tadabug2000

Small, tightly wound letters fill the missive - seen upon black as midnight paper.

“Exalted Horen and Saint Julia, behold us prostrate at your feet, learning by your most noble example. Through God our Lord, grant us peace and harmony, and, through the abundant graces God hath given to you, bless us in times of need and plenty alike.”

My Dearest Brother, the Duke of Stran, Ser Istvan Ivanovich and my Honorable intended, the Baron af Brasca, George af Brasca,

I am writing to you with a heavy heart, as I find myself torn between the brother I grew up with and the man I have come to care for. As you are aware, the Baron George af Brasca has sought my hand in marriage, and his proposal has left me with a difficult decision to make. I care deeply for each of you, and I find it unbearable to think that a dispute over my affections might lead to a result no one wishes to see.

I implore the both of you, with all the love and sincerity that resides in my heart, to approach this situation with humility and a commitment to humanity. The prospect of a duel, a clash of swords, is a time honored tradition - one I would dare not stop. This letter is simply to request one thing of the both of you, so I may look forward to the duel instead of lamenting it with bated breath.

I ask you, my dear brother, to consider the profound bond of family that we share. Our relationship is a treasure beyond measure, and I cannot bear to see it strained or severed over a matter of the heart. 

Baron George, your intentions have touched my soul, and I have come to appreciate the depth of your character. Please, look to our growing bond and consider my plea.

I beseech you both, whether win or lose, to offer not harm to the other. The terms set were that of the winner having the ability to request what they wish, and as I know you are both honorable individuals, I know you will accept my plea. As the winner, offer no cruelty but instead dignity and respect, considering the feelings of all involved. I am confident that the love and compassion you have shown me can extend outward and to either side.

My heart aches at the thought of causing strife between the men I care for so deeply. I trust in your wisdom and goodness, and I pray that you will heed my plea for a humane and harmonious resolution to this upcoming duel.

“God, who alone art perfect Charity, if I should speak, think or do things in unkindness today, rebuke me, but, before that, strengthen my own meekness and mildness, that I might be the font of Thee.”

With all my love and gratitude for your understanding,

Her Ladyship, Viktoria Helena Ivanovich, ward to the Princess Adeline of Aaun

@Pork@WaveLincoln

The Lady Viktoria Ivanovich donned black in mourning. She missed her father terribly already, and as she stood within the echoing chambers of the chapel, her hands clasped together in prayer. May he find peace.

The Lady Viktoria Ivanovich took in the missive for the upcoming festival. The second of George af Brascas trials, she could only hope, pray even, that her brother will find it acceptable.

The Lady Viktoria Ivanovich read over the public missive, the paper crumpling in part within hand as she read it over twice and then once more. She donned her black, a dress of mourning - and yet she found her heart beating rapidly against her chest, and her pulse fluttering against her throat. Will the Baron George af Brasca win or would her brother? And should her brother win, whatever will he demand of the man?

The little Lady Catriona believes she is most like the Eunica doll! She clasps the newsletter, oohing and awing over each and every detail. She found her mother, waving the newsletter about. "Mamaidh! Mamaidh! Ah want one!"

Mariya of Marsana welcomed her husband home a gentle hum. "My Karcharias," The blind Viscountess peered upon him with a milky gaze, and a soft smile. "Now teu must rest. Won't teu?"

Written by

Catriona Eilidh Baruch

The Unicorn and the Girl is a spin-off tale of the Ayrikiv tale of Iseabail and Eilidh “The Two-Headed Bear”, referenced in the Chronicles of the Ayrikiv. 

It begs the question, if the twin Queens father were never cursed to never bear sons, what would have happened to his daughters?

Sofia of Hyspia shielded her smile with her fan, cooing over her newborn grand-niece with adoration. "Mi Princesa Onny, oh look at tu, maravillosa nina!" Her cooing and doting over the child continued on for quite a bit.

What made you think of the name, "Weiss" in particular?

The Lady Catriona Baruch, fairytale-folktale airhead of Haense took one look at the missive and fell upon her butt in her excitement. "Fiona! Fiona! Ah want to dress up!"

@wardyn

Sofia of Hyspia looked upon the missive, and thought one word to herself as a little smile grew at the news of her nephew and soon-to-be niece. Finally.

16 minutes ago, Nilyeet said:

"Bastard finally kicked the bucket," commented a weary guardsman, who slid the page over the table to his wife. @tadabug2000

 

"He deserved it." 

A certain guardswoman took in the page her husband slid to her. "Ea'd feel bad agreeing, but ea can't help but think et, too." 

Her head shook at that.

"Eam also neit surprised."

The Queen-Dowager Sofia felt a certain disgust come over her. They harmed her dear niece, disgraced her, and shed blood of many a people to spread upon the walls. She signed the Lorraine and sought out her niece, intent to offer prayer and comfort.

The Queen-Dowager Sofia of Hyspia swung down a thin, sharp heel at one such beaver that dared enter her quarters. "Rata peluda fea! Salir!" A sleu of Hyspian words escaped the woman, rapid and blending together as she balanced preciously upon her sofa.

The young Lady Catriona of Baruch soon grew delighted at the very idea of Beavers. Or in particular, a Beaver hat! Hats were popular amongst the kids of Haense, afterall.

Sofia of Hyspia took note of the section on Camels fur. Her brother and his obsession of Camels will follow her till the day she dies. The Queen-Dowager found the whole thing amusing as she makes to send a copy of the missive via courier to her brother. "Hermano, how many Camels do tu have now? DIOS mio.."

The Lady Viktoria of Ivanovich looked over the invite with a degree of amusement. She spent so long asking him why he doesn't have a wife yet, and now he has gotten himself one. Viktoria couldn't help tinge of respect she's grown for her guard over the years, and soon marks the date.

The Lady Viktoria Ivanovich heard of the news, and found horror coasted over her spine. That can happen? She couldn't imagine having triplets. She now has two nephews and two nieces, and she wasn't sure what to make of it.

The little lady Catriona soon learned of the news of her mother remarrying! She gasps with delight, and hopes and prays that her soon to be step-father will play games with her.

A certain lady Colborn eyes the missive. Her children shouted and ran about, swinging wooden swords at eachother, and she held a glass of carrion black in hand. Canonist approved drugs. She made a mental count of extra funds, and decided making an order or two wouldn't hurt.

The Queen-Dowager Sofia had not heard of her sister-in-laws passing right away. Her attentions were on that on her kidnapped daughter, the Princess Isabel. For two dire matters to happen in the same day, it was cruel fate for the family, that was certain. She wrote to family, to old friends even, doing everything in her power to find her daughter. It wasn't until the day came to an end, and night filtered over through the window of her bedroom within the palace that she heard the news.

Her reaction was not something for anyone to see, and best left to the imagination.

Arabella of Pavia had finally seemed to slow down as she rested upon her bed. A wet cloth had been placed over her forehead, and the midwife alongside a maid tended to her needs. It was the first time she truly lay down without thoughts of what to construct next, who to meet or what orders to make as to materials for their fair city. The twins, she saw only momentarily before they were brought about with cheers of elation, and her eyes soon closed for rest.

The Principality will be awaiting when she woke but for now, she knew she may slow down and take a moment to rest and relish her newly gained family.

SE GRAND ARGHUGON

Issued on the 6th of Laenors Escape of the year 5 AST.

THE GRAND HUNT

The Grand Principality of Aeltarys shall host a hunt in the snowy tundra of Aevos. We shall pursue the stoneback-avetas, formidable creatures known for carrying massive boulders upon their backs, alongside that of the Neveli boars, said to be hardy and suitable as mounts.

THE FEAST

Following the hunt, we shall celebrate with a feast. The fruits of our labor shall be prepared by the talented and aspiring Inferno of Servitude, Alden.  During the feast, witness the potential Inferno of Servitude as he takes on the royal challenge of catering the first event within the Principality. His culinary skills will certainly be put to the test.

DRESS CODE

As this is within the snowy tundra of the Principality, we encourage you to don warm, comfortable attire suitable for the hunt. After the hunt takes place, we shall transition to the feast, where a lighter attire may be had if one wishes

Zālagon Jehikagrī,

HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS, by the Grace of the Dragon, Maegor Valraenos of Aeltarys, 

Grand Prince of the Aeltarosi, Prince of Dragonclaw

HER ROYAL HIGHNESS, Arabella Valraenos of Pavia, 

Grand Princess of the Aeltarosi, Princess of Dragonclaw, Lady of Pavia, Lady of Atalais, Lady of Erice, Lady of Austerone

A depiction of the snow-covered mountains of the Grand Principality of Aeltarys.

Winter's icy touch caressed Arabella's spine, but she embraced the chill with ease. She was always the one to defy convention, wearing minimal layers even in the coldest of seasons. Her family found it peculiar, but Arabella ran warm, and her eccentric tendencies served her well now.

Her husband was a few meters ahead, engrossed in conversation with his advisors, directing the construction of a building in the newly established camp. A camp - an unconventional choice, but one that suited Arabella's preference for a simple lifestyle. She had never been enamored with the trappings of nobility, and yet here she was, married to a prince, with people looking up to her for guidance.

Embracing the challenge, she walked on, her boots warm and sturdy, leaving silent imprints on the thick snow-covered ground. For the first time in a while, she found herself alone in this winter wonderland.

Inhaling deeply, she felt the sharp sting of cold air in her lungs, exhaling as a plume of breath appeared before her. A nearby rabbit caught her attention, its white coat blending with the snow, and its crimson eyes seemingly locked onto her own. Arabella dismissed the fleeting thoughts and decided on a course of action.

Returning to camp, she marveled at the progress that had been made. Tents were raised, and a comforting fire crackled, tended to by one of the elder Aeltarosi members. The scene felt like something out of a storybook, and Arabella couldn't help but smile.

Amid the laughter and warmth of the campfire, Arabella pondered the responsibility of leading a group of people. She had her doubts and uncertainties, but the camaraderie around her reassured her that she was doing just fine.

As the night wore on, Arabella settled in, having found a place to store the rabbit she had encountered. She contemplated the future, the challenges that lay ahead, and the paths she might take. As a sense of contentment settled over her, she realized that leadership was not about having all the answers, but rather about finding the courage to take the first step, even in the midst of uncertainty.

Arabella Valraenos, the lady who had never conformed to societal norms, was now embracing her role as a leader. Guided by her own instincts and a desire to make a difference, she walked the path of leadership, one step at a time. And as the campfire flickered and laughter filled the air, Arabella knew that she was where she was meant to be.

The Queen-Dowager, Sofia of Hyspia took in the invite she'd received for her nieces Quinceanera. She remembered her own, alongside the years of planning she had put into it, having been preparing for such an occasion all her life. The invite is filed away, and she began the process of planning a gift perfect for a girl coming-of-age.