Sebbysc

In the wee hours of the night, Henrik's head bobbed over a book that was filled to the brim with the history surrounding the fine craft of CHEESE. It was an exhausting process, but to become a judge of cheese it would take years of tutoring. All he could hope for is that he would manage such an expertise in time.

Alric watched as his father marched out to perform GOD's work, just as an obedient servant would. His young mind surely didn't grasp the situation in its entirety, but only what the grown-ups told him.

The last of his luggage was pilled onto the carriage before Vincenzo gave Blackworth a final wave farewell. It would seem that the next three months would be full of travel, celebration, and determination to make a name for his family back in the homeland. A warmth filled his belly, either from a nervousness or a joy of returning to Aaun. At the very least, he had a greater idea as to what he should gift to the royal couple.

Vincenzo Varoche reviewed the document with keen interest. The House of Varoche had faced troubling times since the excommunication of his Grandfather and the eviction of his kin from their homeland. There was surely something to be said by the young Varoche, but what would his word amount to? The ride from Blackworth would give him enough time to conjure a statement that would be heard by the royals and the rest of the diet.

As a cattle rancher of little renown, Don de Ves found himself far beneath the politics of the monarchs; however, he kept a close eye on any potential opportunities. "Well, he's going to need a horse, one worthy of a King." And so he saddled up on his horse and began to ride towards the Langkette pass.

John Valentinus of Enswerp found himself once more at the precipice of Enswerp that overlooked the flowing waters beneath St. Daniel’s Crossing. It was here that the Archtraitors marched across, taking the life of Paul Alexander. It was here that the forces of Stassion & Veletz crossed to claim the lives of Edmund II and his fellow martyrs. Now the enemies of a prosperous Canondom march towards this same crossing without fear of the consequences. The Prince-Count found it odd that GOD chose that Enswerp would be the center of history once more, but he would not waste the opportunity that was divinely given to the House of Alstion. "The only reason evil prevails is due to the absence of good men. May GOD bless us on our righteous cause."

John Valentinus of Enswerp was peering over the edge of Fort Alba at the time Emilio spoke to him, and at that moment he was already deep in thought. The Prince-Count couldn’t believe the thought of his own men to plan their own assault, for they had little reason to. "I suspect it is a plot by the Archtraitor!" He turned then with a fury upon his face. "If they wish to believe in lies and further scandal, let them come!" @Enlightenment

John began to write to his Brother, Charles II: To my Brother, My joy knows no bounds now that your intervention has taken place. The peoples of Enswerp, the Marna Brigade, and your fellow Aaunish men have stood in defense of this Confederation and its ideals. The very ideals that our own father advocated for. I shall stand, as your brother and vassal. May GOD help us decide the most righeous conclusion, for unity comes above all. Sincerely, John Valentinus

John Valentinus of Enswerp took the next missive to reach his desk. All he had to do was look at its author to know it was baseless, railing accusations from the Witch of the West herself. He’d force his mind to comprehend the words further down the page. “Huh. I don’t remember there being a single-soul at that den of devils. The single Legionnaire that came simply fled in an instant at break-neck speeds. Coward.” He’d toss the parchment into the flames.

John Valentinus of Enswerp took the freshly printed missive into his grasp. The Sun’s Smile formed across his face at his friend’s words, and he understood that this would conclude with their shared victory. “Paul deserves to be vindicated after all that they’ve put him through. Down with what Archtraitor and her fiendish followers!”

John Valentinus of Enswerp looked across the rally of men that stood before the ramparts of Fort Alba. He watched as the trees were felled to fuel the passion of himself & Ser Tiber. A sense of pride overtook him, but deep down a dreadful ache lurked at the thought of what was to come.

John Valentinus of Enswerp removed the soot & ash from the underside of his boots when he arrived at the gatehouse of Cliffhaven. Despite not wishing to go as far as his compatriots, the Count was still willing to offer aid in the defense of both his name & family. It would be an act of negligence to go without action in face of the plots & schemes that were brewing against the House of Alstion. The only thing he could do at that moment was march forward on the path that was before him, even with the consequences ahead. Prayers were made, ones that sought the intercession from the likes of St. Andrik or St. Lothar. It was for the rest of the evening, on the night of the fire, that he remained quiet. The only thing that could be heard from his office that night was the stroke of a quill against parchment. Constant, and methodical.

John of Enswerp found it difficult to leave Cliffhaven Hall at this time due to an assorted number of reasons. So, whilst in his office, he'd summarize the paper to his son or any other of his children that stuck around. "It appears your Uncle, Robert, may have been bantering a bit too far with Prince Paul's children. It states he left a very, very nasty gift of maimed rats upon their property. Do I believe he did it? I can't quite say." @TaytoTot

John Valentinus of Enswerp looked upon the missives that were nailed throughout his domain. "GOD bless the Bailiff, my dear brother Bobby! Inaction and stagnation shall be no longer the norm. Let action speak louder than our words." He would return upon his patrol, wearing the signature uniform of the Bonnie Brigade.

John Valentinus of Enswerp held a leather ball in his hand that was just about the size of his palm. He’d toss it up into the air, over and over, until it firmly landed back into his grasp. "They believe me a boy, one that loves to play trivial games. One that is all talk and no bite." A smirk of amusement revisited his face when he glanced towards the missive. It was nailed to his desk with a knife that was sharper than slander & words. "If they wish for me to put on the facade of a villain, then so be it."

THE OFFICE OF THE BAILIFF The Hamlet of Enswerp TO THE RESIDENTS OF THE FRANKLANDS AND BEYOND, The Bailiff of Enswerp has served as an essential member of the community of the Franklands. Through his stewardship & martial ability, he has safeguarded the Hamlet & St. Daniel’s Crossing ever since his establishment. His retirement is past due, and it is time to enlist a new Bailiff for the coming age. This position holds many merits, but in the same token it holds many responsibilities. Someone possessing the skills of a tact diplomat whilst also knowing the art of the blade is a best-fit for this role. As the highest authority under that of the Count, the Bailiff serves as a foundational role within the County of Enswerp. His primary focus is to uphold the laws within the Hamlet and across portions of the Franklands. He is chosen by the Count of Enswerp and is determined by merit of skill. In turn, he is expected to act as a final authority in the absence of the Count, whilst also benefiting from the fruits of his own labor. Therefore, let it be known the benefits & responsibilities of the Bailiff of Enswerp: Enforcing the Laws of Enswerp: He is responsible for upholding the laws within the Franklands and the Hamlet. If he is a witness to a crime, then it is his responsibility to disperse judgment and punishment immediately in response. As well, he may perform a trial for a criminal if the circumstances require it. Governance of the Hamlet: As a local official, he is expected to serve as an administrator for the Hamlet. He will serve eviction notices for those who have failed their taxes, or propose new laws based on the requirements provided by the citizenry. Employment of Labor: It is the responsibility of the Bailiff to seek employment opportunities for the residents of the Hamlet. This may be accommodated through work provided by the Count, through the Hamlet, or through nearby fiefdoms. In addition, the Bailiff may employ assistants through the Bonnie Brigade in administering his official duties. Announcement of Decrees: Edicts and decrees are to be announced by the Bailiff for the public’s benefit. These decrees may include those of nearby fiefdoms or royal decrees. However, the primary focus is on those that directly relate to the Hamlet of Enswerp. The Bailiff’s Salary & Residence: The Bailiff is to receive a 50 mina salary, dispensed once a year. In addition, he is to receive free housing within the Hamlet, either through one of the available cottages or the tower of Fort Alba. The Bailiff’s Tenure: The Bailiff will serve for a four-year tenure, and at its conclusion his employment will be determined by the Count based on merit. If he has served the Hamlet well, then his terms of employment may continue until the next round of evaluations. His evaluation will be determined on the prosperity of the Hamlet, its people, and its growth. For those interested in the position, you may write to the Count of Enswerp to schedule an appointment so that your merits may be measured. ISSUED AND PROCLAIMED; In Enswerp, Province of Aaun On the 18th of Harren’s Folley, 1984. His Royal Highness, JOHN VALENTINUS, Count of Enswerp, Warden of Saint Daniel’s Crossing, the Lord Chamberlain of the Paradisian Court

Count John Valentinus of Enswerp uncorked a bottle of Roach Red in celebration of this occasion. This, at least in his mind, would be the breakthrough he has been waiting for. Something of a smile crossed his lips as he looked back to his wife and thought of his children. "I think this is the start of something new, and I am glad you'll be by my side for it." However, a nagging thought nipped at the back of his mind, and he raised a hand to rub across his chest. Would he be able to live up to the name of his family, or fall into irrelevance as others had done before? @scarahpot

John Valentinus sighed as another missive arrived at his desk. It had hardly been a month since his escapades caused a ruckus, and he likewise didn't wish to read another piece of hate mail. However, something told him to slice open the seal that kept it bound, he would come to find its contents thrilling. It was inspiring! The parchment was shoved into his desk drawer so that it would be hidden from prying eyes.

John Valentinus came across the missive during one of his sparse visits in Haense. Something struck a string that tugged on his heart, and he made sure to keep a copy of the parchment. On the ride home, he thought of an old friend, a brother of his… "What would James want me to do at this moment?" And so, he sent a letter.

"Ah, finally. I had been waiting for this good news." John Valentinus waited for this invitation with anticipation. The grueling trials the Haensers put his brother through would surely conclude with something fruitful, and it seems to be so. The idea of having to visit a realm on the other side of the continent wasn't his favorite. Actually, he hated the distance. The rugged terrain and the scars left by The War brought memories of old that he wished would just disappear. However, it'd be unlike him if he didn't go, nor if he didn't bring a present. And so he left the letter off to the side, likely for Alicia to read later, and he would begin to ponder what a proper gift would be. @scarahpot

John Valentinus believed that the day would be one of joy, for his friends were to be wed. It was during the joyful procession in Warsovia that the news would reach him. Along with many others, he'd rush his way down to the chapel to find his Father's lifeless corpse laying before the altar. All that he could hear at the time was the weeping that surrounded his Father. The regrets, the things he wanted to say to his Father, would likely come to him within the following months. For now, he had to remain strong as he sought the strength of his GOD. It was one of the few things that his Father instilled into his mind. But would he be prepared for the coming tribulations? Would GOD forsake their House?