Andustar

Albert read the declaration with a wince of sorrow. "I hope now that my father, and all those who died in his service, can finally rest. This chapter of our lives has reached its end."

Albert read the dossier with a solemn gaze, his hands trembling as he sat in a cocktail of negative emotions. So many ill-thoughts poured through his mind, yet he fought all the same to keep them restrained. In due course, the boy arose from his desk and grasped his arming sword. Memories of what came before the carnage, of simpler times, are what he clung to for respite in these moments. That, and a bit of late night exercise... "M'lord, where are you going?" A servant asked as the boy trekked down the gloomy hall towards the training yard. Once again, the rattling of steel against a badly battered mannequin would keep the household stirring throughout the night.

o7

Albert Salvian frowned as he read the missive, his fingers scrunching up the edges of the parchment in anger. "A Knight of the Petra... and yet, the massacre at Castle Moere..." The young lord cast it aside, turning towards an open window to gulp the fresh air. "So many innocents dead, and he just walked away. I would like to know why."

Albert Salvian lofted a brow as Sir Emir @exoo handed him the research papers. "I won't pretend to understand your work, Sir... But I believe we ought to set up a honey farm swiftly!"

Albert Salvian exchanged a grateful nod with his uncle @Shmeepicus, watching intently as more refugees travelled through the city gates. "My people and I our grateful for your hospitality, Your Majesty."

He could not muster another word, hand trembling as Constanz made his intentions known to the council. War had descended upon Albert without warning, tearing at the boy's life and destroying all chance he had at a peaceful childhood. And so, in the time it had taken for men to draw their swords, the young lord had taken pen to paper, chastising those he believed had abandoned the Commonwealth. Who left him and his siblings to be preyed upon by the mercenaries and brigands who let Valfleur's streets run red with blood. The temptation... No, the need to do something! Anything in the face of it all! It oft' swept away the juvenile's apprehension, bringing forth on rare occasions the eloquence he had lacked for so many years. But though his heart burned with the fires of his new-found confidence, nothing could replace the childish innocence that had been cast to the void. Men whispered in Albert's ear, telling him what they thought he wanted to hear. He heeded their counsel, but could never truly open himself up in return. The young lord of the Petra was all but alone. He had already lost his Mother... Would he also lose his Father?

The aesthetics and RP opportunities Celestialism develops makes it genuinely one of the most nuanced and flavourful takes on voidal magic. I wish you luck!

Sir Arthur de Lyons looked down from the Seven Skies, dismayed by the Marshal's flippant loyalties. "Mistakes were made... What a shame..."

Sir Arthur de Lyons welcomed his knightly brother into the Seven Skies. "Now our watch is over, my friend."

Albert Salvian lit a candle for the fallen Dame, knelt before the alter in a state of prayer. "May her soul go in peace to the Seven Skies."

Albert Salvian prayed before the alter of St. Emma of Woldzimir, the conflict having taken its toll on the young lord's innocence. "May GOD have mercy upon all who take up arms. My duty is to my people, and I shan't rejoice in the loss of anyone, be they sworn to my Mother or my Father."

The young lord Albert Salvian stood alongside his younger sister, helping her write as any supportive sibling should. "St-Stay strong, Elowyn."

At rest within the Seven Skies, a stubborn but chivalrous Knight looked down upon the congregation of his countrymen. Whether they emerged victorious from the coming battle or were slain to the last, he would greet them in peace all the same when their time came.

The Last Stand of Sir Arthur ‘the Lionhearted’, Knight Paramount of the Commonwealth. The first Knightly Council began with the reciting of a prayer by the church’s own, the knights and dames of the Petrine Laurel gathered as one to uphold the codes to which they swore their lives. To judge a woman who they believed unworthy of their service and anathema to all that is righteous. These men and women were led by Sir Arthur ‘the Lionhearted’, Knight Paramount of the realm and sworn sword to Archduke Constanz. But instead of an audience with the woman they called to trial, the knights of Petra were beset by raiders and creatures of nefarious origins. “Defend the assembly!” Sir Arthur ordered, his men scattering to guard the pockets of Petrans who stood fearful and unable to defend themselves. The Knight Paramount found himself cornered within a sub-surface corridor, subject to the battering of countless foes and burns of relentless dragonkin. Yet, though his armour was rent and his body torn to shreds, still he stood valiantly in the defence of those who flocked behind him for protection. Eventually, the assault proved too much for one man to handle, and so the Knight collapsed in a crash of steel plates. Terribly burnt and losing blood, his last moments were witnessed by Cardinal Viktor and his retinue, who desperately worked to save the man from his injuries. But to no avail… There, in the halls of Castle Moere, where he first took his oath in defence of the Commonwealth, the Knight Paramount died in service of his people. Yet, before his ultimate demise, he would utter but one final word of sorrow and love. “Juliana…” And then, he was gone. Sir Arthur ‘the Lionhearted’ de Lyons 1878 - 1909 Knight Paramount of the Sovereign Order of the Petrine Laurel.

"Lady Evangeline never ceases to astonish me with her literary skills! Another fantastic issue," Sir Arthur stated.

A Call to Trial Circa. 11th of Malin's Welcome, 1909. By the UNITY OF MIND of the GOVERNMENT in PETRA, serving always CHIVALRY, LIBERTY and JUSTICE, the ROUND TABLE do affirm this EDICT, delivered at MOUNT GARMONT Concerning the alleged crimes of the Archduchess Renilde I @tilly PREAMBLE LO, unto the Petrans, Dark times plague the lands of the Petra. In the pursuit of unity and peace, the Knightly Council calls upon Archduchess Renilde I to return to Petra to answer for crimes committed against the people of Petra and stand trial to end this debacle. The alleged crimes of the Archduchess are an internal affair. The Round Table of Petra calls upon all foreign nations to not intervene and respect the sovereignty of the Commonwealth. The Knights of the Petrine Laurel swear no harm shall come upon the Archduchess. Let us avoid bloodshed and settle these issues so we may adjudicate. We call the Archduchess Renilde I to stand trial for the following crimes… Chapter 1 78. Thieve the property of another Man. 84. Lay with another Man’s spouse, or to lay with another when you are wed. Chapter 2 99. Raise an army against forces of the Commonwealth Signed; Knight Paramount, Sir Arthur de Lyons, Sir Louis d'Azor, Sir Brandt Berhal, Sir Emir d'Abbassia, Sir Gwendel Vilac, Dame Livia d'Anapalais, Sir Lucien Ashford de Rouen.

Albert Salvian frowned upon reading the missive, his heart aching as the sheer depravity of his Mother's actions was brought to light. He then looked to his younger siblings, intent on shielding them from the worst of this heresy. @PrettyCuteAnna @Sander @Blah_26 @Esterlen - The Knight Paramount, Sir Arthur de Lyons, read the missive with an amused smile, running a whetstone along the edge of his longsword. "Soon the harlot shall pay her dues!"

+ For the Commonwealth + Circa. 16th Snow's Maiden, 1909. Dearest Citizens of the Commonwealth, I write to you now, as a child observing the unfolding of a dire civil war. A witness to the many brave men and women who are prepared to lay down their lives for their country. Not once did I imagine conflict would come right to my own doorstep, incited by one dear to my heart no less. Someone I once looked up to as my greatest hero. I regret to inform you that my Mother, the former Archduchess Renilde, has betrayed my dearest Father, the Archduke Constanz. The two swore sacred vows to one another, witnessed by GOD Almighty himself, and yet my mother has violated this hallowed oath in pursuit of a relationship with another man. In one fell swoop, she has abandoned her country, her people and her own children to pursue her own selfish desires. To say I am heartbroken cannot express the feelings of sorrow I now hold within my heart. My family and my dearest homeland have been torn apart by lust and deceit. But though I grieve for our current predicament, I encourage you all to not lose heart. Rather, I ask you to stand together and fight, for our country. Stand with my father, Constanz and ensure the survival of our dearest nation. And whatever storm crashes against our walls we shall repel, with courage and honour! And to my Mother, if you still possess any love for me and my siblings, I would ask that you strike your banners and surrender. Give up your lustful desires and repent, for the good of your people. Do not forsake your own blood in favour of sin and evil. Do not give your heart to Iblees. Signed; Albert Salvian of the Petra, Eldest Son of the Archduke.

Sir Arthur stood watch over the battlements, over the city he swore to protect. "I swore my sword to the Commonwealth and to the Ducal Throne.. And yet, I find my honour to be violated by the woman I once thought worthy of my service." The Knight Paramount raised his blade in the air, turning back to look down upon the masses within the courtyard. "For the Commonwealth! Down with the false Duchess!"

"Well said! Perhaps this will encourage the so-called clergy to climb down from their ivory towers," Sir Arthur remarked, following his reading of the missive.

"Wizard!" Sir Arthur remarked upon reading the treaty.

Sir Arthur, Knight Paramount of the Petrine Laurel, signed the Lorraine as he finished reading the missive. "Come what may there shall be retribution. The deceitful cardinal and his lackeys shan't trespass any further." He stated with grim determination, eyes set solemnly upon his sword resting beside the church alter.

Tournament Entry Form Name and Legend : Ser Arthur de Lyons Age : 28 Race and Allegiance : Human, Petra.

Ser Arthur de Lyons scanned missive with intrigue, a satisfied grin now set upon his visage. "Perhaps I ought to travel there on some occasion. Get the measure of these knights-errant!"