MunaZaldrizoti

Princess Lydia d'Atrus recovered within the confines of Renduzzo, the youth's body aching from the previous saint's day. Figures milled past, some familiar and some not, though she spared lingering thoughts for her father's vassals and loyal bannermen. If they could survive the aftermath of battle and loss, so too could she.

Karlotta Kortrevich seemed eager to support her mother's efforts in planning this festival, though was less enthused about being among the massive crowds such events would draw in. The youth would decide to coordinate a book to read during each festivity, a much more welcome distraction.

THE RIGHTEOUS VICTORY The Triumph over Cloudbreaker 10th of the Sun’s Smile, 41 BA To the leaders and warriors of the Atrus Covenant, The undead dragon Cloudbreaker has been defeated. Not by the hands of the few, but of the many descendants who answered our call to arms. Though Atrus lies in ruin, the side of the living continues on to see another day. It is the fortitude of those who manned our weaponry and did battle with the undead horde that saw our glorious Covenant to victory. The material wealth and comforts lost by our kingdom is nothing compared to the importance of life, a gift granted to us by GOD himself and secured by our united forces. It is GOD above that, in his righteous glory, has blessed the people of Balian, its King, and our allies with good fortune in this fight. It is to him and St. Lothar that we owe our gratitude and thanks. For this generation and generations to follow, we shall never forget that perseverance and comradery are sure to triumph over any and all unnatural evils. We cannot forget, however, the lives lost during this defense of our beloved city. They shall always live on in our hearts and memories, their legacy being that of unrivaled courage and unyielding strength. It is to them we owe our very lives, as well as those who survived to tell their tales. In the coming years, it is the wish of His Majesty to conduct various memorials and celebrations to commemorate this victory. We invite all members of The Atrus Covenant to attend and join in this well-deserved respite from war and turmoil. As we look towards the future, the known and the unknown, let us always remember that we defended our homeland of Almaris. We stared into the face of death and lifted our swords. We did not flee or cower, we stood strong and triumphed. We persisted, and so too shall we continue to persist. HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, Alexander I, by the Grace of GOD, King of Balian, Viscount of Eflen and Anatis, Baron of Brucca,Valens, Malenos and Ciavola, Lord of Atrus and Monterosa, Protector of the Heartlanders and the South, etcetera. HIS ROYAL EXCELLENCY, Ledicort Vuiller, Amiratus of the Kingdom of Balian, Lord Seneschal of the Crown and Chief Minister of the Royal Duana.

Princess Lydia polished the golden bell gifted to her by the Great Sage, the pact signatories being read aloud to her by a maid. With a hum, the young Novellen pictured their impending victory over Cloudbreaker and the undead hoard. "Pater will be proud, this was all my idea!" The girl continued on for the rest of the afternoon, pestering any who might listen about how impressive and wise she was.

THE RIGHTEOUS SUMMIT Formation of ‘The Atrus Covenant’ 11th of the Snow’s Maiden, 111 SA To the noble and valiant leaders of Almaris, The time draws near for the city of Atrus and Kingdom of Balian to face the dragon menace known as Cloudbreaker. In these days and hours leading up to our great confrontation, we call upon all those who have pledged their swords and support to our righteous cause to join us within the walls of our desert citadel. A plan of defense will play an integral part in our triumphing over this heinous and abominable threat. With GOD and Saint Lothar watching over us and guiding our blades, we pursue this coming battle with the belief that the united forces of Almaris shall assuredly drive back this beast from whence it came. It is with these desires that we establish ‘The Atrus Covenant’, to mark both the occasion of this summit and to cement our united goal in staving off the onslaught of the undead Cloudbreaker and its minions. Should we prevail, history shall know that those within this covenant fought for the lives of our peoples and our homelands side by side. This summit of leaders shall be hosted within the Palati Monterosa, headed by His Royal Majesty, King Alexander I & His Royal Excellency, Amiratus Ledicort Vuiller. All leaders of their respective nations and settlements are encouraged to attend, though representatives for each sovereign are also welcome in their place. We ask that all attending individuals respect the purpose of this summit and keep any animosity towards other realms or leaders outside of this gathering in order to ensure the desired outcome. Formal invitations from the Palati Monterosa are addressed to the following nations and their leaders: The Forces of Humanity: The Dual-Kingdoms of Hanseti and Ruska @gusano The United Kingdom of Aaun @seannie The Kingdom of Norland @ichigomaster98 The Commonwealth of Petra @tilly @Eddywilson2 The Forces of Elvenkind: The Crown of Amaethea @AgentofDeath13 The Principality of Celia’nor @Cepheid The Principality of Nor’asath @ColonelKuehl1 The Silver State of Haelun’or @Samler The Forces of the Dwarves: The Grand Kingdom of Urguan @Legoboy7984 The Forces of the Orcs: The Iron Horde @Cloakedsphere The Forces of Almaris: The Domain of Vortice @Bethinwonderland The Atoll Grove @TwilightWolf HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, Alexander I, by the Grace of GOD, King of Balian, Viscount of Eflen and Anatis, Baron of Brucca,Valens, Malenos and Ciavola, Lord of Atrus and Monterosa, Protector of the Heartlanders and the South, etcetera. HIS ROYAL EXCELLENCY, Ledicort Vuiller, Amiratus of the Kingdom of Balian, Lord Seneschal of the Crown and Chief Minister of the Royal Duana.

The Duke's ward, the quiet and reserved Reza Kovachev, read over the announcement as she felt some small stirring of enthusiasm within her. She prayed she might finally find more friends, to further draw her out of her loneliness. Until then, she placed the parchment aside and went to work at braiding the hair of the Duke's own daughter, Suzana.

The youngest of the King's brood, Princess Lydia, would peek over her brother's shoulder with great childish scrutiny. She did not care for the color of that one wall...nor the way that desert hedge had been trimmed! For the rest of the afternoon, the littlest Balain pestered her royal father with questions and concerns that only a child's mind would have!

From the coniferous forests surrounding the sanctuary of Woldzmir, an ancient creature watched the fortress from afar. Sensing the air begin to stir, she felt the time to finally introduce herself was fast approaching.

More map-lore that is actually actively used. Feel like especially places like deserts and oceans could use more attention, since I feel like they include cool ruins but alot of the events around them are either extremely isolated or seem non-existant. And more fast travels? That's more just personal preference.

Barbara Morovar scoffed. "I will await the word of the King and the Surgeon-General...not the vague words of some fearmonger," She'd toss the scrap of parchment into a hearth she passed on her way to her new office, settled within the Aulic Envoy's ambassador hall.

Andromeda Vandi'ir smirked at the missive, passed unto her desk by a palace servant within Celia'nor. "They're willingly blind to the reality of Celia'nor and the haven it has become for all elves. Envious green does not match well with silver, I fear. But then again, what else can be expected of 'thill who submit so willingly to enslavement?" She'd remark to the particular maid who had delivered the article, then directing her to a pile of gowns in need of mending.

Barbara Morovar let out a sigh of relief, glad the time she had spent forcing herself into a corset had been well worth it. She eagerly awaited her first summons to the Queen's Council, having only met a few of her now-fellow councilors at various events over the past two saint's weeks she had been back home. "Just like I promised, papej...it feels good to be home again," She'd muse to herself.

Barbara Morovar read over the final draft of the poem within the comforts of Ghaestenwald, commending her cousin-in-law on her literary skills! "You ought to sell these as gifts for loved ones, in future. You could make a damn good fortune!" The woman would hum towards the Princess.

To my girls, There comes a moment, in the life of us mortal humans, where we realize that the curtain on life is soon to fall. For these last few months, I have asked my maids and ladies to keep such reality from reaching either of your ears, leaving you to the belief that I have merely caught some small chill or stomach ache. But now, I hear the echos of my grandmother call to me, and my father too. So thus, I pen this final letter to you both in the hopes it might bring you even some small comfort upon your return to Woldzmir, when either of you return from your business abroad. My greatest triumph in life, above all things, was to be blessed with you both as daughters. My own small legacy to leave in this mortal coil once I was gone, to watch with pride from the Seven Skies above. The products of a marriage you both know held no love, and yet such a strong adoration was borne for these two blessings I had carried into the world. To my Anna, my Moliana, I leave with you my hopes that you and Elimar will take great care in tending and growing the love you so evidently share. A truer compassion have I never seen elsewhere, nor have I had the pleasure of experiencing for myself. I searched years to find find that infant girl, stolen from her crib and from her inheritance, to then be reunited with a young woman who bore a greater intelligence than I could have ever imagined. You have taught me a great deal, both about the world and about myself. For that, atop my undying love for you, my darling, I shall be forever grateful. Kiss my grandchildren for me...and Booker too, should you see him. As much a surrogate son as any. To Josephine, my little sparrow, named for your grandsire, I leave my desire for you to live life unafraid and unflinching, defiant in the face of your illness and it's setbacks. I pray you'll find your happiness, with Konstantin or some other man worthy of you, and I hope you will find it in your heart to forgive any ill word I may have spoken about him. Just as your sister has done, you deserve love and acceptance, the warmth of tenderness and care. You shall always be my Ruby of Providence...a sparkling, flawless jewel without fault. I pray you will come home to me soon, before I pass from this world, so that I might sing to you once more as I did when you lay sleeping in your cradle. My handmaid says you have ventured to Providence, so I only hope you will remain cautious. Do you girls think, someday, the people of Oren will remember me with any lingering fondness? My father used to speak of legacy, duty, and service. I recall giving speeches in Mister Komnenos' tavern...how nervous I had been. But how was I to know how my future would twist and turn, with it's moments both good and bad? Perhaps it is too late to ponder it now...no point to it. I certainly feel no regret, the past is in the past. But all I did was for my family...my true family. My girls. And I would sooner do so all over again if it meant I could provide you both with the world and more. My hand grows strained and my maid says I must attend to some small supper before I retire once more. I hope this finds you both in a timely fashion, elsewise I shall have to find some new servants. As much as I try to act the benevolent mistress, these folk certainly do not measure up to the liverymen and women we kept in the Augustine. A discussion to be had when either of you return. Hurry home, my dears. Your mama misses you terribly. Signed, with much love and adoration, dated 1860 Your Mother, Charlotte A.

Barbara Morovar, seated in the square of Karosgrad, seemed curious as to the sudden flurry of hushed whispers, gasps, and giggles elicited by some unseen document being passed between a gaggle of court ladies. Keen to remain on top of the latest topics of note, the lady bid a few moments to observe the collection of parchment pages for herself. After a few minutes, the publication was passed back to it's original owner with nothing more than an indifferent, if not disappointed, shrug. Turning upon a heel, the Morovar moved to return to her seat as a quiet remark on the matter was uttered. "How...Orenian, of her."

Barbara Morovar observes the publication with keen interest, seeing it as a guide to the current figures of note within Karosgrad and the broader dual-kingdom. An intentionally judgmental glance is cast towards her elder brother Leopold, accompanied by a click of her tongue. "Papej ought to be much displeased with us...this advisory council is lacking in Morovars," She'd state, almost in challenge. The Baron's only daughter pondered upon that fact as she retired for the evening within the walls of Ghaestenwald.

Not sure why this guy's issues are being blown off instead of being looked into. Maybe a few conversations would help him out, rather than people just making fun of him for feeling like he isn't welcome? I've seen Lion and Chenn already offer to speak with him. And also, there are PLENTY of 'terrible people' still around in that community. But birds of a feather flock together and tend not to rat eachother out.

Standing at the foot of the smoldering cathedral, the mali'ker Andromeda Vandi'ir stood in silent contemplation. Though she had missed the initial calamity, the elfess had been present for the succeeding spectacle that garnered the attention of what many had thought to be an aengul, sent from the valah-Creator himself. She had her doubts of the being's true intentions, a thumb rubbing over the bronze medallion that hung about her neck.