tilly

"Firstly of all, Petra is a Kingdom, and Balian is the size of an Archduchy..." Renilde said over her daily tea with her son, Prince Paul. "Second, absolutely none of Constanz' spawn hold titles or status with the Petra, save for my darling Albert who was offered titleage within his motherland, but declined for... well, you know, Paulie." Renilde held her pinky high as she sipped the earl gray tea she enjoyed so much. "Even Arnaud has no titles in the Petra, even though he says he's a prince within our realm for some reason while being Cardinal Albarosa within the Church of Canon - a position he frequently abuses, might I add, darling." Renilde was suddenly reminded of all the times that her son had used his own position within the church to suppress the upward rise of the Commonwealth, and undermine his own mother's authority due to his own, personal, childish inability to move forward in life.

"Haha, woah." Renilde said from recliner, enjoying a delightful baked good made together with her darling granddaughter and Uncle Konny as they told her about the changes they'd sought to make earlier in the day.

For the second time that day, more missives were dispatched to the Queen-Emeritus amid her partaking in the mansions of rest. Breaking the seal and unraveling the scroll of official business, her eyes flitted from left to right, hanging on each official word declared by her granddaughter, the Queen of the Petra. A slow, coy smirk unraveled on her lips, and to herself, she applauded the little girl and her guardian for the steps taken to retain most of the cousin-family of the Temesch. "Oh, you..." Renilde murmured, chuckling lowly as she handed the missive off to her husband, Prince Marius Audemar, with whom she'd recently been spending far more time. Uplifted by her freedom from decisions like these, did she take the time to truly enjoy what else there was to the life of Renilde Helena - rather than Renilde I, whose hands were constantly in a bind and decisions frequently scrutinized.

Renilde read this missive over and over again from her chambers of retirement. Though she was at rest from leadership within the graciousness of Princelyness, she still remained up-to-date with the most recent going-ons of her former realm. The elder woman could not believe the words she'd read, and the signs that she'd seen leading up to this particular Temesch's departure from their ancestral homeland. What could it mean, that a boy barely old enough to be a viscount in his own right, had their differences with the crown? The girl hadn't even sat the throne for a year, and the boy hadn't even been a contributing member of society. How could there be differences? Renilde could not wrap her brain around such an issue that she'd not been made aware of, really. Was it the boy's pride? Or perhaps the little Queen's hastiness? While the Queen-Emeritus would never know, she'd rest assured knowing that the Guardian of the Commonwealth, Uncle Konny, had made the right decision regardless alongside Catriona.

THE LIONESS RESTS Atstana de Regne Petrère 93 By the UNITY OF MIND of the GOVERNMENT in PETRA, serving always CHIVALRY, LIBERTY and JUSTICE, the QUEEN does affirm this MISSIVE under the ALDTREE Concerning THE ABDICATION of the THRONE OF GARMONT TO THE CITIZENS OF THE PETRA, For over fifty-three years, I have had the blessing and privilege of reigning over the lands of the Petra as your monarch. This thought, I must admit, is a notion that has weighed heavily upon me over the course of these last few years. Why is it that I, a flawed woman though I am, have been blessed with such a long and enduring reign? And why, despite the carnage of civil war, has the Commonwealth which I have presided over since I was a girl come to thrive ever so? During this past year’s jubilee, these questions have been at the tip of my mind. In fathoming them, I have come to realize that the Tapestry of Man is rich, and my service to the Petra has been but a very small part of that great epic. And even the Commonwealth itself, though it still be a realm that is less than a century old, has seen great change over the course of my lifetime. The enduring success of the Petra is something I like to think that my father, Paul I of the Petra, would have smiled greatly upon. And yet many, if not most, of our achievements are far from my own alone. I owe everything to my people and their enduring spirit. To the Heroes of the Petra, without which my reign would have come to an abrupt and humiliating end during the Petran Civil War. To the counselors of the Halcourt, Wittenbach, and Theonus chanzléries, who rebuilt this country in the lands of Aevos and elevated it from poverty to prosperity. And to my family, which has and steadfastly continues to make me proud. Yet, I have been far from a perfect ruler. Though I have done my best to see to the Commonwealth’s prosperity and survival, many have suffered from the consequences of some of the difficult decisions that I have had to make. Family, and friends alike. Everything I have done, I have earnestly tried to do for Petra and its people. Yet still, I acknowledge the pain that I have caused. The House of the Petra has always seen the wearing of the Crown of St. Emma as a duty to the Commonwealth, and to the virtues of Liberty, Justice, and Chivalry for which it stands. Thus, the Sovereign of the Petra is a servant unto their people. It is a duty that I had thought I would die performing. But as I have been blessed by GOD to have had one of the longest reigns in the recorded history of Canondom, I have decided to repay him by dedicating the rest of my life to spending time with my children and making amends with the estranged among my family. This too was the burden of Dame Catherine of Furnestock, my regent and guardian who raised both myself and my late brother, Alexander, as children. Indeed, one of my earliest memories was of her addressing the old senate of the Commonwealth before its dissolution. She taught me that the most important, and most difficult, duty of a leader is to know when to make way for new blood. And, after half a century, the time for doing so has come. As of this moment, I am abdicating the Throne of Garmont to my granddaughter, Princess Catherine Arabella of the Petra, my lawful heir as designated in the Writ of Inheritance of 1942. To oversee this period of transition, the Chanzlé of the Commonwealth, Sir Konstantin, is to assume the position of Guardian of the Commonwealth and will rule until her sixteenth birthday. At that time, she shall rule, and the guardianship shall be dissolved. Should the Chanzlé meet an untimely end, I will take up the reins as Queen-Regent until my granddaughter comes of age in six short years, but I truly hope it does not come to that. It has been my pleasure and my duty to serve you all, of the Petran realm, and to prove to the onlooking world that we are more than what was left behind in the ashes of the Petran Civil War. We are more than just a standing of a few people, being pushed around by the politics that surround us. We have risen, like a phoenix from her ashes, born again into a prosperous, bustling metropolis belonging to the bosom of the Heartlands. Now, while I say goodbye to my time as Queen, I know that this Lioness has left behind a pride ready to meet this world. Though her mantle may be passed, her spirit, devotion and prowess has not waned. She will walk amongst them still, a familiar, yet comforting face in the times ahead. Know now, Petrans, it has been my life’s honor to be, first, your Archduchess, and then anointed your Queen. Each and every soul I have touched, and impaced, I will remember forevermore. You have been my life’s work, and it was not a life wasted. Thank you, Petra, and all of the vast reaches of your Commonwealth. I love you from the bottom of my heart. O SAINTE RÈGNE PETRÉRE HER ROYAL MAJESTY, Renilde I, by the Grace of GOD, Queen of the Petra, Marquise de Val d’Estenou, Countess of Temesch and Moere, Baroness of Garmont, Valfleur, Vallagne-en-Petra, and of the Phoenixspire, Protector of the Meadows, Defender of Liberty

cya buddy, i hope life is good for you

"So glad we sold these dumb-f**ks when we did." The Lady Privy Seal of the Commonwealth had had enough with the developing Stassion situation, and counted her lucky stars that they did not pull this sort of stunt 'neath her own reign. She wiped her forehead, and said "PHEW!" in such an exasperated way that would make her granddaughter, the new Queen of the Commonwealth, laugh innocently.

– LETTERS PATENT – – for the VISCOUNTY of AZOR – Issued and averred by Her Majesty RENILDE THE FIRST Atstana de Regne Petrère 93 BY THE ORDER OF HER MAJESTY, RENILDE I, Konstantin von Augusten is hereby elevated to the position of Viscount of Azor. Those of Konstantin’s family, a once-split branch of the d’Azors have come before the Crown to petition at court for a second chance within the Petra, which is being granted for their history within the Commonwealth, and their cooperation and patience during this crisis of false accusations against them. It is with this chance that the Augustens are granted a new welcome to the Commonwealth, a clean slate to grow again beside the River and see where their hard work and dedication may take them. With this elevation, Konstantin von Augusten, in representation of their family, shall take upon them the responsibilities and expectations of a Peer of the Commonwealth of the Petra. They and their family are to uphold and lift up the Commonwealth and their fellow citizens. To respect the sanctity of the laws of the Commonwealth, and be part of leading it into a bright and stable future. The title of Viscount is granted to The Honorable, Konstantin von Augusten, and shall pass to his heirs and successors for as long as the Viscomital family shall uphold their oaths and duties within the Commonwealth. BY MY CROWN AND FOR MY PEOPLE, Her Majesty, RENILDE I Queen of the Commonwealth of the Petra

– The Left League – Issued and averred by Her Majesty RENILDE THE FIRST Atstana de Regne Petrère 93 BY THE ORDER OF HER MAJESTY, RENILDE I, The Commonwealth of the Petra hereby announces its departure from the Canonist League. While the Petra recognizes the need for peace among Canonist nations and upholding the values of God among Humanity, it also must recognize a broken system. The Canonist League was imbued with hatred and bias from its inception, shown through the League of Veletz not being welcomed initially despite being a Canonist Nation. Later, the League appeared to begin to ignore the Commonwealth, going so far as to hold a meeting that every member but Petra be informed of the time and location. It is the hope of the Commonwealth that the peace among humanity be continued, but at current it appears that the Canonist League only heightens tensions among the Canonist Princes, pitting one another against another over its bias, and squabbling over matters of little consequence. With the League now mainly dormant, and its bias shown to be continued, the Commonwealth of the Petra shall officially withdraw from the League. BY MY CROWN AND FOR MY PEOPLE, Her Majesty, RENILDE I Queen of the Commonwealth of the Petra

– LETTERS PATENT – – for the MARGRAVATE of MARIGNAN – Issued and averred by Her Majesty RENILDE THE FIRST in the year of our Lord 1947 BY THE ORDER OF HER MAJESTY, RENILDE I, Our loyal subject, Godric von Theonus, is hereby elevated to the Margrave of Margrave of Marignan for their and their families continued service to the Commonwealth of the Petra. Those of Marignan have worked diligently for the Commonwealth, and are hereby recognized for their efforts. The Theonus family have been working diligently within Petra for a number of years now, never ceasing in their generous actions towards the Commonwealth and their contributions that aid the citizens of Petra. The members of the Theonus family and their house guards have assisted greatly in the crown's endeavors, and even saved the Crown Princess during a kidnapping. They are treasurers, chancellors, knights, stewards, medics, and they have earned their place among the Petran society. With this elevation, Godric von Theonus, in representation of their family, shall take upon them the responsibilities and expectations of a Peer of the Commonwealth of the Petra. They and their family are to uphold and lift up the Commonwealth and their fellow citizens. To respect the sanctity of the laws of the Commonwealth, and be part of leading it into a bright and stable future. BY MY CROWN AND FOR MY PEOPLE, Her Majesty, RENILDE I Queen of the Commonwealth of the Petra

“There you have it.” Renilde wiped her hands clean of the mess, shaking her head at the atrocities that the innocent people of House Augusten had endured due to rumors and bad interpretation of the Canonist faith.

“Do you people ever trip over your own ego and fall flat on your face? Because, the nature of these very unspecific ‘declarations’ are leading me to believe that brain damage is had by these no-name, no-purpose houses…” Renilde read the latest missive at the side of one Mother Rhosyn, the local sheep lady, the two having been at a brief meeting regarding the recent and successful vampyre testing of the Augustens. She shook her head in mirthful distaste and passed the missive off to the younger woman, now going about actual important business that perhaps didn’t involve smearing the name of a family who’d escaped the chains of nobility in another region.

"Vuiller, Vuiller, Vuiller..." Renilde tapped her chin, thinking hard. "Haven't heard that name in a while... and... well, who seems to know where they are now? Other than at rock-bottom if they're scraping for attention like this, in the midst of a family's social beratement. Shame on you 'House Vuiller' of Wherever."

"She's so woke," said the Crown Princess's grandma.

"Truly the most excellent work done by the Theonus Chanzlé. I'm proud to see his hard work and planning come to fruition." Renilde droned on, mostly to herself, at a young Princess Catriona. "That is a very important trait to look for in someone that'll be, essentially, your right hand. Your consort, however, should be your left hand." Renilde then chuckled, pinching one of the little princess's pudgy digits between two of her own. "That way, you will never have to lift a finger!" @Zaerie

A letter is written back and laid at the bottom of the missive in every place it is bulletined, embossed with the Privy Seal of the Commonwealth of the Petra, thus verifying the document's legitimacy in issuance from the Queen's own office. Konstantin Edmund von Augusten, I write to you and those who care to follow this topic with a shred of understanding of what you and your family are experiencing. Several years ago, a leader of one of my vassal families had become a vampyre or something of that sort, but after being found out, he was cured and tested thereafter before our very own court. There, he was deemed well and free of the curse that had once had possession of his soul. I believe that, if you should come before the people of the Petra alongside your accused relatives and are willing to be tested, then this entire issue will be put to rest upon all of your innocence being proven. In regard to your renouncement of status in Aaun: I believe it is a man's GOD given right to choose to support a liege, just as is it his right to take his family to move elsewhere when they do not feel safe nor protected by that same superior power -- so long as that retraction is done with utmost respect, as was done with your missive. I commend you for your grace and consideration despite the position you find yourself in. Do come by in the following months with the Pious Bishop Aquila and we will discuss when you and your family shall stand before the people of the Heartlands to prove your purity from this scourge that afflicts far too many. It is by the will of Exalted Owyn that I extend you the opportunity for a second chance in this life. I promise that, should a member of your family be found to be one of these creatures, every measure to cure them will be taken so that they may be returned to their normal, natural life. Until then, be well; I look forward to seeing you. Sincerely, HER ROYAL MAJESTY, Renilde I, by the Grace of GOD, Queen of the Petra, Marquise de Val d’Estenou, Countess of Temesch and Moere, Baroness of Garmont, Valfleur, Vallagne-en-Petra, and of the Phoenixspire, Protector of the Meadows, Defender of Liberty

Renilde gasps, and moves to discuss this development with her council immediately.

ok sure dude . . .

“What the **** even are these Mösu people doing?” Renilde questioned her just-as-confused chanzlé with brows risen close to her hairline. “This is, what, the third deal the Redclyf folk have made since we’ve been on Aevos, each one before this turning belly-up from their ability to obey a signed contract - a deal they themselves brokered!” The Queen of the Petrans was very perturbed, but at the same time didn’t really care what happened to the forlorn house. It wasn’t her problem anymore.

“I hate to say it, but what did they expect?” Renilde sighed and packed her bags, prepared to make a journey to visit the regent of Urguan.

"This guy is tough as nails." Renilde had seen the man fall through the floor and tumble back in many moments later. During his absence, she had worried that the newest Mayor of Vallagne had been taken by the curse which befalls every Petran Mayor. Yet, to see the universe spit the mayor back out, mostly unscathed, brought joy to her heart. "THE CURSE IS LIFTED!"

“What the ****, this is the day that MY jubilee is on.” The Queen of the Commonwealth prepared a strongly worded letter to be sent to the Baron of Blackwald along with a handsome bribe for him to reschedule his event for another day.

“Here, come to my party.” The elderly queen could be seen handing out invitations to her jubilee to every which person that went by.

“What the **** Cyris.” Renilde giggled after receiving the update to the Shire King’s previous missive, throwing away her declaration of war on the halflings and breathing a sigh of relief.

– The MERZHIN-GARMONT TRAITÉ – It is our hope to see the flourishing of all GOD's creations beneath our regnant grace. Since our Knights first kissed Petran ground 'pon Aevos, the powerful Wizards of Hohkmat have proved invaluable allies and trustworthy friends in the pursuit of liberty within the Commonwealth and all of Aevos. We have counted them amongst our ranks in conflict against the darkness that ever seeks to extinguish the light of the Petran people - and so we do with great zeal continue to stand with these learned scholars and find new hope in this age of Knights, Magi, and above all, LIBERTY. ARTICLE I - On Allegiance and Titles The City-State of Hohkmat shall be a semi-autonomous protectorate that shall be recognized as a separate entity internally. It shall therefore be granted the ability to make foreign treaties, and have full autonomy to manage its own internal affairs within the Commonwealth. The selection of its leaders shall not be infringed upon in any way. Military Alliances with nations and their vassals shall remain the right of the Commonwealth of Petra. However, Hohkmat shall retain the right of self defense and may enter into contracts with sellswords and mercenaries to augment the defense of their city. Any titles held by the Grand Magister of Hohkmat prior to this treaty and honorifics gained outside of Petra post this agreement cannot be revoked by the sovereign nor any official of the Petran Commonwealth. They can neither give it to anyone who claims the titles of the Grand Magister. The Commonwealth neither has any claim to the titles currently held by the Grand Magister. The Grand Magister of Hohkmat shall likewise recognize the titles, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the greater Commonwealth. ARTICLE II - Release Clause The City-State of Hohkmat shall have the ability to leave the Commonwealth of the Petra. Should Article II, 1, be triggered the City-State shall be released from all oaths and duties, ceding all Petran titles and lands back to the Commonwealth and will no longer be considered a protectorate of the Commonwealth. Likewise, the Commonwealth of the Petra shall also retain the right to release the City-State of Hohkmat from their oaths and duties should the terms of this agreement be violated and reclaim that which was given under them, but must first seek a diplomatic resolution under these circumstances. ARTICLE III - Military and Defense The Grand Magister of Hohkmat shall be allowed to raise their own banners and troops for their own defense, though may not engage in any endeavors which might threaten the foreign policy nor sovereignty of the greater Commonwealth. The Commonwealth of the Petra is obligated to defend the City-State of Hohkmat, ensuring that its borders, laws, and citizens shall not be infringed or threatened. In return, Hohkmat shall provide strategic and tactical mages to support its Protector's Armies in times of war. ARTICLE IV - Governance The City-State of Hohkmat shall have the right to hold their own court and form their own local autonomous government separate from the national government of the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth of the Petra will not interfere in the succession of the City-State of Hohkmat. The duty of determining the succession of Hohkmat shall fall upon their own designation and laws. The City-State of Hohkmat will have the right to have their own laws which can and will only be altered by the City-State of Hohkmat. These laws are only applicable within the lands granted to the City-State of Hohkmat. The Grand Magister of Hohkmat reserves the right to demand a meeting with an official of the government of the Commonwealth chosen by the Queen within the City-State of Hohkmat to discuss any grievances that may arise. Mages of the City-State of Hohkmat accused of a crime within the Commonwealth of the Petra may request to have their trial held within and by the City-State of Hohkmat instead of the Petran Capital. If there is no record of the Mage being a citizen or resident of the City-State, their request might be automatically denied. Those accused of Treason with evidence may not request this. ARTICLE V - Land and Taxes The Commonwealth of the Petra will grant land to the City-States to use, to divide or to grant as territory, as seen fit in accordance with this agreement. Their people shall accommodate this land, using it to pursue their magical interests and advancements. The City-State of Hohkmat agrees to pay a sum of tax yearly to the Government of the Commonwealth of the Petra for the land that they hold. The amount shall be agreed upon by both parties before taxation begins. ARTICLE VI - Duration This Treaty shall be in place for as long as the Capital City of Hohkmat resides within the Commonwealth of Petra. If any of the two parties attempts to or breaks any of the articles then a meeting shall be held where a peaceful solution can be achieved. SIGNED, O SAINTE RÈGNE PETRÉRE HER ROYAL MAJESTY, Renilde I, by the Grace of GOD, Queen of the Petra, Marquise de Val d’Estenou, Countess of Temesch and Moere, Baroness of Garmont, Valfleur, Vallagne-en-Petra, and of the Phoenixspire, Protector of the Meadows, Defender of Liberty HIS EXCELLENCY, Konstantin von Theonus, Chancellor of the Commonwealth of the Petra HER SERENE HIGHNESS, Princess Catherine of the Petra, Archduchess of Vallagne, Protector of Dogs GRAND-MAGISTER, Razad the 'Fatebinder', Hierophant of the Mysteries, Master of the Ziggurat of Hohkmat