A kongdomr of warriors, though rusted their swords
A kongdomr of voices, raised in hopeful song
A kongdomr of drakuns, forsaken, forgotten
A kongdomr of masks, neither young nor old
A kongdomr of faces, expectantly raised
To this new chance, a new Drottingr
Ilvana of legend
Rise, Warriors, Rise
-written by Skald-dreg Azerian Nizanson
beholden to Skald-middig Bjarke Duinenson
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THE MASKED QUEEN
THE FIRST BOOK IN THE ALLEGORY OF AONTA SERIES
I, Bjarke, Skald of Ilvana, son of Duinen, who was an honored Skald of this kongdomr before me, and Sineah, who sang not out of duty but out of love for Ilvana, make my intent known in this journal to preserve the events that have led to this current chapter in our history, that which I have titled the Second Age of the Drakun Kongren.
The first step, as I saw fit, in undertaking this pinnacle task of my life of service, was to implore the catalyst of Ilvana’s rebirth to aid in the creation of a new chronicle of history. I have collected the thoughts and actions and songs - both lay and lyrical - that led our fair Drottingr and her allies to usher in this second age of Aonta, and with their help, I shall turn what has been collected into a story that will echo through countless generations.
Whoever has stumbled upon this collection of notes and verses - be you young Skald or Scholar - know that it was never meant to be the final product of our toil. I shall write with the speed of one who understands too well that his time is not immeasurable, but should I not be able to complete my work before I am called forth to sail to the golden halls of my ancestors, I leave you this charge.
Be it on your head and heart to see that this history is proclaimed and sung in the steads of all future Ilvanian Kongren and Drottingren, and indeed, throughout every village in Ilvana, the six kongdomren, and those belonging to the kongdomren beyond the reach of Aonta.
How to begin this story of loss and renewal, lies and forgiveness, trials and thanksgiving? I have thought long and hard, and it seems appropriate to start with a recitation of the Lay of a Kongr long gone and sent to sea that has provided strength and courage to many of our leaders, including the heroine of mine tale and her father, the proud Kongr Dizean. (Blessed be his memory.) A Lay written long ago but first recorded by Skald-middig Duinen.
Yes, I shall start with the Lay of Rilken, The Last Drakun Kongr, and with a memory provided by one who knew the Heroine of Aonta before memories found her, the Lach Seaka, who shall no doubt be renowned for generations to come. (Blessed be her memory.) Here is where the tale of mine wise Drottingr began, with a mask of red and black…
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The Lay of Rilken, The Last Drakun Kongr
(the short version)
Originally written by an unnamed Skald
Traditional call and response first recorded by Skald Duinen
Short version recorded by Skald Bjarke
I. Rilken the Mighty, Rilken the Bold
First of his lineage, famed Drakun Kongr
Rilken the Just, Rilken of Old
Died in his manhood, but still young was he
This is the story, the day that he fell
Listen, my friends. Truth do I tell?
Are you not Rilken's kin?
--Yes, we are Rilken's kin.
--As he lived, we shall live.
--As he died, we shall die.
--Our hearts and our hands do we pledge.
II. Rilken the Brave, beloved Kongr of this land
Fighter, Builder, Wielder of Morel
Bound us together under his hand
His life was for his people, whom he loved
And the honest pursuit of truth
Listen, my friends. Truth do I tell?
Are we not Rilken's kin?
--Yes, we are Rilken's kin.
--As he lived, we shall live.
--And his love, we do share.
--Our hearts and our hands do we pledge.
III. Rilken the Peaceful, cared not for war
But sought to correct the balance
For the Heartless Ones, blighted Dunival
They feigned betrayal, the crooked betrayers
And Rilken swore to uphold their cause
But, oh, at what cost? Quick, speak truth.
Are you not Rilken's kin?
--Yes, we are Rilken's kin.
--As he lived, we shall live.
--And his cost, we shall pay.
--Our hearts and our hands do we pledge.
IV. Rilken the Truthful, heard not their lies
But pledged his men to blighted Dunival's aide
When the truth was found, it could not be undone
The Ageless forgive not a blow struck
Rilken's reward was Ilvana's downfall
Listen, my friends. And remember the truth.
Are you not Rilken's kin?
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--Yes, we are Rilken's kin.
--As he lived, we shall live.
--As he fought, we shall fight.
--Our hearts and our hands do we pledge.
V. Rilken the Faithful, repented his mistake
But it was too late. Oh, it was too late
The Unwavering are as cold as fire frozen
The Mountain's decision cannot be swayed
Ilvana and blighted Dunival, abandoned
Sing a mourning song, friends. Truth do I tell?
Are we not Rilken's kin?
--Yes, we are Rilken's kin.
--As he lived, we shall live.
--And his song, we shall sing.
--Our hearts and our hands do we pledge.
VI. Rilken the Guileless, did mourn this loss
And his heart was so greatly burdened
He took leather and fitted it to his face
Never again was his maskless face seen
Penance extracted from one so innocent
Sing a mourning song, friends. Truth do I tell?
Are we not Rilken's kin?
--Yes, we are Rilken's kin.
--As he lived, we shall live.
--And his song, we shall sing.
--Our hearts and our hands do we pledge.
VII. Rilken the Warrior, promised atonement
He promised freedom from this shadow
Rilken the Just, raised high Morel's light
He gathered his men of justice
And together they banished the Heartless
But, oh, at what cost? Quick, speak truth.
Are you not Rilken's kin?
--Yes, we are Rilken's kin.
--As he lived, we shall live.
--And his cost, we shall pay.
--Our hearts and our hands do we pledge.
VIII. Rilken the Morel, honored Kongr of Ilvana
The day he rode out knew his fate
He kissed his wife, fair Drottingr Diyana
She mourned his departure with songs sweet
A songbird's sad song, but one of victory
Sing a mourning song, friends. Truth do I tell?
Are you not Rilken's kin?
--Yes, we are Rilken's kin.
--As he lived, we shall live.
--As he fought, we shall fight.
--Our hearts and our hands do we pledge.
IX. Rilken the Honored, and his men of justice
Men strong as stone, unyielding, mighty
Drove out the Heartless from their hidden places
Men weak as wind, dark as shadow
The Nameless traitors unmasked, brought low
Do you not know, friends? Quick, speak truth.
Are you not Rilken's kin?
--Yes, we are Rilken's kin.
--As he lived, we shall live.
--And his cost, we shall pay.
--Our hearts and our hands do we pledge.
X. Rilken the Mighty, not for love of blood
Nor for pursuit of greed or revenge thoughtless
But for love of his people and his land
Chased the Unnamed ruler to the top of the world
To the crags of Aturnel, there to mete out Ilvana's justice
Listen, my friends, and remember the truth.
Are we not Rilken's kin?
--Yes, we are Rilken's kin.
--As he lived, we shall live.
--And his love, we do share.
--Our hearts and our hands do we pledge.
XI. Rilken the Just, pursued the Unnamed traitor
To the highest step, and raised Morel high
He dealt the final blow, the Heartless' misery
But it was not without cost paid dearly
For both did fall, from the highest to the lowest
Sing us now together, friends, a song of costly victory.
Are you not Rilken's kin?
--Yes, we are Rilken's kin.
--As he lived, we shall live.
--As he died, we shall die.
--Our hearts and our hands do we pledge.
XII. The sunrise bled red, the sunset bled white
The stars fell out of the sky
On this, the day that Rilken died
His reign was short, Fair Diyana did mourn
Our hearts forever will enfold them
Never shall we forget, never shall our mourning cease
But this song we sing of costly victory
For Rilken the Drakun Kongr, famed Kongr of Ilvana
For we are Rilken's kin.
--Yes, we are Rilken's kin.
--As he lived, we shall live.
--And his song, we shall sing.
--Our hearts and our hands do we pledge.
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