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After having quite the conversation with the Archduchess of Petra at her wedding, Anne thought of their interaction once she got back to Acre. "Isn't it strange the Church hasn't intervened, yet keep saying they shall, despite the proof of there being darkspawn lurking in Aaun's depths?" She reiterated to Wolfgang, her arm linked in his. "It appears it isn't just ourselves who think so. A self-proclamation of GOD, concealed by Canonists, yet dabble in the very thing we condemned in the origins of the recent crusades. We were there when that undead said himself he was Charles' right hand guard." The woman thought to herself she might have to dig out Ser Flemius' missive again to take a reread. @Greehn

Anne Huntshill-Sarkozy could only grimace at the news, told by her fiancé himself. Once he had walked off elsewhere to attend to his levymen, Anne could only sigh. "If this is the way we can preserve our future, then so be it." She said. "I already have seen the people of Aaun make fools of themselves before, surely they shall look like fools again." The thought of the poster made by a certain someone of the faux king as a chicken rang true in her mind.

[!] In the mist of morrow, a small boy of Acre wandered Almaris with a satchel strapped around his torso. One by one, he delivered envelopes to those on the invitation list - its contents waxed with a sigil of the Barony of Acre. The envelope itself was adorned with little painted wreaths of shrubbery with clear attention to detail. MATRIMONY IN BETWEEN THE meadows Hosted in the month of Godfrey's Triumph, 1896 Seasons change, and with them grow relationships that last longer than a lifetime. It is with great pride that Wolfgang de Vilain, Baron of Acre, and Lady Anne Huntshill-Sarkozy announce their long-awaited matrimony. After the chaos of the secession from the Kingdom of Aaun and the congress that followed, Wolfgang chose to move his nuptials forward with eagerness of a celebration. The couple’s courtship and betrothal came with its hardships, yet their support for one another bound them closer together over time. Both Wolfgang and Anne are eager to start a new chapter in their lives, as well as usher in a new era for the barony itself. The ceremony shall take place in the chapel of Saint Magdalena to the northwest of Acre, performed by the Mother Maya of Viadus. Guests are encouraged to celebrate to their heart’s content afterwards, particularly in the wake of the barony’s independence and the wedding itself. A joust shall also be on the lines for participants - host by the groom Wolfgang de Vilain, where the victor shall be given the esteemed role of ‘Champion of the Harvest’ as well as a coveted 250 mina. The pair are looking forward to see all close to them - friends and family - come together in union for their blessed day. PERSONAL INVITATIONS His Royal Majesty, Karl III, King of Hanseti-Ruska and his royal pedigree @GMRO His Royal Majesty, John I, King of Balian and his royal pedigree @Imperium Her Grace, The Archduchess of the Commonwealth of Petra, Renilde I and her esteemed pedigree @tilly His Highness, Prince Marius Dmitry of Haense and his royal pedigree @Mio His Highness, Prince Nikolas Leopold of Haense and his royal pedigree @louislxix His Highness, Loran von Draco, Margrave of Eichenwalde and his esteemed pedigree @ItemVendor House de Vilain House Huntshill-Sarkozy Lord Adrian John Huntshill-Sarkozy and his pedigree @CanadaMatt Lady Elia Eryka Stafyr and her pedigree @DahStalker Lord Cassius von Draco and his pedigree @FlemishSupremacy Ser Darius Olivier Halcourt and his pedigree @Nord Lord Emir d’Abbassia and his pedigree @exqoisite The proud people of Acre SIGNED, Wolfgang de Vilain, Baron of Acre Anne Victoria Huntshill-Sarkozy *In light of Acre's newest response, the wedding shall be hosted privately for the Baron and his fiancée's safety.

"Wolfgang's made himself known, and continues to make the legacy of the Barony of Acre and the de Vilain name proud." Remarked the young Huntshill-Sarkozy, Anne. She nodded her head in assurance before putting the missive aside for a moment. Pondering, she thought whether she had left the kettle on the stove a little too long before panicking in a rush to stop the potential flames.

"You shall pave the way for a new Acre, I am sure." Anne commented to Wolfgang in Castle Vilain's living quarters after the congress. "You have the support of many, all who wish nothing but the best for your people. You displayed diplomacy whilst that pathetic excuse of a ruler walked away with cowardice." @Greehn

Anne grimaced, having seen two Aaun supporters leave Acre after trying to promote a duel against its baron. It isn't very sovereign-like to lie in front of God, for all of Almaris to see, is it? She thought. They drew blades first and we were asked to leave upon being denied the right to secede. I recall seeing a vein pop upon his forehead, not wanting to lose more land. How very unsovereign.

A young child, one who hardly remembered her mother's face nor knew her father, sat idly by the riverside. Her legs swished about in its waters, paddling calmly, hands thrown in the air out of exclamation. The five year old let out a loud shriek of laughter, unaware that the very same thing she found enjoyment in now had ended the life of both her parents. Oh, born from their affair - yet now was the only thing that remained of it.

Anne approved of the upcoming events!

After a long day in the sun, farming that of berries from the vineyard of Acre, Cathy de Vilain was made aware of the summit's discussion. Though she had not been present at the meeting, she was indeed a witness to what had transpired the given day of the election. She thought long and hard, particularly on the mention of 'nobility' a little too often. Was it only those of noble kin that mattered? What about those her brother tenanted on the lands of the barony? She shook her head with furrowed brows and continued on with her basket at hand.

A young girl, one who barely knew how to read or write properly yet, stared at the jumbled letters of her name: LADY MADELEINE RENÉE OF ARTOIS. She clapped for her successes, even if she wasn't conscious of them yet.

Her presence within Castle de Vilain was never known, yet upon that day her mother's words led her to belt out a loud cry. Catherine did not know her father well, being a reclusive in Hannibal's shadow, yet the news had struck her all the same. The ringing in her ears, harsh and loud, relentless in its call to forget she was ever told. Her mother handed her the letter, and once in her possession the young girl turned on her heels to walk out of the room. She made her way up to the top of the castle and sat herself down among the pigeons. Cathy de Vilain wiped her face with sleeve, looking to the letter. Once more she disappeared for the rest of the evening to be alone with her thoughts.

Upon hearing the news of the Sedan Academie finally opening from Makoto himself, Ottilie rushed down the Jazloviecki residence's stairs. "CHILDREN!" She yelled, pamphlet at hand, "IT IS ABOUT TIME YOU GET SOME GOOD EDUCATION!" @Siranja @Tourning @scarahpot @Pork

ISSUED ON THE 11TH OF HARREN'S FOLLY, 1890 After the great success of Her Most Honourable's tea party, Princess Augustina de Joannes and Margravine Ottilie Jazloviecki welcome the women of Sedan once more to a revelry of sisterhood in the form of a soirée. Situated on the palace's veranda, the sunset's gaze will overview the attending guests as they mingle over fine red wine. Much shall be discussed at said meeting - from the latest gossip in the Sedanian ranks, opinions on political matters, upcoming events and much more. Adorning fine silks and garments, the women attending are to look the part and dress up for their own self-indulgence. To reiterate: this event shall consist of women-only, with the exception of Mister Makoto Iekami who serves under Her Imperial Highness. Any men, particularly husbands who lurk in the shadow of their wives, will not be allowed upon entry. SIGNED, Her Imperial Highness, Princess Augustina Theorosia de Joannes, Princess of Balian and Sedan, Baroness-consort of Ponce The Most Honournable, Lady Ottilie Franziska Jazloviecki, Margravine-consort of Grodno, Baroness of Castile, Member of the Princess Council

The Margravine-consort looked to the missive with furrowed brows of worry. "Oh, what a dreadful thing..." She ushered, looking to her aurum blade Sunlight that hung by her husband's longsword.

DATED THE 12TH OF THE SUN’S SMILE , 1889 The past decade has been one of many hardships. To lose one's home, to feel the loss of a loved one, to become a victim of war - each bears its many scars that forevermore will follow me onward. Upon the triumph of the Barony of Acre and his surrender as Lord Protector of Oren, Elric Castile has disappeared with no trace. My brother is now presumed dead. Whether he is or not, I have left myself grieve for him in private for some years. Despite his actions he did in the name of the fallen kingdom, I loved him fiercely. I had looked up to him for the duration of my adolescence, and once I had reached the age of maturity he had continued to be that burning torch of reassurance. There was one occasion I recall - my wedding day - where he had taken the time to calm my nerves before he walked me down the aisle. In those moments, Elric possessed a caring nature only those close to him had witnessed. He was also charismatic, and a loyalist until the end. In light of his condition, I inherited the Barony of Castile. It was an unthinkable outcome when we had first been awarded the title, for me to carry it, yet no one could have foreseen the future. I had put off an official statement on the status of one's house and barony for some time, and yet as I start to heal I find it only appropriate to address such matters now. The Barony of Castile, as well as House Castile, will remain under the wing of House Jazloviecki and the March of Grodno until my death. Serving as Grodno's consort for over a decade by my husband's side, I find it most suitable that the two families shall be united side-by-side to gain back the presige we once had until my heir takes over. Wherever my family goes, I go. This has led me back to the Principality of Sedan. Whilst my brother left many years ago after our family served the de Joannes for many years, fate has led us back to our roots. I am unsure of what this may bring, but I only intend to do what is best for the future going forward. As for my heir, my children were born with a Lechian legacy, one of which does not entitle them to carry my responsibility. Yes, I recognise that they are of Castile blood too, yet I know that my brother would have wanted to keep our line going with kin intended to rule Castile and not Grodno. Therefore, if any one of my siblings can prove themselves that they are willing to continue our family's name and honour after my death, then they should do so. My loyalty and trust is won through those who act, not by our predetermined connections. I will not have us erased from history because of Castile men and women who abandon their namesake, for they disappeared like Elric - only they chose to do so. It is undeserving, particularly when in times of need they hide. Even without Elric, Castile will prevail. The Harvest Confederacy thrives on my brother's surrender, and whilst his role within the war may have tarnished our family name, I will do my best as matriarch to overcome its losses and march us forward into a new tomorrow. SIGNED, The Most Honournable, Lady Ottilie Franziska Jazloviecki, Margravine-consort of Grodno, Baroness of Castile

Ottilie Franziska expected Makoto to show - after all, she did agree about him being an honourary woman in her eyes.

ISSUED ON THE 11TH OF THE FIRST SEED, 1889 Upon the recent move to the Principality of Sedan, the women of House Jazloviecki find themselves seeking companions to socialise and confide in within their new homelands. Therefore, the Margravine-consort of Grodno and her eldest daughter Walentyna Stasia invite all women, both of noble and common blood in Sedan, to attend an afternoon tea party to enjoy some light beverages and the accompanying chatter that follows such events - whether it be idle conversation or gossip. Not only will this occasion introduce the new citizens of Johannesport amongst those in attendance, but hopefully shall establish further connections for a possible lady's society in the near future. SIGNED, The Most Honournable, Lady Ottilie Franziska Jazloviecki, Margravine-consort of Grodno, Baroness of Castile The Honourable, Lady Walentyna Stasia of Grodno

me me me

And so it had to be done. Ottilie Franziska Jazloviecki made her way along the walls of Grodno the following night, their residents at rest. Yet, she was not for her heart remained heavy. So many things in her life had spawned upon these lands - her fruitful marriage, their children, the countless great friendships. They were dear to her, and now she had to let the memory of them go. Her footsteps led her to the tree in the courtyard by the noble quarters, and quietly she reached out to its bark to trace her fingers over hers and Maciej's carving. "To a new future." The Margravine said solemnly, her eyes fluttering shut for a brief moment to take everything in. Exodus had begun.

I just want to thank you for everything you've done for me. You welcomed me as a new player into the Castile family and whilst the run was short for our time together, I am grateful for what you have done for me. It is disgusting what some people will do, and they gain no benefit from doing such. I do hope everything goes well for you outside of LoTC.

"Interesting how the men of Minitz never once was seen with a rally on behalf of the Crown, and yet they complain that they cannot muster any rallied men and change their loyalties when its suits them." Ottilie Franziska Jazloviecki commented. "Unlike us who now are neutral, they were always on Acre's side to begin with - choosing to hide behind their title until again, it suited them."

A wistful sigh escaped the lips of Ottilie Franziska Jazloviecki upon hearing the Queen's death. She moved to her window and looked out towards the mountainous lands of her home. "And it only felt like yesterday we were speaking about your children, and how I looked to you as a guide to being mother..." She murmured softly before coming to a complete silence. Only then, the birdsong outside was audible in the Margravine's chamber.

Back home in her residency of Grodno, the Margravine-consort of Grodno let her gaze adrift. Around her chamber, then to her husband by his study - her watchful demeanor interrupted by the grueling sight of his eye. It had been a long day.

The Margravine-consort of Grodno simply wondered why Acrean men wanted her husband so badly that they needed to come to Grodno every five minutes before their pillage on Vienne.

"My brother... regent?" Ottilie Franziska, a Castile from birth, squinted her eyes towards the missive with an expression of absolute astonishment. She was baffled to say the least, particularly as she recalled Elric burning down the Adriatic Court tent a few saint years prior.