The next morning, the Herald users members of the family into the Banqueting Hall, which has been divided in familiar fashion to give a feel of intimacy. Ornate heraldic heavy tapestries depicting hunting, the flight of a golden gryphon, and similar themes partition the hall. Above, a string quartet plays lightly to enhance the mood, while a night's rest seems to have done the castle's servants the power of good. Freshly starched and uniformed, they bustle about offering drinks and taking orders as if nothing has changed.

 

 The long breakfast table has places set for everyone, but instead of the silver candelabra in the centre, there is a purple velvet cushion, on which sits a pristine golden crown.

 

 To the right hand of the head of the table sits Princess Florimel, looking effortlessly radiant. Her hair flows freely over her bare shoulders, while her pale green dress seems to cling precariously to her fulsome curves. It is embroidered with emeralds down the front, which sparkle spectacularly in the candle-light. She smiles broadly as first her son Kendrick, then Sarael enter the room.

 

Sarael enters dressed in a simple gray cloak covering an off-white shirt and dark gray pants. Black gloves and boots complete the ensemble.

 

Kendrick enters the room dressed in a darker emerald green doublet.  His outfit seeming to accent Flora's garments perfectly.  He walks over and kisses his mother's hand.  "You look radiant this morning, mother", and takes a seat to her right.

 

Flora gestures for the two men to sit.

 

Sarael bows to Florimel and sits where she indicates.

 

General Aelric is the next to enter.

 

To his surprise, Kendrick notices her eyes are green!  "Thank you dear boy," Flora says. {in a whisper} "They go better with the dress, don't you think?"

 

“You would look stunning in a burlap sack mother.”  Kendrick smiles.

 

Flora visibly bristles.  "Were my mortal remains turned to dust and blown on the Mistral still I

would not be seen in a burlap sack." She replies hotly.

 

Kendrick smiles, "I am sure.  It was just a figure of speech saying how lovely you are."

 

Aelric enters, and looks a bit surprised, but quickly adjusts his composure. He is wearing a fitting pair of breaches in black, with a clean and pressed white shirt, and a black suit-coat. He's wearing no trace of jewelry this morning. He looks clean, freshly shaved, and recently bathed. He appears to be slightly tired.  He bows to Bleys. "Your Regency." He moves and takes a seat on the periphery.

 

[OOC: Bleys isn't actually here yet, so I'll save that for when he is!]

 

Sarael nods to Aelric as he takes his seat.

 

"Lord Sareal." he returns the gesture.

 

Somewhat mollified, she settles back in her seat.  "Careful what figures you play with," Flora says, before breaking into a smile. She turns to Aelric. "Now tell me, Castellan, what became of dear Dara?"

 

Peredur arrives and takes a seat. He does a double take when he sees Flora, but doesn't comment.  "Morning all," he says.

 

Sarael nods to Peredur, but still sits in silence watching those who sit and those who enter.

 

"A wanted poster and heightened security," Aelric replies.  "She escaped about a week back. Prince Malcolm and Prince Sareal were looking into that."

 

Flora stiffens as if struck.  "Escaped? LORD Sarael, please enlighten me as to how she achieved this."  She asks, struggling for calm, but colour rising from her neck.

 

Aelric interjects. "If I may, Your Highness?"

 

"I'm listening," Flora says, folding her arms.

 

Aelric continues, "She had help. Preliminary investigation pointed to the Caitriona and/or Rinaldo as possible suspects. Our recent ... troubles ... may cooroberate that. After she was loose, she made her way to the Cathedral, where she utilized some Power-base there to transport off. A pentagram of some sorts?  Sigil on the ground? Prince Malcolm and Prince Sareal were investigating that end, Your Highness."

 

"I see," Flora says, subconsciously balling her delicate fingers into hard white fists. "Do you have anything to add?" She asks of Sarael.

 

Sarael looks up at Flora strangely for a moment, as if his mind had been occupied

with something else. He quickly recovers.  "Malcolm and I discovered that the Pentagram within the Chapel was a trump portal.  You would bring to mind where you wished to travel and it would send you there.  Both Dara and Merlin had used it, Dara to escape. The context of Merlin's use of

the Trump portal remains to be discovered." He watches Florimel curiously. "If there is any

other information you require, my lady, we can discuss it after breakfast. I can get you my

written reports on the findings, then."

 

At this point Morvana arrives, followed shortly afterward by Malcolm.

 

"Thank you Lord Sarael," Flora says, though she is no longer looking at him. There is the approach of heavy booted feet, making a distinctive clack-clack sound as the metal studded soles impact on the stone floor.

 

Deirdre walks in, her long black hair cascading over her shoulders bouncing as she does so. A thin strand of silver runs from her brow, which she brushes behind one ear as she scans the room with cold crystal blue eyes.  Her gaze settles on Flora and her mouth twitches. She pulls a chair and sits down heavily in it, opposite her sister. She doesn't bother to take off the shapeless mahogany leather jacket that hides a jangle of necklaces around her neck.

 

Morvana walks in, surprised to see the woman she only recognizes from pictures.  She wears a deep purple skirt, and a light grey long sleeved silk shirt.  She wears a simple choker of silver and amethysts.  Her hair is unbound and flows around her shoulders.  She looks at the assembled

crowd and as her eyes alight on the crown, one eyebrow raises in a slight gesture of surprise.

 

Shortly after Morvana, Malcolm enters.  He looks over the room and as his eyes rest on Sarael, he nods his head to him.  As his eyes comes to Flora he gives an appreciative smile but as they come to Dierdre a more curious expression takes place until as Morvana his eyes goes to the crown.  His expression then is more sober.  As sober as his cloths, which are all in black this morning.  Only a belt around his waist of a cloth like material shows his normal colors of grey, green and blue.

 

Morvana nods and smiles to all she knows.

 

Aelric stands. "Good Morning, Your Highness."

 

Deirdre glares at Aelric. Flora, perhaps prompted by instinct begins introducing everyone.

 

"Ah, dear sister, I don't believe you've met all our castle residents - this is Aelric, the castellan, Duchess Morvana, Lords Kendrick, Peredur and Malcolm. Lord Sarael you know, of course..." She says, indicating each in turn.

 

Deirdre turns and glares at her for a few seconds before resuming her former pose; arms crossed staring ahead.

 

Beatrix bustles in and sits without ceremony, still in her riding gear, hair untamed and free. Flora tuts but Deirdre ignores her.

 

A herald arrives and announces: "Prince Bleys, Regent of Jade!"

 

Deirdre springs to her feet.

 

Aelric rises, as does Kendrick.

 

As does Sarael slowly and with much respect and just a hint of reverence.

 

Perhaps a bit slower then the rest, but Malcolm does rise as well and waits for Bleys to enter.

 

Bleys walks in and pauses before taking his seat at the head of the table.  His eyes loiter on the crown, then scan the faces before him. He seems troubled, but smiles and sits (which means everyone else can sit).  "Much as I enjoy all of our company, I have not just brought you here for

that reason." He says. "Some seek responsibility, others have it thrust upon them. This morning, I was pushed into the latter category."

 

He pauses, waits for wine to be served, takes a long drink.  "It is my intention to call for the most senior clergyman of old Amber, Heronimus Cornelius, the Cardinal of Thelbane. One week from now I intend to be crowned and anointed king of this realm. I will require your support and your oaths, as tradition dictates. I shall swear to serve Jade, and you must swear to serve me." 

 

"Long live the king!" Deirdre cries, making Flora jump. She seems momentarily lost for words.

 

Sarael nods at this. "You have my oath and my full support."

 

Aelric nods. "May your reign be peaceful."

 

Morvana holds up her goblet in toast, "May your reign be fruitful and kind."

 

Beatrix adds her own oath.

 

"Long live the king," Flora echoes.

 

Malcolm follows Flora, "May the King's rule be long and productive." He salutes his own glass to Bleys, but then adds, "But if I might ask.   What happened this morning that you feel you must be crowned within a week instead of remaining Regent until some firm knowledge could be found about Brand's fate?"

 

Bleys fixes Malcolm with a meaningful stare.  "Before witnesses this crown you see before you was lain at my feet by the Unicorn herself. That is why I am compelled to act."

 

"The Unicorn" Malcolm whispered under his breath and then he stood up and bowed towards Bleys, "It is without question then that I too will serve the new King."

 

"As will I," says Morvana firmly.

 

"Good," Bleys says, easing back in his chair. "Now then, a couple of other matters. In order to make best use of the skills available to me, I have decided to impliment some re-structuring. General Aelric and Lucien are to be in charge of Special Assignments, and their current roles made redundant. Instead, Peredur will become Lord Chamberlain, with the Stewards, the Lieutenent and his men reporting directly to him. Princess Flora I appoint as Chatelaine, Duchess Morvana as Dean of the College of Thaumaturgy, Lord Kendrick as Director of Communications. Congratulations to you all, and good luck in your new positions."

 

Peredur looks pleased.

 

"What do I get?" Beatrix asks brazenly.  "You will be Mistress of the Hunt." Bleys replies. Beatrix grins.

 

Sarael observes the interactions, but says nothing.  Again he seems somewhat distracted and deep in thought.

 

Aelric frown slightly, but nods. "Yes, Your Majesty.  Congratulations, Your Highness (to Peredur)."

 

"Thank you," Peredur says, grinning from ear to ear.

 

Malcolm glances towards Morvana, "Congratulations...." he says to her before looking to Bleys, "Shall I continue in my current role as magical advisor to the Lord Chamberlain?" he asks Bleys.

 

She nods and smiles.

 

"Indeed," Bleys replies. "There are a number of issues on which we will need your assistance."

 

"I will be available for whatever services might be required." Malcolm says back to Bleys.

 

He returns Morvana's acknowledgement with his own smile before waiting for the next order of business.

 

"Glad to hear it." Bleys says. "Now - breakfast."

 

At that, the servants descend on the table distributing a variety of breakfast items for the delectation of the assembled guests.  Deirdre pointedly does not move to start eating.  "What of Prince Benedict?" She asks.

 

Bleys gives her a weary look.  "That matter is under discussion." Bleys replies. "I believe he will return to Old Amber. He seems to find the climate here ..uncomfortable."

 

[There are no further announcements at breakfast, and following the meal Bleys leaves, followed by a herald carrying the crown on its velvet cushion. Deirdre follows on behind.

 

In the time that leads up to the coronation, you will have time to settle into your new roles, to study and to meet each other. Please take advantage of this.

 

I will be opening up individual threads shortly, but if any of you wish to initiate any actions yourselves please do so (copy me of course).]

 

Aelric rises. "If you'll excuse me, I've an office to clean out." He stalks out.