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1 hour ago, Toffee said:

For the Martyr’s Day Festival commemorating those lost in the War for the Heartlands, the young Lady Jadwiga Jazlowiecki put on a charming puppet show. Using puppets she had hand sewn, she crafted a humorous interpretation of the treacherous Richard Stassion stealing land from the mighty Dragon of Aaun. While Lady Jadwiga’s production was disrupted by the arrival of envoys from Hyspia requesting help for their Viceroyal, who had been captured by orcs, I have high expectations for her future in theatre.

JADWIGA JAZLOWIECKI showed Volume II, with much enthusiasm, towards her royal companion CHARLES ALSTION. She'd become ever-so braggish these past few months after her achievements of medicine and of the arts, flaunting them like nobody's business. "She mentioned me, and my future! I have never felt so accomplished!" The paper was shoved into the Lord of Alba's face, before Jadwiga let out a squeal and twirled around on the spot. "Look how smart I've become, Charlie!"

@Olox_

Round and curious brown eyes read the publishings of the Grand Princess with as much excitement as she could muster. JADWIGA MARIA JAZLOWIECKI, after entertaining Her Serene Highness only a saint's day ago with her puppet show, had a large admiration for the woman that seeped now into her reading hour. Jadwiga told herself that supporting the Chroniken der Fürstin was the least she could do for all of the encouragement, and so the young girl went on her way to fetch some writing parchment.

"To Her Serene Highness, Adalfriede of Hexenwald..."

Jadwiga pondered briefly whether or not she ought to tell Queen Amelya of Middelan about her new diplomatic affairs, bonding over puppetry.

JADWIGA OF WARSOVIA burst open the doors of the Hand of Horen with much urgency, that she nearly knocked over a few servants on her way in. With a quick dip of her head and a weak apology did she, with her childish might, speed up the stairs. "Jamie, look at what I found in the tavern!" The young Lechian cried, waving A Chef's Plight in the air. "The plot has thickened! You must come and see!"

@Sefardi

IN COLLABORATION WITH HER ROYAL MAJESTY’S 

PARADISIAN COURT

For decades, peace was a word unfamiliar to the Heartlands of Aevos. Betrayal, destruction and war bred snakes in the form of Stassionites, who with the Duchy of Adria fought the Grand Covenant to no avail. Despite the trials and tribulations faced, the United Kingdom of Aaun has looked forward to an era of prosperity and regrowth under His Majesty, John I. It is with this occasion do we, Aaun, invite our vassals and allies across Aevos not only honour the fallen, but celebrate our victory with THE MARTYRS’ FESTIVAL.

PRE-FESTIVAL ITINERARY 

*As a part of upholding traditions and honourary values… 

i. Memorial mass for the fallen

Preceding the festival, attendees will pay their respects through a service performed in the Temple of the Exalted Prophets of the Canon. This mass will honour the fallen, including the late martyred Edmund II. 

ii. A speech from His Royal Majesty, King John I

John I, the current reigning King of Aaun, will follow the memorial mass with a speech addressing his loyal subjects and peers across the realm. 

FESTIVAL ITINERARY 

*To follow directly after the memorial service and speech from HRM John I… 

i. Aaunic stalls

Provided by the best of what Aaun has to offer, stalls with wares, food, drink and entertainment will be available for all to purchase or enjoy. Stalls include: Boon & Bane’s, McDaaunalds, the Church of Canon and the vassals under the Kingdom of Aaun. 

ii. The Strings of Stassion, A Puppet Performance

Performed by Her Ladyship Jadwiga of Warsovia, The Strings of Stassion is a retelling of the Aaun-Stassion events from the perspective of a child; performed through the art of puppetry. Attendees are encouraged to interact with the characters played.

iii. The Burning of Richard Stassion

A commemorative bonfire to end the festivities. To end the day, attendees will gather around a straw-recreation of Richard Stassion and will set it alight to mark the end of trying times. Torches will be available for those wishing to participate.

Alongside invitations for all loyal subjects of the Aaunic Crown, special invitations are extended to the following as apart of Grand Covenant:

HER ROYAL MAJESTY, Sybille I, 

and all who hail from the Kingdom of Balian
 

HER MAJESTY, Catherine I, 

 and all who hail from the Commonwealth of Petra

HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, Aleksandr II,

 and all who hail from the Dual-Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska

HIS HIGHNESS, Cesar II,

 and all who hail from the Viceroyalty of Hyspia

HIS GRANDNESS, Sigrun Stonehammer,

 and all who hail from the Grand Kingdom of Urguan
 

HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, John Alexander, by the Grace of GOD, 

King of Aaun, Prince of Alstion, Duke of Vienne, the Lowlands, Balemena and Corazon, Count of Whitespire, Enswerp and Florentine, Baron of Blanchet, Protector of the Realm

HER ROYAL MAJESTY, Amelya of Middelan,

Queen-consort of Aaun, Princess of Alstion, Duchess of Vienne, the Lowlands, Balemena and Corazon, Countess of Whitespire, Enswerp and Florentine and Baroness of Blanchet

& additional help from,

HER LADYSHIP, Jadwiga Maria Jazlowiecki,

Ward of Her Majesty, Queen-consort Amelya of Middelan

10 minutes ago, Olox_ said:

Team Members: Charles Alstion, Josephine Alstion, Jadwiga Jazlowiecki

The afformentioned JADWIGA JAZLOWIECKI, in Warsovia where she resided, took it upon herself to prepare for the race as she saw fit. In the next few days, she would cast her bird whistle aside for a saddle much to her pet pigeon Frank's dismay; sulking around her chambers with downturned wings. The estate was filled with all things equestrian within the week. Oh, Jadwiga was prepared... and Aaun would have to keep one eye open for THE MOLES.

The squawk of JADWIGA OF WARSOVIA's pet pigeon Frank was pathetic in its attempt compared to the seagulls by the Aaunic harbour. They had marched down from the hills of Merryweather with intent to try Boon & Bane's Fish and Chips; girl and bird singing praises as they skipped along the cobble. "I've heard word that their fish will help you grow taller!" Jadwiga cried, "Let us hurry Frank, or there shall be naught left for us!"

Scribble scribble scribble...

Name: Jadwiga Jazlowiecki

Age: 7 (By the time of the pageant)

Gender: Female

Place of residency within Aaun: Warsovia, Merryweather

Are you in good standing with the Aaunic government?: Hoping so...

Going about her business before conducting her own hunt, JADWIGA MARIA JAZLOWIECKI was handed her invite from a boy dressed in the servant's wear of the Hand of Horen. Putting down her sack of sandwiches, Jadwiga pryed the seal open with her grubby hands before discarding the envelope in one sweeped motion. There was no acknowledge for the boy, who angrily stomped off from not having his share of two pence. Her large, brown eyes fluttered over the parchment. Unity, and peace... She gave up on that line, before immediately checking who it was from.

"Charlie could of saved my time by signing his name on the first line..."

LITTLE JADWIGA OF WARSOVIA, in her pursuit to find the beast of Whitespire, passed a board that the missive was pinned to. Despite not understanding most of it, she still knew of what had been happening within her homelands. She pointed towards the missive and laughed manically:

"Har-har, Stassion's home-less!"

Her laugh turned into a fit of choking, accidentally swallowing her own spit, before barreling over. In her embarrassment did Jadwiga scamper off, though still chuffed, chanting over-and-over again.

DISCOVERING THE WILD BEAST

OF WHITESPIRE




 

HAIL, YOUNG AAUNITES AND CHILDREN ACROSS THE REALM!

Word in Whitespire whispers of a creature lurking in the crevices of the city walls. Whilst some may confuse this description with the common Veletzian, it is confirmed that the beast takes on a form far from human. First spotted by the River Leone on route towards the Principality of Minitz, several onlookers spotted a slithery tail long in length and yellow, beady eyes. Its gaze appeared to follow them in the treelines and further, until it would disappear without a trace.

A few days later, low growls were heard in the capital. In the meantime, the young Lady Jadwiga of Warsovia has declared these observations as a threat to all childrenkind, and implores them to join her on a quest to expel the beast from the lands.

ITINERARY

i. The children involved will pick from a collection of weapons to help rid the beast. From then on, they shall patrol the city of Whitespire to the best of their ability; marching along. They shall look out for clues in the streets to where it may be resting.

ii. Lunch will consist of a variety of sandwiches and picky bits for the young hunts to enjoy on their break. During this meal, all the participants are encouraged to tell tales of mythology.

iii. After food, the children will continue their lookout. Perhaps some games will be in accordance for the child hunters depending on the mood, though they should be cautious of what lurks around.

*Depending on whether or not the beast is found, more events will occur.

HOSTED BY,

Lady Jadwiga Maria Jazlowiecki 

of Warsovia

THE ABDICATION OF BARONESS ALYONA GODUNOV

ISSUED ON THE

8th of Msitza ag Dargund, 507 E.S. | 8th of Harren's Folley, 1954

VA BIRODEO HERZENAV AG EDLERVIK,

In light of my ailment these past years, I have come to a solemn conclusion that has been hard to deliberate on. I, Baroness Alyona I Godunov of Verskaya, hereby abdicate my titles in favour for my eldest son, Lord Anatoliy Ilya Godunov. He shall be known as Baron of Verskaya, Anatoliy I Godunov, with the rights of a baronial peer bestowed onto him in the lands of the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska.

Let House Godunov and the Barony of Verskaya under the rulership of Baron Anatoliy I be a reminder of our history: always, shall we remain resilient in times of strife.

SIGNED,

Her Ladyship, Alyona Rhetta Sviatovna Godunov,
Baroness-Emertius of Verskaya

Princess Isabel of Haense observed as the eldest son of the Prince of Merryweather rushed from out of Lemon Hill's residency in Whitespire with King Edmund's body. She was watchful, more than usual, but perhaps now back at home did she truly consider the weight of a brief second. A hand went to ruffle her hair with a rumbling frustration that sat low in in her stomach; growing restless with each day.

"I'm afraid to continue to observe from afar." She confessed to herself, "The knife keeps twisting deeper within."

The Grand Prince's aunt, although close in age, heard word of the wedding through a game of whispers; one handmaiden to another. Princess Isabel had not been present in the palace for some time, yet her cheeks flushed with the future prospects of the kingdom. With her heavy boots did she clamber on back inside her chambers, the familiarity of the royal quarters seeping in, until her leather toe caps met with her childhood wardrobe. 

The purple cloak, one with the Barbanov crow, hung as an anomaly; stark against the browns of her riding clothes. She took it off of its hook and held it high in the air for the light to capture it. Twin Crows; befitting. 

this is my boyfriend btw

Penned by HRH Isabel Theodora, Princess of Hanseti-Ruska, Duchess of Kvenoland

┌── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──┐

HRH Isabel Theodora riding a White Comet horse across the Haeseni landscape, 499 E.S.

└── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──┘

PRELUDE

          Ever since I could walk, I pledged myself to become the greatest equestrian known in the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska. I was told by the courtiers and my mother, the Queen-dowager Sofia of Hyspia, about my first royal debut at Lifstala; famously where King Georg I, my father, dressed as a horse for my brother’s presentation. As the reputation of my baby-self’s reaction caught wind throughout the land, I held myself to higher expectations. Naturally, I fell smitten for the four-legged, hooved creatures. For years, I have confined myself to the stables and hills where I have enjoyed countless hours learning horses’ nature from one case to the next, breed from breed, until I felt the need to branch out further.  

In the following report, I will compile my journal entries on the Viscounty of Novkursain and their horse breeds. Originally this was not intended to be published, however one day I woke up with an overbearing sense of purpose - as if, someone in my dreamland compelled me to educate the people on this subject matter. Whilst some may call it unnecessary, we must remind ourselves that the business of horses is something we rely much on. An unspoken trade, they are the silent heroes and martyrs of war, and furthermore our travelling companions. 

Use this as a guide when purchasing your horses, whether it be for war-time use or leisure. It is why I have introduced the Kvenoland score: a one-five star rating based on my experiences riding, grooming and observing them over the course of a few years.

──── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ────

ZVAERVAULD GREAT HORSE

Kvenoland score: ★★☆☆☆

          The original horse. I cannot say I have had experience with the Zvaervauld Great Horse, as they were lost to the continent of Almaris, so I will be giving them a ranking of two stars purely based on that premise. This does not reflect what the horse once was, rather that I could not test its potential.

Based on documentation from Staalgrav’s archives, the Zvaervauld Great Horse was the namesake of the Barony of Zvaervauld - pre-Viscounty promotion under my father, Georg I. They were great steeds, with an emotionally sensitive nature. More notably, they came from the Hyspian horse line of Boldizar. I appreciate the ode to the Hyspian roots that have integrated themselves within House Weiss over the generations, with the symbolic and literal joining of the two cultures in marriage and with the horses. The Boldizar line gave them a black coat with no distinct markings. 

WHITE COMET

Kvenoland score: ★★★★☆

          Bred to replace the Zvaervauld Great Horse, the White Comet is one of Aevos’ most finest horse breeds. After the loss of the Zvaervauld Great Horse from Almaris, the Weiss family knew it was in their best interests to start up their horse business once more. The biome by Staalgrav, moderate and grassy just like their previous settlement, provided great terrain to refine their horse breeding technique without straying completely away from the original Great Horse. Their name is derived from Morrig, the Mother of Comets, to pay homage to very early cultural roots of Hanseti-Ruska. 

The White Comet is known for its distinctive poised and graceful nature. With greater obedience and relaxed nature with a lesser ability to be spooked, I applaud the Viscounty for their ability to reproduce the near-perfect horse. One could add credit to the mountainous nature of the land, with which the horse overtime would adapt through trials and tribulations. Notably, their white coats are striking in comparison to their predecessor. They almost seem ethereal, with their calm composure and striking appearance. It's hard not to be intimated by them, yet the moment they are saddled up they transform; ready to ride.

During my research, the White Comet pedigree came to be one of my favourites for its balance of graceful stride and brisk trot. Their dual nature - energetic but gentle - allowed for lengthy and pleasant rides towards Vander Falls and beyond, Malkovya. The only qualm I encountered was the horse’s constant need of grooming. Whilst some may enjoy doting upon their hooved friend, one might consider the paygrade of their stablesman in making sure their White Comet remains in top-shape. Thus, I will give the White Comet a Kvenoland rating of four stars out of the five eligible.

MITYAN STRIDER

Kvenoland score: ★★★☆☆

          Named after Mitya, the Mare of the East, the Mityan Strider is the secondary horse breed of Novkursain. Unlike the White Comet, they are bred with no intended stature or colour - varying between chocolate browns, light cream and more. Whilst I would not intend to keep a Mityan Strider for daily use, they are the perfect companion if one wished to use them purely for leisure or light-laboured tasks due to their gentle and less-intelligable nature. 

I have given the Mityan Strider a rating of three out of five stars, for its performative efforts when I needed to. I particularly liked that they all have feathered hooves, as it gives a uniqe flourish to its look. The score, middle of the road, is only attributed to its limited purpose. The Mityan Strider, whilst enjoyable in our rides, proved to grow tiresome after long spurts of energy and could not carry heavy loads (such as a horse-drawn carriage). What I commend it on is its affectionate bond with man, that they draw close bonds quickly which makes them the perfect starter horse to any young aspiring equestrian and horseman-alike. 

CONCLUSION

          I look forward to seeing the future in the horse-breeding industry for House Weiss, for the current selection one can buy remains one of the best I have encountered so far. The diversity of the sister breeds the White Comet and Mityan Strider caters towards different clientel, which sucessfully enough provides for both pleasure and work. Whilst I would of hoped to meet the Zvaervauld Great Horse, we shall never forget the path they paved for the Viscounty of Novkursain's origins to where they are now. The dedication towards the trade is apparent from their stables, to even the equestrian gear they provide to both themselves and sellers. The White Comet in particular became my favourite, for which I now own and bestowed the name Lazar to my great steed.

──── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ────

HER ROYAL HIGHNESS, Isabel Theodora Barbanov-Bihar,

Princess of Hanseti-Ruska, Duchess of Kvenoland

A Haeseni princess, from the stables down in Novkursain, welcomed the news of Juliyafest with a low groan. Isabel could only hope that the prospects of the event ended with her in her riding boots, but she knew from the depths of her heart that her family had other plans. The saddle she held in her arms weighed significantly more than when she picked it up, already exhausted.

Alyona Godunov rose a glass of Carrion Black that evening in honour of dear Fabian Kortrevich, who like her was whisked off into the Council at such a young age. Reminded was she of the late nights in the clinic and the dozens of macarons scoffed. Perhaps now, more than ever, the Baroness Verskaya found a kindred spirit; the Children of the Bulava put to bed to rest, one by one.

The boy's mother, who sat in her room the evening of the missive's publishing, pondered. Baroness Alyona Godunov was undeniably proud of Anatoliy's endeavours, yet her mind was far from at peace. Tomorrow, she ought to send a few letters out. 

A proud mother marvelled over her youngest daughter's creations. Alyona Godunov had already been up from the crack of dawn to deliver Galina's magazine personally to all of her lady friends and their children, knocking on the doors of Valdev with ruddy cheeks and a grin. 

I didn't expect this at all and honestly, it took me by surprise hahaha. Thank you guys, I love you all.

3 hours ago, Travisty said:

Ottilie Anna Ivanovich

Somewhere in the tropics of the continent, a woman's smile grew wide. Ah alas, the memory of her had never been forgotten. She ought to pay a visit sometime.

There was a certain sparkle in Alyona Godunov's eyes amidst her eyebags as she had awoken one morning. A weight, one that had been heavy on her chest like a dozen sandbags, had lifted - and all that was left was a hollow crevice. It felt light though, nothing she had ever felt before, yet still empty. She had never had a moment of peace since her birth, always scooped up in political strive. From her letter writings in her youth, Hoonse's Lady Palatine, King Georg's ward and then her eventual undertaking on the Aulic Council, there had never been a moment to stop and think about everything. She had witnessed the outbreak of war as a girl and helped shepherd its peace as a woman, creating newfound friendships which she hoped continued far after her work was over. 

Freedom felt hot on the tip of her tongue, burning in her mouth as she tasted it. "Is this what vy wanted for eam, Georgie?" She asked herself, "Are vy proud?" Alyona felt a tear slip down her cheek for a moment, before she wiped it away quickly with her sleeve with a pathetic chuckle. She didn't know how she'd handle her time now, but only could she decide that whenever she wished.

Alyona Godunov - the burnout, who lit her pipe to smoke and enjoyed the sun's beam through her bedroom window. 

Princess Isabel Theodora, the aspiring equestrian, made sure her riding boots were in-tact by stomping numerously on the gravel paths. "I will find a rider..." She kept telling herself, pompous as always. 

"This is ve same man who insulted eam at Duma, ai?" Alyona asked herself. "Such cowardice, when ve least he could do is support his child's regency by keeping ve name. Yam glad Lord Albus pays ve fellow baronies respect..."