cruzazul
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Posts posted by cruzazul
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12 hours ago, Sorcerio said:
An old and weary man would squint at the missive, humming to himself as he stroked his graying beard. “Perhaps...” he told himself, taking one of the applications to sign.
((mcname: Olroxx))
((discord: pundimonium#9142))
Name: Alfius
Age: ~85. Old yet maddened by his vast experiences.
Relevant experience: “Well, I’m old. That means I know a lot. And I’m wise - I think.” were all that was written upon the application.
A missive is sent to Alfius, following it denotes an address to the school’s headquarters. “Your application has been processed. I am elated to converse with a gentleman with such a wealth of experience in this world. You may seek me out at the school headquarters with Helena.” -Duarte de Antunyes; 8 Anpalais Lane
1 -
Duarte, busy charting constellations on the Northern coast with his astral students hears word of his nomination and the subsequent meeting he’s squandered. He hurriedly makes way to the capital to swear his oath, proceeding to tally his vote in favor of Frederick Armas to the Office of Intelligence.
4 -
Duarte is happy to see his friend enjoying such a fruitful tenure in the Senate. “She is truly a representation of what we all should strive for in this great empire.”
3 -
*An artists representation of the events that took place is scribed below*
3 -
“I blame the court mages, smells like magic to me! Damned magic missiles!” Duarte complains to whomever cared to listen.
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23 hours ago, Boruto said:
An old stargazer of the past generation finds intrigue in the letter, applauding that such an esteemed craft, once lost, now thrives in the school’s establishment.
((mcname: boruto))
((discord: callisto#6280))
- Name: Emreis var Lindenvale
- Age: 106, on the brink of death itself as he lies bedridden on his sickly cradle – only occasionally finding the strength to merely walk and converse on matters of. . ah, what hogswash. the old man can barely make speech.
- Relevant experience: claims to have peered beyond the corporeal veil, and uncovered things better left unseen -- lest damnation be brought upon its curious seer. and damnation he had wrought. the poor, weakly thing, even death had shunned him.
The application – barring the signature – had evidently been filled by another hand, there being such great difference in the quality of handwriting.
A letter is dispatched via courier to Emreis “Your application has been accepted on the grounds that I am already familiar with your person. Please seek me out in Helena to go over pre expedition protocol.” -Duarte
7 hours ago, Arundlt said:Tovelm of Morsgrad thinks fondly on the times when the night sky is the only compass he had to follow. Tovelm had been taught how to read, write, and speak multiple forms of language in his time in Arcas, and he always wanted to learn more about what he can see. The sky is the limit of what we can see, might as well learn to read it as well.
((mcname: Arundlt))
((discord: cobbler#0001))
-Name: Tovelm of Morsgrad
-Age: 29
-Relevant Experience: Though by pure accident, Tovelm had used the stars to guide himself to Morsgrad. He pushes himself to learn more about the world around him so he isn’t a bother to anybody.
A letter is sent via courier to the residence of Tovelm “Your application has been processed, please send word to myself ((cruzazul)) to begin your interview. I hope to see you soon!” -Duarte
3 hours ago, giambro said:((mcname: giambro))
((discord: giambroof#0268))
Name: Finn Vyronov
Age: 9
Relevant experience: Loves stargazing!
“Your application has been processed. Due to your age we will be unable to give you a formal job, however, you may work as a matelot until the date of your fourteenth birthday. Any tasks given beforehand will go towards your advancement within the school, so do not fret!.” -Duarte
3 hours ago, Dyl said:((mcname: Romboo))
((disc: Dyl#5096))
Name: Jahan Basrid
Age: 30
Relevant experience: I have a full understanding of the Rhenyari Zodiac, being able to tell which signs a person was born under and what traits would be attributed to them. I often find myself looking upon the celestial bodies as my ancestors had, and many times I am dumbfounded with how magnificent they are.
“Your application has been accepted on the grounds that I am already familiar with your person. Please seek me out in Helena to go over pre expedition protocol.” -Duarte
1 -
Duarte hopes to form an agreement with the baker to allow his Meridian dishes to be sold.
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4 hours ago, Cracker said:
Between great affairs of state, Simon Basrid indulged in his ancestral hobby.
((mcname: dibbo9))
((discord: dibbo#3625))
Name: Simon Basrid
Age: 49
Relevant Experience: The tradition is maintained among all aristocrats of my homeland. I am eager to practice among colleagues.
2 hours ago, ARCHITECUS said:An avid stargazer of mystic quality since his young years, Peter III is drawn to this posting.
((mcname: Architecus))
((discord: Alty#7308))
Name: Peter III
Age: 41
Relevant Experience: [redacted]
43 minutes ago, Jentos said:((mcname:Jentos))
((discord:Jentos#6646))
Name: Jean
Age: 23
Relevant experience: Fir Schoolman of Saint-Loup, Province of Reyn, Aeldin.
A missive is sent to all four applicants.
“Your applications have been processed and a representative of the school with be in contact with you posthaste.” -Duarte de Antunyes
1 -
The Astral Anomaly; School of the Stars
“Through God’s decree, phenomenal events are created. By His will day falls into night, and the heaven’s shimmer amid an abyss of darkness. God created all beings, assigning them to their allowances. Through the stars one might find the thesis of life, if he knows where to look.”
-Duarte I de Antunyes, Meridian progenitor and Sibyl
PREFACE-
Through the study of stars the mind allows one to reflect upon life, whether it be their own, or one they hold dear to them. Through an outside perception astrology is viewed as a science, but at its core it is much more. The celestial sphere is a physical ball perfectly circular, and so is everything contained therein at all times and in all states.
For those who wish to gain the knowledge of the philosophers and to understand and ponder their secrets, know that you must first diligently search their books, in which the great wonders of their art can be found, and seek to discover the wonderful science of the astral plane. Through expeditionary means there are so many new discoveries to be made. Data has been lost for centuries, with hardly any astrological findings being made public for many reasons, most centered around greed and nepotism. First of all, you must understand that this science has been studied and kept secret by philosophers for centuries, and they have not wished to disclose it to humanity. They prefer it clandestine, and whatever had been shared to the masses was phrased in secret words, and through arbitrary signs and similitudes, as though they spoke of other sciences. And they did this on account of their honesty and goodness, because if this science were revealed to all humanity, the universe would be thrown into confusion. And it was for this reason that they spoke of it figuratively, that no one would be able to obtain it unless this science was first revealed to them.
This precedent is innately wrong, and subjects the common man to a life of mystery, with no hope of attaining the knowledge of the beyond. The school’s purpose is to put an end to this intrigue, and allow everyone to search into the skies to find answers of their own.
OUR MISSION-
Through intense reflection questions beyond are decipherable. With the application of science philosophers of the School of the Stars have begun to map out such mysteries. Maritime expeditions, and the charting of unknown sea routes enable Meridian astrologists to get ever closer to these questions of import. Astrology in essence is divided into specific angles and anomalies. With the risk perpetuated culturally from the study of astrology the art has been sorely lost on many. The goal of the school is to learn all we can of these anomalies, so that it may enlighten us and future generations of the world. Clandestine policy on wonders so fruitful is abhorrent and a major deterrent to scientific advancement.
Method-
The method for observing celestial bodies involves perilous sea expeditions to locations optimal for astral viewing. On these missions many constellations will be charted. All of the information gathered will be assorted by actuaries and scientists of the school, so that it may be spread to the masses. There are a plethora of roles available for aspiring members, ranging from matelot positions, to esteemed philosophers and scientists. In order to apply for the school you must sign up at the headquarters in Helena, Oren. In order to schedule an interview please fill out the form below:
((mcname:))
((discord:))
Name:
Age:
Relevant experience:
We at the school hope to see you on our next expedition!
-Duarte de Antunyes, Headmaster
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SURNAME: de Antunyes
FIRST NAME: Duarte
ADDRESS OF RESIDENCE: 6 Sabo’s SquareDATE OF BIRTH: 1729
Are you registered and eligible to vote in the province of Kaedrin?: Yes
Do you have any other title, peerage or public service that may conflict with becoming an Imperial Senator, as per the Edict of Establishment (1736) or Edict of Election (1736)?: No
If yes, do you understand that you will be required to resign or abdicate from this position should you be elected to the Imperial Senate, and if this does not occur your seat shall be considered to be vacant?: Yes
((MC NAME)): cruzazul
3 -
Duarte, although not Curonian supports his ally Lady Rutledge.
1 -
“A very fair edict. This Mayor seems a competent man.” Duarte quips as he delivers his furniture to his newly purchased home.
3 -
The Ascension of Duarte
In a deserted part of the rock-bound Asulian coast, a poor fisherman, barely five feet in height, skin ivoried by the coastal sun. Too eclectic to be of descendant origin, a giller from a foreign culture. He identifies as ‘Duarte’ (or Edward in common tongue. Amid one of his nautical expeditions he comes across a lovely maiden, magnificently dressed, polishing her long jet-black hair with a golden comb studded in diamonds.
It was still early morning, and the sun had not attained its greatest power; and as the tide was at its lowest, an innumerable number of ponds were formed by the rocks which, for a distance of half a mile, were left bare by the receding sea.
Seated near to one of these ponds, and cooling her feet in the water, sat this lovely maiden; and she was so intent on performing her toilet that she did not perceive Duarte, who, thinking she was a mermaid, and might therefore cast a spell over him, hid behind a ledge of rocks, and was able to see and hear her without being noticed.
Duarte heard the melancholic allure of the princess—
“I am the daughter of a king
Who rules in absolute,
My messengers they bring
Me food to live aloof.
My father thinks me dead;
My death he did ordain,
For that I would not wed
A wicked knight, half slain.
But those whom he did send
To kill me in this place,
My youth they did befriend,
But cruel is my case.”
“Is it even so...” pondered Duarte to himself, “that this lovely maiden is the daughter of a king? If I render her assistance I may incur great danger, and if I leave her to die it will be a crying shame; what, then, am I to do?”
As he was thus contemplating in his mind, he heard a flapping of wings, and, looking in the direction whence the noise came, he saw a pair of perfectly white pigeons bearing a small basket between them, strung on a thin golden bar, which they held at each end between their beaks.
Descending, they deposited the basket by the side of the princess, who caressed them most tenderly, and then took from the basket some articles of food which she greedily ate (for she had not eaten since the previous morning), and after having finished the contents she again sang—
“I am the daughter of a king,
Who thinks that I am dead;
Here on this beach I sing,
By pigeons I am fed.
Thank you, my lovely birds,
Who are so kind to me.
But to what avail my words?
Oh, I a bird would be!”
This wish was no sooner uttered than Duarte, much to his astonishment, saw that the lovely princess had been turned into a white swan, with a small golden crown resting stoically atop her head.
Expanding her wings, she soared high above him, attended by her swathe of pigeons accompanying both flanks, and the trio flew out to sea; when suddenly Duarte observed a magnificent ship not far from the coast, whose deck was of burnished gold, and her sides of ivory fastened with gilded nails. The ropes were of thread silver, and the sails of white silk, while the masts and yards were made of the finest sandal-wood.
To the ship the three birds flew, and no sooner did they alight on the deck than Duarte observed that there were three beautiful maidens.
The princess sat on a richly ornamented chair, and the other two maidens on velvet cushions embroidered in gold at her feet.
Over them was spread a superb awning to shelter them from the rays of the sun, and the vessel glided over the vast expanse of water, now in one direction, now in another, as if the breeze blew to suit the sails.
Duarte was so astonished at what he saw that at last he got frightened, and fled, being young and nimble, he soon lost sight of the ship; but at every pace he seemed to hear a voice saying, “Run not away, future king of Meridia!”
Duarte continued running until he left the beach far behind, and was now in the pine-forest; nor did he stop till he was in the densest part, when, for very fatigued, he threw himself on the ground, and then he distinctly heard a voice say, “Duarte, you are destined to be King of Meridia; but tell no one.”
Not till then had he discovered that he was no longer dressed in fisherman’s attire, but that his clothes were of the finest cloth fringed with an effervescent golden lace.
Duarte, on seeing this, exclaimed, “I am enchanted. That princess is indeed a mermaid, and has cast a spell over me. I am undone, my cataratical eyes deceive me, and what I take for so much grandeur is but a deception.” Saying which, he started to his feet, and hurried towards his village as fast as his plump legs would carry him.
Arrived at the fishing hamlet, all his old companions paid him such deference that he tried to get out of their way, thinking they did but laugh at him, and, arriving at the door of his widowed mother’s cottage, he ran into the kitchen. His mother happened to be frying some cod, and when she saw a grand gentleman enter the apartment she took the pan off the fire, and, bowing low, said, “My noble sir, this house is too humble for such as you; allow me to conduct you to his reverence’s house, for there you will find accommodation more suited to your high estate.”
Duarte would have replied to his mother, and sought to kiss her hand and ask her blessing, after the custom of the country; but, on attempting to speak, his tongue hung out of his mouth, and he made such a perplexing noise and so gesticulated that his mother was glad to get out of the house, followed, however, by her son and a large crowd of villagers who had congregated to see the grand stranger.
As soon as it was known throughout the village of the arrival of the grand stranger the church bells pealed, and the parish priest mingled with the crowd desirous of seeing the new arrival; but as soon as Duarte commenced gesticulating as before, the priest and all the rest of the people were much frightened, for they thought that he was dangerously mad.
Duarte, noticing this, sorrowfully turned away from his native village and took the high-road to the next town.
As he was going along, thinking of his present trouble, he observed a wide gate made of gold, opening into a beautiful garden, into which he hesitated not to enter; for he recollected what the wise woman of the village had once told him—that “grand clothes beget respect.”
“Open wide those gates, O worker midst the flowers,” exclaimed Duarte to an old gardener (for he had now recovered his speech). “I come in cloth of gold to speak unto my love.”
“Sir,” replied the old man, “you may always enter here, for you are Eduarte I. of Meridia, I well can see.”
“What very high balconies, a hundred feet in height!” exclaimed Duarte. “Tell me, good old man, does the princess ever come there?”
“To those balconies so high, to feel the cooling breeze,” replied the gardener, “the princess comes there every evening alone.”
“Should she ask you,” continued Duarte, “who I am, tell her that I am your son come from a distant land, and I will help you to water the pinks.”
At her usual time the princess came to her favourite balcony, and seeing Duarte watering the flowers, she beckoned to him, saying—
“O waterer of the pinks, come a little nearer and speak to me.”
“Is it true that you desire to speak to me?” inquired Duarte of the princess.
“No mirror bright ever reflected the truth more correctly than the words I uttered conveying my desire,” answered the princess.
“Here, then, you have me,” said Duarte. “Order me as your slave; but give me, for I am thirsty, a small ewer of water.”
The princess poured some water into a silver goblet, and having handed it to Duarte, he exclaimed—
“And in this mirror bright of crystal water pure, which does reflect thy form, I quench my heart’s deep thirst.”
“You see yonder palace at the end of the garden,” said the princess to Duarte. “Well, in that palace you will be lodged for the night; but should you ever tell anyone what you see there, you will put yourself in danger and cause me great trouble.”
Duarte promised to keep secret whatever he might see that night, and bidding “good night” to the princess, he hastened to the palace which the princess had pointed out to him, and, having entered it, he walked through the marble passage, which seemed to be interminable. On each side of him were rows of majestic columns, surmounted by gold capitals, and now and again he thought he saw the forms of lovely young maidens flitting among them..
Just as he was approaching a richly carved fountain surrounded by sacred palms, a maiden of surprising beauty seemed to be addressing a Ser in most impassioned tones, as if claiming his indulgence; but when Duarte got up to them he discovered that both were the work of the statuary.
At every step the surroundings became more magnificent, and the carved ceiling was of such exquisite workmanship that it seemed rather the work of the loom, being so like the finest lace, than of the sculptor.
At last he arrived at the end of this avenue of columns, and noticing a door in front of him, he opened it, and found himself standing on a marble quay, against which the sea waves were washing.
Scanning the vast expanse of water before him, he observed approaching him the same beautiful ship he had seen in the morning.
When the ship came alongside the quay, a sailor sprung on shore, and made her fast by a golden cable; then, addressing Duarte, he said—
“I am glad you have not kept us waiting, for our royal mistress is very wishful to consult you, as one of her favourite doves has broken its right wing, and if you cannot cure it, the princess will die of starvation.”
Duarte made no reply, but stepped on board the ship, which soon got under way, and within a short time they were approaching the coast he knew so well.
Having landed, Duarte saw the princess seated on the sand, nursing one of her white pigeons.
“Duarte of Meridia,” the princess exclaimed, “a stranger dared to enter my royal father’s garden, and in assisting to water the pinks he trod on the wing of my favourite pigeon, and he has broken it.”
“Señora,” replied Duarte, “the intruder did probably seek you, and had no idea of hurting the lovely bird.”
“That matters not,” continued the princess, “for my principal supporter is wounded, and you must cure her. Cut out my heart, and steep this bird in my warm blood, and when I am dead throw my body into the sea.”
“How can I kill one so lovely?” asked Duarte. “I would rather die myself than hurt you!”
“Then you do not care for me, or else you would do as I bid you,” answered the princess.
“Princess, I cannot and will not kill you; but I will do anything else you bid me,” exclaimed Duarte.
“Well, then, since you will not kill me, I order you to take this pigeon back with you; for I know it was you who walked in my father’s garden to-day,” continued the princess. “And tomorrow evening, when you see that princess whom you saw today, you must kill her, and let her blood fall over this pretty bird.”
Duarte was now in great trouble, for he had promised an oath unto her to do anything she doth required, except killing her, and he could not break his word; so taking hold of the pigeon very gently, and bidding goodbye to the princess, he again stepped on board the ship, and so depressed was he that he had arrived at the marble quay without being aware of it.
On landing, he retraced his steps through the avenue of pillars, and found himself once more in the garden, where the old gardener was again watering the pinks.
“What very high balconies!” exclaimed Duarte. “Tell me, old gardener of the ancient times, if the princess comes here today.”
“The princess loves the fresh sea breeze,” answered the old man, “and tonight she will come to the balcony, for her noble lover will be waiting for her.”
“And who is the princess’s lover?” inquired Duarte.
“If you will help me to water the pinks, I will tell you,” said the old man.
Duarte readily acquiesced, and putting down the pigeon where he thought no harm would happen to it, he commenced assisting the gardener to water the pinks.
After a silence of a few minutes the gardener replied
“There were once seven pigeons who said, ‘Seven pigeons are we, and with other seven pigeons we might all be mated; but, as it is, we must remain seven pigeons.’”
“Yes,” put in Duarte; “but I want to know who the princess’s lover is.”
The old man took no heed of the interruption, and continued—
“There were once seven pigeons who said, ‘Seven pigeons are we——’”
“Stop!” cried Duarte; “You think me a fool! Tell me who this noble lover is!”
“Sir,” cried the gardener, with a very serious countenance, “there were once seven pigeons who said, ‘Seven pigeons are we, and——’”
“Take your watering-can,” shouted Duarte in disgust; “I will not listen to your nonsense!”
“And yet there were once seven pigeons who said, ‘Seven pigeons are we;’ and now the last of them is gone, for the noble lover has been false to his trust,” exclaimed the old man, looking very cunningly at Duarte.
At these words Duarte looked towards the spot where he had placed the pigeon, and it was no longer there.
Seized with a fit of fury, he was about to lay hands on the gardener, when, to his astonishment, he found that he was also gone.
“I am undone,” cried the fearful Duarte; “and now I shall not see the princess again.” Saying which he fainted away, and might probably have remained there some time, had he not heard a voice murmuring, in a jocular manner—
“There were once seven pigeons who said, ‘Seven pigeons are we, and——’”
Duarte started to his feet, and nearest him was the princess whom he had previously seen in the balcony.
“Why do you thus tease me, princess?” said Duarte. “I want to hear no more about the seven horrid pigeons.”
“Don Duarte de Meridia,” answered the princess, “I must tell you that the old gardener to whom you spoke is a magician, and he has possessed himself of the last means I had of regaining my liberty, for I am under his power. Is it not true that you came here with the purpose of killing me?”
“I was under a vow to do so,” replied Duarte; “but I cannot kill you, although I would rather slay you, fair princess, than do you a more grievous injury.”
“Go back, then, to the downtrodden lady whom you left on the shore, and tell her that you have been false to your promises,” said the princess.
“How sorry I am,” exclaimed Duarte, “that I was ever destined to be King of Meridia! When I was a poor fisherman, I lived a much happier life!”
“Duarte of Meridia, the moon will be at full tonight, and you may then rescue me,” said the princess, “if you have the courage to meet the wicked magician in this garden at midnight, for then is his power weakest.”
“I am prepared for the worst,” replied Duarte, “and I fear not your gaoler.”
“Well, then,” continued the princess, “when the magician sees you he will again tell you about the seven pigeons; but when he has finished, you must tell him that there were once seven wives who had only one husband, and that they are waiting outside to see him. Do as I tell you, and if you are not afraid of his anger, you may be able to free me.”
Duarte promised to do as he was told, and the princess having retired into the palace, Duarte amused himself by walking under the lofty balconies, watching the fire-flies grow brighter as night came on.
Just about midnight the magician was seen watering the pinks, and as soon as he perceived Duarte he said—
“There were once seven pigeons who said, ‘Seven pigeons are we, and with other seven pigeons we might all be mated; but, as it is, we must remain seven pigeons.’”
“Quite so,” put in Duarte. “And once upon a time there were seven wives who had only one husband, and they are waiting outside to see him.”
The magician, at these words, lost all control over his temper; but Duarte heeded him not, rather did he endeavour to increase his rage by repeating all about the seven wives.
“I am undone!” cried the magician; “but if you will induce the spirits of my seven wives to again seek the grave, I will give you what you want, the fair princess.”
“Give me the princess first,” answered Duarte, “and then I will free you of your wives.”
“Take her, then,” said the magician; “here she is. And forget not what you have promised me, for I may tell you in confidence that a man with seven wives cannot play the magician.”
Duarte hurried away with the princess; and after they had been married and crowned, the princess, who was now queen, spoke to him—
“Duarte, the magician who held me captive from you was Ire, the cursed demon of Merid. Upon there were the balconies so high! When you saw me on the beach fed by pigeons, it was that you should know my power; on the shore I was attended by winged messengers, and on the sea I sailed about at pleasure.”
“But what about the wounded pigeon?” asked Duarte.
“Recollect, Duarte, what you said to me in the garden,” answered the princess—“that you would rather slay me than do me a more grievous injury. That poor pigeon with its broken wing could no more hope to soar aloft than an injured woman to mix with her former associates.”
“And what about the seven wives who were waiting outside, and who so frightened the old magician, Ire?” continued Duarte.
“They are the seven deadly sins, who would each have a tongue for itself, and yet without tongues are enough to frighten Ire,” answered the princess.
“And who am I, then,” asked Duarte, “to be so exalted now?”
“You are the wise man who strove to do his best, yet tried not to exalt himself above his position,” sweetly answered the princess.
“So that the magician Ire has unwillingly raised me… a poor fisherman to be king?” questioned Duarte.
“Not Ire alone, but much more so thy own worth.”
And with that the story ends. Duarte, once a humble fisher, raised to the status of royalty. The epic converges on all tenants that the Meridian people live and abide by; humility, self worth, and dedication. The epic of Duarte has been passed down from the ruling Merid family for centuries.
12 -
The following text is an excerpt from Infante, legitimized son of Duarte I.
“Most high and most honoured and much esteemed Pope
I your son and servant the Infante, heir to Meridia, very humbly send to kiss your hands and to commend myself to your favour and blessing.
Most high and most honoured and much esteemed Lord. May it please you to learn that the things which have happened since I last wrote to you are these which follow. My lord father Duarte duly arrived here as I wrote to Your Holiness, and he resided in the other chamber which is at portside of the Alsacian, nearest the room of my mother the Infanta. Every day he used to go to see her two or three times in her room to enjoy himself in her company. Nevertheless, as far as I have been able to learn, during all that time he never once kissed her.
Also during that time he sometimes went hunting and so amused himself as he pleased, but he refused to go far into the lands reserved for the chase. One day he ordered me to go there and I took with me some guards and killed a boar near the city. The next day he ordered the beaters to cordon off two of them for the crabbers of the Glade Coast. I asked for Duarte’s permission to take them and went to where they were. The esteemed matelots, whom father had ordered to go with me mortally wounded one as it was coming out of its lair. However, when it was about to drop, it ran at a peasant living nearest the woods and slashed him four times. Probably mistaking him for one of the assailants. When it could not move any further and fell to the ground, the matelots who were present finished it off. The other boar fled. Although you likely care not of this incident, I share it with you anyways.
When my lord the Infante comes across any dancing or singing or anything else which can provide pleasure, he gladly joins in. Thanks be to God, he is very happy and in good health. He praises greatly the singing of the Infanta and her playing the clavichord and her way of dancing which, they say, is the way she always dances. He ordered me to arrange for two bulls to be run in honour of the Infanta and we [Duarte and Infante] both together fought them. Like idiots we stationed one right amid the Alsacian and the other just ashore on the coast where the jousting was to take place, in front of the chapel. We killed it very skillfully.
Other news, Your Holiness, is that my father reached seven portings last week, myself with him. We went after dark to visit a giller upon our skiff. He, when he knew we were coming, came out the distance of a stone’s throw [from where he was living] mounted on a palfrey and with torches. When he saw us approach he dismounted and told us to follow suit. Everyone seemed to me very happy from one end to the other of the fishing hamlet. From there we went to his house to drink and take a light supper. I slept there that night and the next day I went to eat with him amid the Alsacian where my father the Lord had arrived. That day we all went to hear Mass at Meridia and it was a joyous occasion. That night, beleaguered and exhausted I went to sleep a league away on my own skiff, returning to hear the next day’s Mass in this monastery where I am now lodged.
After we had eaten I went to receive my lord father. His marriage was soon approaching and you could see the nervousness within him. With me were the first mates of both the Alsacian and the newly assembled vessel not yet named, but later to be dubbed the Coimbra. With the procession were many peasants and gillers, matelots of Meridia. We journeyed for about a league to a spot where my brother [Duarte] and his soon to be wife, [Infanta] accompanied by his crew, came to meet us. When we drew near, my father sent the captain to escort Infanta to prepare for the ceremony. With everyone now gathered together, the captain of the Alsacian and Coimbra were present to receive him. At the entry to the city was the bishop of Merid, the only holy-man of Meridia, dressed in his pontifical robes. Then walked in the procession to the Merid, a goodly sight. When my lacies caught up with the procession he dismounted and kissed the relics. There were rugs and a damask cushions for them to kneel on.
From there the Bishop walked in procession on foot as far as the archaic stoneway would let him, stopping to recite a short prayer. Next he went to see the Infanta, doffing a juicy kiss upon her hand. She received him very gladly. Before we reached the palace my father had joined us and were three, son, mother, and my lord father. We spoke at great length about the procession. Wedding soon approaching we prepared for a great feast and celebration, for the gilleries were plentiful this season.
As the ceremony started, one which lasts three days in proper Meridian culture, we went dancing. My father [Duarte] and his retinue seem to me to be very elegantly dressed. On the first night it was decided to have the wedding on the morrow. What then took place, in accordance with your blessing which you had given the father my lord, is as follows:
Preparations started like this; Rugs had been placed on a large section of the walls and floor of the cloister of Meridia through which my mother Infanta would have to pass. Inside the door of the church, which is located inside the nuns’ cloister, hung a rich cloth of crimson brocade which covered the area where the blessing would be given. A range of hangings ran the whole length of the church and out into the street and also where there is a staircase leading to the choir, where the tomb of my Grandfather Duarte I is. The whole route was similarly decorated with hangings and rugs and the walls of the choir were completely covered with tapestries, as was the church inside and outside, the ground being covered with rose petals. From the altar as far as the wall and laid on the rugs was a covering of ten cloths, each one a cloth wide and each of blue velvet-like satin.
The altar frontal and canopy was made of rich crimson brocade. The coverlet of the dais [on which my mother and father were to be married] and the canopy over it were also of very rich crimson brocade. The cushion on which they would have to kneel was all of woven gold without other embellishment. The altar was well equipped with silver, some of it belonging to the Church and some from Luciensport. The bishop performed the offices wearing the mitre and carrying the crozier given by you Our Lord. Thus, thanks be to God, everything was done in good order.
While mother, the Infanta was waiting in the chapter house, my father came from his lodging riding on a well-caparisoned palfrey and wearing a rich tunic with an emerald clasp. The first mates of the Alsacian and Coimbra caparisoned nearest his side. I was on the other side of the dais, waiting excitedly.. Also with us were many matelots, all finely dressed which was a surprise to me as I had only ever seen them in skiffwear before. And so we arrived at the doors of the chapel. There my father dismounted and walked as far as the choir was stationed, accompanied by the Bishop. Meanwhile I went to fetch my mother Infanta and led her from the place where the blessings had been given. Father then joined her. Next the precentor of Merid sang briefly and after that we were formally received and the proession began.
The Infanta was very gorgeously dressed. The torches were carried by the first mates and other important matelots who were present. Mass was said, not sung, but the deacon and subdeacon were in their pontificals, chirping like songbirds. The offertory was of two hundred gold marks, a foreign currency to the descendents. When the procession ended the Infanta was so exhausted her cape weighing her down, which was very heavy, and because of the heat caused by the number of good people who were there and the light from the torches that, when we went to conduct her away, she fainted. We threw water on her and she came to. At this point all the men left while the women stayed behind. First mate of the Alsacian acted as groomsman and his wife as matron of honour. My bastard sister Branca carried the bride’s train.
Father returned to his abode in the same way as he had come from it. When night had fallen, we went to join the Infanta in the monastery where she had already eaten. It was just as if she had married from the Alsacian itself, which would’ve been an accursed affair. Every one of us thought that this matter had worked out so well because of the holiness of the Bishop from whose house [the monastery of Merid] it had started. Next the Infanta mounted a horse. My father D. Duarte and I went on foot as far as her lodging led, holding up the boards [honouring the bride and bridegroom]. The first mates, the bishop, the gillers all came too. She was riding a white palfrey, its accoutrements all of gold, which our Lord God surely blessed us with. She was escorted by some sixty torches carried by matelots. Behind her came my sister and the other women of Merid.
After we had seen her to her chamber we danced and sang a while in the palace and Duarte came and sat in state with his standard beside him. The chamber was adorned with hangings and he was served with wine and fruit by us. Servants carried the napkins, I the dish of sweetmeats, the matelots the fruit and the bishop the wine. After I [Infante] had taken some wine we all took our leave of him and returned to our several lodgings and, just as I was finishing this letter, I have learnt that a short while since my mother Infanta became in the full sense a Lady. They, thanks be to God, are in good shape as are all of us who are here, your servants and myself.
Very noble and very honourable and very much esteemed lord. May Almighty God keep you and your affairs in his holy care and at his service leading to the exaltation of your status and honour as your heart desires.
Written upon the Alsacian.”
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A poor giller hopes this means he gets to keep dodging his taxes.4 -
A man in the sky smiles the suns smile down towards Pestilles, forever strengthening its harvest. ?
2 -
A gnome elder whom recently stumbled upon the Northern Kingdom watches the eclectic Hansetians bicker with mild interest. “Big men make big problem...” he’d quip mockingly, stepping aside the whiny denizens to grab a handful of fliers with his stubby fingers. “Will show to Papa gnome, more mina in pockets of all gnome kind!”
2 -
From across the sea an aged man catches word of the succession a few months later. With a content nod he returns to his elven harem, delighted by the events afar. He contemplates a return, but soon returns to a drunken stupor, quickly forgetting all together.
1 -
“They never learn do they?” A long forgotten man asks himself, happy to see the orcish menace put to sword once again.
2 -
Francis applauds the Basirid family’s diligent work, pinning down a slew of parchments to accompany the initiative. “I found this in the Palace’s library, I hope the new staff follow it!”
3 -
The winter soldier finally melts : (
0 -
Doone, the friendly wood elf botanist supports his Aldin friend in his political endeavors!
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Adil Amos smiles, very proud to be an Acolyte to such a magnanimous, God-fearing papacy.
4 -
Adil looks over the advert, penning a quick application in earnest.
Name: Adil Amos
Race: Farfolk
Gender: Male
Intent on joining (Temporary/Full time):
If temporary, how long do you intend to stay?: Full time, I agree to all aspects of monastic life
If full time, do you agree to taking on all aspects of the monastic life?
Do you agree to follow the rules of the Monastery? Yes Habibi
1
The Astral Anomaly; School of the Stars
in Inactive Guilds
Posted
A missive is returned with haste to the applicant. “Your application has been processed. In the coming days I will schedule an interview where we will determine your best placement within the college. The interest you show in the school is duly appreciated.” -Duarte de Antunyes