koanda

Silence fell with the news of the Prince's death, an unfamiliar thing for this 'ame. Alyndra retreated to the shores that were once home where she settled in the sand to offer a last few words. "May you find peace, and all of the happiness you could not quite grasp here."

"So much blood spilt. May this be the last." Livia remarked, watching from the Seven without another word.

An odd child somehow got her hands on one of these missives, forcing her father to read it aloud. "Don't think that's how it works." She'd chirp after listening rather intently.

ONE LAST CHANCE "Though I die, the Republic lives on." The last words of the late Emilio d'Anpalais permeated Liv's life. The rambunctious youth's spirit was defeated that day with the loss of her closest kin. He fought in defense of the Commonwealth, saving the life of Paul Temesch with his last breath. The Lady d'Anpalais in her early years, enjoying the sun & vines of Loch. The Illatian had to this point been the epitome of carefree. The only dream she had was given, but at a cost she never imagined. Fields of ripe vines, ready to be crafted, but Summerhall was so - empty. Her heart that had once overflowed with life, that was too. "What more can I do than to follow his lead? To pursue the dreams he can no longer?" Livia's resolve was set, these Crownlands would become her own. With heart and soul, she poured into the citizens that she quickly came to know as friends. Providing care to the wounded, drinks to the thirsty, roofs to the wandering. The work she had done was not unnoticed, soon she found titles to add to her name but they were simply words. High Steward, Dame, Lady, all just words for what had they changed? Her motivation was true, to see these lands safe for all of her people. A daughter, the first Daughter of Petra sat across from the Koeng of Haense and his many advisors arguing over truths but no nicety was offered in exchange for the news they carried. Brandt & Liv traded a knowing glance, for they had looked hatred in the face time and time again, they knew how this would end. But still they spoke without reservation, there was no place for it today. "You lead men, those who trust you. If you, too, would raise foreign troops to slaughter their children, then you will find her a fitting woman. But in truth, you do not seem the sort." Too bad for deaf ears. In no time the pair were escorted down to the pit to fight for their lives. She stood no chance, she could not stand at all. The injuries inflicted days prior stole her strength. "Honorable men fighting for ignoble causes, be weary of which you choose, Livia." The man she had known so long ago had finally returned to offer this last lesson. Unbeknownst to her, Ser Paul had fought to see her released and his plea was heeded. As Ser Brandt fought, he was unable to fend off the Von Draco Knight. And then it was her. Livia held her composure as she hobbled into the arena, crutches on sand were a hell of a combination dragging out her entrance but still the Dame stood with her head held high. The King's verdict was called, demanding her sword hand as payment and without a second wasted it had been taken. Her frame buckled beneath the searing pain. "Where are you taking me, Pavel?" She questioned through gritting teeth, her attention turned toward that towering man. It was not only a hand sought, but her very freedom. "You will return with me, as my ward until this war is ended. Then you will be free." Some, many might have accepted this offer. A cage looks better than death, but no, no, no, she would not be caged while her brothers and sisters were cut down. "I will run to them, you know I will run." The refusal was met by Haeseni outcry, demand, but still Paul stayed his blade. "I am giving you this last chance, Livia." Chances, she had been lucky enough to be spared before but this, this was not a chance. She was like a bird, caged for so long, she could never return to that life. She would not cower here, her cause was well worth her life. "So that she may slaughter more children? I will never give." It was not an answer she wanted to give, but needed to. The reaction was swift, Pavel's steel driven through her chest with one great thrust. At least she would have the solace of knowing it was her own who brought the end. Finally, she was released to the Seven Skies, to her brother's open arms. Left behind was a missive, copied multiple times that she had intended on pinning to the notice boards of every state of man. A warning. They would still find their way with the help of those she left behind. An address to you, yes, you. There are so many whispers, much misunderstanding about our strife here in Petra, but allow me just a moment to explain. There was no coup to dethrone Renilde over some sordid affair. There was only a response to the forces she brought to our doorstep, threatening many lives. We sought peace, called her to a Knightly Tribunal where she would have been protected had any wished to harm her, but she did not show. There was no letter sent in response, but she did answer with even greater numbers of unfamiliar faces. The foe were no men of the Heartland, but still, we know their name. Each donning plate that looks like the discarded content of a whale's stomach. Honorless in their fight, but skill undeniable to match the great size of their rally. Men you do not want to clash steel with. Nonetheless, here they stood on Petran soil seeking nothing but blood, glory and gold - Ferryman. If this force were not enough they brought company that no faithful person would allow. Hulking 'men' adorned in fine plates, strange they seemed and completely unfamiliar. But these were no men after all, but lesser dragons, beings of scale beneath that camouflaged skin breathing fire, leaving charred bodies scattered throughout the Castle Moere. All the while, the 'Archduchess', sat in the comfort of the palace, unable to hear the carnage she unleashed upon the men, women, and children of Petra. She truly has earned the moniker, The Parasite, as she steals life from the Commonwealth, something so much greater than her. Leaching from Petra's very heart, her people discouraged, and lost amongst the waves of this tumultuous sea they have been cast so callously into. I ask nothing from you, any of you who come across these words. Do not believe I wish for more death, nor steel, not even retribution. No. I simply wish to tell the story of a tyrant who turned tail on her own people. We are called rebels, we are branded with cowardice because we spoke out against the powerful, the divine who seeks to silence us. Do not become jaded to the corruption of those above you. Know our story, so that it might not become yours. Be good to your neighbors, to your friends & brothers, in the end they may be all you have left. SIGNED Livia Elena d'Anpalais Defender of Petra

"An honorable man dying for an ignoble cause." The words of Sir Paul echoed so loudly in Livia's ear as she watched Brandt meet his end. "But who decided ours was so ignoble?" This attempt made to teach her, had in fact worked but not in the way the elder Knight had wished. She was certain now that she would follow her friend into that end, for we Petrans stand as one.

A random woman looks over the words, unable to withhold a comment as she studies them.. "What a coincidence, that we are already justifying the action of sin. This investigation seems to be in steady hands indeed."

A loyal subscriber gave the post two thumbs up. "Informative."

"A woman who speaks the truth is always at ease." Commented the d'Anpalais to noone in particular, "If there is nothing to hide, why does she?"

"For a woman of such intellect, this is painful. I once sat at your table, he was no consort but your equal, if not more." She muttered, crumbling that missive to discard into the open fire. "If anyone has sinned here, it is you. An adulterous woman defending the church, true comedy."

Long had Livia watched the land she once called home, her affection having waned but through all she was loyal for the sake of kin. "So many bridges have you burned, dear Renilde. But this, can it be repaired? Doubtful."

Dantory was one of the most genuine people you could ever meet. He was honest, and open, sharing his dreams and struggles alike. He would always lend an ear if you needed to talk, a true friend to those lucky enough to know him. His loss is devastating, but I hope that we can all remember him for the light that he was. Rest easy, Szander.

Once the news found her, such heavy silence followed in its wake. Aoife would not yet manage a tear, not a sob, not yet. Instead she sat, overwhelmed by the thought of life without her oldest friend. Lost in the words he spoke so many times, words she echoed knowing full well she would not manage them today. "Smile when it hurts most."

Livia looks over the recruitment form fondly, remembering her time as a Daughter with great pride.

The State Auction of the Valfleur Tavern On the 7th of Owyn’s Flame, 1899. . . By the UNITY OF MIND of the GOVERNMENT in PETRA, serving always CHIVALRY, LIBERTY and JUSTICE, the ARCHDUCHESS and ARCHDUKE do affirm this EDICT, delivered at MOUNT GARMONT CONCERNING the STATE AUCTION OF THE CENTRAL TAVERN of the CAPITAL of the COMMONWEALTH Bidding Commences for Ownership of the Valfleur Tavern Bidding may officially commence for ownership of the Valfleur Tavern. Bidding will begin at 300 minas for ownership of the building. Bidding will close in two Saint’s months ((closes 11:59pm EST this Saturday evening)). To Qualify for Bidding To qualify for a bid, you must be approved by the High Steward Livia Elena d'Anpalais@koanda, the Lord Treasurer Artiev Colborn @Sander, and Chancellor Louis d’Azor @Da_Emperors. Reach out to one of them for approval to begin bidding! HER GRACE, Renilde I, By the Grace of GOD, Archduchess of the Petra, Countess of Temesch and Moere His GRACE, Constanz-Anton, Archduke of the Petra, Prince of Balian Lord Chancellor, His Excellency, Louis Valencour d’Azor High Steward, Her Excellency, Livia Elena d'Anpalais

Livia smiled proudly as she skimmed the pamphlet. "I wonder if Mazu helped out with this one."

Livia hustled to finish decorating for the evening, humming as she went. "Paul would be so proud."

TOURNEY OF EAGLES 1895 __________________________________________________________________________ To celebrate the Archduchess Renilde's coronation, the Commonwealth of Petra is to host a Grand Tourney. A joust & spar will be held upon the freshly erected festival grounds on the road just South of Valfleur. All men and women who care to compete in this well intentioned scrimmage are welcome to join us. __________________________________________________________________________ For the Joust Each rider shall bring their own mount Lances will be provided to Competitors For the Sword Each Combatant is to equip themselves Two rounds will be fought, a winning & losing bracket A prize will be awarded to the winning man or woman of each contest, and those two will also earn a Champion Title of their respective sport. __________________________________________________________________________ SIGNED Lady Livia Elena, Baroness of Montreux

Aoife's work had kept her afar, but the missive found her regardless. "Deiwo, take him into your hands." The woman pleaded, for she had hardly knew the man but figured an extra prayer might help his chances. Then mounting her steed, riding for the Draco's hold, the northern Crestwatch.

The youngest d'Anapalais would finally recieve word of the ceremony in the Western lands of Mersten, the arrival of the missive interrupting her bi-weekly dusting. "Che bello! A new sorella, we must find them gifts!" Livia chirped!

"He has done us proud, may he take his rest & find the strength to fight this illness." - "Ay'Valyris! Long may she reign." The Wynasul chimed with pride! "Kae'leh sil ito nae."

"Mon Dieu, I only have so many paws." The musin in question exclaimed upon reading over the extensive guest list. "I will simply have to make due, c'est la vie." She mused, rushing back to the city to continue her preperations!

I'm interested, I wanna know

The Feast of the Ivory Mare This is a depiction of the joyous eve to follow the first of many great Johnstown feasts In the North of Orenia, the Order of the Hound will be holding a festival to celebrate the prosperity & blessings that have been bestowed upon them, both in crop, and in men who have joined their ranks. Within the past 10 years, Johnstown has seen massive sieges against their quaint homes and lost many Brothers, but they have also revelled in miracles sent by Godani himself. To celebrate and honor the life granted to them by God, Grandmaster Lazlo Krazkov has decided to host a day of festivities in the name of the Ivory Mare, inviting all of Orenia to eat, drink, & fight alongside himself and his people. A joyous occasion for all to enjoy. Competitions of the Fest Race to the Top! The day will begin with this event, a true test of agility for those with the heart to try. This bouldering course was designed by Lazlo Krazkov to test even the best of cragsmen. For the person who wins this event, they will earn a 1500 mina prize! Long Distance Javelin Toss Every man, woman and child are invited to test their strength and accuracy by participating in this throwing competition. This test was created by the Hounds to train themselves but has proved to be a rather enjoyable sport as well. Prove your arm is the best, and you will take home a 1500 mina prize! King of the Hill Can you hold the hill and end up on top? If so, you will win 1500 mina and be crowned as King for a day! This will likely be the largest game of King on the Hill in the whole of Arcas, you will not want to miss it. [Disclaimer: Johnstown is not responsible for any injuries obtained during the above competitions, but medics will be on site for any in need.] Merchant Stalls If you wish to sell your wares at the Festival, please contact Lazlo Krazkov (Maize#0885) or Catherine Helvets (Koanda#1275). They will be provided free of charge in celebration of this great day! Special Invitations are sent to the following: His Imperial Majesty, Peter III of House Horen, as well as the entirety of the Imperial House Novellen His Royal Majesty, Sigismund II of House Barbanov, as well as the entirety of the Royal Household His Grace, Robert Castor of House Helvets, as well as the entirety of the Ducal Household OOC INFO This event will take place at 7PM EST on Saturday, the 30th of May Johnstown is North of Kaedrin, x: 460 y: -2000

The first Princess of Rubern watches on from the skies, as she had for years. The turmoil that had rooted in the fertile lands of the Province grew out of control like weeds, resulting in countless deaths. She’d only shake her head, finally prying her gaze away from the land that had troubled her for so long.

Catherine decides that the upcoming festival in Johnstown should be held in honor of this astonishing gift from GOD.