To Pierce a Steel Heart (MT, IC, Ended)

[The Frozen Forest]

Freja nodded, King Frederick was certainly a pious man. She could see it in his eyes and in the way he talked, his love for his religion and his people seemed to be obvious to any observer, it was no wonder the country was so stable in light of recent events when they had such a man to lead them. This realization did not however change how she felt though, she would not submit herself to the intricacies of attraction. Her mind was too astute, she could not allow the rising feeling of butterflies, which were emerging on part due to the immediate attraction she felt for Frederick, to cloud her judgement and wit. She sized up his words and found truth in them, something that she could relate to in her own country. It was unfortunate that so many of her people were atheistic, she thanked God for those that held true to the Lord and the Church, under the protection of the Crown, her family.

Perhaps through Camelone she could begin to reach back into the hearts of her own people, like Frederick was able to do here. She turned to look at the men in the Tavern whom were still joyously going about their games and competitions and drink. "In my country we have a centuries old saying, 'He who cares for his own is cared for in turn.' A few minutes ago i met a man, that one in the corner there, with the Bible; His name is Andrew and he grew up as the third son of a fisherman in Thuaidhi. When i asked him what he thought of you he said he called you Claus. Its a dutch name which means 'Peoples Victory.' I believe that your people love you as much as you love them, as children look to their father."

Freja paused in thought, leaving her words in the air for a short second. "God's light shines on your country in a way i haven't seen anywhere else. I wish my own people felt it as yours do." She glanced at his drink, noticing it to clear and non-alcoholic in appearance. Her observation wasn't worth mentioning but something she would keep in mind.

[Greater vakolicci haven]

Maria grinned at the man. He looked like some sort of poor manula labourer, however she talked to all sorts. Resting her hands on her chest, her smile changed into something of a grin; she didn't look particularly threatening I herself, however she was well-armed and she'd been in enough places to realise that when people saw a big blocky military-grade machine pistol they didn't think 'here is a harmless young woman.'
"Unwanted?" she asked, sounding surprised. "Oh no, I'd hate to be unwanted. After all, the others came to meet Frederick for the first time...I'm the only one who knew him before that, you know. And well..." she flashed him a dazzling smile "I'm not exactly too ugly to find a man. Anyway, I'll be going to see where I can get a drink around here; hopefully something strong that I can feel on its way down."

Turning away, she walked towards the building that could only be a tavern. Even at this point of the day it was relatively crowded mainly with big men with big voices; perfect for her. 4 Olympic villages had taught her to recognise the dubious charms of big uneducated lumps of muscle; they'd ofte do things like offer free cigarettes and drinks, and although she was rich enough to buy and sell their whole village and probably its county, it never hurt to receive free things from time to time. If they got roudy they might start fighting, and with all this time in camelone being without even a slight punch-up a fight was just what the doctor ordered.
"So what are your names?" she asked the two guards. "If you plan on following me around like a couple of hunting dogs then I might as well have something to call you by."

[Halazy]

"Please follow me in, Sirs." As she crossed the threshold in, Ameni hoped they could keep her from any more grave mistakes. Inside, she found it to be a fairly loud, rustic place, the kind she had read about in some of the old epics. Large men, large drinks, large tables, large largeness. It was intimidating, but exhilarating. Oh, there was Freja, and she was talking to some monk.

No, hold on, that had to be...

A reflexive bolt of fear shot through Ameni. That had to be King Frederick, the person more justified than anyone in hating her personally. Unfortunately, he was also the one she had to find a way to marry if she wanted to stay an Ismin. A short mental prayer to several gods was what it took to distract her long enough to approach the two and tape a smile on her face. "Hello Freja," she said. "I didn't know you were here too. And I am honored to meet you, Brother," she continued with a small bow, glad she had remembered the right way to address a Camelonean priest.

[Camelone]

Freja nodded, King Frederick was certainly a pious man. She could see it in his eyes and in the way he talked, his love for his religion and his people seemed to be obvious to any observer, it was no wonder the country was so stable in light of recent events when they had such a man to lead them. This realization did not however change how she felt though, she would not submit herself to the intricacies of attraction. Her mind was too astute, she could not allow the rising feeling of butterflies, which were emerging on part due to the immediate attraction she felt for Frederick, to cloud her judgement and wit. She sized up his words and found truth in them, something that she could relate to in her own country. It was unfortunate that so many of her people were atheistic, she thanked God for those that held true to the Lord and the Church, under the protection of the Crown, her family.

Perhaps through Camelone she could begin to reach back into the hearts of her own people, like Frederick was able to do here. She turned to look at the men in the Tavern whom were still joyously going about their games and competitions and drink. "In my country we have a centuries old saying, 'He who cares for his own is cared for in turn.' A few minutes ago i met a man, that one in the corner there, with the Bible; His name is Andrew and he grew up as the third son of a fisherman in Thuaidhi. When i asked him what he thought of you he said he called you Claus. Its a dutch name which means 'Peoples Victory.' I believe that your people love you as much as you love them, as children look to their father."

Freja paused in thought, leaving her words in the air for a short second. "God's light shines on your country in a way i haven't seen anywhere else. I wish my own people felt it as yours do." She glanced at his drink, noticing it to clear and non-alcoholic in appearance. Her observation wasn't worth mentioning but something she would keep in mind.

Frederick smiled at the compliments "I thank you for your kind words Princess Freja. It is good to know that I have had success in courting the love of my people, we are a hardy people but it is good to know that peace has prevailed and my duty is to preserve that peace and prosperity no matter the personal cost. I shall pray for your people so that they may know the light of Christ once more, but we must remember that even if it yields nothing in our lives let the seeds be sown for the future salvation of the next generation." He was about to continue until he was approached by the lady who had disturbed him during Mass earlier in the day.

"Please follow me in, Sirs." As she crossed the threshold in, Ameni hoped they could keep her from any more grave mistakes. Inside, she found it to be a fairly loud, rustic place, the kind she had read about in some of the old epics. Large men, large drinks, large tables, large largeness. It was intimidating, but exhilarating. Oh, there was Freja, and she was talking to some monk.

No, hold on, that had to be...

A reflexive bolt of fear shot through Ameni. That had to be King Frederick, the person more justified than anyone in hating her personally. Unfortunately, he was also the one she had to find a way to marry if she wanted to stay an Ismin. A short mental prayer to several gods was what it took to distract her long enough to approach the two and tape a smile on her face. "Hello Freja," she said. "I didn't know you were here too. And I am honored to meet you, Brother," she continued with a small bow, glad she had remembered the right way to address a Camelonean priest.

The knights followed Ameni into the tavern and when she approached Frederick the knights went off to talk to the other guards. "Hello again once more Lady Ameni, I do appreciate that you have decided to speak to me at a more appropriate time." His voice held a tone that aligned more with teasing than any malice showing that he had already forgiven her for her earlier hiccup, it did help that Cormac had explained the situation to him and he had felt a little bad for treating her so harshly. "How are you so far today?"

Maria grinned at the man. He looked like some sort of poor manula labourer, however she talked to all sorts. Resting her hands on her chest, her smile changed into something of a grin; she didn't look particularly threatening I herself, however she was well-armed and she'd been in enough places to realise that when people saw a big blocky military-grade machine pistol they didn't think 'here is a harmless young woman.'
"Unwanted?" she asked, sounding surprised. "Oh no, I'd hate to be unwanted. After all, the others came to meet Frederick for the first time...I'm the only one who knew him before that, you know. And well..." she flashed him a dazzling smile "I'm not exactly too ugly to find a man. Anyway, I'll be going to see where I can get a drink around here; hopefully something strong that I can feel on its way down."

Turning away, she walked towards the building that could only be a tavern. Even at this point of the day it was relatively crowded mainly with big men with big voices; perfect for her. 4 Olympic villages had taught her to recognise the dubious charms of big uneducated lumps of muscle; they'd ofte do things like offer free cigarettes and drinks, and although she was rich enough to buy and sell their whole village and probably its county, it never hurt to receive free things from time to time. If they got roudy they might start fighting, and with all this time in camelone being without even a slight punch-up a fight was just what the doctor ordered.
"So what are your names?" she asked the two guards. "If you plan on following me around like a couple of hunting dogs then I might as well have something to call you by."

"Names Sir Donald Conwin." One of the knights said with a tip of his hat and a large grin while the other one kept a straight face softly saying "I am Sir Gaufrid and that is all you need to know." To which Donald could only chuckle at his friends stubborness.

Across the room a man shouted in Camlonean Gaelic "Lads quiet down, quiet down!" There was some muttering as everyone looked at the television which showed the state news, the picture of Field Marshal Fearghal was seen as the news anchor described the situation that was unfolding in Eisenven and footage of Camelonean soldiers landing was shown with many smiling and flashing victory signs at the cameras. The footage soon switched to the wreckage of Imperialist tanks as the Camelonean air force wrecked havoc among them and a cheer arose in the tavern at the sight of the Camelonean military rolling over a foreign enemy. A highly drunk man jumped on top of a table and raised his glass.

"Lads and lassies raise your drinks for the Crown and Fatherland! Next round is on me! Long live Camelone!" The inebriated man proclaimed to be met with another cheer with the patrons seconding the thought and another telling the band to start back up, Celtic dance music started to fill the tavern as they celebrated this minor victory. A man nearby was talking about the pride he felt that his son was fighting to bring peace and order, and contributing to eliminating the Communist plague. Another man lifted his glass high "Death to Emperor Francis! Death to the Communist disease!"

"Here here!" was the response as the merry mood returned with the footage of the Camelonean operations in Eisenven playing in the background.

[Pawon]

As Alala followed the knights into the church, she observed them very intently. As they took off their boots, she noticed there was several pairs of shoes there. Drawing the conclusion that everyone removes their shoes in the temple, she followed the example of her guides. Alala's feet were cold and she wondered how such a tradition started in such a cold land.

However, the princess had considered the decision a success, and decided to continue the strategy of imitating her guides. She was not a perfect mimic and when she dipped her fingers into the water, Alala stuck them in too deep. Then, not knowing the sign of the cross, she simply swung her hand about. The result was a slight sprinkling of holy water on her and her vicinity.

Next she moved to kiss the icon. For some reason, the young lady became nervous, and ended up kissing the frame and not the image. Hoping nobody had noticed, she silently headed towards the knights.

[The Frozen Forest]

As the news sputtered on in one corner of the room and footage began to play of the war in Eisenven, Freja felt herself scowl before shutting down the expression immediately. The look lasted all of a second, and it was not one of hate but of concern. The war in Eisenven was a issue her own country faced, and an issue they were trying to deal with. On one hand she despised the Communists in the Civil War and yet at the same time she knew that Frozen Forestrians would soon die as a result of the conflict. Possibly by the hands of Camelone. It was a fate she didn't want to see, and if the two sides came into direct combat, her position in Camelone would grow untenable.

She turned to Frederick as he offered his prayer and a word of advice, which she accepted gratefully. "I couldn't wish for anything more, my people would be much happier if they were to discover Christ and the lord, or rather rediscover their faith. As Frederick turned to speak with a girl whom she recognized as Ameni she immediately felt out of place. She returned the girls greeting and glanced back at Frederick, who now engaged the girl. She gestured with a hand for Ameni to take a seat with them. She assumed that Frederick wasn't done with her, or she would have been dismissed.

[Halazy]

As the news sputtered on in one corner of the room and footage began to play of the war in Eisenven, Freja felt herself scowl before shutting down the expression immediately. The look lasted all of a second, and it was not one of hate but of concern. The war in Eisenven was a issue her own country faced, and an issue they were trying to deal with. On one hand she despised the Communists in the Civil War and yet at the same time she knew that Frozen Forestrians would soon die as a result of the conflict. Possibly by the hands of Camelone. It was a fate she didn't want to see, and if the two sides came into direct combat, her position in Camelone would grow untenable.

She turned to Frederick as he offered his prayer and a word of advice, which she accepted gratefully. "I couldn't wish for anything more, my people would be much happier if they were to discover Christ and the lord, or rather rediscover their faith. As Frederick turned to speak with a girl whom she recognized as Ameni she immediately felt out of place. She returned the girls greeting and glanced back at Frederick, who now engaged the girl. She gestured with a hand for Ameni to take a seat with them. She assumed that Frederick wasn't done with her, or she would have been dismissed.

Ameni took the seat offered and smiled warmly at both the king and Freja, relieved to be welcomed. Still addressing the king, she said, "I have... learned today, so I cannot complain. I pray I learn more, but more through teaching than through experience." And that was all she ever intended to say of the incident ever again. Let it be buried.

The news of war disturbed her less than the display of outright joy at the deaths involved. Though she didn't understand their language, she had been raised with a different, more noble view of conflict than what these people surely held. However, if she was to understand them, she had to ask about them. "Could you tell me what those people are saying? They seem very happy about war."

[Camelone]

As Alala followed the knights into the church, she observed them very intently. As they took off their boots, she noticed there was several pairs of shoes there. Drawing the conclusion that everyone removes their shoes in the temple, she followed the example of her guides. Alala's feet were cold and she wondered how such a tradition started in such a cold land.

However, the princess had considered the decision a success, and decided to continue the strategy of imitating her guides. She was not a perfect mimic and when she dipped her fingers into the water, Alala stuck them in too deep. Then, not knowing the sign of the cross, she simply swung her hand about. The result was a slight sprinkling of holy water on her and her vicinity.

Next she moved to kiss the icon. For some reason, the young lady became nervous, and ended up kissing the frame and not the image. Hoping nobody had noticed, she silently headed towards the knights.

"While not the most graceful it certainly was not horrendous or blasphemous so good job so far." Somhairle whispered to her from his pew. Looking around the church he gestured around him "Well this is the church Princess Alala. Behind the icons is where the tabernacle and relic is located but we are not allowed back there, only the clergy or laity who are given permission by the parish priest are allowed back there so I am afraid this is all that we can show you in here. Most people when they come to church pray to the one true God as these people are doing, a more pious lot than I am."

"Then you should come to morning and evening prayer with me Somhairle." Ian whispered in Gaelic to which Somhairle gave an exasperated look directed towards him.

snip

Ameni took the seat offered and smiled warmly at both the king and Freja, relieved to be welcomed. Still addressing the king, she said, "I have... learned today, so I cannot complain. I pray I learn more, but more through teaching than through experience." And that was all she ever intended to say of the incident ever again. Let it be buried.

The news of war disturbed her less than the display of outright joy at the deaths involved. Though she didn't understand their language, she had been raised with a different, more noble view of conflict than what these people surely held. However, if she was to understand them, she had to ask about them. "Could you tell me what those people are saying? They seem very happy about war."

"Yes that must not have been a rather pleasant experience for you but nonetheless there is nothing we can do for it as it is in the past so think nothing of it, Cormac explained everything to me." Frederick said waving off the experience as if it never happened, or that he just didn't care about it. When the conversation switched to having to explain why the patrons of the tavern were celebrating Frederick leaned back in his booth a bit knowing that this topic may be a little touchy because of Freja's presence.

"They are celebrating the military success of the Voluntary Expedition Forces in their campaign against a tyrannical monarchy and against Communist rebels. Camelone has thrown our support behind the Einheit Brigade, so right there we are pushing against that damn tyrant Emperor Francis who abuses his people as if they are not children of God like himself. If Camelone can help it we will stand in the gap and fight with a joyous song on our lips in the defense of the inherent dignity of humanity and to prevent the spread of the Communist plague that makes a nation wither away at its core. It is a war, it is death and suffering, but it is for the very fate of humanity and no self respecting Camelonean can allow such injustices stand so we fight and we celebrate the military successes of our men and mourn the dead of both sides. That is why they celebrate, for they celebrate the prospect of justice and order." Frederick spoke with a passion, similar to his public speeches and if they saw any videos of them before coming to Camelone they could now confirm that Frederick truly speaks what he believes.

[Pawon]

Alala was slightly embarrassed that Somhairle had noticed her lack of grace, however, she decided to put that behind her.

“Tell me more about your religion” she whispered “I noticed everyone prays quietly, is that normal? And what is the bowl of water for?” Alala began asking some of the many questions that were on her mind.

[Camelone]

Alala was slightly embarrassed that Somhairle had noticed her lack of grace, however, she decided to put that behind her.

“Tell me more about your religion” she whispered “I noticed everyone prays quietly, is that normal? And what is the bowl of water for?” Alala began asking some of the many questions that were on her mind.

"Privately yes it is normal to pray quietly but when we pray in groups, anyone may lead for normal groups, or at Mass, where only the priest leads the prayers and the congregation responds to what he says. At Mass we partake of the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, the bread and wine becomes His body and blood through the blessing of the priest acting in the person of Christ. As for the water it is blessed water, so we cross ourselves in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit." Ian explained taking over for Somhairle.

[Greater vakolicci haven]

Maria

Maria grinned when Donald introduced himself. "You were a friend of my brother a few years ago right?" she asked. "Idurin Schtenko. You...would not surrender, the king had to end the fight, and inadvertently caused a massive perceived insult."
She positioned herself close to the table where Frederick was talking with Freja and Ameni, and unlike Freja could not get rid of the scowl across her face.
"Order is a concept that only exists in societies which wish to oppress their people," she spoke up passionately. "We restrict this freedom to keep the peace; that one so it doesn't insight hatred or violence. We listen to phone calls and internet messages to stop the spread of crime; your people should be fighting for liberty, not order. Only liberty can ensure the strength and prosperity of the people."

[Camelone]

"And what liberty do you speak of? Liberty from religion, liberty from duty and obligations, liberty from responsibility, liberty from community, liberty from slavery, liberty from being killed by your neighbor? Tell me what liberty do you speak of because liberty is not a singular concept. To fight for liberty is to fight for disorder and chaos but to fight for justice and order is to fight for civilization itself for justice can only be achieved through order and justice tempers the zeal of order. Liberty is a weak concept to fight for, it is incapable of providing prosperity nor strength, and guarantees nothing unlike justice and unlike order, both things that form the foundations of society." Frederick said calmly turning to face Maria, his face neutral. "Now if you say that the concept of order is inherently oppressive than do you think me a tyrant who maintains order and justice throughout the High Kingdom? Order builds, and when tempered with justice it builds thriving civilizations, while liberty degenerates people into atomized individuals with no connections with family or the ancestors."

[The Frozen Forest]

snip

Ameni took the seat offered and smiled warmly at both the king and Freja, relieved to be welcomed. Still addressing the king, she said, "I have... learned today, so I cannot complain. I pray I learn more, but more through teaching than through experience." And that was all she ever intended to say of the incident ever again. Let it be buried.

The news of war disturbed her less than the display of outright joy at the deaths involved. Though she didn't understand their language, she had been raised with a different, more noble view of conflict than what these people surely held. However, if she was to understand them, she had to ask about them. "Could you tell me what those people are saying? They seem very happy about war."

"Yes that must not have been a rather pleasant experience for you but nonetheless there is nothing we can do for it as it is in the past so think nothing of it, Cormac explained everything to me." Frederick said waving off the experience as if it never happened, or that he just didn't care about it. When the conversation switched to having to explain why the patrons of the tavern were celebrating Frederick leaned back in his booth a bit knowing that this topic may be a little touchy because of Freja's presence.

"They are celebrating the military success of the Voluntary Expedition Forces in their campaign against a tyrannical monarchy and against Communist rebels. Camelone has thrown our support behind the Einheit Brigade, so right there we are pushing against that damn tyrant Emperor Francis who abuses his people as if they are not children of God like himself. If Camelone can help it we will stand in the gap and fight with a joyous song on our lips in the defense of the inherent dignity of humanity and to prevent the spread of the Communist plague that makes a nation wither away at its core. It is a war, it is death and suffering, but it is for the very fate of humanity and no self respecting Camelonean can allow such injustices stand so we fight and we celebrate the military successes of our men and mourn the dead of both sides. That is why they celebrate, for they celebrate the prospect of justice and order." Frederick spoke with a passion, similar to his public speeches and if they saw any videos of them before coming to Camelone they could now confirm that Frederick truly speaks what he believes.

Justice and Order, to the Forestrian Royal Family these values were incredibly important. The Civil War in Eisenven, it was anything but just, it was a chaotic mess where there was no right answer. The Communist Volker Army, the faction her country happened to support, was little better than the Empire's original government, it reminded her so much of the Khmer Rouge that she couldn't bring herself to admit any support for it. There was the aforementioned Government, which enslaved and harmed its people as easily as if they were simply children's playthings. Finally there was a brigade of fascists, who sought some sort of guild-based order. This faction was supported by Camelone, and this put her in a delicate situation. It was of course known to the Cameloneans that the Royal Family didn't support the Communists who dominated the country, that was probably why Frederick was willing to consider her as a potential wife.

"The fighting in Eisenven has been brutal, i just want to see a resolution that benefits the people. No government should treat their population as the Empire does, i'm glad you feel the same way i do Frederick." She smiled, still listening to hear him speak and trying not to interrupt his conversation with Ameni more than she already had.

[Halazy]

"Ah," Ameni simply responded. "The Emperor prefers to stay out of wars of ideology. Part of what makes us who we are is accepting who we are not, and Imperial policy has been built on that since history began." Frederick valued order above all, it seemed, and while she could respect that a great deal, Ameni was taught to believe in the right of all people to live with integrity.

"If you do not mind me saying, sir, I believe that the people in Eisenven should find a way to solve their own problems. Brave Camelonean soldiers should not have to die for their failures. But-" she added somewhat quickly, "of course the best outcome is a peaceful end to the war."

[Camelone]

"Agreed, the fighting has not been pleasant in the least bit, but war is never pleasant and that is a good thing or else we would grow much to fond of killing our fellows. I have seen my fair share of the battlefield, the smell of blood gripping the air tightly to be shattered by the sound of rifle fire and the screams of men as they depart the world to hopefully find eternal rest. How quickly a scream of rage and bloodlust changes to a fearful and mournful one and how easy men find it to kill when bullets fly through the air, whether the kill be from the gun or the knife..." Frederick looked off into the distance before he pushed himself up "I apologize for my abrupt exit but I must take my leave. I shall see you all back at the manor." With that he quickly made his way out of the tavern and disappeared through the door with the guards continued to sit at their tables waiting for a chance for them to leave that wouldn't be to obvious.

[Camelone]

February 20, 2018
Ever since the excursion to the village King Frederick began to be more amiable to everyone, he would still seclude himself for long portions of the day busy with work, both of matters of state and matters of faith as he had begun to meet regularly with influential members of the Church and famous Camelonean mystics and hermits. The matters of their discussions was always spoken in the ancient tongue, the tongue of the Druids, to not let anyone know what was being spoken even though Frederick was visibly struggling to both understand and speak it. Despite this there really wasn't a feeling of foreboding instead it was a festive atmosphere for most as the celebration of Frederick's coronation as Warlord of Camelone was approaching quickly. Though this was all in the back of Frederick's mind as he was reading another of the many horror novel's in his private library, it was dark outside and the snow was falling heavy, the wind howling through the night but he did not really care, he was beside a warm fireplace and his pistol was ready to be drawn quickly if the need arose. So Frederick continued to read, laying lazily on the couch in his study with a blanket covering his legs, HP Lovecraft was truly one of his most favorite writers, he always came the closest to placing fear in Frederick's heart and that was something he truly liked about the man's writings. His eyes were growing heavy and before he realized it he was asleep with the book on his face once more.

The door to his study was unlocked for once as Frederick had forgot to lock it once more after his most recent guest left, a hermit who lived deep in the woods further north. The conversation was interesting to him and made him contemplate numerous things about the nature of God and the relation that chaos and order had with each other in the Lord's creation, so caught up with these thoughts the habit of locking his door was not followed and so it creaked open ever so revealing a back of a couch and the blazing fireplace to any passerby.

[The Frozen Forest]

THe journey back from the village had been just as cold as the arrival to. As previously she had been rushed out and not allowed to settle into the Palace, she had no clear idea what the indise wass like. As it turned out the structure was just as brilliant ont he outside as it was outside, surely something she hadn't sen often in her travels. The conversation from the Tavern in town stull rang through her mind as she remembered how Frederick had treaded carefully with the subject of the war. She should probably drop the subject but tit still feared in her mind. She was a detailed person and so a detailed recounting took place in her mind. she hd to have the story right for when she told her family. As she settled into the Castle she allowed herself some time to explore as the King retired to wherever it was he usually spent his time. More so by accident that by any sort of luck she found her way to the kitchens, awash in warm baker smells and brilliant Chefs. She would have to pillage the place later, she didn't often have sweets in the Frozen Forest.

As she exited, sweet roll in hand she made her way through the hallways of the palace, her expert mind memorizing the various rooms and Hallways she made her way through or passed. It was not until she reached a larger door did she stop to investigate. By that point her role had disappeared, she finished the last bite with a pleasant smile, she enjoyed the roll and would have to show her family them upon her return one day. She pushed the opening in, revealing a sprawling library with ancient books scattered everywhere. She was immediately curious, making her way past, she immediately noticed one of the men sprawled across a couch, it was none other than the King Himself. On his chest a gook lay She knew better than to take the book without a bookmark, in case he lost his page. She searched around until one revealed itself and she allowed he book to rest at the foot of the couch.

She took a seat in one of the empty chairs, realizing that Frederick had been reading Lovecraft. She didn't read Lovecraft often, but she thought his ideas were interesting. She allowed herself to investigate a book shelf or two, eventually finding a dusty beauty on a shelf that looked somewhat forgotten. The Call of the Wild by Jack London. it was one of her favorite books, alongside White Fang. The harshness depicted in them, the wild savagery of the North, it was something she could relate to. Whether she was in her bounds or not to do so, she opened the book and began to reread it. She peered up from time to time, gently studying the visage of the man that slept only a few feet away.

[Camelone]

February 20, 2018
Frederick began to toss and turn on the couch his face changing from peaceful to despair and fear as he began mumbling in his sleep. "Ranald. Ranald I got you. Come on man, come on stay with me... Ranald!" Frederick almost yelled as his eyes shot open and he lunged at the first person he saw, Freja, grabbing her shoulders his fearful eyes scanned everything as he held a death grip on the princess his hand reaching for his pistol "You killed Ranald! I'll slaughter yo-" Frederick said in the process of threatening Freja before he realized what he was doing and who he was holding. Letting go quickly he made his way back over to the couch in a daze, pressing his hands to his eyes for a minute with shaky breaths as he sat back down, the pistol safely back on the table far from being in danger of being used.

After a few moments of silence Frederick lowered his hands and looked at Freja "I apologize so very much for that Freja, I did not mean to make you feel frightened in any sense, nor did I think it was you in here. I give you mt deepest apologies." His voice was still a little shaky.

February 22, 2018
There was one place that Frederick would always go to collect his thoughts when matters of state proved to be much to handle at the moment and that was his family's art gallery, especially when he walked through the area that held paintings of the triumphs of House Krieger. There was all type of art in this gallery taking up a few floors in one wing of the manor, the only other time that Frederick would ever walk through here was if he was trying to impress foreign dignitaries, receptions for important noble weddings, or to remind the nobles who holds the power without putting them on guard. Statues of all important figures of House Krieger, sculptures and paintings of Celtic mythology, paintings of glorious victorious and crushing defeats, holy and secular, everything that was artistically beautiful and inspiring for a Camelonean could be found in this gallery.

Walking through the art Frederick couldn't help but stop in front of the painting of his father rallying the nobles and commoners to his banner against the Colonel's dastardly regime. It was an abstraction of course but it still held much truth to it, High King Ludwig was a leader both of military affairs and politics. No one could eloquently speak about why one should fight a seemingly hopeless rebellion against superior forces then fight with such a legendary mind for military matters to actually complete what he started. It was a lofty goal to strive to match his father but that he must especially if he hoped to lead Camelone into a golden age, he began to sink deeper into his thoughts as he stared at the painting, silently praying that God would grant him the grace to complete this sacred mission.

February 25, 2018
Things had been getting even more stressful for Frederick recently, the nobles were to be arriving soon to attend the celebration of his crowning as the Warlord of Camelone and he knew that everyone he liked and disliked, and even hated, would be there from among the nobility and the highest levels of government. House Thorgest thankfully would be showing up later and House O'Devlin would be showing up earlier, it had been far to long since he had seen the twins and he was looking forward to seeing them again. With all this running through his mind he almost didn't even process the cold as he stepped outside of the manor and made his way over to the hot tub and threw his towel over a nearby railing as he turned the hot tub on. Taking a deep breath Frederick lowered himself into the snow to cool himself down as the hot tub warmed up, he was going to wait for the beep before he got in. Few a long minute Frederick laid in the freezing snow relaxing surprisingly well, it was one of his favorite things to do, even if it seemed odd to teasa, when the beep rang out over the evening Frederick got up slowly and dipped into the hot water with a smile. The sun had set a little while after dinner so it was night out, the lack of light pollution and the clear sky gave Frederick a great view of the night sky as he sunk lower into the water staring up and admiring the starry sky.

[The Frozen Forest]

The mumbling caught her attention. The soft crackle of fire illuminated the harsh utterances of the Krieger King before her. She had seen many hospitals in her travels around the globe, in Iraq following the war there, she remembered one war hospital fondly. There had been numerous patients who simply couldn't handle the stresses of combat, they were mutterers, the internally tortured, She frowned for a moment before the King sprung up, crossing the distance between them in a moment and grasping her shoulders more than firmly, threatening her with death in the name of whom she presumed was a deceased friend. Her sympathies weren't strained, more so she looked at him with the appearance of genuine worry. She could have guessed that his time fighting would have led to some emotional distresses but a episode like the one she just witnessed, it made her wonder how Frederick coped with the deaths he had seen.

"You didn't scare me, i was only startled for a moment. You were upset in a manner i have only seen war-veterans. I'm sorry for your friend" she grasped his shoulders gently as though deciding whether a hug would be appropriate. "Are those sorts of dreams common to you?" she was inquiring mostly as a result of honest curiosity, her tone of voice however portrayed a sense of trust and friendliness, offering a smile not dissimilar to the one she had smiled with in the Tavern a few days prior.

[Camelone]

"Not to common, thanks be to God, but all to common for my liking if I am honest." Frederick sighed before he thought it best to explain "Ranald was my best friend growing up, he was a Thuadhi freeman whose father was an important war leader in the counter-revolution, we did everything together and he truly was a loose cannon always getting into trouble and I with him. Unlike me he was laidback and always had a way to bring cheer to anybody in any circumstance whether it be after I got yelled at by my father as a child or the men suffering in the trenches. We were on our way closer to the front to oversee a push against the main body of the Raven army and our convoy was ambushed, he took multiple bullets for me before I could even process what happened. Without second thought I pulled him into cover and all I could do was hold his head as he bled out, my guards fighting back the ambush around me. His final words to me were 'Freddy I ain't going to see much else here on Creation. So remember this, long live Camelone, serve our countrymen well.' there was more I could tell he wanted to say there just wasn't enough time for him to say it and there he died in my arms. I have seen many men die, and have ordered many to their deaths as well as killed, but I can not shake the sight of my childhood friend dying in that forest. I lost my father and he was there to console me but when I lost him I was alone in war surrounded by good men who I could hardly call my friends, instead they were merely allies in a war for the very soul of Camelone." He brushed away Freja's hands as he stood up and stared into the fireplace standing in crisp military rest.

"Princess Freja I do not regret a single kill I have done for my people and for my country. My hands are far from clean but I care not what the foreign community thinks of me as long that Camelone is free from poisonous influence. I decapitated the Mad Baron myself with an executioner's sword, I have led men into the teeth of the enemy's defenses, I have seen bombed out villages and the bodies of innocents strewn about whose only crime was being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Camelone is my duty, Camelone is my life and I will continue to sacrifice for my country for as long as I live... that is also why I am cautious of marrying, I do not want anything in my life that could give me pause when I must sacrifice again."

[Halazy]

February 22, 2018
Ameni had been to Tenezelen once when she was a girl. Her father had business with the Master of Mint, and decided to bring the whole family to the empire's capital with him. They stayed about week, and while the city itself was incredible, what she remembered most vividly was her father taking her to the imperial palace before a meeting. The ancient stone halls were adorned with banners, trophies from kingdoms long since demolished, tapestries, and flags, with gold sprinkled just widely enough to forbid anyone from forgetting the sovereign's power. It was imposing, but in its own way beautiful; unthinkable artistry had gone into every detail, every strike of the hammer against the chisel, and it came together to fill the visitor with a strange feeling of fear, insignificance, wonder, and safety.

The home of King Frederick, however, said something else to Ameni. Though she had no idea of the place's age, it was no monument to ancient times. It truly felt like a human being's home to her. Yes, she had taken baths here and not there, and been fed many times, but it was impossible to imagine the Emperor eating among those immense pillars. Frederick cared deeply about his kingdom, that was undeniable, but he didn't seem to have to embody it entirely in the way that Rasa V did. He was allowed to be a person.

And people, Ameni had found, sometimes did things for themselves, like admire the art gallery she had assumed must exist and searched for all day. Like the rest of the house, it struck her as being less about embodying legends, and instead communicated the humanity of Camelone's rulers. Ruler, rather. There were the same kinds of trophies and mythologies present, but there was something about it... could it just be that it was all foreign? Hopefully not.

It would be rude to just stand there silently. "Your gallery is beautiful, King. I wish I had found it sooner."

[Camelone]

February 22, 2018
Frederick hadn't even noticed Ameni's presence until she spoke up, he was much to caught up in his own thoughts to pay much attention to what was surrounding him. Giving a nod of acknowledgment he tore his eyes away from the painting that he was just recently staring at and instead focused on Ameni "I thank you very much for the compliment Lady Ameni. I try to keep the art collection of my family to the highest level of beauty for beauty is the reflection of the divine on Earth and just as there is one God in heaven there is a single objective beauty that the artist must harness correctly to bring the divine to life here on Earth, a pity that it is only an image of the divine though." Frederick continued to walk through the gallery and gestured for Ameni to follow.

As he walked he past many statues and paintings of Celtic mythology and others telling the tale of various groups all across Camelone from the very first settlers of the island, to the warrior monks who first brought the idea of Camelone into fruition, and finally to the counter-revolution that restored the true order of Camelonean life. Stopping in front of a painting that was of uniformed rebels of the Catholic and Royal Army of Camelone charging a heavily defended Colonel's position with the flag and cross proudly held up even with soldiers falling right and left faces set in grim determination to fight on.

"What emotions does this painting inspire within you Lady Ameni?" Frederick asked trying to probe her values.

[The Frozen Forest]

Freja's expression contorted into something resembling melancholy sorrow as Frederick began his retelling of the battle that took the life of his childhood friend. It was a story of desolation that struck her heart like a dagger, drawing out intense compassion. She had learned of his devotion and love for the Country of Camelone, her people and the culture by which they thrived. Though she understood, she didn't comprehend just how deeply that devotion for the country ran in the Kings blood. It was irreversible and staining, something that could never be removed or altered. It would most certainly be the result of a deeply patriotic childhood and the suffering of numerous tragedies for someone like Frederick to develop such die-hard beliefs. If ever a Macbeth were to rise in Camelone, it was without doubt that Frederick would play the part of Macduff, for his devotion seemed to go beyond his duty to the crown, but to a genuine affection towards his own people.

As he slapped away her hands and retreated towards the fireplace, she took steps forwards in order to be a a safer talking distance. "I have never killed a man, nor have i ever condoned the killing of another. In my travels i have witnessed genocide, civil war, force theory and attacks on innocents throughout. I have witnessed tyrants in Africa mow down school-children due to their ethnic group or political affiliations. I have seen the crackdowns on suspected terrorists in Georgia, and i have been to places where lies are told as truth on a daily basis. The atrocities i've seen cannot compare to those that you have experienced, but i understand one thing to be true; You are not a tyrant, nor are you a murderer for what you have done. I've yet to meet a man with deeper conviction towards the protection of their own than you. The losses we suffer enable us to provide for the betterment of ourselves and those around us, i'm sure Ranald understood that you would make a King one day, i believe you've done more than honor him."

She moved around the fireplace in order to stand alongside it, facing the side of the King while the embers warmth flooded through her arm and leg. "Marriage isn't something that should have been imposed on you, you should be free to make that decision for yourself. I was compelled here by my family, this place, Camelone was not where i fancied myself staying. Since i've been here though, i can see how you would feel such strong feelings towards them, such as you love them they feel the reverse. The Monarchy, you and your people are intertwined in feeling and action. I can't promise you that you will never be free of hesitation, only that i will be strong and resolute as your wife." She turned to look at the flames that danced below them.

[Halazy]

February 22, 2018
Frederick hadn't even noticed Ameni's presence until she spoke up, he was much to caught up in his own thoughts to pay much attention to what was surrounding him. Giving a nod of acknowledgment he tore his eyes away from the painting that he was just recently staring at and instead focused on Ameni "I thank you very much for the compliment Lady Ameni. I try to keep the art collection of my family to the highest level of beauty for beauty is the reflection of the divine on Earth and just as there is one God in heaven there is a single objective beauty that the artist must harness correctly to bring the divine to life here on Earth, a pity that it is only an image of the divine though." Frederick continued to walk through the gallery and gestured for Ameni to follow.

As he walked he past many statues and paintings of Celtic mythology and others telling the tale of various groups all across Camelone from the very first settlers of the island, to the warrior monks who first brought the idea of Camelone into fruition, and finally to the counter-revolution that restored the true order of Camelonean life. Stopping in front of a painting that was of uniformed rebels of the Catholic and Royal Army of Camelone charging a heavily defended Colonel's position with the flag and cross proudly held up even with soldiers falling right and left faces set in grim determination to fight on.

"What emotions does this painting inspire within you Lady Ameni?" Frederick asked trying to probe her values.

Careful. "I... I see ordinary people turning themselves into something stronger than I have words for. Each of them may die, but the whole lives on. They carry the cross to show that their devotion to Heaven is stronger than the will of any tyrant, and that Heaven is a far greater power than the fear in the soldiers' hearts. You can see it in the eyes of all the tyrant's men here, look, and look at this man, the rebel. It's there too, but he's still putting on his... what do you call it, his gun-knife, so he can carry out Heaven's will. I think the tyrant's men are honorable for their loyalty and duty, but the rebels here are heroes, the kind legends tell of. The man next to the flag only has a brick, but it might as well be a holy sword. He reminds me of Dainnal Awrem, who they say saved the entire north from a demon by hunting it for a year straight, her only weapon an ordinary longbow. I hope the stories of these heroes are as celebrated as hers, King."

Ameni's face turned the slightest bit red when she realized what a rant she'd just gone on. "Ah, that is what I think about this, I mean."

[Greater vakolicci haven]

Things had been getting more stressful for Maria these last few weeks also. With Idurin insisting that the east was no longer part of Celeria, and king Blacksen seemingly willing to disabuse him of that notion by force, it was all she could do to try and talk some sense into the two; it wasn't looking well however. She'd barely seen Frederick, which she didn't like; deep down she couldn't believe that he was allowing himself to indulge other candidates...more whores and show-pieces who would be sold off by their family to whatever king or prince came calling next. Only she came of her own free will; only she wanted Frederick for who he actually was...that was what he should believe, anyway.

Without thinking what she was doing, her shoes began to crunch on the new snow as she made her way over to the hot tub. She'd been in their a few times, the cold outside and the heat of the tub giving her an almost exilerating feeling...but this time the tub was occupied, and maria smiled.

"Hi handsome," she said, grinning as she approached Frederick, "Mind if I join you?"