alienescence

THE NEWFOUND JOY LEMON HILL HAD TO OFFER WAS EMBRACED BY THE BISHOP. Her afternoon routine involved conversing with Ledicort and Cardinal Alaric, or observing a Curia argument. More often than not, she wandered the courtyard, listening in on King Tiberias' not-so-private meetings. The lemons that grew from the trees looked more vibrant, a testament to the peace that was to come. But the evening neared, and she had to return to her home, Reinmar. UPON HER ARRIVAL IN REINMAR, A FAMILIAR PRESENCE LINGERED; their undead stench filled the tavern. Josefina recognized the figure; it was the same undead, Jormunharr, who had abducted her and forced her into a theological conversation. The Bishop herself was never one for debating theology, it was made clear on many occasions with Tar-Anorhil and some of her colleagues. Despite her efforts to ask Jormunharr if he had more questions, she hoped to spare Theodemar, Castien, Johann, and Amon the pain of engaging in battle with him. This is not a theological visit, I am afraid! It was not, she knew it from the start. Her thoughts were interrupted when the undead’s axes came crashing down towards Theodemar, to which the Bishop attempted to lunge onto the undead, but he was quicker. His axes came swinging down at her, which resulted in a portion of her ear being cut off. However, the final blow was deflected by Theodemar’s mace, which would have killed her if it had struck. Josefina fell onto her back, weakened, and unable to stand. Josefina had looked to the young girl nearby, who carried a blasting potion, pleading for her to leave. Do not take Theo or Castien, please. The Bishop’s voice trembled as she made her pleas unto the undead thereafter. What happened next was a blur for her. The young girl next to her hurled the explosive potion at Theodemar, causing Josefina, who was lying nearby, to lose consciousness. Dark Storm — Vinland Saga [OST] JOSEFINA AWOKE ON THE UNDEAD JORMUNHARR’S HORSE, AN AXE HELD TO HER THROAT. Resting in front of the undead on his steed, she looked ahead to the gates of Reinmar, where Theodemar, Castien, and Amon stood. Castien's voice reached her ears, though it sounded distant due to her disorientation. You said that you would leave her. You said you’d leave her when you left. Her eyes struggled to stay open, but her expression showed relief, despite the pain that riddled her visage. It might have been odd that she was relieved, given her life was on the line, but those she cared for remained. They had not been killed. Theodemar's angry words failed to reach her ears; however, she admired his bravery. A trembling hand reached out towards Theodemar in an attempt to show her gratitude for her cousin. What remained was Johann’s fate. Did he perish? The thought briefly crossed her mind, but she refused to believe it. Jormunharr tugged on the reins of his horse, preparing to leave with his companion and the girl. Josefina couldn't understand their destination, but she recognized the path leading to the freezing, snow-covered mountains, even as she drifted in and out of consciousness. Before she realized it, she was placed on the snow, at a secluded spot in the mountains. Jormunharr turned to the child beside him—Josefina understood that he was acting as her mentor. The undead proposed the question of whether or not the child would take Josefina’s life, and the answer was no. The child had enough blood on her hands. Know the name Sigrytha of the Jǫrmúnharrlings has held your life in her hands, and has decided to spare you. Thank her. That was the girl's name. Josefina felt utter disgust at the thought of a child having to bear witness to the turmoil, and even having someone's life in her hands. Nevertheless, Josefina’s question had been answered: fifteen years, no more, no less. That is presumably how long they would leave her kin alone. You can't hurt Theodemar, Castien, or anyone from Reinmar. If I die, it is for them. The Bishop was confident that she would not return home in this weather, even with the cloak one of them had given her. Josefina refused to believe that Johann had perished during the fight. Do you begrudge the wolf who eats a deer? If I do not hunt, the hunger would drive me mad. Madder than he. But I still would not die. I cannot die, not by your mortal hands. Stopping was never an option. The delicate snowflakes of the winter flowed through the air around them, landing on her face. The ethereal glow of the moon cast a silvery light over her hollow cheeks, highlighting the spare drops of blood across her temple. No. I begrudge you, because you know what you are doing. A wolf does not know right from wrong. You do. This is God's deliverance unto me. He is testing my strength and my love for the flock. A brief silence enveloped Jormunharr before he told her to leave. Josefina understood that he had no humanity left, but her words did mean something—and they could be understood. The child granted you mercy, I still might choose not to, if I so wished. I do not care what you wish. Not anymore. You will not find the kindness I had to give to you, ever again. I will never know if I have passed the trial God has put on me. Bishop Josefina turned to walk away, using her longsword as a makeshift cane and draping the offered cloak over her shoulders. Soon, she found a horse in the tundra of Ailmere and mounted it to make her way home. She thought about whether she had heeded her mother's advice from childhood. Although she had not vanquished the undead, she had made a great sacrifice. The Bishop was uncertain if she would return to Reinmar at all, or if she would fall victim to the clutches of death instead. Yet, in the moment of uncertainty, she found solace in the belief that her choices would prove worthwhile. As Josefina journeyed toward Kretzen, her pain became unbearable, and she collapsed on the path leading to the gates of Reinmar. Her eyelashes had frozen, and her lips and face were drained of color. A crimson stain bloomed across her white veil, from when blood had previously seeped out of her severed ear. A hurried servant rushed to help the unconscious woman, carrying her to the clinic and warming her by the fireplace, where she could have her injuries treated and recover. Even near death, her only thought was ensuring the safety of those she cared for, no matter the price she had to pay.

Bishop Josefina received the news while at the Reinmar clinic. In her bedridden state, the sudden grief felt like an added weight pressing her down further. Andrei, a young boy with aspirations bigger than himself, later became the Knight Paramount and Count of Jerovitz, a title he was not born to bear. If there was anything Josefina knew about Andrei, it was his ability and his want to protect others. Many times had he offered his sword in protection of her. Josefina could not make a sound as she cried silently. Andrei was never supposed to die before her, and she could not comprehend why he had.

Bishop Josefina celebrated. "I used to pray for times like this."

SECUNDUS BULLUS MINOR DE GELIMAR HER GRACE JOSEFINA BISHOP GELIMAR So I am the Most High, and in pursuit of My Virtue, I bid my faithful this: You shall not judge your own virtue, be it great or small, for all fall short of Me. Spirit 5:8 TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION I - OPENING PRAYER SECTION II - THE ONGOING WAR SECTION III - REMEMBERING THE FALLEN SECTION IV - CLOSING PRAYER SECTION I OPENING PRAYER Almighty LORD, He Who is Without Peer, Please guide us with your benevolent hand, Through times of sorrow and strife such as these. We, your humble servants, ask this of thee So that we may better serve you. Amen. SECTION II THE ONGOING WAR War is turmoil. War divides families and the canonist flock, leaving a trail of sorrow. I have not participated in the war but maintained a neutral position, I highly encourage the clergy of Reinmar to do the same. While I understand the instinct of a shepherd to defend their flock with the sword, it is essential to recognize that true leadership of a shepherd is woven with compassion and peace. Through these guiding principles, we can begin to mend the wounds left by conflict and keep ourselves in higher spirits. SECTION III REMEMBERING THE FALLEN The history of Aevos is not a clean one; that is self-evident. So many who were cherished have fallen in righteous battle. In these times of great struggle, I advise that all of you, whether you fight for the Horenic Covenant or the Pontifical States, remember these fallen and hold their memories close to your heart. The coming days shall not be easy, but GOD shall keep you in His grace. I have urged those marching against my homeland to spare civilians, including women, children, and the elderly. I pray and am confident that my kin will do the same. SECTION IV CLOSING PRAYER Almighty God, who led Thy holy martyr Ottomar the Perpetual King of Atheran Salvus safely through many trials and dangers to the glorious crown of martyrdom; enlighten and strengthen us through his intercession, that we persevere in the holy faith of the Canon amid the trials of this life, and by resignation to Thy holy will come forth from the darkness of this world into the light of Thy eternal glory. Amen. THE WALDENIAN PRAYER BOOK IN NOMINE DEI JOSEFINA BISHOP GELIMAR Prelate of Reinmar

Ludolf knew there was a war, but it finally dawned upon him when he witnessed the burning of the sacred moot hall. It only became more real for him when he saw Ariogaisos' corpse laid before the Reinmar gates; the man who offered him protection and lessons of battle. There were too many emotions for someone so young to fully understand, along with death, so he sought the comfort of his family manor.

Bishop Josefina sighed heavily as she read the missive, "It is the unfortunate reality we live in."

Bishop Josefina spends her days in constant prayer.

"A true servant of God does not try and cut down a child who knows no better." Bishop Josefina muttered to her friend, Cardinal Godfrey. @Ramon

THE COMPETITION OF BRANDTHOF Issued by Ludolf von Brandthof In the year of our Lord 2019 HARK, ALL OF REINMAR, for Ludolf von Brandthof calls all citizens of Reinmar and its allies to come together and test their aptitude with the sword. The heir of Brandthof welcomes all tribesfolk to gather and attend, hoping to bring the Reinmaren people closer together— with some jolly competition. Those participating shall gather at the garrison, using training swords to best their opponents. There shall be a practice bout, followed by a friendly competition of spars. The rules are simple; No severe or fatal injuries are permitted. The winner is decided by Ludolf and Rudolf, typically by knockout or submission. Beyond these rules, there are no rules. Punch, kick, pull, kick (again), it does not matter. To the victor goes the spoils, earning a specialty token crafted, by hand, by Ludolf. WER RASTET DER ROSTET SCRIBE, ARIOGAISOS HIS LORDSHIP, LUDOLF, Heir to Brandthof HIS LORDSHIP, RUDOLF

MC Name: alienescence Discord: alienn2 Image: Description of Image: someones writing of a holy scroll Dimensions: 1x1

THE FLAME OF CAIUS DIE FLAMME VON CAIUS | THE FLAME OF CAIUS Issued by the Bishop of Gelimar and Father Witmar In the year of our Lord 2018 ÖHNE UND TÖCHTER VON REINMAR, TO FURTHER CELEBRATE SAINT HIGH PONTIFF CAIUS, a festival will occur in the Monastery of Saint HP. Caius. Each day of the festival will be hosted by Josefina Bishop Gelimar and Father Witmar. DAY 1 | CHARITY AND REFLECTION TO BEGIN THE FIRST DAY, a mass will be held by Bishop Josefina and Father Witmar, which will repeat at the beginning of each day. Afterwards, guests will be instructed to prepare charity meals for those in need. To complete the first day of festivities, a scribing contest will take place. Each participant will receive a canvas to inscribe a verse from the Holy Scrolls. The one with the best calligraphy will have their work displayed in the monastery. DAY 2 | THE ECHOES OF CAIUS THE NEXT DAY, after the mass procession, a discussion will be held on Saint HP Caius' legacy and how he impacted the lands of Canondom, shaping the ways of Canonism. For the end of the day, across the city and surrounding lands, sacred relics will be hidden. The first to return the relics to the church will receive a divine blessing and a special reward. DAY 3 | CAIUS’ BLESSINGS ON THE LAST DAY, a short play will take place on the life of Saint Caius. Attendees wishing to have their weapons blessed will have the opportunity. Bishop Josefina and Father Witmar will take the time to bless each item. At the end of the day, a pilgrimage around the monastery will take place. Each person will need to harvest honey and feed the monastery’s bees during the event. INVITATIONS ENRIQUE The College of Cardinals. The Diet of Bishops. The Pontifical Vassals His Royal Majesty, JOREN, King of the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska and the Haeseni people. His Royal Majesty, THERIN, King of the Commonwealth of the Petra and the Petran peoples. His Royal Majesty, JOHN II, King of the Kingdom of Balian and the Balianite peoples. His Royal Majesty, TAR-ANORHIL, King of the Kingdom of Númendil and the Númenedain people. ATSUKO, Shugo of Sakuragakure and the Oyashiman people. The Most Honourable, FRIEDRICH VON AUGUSTEN, Lord Vandalore. The Most Honourable, THOMAS VON THEONUS, Elector of Vohenheim. His Lordship, FRIEDRICH, Elector of Merryweather-Alstreim. The Waldenian Peoples. Her Excellency, IRYNE, Princess of the Principality of Celia’nor and the Celia’norian people. His Grace, THEODEMAR VON KANUNSBERG, Duke of Kanunsberg and his noble pedigree. His Lordship, OSWALD VON WESENBURG, Burgrave of Wesenburg and his noble pedigree. His Lordship, LAMBERT VON BRANDTHOF, Baron of Brandthof and his noble pedigree. The Reinmaren Peoples. WER RASTET, DER ROSTET HER GRACE, JOSEFINA, Bishop of Gelimar, Prelate of Reinmar FATHER, WITMAR

PRIMUS MINOR BULLA GELIMAR HER GRACE JOSEFINA BISHOP GELIMAR “So I find that professing yourselves to be wise, you have made yourselves fools. You have traded the glory of the Lord GOD without peer for the imperfections of men.” Spirit 1:9-10 TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION I - OPENING PRAYER SECTION II - MONASTERY OF SAINT HP. CAIUS PRIMUS SECTION III - CLERGY SERVICES NEEDED SECTION IV - CLOSING PRAYER SECTION I OPENING PRAYER O GOD, who didst grant to St. Nicholas your strength and constancy in the torments which he hath suffered for our holy faith in Canon; I beseech you to preserve, through Saint Nicholas’s intercession, our faith from wavering and doubt, so that we may serve Thee with a true heart unto our death. Shine your emanations of glory and virtue through the hearts of men, and instill us with Nicholas’s courage. Amen. SECTION II MONASTERY OF SAINT HP. CAIUS PRIMUS With immense joy, I formally announce the completion of the monastery's construction. Its walls now stand tall, a testament to our dedication and faith. It rests just north of Kretzen, and neighbors the Burgraviate of Wesenburg. In the year of our Lord 2017, a consecration ceremony for the monastery took place, conducted by myself and Father Witmar. As we began to bless the room with the burning pyre, radiant golden sunlight beamed through the pillars. Those who appeared troubled at the gathering felt at ease as ethereal patterns danced over the monastery's stone. It was a true blessing and a reminder that Caius Brandt watches over us daily. SECTION III CLERGY SERVICES NEEDED For those who wish to offer their highest service to the Church, an opportunity is presented before you; the chance to become an acolyte under the guidance of either myself or Father Witmar. Acolytes will be accommodated in the newly established monastery, where they will take their sacred responsibilities with honor. Upon donning the acolyte robes, it is expected to remain steadfast and devoted to the duties that await. To further convince the children of God, I have a beautiful bee farm that needs caring individuals to tend to it. If anyone is interested, I encourage you to write me a letter. SECTION IV CLOSING PRAYER Almighty God, whose blessed Saint Otto dost herald our path into the way of peace and your virtue: Deliver us from descending of hatred and violence, so that we, following the example of your Saintly servant Otto, may serve you with singleness of heart, and with dedication to attain to the tranquility of our world, and the Seven Skies to come. O, Otto of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God, thrust into the void Iblees and all evil who enter into the homes and hearts of Horen’s children, and deliver us your dedication to the Scrolls. Amen. THE WALDENIAN PRAYER BOOK IN NOMINE DEI JOSEFINA BISHOP GELIMAR Prelate of Reinmar

Issued by the Bishop of Gelimar In the year of our Lord 2016 IT WAS CAIUS PRIMUS WHO MADE A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT. A man of noble birth, Brandt Barclay served as the Duke of Minitz after his father, Leon I. He remained loyal to the Kings Charles I and James I of the United Kingdom of Aaun. His abdication from Grand Prince in 1936 led to his everlasting service to the Holy Mother Church and later his role as the High Pontiff. Now, generations later, Caius continues to inspire the lands of Canondom. The Monastery of High Pontiff Caius Primus consecration will be officiated by myself and Father Witmar. We invite all of Canondom and its allies to witness this sacred ceremony. INVITATIONS His Holiness The College of Cardinals. The Diet of Bishops. The Pontifical Vassals His Excellency, TOMASZ, Lord-Regent and Palatine of the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska and the Haeseni people. His Royal Majesty, THERIN, King of the Commonwealth of the Petra and the Petran peoples. His Royal Majesty, JOHN II, King of the Kingdom of Balian and the Balianite peoples. His Royal Majesty, TAR-ANORHIL, King of the Kingdom of Númendil and the Númenedain people. ATSUKO, Shugo of Sakuragakure, and the Oyashiman people. The Most Honourable, FRIEDRICH VON AUGUSTEN, Lord Vandalore. The Most Honourable, THOMAS VON THEONUS, Elector of Vohenheim. His Lordship, FRIEDRICH, Elector of Merryweather-Alstreim. The Waldenian Peoples. Her Excellency, ILLYRIA, Princess of the Principality of Celia’nor and the Celia’norian people. His Grace, THEODEMAR VON KANUNSBERG, Duke of Kanunsberg, and his noble pedigree. His Lordship, OSWALD VON WESENBURG, Burgrave of Wesenburg, and his noble pedigree. His Lordship, LAMBERT VON BRANDTHOF, Baron of Brandthof, and his noble pedigree. The Reinmaren Peoples. IN NOMINE DEI, HER GRACE, JOSEFINA, Bishop of Gelimar, Prelate of Reinmar, Chaplain of the Heather Court

Full Name of Man - Andrei Kortrevich Date of Birth of Man - 1987 Name of Woman - Dima Kovachev Date of Birth of Woman - 1991 Location of Ceremony - St. Joren and the Broken Chains Basilica. Date of Ceremony (Year) - 2016 Name of Clergyman who performed ceremony - Bishop Josefina

In her journal, Bishop Josefina marked the dates down, "All must attend the Kretzenfest."

Full Name of Man - Friedrich Wilhelm von Alstreim Date of Birth of Man - 1997 Name of Woman - Octavia Galbraith Date of Birth of Woman - 1997 Location of Ceremony - Chapel of St. Catherine Date of Ceremony (Year) - 2015 Name of Clergyman who performed ceremony - Bishop Josefina ---------------------- Full Name of Man - Kazimir Weiss Date of Birth of Man - 1992 Name of Woman - Olga Ivanovich Date of Birth of Woman - 1991 Location of Ceremony - St. Joren and the Broken Chains Basilica. Date of Ceremony (Year) - 2015 Name of Clergyman who performed ceremony - Bishop Josefina

THE MASKED SECRETS DIE MASKIERTEN GEHEIMNISSE | THE MASKED SECRETS Issued by the Bishop of Gelimar In the year of our Lord 2013 ÖHNE UND TÖCHTER VON REINMAR, HEARKEN, CITIZENS AND ALLIES OF REINMAR, for I will be hosting my second masquerade ball, which will be significantly different from the last one. Guests are encouraged to wear masks and costumes of their choice. Upon arriving outside the esteemed ballroom of Reinmar’s palace, each guest will be assigned an alias based on their mask and costume. This alias should be used when seeking a dance partner and conversing with others. Please remember to keep your true identity a secret throughout the ball. Once aliases have been assigned, attendees will be addressed by Bishop Josefina and her nephew, Prince Erwin. As customary, drinks and snacks will be served by the castle servants. INVITATIONS THE HOLY MOTHER CHURCH His Holiness, HARRENTZEDEK, High Pontiff of the Holy Mother Church. The College of Cardinals. The Diet of Bishops. The Pontifical Vassals TO THE REALMS OF CANONDOM His Royal Majesty, KARL IV, King of the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska and the Haeseni people. His Royal Majesty, THERIN, King of the Commonwealth of the Petra and the Petran peoples. His Royal Majesty, JOHN II, King of the Kingdom of Balian and the Balianite peoples. His Royal Majesty, TAR-ANORHIL, King of the Kingdom of Númendil and the Númenedain people. ATSUKO, Shugo of Sakuragakure and the Oyashiman people. TO THE WALDENIC DIET The Most Honourable, FRIEDRICH VON AUGUSTEN, Lord Vandalore. The Most Honourable, THOMAS VON THEONUS, Elector of Vohenheim. His Lordship, FRIEDRICH, Elector of Merryweather-Alstreim. Envoys of the Salvian Syndicate. The Waldenian Peoples. TO THE ALLIES OF THE PRINCIPALITY Her Excellency, ILLYRIA, Princess of the Principality of Celia’nor and the Celia’norian people. TO THE TRIBESPEOPLE His Grace, THEODEMAR VON KANUNSBERG, Duke of Kanunsberg and his noble pedigree. His Lordship, OSWALD VON WESENBURG, Burgrave of Wesenburg and his noble pedigree. His Lordship, LAMBERT VON BRANDTHOF, Baron of Brandthof and his noble pedigree. The Reinmaren Peoples. WER RASTET, DER ROSTET HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS, ERWIN I, By the Grace of God and Light of the Ancestors, RVOOBE GMSTSR, Prince in Reinmar, Prince of Sutica and Minitz, Duke of Reinmar, Count of Kretzen, Neu Brandthof and Freimark, Burgrave of Langenkirch, Viscount of Tucay, Baron of Freising, Madvon, and Boriënwald, Lord of Sankt Johannsburg, Freisburg, Wilheburg, Rozenfeld, Erwinsburg, Neuberg and Durres, High Chief of the Reinmaren, Warden of the Ferdenwald and Franklands HER GRACE, JOSEFINA, Bishop of Gelimar, Prelate of Reinmar

Bishop Josefina sat as a passenger on Landser Johann's horse. The weight of her sword felt like a mountain in her hands, but some of Princess Adalfriede's determination resided within her, and she knew she would not leave the field of battle. As Nadya's words resonated through the air, it was clear that the forces were united, not divided by nation, but remained together as one force.

Mother Josefina ran through the city square of Kretzen, her cries echoing through the streets and reaching the Reinmaren tavern. Memories flooded her mind, reminding her of her childhood with Frederica. Frederica had always been there for her, helping her with any problems or simply listening when she needed to talk about anything and everything. "I will never forget you, Fred. The new generation will hear about you, and the person you were." The priestess muttered to herself in a quiet prayer, her cross between her clasped hands. Soon after, she visited her son, seeking to console both him and herself.

A STORY COMPOSED BY MOTHER JOSEFINA Published in the year of our Lord, 2010. BUSHES SWAYED AT THE WIND’S PRESSURE, THE DROPLETS OF RAIN DAMPENING THEIR LEAVES. The children ran through their village gardens, their laughter loud enough for all to hear. A boy of sixteen, Wilfried, was roof climbing, despite being told not to. Upon seeing a few children his age on the ground below, he climbed down, landing on the dirt with a thud. “I bet none of you could ever climb that high—you're both too weak!” Wilfried proclaimed boldly to the duo, his hands resting on his hips. His smug smile was ever unwavering, which only made him receive frowns from the other two. “We do not care what you think! You are rude, and your words hold little value to us.” Wilfried watched as one of the two spoke up, his eyes trailing after their departing figures. He scoffed, shaking his head as he looked to the sky. It was time for him to return home. The familiar aroma of his mother's stew was delightful, and he was sure to eat quickly so he could retire to his bedroom and read his books. But his mind continued to wander, his book being the least of his worries. With a groan, he threw his book onto a shelf, sitting at his windowsill. The moonlight and stars had him entranced, and he wrote in his journal, “My father asks me what I wish to be, but I can never find the answer. How will I leave everything behind, when it is all I know?" His journal did not have an answer for him, that much was certain. How does one accept change? How does one overcome the fear they hold for the future? That was a thought he had often, but no one to ask. Wilfried decided he would rest for the night, snapping his journal shut. THE EARLY MORNING’S LIGHT PEAKED THROUGH HIS CURTAINS, AWAKENING HIM FROM HIS SLEEP. Wilfried prepared himself to leave and mingle about the village. The small houses he saw every day, ones that he would soon leave behind; but he wasn’t sure what for. Wilfried climbed the roof of one, eventually making it to the very top. He gazed into the distance, looking over the village until he spotted the nearby chapel. The chapel was a place where people would pray, he knew that much. Though he had never really prayed himself, there was always a first time for everything. The homeowner's shouts interrupted his thoughts, prompting him to scramble off the roof and run down the street to reach the chapel. As he ran, he heard a soft meow nearby but couldn't pinpoint its source. Stopping in his tracks, he scanned the streets before finally looking up into a tree. There, he saw a cat that appeared to be stuck. Wilfried chuckled and then continued running toward the chapel. The chapel was simple, it had no fancy touch to it. Pushing open the doors, Wilfried noticed that it was empty– likely because those who came to pray were working. His boots tapped softly as he walked down the aisle, reaching the altar. He knelt before it, hands clasped in prayer. “GOD, am I to live in this uncertainty forever? Is there truly a path for me? I’ve always been rash, my words negatively affecting people.” Wilfried’s prayer was short, and his feelings and worries were expressed to God. A sigh escaped his lips, his head hung low as he whispered, “Amen.” Eternity felt far away as a boy; but now that he was considered an adult, it felt too near. His gaze shifted to the altar again, a sense of hope evident in his features. Only God could guide him through the path of his life. What may become of tomorrow, or the years ahead, was in God’s hands. Wilfried rose to his feet and turned to leave the chapel, with a new mindset, and a relationship with God. As he walked home, he noticed the same cat from earlier lying on the ground by the tree it had been stuck in. He kneeled beside the cat, noticing its injured paw. Wilfried tore a piece of his vest off, wrapping it around the cat’s paw as a makeshift cast. He knew that his neighbor loved animals, so he carried the cat to his neighbor’s house where it would be taken care of. A noble action that Wilfried had never contemplated performing in the past, one that showed a side of him he had yet to discover. The uncertainty that once plagued Wilfried’s mind seemed so distant as the evening neared. With renewed faith, he walked his path, leaving behind the burden of fears that once loomed over him constantly. Those worries, which had seemed insurmountable in the past, were left behind him. THE END.

THE PINTS AND COLORS PINTS UND FARBEN | PINTS AND COLORS Issued by the Prelate of Reinmar In the year of our Lord 2009 ÖHNE UND TÖCHTER VON REINMAR, HEAR MY WORDS, TRIBESMEN. It is my wish that all of Reinmar come together for a joyous festivity in the Drunken Maiden Tavern. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks will be served to all, by the infamous Reinmaren Barmaid. Alongside the drinks being served, all will be invited to paint on canvases spread around the tavern. Tribesmen will be expected to paint notable Reinmaren figures. NOTABLE REINMAREN FIGURES INCLUDE Ven. Leon I Barclay, Duke of Minitz Saint Johann of Reinmar, Duke of Reinmar Caius Primus, High Pontiff of the Holy Mother Church Leon II, Prince in Reinmar and of Minitz Alfred I, Prince in Reinmar and of Sutica Saint Tylos of Kalden High Pontiff’s Tylos I and Tylos III, And so forth. Once all the paintings have been finished, they will be judged by Mother Josefina and the Reinmaren Barmaid, Annaliese. The winner will receive free drinks as long as they live, with a maximum of three drinks per day—if they wish for more, they have to pay the normal price. The runner-ups, second and third place, will receive three bottles of beer each. WER RASTET, DER ROSTET HER EXCELLENCY, MOTHER JOSEFINA, Prelate of Reinmar, Court Chaplain of the Heather Court ANNALIESE STROHEIM, Owner of Drunken Maiden Tavern

A STORY COMPOSED BY MOTHER JOSEFINA In the year of our Lord, 2009 ONCE STOOD A PROUD KNIGHT, SIR HARIWALD. Those who knew of the proud Knight described him as nothing short of a leader after his successful campaign, where he had defended a neighboring village from a raid of bandits. His orders rang through the other knight's ears, each spear, each sword clashing with every bandit's own. Sir Hariwald cut down the bandit’s leader and dug a spear into another; he and his knights raised their spears in triumph. “Oh, Sir Hariwald, your spear strikes true, and your words were spoken with truth!” The familiar voices of many women praised him as his steed rode him back into the Duchy, where his eyes searched the crowd. “Sir Hariwald!” A boy of thirteen winters, most notably Sir Hariwald’s squire, waved from the crowd where he was accompanied by his two armored companions, who were close to him in age. He stood with a small shield and shortsword in hand, his visor lifted. “Ansegar, squire of mine, gather my sword.” Sir Hariwald held his sword hilt-first toward Ansegar as he sat proudly atop his steed. Meanwhile, the boy said farewell to his companions, sheathed his sword, strapped his shield to his back, and ran to where his knight waited. Once Ansegar collected the Longsword, he saluted to his knight out of respect. Sir Hariwald offered a nod of acknowledgment as he hopped down from his steed, hitching the honorable horse at a nearby post. “Are you going to just stand there? Polish my sword.” His cold gaze turned to Ansegar as he spoke, the squire quickly obliging the order. “When do you plan to make something of yourself, Ansegar? When I was thirteen, I had already hunted a bear and won many sparrings against the squires my age.” Sir Hariwald spat, taking his sword from Ansegar once it had been polished, and sheathed it. “Well, do you task me with hunting a bear?” Ansegar held uncertainty in his voice, but he only wished to please Sir Hariwald. A nod was given to the squire, “Yes, you will hunt a bear,” Another nod was given to the squire, “but surely, you do not need my assistance. Hunting a bear is nothing new for me; I’ve grown bored of babysitting you.” THE LIGHT OF DAWN CREPT OVER THE DUCHY, and both the knight and squire were already seated atop their steeds. Sir Hariwald bid a harsh glance to Ansegar. “Are you ready, boy? This will be far from easy – for you, at least.” Ansegar slowly nodded and set off to ride to the mountainside with his knight. The duo camped all day until a bear made itself known by the river, where the beast feasted on a fish. Ansegar, desperate for praise and full of ambition, charged at the bear with a spear almost as big as himself. Ignoring Sir Hariwald’s warnings, he attempts to thrust the spear forward, and at the bear, but the beast’s massive claws swat the spear off to the side, which knocks Ansegar down in the process. The squire struggles under the bear’s weight, and the bear’s claws tear at the boy’s limbs and finally, deliver a fatal blow to his neck. Sir Hariwald’s selfishness caused him to fire his crossbow too late, striking the bear’s heart and watching it drop dead, but just too late. Ansegar lay upon the dirt with his fatal neck wound and other injuries to accompany it; he was dead before the bear hit the ground. As Sir Hariwald returned in the late evening with Ansegar’s corpse in tow, scowls were given to the knight. The cries of the boy’s mother rang through the air as she sprinted towards the steed and removed her child from it, holding him in her arms. “You never cared to be cautious. As long as you had the squire you dreamed of, that was all that mattered to you!” Ansegar's mother shouted towards Sir Hariwald as she carried the boy away, likely to a place where his body would be prepared for a funeral. Sir Hariwald was stripped of his knighthood the next day and left to sit in a cell, where he would be buried in his shame. The once inspirational knight was frowned upon by all who knew him and heard his story. The tragic story of Sir Hariwald illustrates the knight’s struggle to balance ambition and caution. His pride caused him to not lend an ear to reasons or risks, which costed the life of another. THE END.

Full Name of Man - Robert Tiberius Alstion Date of Birth of Man - 1958 Name of Woman - Klara Braun Date of Birth of Woman - 1978 Location of Ceremony - Temple of Waldenic Martyrs, Reinmar Date of Ceremony (Year) - 2009 Name of Clergyman who performed ceremony - Mother Josefina

THE MASKS OF THE NIGHT DIE MASKEN DER NACHT | THE MASKS OF THE NIGHT Issued by the Court Chaplain In the year of our Lord 2009 ÖHNE UND TÖCHTER VON REINMAR, GREETINGS, O KIN AND STRANGERS, the night of the masquerade ball dawns upon us, and I invite all of Canondom to attend. Everyone is encouraged to attend wearing masks of their choice, according to the colors I will list and their meanings below. CRIMSON The blood of the ancestors, to be worn by those who act on impulse, and those who are passionate. CLEMENTINE The gift of life, to be worn by those with innocence and joy. AMBER The color of light, to be worn by the kind-hearted and those who express timelessness. FOREST The green of the Ferdenwald, to be worn by those who are adventurous and compassionate. CERULEAN The color of the ocean, to be worn by those who are relentless and unforgiving. LAVENDER The purple of a field of lilacs, to be worn by those who are graceful and elegant. The masquerade will take place in the ballroom of the Reinmar Palace, adorned with candles to set the atmosphere. As it gets later into the evening, food and drinks will be served to attendees. With the masks and matching attire, attendees will have the opportunity to find their dance partner. WER RASTET, DER ROSTET HER ROYAL HIGHNESS, FREDERICA, GMSTSR, Princess in Reinmar of Sutica, Duchess of Reinmar, Countess of Freimark and Kretzen, Baroness of Madvon and Freising, Lady of Sankt Johannsburg, Neuberg, Wilheburg, Erwinsburg, Freiburg and Rozenfeld, High Chieftess of the Reinmaren HER ROYAL HIGHNESS, WILHELMINA VON BRANDTHOF, Princess of Minitz, Burgravine-Consort of Langenkirch, Countess-Consort of Neu Brandthof, Viscountess-Consort of Tucay, Baroness-Consort of Sigradz, Hussen, and Boriënwald, Lady of Durres MOTHER, JOSEFINA, Court Chaplain of the Heather Court