cherrybud

SOFIYA LINGERED OVER THAT PILE OF ASH. The man that had once towered over her, who had ruined and ruined and ruined- reduced to nothing but dust beneath her own blade. No blood to stain the bridge, no body to drag home. Just the pitiful remains of what he had become, swept away as though he had never been there at all. ~+~ She should've killed him sooner.

THE RAVENS OF ULRICHSBURG — Penned by HH, Johanna II in the year of 1998 — FOREWORD & INTRODUCTION One of life’s deepest fulfilments comes from creating new life, shaping a future that will surpass us and preserve legacies beyond our own. With each new generation, we plant the seeds of progress, hope, and possibility, building a bridge from the past to a brighter future. It is my own personal hope that with this announcement, the Princely house of Alstreim may continue to play its role in contributing to a greater purpose. With such, it is with great joy that Wilhelm and I do hereby announce that within the halls of Ulrichsburg upon the early morning of the 8th of Horen’s Calling, 1889, was the Princely house blessed by the birth of not one, but two new additions to our family. Let it be known that furthermore they shall be known as: THE HONOURABLE FREIDRICH WILHELM THE COUNT OF WHISPERWOOD @Olox_ HER LADYSHIP ROSALINDE CALLIOPE THE BARONESS OF GODWINS CROSS @rinceau NUR GOTT UND ALSTREIM HER HIGHNESS, JOHANNA II ALOISA VON ALSTREIM Princess of Merryweather and the Rhine, Landgravine of Alstreim, Baroness of Corwinsburg and Apfelberg, Lady of Blackwater and Ulrichsburg, Mistress of the Langkette Pass, Dame of Aaun HIS HIGHNESS, WILHELM ULRIC Prince-Consort of Merryweather and the Rhine, Landgrave-Consort of Alstreim, Baron-Consort of Corwinsburg and Apfelberg, Lord of Blackwater and Ulrichsburg

"let us rebuild our beloved Kingdom" The Princess of Merryweather spoke upon hearing the news

— A portrait of the Countess amongst Ladies of the Paradisian Court. C.1987 — FOREWORD & INTRODUCTION As the Countess of Whisperwood reaches the age of majority, the Principality of Merryweather extends invitations across the realm to celebrate the special occasion. At request of the Lady Alstreim, guests are encouraged to wear their most expensive garbs and knights to don their armour. [Merryweather, 4pm EST Monday 5th August] I. SPEECH OF WHISPERWOOD Lady Johanna will address Aaunic society publicly for the first time, as the heiress to the Principality of Merryweather. II. THE KNIGHTING OF LADY JOHANNA From lady to dame, the Countess of Whisperwood will make modern Aaunic history as being the first woman to be knighted in our prestige realm, with HRAAM King Charles II bestowing the accolade unto her for all to see. Once ascending to her title of Dame Johanna of Merryweather, she is to take her sword and cut off a lock of her hair; a symbol of transition, letting go of one's childhood. III. CELEBRATORY JIVING After debuting, the merriment of the evening can commence in Ulrichsberg. A Waldenic dance, performed by the Countess’ sister, Lady Reinhilde Ilse, will lead off the celebrations as guests will enjoy some light refreshments and conversation. All are encouraged to dance with a partner. INVITATIONS TO THE APOSTOLIC KINGDOM OF AAUN His Apostolic Majesty, Charles II, King of Aaun, And his royal pedigree The Right Honorable, Siegmund von Reuss, Margrave of Velen, And his noble pedigree The Right Honourable, Jan Jazlowiecki, Margrave of Grodno, And his noble pedigree The Honourable, John Alstion-Enswerp, Count of Enswerp, And his noble pedigree The Honourable, Emilio Varoche, Count of Ves And his noble pedigree His Lordship, Philip Halcourt, Baron of Artois, And his noble pedigree His Lordship, Louis-Caspian d’Rosius Baron of Rosius, And his noble pedigree WALDENIC DIET ELECTORATES Her Royal Highness, Adalfriede von Hexenwald, Lady Vandalore His Royal Highness, Alfred I Barclay von Reinmar, Electorate of Reinmar-Sutica His Royal Highness, Leon II Barclay von Minitz, Electorate of Minitz His Grace, Aurel von Theonus, Electorate of Vohenheim The Honourable, Friedrich von Augusten, Electorate of Hohengarten PERSONAL INVITATIONS Her Royal Highness, Alicja Alstion-Enswerp Her Royal Highness, Josephine Alstion The Right Honourable, Marlene von Reuss Ser George Halcourt Lord Johannes Colborn Lady Isabeau d’Rosius Lord Marsilius von Augusten Lady Winifred Halcourt Boon and Bane Noma WRITTEN AND PROCLAIMED; In the Principality of Merryweather, On the 11th of Malin’s Welcome, 1988. Her Excellency, JOHANNA VON ALSTREIM, Lady Treasurer of the Apostolic Kingdom of Aaun, Countess of Whisperwood Her Royal and Apostolic Majesty, HEDWIG OF WARSOVIA, Queen-consort of Aaun, Princess-consort of Alstion, Duchess-consort of the Franklands, Vienne, the Lowlands, Balemena and Corazon, Margravine-consort of High Peak, Countess-consort of Whitespire, Florentine and Talentine, Baroness-consort of Blanchet, Gotfridcher and Virdain.

Johanna paced back and forth upon the ship's deck, the rhythmic creaking of the boards underfoot accompanying her thoughts. She read the missive with a growing smile, then paused, letting the parchment drop to her side as she gazed towards the approaching mainland. "May GOD and our King guide us back to unity in the Heartlands."

MC Name: cherrybud Discord: caitcaitcai Image: https://imgur.com/a/fyQ8mVK Description of Image: Portrait of Ser Philip Laurent and Adelheid Klara Dimensions: 2 wide 2 high

Heidi sat in her study that evening, a familiar refuge in her quieter days. The unexpected letter from Nikoletta had arrived, and she tore it open eagerly, anticipating news of a potential visit to Artois from her lifelong friend. However, the contents had been the last thing she expected. "Oh, Niko..." she murmured with a furrowed brow, reading the words again to ensure she hadn't misunderstood. She held the letter tightly to her chest and immediately sent word for her Husband, Philip. @JustAngel69

THE BLOOD RAVEN’S REGENCY 1937 - 1951 ALL THE TRIUMPHS, STUMBLES, AND PROGRESS THAT HAVE BEEN MADE, ARE THE WORK NOT OF ME OR THE COUNCIL MEMBERS ON THEIR OWN, BUT OF ALL OF US, AAUNITES - Heinrich II — By Adelheid of Merryweather — FOREWORD & INTRODUCTION This particular book has been a personal project of mine since my Father’s passing. It shames me that it has taken so long to publish and I apologise deeply to my Father for the wait. With my own children growing up and making Philip and I proud with the paths they are choosing to follow, I wished to teach them of my own Father’s legacy, and the sacrifices he made for his king and kingdom. And so, I conclude my writings upon the Blood Raven’s Regency to pay tribute to his achievements and to help educate my own children on how great of a man their grandfather truly was. THE REGENCY ERA | 1937 C. Harren’s Folly Following the death of Prince Henry at such an early tender age the succession of the kingdom came into question, having thrived under the leadership of King James I, the monarch still grew ever older and less capable of completing his royal duties. King James struggled greatly with the death of his eldest son, he passed a few short years later leaving the king of four years old Edmund I, as King of Aaun. To help govern the nation during this trying time a regency council was formed by King James I’s will and was set to work helping to settle the nation struck by such terrible losses. Prince Heinrich Lothar of Merryweather as the Grand Peer took his seat on the council in the hopes to guide the nation to a brighter future. Alongside him sat the Archbishop of Albarosa, The Viscountess Valence, Sir Gawyn Tiber, Ms. Melina Dieuxmonth and Sjt. Louis Haverlock. THE HEARTLANDER ACCORD | 1941 C. Sigismunds End In the year 1941 the Heartlander Accord was established to put closure to the wars that had plagued the heartlands for decades. The alliance would ensure that the heartlands could remain peaceful and united as one, each offering to aid one another if anything were to happen. These consisted of signatures from the Commonwealth of the Petra, the League of Veletz, the United Kingdom of Aaun, and the Kingdom of Numendil. This achievement of peace marked the first of many for Prince Heinrich and the regency council. THE GREAT WHITESPIRE FLOOD | 1942 C. Sun’s Smile One of the first serious problems that was faced during the regency was the great Whitespire flood, triggered by a tsunami which engulfed the Aaunic capital. The water surged into every corner of the city, trapping many citizens and leaving their homes severely damaged or destroyed. The city declared a state of emergency and prohibited entry to prevent further disaster. In an act of great generosity, the Prince of Merryweather saw the dire need of the citizens of Aaun and decided to open the gates to Ulrichsburg to house anyone that sought shelter. Families were offered houses in the village below, and the Merryweather Tavern became a place of solace, where music and beverages helped lift spirits during these dark times. In the following year, 1943, The Regency Council called upon all able men and women to unite in carving out a passageway for the water to escape into the moats around the ivory city. Then they would begin plans to reconstruct and repair the damage caused. Such a plan proved to be successful and within the following months the damage would not be unrecognisable to any citizens and visitors of Whitespire. SETTLING IN THE FLOODPLAINS | 1944 C. Sigismunds End Within the Kingdoms lands sat a great portion of flooded terrain, originally deemed unlivable due to its lack of any solid foundations for a keep to rest. However, it was alongside the Prince of Merryweather that in 1944 the three Barons of Aaun were able to establish a foundation of their own, constructing unique keeps that sat upon layers of stone to combat the instability of the ground below them. The keeps now stood as testaments to human perseverance and resilience setting an example for many to follow. THE LORD REGENT | 1945 C. Harren’s Folly In the year of 1945, The regency of the council came to an end, as Heinrich II was declared The Lord Regent of Aaun. Whilst the councillors would remain in their rightful positions, it was the Prince of Merryweather that would ultimately be entrusted to lead the nation until the young King became of age. DEPARTURE OF VON AUGUSTEN | 1947 C. Godfrey’s Triumph For several years before their departure, the Von Augustens faced serious scandal from the actions of Ottomar Lothar. Not only did he slander the Blood Raven’s family, but he was later proven to be a blood sucking monster. The family would eventually announce his disownment but a stain had already been left upon their name and their reputation was tarnished. Left with no other choice, the family deemed the best course of action was to flee the nation and start anew in the Commonwealth of Petra As written by the young King Edmund in 1947, ‘The betrayal of sworn oaths and vows made in good conscience is among the gravest sins a man may make against his fellow man.’ And so when the news of their departure made way to the Lord Regent and the child-monarch, they were forced to act with haste. A missive was published providing an ultimatum to the family, requiring the head of the house to show his face in front of the king and the Blood Raven else their titles would be returned to the crown. To no surprise not a single member of the family made an appearance and thus their titles were stripped! END OF THE BLOOD RAVEN | 1951 C. Owyn’s Flame There is no greater death than in service of our King and Kingdom. Whilst many swear oaths to defend their Monarch until death, not all can claim to be brave enough to stand true to their word. So when King Edmund’s traitorous vassal, the March of Stassion, stormed the capital in an attempt to coup the crown, the Blood Raven was the first to stand in defence of his King. The few to bear witness tell tales of how brave the Prince was, to remain loyal to the boy he proudly called his King even when death arrived upon his doorstep. Whilst this concludes my writings upon the Blood Raven and his Regency of our beloved Kingdom, it is but a fraction of his story. There remains much more to write about his achievements before he ascended to the role of Regent. His dedication to our King and Kingdom was unwavering, and he made the ultimate sacrifice in their service. Though I may have wished for more time with him, I am immensely proud to call this man my Father. His legacy is not just a historical footnote but a testament to his enduring commitment, bravery, and the profound impact he had on our realm and it is my hope that future generations will remember and honour his contributions to our Kingdom. His memory lives on. Her Ladyship, Adelheid of Merryweather, Baroness-Consort of Artois, Lady of Montresor, Deputy Treasurer to the Heartlander Confederation and Writer of Adelheid’s Archives

THE PASSING OF A CHILD 5th of The Grand Harvest 1980 PRINCEPS IN OMNIBVS First in All Things — AN ANNOUNCEMENT It is with deep sorrow that The Barony of Artois announces the passing of Lady Clementine Rosalie Halcourt, eldest daughter of the Baron and Baroness of Artois Clementine Rosalie Halcourt, twin to Sir George Lothar, was born on the 2nd of Amber's Cold, 1958. During the harsh times of the Coalition War, Clementine became ill, leaving her frail and weak. Despite the best efforts of physicians and the loving care of her family, her health continued to decline. She shared her mother's interests for literature and books, often spending her days immersed in the Library of Montresor. It comforts the House of Halcourt that surrounded by the knowledge and stories she so dearly loved, Clementine found solace and joy in the written word. The Barony of Artois will enter a period of mourning and it's gates shall remain closed to visitors whilst all prepare for the upcoming funeral. SIGNED, Sir, Philip Halcourt Baron of Artois, Lord of Montresor, Knight of Veletz Her Ladyship, Adelheid of Merryweather Baroness-Consort of Artois, Lady of Montresor and Deputy Treasurer to the Heartlander Confederation

"Oh Albus," sighed the deceased Baroness, her voice soft as she gazed at the aged man before her. Nataliya scarcely recognised him beneath the weight of years; once youthful, now weathered, yet still possessing that familiar wisdom. "You owe me as many stories as you have to offer, my dear cousin. It has been agony watching you and Sterly have all the fun without me!" Her jest carried a hint of longing, her smile only growing as she spoke. Then, breaking her usual fierce demeanour, the Phoenix of Amador pulled him in to a tight embrace, evident in how proud she was of her cousin, Albus Amador.

Within the confines of the greenhouse did JOHANNA carefully cut each flower of her choosing, ensuring they were gently placed within a vase of water that rest besides her. "These ones are not quite ready..." She uttered to herself with a shake of her head, soon searching for others within the foliage. "Mama!" She called out then, plucking a final blossom from it's roots. "-do you think this shall be enough?"

As written by the Office of the Treasury The White Rose Tavern Reopening 1974 — To the Citizens of the Heartland and Allies, For many years, our tavern has been graciously run by the House of Varoche and we offer much gratitude to them. Yet, with the union of the Heartlands, it is in the Crown’s best interests to manage the tavern once more and move towards its ultimate revival. The following announcement serves as an invitation to the Grand reopening of our beloved tavern. The White Rose Tavern shall host yearly tavern nights within the month of Harren’s folly where all citizens and allies of the Heartlands shall be welcomed to join! Food and beverages shall be discounted on these particular nights and set weekly specials will be released! However, for this particular yearly event, to commemorate the opening, a competition of dart throwing shall commence! A grand prize of 100 minae shall be offered to the champion, along with a one of its kind Heartlandic wine with the tavern’s name engraved upon the bottle. SIGNED, Her Ladyship, Adelheid Klara Halcourt, Lady of Montresor, Deputy Treasury of the Heartlands Dame, Wren Sarlen-Temesch, Grand Treasurer of the Heartlands, Knight of Seviel, Knight of the Petrine Laurel

IGN: CherryBud DISCORD: CherryBudd SKIN: magnificent mauve AMOUNT: 150 minas SKIN: playful pink AMOUNT: 360 minas

Amidst the vibrant hustle and bustle of the County of Warsovia on that evening, where anticipation hung in the air for the twin daughter's eighteenth name day, their mother, Felicite, found a quiet moment to steal away. With a tender reverence, she knelt down in a prayer, her voice a gentle murmur against the excitement that filled the keep. "Look how far they have come Aleksander," She whispered, "I know you would be most proud of our girls if you could see them now" @Olox_ The next day she would waste little time in joining the rest of the family to prepare for the festivities!

With a soft sigh, the mother approached. "Your books shall await your return," She began, her voice sought to reassure the girl. "-besides, it is an opportunity for you to meet some new friends, and I'm sure our relatives wish to see you make an appearance." - "Dare I say you might even enjoy yourself... and if you do not, you may return to your books after greeting the guests, does that sound fair?"