Ile du Fleurs

The Imperial Territory of the Ile du Fleurs Le Territoire Impérial de L'île du Fleurs (French)
Flag
Motto: Ad Victoriam (Latin: Until Victory)
Anthem: United we Stand
Capital	Kingstown
Official languages	English, French, Native Rhodeavn
Recognised regional languages	Native Rhodevan Dialects
Demonym(s)	Rhodeve
Government	Rubinian Monarchy
• Queen	Diana Wolff
• Princess Heir	Sierra Everen-Abrams
• Imperial Governor	Mrs. Yet to be Named
Legislature	The Parliament of Rhodevus
• Upper house	Senate
• Lower house	House of Commons
Established  The Kingdom of Galaria
• The Conquest of Bertolf the Lesser	1103
• The Ile du Fleurs	3 September, 1719
Area
• Total
• Water (%)	too much
Population
• 2018 estimate	5,526,840
• Density
GDP (PPP)	2018 estimate
• Total	High
• Per capita	Enough
HDI (2015)	0.937 very high · 6th
Currency	Rhode (R)
Time zone	UTC+0 (No clue)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+1 (Observed)
Date format	dd-mm-yyyy
Driving side	the right
Calling code	+398
Internet TLD	.rdv

The Ile du Fleurs, commonly referred to as the IdF, is an Imperial Territory of Rhodevus located in Ventismar. It is bordered to the East by Mackenzie and Athabaska which lies across the Galarian Straight, and surrounded by the Lutetian Ocean. The Ile du Fleurs is home to 14 world heritage cites.

Etymology

The etymology of the name has been studied since the 7th century. The earliest known attempt at this was due to _______, who related the name of the Galarians to the Greek word γάλα, milk, 'they are called Galarians because of their fair skin. For they are fairer than the rest of the peoples of the region.' Currently, scholars relate the name of the ancient Callaeci either to the Proto-Indo-European *kal-n-eH2 'hill', derived through a local relational suffix -aik-, so meaning 'the hill (people)'; or either to Proto-Celtic *kallī- 'forest', so meaning 'the forest (people)'. In either case, Galaria would mean "land of the Kallaikoi", and be unrelated to the Insular Celtic word Gael, which derives from the root *weydʰ- 'wilderness', or to Gallia, which derives from Celtic *galn- 'power, might'.

The most recent proposal comes from linguist Francesco Benozzo after identifying the root gall- / kall- in a number of Celtic words with the meaning "stone" or "rock", as follows: gall (old Irish), gal (Middle Welsh), gailleichan (Scottish Gaelic), kailhoù (Breton), galagh (Manx) and gall (Gaulish). Hence, Benozzo explains the ethnonym Callaeci as being "the stone people" or "the people of the stone" ("those who work with stones"), in reference to the builders of the ancient megaliths and stone formations so common in Galaria.

Demographics

Language

The predominant language in the Ile du Fleurs is French, being spoken as a first language by 61% of the population. English is the second most spoken language, especially among non-residents.

Religion

Catholicism is the most practiced religion in the Ile du Fleurs.

History

The Ruzkov Empire

The Ruzkov Empire conquered the island in 622 CE until 1073 CE. Sometime in the 800s CE, the Arch of the Fallen was constructed.

The First Kingdom of Galaria

The Kingdom of Flowers was created in circa. 1103, by the inhabitants of the island; the Galaric people. Being a coastal island, it was able to keep its way of life safe from the medieval kingdoms on the mainland, yet still be able to trade or attack them when necessary.

In 1044, a Rukonian Warlord named Bertolf the Lesser started a campaign to remove the Ruzkovian Empire's influence from the island. His war lasted until 1073 when they relinquished control. Bertolf the Lesser tried himself to take control over the entire island, but was unable to muster the forces necessary after 29 years of fighting. Instead, he claimed a section of the North and East of the island to found his own tiny empire. Bertolf the Lesser had two sons, Carlomann and Arnulf.

In 1097, a small Ruzkovian force was sent to reclaim the island for the empire. In the Battle of Ramsfold, Carlomann and Arnulf combined their forces to defeat the Ruzkovian invaders. During this battle, Arnulf was said to have seen an Ichthys in the clouds and believed the victory to be a sign from god. After, he converted from his native Aunhii religion to Catholicism.

The Bertolvian Dyansty from 1044-1210

In 1103, after the death of Bertolf, Arnulf, the younger son was crowned by a Catholic Priest as King Arnulf I. He took a Catholic wife and they had one son; Konradine. King Arnulf I ruled from 1103 to 1113 when he died at the hands of his elder brother during the First War of Succession. As the victor, Carlomann crowned himself as King Carlomann I and ruled under the Aunhii faith. Carlomann I was better known as Carlomann the Rukonian. Prince Konradine and his mother fled the island and took refuge in the Kingdom of Anduri (modern day Rezua).

King Carlomann I has two sons: Arnulf and Carlomann. In 1128, Konradine returned to reclaim the throne which was stolen from his father, beginning the War of the Three Princes. During the course of this war, King Carlomann I died of natural causes (1129) and his eldest son Arnulf was crowned King Arnulf II. In the decisive Battle of Suioex Von, Konradine defeated King Arnulf II and Carlomann, throwing both in prison. He was then crowned King Konradine I.

In 1139, King Konradine I pardoned Arnulf and allowed him to serve as a lord. In 1142, this pardon was extended to Carlomann, who accepted, but after being freed, fled to the island's South, to raise an army and lead a revolt. Carlomann won the Battle of Killon in 1142, but lost the Battle of Alzenau along with his life. King Konradine I ruled from 1131 to 1157. During that time, he and his wife; princess Joann Maraise of the Kingdom of Anduri had 7 children. The first 6 were daughters with the youngest being a son, whom he named Arnulf.

King Konradine I died in 1157, passing the throne onto his only son, who was crowned King Arnulf III. During his reign, he fought in the War of Andurian Succession against the Southern Coalition between 1161-1167, when he claimed the Kingdom of Anduri as his inheritance due to his mother being the princess of Anduri. The war was a defeat and he relinquished claim to the Anduri throne, just as the Kingdom fo Anduri was engulfed and divided amongst the victors.

The Flag of Galaria from 1150-1715.

King Arnulf III died in 1171 and his eldest son Arnulf became King Arnulf IV.

King Arnulf IV was succeeded by his younger brother, King Leopold I in 1177 and King Leopold I was succeeded by his son, King Konradine II in 1191. King Konradine II extended the borders of his kingdom farther South on the island.

In 1210, King Konradine II died of Influenza, splitting his kingdom among his four children: Gewan, Henrick, Burghard and Arnulf.

The War Era

The four kings each settled into their own territories. Gewan was given the Western portion of the Kingdom and became known as the Kingdom of Eowalina. Henrick was given the South portion, which became known as the Kingdom of Brorewin. Burghard was given the North portion of Galaria and Arnulf was given the Eastern portion, which became known as the Kingdom of Baredia. Almost immediately, all four kingdoms vied for power and complete control over the island. In 1211, the Kingdoms of Brorewin and Galaria went to war, fighting in the Battles of Henwick and Leffiel in 1211 and 1213 respectively, both of which were Galarian victories.

King Henrick was killed in the Battle of Leffiel in 1213 and the throne passed to his only child, his daughter Queen Ellise I; known more as the Red Queen.

King Arnulf V and the Kingdom of Baredia pushed further South along the coast into the Southern Forests. the Kingdom of Baredia did go to war against the Kingdom of Galaria in 1212 and would be in a semi-continuous state of war with the kingdom until 1289.

The Kingdom of Eowalina fought small wars against Baredia and Brorewin for control over the valuable Fleurian Shield; the lands at the center of the island. These wars took place in 1215-1219 and 1223-1234 respectively. King Gewan died of disease in 1235, his throne passing to his second son, Ander due to the death of his first in the Battle of Waik's Shield in 1232.

In 1227, the island was invaded by the Ruzkov Empire once again, from the South-West of the island. The Kingdoms of Brorewin, Eowalina and Baredia fought together to slow the expansion of the Empire towards the center of the island, in the War of Ruzkov Expansion from 1227 to 1230.

King Arnulf V of the Kingdom of Baredia would be killed in the Battle of Whistleton in 1230 against the Ruzkov Empire and was succeeded by his ten year old son, King Arnulf VI.

King Burghard of the Kingdom of Galaria died in 1231 and was succeeded by King Arnulf VII.

The Kingdoms of Galaria and Baredia partake in the Battle of the Rift in 1237 which saw half of Galaria's armies crushed. Later that same year, war between Brorewin and Eowalina began, lasting until 1240 with the death of Queen Ellise I of Brorewin. In that time, five battles took place, all of which were major Brorewene victories. Queen Ellise I was killed in the fifth battle, but her son King Bernhard took up the charge and defeated the Eowalinan army in the Battle of the Castle in 1240.

Galaria and Eowalina fight the Ruzkov Empire in the War for Survival, lasting from 1241 to 1250. King Arnulf VIII of Galaria perished in the first battle of this war, with his son King Konradine III taking up the throne. The Ruzkov Empire does win the war, claiming territory from each kingdom. King Ander of Eowalina dies from age in 1249, a year before the war ends and is succeeded by his son King Richolf.

In 1252, King Arnulf VI of Berdia dies from disease and is followed by King Konradine IV. In 1255, King Richolf of Eowalina dies of disease and is succeeded by his son King Arnulf VIII.

In 1259, the Battle of Konradine begins, between King Konradine III of Galaria and King Konradine IV of Baredia. Both kings are killed in the battle and it ends in a draw. Konradine III is succeeded by King Ruper and King Konradine IV is succeeded by King Carlomann II.

The Kingdoms of Brorewin and Galaria create a tenuous alliance against the Kingdoms of Baredia and Eowalina and begin the War of Petals (1260-1273). During the course of this war, King Ruper of Galaria dies of old age in 1267, passing the throne to his daughter Queen Geladine. King Bernhard of Brorewin dies in the Battle of Callway in 1262, the throne passing to his son, King Libing. King Arnulf VIII of Eowalina dies in the Second Battle of Callway in 1271, the throne passing to his only son, King Volmar. The Kingdoms of Brorewin and Galaria come out as victors of the war and accept large sums of gold and silver as payment.

Not long after in 1275, Brorewin and Galaria fight in the Battle of Willimshold, which is a decisive Galarian victory.

In 1278, King Carlomann II of Baredia dies of old age, the throne passing to his sickly son King Lukas. King Lukas dies in 1283 of disease, passing to his uncle, King Henri.

In 1289, Queen Geladine of Galaria and King Henri of Baredia broker the Peace of the Archway, ending their 77 year long war. In the same year, the Ruzkov Empire and the Kingdom of Brorewin face off in the Battle of Sheepsridge. King Libing is killed in the battle, but they manage to win. King Debul takes the throne of Brorewin.

Brorewin defeats Galaria in 1294, executing Queen Geladine. Brorewin then defeats the Kingdom of Eowalina in 1290, leading to the death of King Volmar in the Battle of Stead and the Kingdom of Baredia in 1296 leading to the death of King Henri of Baredia by poison. Baredia is ruled by Queen Liela, Eowalina by King Wortwin and Galaria by King Arnulf IX.

in 1297, the Kingdoms of Eowalina, Baredia and Galaria form the Alliance of the Brave and declare war on the Kingdom of Brorewin. In the massive Battle of Henslow in 1299, King Debul of Brorewin is defeated and killed. His kingdom is absorbed and divided amongst the three remaining kingdoms. The Alliance is dissolved and all go to war with one another. Lacking sufficient forces for such a large war, King Arnulf IX of Galaria marries Princess Frederika Louise of the Kingdom of Hohenzern (Ventismarian Engleberg) whom provides a large army of 15,000 to fight alongside them.

In 1299, Galaria and the Ruzkov Empire go to war.

In 1300, the Kingdom of Galaria crushes the Kingdom of Eowalina in the Battle of Kingship. King Wortwin of Eowalina is captured and executed, his territory being absorbed into Galaria.

In 1301, King Arnulf IX of Galaria and Queen Liela of Baredia lead two massive victories in the Battles of Hastings and Little Rock against the Ruzkov Empire, driving them from the island and dividing their territory between the two. Following that war and discovering that after five years of trying for children, Queen Liela is barren, she authorizes the creation of a treaty which states if she is unable to bear an heir by the time of her death, the throne and the kingdom of Baredia will pass on to the Kingdom of Galaria. Two months later, she was discovered dead in her bed. Most believe she was assassinated by King Arnulf IX who took control of Baredia and unified the island under a single kingdom and monarch.

Unification Era

King Arnulf IX spent the early years of unification consolidating his hold over the island. He did this by proclaiming Catholicism as the official religion of the kingdom, placing extra burdens on people of Aunhii faith and Kerlitists; those people who mixed Aunhii with Catholicism. Between 1301 and 1315, the Kingdom of Galaria paid for large building projects, including fortifications of the keep and castle as well as a road network between the castles governed by lords.

In 1310, King Arnulf IX and Queen Frederika had their first children; twins Mikael and Ruper. To celebrate their birth, he commissioned a set of tournaments, awarding vast prizes to the winners, bankrupting the kingdom. To pay for the growing expenses, the king began auctioning off the use of his armies. The Galarian army, numbered some 22,000 could be sold to larger kingdoms to fuel their wars.

In 1312, King Arnulf IX makes a deal with the Kingdom of Lindenholt to have Galarian soldiers work as guards to the royal family. Due to the loyalty shown by the soldiers, this honour remains to this day with Fleurian soldiers still acting as a part of the Lindian Royal Guard.

In 1339, King Arnulf IX dies, passing the throne to his eldest son, King Ruper II.

In 1348, King Ruper declares war on _____ and leads an army of 15,000 away from the island to fight in mainland Ventismar. In 1354, a minor lord from Allentyr named Lord Gustav Karlsen leads a force of 6,000 to take the Kingdom of Galaria for themselves. The Galarian army of 15,000; more than twice the size of the Allentyrian force is disastrously defeated in the Battle of Anjou Hills.

Hearing of the loss of his kingdom, King Ruper II returns with his force, now numbering just 10,000 to reclaim his homeland. The Allentyrians and Galarians face off in two major battles. The Battle of the Sand in 1355 was a Galarian Victory and the Siege of Galaria was a Galarian defeat. King Ruper II was captured in the assault on his own castle. Tried for treason, he was executed by hanging in a public execution. His wife and all male heirs were then found and slaughtered. Only King Ruper II youngest son, Ander, known as Ander the Swift was able to flee thanks to the actions of his eldest brother, Prince Henri engaging the Allentyrian forces in the futile Battle of Village Keep. King Ruper II's remaining female children were allowed to remain to live as long as they swore their allegiance to Lord Gustav Karlsen, officially turning the Kingdom of Galaria into a vassal kingdom of Allentyr. Lord Gustav married the eldest daughter Cateline. With their marriage, the Bertolvian dynasty ends and the Karlsenian dynasty begins.

Vassal Kingdom

From 1355 until 1510, the Kingdom of Galaria was a vassal kingdom to the Kingdom of Allentyr. During this time, multiple rebellions were lead to free themselves from this vassalage.

While a lord in Allentyr, Lord Gustav was crowned King Gustav in 1356 in the Cathedral of Sainte-Ameliea.

In 1359, news began resurfacing of the one remaining heir to the Bertolvian dynasty still being alive. Almost at once, lords began choosing sides. Either to back Prince Ander's claim to the throne, or Lord Gustav's. What was to follow was the Anderian War of Redemption, which saw Ander the Swift leading a force of 4,000 on a hit-and-run campaign against King Gustav's much larger army all across Galaria. Prince Ander was finally captured in 1366 and sentenced to life in prison, after Queen Cateline's famous request for Safety. Prince Ander the Swift died a year later of disease; most likely of tuberculosis.

The Second Kingdom of Galaria

Finally free from the Kingdom of Allentyr, Galaria threw itself into the Renaissance, catching up to its Ventismarian neighbours.

In 1527, the Protestant Reformation made its way to Galaria. The movement was heavily criticized by the Catholic nobility as well as the Catholic church, but it gained popularity with the peasants and lower classes. It became especially popular with the growing middle class and traders. The separation between the aristocracy and common-people came to a head in a series of peasant rebellions between 1536 and 1564.

The War of Flowers (1977-1979)

Main Article: The War of Flowers

Often called the War for the Ile of Flowers, this war began in 1977 between Rhodevus and the Ile of Flowers, who declared independence after the failed referendum. It lasted from May 4, 1977 until August 19, 1979. The war was fought between 3 sides; Rhodevus, Loyalists and Royalists. The Royalists fought to re-install the Kingdom of Flowers, and remove Rhodevus from control, while Rhodevus and the Loyalists fought to reinstate Rhodeve control. Rhodevus sent 40 warships to the small island, to re-enforce the Loyalists.

With a Rhodeve victory over the Royalists, the Ile of Flowers was brought back into Rhodeve control. It did result in heavy losses, with only 7 of the Rhodeve ships ever returning home and 7.5% of the islands population killed.

As a result of this war, the Ile of Flowers did gain more authority over its internal workings and has been nominated for Imperial status is Rhodevus.

Geography

Climate data for someplace(1998–2018 averages)
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Record high °C (°F)	19.4 (66.9)	22.6 (72.7)	28.5 (83.3)	37.2 (99.0)	42.2 (108.0)	43.3 (109.9)	45.0 (113.0)	43.3 (109.9)	40.0 (104.0)	34.0 (93.2)	26.1 (79.0)	22.2 (72.0)	45.0 (113.0)
Average high °C (°F)	5.6 (42.1)	6.4 (43.5)	10.0 (50.0)	14.0 (57.2)	18.0 (64.4)	20.4 (68.7)	22.8 (73.0)	22.6 (72.7)	19.1 (66.4)	14.6 (58.3)	9.6 (49.3)	6.1 (43.0)	14.1 (57.4)
Daily mean °C (°F)	3.1 (37.6)	3.3 (37.9)	6.2 (43.2)	9.2 (48.6)	13.1 (55.6)	15.6 (60.1)	17.9 (64.2)	17.5 (63.5)	14.5 (58.1)	10.7 (51.3)	6.7 (44.1)	3.7 (38.7)	10.1 (50.2)
Average low °C (°F)	0.3 (32.5)	0.2 (32.4)	2.3 (36.1)	4.1 (39.4)	7.8 (46.0)	10.5 (50.9)	12.8 (55.0)	12.3 (54.1)	9.9 (49.8)	6.9 (44.4)	3.6 (38.5)	1.0 (33.8)	6.0 (42.8)
Record low °C (°F)	−61.1 (−78.0)	−63.0 (−81.4)	−54.7 (−66.5)	−48.9 (−56.0)	−32.2 (−26.0)	−20.6 (−5.1)	−8.9 (16.0)	−15 (5)	−31.7 (−25.1)	−41.7 (−43.1)	−54.4 (−65.9)	−60.0 (−76.0)	−63.0 (−81.4)
Average precipitation mm (inches)	69.6 (2.74)	55.8 (2.20)	66.8 (2.63)	42.3 (1.67)	61.9 (2.44)	65.6 (2.58)	81.1 (3.19)	72.9 (2.87)	78.1 (3.07)	82.8 (3.26)	79.8 (3.14)	75.8 (2.98)	832.5 (32.78)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.1 mm)	17	14	17	13	14	14	14	14	15	16	18	17	184
Average snowy days (≥ 0 cm)	6	6	4	2	0	—	—	—	—	0	2	5	25
Average relative humidity (%)	87	84	81	75	75	76	77	79	84	86	89	89	82
Mean monthly sunshine hours	62.3	85.7	121.6	173.6	207.2	193.9	206.0	187.7	138.3	112.9	63.0	49.3	1,601.5
Source: statsrhode.rdv/en/weather/Kingstown

Politics

Parliament

The parliament of the Ile du Fleurs is known as the Governor's Council, which is presided over by a Governor. In the past, the governor was an appointed position, chosen by the monarch, but it has since become an elected position, with the final choice being approved or disapproved of by the monarch. Since the monarchs have stopped selecting the governor of the Ile du Fleurs in 1898, there has yet to be a rejection. This has lead to a great deal of good faith between the island's residents and the monarchy back in Rhodevus.

The Governor's Council is comprised of 215 seats, with the party who holds a majority, selecting one of their own to act as governor.

Political parties

There are four major political parties in the Ile du Fleurs and seven minor parties. Major parties are given the ability to attend all election debates in the next election cycle, while minor parties must be asked to attend. To be considered a major party, the party must hold at least five seats on the Governor's Council.

Local politics

  Liberal Party: 31 seats

  Conservative Party: 24 seats

  Environmentalist Party: 138 seats

  Royalist Party: 1 seat

  Imperialist Party: 1 seat

  United Peoples Party: 4 seats

  New Justice Party: 6 seats

  Independents: 5 seats

  Le Parti de la Liberté: 1 seat

  Free Galaria Party: 3 seats

  Kingdom of Flowers Party: 1 seat

As an Imperial Territory, the autonomous region of the island holds its own elections with its own political parties. Most parties are branches of those on the mainland, but there are some uniquely Fleurian parties which help split the vote. Elections for the 215 seats on the Governor's Council are held every 4 years. The party who wins the most seats on the council selects a member to act as the Imperial Governor. This person is always chosen before the election cycle begins as they represent the face of the party on the island.

Since 1950, only two parties have ever held the governorship of the island; the United Peoples Party, which held the position from 1952-1964 and the Environmentalist Party from 1964 until the present day. The Green Party has considered the Ile du Fleurs as a secure election, as they still maintain a favourable position, having won the most recent elections with incumbent Governor Mary Shuvell, with a majority 64% of the vote at a 71% voter turnout.

Military and Military Bases

The Ile du Fleurs is commonly referred to as one of the most heavily fortified places in Sunalaya. This is due to the massive international military presence on the island, thanks to multiple treaties and agreements with nations to allow for the establishment of military bases on the island. There are four primary military bases; two operated by Rhodevus, one by the Rhodeve Commonwealth and one by Aznazia. Smaller facilities and bases surround nearly the entire island as well.

Other nations with bases on the island include Belantica, Romaikos and ____.

All bases have access to docks to house and maintain ships of various sizes, while larger bases also possess runways. Smaller bases like the Romaikos Base is allowed to use the runway in the nearby Rhodeve base for its planes.

Economy

Energy

Energy Breakdown 2019

The Ile du Fleurs has a wide variety of potential sources for energy, including some of Rhodevus's only usable natural gas reserves. Until the 1970s, oil and coal made up the vast majority of Fleurian energy usage, reaching peak use of 84% in 1959. Following the Coal Reduction Proposal in 1964, which requested of the Rhodeve government to pass a law to mandate the reduction of coal usage in the territory, coal use fell steadily. The final coal plant on the island was shut down in 1999.

Renewable resources, primarily wind and solar became extremely popular since the 1980s, seeing increased use year after year. After the Solar Act was passed in 2003 which recommended the placement of solar panels on all newly constructed houses, residential solar use has remained high. Large industrial battery farms are located in Souix Vonn and Cushaeux to maintain power at peak demand hours.

The Green Party has maintained their election promise to run entirely on renewable resourced by 2025. They are currently ahead of schedule, with plans to shut down the remaining two oil-fueled electricity generation plants in 2020 and 2021.

Culture

Philosophy and literature

Fleurian literature, more commonly known as Galarian literature or Galarian folklore is widespread and common, thanks to the two major publishing houses on the island as well as the people's unique and diverse culture. During the middle ages, dozens of fairy tales were written in order to promote specific behaviours and beliefs among its people. The most well known of these fairy tales is 'The Kitten' (trans. La Chaton Fille), believed to be written originally in the early 1330s by a priest named Gaétan Pinchon. This however was just the first known version of the fairy tale, with many historians believing that Pinchon's version was a rewritten and modernized version of a story from even earlier. Since the Pinchonite version, it has been copied and rewritten numerous times with the most famous being published in 1583 by a Rezuan scholar named Adalbert Pracht.

Once in the village of Piquéon, there lived a woman most wanted in the lands. Many a lord and noble were turned away at her door with gifts of flowers and song and poetry. In a late summer's day, the woman so wanted announced that she shall be married to the one who can open the front door with the key around her cat's neck.

So suitors from the East and suitors from the North came and they went. The greatest hunters and trappers. The wisest of scholars. The ennobled knights and proud princes. All ventured forth to the village of Piquéon to find and capture this cat. The hunters and trappers swept through the forests and grasslands, reading the leaves and pawprints. Leaving traps behind to capture the kitten. They chased and tracked and trailed the kitten, only for it to overcome and outrun them. The greatest hunters and trappers left the village of Piquéon with their heads hung low, unable to capture the kitten.

The wisest of scholars read their books and studied kittens. For them, they waited in the sunniest spots in the village of Piquéon. They waited for cool days, when the sun's warm rays would entice the kitten to them. For then, they could pounce when the kitten is tired and weakened. And for once, the cat did come. But none were able to ensnare the kitten. The wisest scholars left the village of Piquéon with their heads hung low, unable to capture the kitten.

The ennobled knights and proud lords would find the kitten. They would command the kitten to follow them. To hand over the key to the most wanted woman's front door. But that kitten, being a kitten, did no such thing. As the ennobled knights and proud lords commanded and called, the kitten would play and eat and run. And once again, the ennobled knights and proud lords left the village of Piquéon with their heads hung low, unable to capture the kitten.

In the village of Piquéon, a young man, a farmer of the fields lived. With no great skill at the hunt, or wealth of the mind, or riches of the world lived. Tending to his fields, he watched each day as hunters and scholars and lords chased and prodded a kitten. As the kitten ran and grew tired of the events of the day, evading suitors, much like her owner, the young man took pity on the kitten and left some food from his table on his porch and went to sleep.

The next morning, the food was gone and the kitten was not in sight. And so he tended his meager fields, and watched as trappers and scholars and knights chased and prodded the kitten. Again he took pity and left food from his table on his porch. And the kitten appeared, and so he let her inside and fed her food off his table and cleaned the dirt from her fur. And then the kitten would leave.

As the men of the many lands surrounding the village of Piquéon worked tiredly to catch and capture the kitten, the young farmer would feed her and clean her and pet her. And when the hunters and trappers, scholars, knights and lords left, heads hung low, the kitten would spend the night in the farmer's home. And in the morning, left a key on the young man's pillow.

Believing the kitten to have left it by mistake, he went forth to the woman most wanted's home and unlocked her front door. In doing so, he won the heart of the woman, by winning the heart of her kitten. And by Autumn's end, the young farmer and most wanted woman were married.

— Adalbert Pracht, La Chaton Fille

External links

• Rhodevus's NationStates web page