic, then properly cleaned with alcohol and stitched at the clinic. Before stitching, the man was assessed for internal damage, but his armor thankfully took the brunt of it. Name: Baldrum Colborn Location: Haense Injury sustained: The patient’s plate armor had melted into the skin on his chest due to exposure to intense heat. Procedure: The wound was numbed with blissfoil after the armor was removed, the bleeding was stemmed with Tippen’s root salve, disinfected by sterilizer-soaked gauze, and treated with burn salve. The wound was then stitched and bandaged afterward. Name: Princess Briar Pendraic Location: Norland Injury sustained: The patient’s shoulder was dislocated, and she may have sustained damage to the eardrum due to rogue cannon fire. Procedure: The patient’s dislocated shoulder was quickly set back into place by extending the outermost limb laterally and guiding it back towards the ball-socket joint of her shoulder. Her eardrum was assessed for damage, although it was determined that it would heal on its own. Name: Prince Aleksandr Otto Location: Norland Injuries sustained: The patient had a sustained wound upon the forehead and an identified concussion. Procedure: The wound was stitched closed following a swift procedure of disinfection. From thereon, the Prince was prescribed rest. Name: Ulric Frostbeard Location: Norland Injury sustained: The patient had sustained many deep wounds with shrapnel embedded in his back. Procedure: Monitoring the patient’s bleeding, any excess bleeding was stemmed by Tippen’s salve as shrapnel was removed. Each wound was sutured as needed and promptly disinfected during the procedure. Name: Viktor var Ruthern Location: Haense Injuries sustained: The patient bore gashes upon his arm, and his forehead was split open. Procedure: The bleeding was quelled with Tippen’s salve as per usual, disinfected, and both wounds were sutured thereafter. Sterile dressings were applied to protect the sutures as the wounds healed. Name: Via Weiss Location: Haense Injuries sustained: The patient’s lung was lacerated, and she had several fractured ribs. Procedure: A surgical removal of rib bone fragments was required. A scalpel was used to make an incision in the center of the thoracic cavity for ease of access to the ribcage. The resulting laceration from the lung was accessed through the incision and sutured as the rate of bleeding was monitored and eased with Tippen’s salve. Name: Mikolaj Barrow Location: Haense Injury sustained: The patient suffered a gash on his knee. Procedure: The gash was disinfected with alcohol and cleaned with sterile gauze. The wound was not deep enough to require stitches, and thus the patient’s knee was wrapped in a gauze dressing to heal. Name: Alyona Godunov Location: Haense Injury sustained: The patient’s finger was frostbitten, and the tissue had become necrotic. Procedure: The frostbitten bit of the patient’s finger was amputated following the application of Blissfoil salve to numb any sensation of the procedure. What tissue remained was wrapped in sterile gauze and properly disinfected and cleaned, then bandaged. Name: Sterling Amador Location: Haense Injury sustained: The lung was punctured by a broken rib. Procedure: The injury was severe and affected the patient’s respiratory rate as well as the intercostal muscles deep to the ribcage, resulting in a hasty surgical repair of the patient’s lung and removal of the broken rib. An incision was made in the thoracic cavity for ease of access to the lungs and ribcage whilst the bleeding was succinctly controlled with Tippen’s salve and monitored closely thereafter. Name: Nataliya Amador Location: Haense Injury sustained: The patient suffered a gash on the back of her head during the Siege of Karosgrad. Procedure: The patient’s hair was cut for better ease of access to the gash. It was cleaned and disinfected with alcohol after the bleeding had been controlled with Tippen’s salve. Thereafter, the wound was sutured, and the patient’s head was bandaged. Name: Prince Aleksandr Otto Location: Haense Injury sustained: The patient sustained two crossbow bolt lacerations, one below the shoulder blade, and one near the hip. Procedure: The shafts of both bolts were snapped to allow for easier removal. Blissfoil numbing salve was applied to ease the pain of the procedure. The remaining bits of the bolts were very carefully extracted, and the damaged tissue was salvaged with sutures. Name: Princess Analiesa Josefina Location: Haense Injury sustained: The patient’s lung was punctured by an arrow to the chest. Procedure: The lung was surgically repaired via an incision made in the thoracic cavity. Tippen’s salve was used to coagulate any excess bleeding as the large puncture wound was stitched to close the air leak and allow the lung to inflate with air over time. SKRALI VOR GUD, Her Ladyship, Amaya Milena Colborn

Amaya worries for the mental state of the Grand Lord.

Amaya rode atop the Prince’s steed, the young Gawyn sat within her lap. She pondered the future of their nation - the nation they would inherit, but sought to persist no matter what the future heralded.

Amaya Milena smiles solemnly and says, "That's my future fadir-in-law. A noble man, despite all the tribulations he has faced in his life."

Amaya of Venzia deeply mourned the loss of her uncle. The news came suddenly. Sunlight - a foreign concept to the fledgling Colborn, spilled through the cracks of that decrepit house she was confined to during her time in Savoy, and so too did the devastating news by word of mouth. One of her kin killed in battle - it was a valiant death, of course, but it did not satisfy Amaya, nor did it bring her pride, but grief instead. Baldrum would not get to see her wed. He would not be there to protect her. He would not get to witness everything she intended to do to bring her family and her Kingdom great prosperity, nor would she get to witness the honour that Baldrum would bring their family. And so, Amaya of Venzia mourned a life cut too short.

What the heck i'm ugly crying

Amaya Milena found little solace in her Carrion Black that eve. [R]

Amaya Milena had tended to the sprouting herbs in her garden that day. A sunny, clear sky hung above Vorenburg; The Viscounty was graced by rays of golden sunlight that warmed the frigid air so typical in the north. A sudden shout of glee diverted the young woman's attention. Tentatively stepping forth, Amaya meandered into the courtyard as she smoothed out the creases of her dirtied skirt between her fingers. As those scattered cheers persisted, she peered towards the gatehouse where a courier waved about a crinkled piece of parchment for all of Venzia to see. "Lady Amaya Colborn is to be Queen!" Her fate was sealed - penned by the hand of her elder cousin and stamped with his signature - and now subsequently known throughout the Kingdom. A small smile tugged at the corners of her lips, despite the looming weight she now bore upon her shoulders.

Lady Amaya Colborn sat in the clinic, terse and silent as she crumpled the letter in her hands whilst her tears dripped onto the parchment. "Why would you write such things, Grim? How many others will betray us?" Exhaling a quivering breath, she held the crumpled edge of that missive to the flickering flame of a candle lit beside her, and there she sat, wrapping her arms about herself once the words of her friend were reduced to naught but blackened ash. ". . Surely this wasn't her doing, it can't be."

"You must forgive yourself, Amaya." It was the words of the Grand Prince that rang clear in the Lady Colborn's mind as she retreated to the comfort of the Prikaz that wintry eve. An Adrian who made an attempt on her life would now suffer the same fate as so many of her kin did, bound to his own inevitable fate at the hands of the Haeseni guards who sought to protect her. Yet, she was unsatisfied. She did not crave bloodshed - she did not seek vengeance, despite the anger that stirred in the very depths of her heart. She wanted to forgive. She wanted to forgive the Adrian man who made an attempt on her life. She wanted to forgive Lorena. She wanted to forgive Mariya, to ease the ache that so greatly ailed her being, to escape the anger that twisted her ideals, her morals. "Am I weak?" Rounding the corner, her feet trudged across the silken carpets that lined the floor. It was then that she came to a sudden standstill in front of a grand set of stairs, tall and imposing. They loomed over her much like the fearsome subject of war hung in the air, thickening it with tension. Amaya stood and she thought - she ruminated on the events that had transpired; Desolation rattled her bones and the vicious, gnawing sting of betrayal would not leave the forefront of her mind. She wanted to forgive, but she could not. Not herself, nor the enemy. And so she ascended the stairs, leaving behind who she once was at the behest of this war.

A fledgling Lady Colborn stood aside, dreary and saddened as the rain drenched her blood-soaked clothes, once more dirtied from another day of work in the clinic. Thoughtfully, she pondered on her childhood, on the interactions she had with the Princess in her youth - how troubled they both were, how they were one and the same. Motherless, troubled youth. "Could I have made her stay? Could I have convinced her otherwise?" And so there she stood, laden with regret, for what could have been.

Lady Amaya Colborn, the newly minted doctor and best tavernkeep, grins as she pores over the document. She shows the missive to her good friends Prince Aleksandr Otto and Lord Fabian Kortrevich. ”Look, there’s my name!” @Mio@critter Meanwhile, a solemn Grand Lady does smile fondly upon the missive. She pins it to her wall, noting that her work has not gone unnoticed.

“Oh, niece of mine … You are at peace now. Please, rest.” The gentle, unassuming voice of Princess Petra Emma tenderly addressed Klara as she entered the Seven Skies.

------ Player Appreciation March 2023: Frostdrop1 Hello! It is Sarah once again coming at you with another monthly HAENSE PLAYER APPRECIATION. Frostdrop1 is the chosen player for this month, and I have always admired her work ethic and the effort she puts into her roleplay. She is one of the shining faces of Haense, and I cannot wait to see what else she does! Thank you for everything you’ve done thus far, Frostdrop1 - you are loved and appreciated by so many here in our little community. “Frost has been awesome at helping myself and others finding a place in the Haense community, as well as answering pretty much any question I might have.” - PrimnyaQuorum “When I invited Anya to the server I knew she would like it, but I never quite anticipated how foundational she would become to Haense in such a short span of time. Anywhere she goes, she is there to put in 110% without question. When I handed House Weiss over to her, I knew that it was in better hands than even my own. Anya is everyone's friend, and a leader everyone can look up to. She is always there for you when you need a friend or help with a project. House Weiss and Haense just wouldn't be the same without her. I love you, Anya. :)” - SethWolf913 "Frost is really cool and I'm glad that I got to meet her, you normally don't know how things are going to go but I always enjoy watching shows with you!” - AnimeWolf0080 “Frost is honestly one of the chillest people I know. They're really fun to rp with and I enjoy rping in Haense when I'm around them. They are very helpful too with new players which I love to see.” - WaveLincoln “Extremely hard-working, and really just doesn't give up! They keep piling on things to do and do so with a smile, while still helping the community and handling the consistent hard work asked of them! They really deserve a break.. And some appreciation!” -Tadabug Thank you to Frostdrop1 for all you’ve done for our community. March 2023 is for you - we love ya!

THE SAINT JOREN’S DAY FESTIVAL Penned by LADY AMAYA COLBORN On this 15th day of Jula ag Piov of 472 E.S. JORSKDAG, or JOREN’S DAY, is a Scyfling holiday that celebrates the first encounter between St. Joren and St. Tara. It was their encounter that thawed the icy plague of winter, thus allowing Spring to finally take hold. Flowers and sprouts bloomed, spanning across luscious, verdant fields as far as the eye could see. Spring has once more graced the Dual Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska, melting away the northern frost that so typically blankets the northern soil. Thus, Lady Amaya Colborn has deemed it necessary to honour the coming of Spring by hosting the Jorskdag Festival, a bright and colourful celebration of the occurring Spring Equinox. JORTASLETTRN JORTASLETTRN are letters solely written in celebration of Jorskdag, most oft delivered to acquaintances or friends during the holiday. Typically, the youth will enclose small pieces of candy in their letters, while some might add colourful sketches of chickens, Jorskdag eggs, or other various doodles to their letters. Adults usually seek to exchange pleasantries within these letters, though some may seal dried flowers within their given letters to denote their affection for the recipient. Of course, each flower has a different meaning, thus tasking the recipient of the letter to interpret the true intentions of the writer. A Jortaslettrn-writing stall will be erected within the Haeseni square, so that those who wish to exchange good tidings may do so. Paper, flowers, and candies will be provided. JORSKDAG PERFORMANCES JORSKDAG is seldom celebrated without the grandiose performances that contribute to the cultural significance of this Scyfling holiday. Performers stand on an assembled platform known as a Jorsktable, and most often, poetry is recited, or music is performed, though it is not uncommon to witness more unusual displays, such as Scyfling sword-dancing or other visual absurdities. SVARIRIS MAKING SVARIRIS branches are a cultural staple of the Jorskdag festivities that are decorated with feathers, or, if one is able to afford such, intricately bejewelled eggs, meant to symbolize the rebirth of Spring. Most notably, these Svariris branches represent the bouquet of flowers St. Tara gifted St. Joren during their first encounter, known as Kvisteblom to the Scyfling people. Portrayed as a gift of friendship, the Kvisteblom may be given to any acquaintance or friend on Jorskdag. A stall dedicated to the creation of these branches will be present in the square on the day of the festival. JORAGG RACE AND HUNT A celebration of Jorskdag is never complete lest the Joragg Hunt takes place. Eggs, or Joragg, will be scattered throughout the Prikaz gardens so that the Haeseni youth may find them and claim the prize hidden inside - typically candy or small trinkets. Once every participant has collected at least one egg from the hunt, they will take the decorated egg of their choosing and race with it in the famed Joragg Race - an infamously difficult game in which attendees must race to the finish line whilst balancing their decorated egg upon a spoon. Her Ladyship, Amaya Milena Colborn, Lady Protector of Insect-Kind

"IT WAS DEATH OR LIES!" Viorica shrieks from her stronghold within Jerovitz, having decoded the former missive only moments prior!

The mother of the forsaken journalist pores over the document with tears in her eyes. "I know this is not you, my boy. Come home, come home," she wept. A harrowing moment later, Viorica paused to read between the lines... and she withdrew a sigh of relief. Meanwhile, a young Amaya Colborn circles each of the letters on the Prince Aleksandr's copy of the document. "Look, look - you are not reading it properly!"

Amaya Colborn sat in the Haeseni clinic, shrouded in naught but candlelight as she sorted her medical supplies. ”Krusae zwy Kongzem,” the fledgling medic declared solemnly, for she knew her skills would be of much use in this time of war.