[MR] Stephan's Deployment

[Edvard Gayer]

Scriptsit Baron Aedan:
>It happened once before in Atlantia, w/King Stephen being deployed and
>unable to step down, although the reign was successfully completed by Queen 
>Niobe.

With respects to His Excellency, His Grace's deployment to Europe did end 
early enough for him to return to Atlantia prior to the completion of that 
particular reign.  Stephan was by Niobe's side in time for Coronation for 
Amalric and Caia.  In fact, His Grace made a very memorable farewell speech 
during the ceremony, a part of which was captured by the crew from Virginia 
Currents.

The issue that you His Excellency is likely remembering was the Kingdom-wide 
Poll that had occurred in reference to the question of continuing Niobe's 
reign as Consort when Stephan had been called away by duty.  At that time I 
had the fortune of serving my Barony as Chronicler, and I had the pleasure 
of publishing the following open letter from Their Majesties:

"Greetings to the populace of fair Atlantia from Their Majesties Stephan and 
Niobe

"We choose these words with great care for you Our beloved populace. So many 
times We have shared Our thoughts and emotions with you with the hope that 
these simple messages could convey the depth of love We feel for this land 
and Her people. We pray you heed these words with a belief in Our love and 
care for each gentle whom they greet.

"Earlier this spring we wrote of the call to arms from Our kingdom to travel 
as an ally in war. We spoke of hearing the call and responding with assurety 
and purpose. This context was within each of Our chosen roles of personae. 
The pageantry of Our society was played out in full as We marched away and 
again as We made a triumphant return. When that call came We chose to make 
the journey as a part of a living dream we have created in this society.

"We, Stephan, have received another call. Where We once were given the 
freedom to choose whether or not to follow, now there is no option. Outside 
of Our society is another world where we each abide. Stephan has been 
commanded as a soldier to lend support in the conflict in Europe by assuming 
the responsibilities of an officer who has been sent to combat. Stephan will 
leave Atlantia on the 23rd day of May and will return no later than six 
months time. Should the crisis in Europe end sooner than this, then so also 
shall your King return.

"Should it be the will of Our populace it is Our desire that your Queen 
Niobe shall continue to bear the crown during Stephan’s absence as 
Atlantia’s esteemed Queen Consort. To this end, We have sought the direction 
of our Society seneschal who in wise counsel expressed that of greatest 
importance was the will of the people of Atlantia. As we swore in Our 
coronation oaths it has always been Our intent to be a reflection of hopes 
and desires of Our populace.

"We, Niobe, have utmost faith in the counsel of the Officers, Peers, and 
Populace of Atlantia to continue to be a hallmark of grace and wisdom. Over 
the months past, We have felt the support of Our kingdom as We have served 
this realm. With this foundation of loving support, Niobe shall be able to 
joyfully continue as We have begun.

"Atlantia, you are a noble people. In both heart and mind We serve as your 
King and Queen. In both heart and mind We are your friend. Until We greet 
again, We say Adieu......  Stephan Rex, Niobe Regina"

Yours,
// Vard //
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