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.