PerfectlyPeachy

‘Twas like stirring from a restful slumber. Slowly, did her eyes open, fluttering to life as she woke. She lay there within her bed, undead eyes staring upward and toward the ceiling, wracked with confusion and melancholy. She could not remember. Why could she not remember? There she remained, silent, attempting to piece together the parts of a mismatched puzzle, torturing herself with the desperate need to know. Alas, she could not, and thus she slowly began to rise. It was as if she were being forced to wade through a river of tar, with the current working against her. Each timid step took a substantial amount of effort, a shudder of exertion rolling down her spine, bleary eyes attempting to peer past that haze of impenetrable fog that clouded her judgment. She felt as if she had had this dream before, a terror of which she could not force herself to wake. She felt an intense and deep-rooted longing within her very soul as if a part of her spirit had been ripped from her being with a malicious bout of laughter. "I'm lost." She heard a small voice cry, a gentle warble upon the wind of her confusion. Thus, she knew what she had lost, and what she had to find. Perhaps if you found yourself pacing through a darkened hallway, or peering into a mirror for a moment too long, you might spy a shadowy figure aimlessly traipsing the halls of the Prikaz, mournfully wailing for her forgotten daughter. Rumors begin to circulate throughout Haense, and perhaps these fabled stories reach the ears of those outside of the northern province. They say a mournful woman resembling that of the Dowager of Alban now stalks Nikirala Prikaz, forced to aimlessly wander the lands of Almaris forevermore.

From the young Offices of the Queen’s Council, A WARD SLEEPOVER Inspired by Queen Emma Karenina’s expansive and incredibly rich wardship program, the young Lady Adele Emma Ludovar and Lady Angelika Irena vas Ruthern have decided and been assigned to arrange a fun ward sleepover. The sleepover will take place in the newly furnished ward quarters located inside the Nikirala Prikaz. Various children’s games will take place and both Queen Emma’s and the Lord Palatine’s wards are invited to join in. Snacks will be served, and chaos will ensue, with prizes to be won for each game completed. Invitations for the event are to be given out personally to each ward invited. It is suggested that those who currently reside in the ward quarters are to add their own personal flair to their bedrooms and the rest of the community space. While no studying will take place at the sleepover as it is an event purely for fun, only the official wards of the land are invited to attend. Any other children who wish to attend the event will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis by the young Ladies. OOC: Saturday 29th January 4pm EST The invites sent to each noble residence are attached below: House Barbanov-Bihar House Morovar House Barclay House Ruthern House Baruch House Ludovar House d'Arkent House Luceafăru SIGNED, Her Ladyship, Adele Emma Ludovar, ward of Queen Emma Her Ladyship, Angelika Irena vas Ruthern, ward of Queen Emma

Henrietta Theresé Helvets, b. 1825 - d. 1857 How puzzling Henrietta Helvets had always been, an imperfect piece of porcelain that could never be polished quite right. She had always understood she wouldn’t be akin to one of the maidens in the fables, written with an immaculate ending. There was always going to be something much darker in store for her. That was an indisputable fact. The matter of her death was utterly ironic, almost as if her demise was prophesied years before. She died alone in the mud, her blood pooling beneath her and seeping into the very earth she had once called home. She had died with onlookers idly peering upon her fragile form as she struggled to retain a hold on her vitality. Just as someone she once knew. She recalled a voice, a murmur barely above that of a whisper which spoke to her, a calloused hand caressing her blood-stained cheek. "Etta, please," he uttered, jaw clenched as tears rolled down his cheeks. "I'm sorry.” [!] This is information unknown to the public, please do not metagame this part of the post. The information released to Haense and Henrietta’s relatives can be found beneath, ‘Missive from Cathalon’. "She had been to visit me," Cried Henrietta's younger sister, Laurentina. "She was attacked by a bandit, she died to protect me!" To the Kingdom of Haense, It is with deep regret that we must inform you of the attack and following passing of Princess Dowager Henrietta of Alban. On the 16th of the Amber Cold of the year 1856, the Lady Laurentina of Cathalon was receiving house calls in lieu of the Astercalia. The gates to the estate were open for that reason and anyone could enter the grounds. Princess Henrietta visited to offer her youngest sister support and advice. They were in the gardens when suddenly, an armed man on horseback rode in and threatened the both of them. Princess Henrietta ushered her younger sister behind herself and a fight with the unknown assailant ensued. The commotion drew out the Heir to the Duchy of Cathalon, Helton Rhodes Helvets. He drew his blade just as Princess Henrietta fell to the ground, a gashing wound upon her head. The screaming, and Helton approaching with a weapon in hand, made the unknown attacker flee the scene. Lady Laurentina swung on her horse and went to the Imperial City of New Providence for help as Lord Helton remained to try and stop Henrietta from bleeding. As Lady Laurentina returned with a soldier and a medic, only the death of the Princess Dowager could be confirmed. With this letter comes the body of our beloved daughter and sister in the hopes that you may let her rest near her late husband. We also ask that you kind people of Haense care for Princess Henrietta's two children or allow us to take them in and care for them instead. We also ask you to pray for our departed sister and to keep her in your hearts as we will do the same. Faithfully, and with wishes of our condolences, Lady Laurentina Marigold Helvets

For some time since her father's death, the eldest of his union with Madalene had attempted to keep her mother company. Outside she sat, perched upon the very top of the staircase leading to Madalene's room. It was strange, she thought, how her mother didn't reply to her. Perhaps she was tired, exhausted from the grief of her husband's sudden demise, and she had little energy to will a response. She started to notice a foul smell creeping from beneath her mother's door, and yet still, there she sat, speaking to her. She didn't want her suffering from loneliness, now that Stefaniya was gone. She merely had one inquiry once she was informed of the servant's discovery, a question laced with horror, how long had she been speaking to a corpse?

Angelika Irena sobbed dramatically, crying harder for the death of the Pontiff than she had for her own father. She clutched her prayer book mournfully, having never managed to acquire his Holiness's autograph before his untimely passing.

"Rhys, Rhys! Please, Ea want one!" Angelika Irena cried, begging her brother for her very own Carrington Couture hat.

Angelika Irena praises the words of the pontiff, and wholeheartedly believes him innocent of all wrongdoing. In the end, the man spoke sense, and she wondered how much longer the Orenian rulers would last upon their thrones, before someone came to take it from them for good.

The Teaparty Truce An invitation for the diplomats of Hoonse, their duchies and vassals, and their respective rulers. [!] These missives are clearly written by a child, though it seems this one is taking it all a little bit too seriously (a bit of a try-hard). There is evident adult assistance, causing the missive to be perfectly legible and worded. Rulers of Hoonse, As Grand Prinzenas of Vidoos, I hereby humbly invite you to a teaparty in an attempt to conduct diplomacy, on behalf of His Royal Majesty, Mikhail I. My koeng has no such desire to surrender his claim on your kingdom, and so if this war is to proceed, then I see it pertinent we establish some ground rules that each side will honor, as to hopefully avoid another unfortunate incident such as the Duke of Roonmar’s missing finger. I think we could all agree on that. As such, I will host you all within the walls of Vidoos, or in a place of neutral ground that each side agrees upon. Tea, cookies, and mini finger sandwiches will be provided, so please make sure we schedule this meeting some time before snack time. It’s very important I don’t spoil my appetite, as I’ll be grouchy for the next few hours, and I don’t want to be sent to the naughty corner to study the scrolls (even though I love godani). I await your response, and am hopeful of your agreement. I will attach some of my proposed rules below, and you may counteract with your own, if you so please. [!] Attached to the missive is yet another missive, neatly stapled to the parchment. These rules are up for discussion, and may be changed, amended, or added to, at the aforementioned tea party. You are not allowed to break into either side's private quarters to vandalize, steal, or otherwise disrupt their personal belongings. You are not allowed to force or trick either side into eating something that could cause them to become ill in any way. You are not allowed to make ‘vyr mamej’ jokes. That is very disrespectful. You are not allowed to use real weapons in combat, and may only bring wooden or weapons that are specifically made to be toys. If an event or party is being hosted and both sides of the war are invited, you must not disrupt the evening's festivities and remain respectful of the host. If a member of either side of this conflict breaks one of these proposed rules, they will be banished from both Vidoos, Hoonse, and all other duchies in the area, and will no longer be allowed to participate or play with the other children. Godani bless you all, I hope you will accept my humble invitation. Please let me know which day, and time, you will be able to attend. Signed, GRAND PRINZENAS ANGELIKA IRENA VAS RUTHERN Of Vidoos.

Henrietta Theresé... was inconsolable, shunning all those around her and locking herself in her chambers, neglecting even her children, who so desperately needed her attention. She spent her days curled up in Marus's side of the bed, entangling herself in his blankets - they still smelled like him, and sometimes, she almost managed to convince herself he was out on one of his trips and would be home at any moment to tell her of his latest catch. She had only been married to him for nine years, and yet she cherished those years so dearly, no matter how much they had fought or how much they said they hated one another. He was her true love, and she would never have anyone like him ever again.

We March Onwards Penned from the desk of his Lordship, Ailred var Ruthern, 5th of the Sun’s Smile, 407 ES. We March Onwards, 5th of the Sun’s Smile, 407 ES. Written, composed, and sung by Angelika Irena, in honor of Haense winning the War of Wigs alongside their friends and allies. We march onwards, onwards in the name of god! With gleaming steel and an iron will, we prevail against all odds! We march onwards, onwards for Hanseti-Ruska, Who’s salvation sets us free from oppression and tyranny, We march onwards for him, our gracious and giving koeng. Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah for Hanseti-Ruska! Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah for Hanseti-Ruska! We march onwards, onwards in the name of god! With sharpened skill we defend the hill, slaying all Imperial dogs! We march onwards, onwards for Hanseti-Ruska, Who’s salvation sets us free from oppression and tyranny, We march onwards for him, our gracious and giving koeng.

Angelika vas Ruthern took a few party favors (snacks) and leaves none for Carolina to eat, as Angelika didn’t like to share, especially when it came to food.

Princess Henrietta Theresé… Clutching the document betwixt her fingers, her eyes did scour the contents. This was an insult that struck her deeply.

[!] Attached to the various missing posters spanning Almaris, is an additional notice.

Founded by Princess Henrietta Theresé, 406 ES. Elizaveta Ulyana Barbanov-Bihar Elizaveta Ulyana was born in the year of 1850, 403 ES. She has black hair, one blue eye, and wears traditional Ruskan clothing. She has been missing for two days, and was last seen by Queen Emma of Hanseti-Ruska. Citizens of Hanseti-Ruska, I had been hoping to inform you of fortuitous tidings with my following address, but unfortunately, such is not the case. My youngest child, my daughter, Elizaveta Ulyana, has now been missing for two days. With the ongoing war effort against Oren, Haense's troops are spread thin, and so I turn to you, the people of our proud country, to aid me in bringing home one of our beloved children of God. I beg you to volunteer your time and effort to find my child, to search for her alongside me, to save her from whatever ill-intentioned creature has stolen her from those that love her. I will be hosting a meeting within the throne room of the Nikirala Palace to discuss what little information we have regarding Elizaveta's abduction and discuss with those who find the compassion in their heart to volunteer a plan of action in regards to searching for her. If you are interested in leading a search party, or volunteering to be a member of one, please attach a letter to this notice. I will also be calling for volunteers at the meeting itself. Signed, Her Royal Highness, Princess Henrietta Theresé Duchess-Consort of Alban Search Party A: Headed by Princess Henrietta Theresé. Volunteers, Prince Marus Aleksandr Queen of Hanseti-Ruska, Emma Karenina Her Grace, Lady Marie Ruthern Princess Nikoleta Barbara Lord Emil Barclay Lord Elimar Tuvyic Search Party B: Headed by Lord Nikolai Kortrevich. Volunteers, Lord Johann Ludovar Lady Milena Ludovar Lord August Barclay Mr. Samuel Starling Lady Emelya Kortrevich Lord Josef Ludovar Search Party C: Headed by Walton. Volunteers, Ser Flemius Mr. Milo Kutznetsov Ser Fionn Castaway Mr. Raum Lord Fredrich Ludovar Thursday, December 30th 4:00 EST. [Please respond to this post with an IC letter if you would like to lead a group, or become a member of one.]

Henrietta Theresé... The evening was cold, and colder still without the sound of her daughters laughter filling her halls. A match struck, a candle lit, and a prayer whispered, Princess Henrietta continued to hope for word of her youngest's whereabouts.

Elizaveta Ulyana Barbanov-Bihar [Attached to the notice is a portrait of Elizaveta on her third birthday, 404 ES] (Credit: @Monaaa) The screams of a frantic mother ravaging the streets of Haense in search of her daughter interrupted the lively song of Tuvmas carollers, heartbroken cries of anguish overshadowing that of festive joy. "Elizaveta, Elizaveta!" Cried Princess Henrietta of Haense, hair undone and hanging free from the veil which oft-covered it. She had been searching for hours, diligently pleading with the people of Haense to aid her in finding her youngest child. "Please, god, you must help me find my baby!" She continued to scream. [A sketch of what Elizaveta was wearing on the day of her dissapearance. 405 E.S] (Credit: @Goon ) Kingdoms of Almaris, Lady Elizaveta Ulyana Barbanov-Bihar, youngest child of Prince Marus Aleksandr, and his consort, Princess Henrietta Theresé, has gone missing. We plead with her captors to return her safely to her mother and father, and are willing to pay any amount of ransom they demand, if only they give them the assurance of their daughters continued safety. We wait with bated breath for any news, or notices regarding our daughter and her disappearance. We also ask the citizens of the various kingdoms of Almaris to come forward with any information they may have. Whether it be a simple rumor, a sighting, or an unwavering suspicion someone you know might have abducted our child, we beg you to come forward and inform us of such. We will reward you depending on the legitimacy of the intel. Lady Elizaveta was last seen in the city of Karosgard after spending the evening with her aunt, the Queen Emma of Haense. She did not return home, and thus the search for the young girl began, spanning all throughout the night and into the early hours of the morning. Her prized possession, a lamb made for her by a family friend, was found hastily discarded in the entryway of the Karosgard docks and harbor. We do not believe she simply left on her own accord. Elizaveta is a young girl nearing the age of four, and was last wearing a traditional Ruskan sarafan in the colors red, black, and gold. She was born with a deformity that caused her to develop without her left eye, and thus only has the right. She doesn’t cover it, and so it is one of her defining features. Her hair is often twisted into two twin plaits, and her shoes are thick black leather that slip over her little feet. We stress that if anyone may know what fate has befallen our daughter, to come forward, and they will be rewarded. We must know, even if that information is that whoever has taken her, has killed her. Signed, His Royal Highness, Prince Marus Aleksandr Duke of Alban Her Royal Highness, Princess Henrietta Theresé Duchess-Consort of Alban

Angelika burst into tears, convinced that the reason her father was abdicating, was because he was sick and dying.

Henrietta Theresé signed the lorraine, praying that the Duke of Adria's soul would be at rest, after his untimely demise at the hands of Lady Mary, who she now assumed must have been put up to the task, if the contents of this letter were true. She truly hoped that his own kin had no involvement, but was now unsure as to their innocence.

The Little Ruskan Reading Club Formed by Angelika Irena, 403 ES. [!] A portrait of Angelika’s governess, Anoushka, teaching the young vas Ruthern to read. The Little Ruskan Reading Club is a guild created by Angelika Irena vas Ruthern (with the help of her supervising parents) to encourage the growth of creativity, imagination, and love for literature throughout the youth of Hanseti-Ruska. She invites all of the children of Haense and surrounding nations to join her club and share her passion for reading and writing. Some of the activities you can expect to participate in during the meetings of the Little Ruskan Reading Club are play-writing, poetry, reading and storytime sessions and creative writing. While each meeting will be held and hosted by Lady Angelika, she asks for adult volunteers to spare a moment of their time to teach a thing or two to the children of Haense. They could do this by sitting and reading to the children during their story and snack time, or by teaching them how to properly write a poetic verse. Meetings and events will be held once a week or more, and schedules will be regularly attached to this post for those who would be interested in attending and participating in the clubs' activities. The club members' work will also be published regularly, though only posted on the club board when they have earned the title of 'writer of the week' for working extra hard. [!] Please send a letter from your character to mine, either volunteering your services or asking to join in on the fun. Please include your discord tag in a spoiler at the end of your letter, and I will send you a link to the club discord. reserved for meeting schedule reserved for writer of the week

An Announcement from the desk of His Royal Highness, the Duke of Alban. Penned on the 4th of the Snow’s Maiden, 403 E.S [ Princess Henrietta watching over her deformed daughter as she rests within her bassinet.] The distressed screams of a woman in agony haunted the halls of the Nikirala Prikaz, the concerned murmurings of many midwives and their attending doctor floating beneath Henrietta's cries of pain. The evening was cold and dark, with a ravenous storm plaguing the lands of Hanseti-Ruska, thunder booming with rain as unkind and sharp as ice hammering against the windows. Henrietta lurched forward, a roaring scream breaking past her lips, sweat forming upon her brow as she suffered, laboring for breath. She was as pale as a sheet, eyes tired and struggling. Her husband remained outside her chambers, having been refused entry due to his wife's condition. She was far too weak, having been ill in the weeks before the child's delivery. She claimed not to have known she was pregnant, and her health had been on a gradual decline. Clutching her feeble hand was one of her midwives, who was whispering murmurs of comfort to the Princess, urging for her to continue, to hang on for just a moment longer... "She's losing consciousness!" Cried the doctor, wiping his brow with his forearm. "Keep her with us, don't let her drift off!" For hours would her screams continue before she’d push hard enough to dawn a small head - hope, perhaps. The pain would soon be over. Almost there, she heard one utter, unable to tell whom anymore- but it was enough to motivate the Princess to give one final heave. And through all her might, finally, the child emerged. Then, would she feel relief. But, how strange – all she heard was silence. Quite deafening a silence, too. She might have thought she’d lost her hearing all together at that moment, had it not been for the pattering of the rain on the trembling windowpane. Had the doctor and midwives not been there the whole time? It was their whispers and murmurs that broke the festering silence, even ones quite dour. “... Oh.” And the mother, the worst running through her distressed mind, rose her head. Weak as she was, dim flames gave light to the damp room she gave birth in, that dampness exacerbated by the cold of the raging storm outside. And the doctor, cradling the babe who’d yet to be cleaned, stood confused. Rarely does a newborn open its eyes, but those present in the room had a chance to see. This one’s was missing. On the left of its face was an exposed socket, drooping low. As if it had been plucked straight from its tiny dome. It sat so apparent, like a deep depression– yet the right was just fine. And much to everyone’s surprise, after such a lengthy pause came the infant’s piercing wail, almost as loud as its mother’s just moments ago, harkening its father to emerge through the door with much anticipation. But, he too looked on just as perplexed. “What the fu- Well. . .” The Prince panned slowly across to Henrietta, trying to make light of the situation, he knew nothing else. “She certainly did niet get my looks. . . aha.” Promptly did he then depart from the chambers with some haste about it, scratching at his mop of hair delicately, as to not misplace a strand. His first few seconds of fatherhood since his return, seeing as he previously thought his spouse was going to kill him, were exactly as expected from the Charming Prince. Whistles of a brooding ilk sounded down the hallway, until they faded to nothingness. Following Marus’ departure, were the horrified and anguished cries of his wife, who refused to hold the child, and had it taken from her sight. To the loyal citizens of Hanseti-Ruska, The Royal couple of Prince Marus Aleksandr and Princess Henrietta Theresé announce the unexpected birth of their second child, a girl, of whom they have named ‘Elizaveta Ulyana’ ( @Monaaa). The Princess, who was unaware of her pregnancy, went into labour in the middle of the night in the midst of a ravenous storm. Reportedly, the infant did inherit her father’s dark locks, though, much to everyone’s surprise, was born without a left eye. With their child being so unfortunately deformed, the couple will not be taking visitors, and instead plead for any doctor (orthodox or otherwise) to travel to the Nikirala Palace immediately. They are desperate for their child to be cured of her ailment, her monstrous appearance. Citizens of Hanseti-Ruska, the couple beg you to keep their daughter Elizaveta in her prayers. Surely, such is an omen of the displeasure and wrath of god. Their Royal Highnesses will immediately be seeking confession. Signed, Duke of Alban Duchess-Consort of Alban

Henrietta Theresé held a growing Matyas within her lap, a hand caressing his auburn tresses as she read the notice. She set her son down onto the floor, and with a huff, raised herself from her chair - a hand resting upon her growing bump. She extended her congratulations to the new mothers, with a bouquet of flowers.

An Announcement from the desk of His Royal Highness, the Duke of Alban. Penned on the 20th of the Amber Cold, 400 E.S [!] Princess Henrietta Theresé pictured with her newly born son, Matyas Isaak. To the loyal citizens of Haenseti-Ruska, The newlywed couple of Prince Marus Aklesandr and his bride, Princess Henrietta Theresé are ecstatic to declare the delivery of their first child. The Princess's labour began in the early hours of the morning, with their baby, a healthy son, being born just as the sun started to set, and dusk befell Hanseti-Ruska. Their son, whom the royal couple have named 'Matyas Isaak' @FlemishSupremacy, is reported to resemble his father just as he did at birth, the only difference being he inherited the fiery locks (and temperament, given the baby has not settled nor stopped crying since his first intake of breath!) of his mother. The new parents extend their gratitude to the diligent Lady Eugénie Baruch, who was the midwife of the Princess during her pregnancy. The Prince and Princess ask the citizens of Hanseti-Ruska to keep them, and their newly-born son, in their prayers. It is common knowledge that the circumstances surrounding their union were frightful, their engagement contested and reviled. They merely wish that their son, Matyas, need not face the abuse that his parents did. They are grateful to have such a supportive community surrounding them now, and in the same breath, ask Sir Flemius and TRH, Dame Eliza Wittenbach to be the godfather and godmother of their son, respectively. Signed, His Royal Highness, Marus Aleksandr Duke of Alban Her Royal Highness, Henrietta Theresé Duchess-Consort of Alban

Angelika Irena held a crayon in her fist, sitting beside her younger sister, Stefaniya, as she wrote what she wanted for Krugmas. She only wanted one or two things this holiday, and so she wrote them with a shaky hand.. “A pretty pink pony, a collection of new dresses so I can look like mamej, a set of crayons and a sketchbook, a sheep plushie, and a kokoshnik to match Stefaniya.” @biggestdon@sunflowerist@clonky

Angelika Irena stirred gently within her bassinet, a small hand raising to rest against her face as she slept under the dutiful and loving gaze of her mother.

Henrietta peered over the notice, sat beside Marus within the palace gardens. Suddenly, she scoffed, and choked out a teary retort. ”Kaustantin didn’t even invite me to his wedding, he’s supposed to be one of my best friends!” @biggestdon