Izvestia Russkie Ljudi
The marriage has been officially completed, with Anastasia Romanov being officially vowed to Mikhail II Rurik. The powerful moment was captured in the above painting, which was produced shortly afterward from the memories of Osip Braz, an artist who attended the wedding. The royal couple had just, to the shock of many, ran from the proceedings quickly after their conclusion for a private moment of, perhaps, more personal vows. Braz, who was arriving late to the wedding to his great chagrin, came upon them at an opportune moment. The church seen in the background is that of Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral, where the two were wed on the outskirts of Astrakhan just as the house of worship was finishing its restoration. It was a day of great celebration and joyfulness for nobles and commoners alike, and seems to have pushed back the spectres beyond the border from the shadows of many a mind.
This is a painting by the very same Braz, who took some liberties in creating a post-reconstruction view of Astrakhan. The city should be back to pre-fall levels within the decade and, as the new capital of Nova Roma, should continue to grow beyond its old limits. As ice recedes, it seems the very fabric of the region has been reshaped, making the area strikingly similar to eastern Europe pre-Fall. At least, where the ice has receded; these areas are still, sadly, few and far between. However, by all accounts the ice seems to be withdrawing, no matter how much the Chernomen wish it were not so.
Developments continue to trickle in as informants continue to provide information about the Russian victory to the north and other military expeditions in their planning phases. It appears, thankfully, that Imperial Russia has decided to dedicate its forces to the East after all, confirming many rumors, and shall thus allow the Romans- that is, the Ruriks- to attempt a diplomatic relation with the Georgians. The above image is one which has been slipped to us from friends in Imperial Russia, being shipped from our office there last week. It is about a preliminary skirmish in Siberia, where Imperial forces continue to struggle.
As always, I personally implore you, the reader, to not bring to light the existence of this paper. If the Okhrana were to find us...think of your children. What would happen if you were found with this paper? Obviously, you are a true man to even dare read this. So you must understand the risks, and the rewards, of this publication's continuing existence. I hope you found this news enlightening, and shall find the next installments' just as much so.
