libertyybelle

Ipera begins to pluck her vegetables from her garden, placing them neatly in a box to be sold at the market!

BIG DAY FOR THE WHIMSY PEOPLE

Crow Scouts In every wood and wild place, the black-feathered crow watches from above. It sees the courage of the small, the kindness of the quiet, and the strength that grows in silence. And so was born the Order of the Crow Scouts, a fellowship for those who might be young and smaller than our older kin but are certainly not lesser than. ⋆⁺₊⋆ ━━━━⊱༒︎ • ༒︎⊰━━━━ ⋆⁺₊⋆ ⋆⁺₊⋆ ━━━━⊱༒︎ • ༒︎⊰━━━━ ⋆⁺₊⋆ “To face your fears, and never let them rule you.” Bravery is not the absence of fear, but the choice to act despite it. A Crow Scout must learn to stand tall, to speak truth when silence is easier, and to rise even when the task before them seems too great. Whether defending a frightened friend, venturing into the unknown woods with an adult, or attempting a skill once failed, the brave do not flee from challenge, but meet it with courage. A brave scout: Volunteers when others shrink back. Tries again, even after falling. Defends those who cannot defend themselves. The Black Feather badge is awarded to those who act with such courage, even in small, quiet ways. “To let your heart be soft, even when the path is hard.” Kindness is the strength to be gentle. A Crow Scout is taught that true power lies not in might, but in mercy. One who listens, who lends a hand. The ones who share their heart and more in a world that struggles to promote empathy. The crow sees not only warriors, but peacemakers and friends. A kind scout: Comforts a friend in tears. Shares what they have, even when they have little. Speaks kindly of others and to others. The Golden Feather badge is granted to those who uplift, soothe, and serve with compassion. “To never give up, and try again.” Resilience is the will to endure, the strength to rise again. The road of life is long and oft steep, and the Crow Scout learns to persist through hardship. Whether enduring bitter cold, mastering a difficult craft, or striving to mend what is broken, they do not turn aside from the path. They learn that scars are not shameful, but proof of perseverance. A resilient scout: Does not give up when tasks grow hard. Learns from mistakes instead of hiding from them. Faces sorrow, yet continues forward with hope. The Silver Feather, rare and deeply honored, is given to those who endure where others would yield. Examples of tasks: The Trial of Thorns and Timber (Bravery Task) Upon the forest’s edge or green field, scouts shall face a crafted course of woodland perils: climbing over logs, crossing balance beams, crawling through woven branches. With courage and cheer, they shall complete the trial to earn the Black Feather of Bravery, proving their mettle before the crow. The Hands of Hearth and Heart (Kindness Task) Scouts shall craft tokens of goodwill — simple gifts, letters, or charms — and deliver them unto the aged, the ailing, or the weary-hearted within the tribes. Through gentleness and thought, they shall earn the Golden Feather of Kindness. For children ages five to thirteen winters. For any inquiries about how to join, please write to; The Lady Ipera Nikulara Barbanov-Bihar

ᛒᛟᚢᚾᛞ ᛒᛁ ᛒᛚᛟᛟᛞ ᚨᚾᛞ ᛒᛟᚾᛞ Bound by Blood and Bond The old Nornish Goddess Sól, Mother of Sun, Matrimony, and Love ᛏᛟ ᚾᛟᚱᛚᚨᚾᛞᛁᚲ ᛞᛖᚾᛁᛉᛖᚾᛊ, It is the wish and beckoning of the Nornish elders and our Haakon-King that we create a new tradition and celebration. Familial ties are the most paramount gift that the beyond has gifted us, and it is in Sol’s honor that we extend such festivities to the denizens of Norland and those who wish to make merry. It is our intent to have a two-month-long festivity in which one month we honor our ancestors and our past, and within the next month we look to the horizons for new bonds to create and the current familial ties we serve. During this, many affairs shall take place that intend to serve the purpose. FIRST MONTH; ᚲᛁᚾᛞᚱᛖᛞ ᚠᛖᛊᛏ - Kindred Feast Within the first month, atop Solgaard's hill, the warmth of their gracious meadhall will provide the ambience that is always required for a grand feast. Food beyond your eyes will be placed atop the tables, and drinks will be endlessly poured. Eat up to your eyes in honor of your ancestral connections. Dancing, of course, will take place after drinking the endless mirth of mead. ᛒᚢᚱᚾᛁᛜ ᛟᚠ ᚦᛖ ᛚᛖᛏᛏᛖᚱᛊ - Burning of Letters Directly after the feast, whilst the merriment is still high, we shall write letters to any ancestors you wish. Once such letters have been concluded, they shall be burned in a pyre, and the ashes shall be blown into the wind to be scattered to the skies. Only the eyes of familial ties shall see the words written upon the page. SECOND MONTH; ᚱᚨᚲᛁᛜ ᛟᚠ ᛗᚢᛚᛖᛊ - Racing of Mules Lastly, ladies will mount upon mules and race from Solgaard to Norland, dawning a favor from their suitors. Whether it be necklaces or tapestries, their suitors shall gift them before the race to offer their interest in the lady racing or the lady they wish to win. Then, upon the count, the ladies will race down the winding path to the front gates of Norland. First to cross the aurum lining will be the victor, and will be gifted a jewelled necklace. ᛗᚨᚲᛁᛜ ᛟᚠ ᚾᛖᚹ ᛒᛟᚾᛞᛊ - Making of New Bonds The month following will begin the chance to make new bonds, and perhaps find someone to start your own family with. A matchmaking event for all will take place in the Norlandic capital, and cats will be provided as a gift to your interested prospects. Such an event will be offered to every denizen, but the Norn elders have advised that the KING HAAKON will be taking offers as well, and they are very interested in finding the King a proper wife. Once a cat is offered to your prospect, you will have time to sit and speak with the interested candidate for a moment. For any inquiries about such an event, please write to; The Lady Ipera Nikulara Barbanov-Bihar Or The Nornish Elder Ljúfvina

Ipera looked to Isleifr, nodding. "What did poor Louis even do! Surely niething that bad, poor man."

The princess Ipera sat within the tavern, mourning those friends who hadn’t joined the Haeseni trek to the fellow Highlandic lands. Though for the first time in a long time, with the raising of Karoslund, she felt a swell of pride in her chest. Finally, just for a moment, she allowed herself to hope again.

this might be controversial, but as a prominent figure in haense when it fell, ive really enjoyed my roleplay since it happened regardless. of course it is sad, and i will always be a haense player, but i get to experience something new. im not 100% thrilled about the ooc aspects but for something i was so afraid of, it certainly was not bad. i was also a steady orenian player for years before it fell, and i was devastated as well but ended up loving haense just as much if not more. lotc is about change, nothing stays the same. oren was around for just as long if not longer than haense and that also was destroyed. it happens. nothing is immune to the cycle just like irl. if you are genuinely getting bothered by things that are happening, thats always a sign for me its time for me to take a hiatus. part of the fun of lotc is being apart of a bigger narrative that you are not always going to control and thats okay. sometimes its okay to be done for a few months and then come back - i personally am always better when i do.

The former princess, Ipera, looked onto this missive with a grim expression. “Though it saddens me our people are torn apart, ea pray that the Colborns find peace in their land regardless. Good luck, Acelia.”

The exiled Haeseni princess looked unto the paper with weary eyes, though a slight smile did embrace her lips. Deeply she appreciated the warmth the Norlanders gave her and her people, and in such dark times - it was the little hope she needed.

Months before the conclusion of what was the war that swallowed Haense, it was the moon Princess who stood atop the Kastell Lesanov and prayed. Her barely audible words sank into the night as she basked in the light from her beloved Nikul. She prayed for Haense and her family. She prayed that peace could be found in her time and that the angel who once spoke words of encouragement would once again find her. Alas, such an angel didn’t arrive, and her prayers went unanswered. It was upon her ride to Norland that she began to doubt her mission. To shepherd the Haeseni to the Norlandic borders was to shepherd them to Pagans and to the child Ipera who still lingered behind a now much older one, that was the worst thing she could do. Though of little choice, she beckoned her Marian Retinue and rode on to the colder parts. From then on out, her life was made in blinks. A blink and there Ipera was. Bidding Haakon a plead of survival, and to her surprise, she was met with a warmth she had not expected. Pagans, to her, were stories of evil men who ransacked villages and killed innocent women and children. Yet these men in front of her, bleeding of Norn, were anything but. The Norlandic King spoke unto her, as she offered gold and assets, that he could not be bought with things he could pillage. So she gave him all she could think to give in the moment. It was then as the Princess took off her circlet and knelt before Haakon in a manner of offering him her pride, he knelt along with her. His hand unto her shoulder, he spoke, “Then do what you must, and continue to be the Hope-Bearer for your Kingdom.” Another blink and she stood on the dias, listening as the Haeseni denizens cried out toward their King. Concerned and scared, she realized perhaps it was not something she could offer. Perhaps what the angel had spoken unto her, this mission she had been given was to be of little result. She would have to disappoint her, she would have to disappoint God. A blink. There he was, St. Raguel taking hold of Nadya and Joren - sweeping them away into a puff of smoke - her hope was lost and as Philippa beckoned her to stand, she simply could not. Everything was moving too fast and slipping from her grasp; Ipera could hardly keep up. A blur and time passed, and upon entering Lemon Hill, she felt little of God’s presence. She heard the men in the room debate how they would carve her home and what pieces would go where. It was then she lost her belief. And as the Norns helped the Princess bury her books deep within the confines of Solgaard, she began to question if such a God existed. How could he have turned his back to his creations? Surely, if there was a merciful God, he had been long dead. Each night in the Inn within Norland, she wept. Quiet enough as to not wake her children. Each night, she no longer prayed but mourned her lost home. She mourned the fact that Devana, Ulyana, and Anastasia would never know the beauty of the Kareninas. She mourned that her children, Isaak and Juliya, would never grow up knowing the vastness of Morteksvan’s halls or where their ancestors occupied. She mourned the woman who died alongside Haense.

Issued by the ROYAL COURT OF HANSETI-RUSKA c. 4THth OF GRONNA AND DROBA, 575 E.S. AUDITIONS FOR VE NIKUL PRINZEN VA BIRODEO HERZENAV AG ELDERVIK, It is with great pleasure, during these trying times, that the Princess Ipera wishes to finally display her play VE NIKUL PRINZEN. Though before such play can be experienced by the public, it is her wish to fill the scenes with people who share her passion with the arts and storytelling. So in those wishes, the Princess is opening casting calls for those wanting to participate in the first ever showing of VE NIKUL PRINZEN. A fictional story of a Moon Prince who wishes to enlight humanity against his Father’s wishes. Characters Available: Nikul – The noble and just son of Asseran, god of the Moon. Nikul is the champion of mankind, determined to free mortals from his father’s oppressive rule. Asseran – The proud and wrathful Sun God, ruler of the Celestial Realm. His fiery dominion over the heavens and earth reflects his relentless power and authority. Father to Nikul. Sindhor – The compassionate Earth Goddess and wife of Asseran. Protector of nature and its creatures, she offers wisdom and mercy in the face of divine conflict. Mother to Nikul. Morrig – A fierce and beautiful water nymph who serves as the general of Nikul’s armies. She is cunning, powerful, and unyielding in battle. Olwoki – The Clouds, divine messengers of the gods. They drift between realms, carrying secrets and omens from the heavens to the earth. Man – The mortals of the realm, struggling under Asseran’s rule. They strive for freedom, torn between fear of the gods and hope for liberation. DLUM VE EDLERVIK AG VE BIRODAL, HER ROYAL HIGHNESS, Ipera Nikurala, Duchess-consort of Akovia, Lady Regent of the Duchy of Vidaus, Deputy Royal Curator, Lady Chamberlain of Asserala Court

The Princess Ipera sat in the Haeseni museum, reading the history books that laid in a tall pile aside her. ”Must history repeat itself? Must God’s flock die?” she lamented to no one in particular.

Of Alliance and Friendship Issued By THE LADY REGENT OF HOUSE RUTHERN & BARONESS OF FURENTALIZ 14th of Msitza ag Dargrund, 574 ES Let it be known that the noble Houses of Ruthern and Leuven, having long endured strife and discord, do now seek to mend the wounds of the past and forge a future built upon honor. In recognition of our shared duty to our kin and GOD we do hereby enter into this sacred pact of goodwill. ARTICLE I: Reconciliation of Past Transgressions. Both Houses acknowledge the grievances that have marred our history. With solemn hearts, we declare that the past shall no longer dictate our future, and we pledge to put aside past grievances, embracing reconciliation and the misdeeds that occurred prior to the Lady Regent. ARTICLE II: Amicable Resolutions. Future generations of Ruthern and Leuven shall honor this sentiment, ensuring that our children not inherit the slander of name, but the strength of unity. This alliance shall stand as an enduring testament to our commitment to peace. Should disputes arise, they shall be resolved through diplomacy rather than the sword. Iv Joveo Maan, Her Royal Highness, Prinzenas Ipera Nikurala, Duchess-consort of Akovia, Lady Regent of the Duchy of Vidaus, Deputy Royal Curator, Lady Chamberlain of Asserala Court The Honorable, Adelina Claire van Leuven Baroness of Furentaliz, Matriarch van Leuven, Surgeon General of The Hospital of St. Amyas

Issued by the ROSEN BANNER OF HANSETI-RUSKA c. 9th OF TOV AND YERMEY, 576 E.S. VA BIRODEO HERZENAV AG EDLERVIK, With the announcement of the forthcoming war, it is the will of Queen Nadya of Novkursain to extend her full efforts to the military initiative, ensuring that every Haeseni stands prepared for the trials ahead. This time of strife calls upon us to stand resolute in the face of those who would see us erased from the annals of history, and to rise with unabated strength in defense of our kingdom and our people. Now, as war looms once more, the Rosen Banner must rise again. The threat upon our very spirit is imminent, but never once have we faltered. Our steel remains sharp and our will unbroken. Let those who stand against us know: we are a people forged in hardship, bound by duty, and strengthened by the hearts of our ancestors. No force shall temper our resolve, and no darkness shall dim our light. Let the Royal Court not remain idle, but take up their charge in whatever form duty demands–be it in the smithy, the infirmary, or upon the battlefield itself. To those who bear the Rosen Banner, know this: your service is invaluable, your efforts shall not go unsung, and your temperament will be the strength upon which Hanseti-Ruska endures. Let all heed the call, for the Rosen Banner flies again. The Rosen Banner’s roots start in the Sinner’s War, also known as the War of the Wigs. As King Sigismund III served as a commander in the Tripartite Accord, his wife and queen, Queen Emma of Jerovitz, commandeered the Royal Court to join their fellow Haeseni and allies upon the battlefield.[1][2] They did not bear the name Rosen Banner yet, but laid the foundations of militarizing the Haeseni courts in wartime and enlisting the skills and labor of women of all social status in the kingdom.[2] The militarization of the Royal Court became a tradition and symbol of unwavering loyalty for many queens and courtiers, following immediately into the Successor’s War as well.[2][3] It wasn’t until the First Aevos Coalition War that the Rosen Banner secured its name and notability. Amidst the Grand Covenant, Bl. Queen Amaya of Venzia stood as the general of the Rosen Banner.[2] Her most leal servants and lieutenants were Dame Rosalind Valkonen and Miss Ronja Kort.[2] With the skills of those three, honed through the command of Bl. Queen Amaya, they made a formidable auxiliary out of the many ladies of Haense and court courtiers. The Rosen Banner, despite its recognition as a unique entity in the Grand Covenant for its rose-colored armor and women combatants, served with great versatility amidst the battlefield. They faced many foes and manners of defeating them, from blade to cannon and trebuchet. In these battles and sieges, enemies of the Rosen Banner sought to mock them for their efforts. The ridicule was short-lived for the Rosen Banner as they fiercely contested the battlefields with their comrades and allies.[2] In the Sieges of Breakwater and Brasca specifically, the Rosen Banner assisted in the artillery forces against both keeps. The cry of, “the maidens are shelling Veletz!” came to fruition as the offensive forces came to light.[2] In the Battles of Westmark and Hippo’s Gorge, Dame and Lieutenant Rosalind Valkonen became a noteworthy figure of the Rosen Banner, not only for her appearance on the battlefields, but for slaying a Veletzian champion in the Battle of Hippo’s Gorge.[2] The Rosen Banner went into dormancy after the First Aevos Coalition War ended. Now, though, it rears its head again to partake in the War of the Crown and the Crozier, also known as the Second Aevos Coalition War, at the behest of Queen Nadya of Novkursain. Already, observers have spotted rosen cloaks of the banner amidst the throes of raids and battles, including the Battles of Nueva Vida, Lesanov and Kretzen. [1] THE BLACK BANNER, Author unnoted, year unnoted. [2] THE GRAND COVENANT: ROLL OF BANNERS, Author unnoted, year unnoted. [3] THE BLACK BANNER: THE SUCCESSORS’ WAR. Author unnoted, year unnoted. GLORY TO THE ROSEN BANNER, GLORY TO ITS VENERABLE DEAD HER ROYAL MAJESTY, Nadya of Novkursain, Queen-consort of Hanseti and Ruska, Princess-consort of Bihar, Dules, Lahy, Muldav, Slesvik, Solvesborg, and Ulgaard, Duchess-consort of Carnatia and Vanaheim, Margravine-consort of Rothswald and Vasiland, Countess-consort of Alban, Alimar, Baranya, Karikhov, Karovia, Kaunas, Kavat, Markev, Siegrad, Torun, Toruv, and Valdev, Baroness-consort of Buck, Esenstadt, Kralta, Krepost, and Rytsburg, Lady of the Westfolk, Protector and Lady of the Highlanders, etcetera. HER LADYSHIP, Ipera vas Ruthern, Lady-Regent of House Ruthern, Lady Chamberlain of the Asserala Court, Deputy Royal Curator of Hanseti-Ruska

Somewhere, deep within the Seven Skies - a certain Mary Lucille paid mind to such a missive. A small smile creeping unto her face at all the lavish parties her mother threw within Selm back during the continent of Arcas.

Issued by the ROYAL COURT OF HANSETI-RUSKA c. 17th OF MSITZA AND DARGUND, 573 E.S. x The Unity of Lady Ipera vas Ruthern and His Highness, Hogmund Jakob VA BIRODEO HERZENAV AG ELDERVIK, During this time of trouble, it is important to remember the gifts God does bless us with. Matrimony, like the union between Juliya & Horen as well as Tara & Joren, is a blessing his flock receives. It is with his guidance and his control of destiny that the Lady Ipera and the Prinzen Hogmund found each other. From childhood, the two were close friends and during her departure they spent many years apart. Once reunited, such friendship turned to more and as God’s fate would have it they fell in love. With that, a royal wedding was thus declared— to be overseen and shepherded by the Patriarch Alaric in the Basilica within Nau Valdev. The first activity of the reception is a game of Jagsk ve Svin (Chase the Pig) in which women and men will go on a chase trying to find a pig within Nau Valdev. Whoever catches the pig, it is said, will either marry next or receive good fortune in the year. The second activity of the reception will be an archery contest, in which the winner will receive a mina prize of one hundred mina and receive the title of BRATEJ I RUGAZ (Champion of Arrows) INVITATIONS EXTENDED TO: His Royal Majesty, Joren I, King of Hanseti-Ruska and Her Royal Majesty, Nadya of Novkursain as well as their pedigree @erictafoya@sarahbarah His Grace, Sigmund Ludovar, Duke of Kvasz and his noble pedigree @Legoboy7984 The Most Honourable, Davyd Colborn, Margrave of Kazan and his noble pedigree @JuliusAakerlund The Right Honourable, Duncan Baruch, Count of Ayr and his noble pedigree @Pureimp10 Their Right Honourable, Andrei and Dima Kortrevich, Count and Countess of Krusev and their noble pedigree @Gandhi @Frawlic The Right Honourable, Karl Weiss, Viscount of Novkursain and his noble pedigree @CasChaos The Right Honourable, Nerida Amador, Viscountess of Zvezlund and her noble pedigree @Melpomenne The Right Honorable, Dszamila Korvacz, Viscountess of Koppány and her noble pedigree @pomegrad The Honorable, Varon Kovachev, Baron of Kovgrad and his noble pedigree @Herod The Honourable, Adelina van Leuven, Baroness of Furentaliz @Dramatude The Honourable, Istvan Ivanvoich, Baron of Basarab and his noble pedigree @North The Honourable, Evelina Valkonen, Baroness of Karoswald and her noble pedigree @Emmmm SPECIAL INVITES: The Entirety of the Horenic Covenant and Haeseni allies; Principality of Reinmar Commonwealth of the Petra The Kingdom of Hyspia Kingdom of Balian The Principality of Celia’nor Lady Manon of Deguise @esotericas Daisy @Irene Mara Vanir @iris1612 Bryden @Castelleo Greiret Elverhilin Enoch @xo31 SIGNED BY, HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS, HOGMUND JAKOB, DUKE OF AKOVIA, KONSTABEL OF ZENOREIN HER LADYSHIP, IPERA VAS RUTHERN, LADY-REGENT OF VIDAUS, ROYAL COURT CHAMBERLAIN

Orsziya Ivanovich sat comfortably reclined in the newly minted keep, flipping idly through catalog. It was then when the daily war notes arrived, and thus a frown now settled onto her features. ”Isleifr, you damned fool.” It was after such declaration that she set off haphazardly unto the bandit infested roads, seeking the norn she had deemed Bigfoot.

"Ea hope ea make vy proud." Ipera said toward a portrait of the Koenas Juliya, settling into her new office within Kastell Lesanov.

Ipera vas Ruthern sat within her tall keep of Morteskvan, the snow billowing outside the warmth of her room. It was then, basking in the presence of the fireplace that a maid seeked her, handing her such a missive. Upon reading the last line, her brows rose. Rereading a few times she leaned her nose closer to inspect as if she had read it wrong. A girl, pale as holy light, a dove along a long line of ravens. That was her. It ‘‘twas this recognition that made her recall what the Aengul had said to her. The call of action she bid. Though to her, she was just Ipera and could be little of what her ancestor, Villorik, was. As she promised the Aengul she wouldn’t fail, there had been but a lump in her chest. Impossible to swallow. For now, she could only take little steps to uphold GODANs will. Starting with a letter to Alaric.

IN-GAME NAME: [X] libertyybelle DISCORD: [X] You know it girl PERSONA NAME: [X] Ipera vas Ruthern BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF YOUR INTENDED PERFORMANCE: [X] Solo act

Author’s Note: It’s no surprise, really, that I’ve written this play. I’ve always had a deep fondness for the moon—its quiet beauty and its cycles that mirror so much of life itself. And as for Nikul, the legendary figure from the old pagan tales of Haense, I’ve long been captivated by his story. These myths have always held a special place in my heart, and I’m glad to finally share this small piece of that world with you. May it resonate with those who, like me, are drawn to the magic of ancient stories. Characters: Nikul: The noble and just son of Asseran, god of the Moon, and champion of mankind. Asseran: The proud and wrathful Sun God, ruler of the Celestial Realm. Sindhor: The compassionate Earth Goddess, wife of Asseran, protector of nature. Morrig: A water nymph, fierce and beautiful, general of Nikul’s armies. Olwoki: The Clouds, messengers of the gods. Man: The mortals of the realm, struggling under Asseran’s rule. SCENE 1: The stage is divided in two parts: on the left, a bright and blinding light represents the Celestial Realm, with golden beams casting shadows and flares. On the right, the earthly realm of Sindhor is a lush, green, and peaceful garden, with rocks, trees, and flowers. Asseran, the mighty Sun God, stands in the center of the stage, surrounded by divine light. ASSERAN (proudly, he raises his hand to the sky): By my rays, I rule this realm! I am the Lord of Light, the Master of the Celestial and the Creator of all things seen. The world below shall ever bend beneath my hand, for I am Asseran, the Sun that grants life! (Enter Sindhor from stage right, walking with grace. She is gentle in manner and meets Asseran on stage left within the Celestial Realm) SINDHOR (softly, with concern): Asseran, my love, thou art mighty, yet thou art blind. The created on the earth, they suffer beneath thy shining gaze. They toil for thy light, yet they are mere shadows in thy wake. ASSERAN (growing angry): Thou speak’st of mercy, Sindhor, but mercy is weak. They thrive beneath my gaze! Without me, they would wither, fall into darkness. They exist to serve, to bask in my glory! My wife, I love thy but the bigger picture doth thou not see. We are well kept, above those who do serve below. SINDHOR: Thou art a blazing sun, that is not what I do doubt, love of mine. Though thou art without pity. I, who cradle the earth in my arms, feel their pain. They are not naught but tools for thy power. (The stage flashes with a bright light, Asseran now enraged he storms to grasp both arms of Sindhor. Shaking her firmly.) ASSERAN: Enough! Their plight is but their fate. I am their master. My wrath is law. And yet, thou wouldst have them rise against me? SINDHOR: The rays thou cast do blind thy. I weep for thy and the man thy rule. (Sindhor lowers her head, troubled but resolute. A sound like thunder rumbles in the background as the figure of Nikul, the Moon, comes from stage left.) NIKUL (with gentle determination): Father, thou art powerful indeed, but I see the suffering of the people. Their hearts cry out in the darkness. Thou givest them no voice, no hope. Yet I have given them fire, language, and knowledge. In my kindness, I raise them. Do not despise them, for they have learned from me. ASSERAN (with fiery rage): What madness is this, Nikul? Thou, my own flesh and blood, dost betray me for these worms? Fire? Language? Knowledge? These be but blasphemies! They must worship me! Without me, they are naught but dust and ash! The clouds speak of thine disobedience. NIKUL: I do not seek thy destruction, father, but I will not be silenced. If I must fall to grant them life, then so be it. But mark me, I will not bow to thee in silence. ASSERAN (casting his son downward): Then fall, and know thy place! (Asseran strikes Nikul down with another bright light, and Nikul falls to the earth on stage right, crashing upon Sindhor’s realm. Sindhor rushes to her son’s side, kneeling beside him.) SINDHOR (with defiance, cradling Nikul): Thou shalt not harm him further, Asseran! He is my child as well. His heart is pure, and he shall not fall to thy wrath. (Sindhor raises her hand, and the light of Asseran’s rays grows dimmer for a time. The scene grows dark and each character moves off stage.) SCENE 2: The scene changes to the Earth, a landscape of tree, bush and thistle. Nikul enters, speaking out toward the crowd. NIKUL: Fear not, for I am with thee. Though the wrath of my father doth seek to crush us, together we shall rise. In the fire of knowledge, we shall find our strength. And in the moonlight of hope, we shall find our way. Rest easy, knowing that the wrath of my father may shine bright but it is I that is a broken reflection. With that bright rage, I shall only shine brighter and guide thine further into salvation! MORRIG (entering from stage right, her eyes full of both strength and sorrow, a water nymph garbed in flowing blue): O Nikul, thy words are as a tide in my heart. What thou hast taught these mortals... it gives them courage, but what of thine own? Thou hast fallen, cast down by thy father. Dost thou not seek vengeance for thy fall? NIKUL (looks to Morrig, moved by her words): Morrig, thou art a general of great renown, yet thou dost not know the depths of my heart. The fire I’ve given to man has given them light—but it has also set the world ablaze. What if I fail to defeat my father? What if his wrath consumes us all? MORRIG (placing her hand upon his shoulder, her voice steady): Then we shall rise, Nikul. For love, for justice, we fight. If we fall, let it be as heroes, not as shadows that are hidden from thine father’s rays. Thine cause is just. The people shall follow thee. I shall gather army and sword, we will put an end to thy father’s tirade! (Morrig unsheathes a glittering sword, holding it high above her head. She stares now at the crowd with unwavering bravery.) SCENE 1: SINDHOR (offstage, speaking to the audience): For a thousand years, the Sun and the Moon did war in the heavens. Each sought dominion over the realms, each commanding their armies of clouds or men. The sun shone brightest, the moon fell silent, but in the heart of the battle, amidst the clash of armies, a different fire was lit. (Nikul enters the stage, standing tall, his face darkened by the struggle, yet his gaze resolute. At his side is Morrig.) NIKUL (with a heavy heart, to Morrig): The battle is long, my love, and the way ahead is treacherous. Yet, in thy eyes, I see the strength I lack in this endless struggle. MORRIG: Thy strength is not in might alone, Nikul, but in thy heart. Thou dost show the gods what it means to fight for the right of the weak. We shall not fall. Not while we have the love of the earth, the moon, and each other. (Morrig exits stage. The stage darkens, and a new setting is revealed— A large, ominous throne sits at the center, and Asseran and Nikul are now face-to-face, alone, ready for their final confrontation.) NIKUL (with defiance, facing his father): It has come to this, father. Thou hast ruled the light too long. I do not seek power for power’s sake, but for the sake of those whom thou hast forsaken. The mortals, they are not mere tools for thy pride. ASSERAN (booming, his voice full of thunder): Do not mistake my mercy for weakness, son. I am the Sun, and thou art but the shadow beneath me. I will show thee the true power of the sun! (They engage in a fierce battle, swords clashing against each other As they continue their combat, Nikul is struck down by his father’s mighty blow. Yet, even in this defeated state, Nikul rises, defiant.) ASSERAN (pausing, with an unexpected quietness): Thy spirit does not break, Nikul. I have seen thy strength, thy courage. It is not weakness I see in thee, but the fire of a true god. And for that, I will spare thee. (There is a tense silence as Asseran offers his hand to his fallen son. Nikul looks at his father with a mix of disdain and respect. ASSERAN: O how the brave are pitied, and the unpitied ones are the cowards. What are you, Nikul, if not of similarity to thy maker? Take my hand, and live, for in thy fire I see what I have lost. (Nikul hesitates, then takes Asseran’s hand. Sondher enters from stage left.) SONDHER: So it is written. So it shall be. From this day forth, let the Sun and Moon share the sky, and let there be no more war between them. Let each rule his realm undisturbed. The stars shall be their children, and the void shall be their canvas. SCENE 2: The scene shifts again, this time showing a night sky. Asseran and Nikul stand at opposite ends of the stage. Above them, the stars twinkle brightly. Morrig stands beside Nikul, her hand resting in his. Together, they gaze at the stars. NIKUL: It is over. We have claimed the night sky as our own, but there is much to be done. We must guide those who look to us for light in the darkness. The mortals shall have their place among the stars, as they always should have. MORRIG: And we shall be their guardians, Nikul. Their protectors in the dark. Together, we will light the way. (Slowly, Nikul raises his hand to the sky, and the stars above dim. Only a solemn light is shown on Asseran) ASSERAN (softly): May the brave always be remembered. And may the moon never fade from the sky. THE END.

Ipera vas Ruthern, Lady Regent of Vidaus, began prepping the best possible outfits fort her baby niece and heir to the House Ruthern - Devana. "Perhaps this is the start of Ruthern finally getting on the up and up again." @Mady

Upon hearing such an election was to take place, Ipera vas Ruthern sent word to the Lord Speaker of her interest in running for election. Nerves running through her as she hestitated, though upon taking a deep breath she decided to try anyways.

The new Margravine of Kazan stood inside the warmth of the keep, Svetlana smiled brightly as a new chapter of her life was about to begin alongside her husband.