RingAroundRosey

Issued the 286th Year of the Second Age by the office of THE HIGH QUEEN As the summer months approach, so does that of a trip outside of homes. Thus, we welcome all to the event to mark such a shift of seasons with a thematic masquerade! Participants are expected to don a nature inspired outfit with a mask, as well as bring along a little trinket to give away to others. THE SOCIAL TOURNAMENT Whether it be flowers, ferns or carved statues of nature’s make - most anything can stand as a trinket to give guests. Guests are tasked to make a token along with their themed outfit, to give to those they deem worthy of offering good and plenty conversation. By the end of the night, whoever holds the most individual tokens in their grasp - shall be given the title of victor of this social tournament. Eligible of winning a mina prize or a tailored outfit of their choosing HER ROYAL MAJESTY, Tari-Ashael Malôs Harren Arthalion, by the blessing of Aeradar, High Queen of Idunia, Chiefess of the Númenedain and the Tribe of Harren, Defender of the Númenaranyë, Sovereign of Alduun, Master of the Sharadûn, Protector of the Adunians, Knight of the Realm, Ascendant of Orodaeglir, Trailbearer of Tar-Númenetâr, Slayer of Gralhîw HER LADYSHIP, Elenydd Îdhaliel Sulcelia Glennmaer of House Glennmaer, Ascendant of Orodaeglir, The Tari’s Nárhînil

Uhhh... guys get the Lord Of The HR Manager on the line we have a major PR issue. Spoopy just accepted my vacation request too... 💔

"My, how beautiful she shall be." The consort of Avar would murmur aloud. She held no worry about the needing of a male heir. For in her heart she knew the male child shall belong to Saint Godwinsburg. But a daughter shall be Diane's.

A missive would be passed along the streets of Man - the certain cousin having a skip in her step and a song on her lips. The paper was scented with floral perfume...

PENNED ON THE 16TH OF SUN’S SMILE, 279 S.A. TO THE PEOPLE OF IDUNIA, For many moons did our youngest, Elenydd Glennmaer, wish to showcase the beauty of our lands and the strength in our hearts. The beauty of our homeland was easier to reveal, but the strength could take on many different meanings. For this event, strength shall be proven through valor and competition. Two contests in which Lady Glennmaer wishes to test the population. One shall be a contest of archery. The other shall be that of a joust. The eve will consist in that order. All are encouraged to compete, from young and old to those from every reach of Idunia and the Empire. Each victor shall be awarded a two hundred mina prize, or the choice of a custom tailored fit by the lady herself. INVITATIONS are extended to the following: HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, TAR-ZȎRZAGAR ARGELION ANORION HARREN ARTHALION, High King of Idunia, and his royal pedigree THE HONORABLE AND RIGHTEOUS HOUSES OF, HOUSE VOURKEHARDT, and their pedigree HOUSE MITHRENION, and their pedigree HOUSE CALLAGHAN, and their pedigree HOUSE O’ROURKE, and their pedigree HOUSE SARKOZIC, and their pedigree HOUSE TEMESCH, and their pedigree HOUSE COLBORN, and their pedigree HOUSE MARSYR, and their pedigree HOUSE EULER, and their pedigree THE GOOD AND HONORABLE KNIGHTS OF ALDUUN and its vassals ARCHDUKE JOSEPH TEMESCH & ARCHDUCHESS MAGDALENA ANASTASYA PRINCE DIETRICH OTTO SULCELIA MAYAN VULNRITH PRINCESS MATTEA ASADHA PRINCESS ARDIRNIEN NARTHADIA ARTHALION LADY AZRUPHȆL MITHRENION SER VIAGO VOURKEHARDT SER HELEDD GLENNMAER SER SAELIND VOURKEHARDT SER CASTAMIR MITHRENION LADY ELISE CALLAGHAN LADY MEDLIEL MITHRENION LADY AGARIEL STAHL-ELENDIL LADY AURIS VOURKEHARDT CARDINAL NERIUM MAIRENN IDREIUS VAZ’RIK TENIVRI NYRA TENIVRI MILOSH SARKOZIC LADY EININ LADY RHOSYN HEILWIG UTHYR LADY SLOANE KUNYA PACHAKUTIQ LORD DUNCAN BARUCH LAURA YUSUF BASRID ALEXEI VAR RUTHERN MATYAS AMADOR VASILIYA AMADOR LORD BEOWULF COLBORN BEATRICE LORD CASSIAN VALKONEN LORD LORENS MARCEL D'ASTURIAS THE LOVED ONES OF INVITEES THE PEOPLE OF TIR-GLAS THE PEOPLE OF PETRA THE PEOPLE OF VIRU THE PEOPLE OF THE EMPIRE OF MAN SIGNED, HER HIGHNESS, Lady Sascha Glennmaer Princess and Squire of the Dawn, Firefly of Tir-Glas, Protector of the Aldtree HIS HIGHNESS, Lord Bohdan Glennmaer Prince-Consort of Tir-Glas HIS LORDSHIP, Lord Aled-Âeghad Glennmaer Squire of the Dawn HER LADYSHIP, Lady Elenydd Glennmaer HER LADYSHIP, Lady Mediwyn Glennmaer

Konstanze is DEFINITELY a peach girlie. Elenydd would like the spammy annoying characters like kirby and nes (# I am a nes truther). Rena would be a pikachu or Captain Olimar person. :>

BY OUR BLOOD, WE SHALL RISE ISSUED BY THE ON THE 16TH OF DRAGON’S ROAR, IN THE AGE OF ASCENSION, 639. ༻──────────────────────────────────༺☨༻──────────────────────────────────༺ [Depicted above is Lady Konstanze and her childhood friend, Fräulein Pika] ༻─────────────────────────༺ WITH GREAT PRIDE DO WE ANNOUNCE yet another noble coming of age. Lady KONSTANZE VALENTINA VON AUGUSTEN calls upon the realm to come together in our borough of Steinwal within the grand city of St. Godwinsburg, with a peculiar pair of competitions in celebration of her nameday. THE FIRST COMPETITION will consist of a bracket-style brawl. Warriors from across the Imperial realm are welcomed and encouraged to bring their best combat skills in a showcase for all. May the best in strategy and skill win. Any warrior who reveals anything of dishonorable conduct shall be promptly disqualified. THE SECOND COMPETITION will consist of a bake-off! Bakers, aspiring bakers, or novices are called upon to create their best work of pie. Whether it contains that of fruits, chocolate, or other sweet treats within its filling and all kinds of golden crusts! Pies shall be submitted to the Lady KONSTANZE, as she and her kin shall judge on the winner. THE WINNERS OF SHALL have a prize of 100 minae each, and all will be encouraged to stay for the announcement of winners, as an extra surprise shall occur. ༻──────────────────────────────────༺☨༻──────────────────────────────────༺ THE MARGRAVATE OF SCHWYZ CORDIALLY INVITES, ༻──────────────────────────────────────༺ THE EMPEROR OF MAN, HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY, HADRIAN I, and his Imperial Household. THE ARCHDUCHY OF ALBA, HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS, EDWARD ALSTION, Archduke of Alba, and his royal household. THE RIGHT HONORABLE, GEORGE ALDERSBERG, Earl of Dover, and his noble household. THE RIGHT HONORABLE, CONSTANCE DEVERAUX, Countess of Trier, and her noble household. HIS LORDSHIP, HENRI HALCOURT, Baron of Artois, and his noble household. HIS LORDSHIP, ADRIAN HELVETS, Baron of Owynsburg, and his noble household. THE WALDENIC DIET, HIS PRINCELY HIGHNESS, SIEGFRIED BARCLAY, Prince of Reinmar, and his princely household. HIS HIGHNESS, FRIEDRICH VON ALSTREIM, The Elector of Merryweather, and his noble household. HER GRACE, KARLA VON THEONUS, Duchess of Vohenheim, and her noble household. HERR, MANFRED VON BERKHOVEN, Ritterkommandant of the Vander Knights, and his pedigree. PERSONAL INVITATIONS, HIS IMPERIAL HIGHNESS, MARCUS TIBERIAS, Crown-Prince of Man, and his imperial household. HIS IMPERIAL HIGHNESS, MAXIMILLIAN CAIUS, Duke of Avar, and his royal household. HIS PRINCELY HIGHNESS, CASSIUS MARENO, Prince of Myrine, and his princely household. HIS PRINCELY HIGHNESS, MARTIUS VAN AERT, Prince of Blackvale, and his princely household. HIS GRACE, HEINRIK LUDOVAR, Duke of Kvasz, and his noble household. HIS GRACE, EAROSLAV ROSTOVA, Duke of Krukiv, and his noble household. HIS GRACE, DUNCAN BARUCH, Duke of Valwyck, and his noble household. THE RIGHT HONORABLE, LOTHAR D’AMAURY, Count of Metz, and his noble household. THE RIGHT HONORABLE, EZRA DE SENNA, Count of Edessa, and his noble household. THE RIGHT HONORABLE, NUVILTA WHITEWOOD, Countess of Silasia, and her noble household. THE HONOURABLE, LORELEI ENSWERP, Viscountess of Rethel, and her noble household. HER LADYSHIP, VASILIA GALAHAR, Baroness of Ghaestenwald, and her noble household. HIS LORDSHIP, ANTONIUS HELANE, Baron of Valmont, and his noble household. HIS LORDSHIP, HENRI CARNELLE, and his noble household. MEISTER, NICCOLÒ DI ROSAVENA, and his household. MEISTER, RICHARD VON RHOLSWALD, and his household. MEISTER, KRISTOFF AMADOR, and his household. MEISTER, ROTHWIN ALDOR, and his household. MEISTER, SEBASTIEN JEAN-CHASTEL, and his household. MEISTER, KATO KOUKAI, and his household. All friendly within the realm of Man. ༻──────────────────────────────────༺☨༻──────────────────────────────────༺ O’ ALMIGHTY AND ETERNAL GOTT, WE PRAY, ༻─────────────────────────༺ Look with favor upon Your servant, Lady Konstanze von Augusten, Who on this day enters adulthood beneath Your eternal gaze. May she walk always in faith and honor, Holding fast to compassion, integrity, and truth. Grant her wisdom in judgment, courage in all endeavors, And the strength to persevere in every path she undertakes. Let her life reflect loyalty, dignity, and grace, And may her actions bring unity and pride to her House. Through Your mercy, now and forevermore. AMEN. ✠ GOTT SEGNE ✠ ༻──────────────────────────────────༺☨༻──────────────────────────────────༺ His Excellency, SIR KONSTANTIN LEON VON AUGUSTEN, Margrave of Schwyz, Earl of Konstanz, Count of Hohengarten, Lord of Fritzbrook, Patriarch of the House of Augusten, Elector of Hohengarten, Ritter of the Reformed Vandorian Order and the Order of the Black Eagle, Lord Receiver-General of Man. His Excellency, PARZIVAL EMMERICH VON AUGUSTEN, Viscount of Azor, Lord-Exchequer of Alba, Sergeant of the Prince’s Army, Heir Apparent to House von Augusten Her Ladyship, KONSTANZE VALENTINA VON AUGUSTEN.

BY OUR BLOOD, WE SHALL RISE ISSUED BY THE ON THE 11TH OF HOREN’S CALLING, IN THE AGE OF ASCENSION, 633. ༻──────────────────────────────────༺☨༻──────────────────────────────────༺ A hunter surveying the forests of Konstanz RECENTLY, THE FORESTS NEAR KONSTANZ HAVE EXPERIENCED OVERGRAZING. With this and the looming threat of the winter blizzard moving towards our beloved city, I, Lady KONSTANZE VON AUGUSTEN, along with the aid of my mother’s Ward, MISS AURELIAN, have put together a hunt. Fixing both problems in one fun filled experience, with plenty of pelts for the citizens to keep warm! During the hunt we will give instruction on the game to be hunted. It will feature small game (Rabbit), a couple of groups of medium game (fox and beaver) and a chance for large game. All will come with a system of points, and a time limit as to not take more from the land than what is needed! THE WINNER WILL BE AWARDED with a choice of either a custom hunting bow or garments made from one of our own tailors, and a prize of one hundred and fifty mina! ⋆ ݁. ˖ 𖠰 ݁↟𐂂 ݁↟𖠰 ˖ . ݁⋆ ༻──────────────────────────────────༺☨༻──────────────────────────────────༺ THE MARGRAVATE OF SCHWYZ CORDIALLY INVITES, ༻──────────────────────────────────────༺ THE EMPEROR OF MAN, HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY, HADRIAN I, and his Imperial Household. THE ARCHDUCHY OF ALBA, HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS, EDWARD ALSTION, Archduke of Alba, and his noble household. THE RIGHT HONORABLE, GEORGE ALDERSBERG, Earl of Dover, and his noble household. THE RIGHT HONORABLE, CONSTANCE DEVERAUX, Countess of Trier, and her noble household. HIS LORDSHIP, HENRI HALCOURT, Baron of Artois, and his noble household. HIS LORDSHIP, ADRIAN HELVETS, Baron of Owynsburg, and his noble household. THE WALDENIC DIET, HIS PRINCELY HIGHNESS, ERWIN BARCLAY, Prince of Reinmar, and his princely household. HIS HIGHNESS, FRIEDRICH VON ALSTREIM, The Elector of Merryweather, and his noble household. HER GRACE, KARLA VON THEONUS, Duchess of Vohenheim, and her noble household. HERR, MANFRED VON BERKHOVEN, Ritterkommandant of the Vander Knights, and his pedigree. PERSONAL INVITATIONS, HIS IMPERIAL HIGHNESS, MAXIMILLIAN CAIUS, Duke of Avar, and his royal household. HIS PRINCELY HIGHNESS, CASSIUS MARENO, Prince of Myrine, and his princely household. HIS PRINCELY HIGHNESS, MARTIUS VAN AERT, Prince of Blackvale, and his princely household. HIS GRACE, HEINRIK LUDOVAR, Duke of Kvasz, and his noble household. HIS GRACE, EAROSLAV ROSTOVA, Duke of Krukiv, and his noble household. HER GRACE, MATHILDE OF SCHWYZ, Duchess-consort of Valwyck, and her noble household. THE RIGHT HONORABLE, LOTHAR D’AMAURY, Count of Metz, and his noble household. HER LADYSHIP, VASILIA GALAHAR, Baroness of Ghaestenwald, and her noble household. HIS LORDSHIP, ARTURAS WHITEWOOD, Baron of Silasia, and his noble household. HER LADYSHIP, LORELEI ENSWERP, Baroness of Rethel, and her noble household. HIS LORDSHIP, TOMAS VON KANUNSBERG, and his noble pedigree. HERR, RICHARD VON RHOLSWALD, and his household. FRAU, ARIANWEN OF WHITE-RIVER, and her household. HERR SILAS & FRAU ELIZABETH, and their household. All friendly within the realm of Man. ༻──────────────────────────────────༺☨༻──────────────────────────────────༺ O’ ALMIGHTY AND ETERNAL GOTT, WE PRAY, ༻─────────────────────────༺ Bless the forests near Konstanz and the hands of Your servants, Lady KONSTANZE VON AUGUSTEN und Miss AURELIAN, Who seek to restore balance through the hunt. Grant that the game be taken with wisdom and care, Providing warmth and skill to Your people, And honoring the life You have placed upon this land. Bless the winner with their prize, and let all hearts grow in courage, virtue, and joy. O’ Eternal Gott, guide us, protect the land, And keep us mindful of Your grace, now and forevermore. AMEN. ✠ GOTT SEGNE ✠ ༻──────────────────────────────────༺☨༻──────────────────────────────────༺ His Excellency, SIR KONSTANTIN LEON VON AUGUSTEN. Margrave of Schwyz, Earl of Konstanz, Count of Hohengarten, Lord of Fritzbrook, Patriarch of the House of Augusten, Elector of Hohengarten, Ritter of the Reformed Vandorian Order and the Order of the Black Eagle, Lord Receiver-General and Imperial Archivist of Man. Her Ladyship, KONSTANZE VALENTINA VON AUGUSTEN. Miss AURELIAN.

"Tuvmas! My... it has been some time since I have celebrated..." A man would hum walking the snowy roads of the North. Memories of his family and the warmth of the past keeps the cold from chilling his bones.

BY OUR BLOOD, WE SHALL RISE ISSUED BY THE ON THE 19TH OF SUN'S SMILE, IN THE AGE OF ASCENSION, 630. ༻──────────────────────────────────༺☨༻──────────────────────────────────༺ WE CALL UPON THE REALM FOR CELEBRATION. Upon a quiet eve our daughter, Lady KONSTANZE VALENTINA VON AUGUSTEN, rushed in with energy. She spoke of hearing the ladies within the court hosting special parties, with snacks and tea. At the time she was too young to host such a vision of grandeur but has since achieved the mind of responsibility to do such. She has conjured up some competition to spice up this more traditional party. Two contests with the winner earning an outfit of their choosing by one of our family’s seamstresses. The first competition will be one of taste testing. The judges and our daughter shall pick the winning dish. Only those who make their own food shall be allowed in the competition! If you get help from a family member or good friend - that is allowed within the rules for this contest. The second competition will be a contest of fashion. Whoever is the best dressed by the judges decision shall be deemed the winner. These outfits must be of your own make or own commissioned tailor! No freely used garbs shall be deemed allowed. It will be based best on fashion and character, not by the value of the silks. GUESTS ARE ASKED TO BRING a favorite snack or treat from their home and their best outfit, but it is not required to join in on the fun! ༻──────────────────────────────────༺☨༻──────────────────────────────────༺ THE VISCOUNTY OF AZOR CORDIALLY INVITES, ༻──────────────────────────────────────༺ THE EMPEROR OF MAN, HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY, TIBERIAS I, and his Imperial Household. THE ARCHDUCHY OF ALBA, HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS, EDWARD ALSTION, Archduke of Alba, and his noble household. THE RIGHT HONORABLE, GEORGE ALDERSBERG, Earl of Dover, and his noble household. THE RIGHT HONORABLE, CONSTANCE DEVERAUX, Countess of Trier, and her noble household. HIS LORDSHIP, HENRI HALCOURT, Baron of Artois, and his noble household. HIS LORDSHIP, ADRIAN HELVETS, Baron of Owynsburg, and his noble household. THE WALDENIC DIET, HIS PRINCELY HIGHNESS, ERWIN BARCLAY, Prince of Reinmar, and his princely household. HIS HIGHNESS, FRIEDRICH VON ALSTREIM, The Elector of Merryweather, and his noble household. HER GRACE, KARLA VON THEONUS, Duchess of Vohenheim, and her noble household. HERR, MANFRED VON BERKHOVEN, Ritterkommandant of the Vander Knights, and his pedigree. PERSONAL INVITATIONS, HIS IMPERIAL HIGHNESS, MAXIMILLIAN CAIUS, Duke of Avar, and his royal household. HIS PRINCELY HIGHNESS, CASSIUS MARENO, Prince of Myrine, and his princely household. HIS PRINCELY HIGHNESS, MARTIUS VAN AERT, Prince of Blackvale, and his princely household. HIS GRACE, HEINRIK LUDOVAR, Duke of Kvasz, and his noble household. HIS GRACE, EAROSLAV ROSTOVA, Duke of Krukiv, and his noble household. HER GRACE, MATHILDE OF SCHWYZ, Duchess-consort of Valwyck, and her noble household. THE RIGHT HONORABLE, EZRA DE SENNA, Count of Edessa, and his noble household. HER LADYSHIP, VASILIA GALAHAR, Baroness of Ghaestenwald, and her noble household. HIS LORDSHIP, ARTURAS WHITEWOOD, Baron of Silasia, and his noble household. HER LADYSHIP, LORELEI ENSWERP, Baroness of Rethel, and her noble household. HIS LORDSHIP, TOMAS VON KANUNSBERG, and his noble pedigree. HER LADYSHIP, ESFIR D’ARKENT, and her noble household. HIS LORDSHIP, GODWIN KARL, and his noble household. MEISTER, RICHARD VON RHOLSWALD, and his household. FRAU, ARIANWEN OF WHITE-RIVER, and her household. MEISTER, SILAS & FRAU ELIZABETH, and their household. All those friendly and willing of a nice snack and tea! ༻──────────────────────────────────༺☨༻──────────────────────────────────༺ O’ ALMIGHTY AND ETERNAL GOTT, WE PRAY, ༻─────────────────────────༺ O'lord, the gifts of joy, celebration and merriment are yours unto us, thy faithful. Though you call to us to be industrious, to never falter in our vigilance and toil, you also bless us with rest and festivity. Upon this day, we graciously celebrate the splendours of life, the wine of the grape, and the fruit of the tree, the song of the people. Bless us, O' he who reigns from the Skies, that we may share our humble joys with thee and thy Exalted. In Nomine Dei, et Exaltus Honorem, Amen. AMEN. ✠ GOTT SEGNE ✠ ༻──────────────────────────────────༺☨༻──────────────────────────────────༺ The Honourable, ANASTASIA OKSANA OF KVASZ. Viscountess-consort of Azor, Imperial Steward and Clerk of Man. Her Ladyship, KONSTANZE VALENTINA VON AUGUSTEN. His Excellency, PARZIVAL EMMERICH VON AUGUSTEN Viscount D’Azor, Lord-Exchequer of Alba, Lord-Speaker of the Witenmot, Sergeant of the Prince’s Army, Heir Apparent to House von Augusten

A portrait of Kato Choumi . ܁₊ ⊹ . 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟 ࣪ ˖. ⊹ ₊ ܁. A once Apothecary and Geisha felt crunches of bramble from her foot fall. The calling of fauna and the scent of local flora. She had wandered how long now? More than the few days she had meant to. But it was quiet here. She clutched in her hands letters separated by twine, most written in that of her handwriting. A trial given to her, and in a poetic way she had only completed something of the first half. A different letter was folded, held close to her chest for a moment. She recalls the time spent wandering about Aevos. The people she got to meet, become close with. Those she lost contact with, those she would be leaving behind. She’d murmur that of apologies as the notes were carried off, a choice made final some hours prior. A heavy heart, but light feet she’d press onward. Strides that turn from walking to leaping. Crimson kimono fluttering behind her like the falling leaves. A last dance of sorts. A particular apothecary would be missing some of his stock. She wouldn’t be seen or heard from again, fading away into the story of the new homeland. . ܁₊ ⊹ . 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟 ࣪ ˖. ⊹ ₊ ܁. The following letters would be sent out to their individual recipient(s): To Mother, Father, and Uncle To Brother To my Nieces To my Nephew Hina and Yuki Ehiba Saelind Hanzo Rouxi Yosuke, Natsuki, and Sadao

Konstanze tugs on her father's sleeve, very much wanting him to read it to her.

The rain beat down with vigor. She had been standing in the streets of a foreign city, new from the ones she would visit in her youth. Looming architecture of stone, a novel thing to spy upon. Waiting for someone to return. Waiting for the returned separate letter of a dead man. Instead she got a letter whispering of grief. She didn't believe it. She didn't remember how she fled the city. How she ran far into the woods. She wouldn't stop running until she couldn't breathe. Until her legs ached. Deep in the woods, the moon looming far above her head. She did something she rarely, if not ever, did. She screamed. She screamed until her throat burned.

Haunting the lands of the North, does a young man continue his search. He had searched everywhere, he was starting to lose hope. He didn't want to come to the terms of a truth. A truth he did not yet fully know - a letter he didn't wish to write. What would he do, if he were to learn the truth of his father? The once boy, now man, who was a mirror. Blessed with the hues of his mother and the face of his father. It was always a pride point. But now he couldn't stand to look at himself. "Oh mighty GODAN, please - aid my soul. Give me strength. Help me find what I am searching so desperately for." He'd plead. Eventually he would come to rest. Knelt at a church with a simple prayer. Damned to be a wayward son. ⁺‧₊˚ ཐི⋆🕯⋆ཋྀ ˚₊‧⁺ A faux angel wades through fields of lilac. She doesn't recall why she was there, why the place was important. Why she had eventually wandered up the mountain, to pick at the Edelweiss. Where she had once bore witness to the funeral of a father figure. A memory floats along the wind... The lady Weiss had watched her nephew with pride. Saw how he grew in all ways. She told him of an old saying, as they sat near the burning funeral pyre. "Seven crows is a good omen. Did you know I saw them on the day of your birth. You, dear, will be something great." Her mind now gone, but the love she had never faded. Tears drip down her face. She does not remember why they don't cease. But that feeling will continue on, forever. ⁺‧₊˚ ཐི⋆🕯⋆ཋྀ ˚₊‧⁺ Somewhere, an aging bard pours one out for her favorite cousin. She sings songs of warriors in his honor.

The Leuven remembers that knock on the door. How still the city was. A terrified woman with three babes, only one being able to walk. She ushered them in, asked what was going on. The woman could only tremble as she asked for her husband. Louna tucked the babes in for safety and they waited. The woman once a symbol of rebirth to her, the older sister she never got in blood. She took care of the kids, the hours ticking past. She waited for her Queen to come back. Another came instead to care for the young. Where was her Queen? She waited. She's waiting still. ... A young man wanders the North. A walking corpse from his sleepless nights. Brambles and twigs follows his path. He calls out for his father. There is no response.

. ܁₊ ⊹ . ࣪ ﹏ 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟 ﹏ ࣪ ˖. ⊹ ₊ ܁. [!] A young Maiko scans the area she had wandered towards. An open field just out of reach of the plight of war. It was quiet here, the flora bloomed in bright colors and the fauna buzzed about with vigor. A seemingly simple task, one that she had been putting off, to write about nature. Never was she well attuned to her emotions, nor did she feel she was that great of writer at all. But especially so when it came to writing about how she felt. This specific prompt that the Geisha gave to her thus proved difficult. However, after overthinking far too long - she started to listen. Finally, does she pick up her ink and brush. True Nature By 加藤 蝶海 Blurred lines be that of man and nature Once intertwined so deeply Now severed, Burned from ambition And still do few strings of thread stay affixed Little ways do we stay connected to what was For I see the radiant birdsong in the voice of her The oak tree’s strength in the passion of him Roots spreading far and wide in traditions not yet lost to time They float along the breeze, Kept safe by the memory of them Footsteps upon soil, Blood upon the snow Years go by, Centuries pass Man continues to reach for abstract greatness Yet our true nature, Buried deep down Never faded 𓋼𓍊𖤣𖥧‪𖡼‬𖥧𖤣𓍊𓋼 A delay from the young Kato, looking towards the horizon where the Sakura reached for the heavens. Scarred and burnt, but still standing. A smile as subtle as the curve of petals in a meadow. She hopes her teacher will like it. . ܁₊ ⊹ . ࣪ ﹏ 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟 ﹏ ࣪ ˖. ⊹ ₊ ܁.

MC Name: RingAroundRosey Discord: ringaroundrosey Image: Description of Image: An portrait detailing the Knight of Vigilance , made by a Maiko Dimensions: 2 high and 1 wide.

The sound of strings float along the winds of wisteria petals. Kato Choumi, an engineer of the arts, was hard at work.

Within this village of crows, a song could be heard upon the wind. From the warmth inside the tavern does it float upon falling snow. Paired with the strumming of a celestial lute does the bard find her voice again.

Happy Pride month everyone! Let us rejoice and celebrate everyone and what makes us all special. Know that you are loved, and not alone ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

"I hope you peace and happiness, sister." The woman with the white streak would murmur upon reading the missive. A smile finding her features, whistling as she heads towards the markets.

The doe stands watch, fawns running about the wilds. They do not know the rage or grief of their mother because she did not allow it to seep through. Her husband told her just to drop it, that there was no use in investigating after they learned the truth of his disease. His face left scarred, an eye that could never be cured. But that old rage, the rage that lit when they first were called 'oath breakers'. The same rage when her home was taken, when her sister never turned back. "One day, Man will learn the consequence of playing God."

MC Name: RingAroundRosey Discord: ringaroundrosey Image: Description of Image: A Leuven Family portrait pixelized Dimensions: 3 wide 2 high

“It’s cold outside, today.” The first bit of normal conversation, after her world had completely unraveled. Was it suppose to be some sort of divine punishment? Did God taunt her with tragedy? First it was her kingdom, then it was her barony, and now it was both of her parents. A heavy weight for anyone to take on, but even more so for the woman who had never felt true grief. Never has she had to grieve that which has left this realm. It felt like she was burning. A panic from her family as they had not heard from their parents. Her sister having left a hole in her heart with her departure but the seriousness of the situation was known above all else. They went out searching for them and unfortunately found the truth. “Behold, the new matriarch of House van Leuven.” The ring that her own mother had worn tossed and caught by her. The world started to spin. All she could smell was the rot, and her throat only caught that of ash and soot. Her gaze found that of blazing flames as it reached out to consume her too. She doesn’t recall when she had fallen to her knees, as she stared to the ring. She didn’t see that of a house heirloom, instead - she saw her mother murmuring the wisdom of the past. She saw her mother placing her hauchmetvas gift upon her neck and noting the pride she felt for her heiress. She saw her father’s valiant optimism and reassurance. She saw her father offering that of a sword and dagger dressed in the symbols of her family. She saw her mother’s golden hair to which she would envy for a lifetime, and she saw the crow’s hair that was shared between father and daughter. Now, she only saw their bones. “Recognize me van Leuven - I warned them as I warn you, your time is nigh. Fight if you wish but it shall be futile…learn from this that I am inevitable.” A haunting voice floating along winds which carried the whispers of murder. She couldn’t hear it well. With all of the arguing of the Leuven men, the attempted comfort of the Colborn, the shocked words of a sister, the pity of a knight, and the wilt of a Kortrevich - there was something that pierced the atmosphere above all of that. The ear-splitting wails of a once fawn, the sound of grief. It deafened her to everything else. The moon could only weep. ⋆˖⁺‧₊☽◯☾₊‧⁺˖⋆

A newly titled Baroness scans the missive times over as she rocks gently in the chair. A bit to her left was her partner and in front of her, her daughter. Both in a deep slumber, nothing but quiet snores and the creaking of the wood floors. She would smile and whisper a small "Thank you, mother. I will do my best - I promise." Amidst all the conflict, there was hope. The small mercies in life.