Mattiii

Issued by the Duchy of Alba On the 18th of the Sigismund’s End, 2020 Feast of Swans, by Fiorenza of Placentia, 2020 Hark, to the Lowlands and beyond, for it ‘twas only but a century ago in which my great-great-grandfather and his lordly wife joined in holy matrimony during times of terrible strife! For it was during such a war that shook the lands they stood upon that they deigned to don armour for their nuptial hours. We invoke their Holy Spirits who loft above in the Seven Skies to see us now and grace us in the coming hours as we strive for victory within some month’s time. We, the Princess Cecily & Prince Edward of Alstion, Dukes of Alba, and Protectors of the Frank- lands do cordially invite the assembly of states and those who fight for our Holy Mother Church to the halls of Morvelyn to convene together whilst sporting our plate. Let such a festive event we intend upon gather together our united forces and laude the goodly Duke of Burgundy who has returned from his travels abroad for he, mounted upon great steed, shall lead the charge and trot the path to victory. I T I N E R A R Y Opening - Morvelyn Courtyard Attendees shall convene in Morvelyn’s outer courtyard until the ball begins. Invocation - Great Hall The event shall begin with a prayer, blessing the prepared food and our men at arms. Fete - Great Hall Guests are welcomed to eat, talk, and dance as the night continues onward. Remarks - Great Hall Upon the conclusion of the ‘Iron Ball’, jovial words of affirmation shall be lamented by the guest of honor, the Duke of Burgundy. I N V I T I A T I O N S The invitations are sent out to the following: To the whole of the Pontifical States and their allies. FORMAL INVITATIONS PERSONAL INVITATIONS His Holiness, Ro’eh Tzon, High Pontiff of the Church of Canon, and the Pontifical States His Lordship, George Charles, Earl of Dover, and his Noble Household His Royal Majesty, Tar-Anorhil Antonius, King of the Adunians, and his Royal Household Her Ladyship, Lorelei Mairi, Countess of Enswerp, and her Noble Household Hordespeaker Azhug’Gorkil, and the clans of Krugistan His Lordship, Joseph Frederick, Count of Österland, and his Noble Household His Royal Majesty, Ulfar Kazzarathsson, Grand King of Urguan, and his Royal Household His Highness, Friedrich Wilhelm, Baron of Corwinsburg, and his Noble Household His Royal Highness, Galahad Ílumrin, High Prince of Cauróst, and his Princely Household His Lordship, Vincenzo Varoche, Baron of Placentia, and his Noble Household Her Royal Highness, Valindra Liavyre-Nullivari, Sohaer of Haelunor, and her Princely Household His Lordship, Charles Philip, of the House of Halcourt, and his Lordly Household Ellenore av Eiriksdóttir, High Keeper of Norland, and the Northmen His Lordship, Robert Lysander, Patriarch of Ashford, and his Noble Household Our Guest of Honor, His Grace, Tiberias van Aert, Duke of Burgundy, and his Noble Household S I G N E D, THEIR ROYAL HIGHNESSES, Cecily and Edward, Princes of Alstion, Dukes of Alba, Protectors of the Franklands HIS EXCELLENCY, George Charles Aldersberg, Lord Chancellor of Alba, Groom of the Stool, Earl of Dover

When the chile is tea but the finna is gag, sis im dead as a chile scheming eunuch - @Kholibrii loathsome heir - @Timer court jester - @ncarr noble knight - @ErosTea

Before the fireplace in the drawing room of Castle Morvelyn, the Chancellor of Alba, George Aldersberg, sat upon the settee beside the Doverian heir @DuhPuhWuh With a fearful tone, he retold, "And the earth did tremble, and a blinding light shone through the arrowslit as the King sat here, defending the blaspheming elven girl." He swiftly traced the Lorraine thereafter. "We must keep the Balianite people in our prayers tonight, Georgie. GOD save them all."

Issued by the Duchy of Alba On the 23rd of the Sigismund's End, 2015 Hand in Hand, by Fiorenza of Placentia, 2014 A vestige in honor of St. Julia A T T I R E Young women, free of marriage, are encouraged to don white - the aspiration of Saint Julia’s piety, showing her dedication to GOD first before her wifely duties. Young men, free of marriage, are encouraged to don their best suits of armor - the aspiration of familial protection as Horen did of Julia and their family. Spectators, married or abstinent, are encouraged to don the colours of St. Julia’s bounty - the aspiration of celebrating the desired love exhibited by St. Julia and Exalted Horen I T I N E R A R Y Opening - Morvelyn Courtyard Attendees will be ushered into the inner courtyard to enjoy light refreshments, including fine wine and fresh tarts. Invocation - Grand Foyer Attendees will be greeted into the halls of Morvelyn with a prayer in the name of St. Julia, welcoming them to this sacred day in her honor. The Herald - Entrance to the Great Hall Attendees will wait at the doors of the Great Hall to be announced before the court. The Lovers Ball - Great Hall Attendees will then move to the Great Hall for the night’s dance, a fine spread of choice meats and soft crackers set to the side: The Rendezvous - pairs over the age of eighteen will gather into an extended oval, only two pairs facing horizontally on either end, pairs will move forward two paces maintaining the group shape, pairs will rotate outward switching sides, five paces forward, rotate outward switching again, the man will move back whilst the woman forward, these new pairs will repeat The Quarrel - Morvelyn Courtyard Eligible gentlemen present are encouraged to meet in the inner courtyard for ‘the quarrel’ to test the strength of these potential suitors. The winner of such a match will be crowned the shield. The Picking - Great Hall Eligible gentle women present are encouraged to stay in the great hall whilst the gentlemen exit. The ‘picking’ will test the natural beauty of these potential maidens. The winner of such a game will be crowned the rose. Crowning - Great Hall Gathering in the Great Hall once more, the young man and young woman crowned shield and rose will be presented before the attendees - then proclaimed as the desired matches of the evening. I N V I T I A T I O N S The invitations are sent out to the following FORMAL INVITATIONS PERSONAL INVITATIONS His Holiness, Ro’eh Tzon, High Pontiff of the Church of Canon, and the Vassals of the Pontificate His Lordship, George Charles, Earl of Dover, and his Noble Household Her Royal Majesty, Tar-Anorhil Antonius, King of the Adunians, and his Royal Household Her Ladyship, Lorelei Mairi, Countess of Enswerp, and her Noble Household His Royal Majesty, Karl IV, King of Hanseti-Ruska, and his Royal Household His Lordship, Joseph Frederick, Count of Österland, and his Noble Household His Royal Majesty, Therin I, King of the Petra, and his Royal Household His Highness, Friedrich Wilhelm, Baron of Corwinsburg, and his Noble Household His Royal Majesty, John II, King of Balian, and the Citizenry of Balian His Lordship, Vincenzo Varoche, Baron of Placentia, and his Noble Household Their Royal Highnesses, Xiomara and Julian, Sovereigns of Hyspia, and their Royal Household His Lordship, Charles Philip, of the House of Halcourt, and his Noble Household His Royal Highness, Erwin I, Prince in Reinmar, and his Royal Household His Lordship, Friedrich Hans, Margrave of Schwyz, and his Noble Household His Lordship, Mateusz Sarkozic, Exilic Duke of the Adrians, and his Noble Household Her Ladyship, Esfir Artemisia, Duchess of Sunholdt, and her Noble Household In addition to the Peers of the Realm and their families, and those under the Holy Regency, the whole of Aevos’ mankind are enthusiastically welcomed to partake in the festivities. Festivities will be hosted on the 17th of the Sun’s Smile, in the year of Our Lord, 2016. S I G N E D, THEIR ROYAL HIGHNESSES, Cecily and Edward, Princes of Alstion, Dukes of Alba, Protectors of the Franklands HIS EXCELLENCY, George Charles Aldersberg, Lord Chancellor of Alba, Groom of the Stool, Earl of Dover OOC:

Issued by the Duchy of Alba On the 17th of the Sun’s Smile, 2010 The Coat of Arms of Placentia, 2010 y the Grace of God, Edward and Cecily, Princes of Alstion, Dukes of Alba, Protectors of the Franklands. To all to whom these presents shall come, Greetings. Know ye that We, of Our especial grace, certain knowledge, and mere motion, for the better governance of Our realm, do by these presents establish and confirm the lands and titles of the Barony of Placentia. Be it further ordained and declared that the boundaries of the said Barony are henceforth defined and appointed by Our sovereign authority and princely decree. To the North, by the Johannes’ confluence; to the East, by the foot of Mount St. Alexander; to the South, by the Langkette Rush; to the West, by the Leone River. The Baron shall hold governance over these lands, administering justice, collecting rents and revenues, and ensuring the protection of its people in accordance with the laws of Alba. Furthermore, it is the Baron’s charge to maintain the defense of the realm, providing men and arms in times of war, and to serve as Our loyal vassal and counselor in times of peace. We grant unto the Baron, Vincenzo Varoche @Sebbysc, and his heirs all rights, privileges, and appurtenances befitting their station, including the authority to hold courts, levy taxes, and preside over disputes within the bounds of the Barony. This Our royal decree is given under Our Great Seal at Morvelyn, on the 17th of the Sun’s Smile, in the Year of Our Lord 2010, and in the 10th Year of Our reign. S I G N E D, THEIR ROYAL HIGHNESSES, Cecily and Edward, Princes of Alstion, Dukes of Alba, Protector of the Franklands HIS EXCELLENCY, George Charles Aldersberg, Lord Chancellor of Alba, Earl of Dover

Issued by the Duchy of Alba On the 16th of the Sun’s Smile, 2010 The Coat of Arms of Corwinsburg, 2010 y the Grace of God, Edward and Cecily, Princes of Alstion, Dukes of Alba, Protectors of the Franklands. To all to whom these presents shall come, Greetings. Know ye that We, of Our especial grace, certain knowledge, and mere motion, for the better governance of Our realm, do by these presents establish and confirm the lands and titles of the Barony of Corwinsburg. Be it further ordained and declared that the boundaries of the said Barony are henceforth defined and appointed by Our sovereign authority and princely decree. To the North, by the ruins of Stran; to the East, by the foot of Mont St. Godwin; to the South, by the foot of Mont St. Godwin; to the West, by the Alders Wood. The Baron shall hold governance over these lands, administering justice, collecting rents and revenues, and ensuring the protection of its people in accordance with the laws of Alba. Furthermore, it is the Baron’s charge to maintain the defense of the realm, providing men and arms in times of war, and to serve as Our loyal vassal and counselor in times of peace. We grant unto the Baron, Friedrich Wilhelm von Alstreim @Olox_, and his heirs all rights, privileges, and appurtenances befitting their station, including the authority to hold courts, levy taxes, and preside over disputes within the bounds of the Barony. This Our royal decree is given under Our Great Seal at Morvelyn, on the 16th of the Sun’s Smile, in the Year of Our Lord 2010, and in the 10th Year of Our reign. S I G N E D, THEIR ROYAL HIGHNESSES, Cecily and Edward, Princes of Alstion, Dukes of Alba, Protectors of the Franklands HIS EXCELLENCY, George Charles Aldersberg, Lord Chancellor of Alba, Earl of Dover

Issued by the Duchy of Alba On the 21st of Tobias' Bounty, 2010 The Coat of Arms of Dover, 2010 y the Grace of God, Edward and Cecily, Princes of Alstion, Dukes of Alba, Protectors of the Franklands. To all to whom these presents shall come, Greetings. Know ye that We, of Our especial grace, certain knowledge, and mere motion, for the better governance of Our realm, do by these presents establish and confirm the lands and titles of the Earldom of Dover. Be it further ordained and declared that the boundaries of the said Earldom are henceforth defined and appointed by Our sovereign authority and princely decree; To the North, by the outskirts of Elizabeth; to the East, by the ruins of Stran; to the South, by the Alders Wood; to the West, by the Leone River. The Earl shall hold governance over these lands, administering justice, collecting rents and revenues, and ensuring the protection of its people in accordance with the laws of Alba. Furthermore, it is the Earl's charge to maintain the defense of the realm, providing men and arms in times of war, and to serve as Our loyal vassal and counselor in times of peace. We grant unto the Earl, George Charles Aldersberg @Mattiii, and his heirs all rights, privileges, and appurtenances befitting his station, including the authority to hold courts, levy taxes, and preside over disputes within the bounds of the Earldom. This Our princely decree is given under Our Great Seal at Morvelyn, on the 21st of the Tobias' Bounty, in the Year of Our Lord 2010, and in the 10th Year of Our reign. S I G N E D, THEIR ROYAL HIGHNESSES, Cecily and Edward, Princes of Alstion, Dukes of Alba, Protectors of the Franklands HIS EXCELLENCY, George Charles Aldersberg, Lord Chancellor of Alba, Earl of Dover

Issued by the Duchy of Alba On the 20th of Tobias' Bounty, 2010 The Coat of Arms of Enswerp, 2010 y the Grace of God, Edward and Cecily, Princes of Alstion, Dukes of Alba, Protectors of the Franklands. To all to whom these presents shall come, Greetings. Know ye that We, of Our especial grace, certain knowledge, and mere motion, for the better governance of Our realm, do by these presents establish and confirm the lands and titles of the County of Enswerp. Be it further ordained and declared that the boundaries of the said County are henceforth defined and appointed by Our sovereign authority and princely decree. To the North, by the Tourney Plateau; to the East, by the Canon Road; to the South, by the Elizabeth Wood; to the West, by the Leone River. The Count shall hold governance over these lands, administering justice, collecting rents and revenues, and ensuring the protection of its people in accordance with the laws of Alba. Furthermore, it is the Count's charge to maintain the defense of the realm, providing men and arms in times of war, and to serve as Our loyal vassal and counselor in times of peace. We grant unto the Countess, Lorelei Mairi Alstion-Enswerp @annanicole__, and her heirs all rights, privileges, and appurtenances befitting their station, including the authority to hold courts, levy taxes, and preside over disputes within the bounds of the County. This Our princely decree is given under Our Great Seal at Morvelyn, on the 20th of Tobias' Bounty, in the Year of Our Lord 2010, and in the 10th Year of Our reign. S I G N E D, THEIR ROYAL HIGHNESSES, Cecily and Edward, Princes of Alstion, Dukes of Alba, Protectors of the Franklands HIS EXCELLENCY, George Charles Aldersberg, Lord Chancellor of Alba, Earl of Dover

Issued by the Duchy of Alba On the 12th of Tobias' Bounty, 2009 The Law. . . The Peers of Alba convene in Morvelyn by Mary Aldersberg, 2007 y the grace of God, and with the counsel of the Lords and the loyalty of the free men of Alba, the Duke and Duchess of Alba, do ordain and establish this Code. Let it be a solemn covenant between the Crown and people, securing our realm's peace, prosperity, and liberty. We, mindful of our duty to uphold justice and order, promise Ourselves and Our heirs to honor and preserve these laws so that all who dwell in Alba may live under the protection of right and reason. ARTICLE. I. On Rights and Duties Section. I. Let it be known that all who sojourn within these lands are endowed with the inalienable rights to life, liberty, and just treatment under the laws of the realm. No man shall be deprived of their freedoms or possessions but through the due processes of law. The freedoms of thought, speech, and assembly shall be upheld, provided always they do not imperil the peace, honor, or sanctity of Our realm. Section. II. It is the solemn charge of every man within Our realm to preserve its peace and welfare. Each subject shall render tribute unto the Crown and, when summoned, bear arms or provide service in its defense. Loyalty to the Sovereign and adherence to the laws of the realm are the duties of all who claim this land as their home. Section. III. The Canonist Faith shall be the guiding light of Our realm, upheld by all who dwell within its borders. Those who walk paths beyond the Canonist Faith must render tribute in acknowledgment of GOD’s boundless grace, the measure and manner of which shall be determined by the Exchequer of Our realm. Any who sow discord through heretical teachings or defy the Canonist Faith shall be brought before the High Court of the Church, whose judgments shall be final and unassailable. ARTICLE. II. On Governance and Authority Section. I. The Sovereign is, and shall remain, the supreme authority of Our realm, entrusted with the duty of safeguarding its laws, lands, and people. It is the Sovereign’s prerogative to appoint a House of Lords to serve as a body of counsel and legislative design, their decrees requiring the Sovereign's seal to attain the force of law. Section. II. The House of Lords shall be composed of an equal number of members, with the Chancellor holding the charge of casting the deciding vote in the event of a tie. These Lords, chosen from the nobility by the Sovereign’s hand, are charged with the stewardship of their designated regions, ensuring the prosperity and welfare of Our people. Section. III. In the townships and villages within the Realm, the citizenry may elect a Lord Mayor to oversee local affairs, provided the mayor upholds its laws and customs. The election cycle shall commence with a three-month period for nominations and deliberation. The term of office for a Lord Mayor shall span six years. A nominee for the position of Lord Mayor must fulfill the following: They shall be a resident of the Realm. They shall profess and adhere to the Canonist Faith. ARTICLE. III. On Inheritance Section. I. The standard of Our realm shall be Lateral Succession, ensuring the orderly passage of titles and estates. However, it remains the prerogative of each noble House to decree the specific laws of succession that shall govern their lineage, with the Crown’s assent. The head of a noble House shall wield the exclusive authority to approve or deny matrimonial unions within their House. Any member who enters into marriage without the consent of their House’s head can face disinheritance, their claim to title and inheritance forfeited. Section. II. An inheritor who pledges allegiance to a foreign realm beyond the Crown must relinquish either their foreign allegiance or their titles and estates, ensuring that the lands of Our realm remain intact. Should an inheritor forfeit their lands or titles, these shall pass to the next rightful heir. In the absence of a suitable inheritor, such lands and titles shall revert to the Crown, to be redistributed in the interest of the realm. ARTICLE. IV. On Law and Justice Section. I. The Chancellery of Our realm shall preside over all secular judgments, with judges appointed by the Sovereign, chosen for their wisdom, impartiality, and adherence to the laws of the land. Matters of faith and ecclesiastical governance shall fall under the jurisdiction of His Holiness’s High Court, whose decrees shall bear the divine authority of the Canonist Church. Section. II. Crimes such as theft, murder, and treason shall be met with punishments commensurate to their gravity, ensuring both justice and the deterrence of further transgression. Treason against Our realm shall merit the ultimate penalty: death or exile, as determined by the Sovereign or their appointed judiciary. Let it be proclaimed that no punishment within Our realm shall be cruel or unusual, save for offenses of unspeakable and exceptional depravity, which may warrant measures befitting their heinous nature. ARTICLE. V. On Trade and Stewardship Section. I. Merchants within the Duchy shall enjoy the liberty to conduct their trade freely, provided they render unto the realm all lawful tariffs and fees as prescribed by its statutes. Foreign traders seeking to engage in commerce upon the soil of Our realm must first obtain permits bearing the Sovereign’s seal, granting them the privilege to ply their trade within the bounds of the Duchy. Section. II. The lands of Our dominion, and the bounties they yield, are the patrimony of its people and shall be cultivated with diligence and care for the sustenance of the realm. Nobles entrusted with the stewardship of these lands bear the solemn duty of ensuring their fecundity and preserving the welfare of those who toil upon them, that the prosperity of Our realm might endure for generations. ARTICLE. VI. On Military Service Section. I. In times of peril, every able-bodied citizen of Our realm may be summoned to its defense, to stand as a bulwark against those who would threaten its peace and sovereignty. Nobles, as stewards of their lands and protectors of their people, are duty-bound to maintain levies of armed men and to ensure their readiness for the defense of Our realm. Section. II. Let all acts of war waged by Our realm be conducted with honor and dignity, sparing the lives of non-combatants and refraining from deeds that would sully the integrity of the realm. In victory or defeat, the conduct of war shall reflect the grace and valor befitting Our realm. ARTICLE. VII. On Amendments Section. I. This Code, being the foundation of law and order within Our realm, may be amended solely by decree of the Sovereign, with the counsel and deliberation of the House of Lords to guide its refinement. Section. II. Let copies of this Code be preserved within the Johannian Archives, safeguarded for posterity. Its principles shall be taught to all who dwell within Our realm, that its wisdom may endure unbroken through the ages and guide the generations to come. In witness whereof, this Code is decreed by the Duke and Duchess of Alba and witnessed by the House of Lords, In the year of Our Lord 2009, S I G N E D, THEIR ROYAL HIGHNESSES, Cecily and Edward, Princes of Alstion, Dukes of Alba HIS EXCELLENCY, George Charles Aldersberg, Lord Chancellor of Alba

Issued by the Duchy of Alba On the 21st of Tobias’ Bounty, 2007 Lady Mayor of Elizabeth by Mary Aldersberg, 2007 A SPEECH PENNED FROM THE OFFICE OF THE LADY MAYOR OF ELIZABETH, I, Lady Antonia de Lewes, stand before you with a heart brimming with gratitude and humility, thanking the good citizens of Elizabeth, Alba, for electing me as your first Lady Mayor in this historic year of 2007. The path to this moment was far from easy, as my race against Fionn Wick tested my resolve, my vision, and my dedication to this cherished city. Along the way, I learned the true meaning of perseverance, the importance of unity, and the boundless strength of community spirit. To have earned your trust to lead Elizabeth as Lady Mayor is an honor beyond words, and I pledge to serve this city with wisdom, compassion, and steadfast dedication. In the coming weeks, I shall unveil an exciting new tradition, The Tavern Night, a celebration for all to gather and share in our collective joy and stories. Until then, I wish you and your families a Merry Tuvmas, filled with warmth, laughter, and the enduring light of GOD. S I G N E D, HIS EXCELLENCY, George Charles Aldersberg, Lord Chancellor of Alba HER LADYSHIP, Antonia Letizia Ashford de Lewes, Lady Mayor of Elizabeth

your fav character and why

Issued by the Court of Alba On the 21st of Godfrey's Triumph, 2005 The Drawing Room by Mary Aldersberg, circa 2004 I T I N E R A R Y The scheduled events are as follows: THE RIBBON CUTTING : As the masses convene for the festivities, the honour of opening the town by cutting the ribbon shall be granted to the dignitary of the populous. Afterwards the names of both the hamlet and castle shall be revealed. To celebrate and credit GOD each and every of the guests shall be sated from the same loaf of bread. THE PROCESSION : Upon the conclusion of the prior ceremony, The Prince and Princess Alba shall lead the guests through the city gates and tour them through the streets of the town, before ascending towards the keep. THE SERMON : The gathering would halt at the gates of the castle, where the priest shall bless with holy water the grounds, ensuring its protection from evil machinations. Moving onto the interior, the process shall be repeated in every area, starting from the courtyard and any other space en route to the throne room. THE COURT : Concluding the blessings, the 1st Court of Alba shall be held by The Prince Edward and Princess Cecily. The hosts shall deliver their speech to the gathered before opening the floor to any petitioner, upon exhaustion of discussion the guests shall be sated and saturated in an imposing feast. I N V I T A T I O N S The invitations are sent out to the following: Furthermore, beyond these formal and personal summons, let it be known that all, regardless of station or calling, are most warmly invited to join us on this occasion. S I G N E D, HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS, Prince Edward Caius, Lord of Alba HER ROYAL HIGHNESS, Princess Cecily Amelia, Lady of Alba (OOC INFO:)

"Indeed, most excellently crafted," George Charles Aldersberg remarked with a single nod, his gaze fixed upon the parchment. He carefully set it down on the oak table that stood between him and his sister, Alexandra. @valecu "Alas, the intended audience shall likely comprehend it not. If only Levi and his misguided lemmings could master the art of reading, they might cease their mindless swordplay and come to understand that the Prince and Princess are advocating for their participation in our governance—striving for the betterment of the realm, without needless bloodshed." The Aldersberg leaned back in his chair then, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "But we shall see whether a dog can indeed learn new tricks."

George Charles Aldersberg stumbled out of the Town Hall, blood dripping from his hand, his surcoat torn, his breaths ragged from the lingering alchemical fumes that curled smoke from his lips. Confused yet unyielding, he leaned briefly against a column, his hand resting on the hilt of his blade. “Is this what they have resorted to?” he said with a hoarse voice. “Cowards spilling blood to shatter unity. They will answer for this treachery.”

With pins and needles held between his lips, George Charles Aldersberg adjusted Prince Edward's doublet, his eyes glinting with a hint of nervous anticipation. "So," he mumbled, carefully positioning the folds of the fabric, "Have you thought about who you’ll have as your groomsmen?" His heart began to beat slightly faster, hoping the Prince's answer would include him. @ErosTea

George Charles Aldersberg straightened his doublet, his gaze filled with anticipation as he read over the proceedings. “This Diet meeting will be important,” he muttered to himself, his voice steady. “With so many pressing matters to discuss, every word will count. It’s our chance to shape the kingdom’s future.”

This week a hot new bombshell enters the villa

Staring up at the night sky, George of Aldersberg replayed the unforgettable moment in his mind. He shook his head in wonder, a smile tugging at his lips. "It's as if Edward and Cecily's union is woven into the very fabric of the stars.” He murmured, sighing deeply then.

George Charles of Aldersberg holds the invitation delicately, his azure eyes sweeping over the illuminated script until he spots his families name. A satisfied grin unfurls as he inhales deeply, already lost in visions of the feast’s splendor. "What shall I wear?" he murmured, the question lingering as he strode toward his wardrobe, footsteps almost a dance upon the hardwood floors of his apartment.

"Mama, the past behind YOU💜." Whispered Prince Michael as he gazed up towards the stars upon learning of his beloved mother's death.

[!] Within the quiet town of Andregrad, Stran, a Duke stood silently within the Church of Saint Theodosius, head bowed in prayer. A bandit blocks the doors out of the Church while on horseback and quickly draws his daemondsteel longsword “Halt!” “Yam unmoving, Zhenya.” Janos Matyas says with a roll of his eyes, “Brother.” spoke a familiar curt voice, the voice becoming louder as the speaker walked up behind Janos. Three more bandits entered the Church of St. Theodosius then. . . “Eja, Agnieszka.” Janos remained unmoving, his attention fixed on the altar before him. "What have vy done now. . ." “Y? Vy serve under Johannian's, serving alongside the Haenseti.” Agnieszka drew her blade, stepping closer to him “A shame it had to come to this, but you take after papej, none of you deserve the right to our Grandfathers' Heritage, not Papej, not Andrejz, and not you.” Izabela Anna Ivanovich, the Duchess-Dowager and mother to Janos and Agnieszka, then entered, lofting a brow, her gaze set upon the gathering before her before focusing then on one of the bandits, “What's the occasion. . . ?” “Y will niet have w right for long, Y believe w Tsar jest revoking w Ksizadom of Stran.” Janos admittedly said with a lowly shake of his head. Agnieszka Marie scoffed, stepping closer to him once more “Vy are not even going to attempt to scream for help.” she smiled, walking around to face him. “Yam niet fit to rule this sved Ksizadom, one Y did niet even want to rule.” He stepped forth placing a finger directly at the center of Agnieszka's chestplate. “Blame vyrself for having it come to this.” “For bringing y to this jebany place.” He added. “Perhaps use the blade you hold on yourself” He thought. . . Agnieszka Marie moved forward, attempting to stab her brother in the torso “Very well then, problem solved” she smiled, pulling it out again afterwards. Izabela Anna Ivanovich swiftly moved to push past the bandits, her concern of the situation only growing evermore as she moved to behold the situation herself. A bandit moved to block Izabela's path, fervently pointing towards his blade. “Vy suka blya-.” The Duke hadn't even been allowed to finish his sentence, as soon as the sword impaled him he fell to the ground before the altar, his gaze still fixed on Agnieszka, even after death. The Duchess-Dowager stood unblinking, seeing the body of her son suddenly drop to the ground. Her expression nearly blank as she tried to comprehend what had just happened. Agnieszka Marie looked down at her brother's corpse, she smiled, lifting up her boot as she moved to crushed his skull in, bringing her foot down with full force “Long live the Duke” she smiled, moving to walk out the church “Burn it down.” The New Duchess walked over to take a torch from the wall, dropping it onto the body. A bandit kicked the corpse over, quick to inspect if the man had anything of worth to loot. “Dorat, you heard the Duchess, we burn the place down!” Called another bandit to his friend. And with that, the Duke of Stran met his swift demise at the hands of his own sister. His dreams to rekindle the Duchy had been taken far too literally, the wooden town of Andregrad burned, the billowing smoke produced could be seen from the Capital. REST IN PEACE János Mátyás Ivanovich 1932-1957

THE HELMING CEREMONY of JÁNOS MÁTYÁS IVANOVICH Issued & confirmed by the, HOUSE OF IVANOVICH On the 22nd of Godfrey’s Triumph, 1955 TO THE PEOPLE OF STRAN, In the echoes of time, our beloved lands once danced with life—a symphony of tolling church bells, roaring bonfires, and houses adorned in hues of vibrant tales. Yet, the melody faded, and Andregrad now stands in a somber hush, its once lively streets now ghostly quiet, its population near zero. But behold, like a tide rising to the shore, a renewal beckons. János Mátyás Ivanovich, a harbinger of change, seeks to breathe life into the dormant Duchy of Stran. To mark the dawn of the new era, a procession is to be held on the 22nd of Godfrey’s Triumph 1956, exactly one Saint’s Week from now. Its itinerary, an ode to the traditions that once crowned the Duchy in glory, is outlined below: Commencing at the Whisperwood Tree, standing west of Castle Arpacz, where the whispers of countless Dukes echo through its branches. The Cardinal Gelimar shall orchestrate a sacred transition—a baptism amidst harmonious melodies. János’ white robes fall and the armor of Jan I is donned—an emblem of continuity and legacy. A return to the Andregrad Duma Hall on horseback follows, within which János Mátyás is anointed with holy oil, a consecration of divine favor. Within the walls of the Duma Hall, János shall take the Helming Oath and be presented with regalia, including the ancient Mace of Kraija—a relic of authority and the birthright to rule Stran. Then, the Boyar’s Cap, one rumored to be worn by Exalted Sigismund, is a symbol of strength and the weight of responsibility, is to be placed upon János’ head, marking the conclusion of the Helming Ceremony. Finally, court unfolds, where petitions are heard, gifts exchanged—a communion between Duke and subject. Once more, the church bells, silent witnesses to the passage of time, shall toll. The dormant embers, seemingly long-snuffed, shall be rekindled. The painted wooden homes, once faded canvases, shall shimmer anew with fresh coats. Let this procession be the anthem of a resurrected Stran, where the echoes of the past harmonize with the promises of a vibrant future under Duke Jan II. WILD IN BLOOD, WILD IN FURY His Grace, János Mátyás Ivanovich Duke of Stran, Voivode of Vaška, Baron of Cherskavy, Patriarch of House Ivanovich, Protector of Raev and the Vaškan Steppe Her Grace, Izabela of Warsovia Dowager-Duchess of Stran, Lady of The Willow Court Her Ladyship, Agnieszka Ivanovich

On the Government of the Wards THE RESULTS OF THE NOMINATIONS FOR THE 4TH GOVERNMENT OF THE WARDS OF WHITESPIRE Issued and Confirmed by the Chancellery of Aaun on the 13th of the Sun’s Smile, 1954 TO THE CITIZENS OF THE ROYAL CAPITAL, The nominations for the 4th Government of the Wards for the Royal Capital of Whitespire have ended. The Crown wishes to extend its thanks to all those who took initiative in partaking in the Municipal government of the Royal Capital in the form of nominating themselves, attending and hosting rallies and campaigning for the betterment of our city. Additionally the Crown wishes to extend its thanks to the more than twenty thousand people who participated in the election. The following individuals are to be appointed to their respective positions: The 4th Lord Mayor of Whitespire, Boon @Myochii Ward Representative, Lord Henri de Lewes @sondher Ward Representative, Lord Onas Daesmond @K_rusader Ward Representative, Lord Vylandris @Crevel Ward Representative, Father Frantzisko @cadazio The Lord Mayor is hereby tasked with summoning the sittings of the new City’s Council and continuing the works for improving the Capital, the law, and the wider Crownlands at once. A Procession Ceremony will be held in King Charles' Square to serve as a formal and symbolic transition of power, marking the conclusion of the previous Mayor's term and welcoming a new chapter for the city of Whitespire. ✿ SIGNED AND CONFIRMED BY, HIS EXCELLENCY, Fernand Auguste de Lewes Chancellor of the United Kingdom of Aaun, Master of Augmentations, Baron of Virdain

Fernand de Lewes reviewed the document, nodding in agreement with his wife Amelia. "GOD save us all."