wardyn

whos ready to return to one!!!

In the rare spare moments free of the pendulum of drudgery and derangement, the writings provide some relief. Two reading eyes pore over the pages, latching onto every word.

[!] This post details a vision attained through RP with the Absolutist faith. The contents of this vision are entirely personal to my character, and is private knowledge unless explicitly shared. IN SNATCHES OF RAPT LUCIDITY, THROUGH THE BLOOD, THE TEARS, THE TORMENT, YOUR EYES LIFT UP TO THAT SCRATCH-MARK OF SKY BEYOND THE CHASM. THE SKY ITSELF TURNS. SHIFTS. EXPANDS. The space between the stars stretches into utter absence. No longer are the cosmos, no longer are the clouds. Stone borders yawn and crack, and that lip widens until those, too, are gone, swallowed by the All. A great beyond shudders and curls into itself, and unfolds its wings to swallow YOU whole, too. And you are formless, and you are timeless, and you see nothing, long before it was anything at all. There is no up. There is no down. There is no orientation. There was never a beginning. There is no telling how much time passes. Because there is naught. Beyond the borders of what is known, beyond what is unknown, something stirs. The outline of a great hand, impossibly shaped in this black murk, raises and outstretches. You do not see it, but you know it is there. ITS PALM OPENS. From its center emerges a great light, a blinding flash of clarity, and it engulfs you entire. Suddenly you feel. You take your first breath, mucous, sticky, and you are screaming. You recognize nothing, you know nothing. Your throat is wet then dry, and your skin is hot and crawling. Your stomach roils and twists and rockets backwards. You clutch at the air as if it might stabilize you, and yet still your world quakes, and you are adrift in a great sea of bodies, flowing from a ruptured sac of life, unmentionable and uncontrollable and utterly untenable. The entirety of a life plays out before your eyes. And it is so very brief, and so very minimal, that it is already over. You stare up at what you believe to be the sky, and blackness creeps into your vision in flashes and spots, and you are afraid. You are so, so very afraid. A hammering deluge of heart-beat muscle-twitch throat-shriek fear overtakes you, and it means nothing. Your gut gnaws at your flesh, and your synapses scream in electric horror, and your blood dribbles hot from your body, and you realize then that you are so easily Gone. SO QUICKLY CAN SOMETHING RETURN TO NOTHING. And the blackness beyond has not moved an inch. Indifferent, it takes you back. It swallows your terror, it swallows your knowledge, it swallows your history, it swallows your being. And with every minute meaningless scream, the blackness grows blacker. It crackles at the seams. It shrouds itself in an agonizing blanket. Shuddering. Eternity rolls onwards, forever and ever, painted over with a black layer of fear and acrid flesh-smoke. And there is no up, and there is no down, and there is no good, and there is no bad. There is only absence. There will never be an ending. There is no knowing how many times this has happened, or will happen. Because time is naught. You feel that fear eating away at your very spirit. It paints the boundless tapestry of All, staining it darker than dark, doused in nothing but dread, and it cries out. Layers after layers after layers of ink cause it to shift its very hue. The great canvas starts to bleed. The very WRONGNESS of it all worms into your skinless skin, crawls underneath your keratinless nails. This is not how it should be. THIS IS NOT HOW IT SHOULD BE. THIS IS NOT HOW IT SHOULD BE. THIS IS NOT HOW IT SHOULD BE. THIS IS NOT HOW IT SHOULD BE. THIS IS NOT HOW IT SHOULD BE. THIS IS NOT HOW IT SHOULD BE. THIS IS NOT HOW IT SHOULD BE. THIS IS NOT HOW IT SHOULD BE. THIS IS NOT HOW IT SHOULD BE. THIS IS NOT HOW IT SHOULD BE. And yet it will never end.

Khasef Bastien sets out a scarf and a pair of woolen mittens in his preparations to head homeward. A hiemal chill rattles the windows, and he shivers.

With but a brief glance over the policies, Gavrila Godunov's expression curls into a delighted smile. "A Forum, a schoolhouse, housing... she knows what has to be done!" Gathering together a small handful of Pro-Luzja pamphlets, she endeavors to spread the word of this candidacy about the city of New Valdev.

TWIN FLAMES ALIGHT Published on this 12th of Jula ag Piov, 551 E.S. ⋅─────────⊱༺ ♰ ༻⊰─────────⋅ Let it be known that a blessing has befallen the House of Godunov. Some Saint’s days ago, the quiet halls of Verskaya were brought to life with the wailing of two newly-borns, a long-awaited answer to our prayers. Though the noble births were tainted with uncertainty, as her Ladyship fell ill following the delivery, we are pleased to announce she has made a full recovery to health. Both the legacy and the future of House Godunov are secured, and with it, the fires of Verskaya are emblazoned with strength and hope anew. Thus, it is the utmost pleasure to bring news of the firstborns of the Lady Godunov and his Lordship, Elisei Godunov. With this promise of a bright future, we hope this news brings celebration and unity within the scattered reaches of our House, now granted this responsibility to nurture the generation that will one day take on the mantle of Verskaya. It is our delight to introduce the Twin Flames of Godunov, GREGOR GODFERICK GAVRILEV GODUNOV, @Optimus420 and GOSTIMIRA GELINA GAVRILEVNA GODUNOV @Koodini One hopes this news might bring the same joy to our community as it has ourselves. May their lives be bright and filled with good fortune. ⋅─────────⊱༺ ♰ ༻⊰─────────⋅ GODANI JEST WIELKI, Elisei Godunov, Baron-Consort of Verskaya THE HONORABLE, Gavrila Godunov, Baroness of Verskaya, Matriarch of House Godunov, Aulic Ambassador to the Petra, Cultural Arts Advisor to ve Nazdiesk Kort.

Gavrila Godunov psychically congratulates Svetlana, and tucks the pages away for her future lessons-- the shelf of which was quickly becoming crowded. And a little disorganized. "What a dobry step towards reviving our folklore! It is a sort of history in itself."

"Ah, it's out!" Gavrila Godunov plucks up the missive, reading through it. "This really is an extensive study. Fantastically done," she chimes, deciding to tuck the parchments away for use in future cultural lessons.

THE WEDDING OF GAVRILA GIANNA GODUNOV AND ELISEI IVANOVICH. An illustration of the betrothed. Issued by the on this 12th of Wvuzar ag Byvca, 548 E.S. ⋅───────────⊱༺ ♰ ༻⊰───────────⋅ It is the utmost pleasure of the House Godunov to announce the matrilineal holy union of the Baroness of Verskaya, Lady Gavrila Gianna Godunov, and Elisei Ivanovich. The pair met by chance, as a strike of blessed fate. Together, spurred by a shared fondness of the arts, finding themself akin in goodwill and loyalty, they kindled a connection that quickly blazed into love, unbreakable, unchallengeable even in absentia. Thus, the pair shall confirm this bond in the eyes of GODAN, in a ceremony set to take place within the Basilica of Saint Joren and the Broken Chains. All are welcome to express their goodwill and lay witness to the ceremony, where the couple shall devote themselves to GODAN, and to each other, evermore. Following the union, the newlyweds kindly invite those in attendance to extend their celebrations within the Tipsy Tarchar tavern. ⋅───────────⊱༺ ♰ ༻⊰───────────⋅ The Baronial House of Godunov His Royal Majesty, Marius III, King of Haenseti and Ruska Her Royal Majesty, Juliya of Reinmar, Queen-consort of Haenseti and Ruska, and their royal pedigree. Her Grace, Tatiyana vas Ruthern, Duchess of Vidaus and her noble pedigree The Most Honourable, Henrik-Otto Ludovar, Margrave of Kvasz and his noble pedigree The Right Honourable, Ruslan Baruch, Count of Ayr and his noble pedigree The Right Honourable, Osgod Colborn, Count of Malkovya and his noble pedigree The Honourable, Karl Weiss, Viscount of Novkursain and his noble pedigree The Honourable, Nerida Amador, Viscountess of Zvezlund and her noble pedigree The Honourable, Erik and Emma Kortrevich, Viscount and Viscountess of Krusev and their noble pedigree Her Ladyship, Rezalisa Kovachev, Baroness of Kovgrad and her noble pedigree Her Ladyship, Sifra Korvacz, Baroness of Katabanya and her noble pedigree The Noble, Florence Valkonen, and her noble pedigree The Noble, Adelina van Leuven, and her noble pedigree The Noble, Ilya Ivanovich, and his noble pedigree Her Royal Majesty, Adalia I, Queen of the Petra His Royal Highness, Asad, Prince-consort of the Petra, and their royal pedigree Lady Astoria Kasja Ludovar Lord Ludvik Marus Ludovar Lady Emma Kortrevich Lord Karl Weiss Lord Siegmund Weiss and Lady Verena Weiss Lady Svetlana vas Ruthern-Colborn Lord Rickard Kortrevich Lady Esfir Artemisia d’Arkent Lord Alekszej Korvacz Lady Sifra Korvacz Lord Sigmar var Ruthern Lord Stanislav var Ruthern Firress Mahaut Marie van Leuven Firress Annika Avagis af Ingesøn ⋅───────────⊱༺ ♰ ༻⊰───────────⋅ THE HONOURABLE, Lady Gavrila Gianna Godunov, Baroness of Verksaya Cultural Arts Advisor to ve Nazdiesk Kort, Matriarch of House Godunov. FIRR Elisei Ivanovich

The Knowledge of Music Issued by On this 15th day of Wvyzar ag Byvca of 547 E.S. VA VE EDLERVIK, As culture and celebration grows to thrive within ve Nadziesk Kort, along with the recent unearthing of timeworn folk tradition, it is only fit for there to be a further exploration on the traditions of Haeseni folk music and the instruments that create it. Thus, in recent years, the Office of Cultural Arts has sought after these instruments which make up the familiar melodies that could as much be heard spilling out of any crowded tavern or street corner as they might be heard in weddings, funerals, or coronations, driving our hearts to rhythm and feet to dance. Music creates community within all branches and levels of our Kongzem, it draws the people together, and in hopes to spread knowledge to prospective musicians and further this sentiment, this compilation was created. ╠═════════════════════════════════════════════╣ VE ROGZHIVEL The Hornpipe Highlanders playing ve Rogzhivel. Ve Rogzhivel is the quintessential Haeseni folk instrument, found leading the melodies of many, many traditional Highlander tunes. It is a type of hornpipe known for its rich sound and sultry timbre, able to cut through any percussion or crowd with a full, colourful melody. Found in many shapes and sizes and heard in almost all ranges, this versatile instrument is composed of a pipe-like wooden body, with tone holes that one covers with their fingers to play notes. Typically affixed to the end of the pipe is the carved horn of a cattle animal, amplifying volume and grounding the instrument’s history in the Highland’s shepherding roots. A reed is nestled into the mouthpiece, creating ve Rogzhivel’s iconic tremulous sound. The instrument itself dates back to before the formation of Hanseti and Ruska, and has evolved from a traditional instrument of the native Highlander population to the many forms which we see today. It is said that the most common technique of playing ve Rogzhivel, called circular breathing, was a way to practice strengthening one’s lungs to survive the harsh, high altitudes and frigid thin air of the Highlands. ╠═════════════════════════════════════════════╣ VE LIRA The Violin Two Haeseni playing ve Lira together This instrument deemed ve Lira is constructed from a dried gourd or perhaps a piece of wood carved into a bowl-like shape. The neck varies in length and bow nocks rest between the three string which tunnel the chords. To change the pitch of ve Lira, one must press the base of their nail against the string and it will emit a higher tune. Ve Lira holds a deeply rooted connection to the Scyfling noble tradition, particularly through its association with the term Skaldr, which translates to "bard." In Scyfling culture, the Skaldr were revered poets, storytellers, and musicians, playing a vital role in preserving history, folklore, and the heroic deeds of their people. The Lira—a stringed instrument often used by these bards—became synonymous with the oral tradition of storytelling and song, making it an essential element of noble and cultural ceremonies. ╠═════════════════════════════════════════════╣ VE ULDSTAAL The Trumpet Haeseni playing ve Uldstaal The Uldstaal, or "loud steel," is a prestigious wind instrument known for its bold, metallic sound, created by pressing down metal valves to alter wind flow and produce different notes. It gained prominence in Raev military culture, used for announcements in battle and court, symbolizing nobility and power. Its origins likely trace back to the simpler hornpipe, which evolved over time into a more metallic form, reflecting advancements in metallurgy. Initially reserved for military and ceremonial use, the Uldstaal eventually trickled down into folk traditions. Skilled players were able to draw out melodic and expressive tunes, expanding its use beyond formal settings while maintaining its association with prestige. Today, the Uldstaal remains a symbol of both Raev cultural heritage and musical sophistication, blending its noble past with folk expression. ╠═════════════════════════════════════════════╣ VE STAALNOINLIRA The Steel Lap Guitar Depiction of ve Staalnoinlira The rather hefty instrument known as ve Staalnoinlira is an acoustic instrument similar to a zither or neckless guitar, played upon the lap or a table. Anywhere from 5 to 40 strings of gut or metal are stretched across the body, each tuned to and representing a different note. Though simple in inception, the Staalnoinlira has grown to be an incredibly complex instrument, with any number of tuning pegs, strings, and even fingerboards. Each Staalnoinlira is made with great care, often tailored to the player and passed down as heirloom. The instrument can often be seen painted with subtle, though carefully made illustrations depicting its local flora, and even representations of the instrument’s familial heritage. It is played in a variety of ways; one can pluck individual strings with multiple fingers, strum chords with the nail, or even– in later, steel-stringed iterations– strike individual strings with metal mallets to create a rather piercing resonant sound. Players also rap their knuckles against the body of the instrument as a sort of hollow percussion. The instrument can be played solely to accompany a song or hymn, or as a part of a full band. ╠═════════════════════════════════════════════╣ VE SUMKTRUBKA The Bagpipe Haeseni playing ve Sumktrubka Ve Sumktrubka is, most often, heard before it is seen. Though it has been found in varying forms across the Highlands, it is nowadays a distinctively Ayrian instrument, capable of volleying its sound across mountaintops. Historically a battlehorn, ve Sumktrubka’s piercing volume cuts through any encroaching crowd, and in wars past, Ayrians were known for bringing along a designated musician who would play their piercing instrument amidst battle, keeping morale and rhythm and striking fear into the opposition. Nowadays, ve Sumktrubka is seen just as often as a ceremonial instrument, used in announcements and openings of ceremony. Existing in many forms, the most common form of ve Sumktrubka is that of multiple reeded pipes (not dissimilar to ve Rogzhivel’s!) connecting to one main “lung” of animal skin, into which the player exhales air until it flows out through the pipes, creating music. There exist multiple drone pipes, through which uninterrupted airflow creates continuous chords, and one or two chanter pipes, which are played very similarly to a Rogzhivel, providing the instrument’s melody. Essentially, it is a one-man-band, as the Sumktrubka provides both melody and accompaniment, and with its powerful, singular presence, it is rare to find within a band. ╠═════════════════════════════════════════════╣ VE LAFZPIANKA The Accordion An archaic accordion or lafzpianka A more recent addition to the Haeseni musical scope, ve Lafzpianka, or “air piano”, culminated from a fortunate mishap. A clumsy smith's apprentice pierced a few holes in the forgeworker's bellows and attempted to cover them up. They soon discovered that the airflow of the bellows created very faint musical chords through these new valves, and that pressing down on some would create new notes. Thus, the Lafzpianka was born, and its surprising accessibility made it a staple of Haeseni commoner culture. Though initially of leather, commonplace Lafzpianki are now mostly crafted of paper, with a bellows-like lung that the player fills and compacts rhythmically. Some Lafzpianki are simply single chord drones, like ve Sumktrubka, and some have evolvolved with piano-like keys that the player presses down to create melody, and valve buttons that alter the chords. These instruments can vary in size from tiny handheld drones to large lap contraptions that often require a shoulder strap to hold. Ve Lafzpianka has become a staple of jaunty, melodic folk music, often found underlining rhythms of dance and joviality. GODANI JEST WIELKI, HER EXCELLENCY, Svetlana vas Ruthern-Colborn, Grand Lady of Hanseti-Ruska Royal Mistress of the Wardrobes THE HONOURABLE, Lady Gavrila Gianna Godunov, Baroness of Verskaya Cultural Arts Advisor of Haenseti-Ruska, Matriarch of House Godunov.

A young Godunov passes across the missive. She did not know the author personally, but a smile still crosses her face. "Dobry lessons to share with the world," she decides, hoping such sentiments would spread to the rest of Aevos's youth.

REVELRY BY FIRELIGHT Published by the Barony of Verskaya on this 2nd of Tov ag Yermey, 541 E.S. An ending wreathed by the flame of pyre, and a beginning ablaze in the pride of a nation. FOLLOWING THE ASCENSION of the Dual Kingdom’s twin crows, the heralds of a new era for all of Haenseti-Ruska, it is with great delight that the Baronial House of Verskaya announces its inaugural celebration of the Candlenights upon Haeseni soil. To be held at the apex of the summertime or in the depths of the winter, when the sun lingers at the horizon into the deep hours of the night or hides beneath it for the extent of the day, Candlenights is a vigil held in remembrance of life and death, memento mori and memento vixi. It is a time to respect those who have left us behind on this plane— and to remember them too in joy, not only in solemnity. Summertime is upon us, and therefore, we must dance. FESTIVITIES IN THE FULLNESS of the midsummer day, as preparations flit about the Barony, a pit will be excavated in the ground. Filled with coals, wrapped foods, and hot stones, it will be left to roast and smoke throughout the day for decadent feasting come the arrival of guests in the evening. The coals from this earthen oven shall be then transferred towards the firepit, and throughout the night, flame will be passed from hearth to hearth. FIRELIGHTING A Bonfire will be lit to truly begin the festivities, and it is fully encouraged for guests to add timber and feed the fire as they see fit, as it the flames must continue to burn until the sun arrives again with the next dawn. Around the bonfire, food and drink aplenty shall be served, and music shall flood the courtyard with warmth and cheer. Guests are also encouraged to bring any items or symbols of upset in the year past, and to cast them into the flames throughout the night, allowing these memories to burn away. FLAMEJUMPING Near the dregs of dawn, once the bonfire has begun to burn down, the House of Godunov invites all those of age who are inclined to seek adrenaline to participate in a competitive dance of Ve Hopaky, a Raevir traditional dance, chosen by the House with intents to call back to its military roots. Participating guests shall dance about the bonfire, with each taking turns in time with the music, to hop over the breadth of the flames. Whomever succeeds with the highest and furthest jump will receive a prize of 50 MINA. WREATHCRAFTING For the youth of the Kongzem, there will be a station where one can learn to weave their own pine wreaths or carve their own candles, and if both, join the two in a chaste midsummer matrimony. Parents are advised to keep an eye on their children, as great care must be taken to maneuver with candles upon one’s head! As the first hint of dawn trickles into the sky, these wreaths shall be cast to the fire along with all else, to symbolise a step away from the year previous, and children can depart feeling that they have grown. All those of the Kingdom of Haenseti-Ruska and her allies who seek to attend are invited. GODANI JEST WIELKI. HER LADYSHIP, Gavrila Gianna Godunov, Heir-Apparent to Verskaya

In a seizing moment of indecision, Gavrila finally plucks up her ink-stained quill, steeling herself to scratch her signature into the contract. Her stomach drops, pooling with dread, but at the same time, her heart leaps for another chance to prove herself. "It'll be worth it in the end," she decides.

Weathered floorboards creak as Gavrila Gianna Godunov pads into her room, and sits. Flattening the missive out on her desk with a splayed hand, she trails her finger down the text with the pointer of her other. Her gaze alights upon her own name, and she inhales slowly. She manages a twinge of excitement, before she stands, and adjusts her tabard. The missive flutters to her writing desk as she departs for the funeral, unwilling to celebrate on this solemn day.

Lady Gavrila Gianna Galyovich Godunov gasps at the reception of a personal royal invite! She grins, scurrying about her room to prepare her minimal equipment for the CLASH OF BLADES....