erictafoya

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"The Bald" and "The Coolest" Andrik relishes in the fact that he's now the only one with a horse, though he feels bad for his twin. He has high hopes that his Royal Steed Lord Hoover was more faithful than Duchess Buttercup.

Hello person that I know who is called 'Shay' on the internet. 👋 Here is a reference pic that I sent to @zuziee, and the first to make the skin shall win my favor which everyone totally wants I basically just want the outfit, but if you could make ol' Roberto look good with that beard, then you shall win my premium favor. Sincerely, A person who goes by 'Eric'

The young Baron of Otistadt drew a long sigh as yet another one of his generations has moved on... Robert Ludovar had mixed feelings about Fenika, though he did consider her a good friend of his. Robert took out a cigar and smoked out on his balcony, which was facing the general direction of Vidaus. "Vy will be missed, Feni... May vy rest in peace."

Robert Ludovar, the young Baron of Otistadt, recieved a knock on his chamber doors while he was in the midst of writing a document for the Brotherhood. The tired Baron sighed and walked over to his door, which revealed his old and personal Butler. The Butler had seen how tired his Lord was and had a terrified look on his face thereafter before Robert grunted, which was a usual signal for the Butler to speak up. "My Lord" he dipped his head briefly to Robert "It's your younger brother, Lord Aleksey, my Lord. He returns from his ventures, and your father has told me that he's on his way here!" the Butler seemed overjoyed, though that quickly changed upon hearing a sigh from Robert "Get the staff ready for dinner, Mister Davidsen" The Butler, Mister Davidsen, quickly nodded his head and rushed down towards the stairway. Robert quickly looked to his armor stand, where his own personal armor was resting, and he went to put it on. The man was not too close to his brother, and didn't seem to notice his absence much, but he knew that in order for House Ludovar to restore it's former glory, he needed a right hand man beside him to do so. Aleksey returned to his home, and saw no formal welcome from his eldest brother. Instead, Robert told him the political situation of the Kingdom and the downfall of their once powerful House. Robert would spare no time wasted any longer, as the typically fearless man only had one true fear: failure.

Andrik "The Coolest" and "The Bald" blinked his eyes, confused as to why his brother was yelling "IT'S HAPPENING!" Though he too joined in soon, grabbing his toy wooden sword and asked: "WHAT'S HAPPENING??? WHAT'S HAPPPENING???????????"

Somewhere, an aged figure would smile. Who knows if he actually met Maric in the afterlife, but he smiled as his colleague finally found peace. "You crazy bastard..." the aged man said "At least you died doing what you loved... I am glad you finally found your peace, Maric."

Somewhere in hell probably, Igor Kort relishes in the fact that the High Pontiff knew all of the stuff that he did, which was more than what Edward Napier did.

Full name: Oleksandr Zelinski Ign: erictafoya11 Reasons for joining: To find a purpose in life and to sharpen my hunting skills Experience: Bowyer (Bow maker), Experienced Hunter, Experienced Tracker, Experienced Trapper Discord: erictafoya#8407

[!] An old, overworked, and frail courier eventually makes his way all the way up to the Office of The Lord Speaker, as was instructed of him by his noble lord. He would be bearing the colors of white, gold, and black which were the signature colors of House Ludovar. Once opened, the letter read: "To His Excellency, Lord Speaker Ruslan Baruch, In the name of my father, the Honorable Kazimar Hieromar Ludovar, Viscount of Seswesk, I, Lord Robert Ludovar, Baron of Otistadt, cast my families vote to support the honorable Grand Maer of Karosgrad, Ser Karl Amador, to serve as the sixth Lord Handler of the Royal Duma." Signed, His Lordship, Robert Aleksandr Ludovar, Baron of Otistadt

Andrik seemed confused as his servant read the letter back to him "My favorite color is red and purple, niet yellow and blue?!?!"

Igor Kort hangs out in the Seven Skies with Her Majesty, The Dancing Koenas, Isabel of Valwyck as they watch his successor dominate the Orenian in a one-sided duel. "Now I am convinced he can get the Duma to ORDER!"

"Bah! The Orenian is nothing but a coward Ruslan, but if he accepts then he has bigger balls than I expected!" Robert Ludovar "The Wig Snatcher" cackles as he reads the letter. "You should win easily, though"

THE SPEAKER SPEAKS HIS LAST [!] White doves flying throughout the Kingdom after Princess Petra’s debutante… “Dear Diary… It’s been four years since mametr died… Pader rarely ever talks to me apart from his usual ‘lessons’ and whenever he asks for carrion. We recently moved with Hauchpader and he's niet kinder to me than pader really is, though at least he seemed to have learned from his past mistakes with being harsh on children. Pader talks a lot about his family, and yet he was always too ashamed to confront them about me… Am I really that much of a disappointment to him? I didn’t choose to be a bastard after all… Nie matter, I didn’t study my entire childhood for nothing after all. The elections are coming up and I’m nervous, I hope I make pader proud at least…” It was an unusually cold day for Igor. He woke up with a piercing headache, next to the usual three bottles of Carrion on his bedside. In his office at home, a seemingly hidden book would be closed after the ink dried. He quietly greeted his son, gave him a hug, and put on his ceremonial attire. It was a special occasion after all. In his mind he said “Fourteen! Petra is already Fourteen. By Godan time really does go faster when you’re older… I remember when I was fourteen, when me and pader just arrived here. Godan that was such a long time ago…” --- “Hauchpader died yesterday... I had never seen pader so distraught. I’ll never forget the words he said to me that day: ‘Igor..go never act like me..go never leave your family, because you never know what can happen to them, if you are not there for them and with them ..’ It’s a shame really. I never did get to know Hauchpader all too well. If anything, he valued his ‘grandchildren’ from his squire’s family rather than his own… Nie matter, I’m not a jealous type anyways. His death is still fresh in my mind, though so was my first Duma session. I hope I did alright, I hope I made pader proud… I doubt it, after all he did just lose his pader. I remember when mametr died too. That’s when his drinking problems truly started. I wonder if I’ll be a drunk like him too?” [!] A depiction of Tribune Igor Kort after being elected at the age of sixteen c. 350 E.S. Igor wore his usual Speaker cloak, his golden sash, his glasses, and he even shined his arm! “It’s niet everyday that a debutante occurs, especially my star students!” He quietly thought to himself as he stepped into the Nikarala Prikaz. He looked around, his eyes shifted to the Royal Duma hall to his right. He remembered the session the saints day before, causing him to release a stressed out sigh “What a mess… I hope Ruslan or whoever succeeds me will do much better” he muttered. Despite his accomplished career, Igor still had many doubts about himself. “I was so much more confident back then… What ever happened?” --- “Adalene… Godan I can’t get her out of my mind. What started as a way to get me elected for my third term now has turned to a relationship I have a bit of faith in! I have always had my occasional fling, especially with that situation in Elvenesse, and flirting with poor girls on the street or desperate old cougars. But her, she’s different. Godan, even if I don’t get elected I’ll still be happy. I’ve never really thought about marriage, even if I’m already twenty-two. Godan time flies by, I still remember the day I was elected, priding myself in being the youngest Tribune. I do still hope that I am re-elected…” Step step step step… Went Igor’s boots as he climbed the palace stairs and into the High Offices. He heard voices in his office and went inside, finding the King, Queen, and Princess Katerina on the big table. Igor didn’t care much, quietly going to sit at his desk to give them the privacy they likely wanted. He then spent the rest of the time writing. He planned on retiring at his twenty year mark, equaling that of the great Sigmar Baruch as Lord Speaker. Despite the end of his career being near, he still found it odd not to work. After all, he’s spent more of his life in work than out of it... “I deserve a break.” He said to himself as he pondered about retirement. “I don’t have much time left… Retirement is so close I can feel it!” --- “Lord Handler… It still feels strange saying it. Lord Handler Igor Kort. Who knew that some bastard who most people doubted is now the Lord Handler to the Lady Speaker? I don’t know if I should feel happy or stressed. Perhaps I feel both? In any case, the Duma put their faith in me with a close decision, so I must have faith in myself. I sure do hope Lady Irene doesn’t retire too soon though, but I do agree that she does deserve a break for what she’s done. Perhaps that’s what some would want though. I just hope that whoever succeeds her isn’t too bad…” [!] Igor Kort, aged twenty-six, after being elected as Lord Handler by the Royal Duma c. 360 E.S. Igor peered to his right to the Black Bulava. Such a powerful symbol, yet one that anyone really cared too much about. He sat alone in his office for quite some time now. The Royalty left after whatever conversation they had, leaving Igor to do his writing and thinking. To his left was his gift to his star student, Princess Petra. He hoped she loved it, especially since she loves reading and writing. There was so much pride running through Igor today. It was as if he was watching one of his own turning fourteen. Igor finished the document and ordered his scribe to send a copy to His Majesty and then stood up to leave his office. “Just a few more hours until the happy occasion!” he thought to himself with a smile plastered on to his face. --- “His Excellency… Godan that just sounds so unlike me. Who would have thought that niet even a year into being Lord Handler that I’d become Lord Speaker, the first ignoble Lord Speaker in nearly a century! I must be the happiest and yet most stressed out person in the world right now. I suppose Lady Irene had seen something in me. The Coronation is soon, and I must be prepared to successfully complete it. Godan knows how much work it’s gonna be, though I believe in myself! I wonder what people will call me now? His Excellency seems a bit too much… Perhaps I’ll just ask people to call me ‘Mister Speaker’ instead. Da… that has a good ring to it…” Igor made his way back down the spiral stairs and towards the Duma hall to finish writing. He liked to use the space for writing since he considered his dysfunctional home. Sure, the space did give him some stress at times, but he found peace in a silent and empty Duma hall. There was something so peaceful about a place that was normally filled with noise and argument, but was now quiet with the occasional echo. Igor sat down at his usual place that looked over the Duma floor. His worn out gavel sat to his right, and a stack of plain parchment to his left. Igor placed his book down and continued to write before… “Igor, you’re surprisingly lonely in here” Igor popped his head up at the sound, and noticed it was his friend and colleague, Lord Palatine Adrian Colborn. Soon after, another face and voice appeared “Eja firr Igor!” said the young and energetic Grand Prince, Sigismund. All that energy reminded Igor of the one who he held closest to his heart. As he would say, his pride and joy... --- “Dimitri… My pride and joy! I still can’t believe that I’m a pader today! I’ve never been a religious man, but Godan he truly is something sent from angels. Da, he’s my bastard and I know how difficult this life can be for him, but I will do my best to keep the secret protected, at least until he is old enough to understand. I do feel bad for Adalene… She has to stay back in Oren, though she promised to visit a lot. I only hope that she won’t leave and forget about us… Either way, I swear my whole life to protect and defend my son for the rest of my life, however long it may be…” [!] A portrait of a toddler Dimitri Petrov, aged two c.365 E.S. The three conversed for a bit, Igor smiling throughout the entire ordeal. “Are vy coming to my sestra’s debutante?” asked the wide eyed Prince. “Of course! I wouldn’t miss it for the world” replied Igor. “We have to teach the youngins how to dance!” Adrian commented, causing Igor to let out an audible “Ha!” This intrigued Sigismund, causing him to ask the two aging men if they knew how to dance and if he could be taught some so he could impress a lady. In typical mentor fashion, Igor flipped the question and turned it into a life lesson, telling Sigismund to just be confident with himself. Soon this dancing life lesson turned deeper, when Sigismund asked how to actually woo a lady. Igor enjoyed these kinds of lessons more than any others. It’s the reason why he took up mentoring, to teach children about life. Normally it would be the duty of a parent, but Igor understood that some parents are absent when it comes to important life lessons. The whole reason why he took up mentoring the Royal Children was because their mother, Queen Mariya, died young and mostly miserable. Never again did he want to see a young person die without wanting to live the life that they wanted to. After all, Igor was once a very ambitious young man… once... --- “Ava… The one that nie one expects, the one that I didn’t even expect… But here we are now. Do I love Adalene? Da, I do. But I also love Ava… I’m so conflicted and I feel so ashamed that I feel as if I don’t deserve either of them, even if they are both promised to other men… I don’t know, perhaps I’m getting back into my old, young self again. The one that would have a quick date every other week, only to move on to the poor girl’s sestra or distant cozaer. The one that wouldn’t care about the consequences, only fulfilling desires that are considered taboo for a canonist nation… I’m niet sure. At least I actually care for their emotions this time. I promised Adalene to never see her again, but that didn’t last very long… I don’t regret what I did today, but I do feel guilt. I’ve always tried to be as honest as possible, but this is one truth that I cannot reveal. Especially since Ava is marrying a Barclay.” During the whole conversation, Igor’s beloved star student walked in. Although he was never the kind to show his bias too often, Petra was most certainly his favorite student. After all, they had known each other for nearly her whole life. He felt like an uncle sometimes, one that was proud to teach his niece about life and be her guiding mentor. Normally the sight of Petra would make him happy, and he was. However, Petra seemed to be wiping something from her eyes before she gave Igor a meager smile. Igor knew what this was, she had been crying. Before he had the chance to speak up, noises could be heard from outside the Palace. The group inside the Duma hall quickly went into a slight panic, before the Prinzenas Royal stood up and said, “Yam going to check in on that. I think I know where it’s coming from” despite her determination to go alone, the party of course followed her… Nobody saw it, but Igor had a growing proud smile on his face as Petra took the lead on the situation. “Just like Mariya…” he thought to himself. --- “Prinzenas Petra… It was only a few days ago when Petra and I had our first conversation. Actually, it went further than I thought it would go. The young royal seemed eager to visit Yong Ping, as she was invited by an old friend of Mariya’s. Being the Lord Speaker and concerned for the child’s well being, I offered to escort her to Yong Ping, as well as a few other HRA soldiers. I must admit, I also wanted to go because I’ve never seen the city in person and I have only heard from those who have. I once was actually an adventurer who traveled the world, even making a Grand Map of Alamaris that hangs above the King’s Meeting Chamber. It was a gift for King Josef I, and I am still honored that he kept it… In any case, the tour was pleasant and Petra seemed to enjoy it. She had that same glint in her eye that Mariya had, and I could already tell that she could be as adventurous and intelligent as she was. I told her that she reminded me of Mariya, but I wasn't prepared for her question on what exactly happened to her mametr… I don’t know, I tried my best to explain it to her but I just couldn’t give her a clear answer… She’s far too young right now, but I hope this won’t harm her mental state down the line…” The group had arrived at the Tavern, and it appeared to be Reinhardt Barclay who had caused the commotion. Reinhardt was also a close childhood friend of Petra and one of Igor’s students. Igor had seen the two grow up together, and at one point he was convinced that Reinhardt had fallen for the Princess. Nowadays, they don't seem to be as close as they once were. Igor noticed this and a small frown formed before they were told to give the pair privacy to talk. He accepted this, however, as he knew that friends could get closer or farther the older a person gets. If anything, he took this as a life lesson that Petra was learning. Suddenly, he heard a voice behind him as he went to go down the spiral stairs, “Hey! My favorite Lord Speaker!” said Tavisha Barrow. “Huh… a fellow bastard” Igor thought to himself once more… --- “Six years… It’s been six years since I’ve seen Ava, or Adalene… I’m beginning to worry about them. I don’t know, maybe I’m making too much out of nothing. Or perhaps they’ve forgotten about me. Ava wasn’t right in her head the last time I spoke to her. She attempted suicide, though thankfully she survived from it. I nearly died as well, as I had my first heart attack after finding out. It was a combination of the stress from the situation and the stress of my own position. At least my last interaction with Ava was sweet, despite it feeling bitter now. We shared a kiss after I poured out my feelings for her… I just hope that wasn’t our last one.” Igor didn’t know Tavisha all too well, and he was surprised further when the tall woman tackled him. He merely chuckled it off and greeted her before allowing Tavisha to ask him her questions. Igor was surprised when Tavisha asked him of all people about marriage. However, he helped the best he could though, advising her to not just look for noblemen or royalty. Igor couldn’t help but ask why she chose to look for noblemen, and he was quite surprised by her answer, “Because then I would be mocked and just appear unaccomplished if I didn’t…” Tavisha explained. Igor knew what this feeling was as he too was once seen as an unaccomplished failure, one that rarely anyone gave a chance. Tavisha then brings up hearsay that was brought up about her. This was yet another thing the pair shared, as he remembered that dreaded Duma session… --- “Hearsay… I knew that one day I would end up in the press, but I at least expected it to be a political controversy and niet some sort of scandal. My only thought is who spoke up? I know I didn’t, and Adalene wouldn’t do it in her right mind. Marie and Stefan would never do anything to tarnish my life, and Cardinal Alfred is sworn to secrecy by Godan… That leaves two others: Franz Barbanov and Nataliya Kovachev. In some twist of fate, I stumbled upon them when I was visiting Adalene in Providence. It was so coincidental that it was comical, in a way. I bet it was Nataliya, but I won’t even acknowledge the hearsay. Doing so only validates their claims, afterall, and that’s the last thing I want. I swore that I would protect my son, and I will never break that promise.” “Well I never listen to Hearsay” Igor responded simply. He explained to Tavisha that he is also a bastard that’s always been doubted and bashed by the press before. However, none of these hindrances ever really hindered him, nor did it ever stop him. Igor continued on, “The best you can do right now is make yourself known, and giving those who doubt you any attention would only give them the credit they look for.” At this point, he’d hope she got the message. Igor then realized how long they’ve been talking and left in a hurry. It was finally time for the debutante. --- “Ghost… Today I saw the ghost of Ava today. I don’t know what I exactly saw, but I could feel that it was her. I cried on my knees before her, sobbing and weeping like a man who was broken. After all, I thought that I had found true love with her. Then again, I’ve felt the same about other women in the past. Perhaps I’ll never find true love. She just told me to move on, and to forgive myself. I know I had nothing to do with her death, but I still feel great regret over it. I still think that I could have done to get her out of her dark hole. I remember our happy moments, from our first kiss, to the time I met her sestra, to the time she convinced me to take a break for a little while. She’s the only person to ever make me take a break… Perhaps she was the one and I did experience true love. But I guess good things only last so long” Igor rushed towards the Palace after he heard the bells ringing. It was already starting, and Igor had a few things to do. He went up to Adrian and gave him a copy of the document that he sent to the King. “Hey Adrian, can you do me a favor and give this a quick read? I want to know your opinion too” The Speaker asked The Palatine in a brief whisper, and Adrian accepted his request. After a few minutes, Adrian gave his nod of approval. “This looks very well written Igor, you have my approval” He said with a smile. The exchange was solidified with his signature. Finally, Igor’s final piece to his legacy was completed. He could finally enjoy his retirement soon, but for now it was time to enjoy the happy celebrations… --- “Impeachment… Who could have guessed that the first edict that I wrote would be controversial? Well I expected it. I remember when I told Fionn about it and he didn’t see much issue with it. However, I knew that expanding my own office and passing it to the King would anger the Duma. I guess the saying does hold true, never underestimate the Duma. I stood my ground, made my case, but to no avail. Despite my points on how being impartial was niet a requirement, but just an expectation from precedent, did niet convince the Royal Duma. In any case, Duma was at least interesting. The press was all over me all of a sudden, once more, and this time it was at least about politics. Like always, I never pay them any real attention, and if I do it’s to clear my name… Good Godan, this is a mess!” Petra was called up to speak in front of the whole crowd. Igor couldn’t help but have a proud smile on his face. This had been the happiest he’s been in years, in all reality. He gave Petra his usual two thumbs up as a way to show his support before Petra was bestowed her tiara as Princess Royal. Igor nearly had a tear in his eye during the whole thing, clapping loudly with much pride and joy. “She’s all grown up now…” He looked up momentarily, as if he said that to Mariya. It was then time for Petra to have her dance with her father, King Heinrik II. “You’ll do great!” Igor thought, and she did… Igor truly was a happy man. Nothing could ruin this day… right? --- “Compromise… “Never again would I think that I needed to make compromises anymore, as I’ve done plenty of that in my career as Tribune, but now I’ve been told to make a compromise with the Duma. Of course, I don’t mind doing so. It does seem fair and the best way to go about things… However, I really did want to do this the easier way. Nie matter.. I suppose this Spring Edict will do far better than my Winter Edict. I only hope that I can finish it in time, or at least I hope I don’t procrastinate too much. After all, the Lord Speaker must be punctual!” Igor scoured the room as Petra stood alone for a while. He was almost tempted to dance with her, as he knew how embarrassing it must have been for her to stand alone like that, though an orc, Jorg, managed to dance with her first, and Igor found a few more partners for her to dance with as well. Everything seemed to go well, for now. Soon after that, Sigismund walked up to Igor, asking “Have vy danced yet, Firr Igor?”. Igor simply responded with a “Nie”, and offered the young Prince a smile. After much encouragement by Sigismund, Igor found himself dancing with Tavisha. It seems the day had caused the two to interact many times. “Don’t fall into that trap again, Igor…” He silently reminded himself. --- “Marie… I still can’t believe that she’s gone… Who cares about getting impeached twice? Who cares that I didn’t do as much as I wanted? I should have focused on what truly was important; family… At least she died with much honor, fighting to save the life of her comrades. I’m niet trying to compare, but if you ask me that’s a more noble death than Hauchpader’s. After all, he died as an old man, already accomplished in life. However, Marie was only in her mid-thirties… She was a mametr of two beautiful children, and now they are without a mametr forever… My poor overworked scribes tried to pull me away from my own office, but I couldn’t do it. I know I said I’m used to death. But I could never have handled this one well… Never” Igor walked up to Tavisha rather boldly. In fact, it was the exact opposite of his old self where he would set up a few jokes and flirts before asking the lady to dance. This time Igor was much more impatient, and just decided to ask her with much confidence. “Do you want to dance, Tavisha?” He asked out of nowhere. Igor could tell that Tavisha was surprised by this. He always had a way of reading the faces and emotions of women, and knew when to pull out of a situation normally. This time he was safe to continue, as Tavisha accepted despite her inexperience. All of this reminded Igor of the time when he first danced with his first true love, Adalene… “I wonder what she’s doing now?” he asked himself. Igor simply shook it off, as he liked to live in the present. --- “Debutante… “Today Petra turns fourteen! Good Godan, I remember when I was fourteen. Thirty-four years… Good Godan, I’m getting old. I just hope that her journey from fourteen wasn’t as hard as my own. But by Godan, I had so much fun. I remember when I was just nineteen as a young and ambitious Tribune. I was an underdog, the one that barely won the election. Even then, I had much more free time then I do now. I used to climb mountains, cross oceans, and even explored a volcanic area. I made my Grand Map of Almaris, just like my kin Erik Kortrevich did for Arcas. I then had adventures with the Rimetrolls, with Shag, Rumb, and Umba. I hope that all of them have at least found peace… I’ve found love, even had a child. I’ve felt heartbreak, happiness, anger, and peace. Hell, I even lost an arm. Throughout it all, I made some pretty damn good friends. Franz and I argued a lot, but we still went through hell together. I don’t speak to William that often anymore, but he was one of my closest friends and I hold some of my closest memories with him. Friedrich and I still drink together, and I even beat him in a heavily competitive contest. I feel pride for Adrian, as I’ve seen him rise through the ranks and start his journey in the Royal Duma. I wish him the best… Rabbit was like a little brother to me, and I was heartbroken when he was killed, a young poet taken from us too soon… I know that he lived a life that he enjoyed, but it was a very short one. Finally, my best friend Fionn. Through thick and thin we’ve been through hell in the Royal Duma. He was once my right hand man, and could even succeed me if the King wishes. I don’t know… I just know that he’s done well for himself and now he has a beautiful family to take care of. Speaking of ‘taking care of’, I should probably clean my outfit for that day… I wouldn’t want to look unpresentable and stained! I’ll be sure to dress my best!” [!] Igor closed his book... quietly greeted his son... pet his dogs... walked through the streets and into the palace... wrote in his office... taught in the Duma... spoke in the Tavern... danced in the ballroom... and now it was time for the final event… Before he knew it, the party was called to the tourney grounds. Igor and Tavisha halted their pleasant dance and made their way to the tournament and into the Royal Gallery. Throughout this whole time, Petra and Igor had rarely spoken a word to each other. He still had one last thing to do for his student. “Prevja, Petra” greeted Igor with his usual smile. Petra seemed to be in a lighter mood as Igor spoke, returning a greeting of her own. “I hear you were talking about humiliation?”, asked Igor. “Da, I don't have a single suitor!” She pouted out. Igor simply chuckled, wanting to reassure her before Petra got distracted by her duties as the debutante. Before he knew it, Igor was hugged by Petra, catching the old man by surprise. “Spasiba for being here, Mister Igor - and spasiba for always being such a good teacher to me.” This alone nearly brought Igor to tears, though he managed to compose himself. He simply returned the hug and gave the Princess a pat on her head, a usual thing that he did when she was much younger. “Spasibo Petra, it was my honor being your mentor” Igor was almost sad to see Petra grow so old, though he was also happy as he would witness a great and beautiful life. Or so he thought… “Oh, that reminds me! Before I forget, I got you something!” Igor said with a wide smile, pulling out a book. Petra’s eyes seemed to light up at the sight of the book, as she did indeed love reading. “I figured I wouldn’t always be here for you, so I got you this! It’s a book of knowledge that you can always keep with you for life lessons, and you can add your own lessons to it as well!” [!] As the fighting would go on, a figure would creep out from behind a tree, aiming a crossbow at the Royal Princess before loosing it, a bolt flying across the fighting grounds towards her. Petra was oblivious to such, admiring a gift from her teacher with her head turned elsewhere! Igor Kort eyes were drifting around the fight before he noticed the loose bolt “GET DOWN!” He shouted out, turning around as he held Petra. The bolt stuck into his back. Igor had never felt physical pain like this, not since he lost his arm. “Piss wrong person!” The figure shouted before he put the crossbow down, showing off another prepared one as he took aim. The entire crowd turned into pandemonium as the guards tried to find the assailant. The Lord Speaker had been shot! Petra was shoved forth into the fence, wrapped up in Igor's arms as the bolt struck his back. She let out a scream, eyes widening in pure horror as she turned to her beloved mentor. “IGOR!”, the poor girl shouted out. The King was the one to pull her daughter back, and Igor gave him one final nod. Instead of risking another loose bolt hitting a Royal Family member, Igor stood up to block them. Petra was screaming and crying whilst being lifted off of her feet, hyperventilating as he did such. Igor was shot once more, this time it was the most fatal. He continued to get shot on his back, bringing him down to one knee, causing the young Princess to let out a scream as she was held back. Igor started bleeding internally, his pierced lung causing it to fill up with blood. Despite their efforts, the guards were too late. Igor was already dying. He looked up at Petra, with a small smile as he reached his final breath… Through them he saw his family, and all those he lost. Through the fog he saw his beloved grandfather, Ser Ivan Kortrevich, and with him was his cousin Dame Marie. He saw Rabbit, his close friend, who was like a brother to him. He saw all the trolls that he had gotten to know throughout the years, and then he saw a face he had not seen for decades. His beautiful mother, Natalya Pavlova. That’s not all… He then saw the true love of his life, Ava Sirsk. With this a tear left Igor’s face as the Princess was being pulled away. He only uttered a phrase that he wanted to hear his entire life, though he barely heard at all. It was a phrase that meant so much to him. It was the last sentence that the Speaker spoke… “I’m… so proud” REST IN PEACE Igor Kort (335 E.S. - 381 E.S. | 1782 F.A. - 1828 F.A.)

Inception and Development of the Royal Duma Sigmundic Date, 381 E.S.| 1828 F.A. 5th of Tov and Yermey | 5th of Sun’s Smile Krepost Palace, Markev An illustration of the Royal Duma of 1670 Written by: Igor Kort Published by: B&K Publishing Preface The Royal Duma and the Office of the Speaker were first established over one hundred years ago by King Marus II, with Sir Edvard Morisz marking history as the very first person to occupy the position of Lord Speaker. While the same core principles of the Royal Duma remain constant to this day, there have also been many drastic changes that have occurred within the Royal Duma and in general, Haeseni politics over time. The Memoirs of Lord Speaker Igor Kort, 381 ES | 1828 FA Pre-Inception of the Present Royal Duma Before the position of Lord Speaker was created by Sir Edward Morris under Koeng Marius II, there have been many instances in Haeseni history where the Duma existed as an advisory body to the Crown. This body consisted mainly of nobility, though some gentry did serve on these advisory bodies. The Royal Duma as it exists today was founded in 260 E.S. (1707 A.H.), though the very first Duma was held in 139 E.S. (1586 A.H.), dubbed as the ‘Winter Duma’. This Duma, lead by prominent Haeseni nobles such as; Sergey Kovachev, deposed Koeng Andrik II following the failed Deep Cold Uprising against the Holy Orenian Empire. Not only has it deposed Koengs before, but it has also instituted Koengs during the Duma of 163 E.S. (1610 A.H.) when Koeng Sigmar was elected as Koeng, and the entire Bihar-Barbanov dynasty during the Duma of 223 E.S. (1670 A.H.). A Brief Summary on my Predecessors Sir Edward Morris My very first predecessor, and the one who started it all. I can’t really say much about his tenure other than the fact that he was the first of two things; The first Lord Speaker and first ignoble Lord Speaker. Like myself, he supported those of common birth and lived quite the controversial life, though personally I would never abandon Haense. I wonder what it would be like if he and I were to ever converse? I wonder how our ideologies would differ or what his opinions of the Duma today would be? He’d probably be boring to me, he was Orenian after all. --- Prinzen Georg Alimar Now this one is a much more interesting Lord Speaker, and in my opinion was the first that should be called Speaker. If there was a figure the Duma should thank for its legislative powers today, it would be him. I admit, I do take much inspiration from him and that has probably formed some bias (which is a taboo for Speakers), but there is no doubt that Speaker Georg played an instrumental role in enshrining the Royal Duma as an essential sector of government. Out of all of the Speakers who came before me, he is the one I wished I met the most. --- Lord Lerald Vyronov Yet another inspirational predecessor of my early days, I admire the hard work, dedication, and loyalty of Lerald Vyronov, who is arguably the greatest Vyronov in history. The expansion of the Office of the Speaker is something we both have in common, though he likely had the more favorable ideas. Speaker Lerald oversaw the dissolution of the position of Lord Bursar, which was a dormant position under the Grand Maer, and the institution of elected term limits. I admit, I don’t really agree with the latter half that much, though I can see why at the time it was a good idea. Finally, he was the only man in Haeseni history to serve as both Lord Palatine and Lord Speaker concurrently. To hold the first and second highest offices at the same time is something that I could not even dream of imagining. I too wished I could have met him. --- Sir Konrad Stafyr, HKML Sir Konrad Stafyr is most known for his sponsorship of the Committee of 285 E.S. (1722 A.H.), as well as the institutionalization of the Royal Duma in Haeseni society. He also oversaw many medical reforms and expansions, something that I pushed for during my tenure as Tribune. Speaker Konrad would likely be very popular today as Lord Speaker, as he used the authority of his office to be impartial. It’s not that I am not impartial, rather the Royal Duma has, on more than one occasion, voiced their concerns about the integrity of my tenure. I wonder what he would think? --- Sir Sigmar Baruch, HKML Sigmar Baruch. I actually met him before, though I never really conversed with him much. Still, it was surreal to meet the predecessor of my great Hauchpader, Henrik Vanir. I heard his tenure as Speaker was as turbulent as mine, or possibly even moreso. Speaker Sigmar is known for expanding the Duma’s power, as well as becoming the longest serving Lord Speaker to date. He also oversaw the first vote of no confidence against Lord Palatine Markus Kortrevich, setting a precedent that the authority of the Royal Duma should not be threatened. Perhaps I could have taken a lesson from that, or perhaps he and I could have conversed more. His descendents don’t seem to like bastards that well though, so I’m unsure if he would even meet with me. More can be learned about his time as Speaker in his Memoir. --- Lord Henrik Vanir Great Hauchpader Henrik, the pader of my Hauchmametr Angelika Bykov. His early political career is probably the most interesting out of all of my predecessors. Back when there were political benches, he was the Leader of the Opposition against the Centralist bench. After he became Speaker, he dissolved the benches and oversaw the institution of Tribune as a seat for commonborn citizens. Now that I think of it, it’s kind of funny that the seat I gained prominence in was the seat created under his tenure. He also removed many seats from noble houses, which is a precedent that I authored into law in one of my most controversial edicts. I wonder what he would think of me as one of his successors. Would he feel regret about disowning his daughter, my Hauchmametr? Would he advise against all that I have done as Speaker? Is it possible that he would feel pride? I don’t know what Speaker Henrik would do, but I sure hope it’s mostly positive. He was family, afterall. More about Henrik’s tenure can be found in his Memoir. --- Lady Marya Kortrevich Yet another kinswoman of mine, though only through marriage. Not only was she the first Kortrevich to be Speaker, but she was also the first woman in history to hold the position. Sadly, not much can be said about her tenure, though I think an interesting thing to note is that she was the only Speaker to ever dissolve the Duma during a time of crisis. I only hope that I would never do that, for the reason that I don’t want to see any more crises occurring in Haense. In any case, there is no doubt that Speaker Marya had further encouraged the involvement of more women in government. --- Sir Osvald Barclay, KML Possibly the only other Speaker that comes close to my tenure in controversy, Sir Osvald Barclay was also the only Speaker to ever be removed. However, this is not to say he was a bad man or a bad Speaker. Despite his personal opinions on my failings as Speaker (despite those claims not even being by my hand), I still think that Sir Osvald is a figure that should be studied in Haeseni politics. While Speaker Henrik was the one who oversaw the institution of Tribune, he was the one who actually created it in the Osvaldian Motion of 335 E.S. It was probably his greatest legacy, so I can understand why he was angered when it was removed under my tenure. He also revived much of the lost culture and traditions of the Royal Duma, such as the Black Bulava. I wanted to ensure this part of his legacy was safe, so I enshrined it into law in the Winter Edict. Like I mentioned before, Sir Osvald was removed after signs of partiality were shown and after a controversial conviction of a bandit. I wonder what he’s up to today, and I wonder if he finally forgives me? --- Lady Irene Sarkozy Finally, we move on to my predecessor and mentor, Speaker Irene de Sarkozy (formerly, Irene vas Ruthern). I still think that she was a greatly misunderstood person during her tenure. Afterall, she did do many good things as Speaker such as the removal of the messy cohort system and maintaining the balance between nobility and representatives. She also oversaw the passing of a record total of fifty-five legislative motions in Duma, which a good portion of those I have a claim to. I remember the days when Irene and I would converse in what is now my office. She was a very tidy Speaker, which differs from my tendency to keep the office riddled with ink stains and crumpled up documents. I can’t help but say that I did admire her, though I would have never tried to make a move on her. This made it much more difficult when she was found guilty of High Treason and was executed after failing to assassinate Koeng Heinrik II. I understood why it was necessary, though that didn’t make it any easier for me. I wonder what she would think of her successor. She wrote two memoirs, that being The Vitality of the Royal Duma and The New Haense, where she resigned so that I could succeed her. My Career and the Present Day And now we finally move on to myself, Igor Kort. I suppose it all started when I first ran for Tribune. I still remember my first campaign and how unorganized I was in comparison to what I am now. I still am unorganized from time to time, though old habits die hard I suppose. One thing that never died was my passion and ambition in politics. I still hold to those passions, even though precedent suggests that I am to be politically impartial. I always say that you never forget your first Duma session, and I surely remember my first. I also remember going on a binge of unhealthy sleeping and eating habits just to get my first three bills completed. I enjoyed a two year break from politics after adventuring Almaris and creating a Grand Map, which I donated to both the NGS and Koeng Josef I. I had the great pleasure of serving alongside great minds like Sir Lorenz Barclay, Ser Franz Barbanov, Sir Konrad Lauritsen, and Dame Tarathiel Asul’onn. During my service as Tribune, the most notable of my legislations would be the Emancipation Act, Medical Trespass Act, Illegal Fees Act, and Foreign Intervention and Enforcement Act. I still wish my largest piece of legislation, the Jeremic Rights Advisory Motion, would have seen Royal Assent. No matter, I see now that that bill had many flaws. Despite these flaws, I was elected as Lord Handler of the Duma in 361 E.S. (1808 A.H.). My time as Handler was brief however, when Speaker Irene Sarkozy suddenly declared her resignation as Lady Speaker of Haense. As Koeng Heinrik II once said, “it was out with the old and in with the new…” I expected to succeed soon, though I couldn’t expect the stress that came with the position. I was appointed as the tenth Lord Speaker in 362 E.S. (1809 A.H.). This was one of the most hectic years of my career, as I had both a coronation and the election of 362 E.S. to oversee. My very first duty as Speaker was an essential one, which was to speak at the Coronation of Koeng Heinrik II, as well as have the high honor of piercing his nipple with the Royal nipple ring. It was an interesting first year, to say the least. In all honesty, I didn’t do much during the first few years as Speaker. I was still getting used to it after all. I wasn’t the only one who had to deal with adjusting in our positions. The Aulic Council nearly saw an entire change of councilors in the span of just five years. I have had the honor to serve alongside great minds such as Sir Friedrich Barclay, Maric var Ruthern, Marcella Barclay, Ser Brandt Barclay, Andrik Jan Baruch, and many others. I was only twenty-seven then. I was so young, so energetic, and still so positive. Things are very much different now, as time and experiences have altered my outlook. Whether it was for the better or worse is up to public interpretation. The ‘Edykt I Ala’ (c: Edict of Seasons) is likely my most controversial, yet likely my most significant legacy as Lord Speaker. However, I cannot claim credit for all of it. Ve Asserala Edykt (c:The Summer Edict) was originally an Advisory motion authored by Ser Franz Barbanov and Sir Konrad Lauritsen. It was their minds, as well as the creation of the edict title by Koeng Heinrik II, that started the trend of the ‘Edykt I Ala’. This edict removed the seat of Tribune, created further guidelines to the election, and instated the position of Royal Inquisitor to question Aulic Ministers. Ironic, as I was the first one to be ‘impeached’ by a Royal Inquisitor, not only once, but twice. This was the direct consequence of the passing of my first edict, Ve Nikirala Edykt (c:The Winter Edict). The edict was a rather large one, greatly expanding the culture and traditions of the Duma while also greatly expanding the prerogatives of the Speaker. Under this edict, the Royal Duma now required to be in the presence of the Black Bulava, elected officials were required to make an Oath of Office, and all representatives were required to wear uniforms during the ceremony of the Bulava. The Royal Duma was also assigned the additional duty of the creation and distribution of awards to those who are seen as worthy by the Duma. The process of By-Elections were also created, as deceased, removed, or indisposed elected officials were just replaced by the will of the Speaker according to the election results. Possibly the most controversial part of the edict was the expansion of the prerogatives of my office. I can see why it would be controversial, though everything I put on there served a purpose. Perhaps I did too much as Lord Speaker, or perhaps I didn’t do enough. Who knows? All I know is that I’ve served for nearly twenty years as of the writing of this memoir. Only those who come after me can really judge if I’ve done my job correctly or not. The Future of the Royal Duma Now I believe I have reached the tail end of my career. For nearly twenty years, I have served the second highest office of the realm, excluding the crown, and I believe I have done a decent enough job. The job now goes to my successor, who I believe will be my Lord Handler Ruslan Baruch. I wouldn’t say that I have the best relationship with my right-hand man, but I do know that he is the best man to succeed me. No other Lord Handler in history had presided over the Duma more times than he has, which is a total of four times I believe. In a twist of fate, Ruslan and I are also the great-grandchildren to two Lord Speakers, that being my great-hauchpader Henrik Vanir and his great-hauchpader Sigmar Baruch. Perhaps Ruslan will turn out exactly like me. Perhaps he’ll run the Duma exactly opposite. He may even destroy my legacy, or he could add to it. All of this falls on to him, and I hope that whatever he does is done with confidence and without hesitation. I hope that he cares about the culture of the duma as I have. I hope that he doesn’t procrastinate like I have. I hope that his term will not be filled with controversy, but I also hope that he at least does something with the office that is handed to him. I don’t know, perhaps I’m just tired. This job is notoriously known for being stressful and draining. I just hope that I enjoy retirement. I wish the best of luck to Ruslan, in whatever he does. The future of the Royal Duma is filled with much potential, and I intend to express the potential in a private letter to him. Perhaps that may be a new tradition I start? A letter to my successor wishing them good luck and everything right or wrong with the office. That way, they at least have something to do. For now, I officially let the future take over after this electoral term. May they serve the office well, as I wish I had. Godan bless, and Krusae Zwy Kongzem. Signed by, His Excellency, Igor Kort, Lord Speaker of Hanseti-Ruska

Everyone cheers in rejoice, particularly the Lord Speaker in his own time

Igor Kort remembers the time when he escorted Petra to Yong Ping, which was the start of their student-mentor relationship. He wiped a small, but proud, tear in his eye as she now reaches the age of fourteen

Full Name of Man - Robert Aleksandr Ludovar Date of Birth of Man - 1803 Name of Woman - Adele Barclay Date of Birth of Woman - 1800 Location of Ceremony - County of Otistadt Date of Ceremony (Year) - 1822 Name of Clergyman who performed ceremony - Bishop Vladrick Ludovar

Somewhere in the Seven Skies, Ser Ivan The Red Bull welcomes his granddaughter with open arms. He lifts her up like he used to when she was just a little girl, and wrapped her in a warm embrace. He had a mixed feeling of sadness, though it was dulled with the feelings of pride and joy. "Myshka..." he simply stated as he hugged her tightly. He looked at her with a proud smile, a similar look that he had given her in life "I am so proud of you, my Myshka." he patted her head afterwards... Meanwhile... Robert Ludovar was sitting down in his bedroom, not sure how to tell his sleeping wife or explain it to her. All he could think was a mixture of sadness, guilt, and rage. He was angered at the events of that night, specifically to those who were left in charge. However he was also angry at himself for not doing more to stop the plan or speak up. He knew that he too was at fault, though now only thought of how to tell his wife that her sister was dead... And finally, in his office in the Nikirala Prikaz, the Lord Speaker Igor Kort was already having a stressed out day. He heard two knocks on his door, it was two of his clerks dressed in all black. Igor widened his eyes, knowing that someone he knew was dead. The stressed out Speaker let the two clerks in. His mind was racing, asking all sorts of questions. "Could it be the Koeng?" he asked himself. "Nie, niet possible. It would be more than just two clerks and bells would be ringing. Had Fionn drunken himself to death? Please don't tell me that the new Palatine was already dead." he continued to weigh down the options while the clerks sat down and talked to him. He only stopped as they said... "Your cousin, Dame Marie, has died in combat..." Igor seemed almost baffled. At first he looked at them as if they were crazy. "Nie way, niet possible." he told himself. It was only when they showed him the official report that Igor's eyes finally widened. He stood up, staying silent and pointed at the door. The two clerks seemed terrified, and decided not to question it. They simply left with a nod, saying their condolences before leaving his office... Hours later, servants walked into Igor's room to deliver him his monthly case of Carrion Black. However, what they found was almost a horrifying scene. The Speaker's Office was in absolute ruin. It wasn't a foreign thing for them to see his office messy, though it was more like the office was destroyed. The only thing that was intact was a few documents and the Black Bulava. Like the many broken bottles of Carrion on the floor, Igor was laying on the ground as a shattered man. He'd loved Marie like his own little sister. At the point where the servants found him, he seemed almost changed. His eyes were red like his grandfather The Red Bull, his face was stained with dried up tears, and his voice seemed tired from all the wailing. He didn't even seem like he left the office for home, which the servants guessed that he slept in his office... or could hardly sleep at all... Igor was a shell of his former self... He simply looked up at the servants with his red eyes. Not only were they stained like blood, but his pupils seemed almost dull. It was as if Igor Kort had died, though the Lord Speaker was still alive in front of them.

Robert see's the error and immediately orders a re-draft of the address

CELEBRATION OF NEW LIFE [!] A future depiction of Lord Johan Frederik Ludovar as a boy [!] The large tower bell on the Chapel of Bl. Robert rings loudly across the entire Viscounty of Seswesk, a new Ludovar has been born! Letters are sent all across the Kingdom of Haense and the cousins of House Ludovar across Almaris. The letter would read: “To all who would read this, You have been cordially invited to the baptism and celebration of the birth of our son, Lord Johan Frederik Ludovar. It is with great pride and pleasure to invite all friends and family, as well as all loyal denizens of Haense to this joyous event. There will be plenty of food, drink, and games after the baptism of the future heir and patriarch to House Ludovar.” Signed, His Lordship, Robert Aleksandr Ludovar, Baron of Otistadt Her Ladyship, Adele Ludovar, Baroness-Consort of Otistadt Special invitations are extended out to: His Royal Majesty, Heinrik II, Koeng of Hanseti-Ruska and the Royal Family @Rudi His Grace, Erich Barclay, Duke of Reinmar and the House of Barclay @GoodGuyMatt His Grace, Ruslan Baruch, Duke of Valwyck and the House of Baruch @Sarmadonn His Grace, Maric var Ruthern, Duke of Vidaus and the House of Ruthern @GMRO The Right Honorable, Jan Kortrevich, Count of Jerovitz and the House of Kotrevich @Luminaire The Honorable, Isaak Amador, Viscount of Aurveldt and the House of Amador @Pureimp10 His Highness, Sir Franz Morovar, Baron of Ghaestenwald and the House of Morovar @Gusano His Lordship, Stefan II Vyronov, Baron of Astfield and the House of Vyronov @Wolfey34 His Lordship, Hildebrand Mondblume, Baron of Richtenburg and the House of Mondblume @Limo_man Any distant cousin of the House of Ludovar ((OOC: The baptism will take place in the Basilica of St. Heinrik in Haense, and celebrations will be held in the Viscounty of Seswesk; it’s the first right when you exit the front gates of Haense on the roads. Time: Wednesday 6:30PM EST))

NOMINATIONS FOR THE 378 ES GENERAL ELECTIONS KRUZAE ZWY KONGZEM 4th of Tov and Yermey, 378 ES DLUM VE EDLERVIK, DRUZ VE EDLERVIK VA BIRODEO HERZENAV E EDLERVIK, By the will of His Majesty, Koeng Heinrik Karl II, the elections of [YEAR] ES shall be called to elect eight officials. Nominations shall now be open for the next month, and citizens of the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska are called upon to fulfill their civic duty to vote. Eight of these officials shall be brought onto the Royal Duma, including a Grand Maer to manage and improve the institutions of the city of Karosgrad. These eight officials shall be elected under two offices, which are; ROYAL ALDERMEN Seven Royal Aldermen are elected as representatives of the whole people of Hanseti-Ruska, by popular vote. They are tasked with giving voice to their constituents within his Majesty’s Royal Duma by proposing and shaping legislative bills. Royal Aldermen may be of any birth, common or noble. Royal Aldermen are recommended to produce at least two bills during their four-year tenure. GRAND MAER The Grand Maer of Karosgrad is elected by majority vote to represent the people of Hanseti-Ruska in the Office of the Lord Seneschal and assume the duties of management of the city’s social institutions, assisting in growth of the city’s business and economy, and bringing city wide events to Karosgrad. This role is vital and important to the city, and its abilities depend on the office holder as well as their desires to shape the city to its betterment. The Grand Maer may be of any birth, and does not sit on His Majesty’s Royal Duma. For a citizen to nominate themselves for any of the above offices, they must satisfy the eligibility criteria: 1. Candidates must be at least fourteen years of age; 2. Candidates for Grand Maer must be a resident of Karosgrad; 3. Candidates for Royal Alderman must have a residence within Hanseti-Ruska; 4. Candidates must not have a criminal record; 5. Candidates must not be a titled peer or regent; 6. Candidates for Grand Maer cannot be a Laurir; 7. Candidates may only nominate themselves to run for one office; 8. Candidates cannot bribe potential voters, or otherwise purchase votes; 9. Candidates must not use any signs for their campaigning process on Private property (unless given consent of the owner) , and thus they are strictly prohibited to do so and will result in a fine. 10. Candidates may make public missives, speeches, and host rallies. It is highly encouraged that ALL candidates make campaign posts and host public rallies to boost their chances of election! NOTE: You may still campaign while nominations are being verified ((OOC : CANDIDATES HAVE UNTIL THURSDAY 5 PM EST TO RUN)) CAMPAIGN POST TEMPLATE Please include the following in your application: IGN: Character Name: Age: Place of Residence / Street Address: Position: (Alderman or Maer) [Link to Campaign Post] IV JOVEO MAAN, His Excellency, Igor Kort, Lord Speaker of Hanseti-Ruska

THE SPRING COMPROMISE OF 378 ES An Address from the Lord Speaker On this 1st of Vzemy and Hyff, 378 ES VA BIRODEO HERZENAV AG EDLERVIK, As I swore in front of the Duma, Black Bulava, and His Majesty Heinrik II, I, Lord Speaker Igor Kort, do confirm that I have met with Lord Palatine Maric var Ruthern and Grand Maer Otto August Barbanov to discuss the upcoming edict of my office, the Spring Edict. The meeting has also been scribed by my clerk, Sigmar Baruch, and can be confirmed by him. I have also consulted my Lord Handler, His Grace Ruslan Baruch, and have taken his suggestions seriously with the process of authoring this edict. As of authoring this address to the Haeseni people, it is the hope of myself and the other signatories of the edict that we can move past the controversy of the Winter Edict, and further compromises can be made with the Royal Duma. Before being taken to His Majesty Heinrik II, the Spring Edict will first be brought to the Royal Duma for their opinions and concerns. I’d like to remind that the passing of aulic edicts is strictly the authority of the Crown, but the voice of the people is also essential. With this compromise, it is my hope that the Office of the Speaker can be more transparent in the future and that compromises can be made between Speaker and Duma. As I stated much in my early career as a Tribune, a nation united is a strong nation. Signed, His Excellency, Igor Kort, Lord Speaker of Hanseti-Ruska

Igor Kort remembers a time when he and Tarathiel would make bills together as a young and popular Tribune. He sighed, knowing that those less stressful days were now behind all of them. As he continued to age, he witnessed countless of his former colleagues go into retirement or away from public life entirely. “May you find much more joy and happiness in your private life than you did in your long decades of service to the Kongzem. In the name of the Government, I salute your duties as a loyal public servant of Haense.”

THE UNION OF THE CROW AND EAGLE [!] Robert and Adele on their wedding day Overworked and seemingly exhausted butlers and servants make their way to every single residence, public area, noble estates, and government buildings throughout the entire Kingdom. They all wore a patch on their uniforms that signified that they were from the House of Ludovar, and they were all ordered to hand-deliver invitations to everyone in the Kingdom. The letter contained an invitation to the noble wedding between the heir-apparent of the County of Otistadt, Robert Ludovar and Adele Barlcay. This grand ceremony shall be held at the Chapel of Bl. Koeng Robert, located at the castle of Kazstadt in the County of Otistadt. The ceremony shall be presided by Vladrick Jan Ludovar, Bishop of Pocitanata Maika. Special invitations are extended out to: His Royal Majesty, Heinrik II, King of Hanseti-Ruska and the royal family @Rudi His Grace, Erich Barclay, Duke of Reinmar and his noble pedigree @ColdestPepsi His Grace, Ruslan Baruch, Duke of Valwyck and his noble pedigree @Sarmadonn The Most Honorable, Maric II var Ruthern, Margrave of Greyspine and his noble pedigree @GMRO The Honorable, Britannus Vanir, Viscount of Varna and his noble pedigree @Legoboy7984 The Honorable, Jan Otto Kortrevich, Viscount of Krusev and his noble pedigree @Luminaire The Honorable, Aldrik Amador, Regent of Aurveldt and his noble pedigree @Pureimp10 His Lordship, Stefan II Vyronov, Baron of Atstfield and his noble pedigree @Wolfey34 His Lordship, Ser Hildebrand Mondblume, Baron of Richtenburg and his noble pedigree @Limo_man Miss Amicia Asul’onn and her husband Mister Christopher Asul’onn @sarahbarah Signed, His Lordship, Robert Aleksandr Ludovar, Heir to the County of Otistadt, Chief Royal Detectice, Kaptain of the Sons of Koeng Stephen Her Ladyship, Adele Barclay of Reinmar (OOC INFO: The wedding will take place at 4:00 EST on Thursday, June 17th) (Below is from Haense front gates to Otistadt)