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Amico Aspertini - Female Saint Holding a Book THE ARTOIS ACCOUNT In the aftermath of the Brascan separation, many have come forth with questions about what occurred. Now, after an extended period of silence nearing a full year, I, the Baronne d’Artois, have come to inform the masses whom are clearly nothing short of ravenous for answers. I had intended to post this one the one year anniversary, but this silence has beencorroborated by all others involved, and recent developments involving Aaun and Veletz compelled me to speak sooner. As I’m sure many recall the dazed sort of mood I was in shortly after all this, I guarantee to the public that the events which transpired have been supported by the accounts of my husband, Lord Aldric Barbanov-Ludovar, who was in perfect health at the time and thus has nothing afflicting his memory of what transpired. – Or at least the parts he was present for. In month of the Sun’s Smile of Atstana de Regne Petrère 89, The Baron af Brasca issued a public letter in which he demanded a moot to try and force my father from his position as the head of House Halcourt, the reasoning for which being his advancing age and retirement from all other governmental posts. My father swiftly replied, asserting his ability to lead the family – and that the implication that he was too old for such was an insult not only to himself, but also to Her Majesty, as they are the same age. A copy of the letters exchanged can be viewed here: In the month following, the Baron and Her Majesty, Renilde of Petra met to discuss the fate of House Halcourt with no prior notice given towards the Branch of Artois, the result of which being the forfeiture of the Brascans’ identity as members of House Halcourt. Those of Artois were ordered to vacate Beaumont instantly, and the Margraviate of Clermont was dissolved. When the Baron-Consort heard this news, he flew into a blind rage – his Raevir values of honor and loyalty found this act unacceptable and of the worst sort of treachery. After confirming the safe return of myself and our children to Chambery, he and his cousin marched on Beaumont demanding satisfaction – a simple duel, to protect the honor of his sickly, bedridden wife and the honor of his children – to which he was denied. Was this such an abominable request? Should a peer of the realm not be supported by their consort? Was the quickness to anger on the part of Her Majesty and the Baron af Brasca culturally insensitive in regards to Aldric’s upbringing in Haense; and the Raevir standards for honor and familial duty? Especially considering Her Majesty’s own consort, also of Raevir descent not to mention a Prince of Haense, fought for her honor in a duel to the death against her prior consort following the Petran Civil War? The Crown of Petra ordered myself and my father to meet with Her Majesty to determine who the holder of Artois would be, and upon our arrival we were met with nothing short of an ambush. A copy of the message detailing the standards of the meeting (myself, my father, and Her Majesty) is included herein: Upon our arrival, swords were drawn against Aldric and myself. Aldric, too, drew his sword in an effort to protect me. Aldric was ordered to sheathe his weapon, to which he stated: “I sheathe my blade when this fiend sheathes his. It was not I that pulled blades first.” In response to the notion that harming an expectant mother was uncalled for, one of the men in question declared “Heard some funny things,” – “Risk it, friend.” It should be noted, too, that the onlookers were not only Petran – I saw many wearing attire commonly found in Aaun and Veletz. They watched on silently as this atrocity was carried out, despite being perfectly capable of intervention. Aldric challenged the Baron to a duel once more, this time publicly. And was denied once more. Furthermore, the Baron stated that he has no honor, stating: “I am no knight, nor bound by honor.” Is it so surprising that a man who publicly admits his lack of honor would usurp his family so? To quote my husband’s own words regarding the incident; “[That] Not accepting a duel laid before you is an act of cowardice, and thus it shall be known.” The queen spoke of meeting with Aldric about things privately, but that I should be returned home given my prior medical state – I refused to leave his side, for the same demands that shall be spoken of upon my reasons for his remaining. During this, the doors were blocked off and demands were made that Aldric should be returned to his home country of Haense, to which I objected as we were united in Holy Matrimony before the people of the Commonwealth and before GOD; and thus could not be separated. This basis was denied, however, and Aldric was torn away from my side. He has spoken of going to the church about the cruelty shown to myself - then an expectant mother - and I have no doubt he followed through with this promise. At this point, knowledge regarding a misspelling in public patent for the Margravate of Clermont became a point of contention, and the gathering was dismissed for a break while Her Majesty looked into it. Upon returning, the discussion devolved into an argument of if House Halcourt had the original copy of the document in their possession, or a mere copy, as the official one was the only copy Her Majesty deemed valid. The Letters Patent, official and publicized, deems this for the Margavate of Clermont: Willing and by these Bestows granting for Us Our heirs and successors that he and his heirs aforesaid and every of them successively may enjoy and use all the rights, privileges, pre-eminences, immunities and advantages to the degree of a Marquisate duly and of right belonging which Marquisates of our Archducal Commonwealth do at present use and enjoy. The full document may be seen here: Following this, mon pere was labeled a traitor, and the argument devolved yet again – to complete and utter chaos. I informed Her Majesty that if the meeting was not going to occur any time soon, I would return home with Lord Aldric. To this, Her Majesty stated: “Theonuses, bring Lady Ludovar to Haense with her most loyal husband.” A most painful remark from Sovreign to one of her most loyal peers, her own goddaughter. The woman entrusted with caring for the legal heir to the Commonwealth of the Petra, an orphan, on top of that. An orphan who was brought forth to witness these events, at least in part, at such a tender age where if she were not the heir, would only be concerned with matters such as schoolwork and making friends. Following this, someone attempted to set off a bomb in the palace, and everyone present was detained – even myself, after Queen Renilde’s prior decree. Things settled a bit after it was revealed to only be Cockatrice gas, but nevertheless, I was held in such a state whilst handicapped and heavily pregnant. But, why? In what world would this act be acceptable? Shortly after this, I was transported to Haense. An especially cruel measure, given that it is currently experiencing a blizzard and I was not given so much as a blanket to keep myself warm on the journey there. Non, it is a miracle I am alive at all. I shall end this summary with a mere line of questioning: Was this chain of events at all acceptable? Should a sovereign intervene in familial matters such as this without giving prior notice to all involved parties? If a peer is deemed too old and incapable of holding their position, should the sovereign demanding such not be obligated abdicate at the same age as the peer? On a separate note, I am overjoyed to announce that two months following the events, I safely delivered my secondborn child and firstborn daughter, Marceline Josefina d’Artois de Clermont. Signed, The Right Honorable, Elara Athénaïs Halcourt d’Artois de Clermont, Baronne d’Artois, Royal Governess to the Children of the Petra The Right Honorable, Lord Aldric Hektor Ludovar, Baron-Consort of Artois

THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE BEAUMONT KEEP The last stone is laid, and vibrant carpets are rolled out over newly done floors. The construction of the Beaumont Keep has come to a finish and it is with elation that we invite the people of Petra and allies to an opening event in celebration. Event Itinerary The Consecration of the Chapel As is with any newly raised chapel, the day’s festivities will commence with a ceremony intended to consecrate the Chapel of St. Edmond of Lachsi. The guests will gather within, as the Father Callahan leads us through the process. The Baptism of Newborns Following the consecration of the Chapel, the Baronial couple's newborn twins will be baptized and revealed to the public for the first time upon its completion. A Grand Feast With the completion of the consecration and baptism alike, those attending will be brought into the feasting hall of the keep where food and drink alike will be provided for those attending. Well-wishes may be offered for the newly baptized twins during this time. [Saturday, 5pm EST/9pm GMT] Signed, The Honorable, George Marc Halcourt af Brasca, Baron of Brasca The Honorable, Viktoria Helena Halcourt af Brasca, Baroness-Consort of Brasca

THE BIRTH OF BATS Issued by The Baronial Household af Brasca On the 13th of Owyn’s Flame of the year 88 ARP. A depiction of the Brascan twins, circa 88 ARP. The Baronial couple of Brasca is pleased to announce the birth of their firstborn and second born alike. The first a screaming, healthy boy by the name of Jan Gaspard af Brasca. The boy was named after two figures in the couple's life that have great meaning. He weighed ten pounds upon his birth, though that is the only extent that he takes after his father - for in all terms of appearance, for he boasts his mothers hair and his eye coloring alike. The second born, smaller than his brother by a grand total of two pounds, came as a surprise to the Baronial couple. His name, much like his elder twin, held Raevir and Auvergne influences alike and he was dubbed Andrik Pierre af Brasca. His appearance took after his father and mother alike, with pale green eyes and a crowning glory of blonde curls. Shortly after the birth, the Baroness has sequestered herself to her room, so that she may better get to know her newborns and have some much needed rest. Visits from family and friends alike will be accepted within the next Saints day. The baptism will be held the day after next, within the Chapel of St. Edmond of Lachsin. Signed, The Honorable, George Marc Halcourt af Brasca, Baron of Brasca The Honorable, Viktoria Helena Halcourt af Brasca, Baroness-Consort of Brasca

THE BLOODY NUPTIALS Ar A depiction of the betrothed, Baron George af Brasca and Lady Viktoria Ivanovich, 87 ADP. The Baron George and Lady Viktorias courtship had started with a letter, a joint connection between families, and unknowing of one another. That letter had turned to two, and henceforth multiplied, until the duo met unknowingly within the Duchy of Stran. They spoke some in the tavern, and once it was revealed, the Baron George asked the Duke Istvan Ivanovich permission to court his sister. Three trials were given. And thus, three trials were met with fervor. Host an event to celebrate our cultures. It succeeded immensely. Take part in a duel against the Duke himself. They fought tremendously. And hardest of all, win the trust of the Lady Viktoria and have her ask for the marriage herself. And so it came to fruition. With these three trials having come to a head, the Baron George af Brasca and the Lady Viktoria Ivanovich invites those of Petra and Aaun alike to their wedding which shall be held within the coming Saints days. The wedding will take place at the Memory Tree as the sun just begins to wane over the sky - followed by a feast catered by the bride herself. [Thursday, 5pm EST/9pm GMT] Formal Invitations are Sent to: Her Royal Majesty, Queen Renilde I of the Commonwealth of the Petra and her pedigree The Right Honorable, Anthony Temesch, Viscount of Mies and his pedigree The Right Honorable, Karl von Theonus, Viscount of Marignan and his pedigree The Honorable, Nicolas E. von Wittenbach, Baron of Wittenbach and his pedigree The Honorable, Xavier Adiler, Baron of Celia’Tahn and his pedigree Her Ladyship, Norra Terrin, Vavasour of Sunrise Grove and her pedigree His Royal Majesty, King Edmund II of the United Kingdom of Aaun and his pedigree His Highness, Ferdinand Barclay, Grand Prince of Minitz and his pedigree His Highness, Robert II de Joannes, Prince of Sedan and his pedigree His Royal Highness, Richard Novellen, Margrave of Stassion and his pedigree His Lordship, Olivier Dieuxmont de Rosius, Margrave of Haute-Epine and his pedigree His Lordship, Siegmund Otto von Reuss, Margrave of Velen and his pedigree His Lordship, Konstantin von Augusten, Count of Hohengarten and his pedigree His Lordship, Louis II Haverlock, Count of Talentine and his pedigree The Right Honorable, Sir Demetrius var Ruthern, Count of Marsana and his pedigree His Lordship, Casimir Vilac, Baron of Valio and his pedigree Personal Invitations are Sent to: Her Royal Highness, Princess Adeline Alstion of the United Kingdom of Aaun His Royal Highness, Prince Heinrich II Alstreim of Merryweather Her Highness, Princess Veronica Weiss of Hyspia His Lordship, John Galbraith, Baron of Castlerona His Lordship, Sir Rassvet Senko, Baron of Reka Sir Leopold Haverlock Sir Gaspard van Aert Sir Stanton Stroheim Lord Leutwin Barclay Lady Julietta Haverlock Marshall Walter of Merryweather Mister Dietrich Faust Mister Felix Grima Miss Elewyn Signed, The Honorable, George Marc Halcourt af Brasca, Baron of Brasca Her Ladyship, Viktoria Helena Ivanovich of Stran

Florent Willems - The Engagement The Marquisate of Clermont and County of Otistadt are pleased to announce the most auspicious union of Lady Elara Athénaïs Halcourt d’Artois de Clermont and Lord Aldric Hektor Ludovar. The pair shall be joined together in holy matrimony before God, Their families, and the nations of Petra and Haense ’neath the Auld tree, per Petrine tradition. The wedding shall take place during the listed month: The Grand Harvest, 87 Atstana de Regne Petrère (1942 Imperial Time) | Gronna & Droba 495, E.S. OOC: September 16th, 6PM EST Formal Invitations are sent to the following: Her Royal Majesty, Renilde I, Queen of the Commonwealth of the Petra and her Royal Pedigree His Royal Majesty, Aleksander II, King of Hanseti-Ruska and his Royal Pedigree His Eminence, Bishop-Father Callahan Petran Nobility The Right Honorable, Ledicort Tiberius d'Azor, Count of Azor The Right Honorable, Anthony Temesch, Viscount of Mies, Baron of Resmore The Right Honorable, Karl von Theonus, Viscount of Marignan The Honorable, Nicolas E. von Wittenbach, Baron of Wittenbach The Honorable, Xavier Adiler, Baron of Celia'Tahn Her Ladyship, Norra Terrin, Vavasour of Sunrise Grove Haeseni Nobility Her Grace, Roslin Baruch, Duchess of Valwyck His Grace, Viktor var Ruthern, Duke of Vidaus His Grace, Manfred Barclay, Duke of Reinmar The Right Honourable, Otto Ludovar, Count of Otistadt The Right Honourable, Anabel Colborn, Countess of Malkovya The Honourable, Walter Weiss, Viscount of Novkursain His Highness, Francisco de Pelear, Viceroy of Hyspia Her Ladyship, Alyona Godunov, Baroness of Verskaya Her Ladyship, Katrin Stafyr, Baroness of Thurant His Lordship, Henrik Amador, Baron of Mondstadt Her Ladyship, Ileana Kortrevich, Baroness of Koravia His Serene Excellency, Sir Laurens 'the Unwavering' Halcourt d'Artois KCSE, Marquis du Clermont, Chanzlé of the Commonwealth of the Petra, Baron of Artois, Knight-Commander of the Order of Saint Emma, Knight of the Sovereign Order of the Petrine Laurel, Hero of the Petra The Right Honorable, Elara Athénaïs Halcourt d’Artois de Clermont, Baronne d’Artois, Royal Governess to the Children of the Petra The Honorable, Lord Aldric Hektor Ludovar