Rattussmackus

Esta Buckfort Blackthorn-Grandheart grins at her sister “Well done! Now we will have a true home.”

Dear Ashguard Marshal, King Vane and all from the Ruric clan, I have decided after a long, long think that I would much rather be ashed from the tree. I’ve been ignored, bullied and neglected. I want to go to places where I can have a true family and I would be able to do that if I didn’t have the stupid Ruric name trailing me. You build your life of honor and trust papa, but you reminded me time and time again how much you only care when it benefits you. I can no longer live a life in a place that doesn’t care for me as much as I care for them. I’ve tried to rebuild relationships but it’s clear none want to listen. I’m nine. No nine year old should be treated like this, Orenians treat me better than you ever did. Ash me from the damn tree, I don’t want my name to be stained by people who don’t care for their kin. Aren’t my cousins glad they finally don’t have to be related to someone as controlling as me? Isn’t my brothers over the moon that I’m no longer their boring and silly sister? Here I will write down things I’ve been called by adults and children alike; ‘Violent’ ‘Killer’ ‘Not a real princess’ ‘Alone’ ‘Selfish’ ‘A danger’ ‘Tiring’ ‘Waste of space’ ‘Trouble child’ ‘Quarrelsome brat’ ‘Nuisance’ ‘Weird’ ‘Hag’ ‘Silly’ Norland shouldn’t be known for being kind and open, they should be known for this too. I was bullied by a nation. I had no one to turn to, I tried so hard. I really did. Remove me from the Ruric’s, I see a life ahead of me out of it but whilst in this family, I see one cut short. Danke for the first five years of my life, back when I was a small toddler who could hardly speak. Back when I didn’t realize how awful people truly are. Signed, Astrid.

Astrid Eiriksson Ruric simply rolls her eyes “Yeh try to be friends but they don’t listen.”

if the kid so much as looks in my direction, it’s on sight. y’all don’t won’t me to be your kid that bad smh

Astrid looks out her window for the sixth time that day, she was restless when a thought crossed her mind ‘When can I feel alive?’ Astrid slips out from her bed, carefully creeping past her Papa’s room as she tiptoes downstairs. “Hallo Bear.” She greets her polar bear with a slightly sad smile as he sleeps peacefully, she watches him for a moment before stepping outside into the cold night. A chill runs up her spine as she stands there in her nightgown. Astrid sits on the steps before she giggles as she remembers her papa teaching her to wield a sword. She sighs, wishing she could go back to that feeling. The feeling of being a child, the feeling of having no expectations forced upon you. She inhales deeply, her breath showing in the night air. Her cousins were bullying her, her family ignored her and her papa only gets mad at her. For a split second, she considered running away. Running away and meeting people who will care for her. She stood up, suddenly confident in that feeling but then…she stops. “My friends..” She thinks about all the guards with who she formed a connection, she can’t leave them. “Doc..” Her best friend took her to so many places and helped her escape the trapped lifestyle. “Auntie Leyna” Her voice starts to tremble, she loves Leyna, she helped her with so many family issues. “I just want to be seen as someone.” She steps back inside, sneaking back upstairs as she stares at her papa’s door. She sighs. “Papa..”

crying, sobbing, balling, vomiting. pay me for emotional damage. to quote my favourite anime ‘you’re gonna carry that weight’

Astrid hears the voice from above, she blinks “All father? Is that you?” For a while, she pauses before finally saying in a quiet tone “I love you Steven.”

Astrid stares at the poster, not able to read but recognises the drawing “Bad man!”

can i be helena just so i can beat ario up and become viktoria’s favourite?

As people officially settle into Dùnrath, Alethea and Dùghlas discuss an event for everyone. The idea is that you write a book around a set theme and you must include three words that you have been given. We want more books for the library and we think this would be a perfect way to settle that dilemma, an event to include everyone whilst also donating to the newest edition of the settlement. This theme is Culture! As you know, Dùnrath prides itself on being ‘The gateway to culture.’ We want you to write a story about the culture of your birthplace. Three words you must use are: Tragedy Grass Rain Of course, there will be prizes for the top three! First place: 800₫ (~80 mina) Second place: 500₫ (~50 mina) Third place: 200₫ (~20 mina) I hope you give it a go, even if you aren’t the best writer. Have fun! Signed, Cabinet Secretary for Education Alethea Dumieres The Speaker of the Commission of the People Dùghlas Sutharlainn

As Andria slowly succumbs to her wounds; she calls for paper and a quill. Slowly she writes letters to few she cared for.

It is with a heavy heart that I announce that the almighty Tori the messenger parrot...has fallen. He was loved by many but no one loved him as much as I did. I spent hours training Tori in to copying my words to be reliable. His training wasn't finished by the time he passed and I hope wherever he is now, he is still practicing his words. Tori will be laid to rest somewhere he loved, with the trees. Rest in peace Tori, you were a good bird. -Andria

Darina stares at the note for a while before turning away.