ClatterCake

A piece of Mikhail cried out in rage over the end of this war; peace had at last been restored, yet the lion that had been fostered in him cried out like a storm raged across the coast. It desired to see the lands and it's people driven to extinction, for in his heart was a black stain filled with hatred for the Adrian people for all they had done. Yet it was a part of him that he had hated. Yes... it was not who he was, not at his core. Yet he could not shake the feelings that had warped his perception of his fellow Man. On the steps of the Brotherhood's barracks, the Knight finally took the moment to sit, and lowered his warhammer to his side. And for the first time since Veronica had fallen... he wept. He wept not just for her loss, but for the anger that he had held. The only thing he had hated more than these people was that he had willingly allowed himself to fall to such depths that he was willing to see them brought to destruction. Now was the time to mend his heart and to look to the future of Haense... and although he may carry that anger for the rest of his life, he would have the chance to make amends for it. That is why they fought, after all. Not for destruction. Not for revenge. "Rest now... Veronica. Ea will see to it that mea daughter shines brightly, in vyr name..." This was their peace.

The Valkonen Lord took a deep breath, his eyes settling on his warhammer in silent contemplation, and slowly stood from his seat. With a furrowed brow, he set out the door in the armor of the Crow Knights, his blonde hair whipping back from the sudden rush of cold that had entered the manor, and made his way to the Brotherhood barracks. If this was to succeed, he would need to work closely with his Brother. This wasn't just for the glory of House Valkonen or House Kortrevich, 'nor for the Brotherhood or the Crow Knights. This was about saving the lives of GODAN's people.

The Crow Knight scowled at the call for peace. So many times it had been ignored, left to rot in the cold, dead hands of innocents. They even had the audacity to help see a man assassinated. In his youth, he may have hoped for the end of this violence. When Veronica was still alive, he would have prayed for Mankind's unity. But the Veletzians, Adrians, whatever they wished to call themselves... they were not Men. They were animals. "Let GODAN judge them in the afterlife; our job is to see the heads of these monsters severed for their crimes," he spat.

The Valkonen Knight erupted from his gloomy slumber with a heavy gasp for breath. Often his dreams had caused him ceaseless trouble, yet nowadays they seemed to only grow worse and worse. As the beads of sweat fell from his troubled brow, his thoughts turned to loss of his loved ones. First, Stanislaw had ascended; he was a man that Mikhail rarely understood, often speaking and doing things that contradicted each other, yet his defense of the family and the faith was never in question. It was he who the knight had confided in his darkest dreams to. Then, there was Veronica; a woman whom he had considered a mother, for she had taught him much in his youth, and allowed him the opportunity to claw out of his meager beginnings. Each of them had given him some kind of understanding of the faith. Though he was by no means a holy man, one could not say that he didn't try. And yet, the dream seemed all the more important to him, now that he had seen loss firsthand. Their mortal forms would not last forever... but their spirits would live on within the Seven Skies. His emerald gaze turned down to the pendant that hung from his neck; the aurum Hussariyan swayed gently as he recollected himself. Slowly, he reached up for the cross, curling his fingers around it, and pressed it tightly to his chest. A prayer, simple but humble, was given out in the hopes that GOD would answer them. "Bless us with another man or woman, LORD, who can exercise your divine will. Let them be kind, but firm. Let them be a shepherd to watch over your flock... and deliver us from these dark days." And as he returned to lay at his beloved wife's side, he whispered out... "And let the souls of those lost be vindicated and avenged in His name..."

Mikhail could only sink his head further upon the sight of the letter. For once in his life, he had suffered true loss. And from it, boundless tears sank to the wooden floor below him. GOD had claimed an angel... and a mother was taken from him.

"Va Ve Maan..." The Valkonen Knight muttered under his breath, the banner captured from Brasca Keep still tight between his fingers...

Well deserved! I love you, Cyyan!

GIVEN NAME: Mikhail var Ratibor / Mikhail Colborn NOBILITY/GENTRY (Y/N): Y AGE: 25 DATE OF BIRTH (if known): 481 Ehr Sigmunda, 132 SA. PLACE OF BIRTH (if known): Unsure RACE: Human ETHNICITY (Auvergnian, Illatian, etc.): Haeseni (Raevir) PAST MILITARY/COMBAT EXPERIENCE (if any): Brotherhood of Saint Karl (Footman), Order of the Crow (Crow Knight) PAST LABOUR EXPERIENCE (if any): Farming, Hunting, and Mining. SIGNED NAME: Ser Mikhail Valkonen Username: ClatterCake Discord: ClatterCake

The Master of the Hunt was already involved in this war, as was his duty as a Crow Knight. Still, it was a pleasure to show support to his Queen, and opted to include a singular sash to his armor for the upcoming battles...

The day of worry had slowly turned into a day of pride and relief; the sons and daughters of Horen, united under their faith in GODAN, upholding the justice in which was rightfully enacted on that day. Ser Mikhail Valkonen placed his warhammer off to the side, resting it against the wall, and removed his helmet as he looked up to the sky. There would be more battles to come... but for now, the fighting was over. Mankind would have it's peace. Through blood or the olive branch.

Ser Mikhail Valkonen shot awake from his nightmare, a gasp for air ringing out across his room. They had become more frequent of late, these nightmares, and each one was different from the last. He was certain he had gone insane, yet his mind was still clear, and his his thoughts unobstructed; why did they become such a common occurrence, especially now of all times? The knight placed his hands over his face, then ran them through his hair. He would need to speak with his 'family' once more... a particular one, whom he had confided in his constant nightmares before. Perhaps he would have the answers, though he seldom ever did. Yes... he would need to push through... and keep fighting. And why had he seen those Eyes before...?

Ser Mikhail Valkonen gives the documentation a secondary read, a small smile forming across his face as he ponders more on the future. Though he by no means enjoyed the idea of war, such an alliance would surely come to benefit many across the realm. With the Pontiff at their back and GODAN smiling on them, the Master of the Hunt prepared himself for a brand new event; surely a celebratory hunt between these two nations would be quite the spectacle and a show of comradery!

ACTIVITY TO SOOTHE THE SOUL ISSUED BY THE ON THIS 13TH DAY OF TOV AG YERMEY OF 504 E.S. ✧──────────────⊱🜂⊰──────────────✧ he time has come for another hunt, good people of Haense! As your Master of the Hunt, it is both my duty and my pleasure to give you all the leisure and time-honored tradition of our people. This hunt shall feature heavily the use of spears, rather than those of bows, to allow a more ‘ritualistic’ approach to the hunt. It is this controlled sense of danger that allows us to feel a closer connection to GOD’s creations and as such we must honor that which we call our quarry in His name, as both devout Canonists and proud people of the Highlands. Those of you who wish to attend shall be given positions in the hunting party according to what is needed. Please sign your name in the space provided if you are hoping to attend; remember to read up on Hunting Etiquette, to ensure you are up-to-date on the proper way of hunting during such events! Spears will not be provided to those gathered, so please bring your own! ✧──────────────⊱🜂⊰──────────────✧ Her Royal Majesty, AMAYA OF VENZIA, Queen-Consort of Hanseti and Ruska, Princess-Consort of Bihar, Dules, Lahy, Muldav, Solvesborg, Slesvik and Ulgaard, Duchess-Consort of Carnatia and Vanaheim, Margravine-Consort of Korstadt, Rothswald, and Vasiland, Countess-Consort of Alban, Alimar, Baranya, Graiswald, Karikhov, Karovia, Kaunas, Kavat, Kovachgrad, Kvasz, Markev, Nenzing, Torun, Toruv, Valdev, and Werdenburg, Viscountess-Consort of Varna, Baroness-Consort of Esenstadt, Kraken’s Watch, Kralta, Krepost, Lorentz, Rytsburg, Thurant, Venzia and Astfield, Lady of the Westfolk, et cetera Ser, MIKHAIL VALKONEN, Knight to the Order of the Crow, Master of the Hunt

The knight smiled wide at the sight of this beloved recipe! "She made this for me when ea was so young! Ea hope auwn day, ea can hand this off to mea own little auwns... 've Koenas's Cocoa.'" Though he was still quite young for a human, he already felt a sweet sense of nostalgia for his youth, and moved quickly to whip up a batch for himself. Sweet and adored, just like the Queen! It must be cherished at every opportunity!

The thunderous crash of his warhammer rang out against the training dummy in the Novkursain courtyard; the still-fresh knight had to keep his skills sharp, for there was no telling when the foul Darkspawn would attack again, or for the many hordes of foreign soldiers would come to lay siege to all that he had loved. Pausing for a moment, he rested his hand atop the pommel of his weapon, leaning against it as the head came crashing to the ground, and gazed up at the sky. So much of his life was spent wondering... seeking... scouring for any sign that he was greater than what he was born as. But life had taught him that destiny is not handed to someone upon their birth, but earned by the one who reaches out for it, and yanks it from the fire, barehanded. His eyes would be set upon a new goal now, something to keep himself going. He would continue his service to his homeland, within the Royal Duma, the Esrova Prikaz Court, the Brotherhood of Saint Karl, and the Crow Knights. He would do whatever was necessary for his next step... to seek peerage amongst the fine people of Haense, for like all men, their labors may not be fully realized until well after their death. He wanted to continue his service to his beloved kin; what better way to keep his service continued then with a line of his own? But first, he must be married. And he intended to enjoy the time with Rosalind. With that, the sound of ferrum clashing against wood, hay, and metal rang out once more, the Haeseni knight doubling his efforts with renewed energy...

The Haeseni Knight furrowed his brow, having stumbled upon the writings during his investigation across Aevos. This was not what he was looking for, but it was something to keep in mind. He would have to be careful during his journeys from now on; there was no telling what lurked in the wilderness... or even in foreign cities.

The newly arisen knight read the letter with a careful gaze, his eyes scanning each and every word as he pondered on the future of the Brotherhood. When at last he had reached the end, he lowered the parchment to the table before him, and let loose a quiet sigh. It was a tragic end for one as loyal as the Lord Marshal. But now, it was the King who took up the mantle in leadership within their beloved armed forces. The King was not only the de-facto leader of Haense, but a symbolic one as well. To serve underneath his was already an honor... but to rally behind him would be an even greater one. "Krusae Zwy Kongzem."

The newly raised knight laid in his cot, a huff escaping him as he sat up, and pushed through the injuries of the day. It had been a long, long night, filled with pain, suffering, and jubilation. It seems, by GODAN's hand, that there would be another positive thing for him to see tonight; the very reason why he was scarred! For most, it would not be a cause for joy, but to Mikhail, this was the work of his borsa. It was a fine piece of poetry, one that he kept even before the duel had begun. "Ea'm glad vyr creative genius is beginning to take into ve light, mea borsa. Maybe vy'll even be commissioned for great works; GODAN has provided vy ve stage to go down in history as auwn of ve most lauded artists in Haeseni history. Now vy must complete ve scene."

The squire sat in his cot, still injured from the wound he had acquired in his defense of the Queen, and read the missive with a careful eye. Upon seeing his name, he lowered his hand, gazing up at the wall, and blinked. "... Ea'm ve Master of ve Hunt now...?" Ever the blunt and slow young man, a gentle smile grew on his face as he rested, letting out a content sigh. It was nice to feel appreciated and for that, he'd double his efforts!

The squire inspected the missive carefully, pondering more on his journey, and what his aspirations were for the future. He was no political man, 'nor did he really desire a political seat. But could he not do more for the people of Haense if he tried? With a newfound determination, he quietly readjusted the beret on his head, and set out to begin his campaign... and hopefully gain some lessons on politics. IGN: ClatterCake Character Name: Mikhail var Ratibor Age: 21 Place of Residence / Street Address: Novkursain Barracks Campaign Post:

ODAN be with you all, common folk of Haense, of whom I serve gladly. I, Mikhail var Ratibor, have decided to throw my name into the hat for the position of Alderman, to hopefully serve as your representative within our great kingdom, and to make your voices heard within the Royal Duma. I, like you, have been born with little to my name. I grew up on the streets, squalid and poor, and struggled to survive for years, until GODAN saw fit to bless me with an opportunity to rise up with my own two feet. My blood is of the land, but my heart is of the Highlands; with it, I have acquired a position with the Order of the Crow as a squire and currently serve within the Office of the Hunt in the Queen’s Court. This is not a testament to my strength, but that of our people, for in all of us flows the blood of the Highlands. Our people are strong, from the lowliest peasant to the grandest of kings. We each of us have the potential for great things, with which we can move mountains for crown, kingdom, and country. Times have been tough, with the threats of war looming over the horizon, bitter cold biting at us with every waking second, and Darkspawn lurking within the darkness, ready to strike at any given moment. I hope, with your support, that I may be able to introduce a few new projects into our great society, as well as to offer aid to those struggling to handle the surmounting issues at our doorstep. The establishment of the Crow Scouts. Though initially an incentive from the Office of the Hunt as a means to teach the youth of the wilderness and to prepare them with a few survival tactics, it can potentially instill a better sense of pride of who we are as a people, as well as to help those who may find themselves in an unfortunate predicament get by until proper care, nourishment, and even shelter, can be found. While it is no permanent fix, it can at the very least be a temporary one, until proper housing can be acquired for those who many not have it. Furthermore, this will prepare future soldiers out in the field and alleviate the stress on supply lines, allowing soldiers to better take care of their own needs during campaigns, and thus increasing their overall effectiveness in the field. An army marches on it's stomach, after all! A higher sense of community. It is no secret that our people are prideful, valuing our freedom and honor above all else. What is there to not be proud of? While these feelings have not dwindled as much as many may fear it has, it is important to note that keeping morale high and to understand one another is a key component to a civilization’s survival; where I have begun to revive the Office of the Hunt, I hope to bring back a sense of cultural connection between our fellow man. This, in turn, may also help to bring in more food for our people, both civilians and the men and women who serve within the Brotherhood of Saint Karl. Firr, MIKHAIL VAR RATIBOR, Attendant of the Hunt, Squire to the Order of the Crow

A RETURN TO A BELOVED ACTIVITY ISSUED BY THE ON THIS 9TH DAY OF MSITZA AG DARGUND OF 501 E.S. ✧──────────────⊱🜂⊰──────────────✧ he Haeseni people have always valued the blessings GOD has given us, from the freedoms we have fought for, to the very land and it’s bounties. Yet, over time, our beloved activities have escaped us due to tragedy, hardship, and looming conflicts. Does that mean we should simply allow our culture and way of life to dwindle away? Absolutely not! Thanks to recent appointments and a desire to see our people thrive in heart, mind, and spirit, the Queen’s Court is happy to announce a return to the age-old and regal activity of Hunting! Hunting Etiquette will be enforced during this activity, in order to help deepen our connection to who we are as a people, as well as to give reverence and thanks to GOD for all that he has blessed us with, for even in these cold nights we may still find his light shining down on us. Positions will be handed out by yours truly, so be prepared to fill in some hefty shoes if need be! And remember to freshen up your understanding of Hunting Etiquette! ✧──────────────⊱🜂⊰──────────────✧ Her Royal Majesty, AMAYA OF VENZIA, Queen-Consort of Hanseti and Ruska, Princess-Consort of Bihar, Dules, Lahy, Muldav, Solvesborg, Slesvik and Ulgaard, Duchess-Consort of Carnatia and Vanaheim, Margravine-Consort of Korstadt, Rothswald, and Vasiland, Countess-Consort of Alban, Alimar, Baranya, Graiswald, Karikhov, Karovia, Kaunas, Kavat, Kovachgrad, Kvasz, Markev, Nenzing, Torun, Toruv, Valdev, and Werdenburg, Viscountess-Consort of Varna, Baroness-Consort of Esenstadt, Kraken’s Watch, Kralta, Krepost, Lorentz, Rytsburg, Thurant, Venzia and Astfield, Lady of the Westfolk, et cetera Her Ladyship, ROSALIND LAURELIE WEISS, Lady Chamberlain of Hanseti-Ruska, Squire to the Order of the Crow Firr, MIKHAIL VAR RATIBOR, Attendant of the Hunt, Squire to the Order of the Crow

apology for poor english when were you when Kohba'Ugluk prays to tater lord i was sat at home roleplaying slice of life 'Kohba'Ugluk is pray' 'no' and you???????????????

The Haeseni Squire pondered on the future of his people and of the vile lies spoken of his King. The man was a good soul - no man of his caliber would have fallen prey to such misdeeds, especially not Aleksandr. Mikhail let out a heavy breath, staring up to the cold sky, and muttered under his breath a single phrase, "Krusae Zwy Kongzem."