An ode to Jerome de La Salle

[Chaoshawk]

Citoyens of the Republic of Dementlieu,

This is an ode to the heart of the revolution since the death of Pauline Jenout, Jean le Gouttieux, and the many who perished in defense of Dementlieu against Drakov’s aggression.

     I knew Jerome de La Salle as a man of firm convictions, of high moral character, and a dear friend and comrade-in-arms. Jerome de La Salle was an extraordinary man with high hopes and aspirations who was the living, idealized revolutionary who sought to emancipate the people from tyranny. He truly espoused the impetuous spirit and strength of the Dementlieuse people who have inherited the courage and audacity of Emperor Leon. But also, the spirit of liberty that all citizens of the Republique aspire for. Liberty that thousands have perished to first earn and then doggedly protect from enemies, within and without.

     Jerome de La Salle joined the People’s National Army alongside many other comrades and heroes that protected this country in its darkest hours. He fought and bled to protect the Republique from the insidious, opportunistic Falkovnian menace alongside the brave heroes of the People's National Army under General Marceaux. La Salle fought to protect our friends in Mordent and kept the word of our country to our allies, even if they did not do the same for us in our hour of need. Yet, once more the will of the nation is being tested and we must persevere against all odds. We must remember the sacrifices of those who believed in freedom and liberty for all citizens of the republic. We must look back at their efforts with pride and bear the responsibility given to us to continue. There are those defending these treasured beliefs to this day many comrades who already fight the great threat looming over the country and continue to fight the battle La Salle did. The fight is over for Citizen Jerome, but the torch of revolution will never be extinguished. It is burning brighter than ever before and it is folly to not defend it.

     It is true like many other citizens La Salle was not perfect, as no man ever is, and the death of the Duchess de Beauvais was horrendous and is in no way an act to be lauded; yet, it could not have happened to a better person. Simone D’Evreaux preyed on the common man of Dementlieu, undermined the revolution, and has played both sides in the country’s current crisis. No one will forget it was her that championed Elias Cal’Raheal the scoundrel who undermined the Republic in the revolution and her agents worked solely for her own narrow-minded self-interests. It is people like La Salle and our fellow patriotic citizens who are constantly undermined, cheated, lied to by those posing as our friends, allies, and countrymen. As a result of such insidious actions, our country has not delivered us the dreams of Jenout and promises of reform have turned to excuses by our representatives. Instead of implementing reform it is deferred crisis after crisis. Do they not see these crises are but a symptom and not the cause of our troubles?

     For all its ills and troubles, for all the setbacks and lies given the the people of the Republique it is of utmost importance the people of Dementlieu rally! Veterans of the war have fought, the people in the streets have protested and demanded, and our heroes have died for our righteous cause. It is the time not to despair and surrender the few, hard-won rights that have been granted to us. I ask of you my fellow citizens not as the Baron de Larose or as the former commander of the Company of the Fox, but as a citizen I implore all rise up and face the unjust cause of the Maitriser! We must fight against the tyranny he represents, but then do not give up your arms, do not give up your dreams, or your aspirations for liberty. A revolution half-completed is no revolution at all.

     The fight is not truly over once we defeat the decadent and repulsive autocrats of the Covenant, it is after the people must rejoice and then hold the government accountable to the promises of Jenout. Universal rights of citizens to vote, the right to fair share for one’s labor, the right to avoid abuses inflicted by landowners, the end of corruption among bureaucrats and magistrates, and a truly representative republic for not just the gentry and nobility but for the common man of Dementlieu. Stand firm as the People’s National Army did. Do not waver in your beliefs, do not falter in your fight, and never give up your liberty!

VIVE LE REPUBLIQUE! GLOIRE À LA RÉPUBLIQUE!

Citoyen Osker de Larose