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hetalia2009-08-21 07:32 pm
haruki-emishi.livejournal.com) wrote in hetalia2009-08-21 07:32 pm
Entry tags:
[Russia and Latvia Part Four] I know you all are waiting XD
Name: Nothing I Want More
Author:![[info]](https://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif)
haruki_emishi
Rating: PG
Warnings: None this time!
Notes: God this chapter was hard to write I wanted to get it just right without being boring. If I bored anyone this chapter I am soooo sorry. By the way listening to Russian music really helps to set the mood. www.youtube.com/watch <~~ This song in particular.
"Little Latvia you are stronger than many give you credit for. Your efforts to defend myself and my people are commendable and I greatly appreciate it. If you ever need my assistance in return do not hesitate to ask." The man's voice was soothing and warm like the gentle rays of the spring sun.
" Of course Russia I will do my very best to fend off the southern invaders, as well as the Vikings of the North." The short boy stood proudly adorned in his lightweight armor. Blue eyes sparkling with a courage that was deeply rooted within his very people. The protectors of the great and mighty nation of Russia.
Latvia's eyes shot open as his thoughts started to come back together piece by piece. How long had he been sitting there and day dreaming about that? His cheek rested against the palm of his hand he stared listlessly at the wall across from him. Those memories from well over four centuries ago were still fresh as newly fallen snow, as if they had occurred the other day. Was that really him all those years ago? A brave and bold young man who had great skill in wielding a blade and defending with the finest shield made in the land. Someone who was not afraid to stand up against the foreign invaders that threatened their people and stole crops. The Latvia of the past was someone who could walk with his head held high, and with a certain lightness to his steps as the days were good. The Russia of the past as well he recalled a few details that pertained to him. Hence why the young man became confused when Ivan became so terrible.
So cold like the Russian winter.
Russia is a country founded by strong and self-sufficient people, as were all Baltic nations but something about Russia was different. The people of the land were hard workers, tough, and they knew how to defend themselves when the time came. Their spirit was unbreakable in the face of ever growing danger they would not seize up. No one could break the Russian spirit. The small violet eyed boy named Ivan was to grow and become the embodiment of his people, their lifestyles, their beliefs, their everything. Russia is a country founded by battles, horrible conflicts that would soon tear everything asunder. Latvia recalled a happier time when even in the face of small civil wars things were not always so bad. Life was hard but everyone learned to live it and enjoy it as much as they could. The country underwent a metamorphosis around the year 1453 as Constantinople fell like boulders off a cliff. The now capital city Moscow claimed legacy over the Eastern Roman Empire. Everything escalated from there and thus broke out bloody bloody battles.
Latvia himself went through more than enough during this period of his life as well. The German Crusaders had come up from the South and forced his people to convert. It always puzzled Latvia why such holy men were so vicious and cruel to those different than themselves.
"Patriotism is a virtue of the vicious." Russia had told him once when he inferred his concerns on the matter.
How true those words were now that the boy looked back on it. Patriotism for many countries is the glue that holds the people together, a sense of morale that they need. However such a hysteria of love for one's country and it's principles can turn deadly fast. Sighing Latvia closed the notebook in front of him and stood up grabbing it. Turning he let his gaze fall on the clouds that were lazily passing in the blue sky outside the window. Biting his lower lip gently he reached his hands out and touched the pane over his faint reflection. Standing there for a moment staring he finally removed his hand from the glass and turned walking out.
He was just a ghost of his former self.
The public library usually was not too busy but on this weekend in particular Latvia found it taxing. Moving around the people walking out of the aisles he approached the historical references. He looked around at the mountainous shelves of hundreds upon hundreds of thick books. Stepping onto a little stool he tilted his head a little bit trying to read some of the titles. Even if he knew Russia he did not know the man as well as perhaps some, perhaps no one did in reality.
"Too many books ....ugh..." He reached up and pulled out a large red one. As he did another smaller black book toppled down on top of his head. He yelped a little and flailed his arms catching himself before he fell over. Clutching the bookshelf like a lifesaver he sighed and stepped down picking the black book up. Curiously he turned it over to the read the gold colored letting on the front of it. Reign of Ivan the Terrible is what it read and he blinked a little contemplating. Keeping it with himself he moved down the aisle plucking out two more books before heading to one of the tables. Sitting down he piled the books next to him and cracked open the red history book.
It was a monstrous text about the complete history of Russia and back to the earliest period. Very yawn worthy indeed but Raivis decided he was on a mission. A mission that was taking precedence over other tasks at the moment. His eyes scanned over the paragraphs of the first page and soaked up all the information he could possibly retain. A place settled by people from all over the region with over five hundred different languages spoken, and many Vikings sailed the coasts to settle and sometimes raid. The ancient history would appear trivial to many but it was an integral part of what shaped Russia, the man and the country.
"He was happier back then ...he was so much nicer and warmer. The warmth wasn't fake I remember this too. What period in history did he suddenly become jaded and shut in? Was it gradual...?" He wondered quietly to himself flipping through the pages. Taking out the notebook from earlier he started jotting down key points that jumped out at him.
Knocking through ten chapters skimming the information he closed the red book, and picked up the black one opening it to the first page. Ivan the Terrible was most well known in Russian history as the cruelest man there ever was. His ferocity and sadistic nature only second to that of Vlad the Impaler to the south in what is now Romania. The man who turned Russia from a medieval country stuck in time to a small empire of might. As he read his eyes grew wide at some of the passages he came into contact with regarding the man. There stood similarities between Ivan and his namesake Ivan the Terrible he had not realized before. Russia never spoke about how long he had really been around but, Lithuania had always mentioned it was longer than they all thought.
That was it.
Russia, if he were correct, was young during the time of Ivan the Terrible. His youth allowed the state of his growing nation to shape him and influence him while he was still naive.
"Ivan the Terrible was intelligent, devout, prone to fits of rage who had, to some, a questionable mental faculty. In his childhood his father died when he was very young, and thus he became Grand Prince of Moscow. His mother died sometime later from what appeared to be poison...." Raivis kept reading more curiously feeling he found the gold mine he was looking for. If Ivan was still young when these events were taking place then these events could have had a lasting effect. Maybe not so quickly though as Raivis recalled he was not always this way. Something had to be the straw to break the camel's back but, at least he had a start now.
Through Ivan the Terrible's later reign he grew more and more unstable. The treachery of his son and the state of his kingdom was desparate at bit. He was more and more unbalanced and violent then he had been in any of the years earlier. Either passing from the most depraved orgies to the anguish prayers and fasting in a remote monastary. This was the point in Russian history were life was bleak and had stayed almost as such for many many years following.
Oh god.
"Slowly...slowly the light was fading from behind his eyes and we never saw it." He bit his thumbnail a little and stared at the book. They were all so connected with their country ahd their people that it was easy to become to wrapped up in the politics, the civil wars, the anguish, the anger they felt it all. No one's history was ever easy but, now he saw what it was that people talked about when they referred to Russia. When Toris mentioned the lonely young boy who wandered through the Tundras of Siberia, and the wilderness of the mountains. A small child who only wanted a hand to hold onto as he was confused and curious about his situation.
"There really isn't anything more beautiful then summerfields adorned with vast amounts of sunflowers. Sunflowers are very beautiful, da? They are such tall flowers and their petals are large but, they look like the sun fittingly so. I always wanted to live somewhere where I could view flowers more...longer."
Ivan's words echoed through his head like a distant memory of the past. Words spoken to him a little over half a century prior. Closing the book with a heavy feeling in his chest Latvia picked up the next one and placed his hand over the cover. He was not privvy to all the fact but, placing together what little bit he did know and this sudden history revelation many theories started surfacing. Many things became apparent to the young boy that he did not think of before. Even though he was unable to find it within himself now, if ever, to apologize to Russia for his suffering and humiliation he was now stricken with a sense of melancholy.
Russia suffered for because of his people, the Tsars, and he suffered sometimes for his people. The decisions made by the Monarchies, the Governments, he may not have agreed with them all but for the sake of survival would Ivan ever say no? No he never did. He looked at everything in a light that no one could really put their finger on. His childish nature always left people to believe he saw things in black and white, and that was it end of statement. Latvia had already mulled ever Russia's child-like behavior in his head but, the man was so much more than that. He was child-like but managed to also pepper that with very adult intellect and cunning.
Getting up from his seat Latvia went up to the front to check out the red book and the book on Ivan the Terrible. As the woman handed him his books he smiled and walked out into the chilly winter air. Shivering he pulled his green wool coat tighter around himself as he walked. His shoes making the powdery crunch in the snow as he began his long trek home. A few men walked by on the street laughing and apparently having a sing-along as they laughed and clapped. A gust of wind whipped between the buildings billowing many coats and scarfs around in the air. A woman walked by holding onto her son's hand scolding him lightly for being too greedy. Latvia chuckled a little at the boy's apparent distaste for being told he was greedy.
As he made his way to the city limits he stepped onto the dirt road stopping to look back. The people of Russia had personalties and moods swings just like anyone else in the world. Perhaps the harsher times they faced, their grandparent's faced carved them into something more. Something that could withstand the adversity of life and make them appreciate the little things they had right then and there. A nation of survivors and fighters. Who could defend the home and still find time to enjoy song and dance. Who prized their freedom and rights till the bitter end.
....So who was Russia exactly?
Author:
haruki_emishi Rating: PG
Warnings: None this time!
Notes: God this chapter was hard to write I wanted to get it just right without being boring. If I bored anyone this chapter I am soooo sorry. By the way listening to Russian music really helps to set the mood. www.youtube.com/watch <~~ This song in particular.
"Little Latvia you are stronger than many give you credit for. Your efforts to defend myself and my people are commendable and I greatly appreciate it. If you ever need my assistance in return do not hesitate to ask." The man's voice was soothing and warm like the gentle rays of the spring sun.
" Of course Russia I will do my very best to fend off the southern invaders, as well as the Vikings of the North." The short boy stood proudly adorned in his lightweight armor. Blue eyes sparkling with a courage that was deeply rooted within his very people. The protectors of the great and mighty nation of Russia.
Latvia's eyes shot open as his thoughts started to come back together piece by piece. How long had he been sitting there and day dreaming about that? His cheek rested against the palm of his hand he stared listlessly at the wall across from him. Those memories from well over four centuries ago were still fresh as newly fallen snow, as if they had occurred the other day. Was that really him all those years ago? A brave and bold young man who had great skill in wielding a blade and defending with the finest shield made in the land. Someone who was not afraid to stand up against the foreign invaders that threatened their people and stole crops. The Latvia of the past was someone who could walk with his head held high, and with a certain lightness to his steps as the days were good. The Russia of the past as well he recalled a few details that pertained to him. Hence why the young man became confused when Ivan became so terrible.
So cold like the Russian winter.
Russia is a country founded by strong and self-sufficient people, as were all Baltic nations but something about Russia was different. The people of the land were hard workers, tough, and they knew how to defend themselves when the time came. Their spirit was unbreakable in the face of ever growing danger they would not seize up. No one could break the Russian spirit. The small violet eyed boy named Ivan was to grow and become the embodiment of his people, their lifestyles, their beliefs, their everything. Russia is a country founded by battles, horrible conflicts that would soon tear everything asunder. Latvia recalled a happier time when even in the face of small civil wars things were not always so bad. Life was hard but everyone learned to live it and enjoy it as much as they could. The country underwent a metamorphosis around the year 1453 as Constantinople fell like boulders off a cliff. The now capital city Moscow claimed legacy over the Eastern Roman Empire. Everything escalated from there and thus broke out bloody bloody battles.
Latvia himself went through more than enough during this period of his life as well. The German Crusaders had come up from the South and forced his people to convert. It always puzzled Latvia why such holy men were so vicious and cruel to those different than themselves.
"Patriotism is a virtue of the vicious." Russia had told him once when he inferred his concerns on the matter.
How true those words were now that the boy looked back on it. Patriotism for many countries is the glue that holds the people together, a sense of morale that they need. However such a hysteria of love for one's country and it's principles can turn deadly fast. Sighing Latvia closed the notebook in front of him and stood up grabbing it. Turning he let his gaze fall on the clouds that were lazily passing in the blue sky outside the window. Biting his lower lip gently he reached his hands out and touched the pane over his faint reflection. Standing there for a moment staring he finally removed his hand from the glass and turned walking out.
He was just a ghost of his former self.
The public library usually was not too busy but on this weekend in particular Latvia found it taxing. Moving around the people walking out of the aisles he approached the historical references. He looked around at the mountainous shelves of hundreds upon hundreds of thick books. Stepping onto a little stool he tilted his head a little bit trying to read some of the titles. Even if he knew Russia he did not know the man as well as perhaps some, perhaps no one did in reality.
"Too many books ....ugh..." He reached up and pulled out a large red one. As he did another smaller black book toppled down on top of his head. He yelped a little and flailed his arms catching himself before he fell over. Clutching the bookshelf like a lifesaver he sighed and stepped down picking the black book up. Curiously he turned it over to the read the gold colored letting on the front of it. Reign of Ivan the Terrible is what it read and he blinked a little contemplating. Keeping it with himself he moved down the aisle plucking out two more books before heading to one of the tables. Sitting down he piled the books next to him and cracked open the red history book.
It was a monstrous text about the complete history of Russia and back to the earliest period. Very yawn worthy indeed but Raivis decided he was on a mission. A mission that was taking precedence over other tasks at the moment. His eyes scanned over the paragraphs of the first page and soaked up all the information he could possibly retain. A place settled by people from all over the region with over five hundred different languages spoken, and many Vikings sailed the coasts to settle and sometimes raid. The ancient history would appear trivial to many but it was an integral part of what shaped Russia, the man and the country.
"He was happier back then ...he was so much nicer and warmer. The warmth wasn't fake I remember this too. What period in history did he suddenly become jaded and shut in? Was it gradual...?" He wondered quietly to himself flipping through the pages. Taking out the notebook from earlier he started jotting down key points that jumped out at him.
Knocking through ten chapters skimming the information he closed the red book, and picked up the black one opening it to the first page. Ivan the Terrible was most well known in Russian history as the cruelest man there ever was. His ferocity and sadistic nature only second to that of Vlad the Impaler to the south in what is now Romania. The man who turned Russia from a medieval country stuck in time to a small empire of might. As he read his eyes grew wide at some of the passages he came into contact with regarding the man. There stood similarities between Ivan and his namesake Ivan the Terrible he had not realized before. Russia never spoke about how long he had really been around but, Lithuania had always mentioned it was longer than they all thought.
That was it.
Russia, if he were correct, was young during the time of Ivan the Terrible. His youth allowed the state of his growing nation to shape him and influence him while he was still naive.
"Ivan the Terrible was intelligent, devout, prone to fits of rage who had, to some, a questionable mental faculty. In his childhood his father died when he was very young, and thus he became Grand Prince of Moscow. His mother died sometime later from what appeared to be poison...." Raivis kept reading more curiously feeling he found the gold mine he was looking for. If Ivan was still young when these events were taking place then these events could have had a lasting effect. Maybe not so quickly though as Raivis recalled he was not always this way. Something had to be the straw to break the camel's back but, at least he had a start now.
Through Ivan the Terrible's later reign he grew more and more unstable. The treachery of his son and the state of his kingdom was desparate at bit. He was more and more unbalanced and violent then he had been in any of the years earlier. Either passing from the most depraved orgies to the anguish prayers and fasting in a remote monastary. This was the point in Russian history were life was bleak and had stayed almost as such for many many years following.
Oh god.
"Slowly...slowly the light was fading from behind his eyes and we never saw it." He bit his thumbnail a little and stared at the book. They were all so connected with their country ahd their people that it was easy to become to wrapped up in the politics, the civil wars, the anguish, the anger they felt it all. No one's history was ever easy but, now he saw what it was that people talked about when they referred to Russia. When Toris mentioned the lonely young boy who wandered through the Tundras of Siberia, and the wilderness of the mountains. A small child who only wanted a hand to hold onto as he was confused and curious about his situation.
"There really isn't anything more beautiful then summerfields adorned with vast amounts of sunflowers. Sunflowers are very beautiful, da? They are such tall flowers and their petals are large but, they look like the sun fittingly so. I always wanted to live somewhere where I could view flowers more...longer."
Ivan's words echoed through his head like a distant memory of the past. Words spoken to him a little over half a century prior. Closing the book with a heavy feeling in his chest Latvia picked up the next one and placed his hand over the cover. He was not privvy to all the fact but, placing together what little bit he did know and this sudden history revelation many theories started surfacing. Many things became apparent to the young boy that he did not think of before. Even though he was unable to find it within himself now, if ever, to apologize to Russia for his suffering and humiliation he was now stricken with a sense of melancholy.
Russia suffered for because of his people, the Tsars, and he suffered sometimes for his people. The decisions made by the Monarchies, the Governments, he may not have agreed with them all but for the sake of survival would Ivan ever say no? No he never did. He looked at everything in a light that no one could really put their finger on. His childish nature always left people to believe he saw things in black and white, and that was it end of statement. Latvia had already mulled ever Russia's child-like behavior in his head but, the man was so much more than that. He was child-like but managed to also pepper that with very adult intellect and cunning.
Getting up from his seat Latvia went up to the front to check out the red book and the book on Ivan the Terrible. As the woman handed him his books he smiled and walked out into the chilly winter air. Shivering he pulled his green wool coat tighter around himself as he walked. His shoes making the powdery crunch in the snow as he began his long trek home. A few men walked by on the street laughing and apparently having a sing-along as they laughed and clapped. A gust of wind whipped between the buildings billowing many coats and scarfs around in the air. A woman walked by holding onto her son's hand scolding him lightly for being too greedy. Latvia chuckled a little at the boy's apparent distaste for being told he was greedy.
As he made his way to the city limits he stepped onto the dirt road stopping to look back. The people of Russia had personalties and moods swings just like anyone else in the world. Perhaps the harsher times they faced, their grandparent's faced carved them into something more. Something that could withstand the adversity of life and make them appreciate the little things they had right then and there. A nation of survivors and fighters. Who could defend the home and still find time to enjoy song and dance. Who prized their freedom and rights till the bitter end.
....So who was Russia exactly?