MotherLay

Lost Potential Briana Baruch and Miss Reed “IDIOT!” Smack. “STUPID!” Smack. “IMBECILE!” Smack. Briana Baruch has many tutors, one for each subject. They cannot fit all on one hand. She is good at some subjects, worse at others, but her biggest challenge has, and always will be, penmanship and reading comprehension. Her inability to perform well in these subjects became apparent once she turned seven. While her friends wrote letters that could be discerned and understood, Briana’s attempts always fell flat. Awkward spacing, capitalization in the wrong places, like letters swapped plagued her pages. It was then, that fork in the road of adolescence, that she strayed from her friends and their progress. While others moved forward, she seemed to move back. Little progress has been made up to the present day. Despite her hours of extra practice, her determination to try, and the brutal judgement she received for her inability, she was incapable. Her reading and writing skills were fostered by a single tutor- Miss. Alma Reed. “LAZY!” Smack. “IGNORANT!” Smack. “USELESS!” Smack. Miss Reed was strict. She had tutored many fine, capable noble children. She had fostered their education to the highest degree of understanding. Never once had she failed. Not until Briana. Miss Reed feared that Briana’s incompetence reflected poorly on her career. If the Duke’s daughter failed to learn, who else would hire her afterward? So, she took a harsher approach- a painful one. Every missed spelling earned Briana a slap on her knuckles. The tutor always used the same punishing weapon- a wooden ruler with a brass-lined frame. Every mispronounced word, another smack. This became routine. This was normal. The insults, the pain, the struggling. She left many lessons with torn skin and bleeding wounds. It wasn’t until Garen Baruch, her older brother, stepped in and drew the line. Under no authority to fire the tutor, she kept her job for the time being. With the threat of being outcast, the punishments ceased. The frustrated Miss Reed was reduced of her power and resigned to a much calmer approach. It was too late though. The seeds of doubt had already been planted in Briana’s mind. She had even begun to believe it, at one point. “Ye played me fer ah fool, Garen. Ye told me tha’ ah was nae dumb- er an idiot, er stupid… bu’ ye used tha’ tae yer advantage.” Her closest ally, her confidant, and her greatest supporter, betrayed her trust. He put on what she believes to be an act. She was stupid enough to fall for it. Garen’s true nature, or what she believes is his true nature, had come to light. And no amount of punishment from her tutor had ever made her feel this dumb. “IDIOT!” Smack. “STUPID!” Smack. “IMBECILE!” Smack She vowed to herself then, to give up. To stop trying so hard to do what was clearly impossible. At fourteen years old, she had resigned herself to be what everyone thought her to be. An idiot.

BANKET I GOET WIEZCIK FEAST OF GOOD TIDINGS “In the southern camps, we patriarchs of these three Houses of Raev swore a pact upon our shared blood; to unite our hosts beyond the end of this campaign, and with the Emperor’s blessing, to one day settle the north beyond the great wall of Kvasz.” The Bureviy Host, 632 E.S. THE MEMBERS OF HOUSE GALAHAR, HOUSE RADOVANIC, AND OF HOUSE RUTHERN SHALL COME TOGETHER ON THIS DAY FOR A GRAND FEAST OF CELEBRATION. With the formation of the Bureviy Host, and the first Radduma having nominated their choice of Hetman, the families have decided that a commemoration of their alliance was in order. A bountiful feast shall be held on the hillside of Ghaestenwald, where camp has been made by the Boyar Houses. Any and all citizens of the Empire are invited to attend these festivities. The Month of Gronna ag Droba Sunday, May 24th, 6:30 pm EST THE BRAWL OF THE BUREVIY At the grounds outside of Vrazdov, a contest known as Lord of the Barrow shall be held, wherein those must keep one’s footing upon a mound of dirt as they fight for their place against other opponents. Whoever emerges victorious in the brawl shall be entitled to a small purse of coin. THE SPEECHES AND DRINKS Once the participants of the brawl have settled, a lord or lady from each Boyar House is expected to make a speech, proclaiming before all that their commitment to the Host is true; though, only after indulging in copious amounts of drink. Whatever else is said through slurred phrases is their own prerogative, however gaudy it may be. THE FEAST AND ENTERTAINMENT After the speeches, the eve is to be continued with casual chatter at the camp’s firepit, wherein fresh game of boar meat and Carrion Black will be served. Alongside this, some displays of entertainment will be performed for all to enjoy. Formal invitations are issued to the following; His Imperial Majesty, Marcus I, Emperor of Man and his imperial pedigree. His Serene Highness, Willem van Aert, Prince of Blackvale and his princely pedigree. His Serene Highness, Rodimar Barclay, Prince of Reinmar and his princely pedigree. His Serene Highness, Edward Alstion, Archduke of Alba and his princely pedigree. His Grace, Marlon d’Asturia, Duke of Asturias and his noble pedigree. His Grace, Duncan Baruch, Duke of Valwyck and his noble pedigree. His Grace, Heinrik Ludovar, Duke of Kvasz and his noble pedigree. His Grace, Antonius Helane, Duke of Valmont and his noble pedigree. Her Grace, Caerine Mareno, Duchess of Myrine and her noble pedigree. His Excellency, Parzival von Augusten, Margrave of Schwyz and his noble pedigree. His Lordship, Cassius Tiber, Baron of Hartwell and his noble pedigree. Her Ladyship, Anastasia Basileus, Baroness of Cascanova and her noble pedigree. Her Ladyship, Phoebe Malory, Baroness of Sternfell and her noble pedigree. Personal invitations are issued to the following; Her Imperial Highness, Pontia Vesta Horen, Duchess of Valmont His Lordship, Marwin van Aert His Lordship, Simon of Vilachia His Lordship, Nicolas Othaman His Lordship, Kassandr Korvacz His Lordship, Cazsmich Irvanko GODANI JEST WIELKI, HIS LORDSHIP, Franz Galahar, Baron of Ghaestenwald, Lord of Vrazdov, Boyar of the Radduma HER LADYSHIP, Marjoreya Katya Galahar, Baroness of Ghaestenwald SER Justinyn var Ruthern, Knight of Valmont, Boyar of the Radduma HER LADYSHIP, Anastasya Reza Ruthern Vilem Svetimyr Radovanic, Hetman of the Bureviy Host, Boyar of the Radduma On this month of, VYZMEY AG HYFF, 635 EHR SIGMUNDA.

THE HAMMERHEAD, EDITION VI Issued as of 634 E.S., 654 A.A., or 2081 A.H. Published by the Theodosian Society “Black Company Trading was founded more than four centuries ago by Rhys I var Ruthern, Count of Metterden. Since its initial founding as a vassal levy, its trade has significantly expanded outward to include several businesses, including restaurants, mercenaries, shops, and a crier’s sheet, ‘The Hammerhead.’ Since the fall of the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska, the Company has sought to adapt to our Continental Empire, and to the modern reader. This publishing has been written in collaboration with, and as part of, the Theodosian Society.” Herald of the Hammerhead THEY COME BEARING GIFTS Penned by Alric var Ruthern, Burgher of Ghaestenwald It is our sincerest hope that the brave sons and daughters of the Empire remain on high alert. Though this may be an era of unprecedented peace, there are yet elements that should rock the ship of state in a sea of turmoil. As subjects of the Empire, it is our sworn duty to ensure the Imperium we love is not smashed upon the rocks. To that end, the Hammerhead continues to report on more worrying news of our foreign enemies in Aeldin. Some concerned citizens in the far south-western shorelands of our fair Empire have reported yet further sightings from the coast of scout-ships sending out small landing parties, or smaller ships that upon inspection seem to shift their colour to better blend amongst our own! Per witness testimony, some mysterious visitors have even been seen moving barrels, or no-doubt, other contraband in crates to be distributed GOD-knows-where. It may be that these barrels contain thanhium explosives, as documented most thoroughly in our previous edition. It is a fearsome thought that these illicit, dangerous wares might make their way into Azuras both through treachery or unsuspecting traders. The Aeldenic threat remains very real, and the many subjects of our empire must keep their wits about them. Share any suspicions with your local authorities. Closed lips sink ships. A SON OF THE NORTH Penned by Franz Galahar, Baron of Ghaestenwald In the early morn of the 8th of Vyzmey ag Hyff, 633 E.S., under the sign of the Three-Eyed Crow, a son was born unto the House of Galahar. The babe was born healthy, and made nary a fuss. He greatly resembles his father, but with soft green eyes. Upon his baptism, he shall be named; His Lordship, Jan Yarik Galahar We name this boy in honour of Jan Radovanic, his grandsire. A man of simple means, who devoted much of his life to the Canonist faith, and maintaining the virtues of the Jorenic Rite. We pray that he shall take after his forefather in more than just name. In accordance with the traditions of Ghaestenwald, the boy’s birth does not name him as heir. One shall be selected by myself when our children are no longer green, as the late Baron Josef had with his daughter, my lady mother, Vasilia Galahar. May peace be upon them in their rest. THE BURGHERS AND THE BLOCKHEADS Penned by Lady Anastasya Ruthern née Galahar During the latest meeting of the Burgherraad, I had the great pleasure of participating in place of my dear husband. Of course, having not been duly informed that he was going to be unable to attend. I entered the congregation and was surprised at the lack of attendance! Our representatives were not representing us! I was, of course, eternally grateful for the faithful Alric var Ruthern, Burgher for my home, Ghaestenwald. It seems that I am one of the few lucky ones to be represented this way. Who knew a single elector could make a Barony so small as Ghaestenwald have the influence of a Ducal house, simply by showing up? Those Burghers in attendance were Alric var Ruthern, Oliver Napier, Rothwin Aldor, and William of Curon, with Trajan Helane slogging in late as representative for the absent Second Burgher of Alba, Berengaria di Rosavena. There are thirteen active Burghers seated in the Burgherraad. The attendance this day made a sad, sad, show of it. Of course, some leniency ought to be provided for those who celebrate the feast day of Saint Julia, a revered Canonist fertility festival, that in some rites pays a day of homage to one’s mother. In spite of this holy day, it does not yet seem to be the leading reason why attendees were scarce. Perhaps those we have elected to represent us are, well, unreliable. Or, in turn, perhaps our Burgherraad is undesirable or unimportant. One piece of legislation was positioned before the representatives concerning the display of heraldry. The proposed notion is to have every nation or settlement within the Empire's reign display the Imperial flag beside their own. Now, while this may be a sensible suggestion, it should be every leal subject’s will to showcase loyalty to the Empire. It is easy to do so. Nevertheless, this type of legislation is not what I, as an onlooker, would consider important and difference-making. It is boring and redundant. Perhaps that is the reason for the lack of attendance. Perhaps these elected Burghers have better things to do with their time. Regardless of our representative’s priorities, they were chosen with the expectation to well represent our interests, which is wholly impossible when they do not participate. We, as constituents, deserve diligent representatives to put forth legislation that will better our lives. If the responsibility of sitting down for thirty minutes deciding on inane legislation is too much to ask, perhaps our Burghers should step down. Her Imperial Majesty, Valentiná of Asturias, who by the Grace of GOD is our beloved Empress of Azuras and of all Mankind--and to whom I wholeheartedly apologise for mistitling within the session--was unamused with the pathetic display of the near-empty hall. She chastised the Burghers for their lack of promptness, attendance, and their unpreparedness. As declared, penalties of lateness or absence shall be put onto representatives as necessary. The Empress in declaring such, is perhaps hoping to reel in the dwindling participation in the fairly new institution. Will her threats be carried out? THE MONTHLY ALMANAC For the Northern Regions of Tarnarvon, Ghaestenwald, and Kvasz. Wzuvar ag Byvca ❅ Jula ag Piov ❅ Vzmey ag Hyff ❅ϟ Gronna ag Droba ϟ Tov ag Yermey ϟ Msitza ag Dargund ❅ϟ Joma ag Umund ❅ For the Imperial Capital, Alba, Trost, and further abound. Horen’s Calling ❅ϟ Owyn’s Light ❅ϟ Godfrey’s Triumph ϟ Aurelian’s Glory ☼ Sun’s Smile ☼ Harren’s Folly ☼ Dragon’s Roar ϟ THE VILLAGE OF ADELHIL Penned by the “Faithful Father’s Finest Finds” Beyond the freshly resettled valleys that once consisted of Urguan lays the Duchy of Valmont, gleaming atop the hillside. Those southron warriors--virtuous and strong of arm--have set to taming the earth under the scorching rays of the sun, not dissimilar to our own Highlander kin and the north. For this, they have our utmost respect. Chalons, the seat of Helane, sits atop one promontory of the southern highlands, exuding control over the freshly settled south of the Empire. Nestled amongst a lower valley and hugging the cliffs just below Chalons is the freshly founded village of Adelhil. To populate this town, they issue a call to mankind, not the old-fashioned way. The Duke urges those interested to make the trek southwards. In particular, the Duchy is seeking teachers, scholars and the well-read, with the promise of free housing and a new life in service of something greater. Though they do not profess to follow the Law of Jan Jeremi, they would surely make him proud. If you’re not employed, in education, or training, we think it wise to seek out the Duke of Valmont to seize this opportunity! AVE IMPERIUM! AVE… ADRIA? Penned by Alric var Ruthern, Burgher of Ghaestenwald As a reputable news source, it is of utmost importance to the Hammerhead, in association with the Theodosian Society, to see the gift of knowledge and preparedness shared among each and every citizen of our Empire. A well-read populace is a well-off populace, after all. In pursuit of this goal, some of the Hammerhead’s men on the ground were sent on excursion to personally deliver free editions of the Hammerhead to the numerous citizens of the Empire. On one such expedition, imagine the surprise of those deliverees to discover they had fled the borders of the Empire and landed in a foreign land known as… Adria. One common subject of the Duke of Adria, who would not give his name to this publication, appeared wholly confused as to their identity as loyal subjects of the Empire. They proudly proclaimed that their land was of Adria only, and not the Empire, which was promptly followed by a hearty, “AVE ADRIA!” With this experience in mind, perhaps prior recommendations to ensure the flying of the Imperial Banner across the great breadth of Azuras were well-founded. And, would serve a much needed purpose in educating the peoples. CROW’S COUNSEL Penned by Lady Marjoreya Galahar, Baroness of Ghaestenwald Privej. In truth, I had not expected the tyrants at the Hammerhead to call upon me so soon. This paper is supposed to be bi-annual! I cannot be expected to sift through all the drivel that arrives in my rookery, think my sage thoughts, and form them into wholesome, traditional advice each and every Saint’s Week! These conditions are simply unbearable. Know this, publisher – the next edition of Crow’s Counsel will come in TWO SAINT’S WEEKS TIME. Not a day earlier. I am your greatest asset. I am not some Renatien mine-slave, content to toil away for valour points and bread scraps! I am a lady, offering guidance to the unwashed masses out of the goodness of mine own heart, and I will not allow myself to be abused so cruelly! I apologise, readers, that this is not my usual column. But I must take a stand. Do keep sending me letters, and I shall, with Godan as my witness, respond in the next scheduled edition of the Hammerhead. God preserve the Empire of Azuras! Godani Jest Wielki! That concludes the edition of the Hammerhead. We wish to thank our readers who remained loyal to us through the changing of the seasons and history. We implore those with stories worthy of note to send us word by crow, or dispatched to any of the Bureviy Host that you encounter, wherein it shall make its way back to us. And, a special thanks to Andrey Barrow for his revising of the articles to ensure quality is upkept. God save the Emperor.

GODAN GIVZ AIN SARNUV A BROTHER, FOR BELISARUS IN THIS DAY, JUSTINYN AND ANASTASYA OF THE HOUSE RUTHERN WELCOME THEIR SECOND CHILD. As Godan willed it, the birth was without injury to the mother or babe. Both are of good health, and the babe is being handled with care. Lady Anastasya wishes to make note that her growing family is ecstatic to have their newest edition; a perfect young boy of raven hair and blue eyes. Please keep the family in your prayers with well-wishes and hope for continued good health. GODANI JEST WIELKI HER LADYSHIP, Anastasya Reza Ruthern née Galahar SER Justinyn var Ruthern On this month of, JOMA AG UMUND, 633 EHR SIGMUNDA

Anastasya Ruthern held a rare smile of pride upon her face as she read the publication, in its entirety, to her husband.

VE WIKLEY AG OSRANDUN I AIN RUTHOVIC AG GALAHAR A DOUBLE BLESSING “Every sacrament is an oath before God, a testament of vigilance, a renewal of one's station as a Watchman in the age before the end. In undertaking these rites, the Sigismundian fortifies his spirit, cleanses his soul, and arms himself with the wisdom of the prophets, knowing that the appointed time shall come when the world is tested, and only the prepared shall endure.” Vigilate of Sigismund, 573 E.S. THE FAMILY OF RUTHERN HAS BEEN BLESSED WITH THE MAKINGS OF A NEW GENERATION. On this day, Ser Justinyn var Ruthern and Anastasya Ruthern welcome their first child, and are pleased to announce that the mother and babe are of good health. A formal name has not yet been bestowed upon the newborn boy. A sacrament of baptism shall be held to guide this new life to Godan. It is in this ceremony that Father Ailred will provide the boy and his family their sacraments under Godan and the Jorenic Rite. Alongside the baptism, the binding of hearts under His watchful eye is expected. In light of the gathering of families, Lord Franz Galahar and Miss Marjoreya vas Ruthern are to be wed. This union symbolizes not only a bond of love, but a continued bond of families. Both Ruthern and Galahar kin have a long history of Raevir descent. This marriage, alongside the previous match of Ser Justinyn var Ruthern and Lady Anastasya Galahar, connects the families inextricably, weaving them into a tight alliance. Family and friends of Ruthern and Galahar are invited to witness these rites. Formal invitations are issued to the following; His Grace, Duncan II Baruch, Duke of Valwyck and his noble pedigree His Grace, Sir Antonius Helane, Duke of Valmont and his noble pedigree His Excellency, Parzival Emmerich Von Augusten, Margrave of Schwyz, and his noble pedigree Mister Vilem Radovanic, and his kinsmen The families extend their personal invitation to; Her Highness, Pontia Vesta Horen His Lordship, Marwin van Aert His Lordship, Simon of Vilachia His Lordship, Tupaq Amaru & Kusi His Lordship, Cazsmich Irvanko GODANI JEST WIELKI HIS LORDSHIP, Franz Galahar, Baron of Ghaestenwald HER LADYSHIP, Anastasya Reza Ruthern née Galahar SER Justinyn var Ruthern MISS Marjoreya vas Ruthern On this month of, WZUVAR AG BYVCA, 632 EHR SIGMUNDA.

MC Name: MotherLay Discord: MotherLay#4785 Image: Description of Image: wedding portrait Dimensions: 1 high 1 wide

OSRANDUNG I GALHAR AG RUTHOVIC THE WEDDING OF GALAHAR AND RUTHERN, 630 E.S. Issued by the BARONY OF GHAESTENWALD On the 23rd day of Msitza ag Dargund of 629 E.S. A PROMISE SHALL SOON BE FULFILLED. After a long-standing courtship, the Lady Anastasya Galahar and Ser Justinyn var Ruthern are pleased to announce that a date has been decided upon for their impending nuptials. The ceremony is expected to be quaint, with primarily the betrothed’s kin in attendance, though other men and women of the Empire are invited to attend. Formal invitations are issued to the following; His Grace, Duncan II Baruch, Duke of Valwyck and his noble pedigree His Grace, Sir Antonius Helane, Duke of Valmont and his noble pedigree His Excellency, Parzival Emmerich Von Augusten, Margrave of Schwyz, and his noble pedigree Her Ladyship, Nuvilta Whitewood, Countess of Silasia, and his noble pedigree His Lordship, Sir Robert Montalt-Rovin, Count of Aesterwald, and his noble pedigree Mister Vilem Radovanic, and his kinsmen The couple extends their personal invitation to; Her Highness, Pontia Vesta Horen His Lordship, Marwin van Aert His Lordship, Simon of Vilachia His Lordship, Tupaq Amaru & Kusi His Lordship, Cazsmich Irvanko GODANI JEST WIELKI, His Lordship, Franz Galahar, Baron of Ghaestenwald Her Ladyship, Anastasya Reza Galahar Ser Justinyn var Ruthern, Knight of Valmont

Briana Aileen Baruch has not yet developed object permanence- did her grandfather ever actually exist? Anastasya Galahar sighs, "I guess I'll have to find someone else to introduce me to people."

Briana Aileen goo goo and ga ga

Aloisa cheered really loud for their win.

Aloisa winced at the page, disgust filling her features. “I’m tired of all these second chances. Oren should be destroyed for good.” she informs her husband after having one too many glasses of wine.

A BARBANOV IS BORN Portrait of a stork collecting children to be brought to their new, loving home. On this day, the 5th of Gronna ag Droba, 428 E.S, Wilfriche Sigismund was born to his parents, His and Her Royal Highness, Sergei and Aloisa Barbanov-Bihar. By the grace of Godan himself, the boy was born healthy and strong, his wail piercing the air around him. What a mighty boy he was already. Blessed with his father's black hair and mother's blue eyes, the boy looks like the splitting image of them both equally! His parents were notably overjoyed with the addition to their growing family! Let us pray for a good future for the boy, and the happiness and comfort of the young family! SIGNED, His Royal Highness, Sergei Aleksandr Barbanov, Prince of Hanseti-Ruska, Duke of Rothswald Her Royal Highness, Aloisa Liesel Barbanov Bihar, Palace Custodian of Hanseti-Ruska, Princess of Hanseti-Ruska, Duchess of Rothswald

Aloisa was in the process of giving birth when she was given the news. “Son of a *****!” she curses in pure fury, promptly bringing her son into the world then.

HIRING NANNIES Baby and Her Nanny circa. 367 E.S. The clock ticks closer and closer to the new Barbanov’s arrival, and soon a sweet bundle of joy shall join us! With the busy schedules of His and Her Royal Highness, they may not have enough time to devote to the tedious caring for the little one. The pair require a third-party member, someone to help them along their tiresome parental journey. Their Royal Highness' wish to inquire about hiring a Hanseti nanny for their sweet one. They shall hold interviews for whomever shows interest in such a position, and discuss their expectations, qualifications of the candidate, wages, and other important notes. For inquiries, questions, or comments, please contact Her Royal Highness, Aloisa Leisel Barbanov-Bihar. SIGNED, His Royal Highness, Sergei Aleksandr Barbanov-Bihar, Prince of Hanseti-Ruska, Duke of Rothswald Her Royal Highness, Aloisa Liesel Barbanov Bihar, Palace Custodian of Hanseti-Ruska, Princess of Hanseti-Ruska, Duchess of Rothswald