The Great Hall
[Pleasant]
Trestle tables of sturdy oak dominate the floor of this cavernous
chamber, each set with candelabra and some adorned with fresh cuttings of
greens to provide a clean scent. The head table lies atop a slightly
raised platform at the north end of the room, next to a yawning stone
fireplace with crossed steel swords hung above its mantel, halfway to the
raised ceiling and its wooden support beams. The roughly textured stone
walls also hold several velvet hangings depicting hunts and banquets,
helping to cut the chill in the air though the area is still prone to
drafts. Rushes lie strewn about the hard floor, leading east and west
where doorways give entrance into other rooms.
Recently:
(A regal chair with gilt adornments has been set up along the northern wall
upon a low dais, setting its occupant slightly above the room. Arrangements
of flowers have been setup at regular intervals, adding an unseasonal touch
of elegance. The long table has been arrayed with drinks and cake. )
[ Exits: east -west- ] [ Air exits: none ]
A large silver tray overlaid with designs in fine gold leaf stands ready for choice treats.
(eastern edge)
A slim, tall bottle of dessert icewine sits on the table, offering wine. (eastern edge)
A tall bottle of red wine with a leaf sketched on the label sits on the table, offering wine.
(eastern edge)
A broad side table draped in the Harmons colors sits beside the dais, parallel to the wall.
(northwestern corner)
A set of ornate silver goblets with fine, gold leaf overlay sits beside the wine bottles, ready
for use. (eastern edge)
A set of porcelain cups decorated with gilt-feathered hawks sits beside the teapot, ready for
use. (eastern edge)
An elegant porcelain teapot with a gilt hawk upon each side sits on the table, offering tea.
(eastern edge)
An ornate, porcelain platter edged in gilt hawks and crowns sits upon the table, offering
slices of cake. (eastern edge)
A grand nightpine table inset with whorls of golden pigment is here. (eastern edge)
A reddish-brown-haired pale noble guardsman watches for trouble. [App: 3]
A brown-haired tall noble guardsman watches for trouble. [App: 3]
A grey-haired weathered noble guardsman watches for trouble. [App: 3]
A reddish-brown-haired slender noble guardsman watches for trouble. [App: 3]
Eloxotzi stands off to the side waiting for things to commence.
An athletic male with short red hair arrives from the east.
Kah arrives from the east.
[Action: Kah is standing to the side, not really participating and more watching out. ]
An athletic male with short red hair steps into the room gingerly, and bows a couple times, before
becoming a wall flower too
[Action: an athletic male with short red hair entering the festivities ]
A regal lady with long, dark cocoa tresses arrives from the east.
"Her Majesty, Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons," a royal heral announces, stepping
out of the way as a regal lady with long, dark cocoa tresses proceeds in with some gracious smiles
and dips of her head as she makes her way towards the chair set ready for her.
Kah looks up for a moment, in the background and - well, how do you greet a queen? They probably
should've thought about this before coming here. But they follow the heed of others around them,
whether that be just bowing as deep as you could or sinking onto one knee. Regardless, their eyes
flicker down to the floor, reverently enough.
Elisabetta arrives from the east.
A large, fluffy black and white volfdog with a curling tail has arrived.
A person wearing a decadent wolf pelt cloak with an embroidered theater mask arrives from the east.
Valora arrives from the east.
Varya arrived.
Ikram has arrived.
Eloxotzi straightens as the door opens then bows deeply as he sees a regal lady with long, dark
cocoa tresses enter, a polite watchful gaze looking over the room as she settles. Once she is seated
he moves a bit deeper into the room letting things settle around them.
"Expose your face in the presence of the Queen!" a reddish-brown-haired pale noble guardsman steps
forwards, preventing the new arrival.
Ser Mathieu arrives from the east.
Aurele opens a decadent wolf pelt cloak with an embroidered theater mask, revealing his identity.
Rhad holds a bow of his head and averts his gaze when the Queen enters.
Aurele flips his cloak down and deeply bows. "Apologies. I was just avoiding the rain."
[Action: Rhad standing along a wall somewhere out of the way ]
Valora follows Elisabetta into the room and following Eloxotzi's lead kneels to Queen Cristiana
Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons once she moves out of the way.
Ser Mathieu looks all around.
A reddish-brown-haired pale noble guardsman gives a satisfied nod, stepping back into place again.
Elisabetta curtsies in a full sweep to Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons after Aurele
removes his cloak.
[Action: Valora has recently arrived and is getting a lay of the land. ]
Aurele coughs violently for several moments.
Elisabetta starts to move towards the south.
Aurele bows deeply to Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons, his shoulders shaking slightly
as he smothers a coughing fit.
Aurele starts to move towards the south.
Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons gives a small, understanding smile as Aurele
apologizes, offering a light nod of acceptance. She works her way to the chair on the dais to
settle down atop it. She offers smiles and appreciative nods at each of the bows or curtseys,
though she shows some distaste athe coughing.
"My lord Seneschal, shall we begin?" Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons turns to address
Eloxotzi with a thoughtful look.
As Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons moves Eloxotzi straightens from his bow and
follows in her wake he pauses a few steps away as she settles into her seat and smiles to her. "You
Royal Majesty happy birthday," He states and offers her a slight bow, "Would you like to see to gift
reception first or shall we see to petitions?" [Eloxotzi]
[Action: Elisabetta is standing with Aurele. ]
Valora watches Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons settle in as she remains kneeling,
waiting to see what the response from Eloxotzi is. Her head tilts in mild curiosity.
"Let us start with any petitions, that we might spend the rest of the day in celebration. If anyone
has anything that they wish to bring forth," Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons
determines, giving an approving nod to the decision. "I think that should suit nicely."
Holy Honor Zarif ab Vaughan arrives from the east.
An unfriendly-looking knight with freckled scarring has arrived.
An imposing knight with tempered gray eyes has arrived.
Faith Larke arrives from the east.
A frail girl with pale skin, round eyes, and mousey brown hair has arrived.
A lanky woman with black hair and sea-green eyes arrives from the east.
Eloxotzi steps to stand off beside Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons and watches over
the gathered, "If any have petitions of Her Royal Majesty you may now approach one at a time at this
moment." He states in a formal but raised voice as to be heard over the gathered.
Faith Larke kneels down before a frail girl with pale skin, round eyes, and mousey brown hair and
speaks soft and gently, "Margaret, this is a big day. And important. You're very lucky to be given
this opportunity. But it's vital you make the most of it. Now you remember what we talked about yes?
About how you have to behave like this is the headmistress' headmistress' headmistress. How there's
some words we must use, and others we absolutely cannot. How we have to be more silent than a mouse.
Only speak when spoken too, and be on our absolute best behaviour ever?" a frail girl with pale
skin, round eyes, and mousey brown hair nods bigly, "I remember Mistress Larke. Don't worry."
Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons starts to move towards the north and west.
Rhad just stands by a wall wide eyed and awestruck, like a dupe. But then spots Holy Honor and bows
as he walks in.
[Action: Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons sits on the chair on the dais. ]
Kah keeps rooted where they are. They inspect their nails for a moment, short-shorn as they are.
Their eyes track over the arrival of Faith Larke for a moment, curling into a short, little grin,
before they continue to hawk over the guests - their eyes settling on Aurele in specific.
[Action: a lanky woman with black hair and sea-green eyes has arrived with a small group, lingering
near Holy Honor Zarif ab Vaughan with a painting. ]
A lanky woman with black hair and sea-green eyes's form dips into a curtsy after entering, gripping
a Larraco stylized painting of a tree carefully on each edge.
Valora rises and settles into the crowd as it seems the event is underway. She looks over the crowd
to see if any move to make a petition.
Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons directs her gaze over the group of gathered people,
looking for anyone to make their way towards the front.
[Action: Faith Larke stands by a frail girl with pale skin, round eyes, and mousey brown hair,
sweating bullets ]
Elisabetta simply holds a gift box, glancing about the room curious, eyes lingering on a few,
perhaps out of curiosity if they'll approach.
Ser Mathieu gives a brief tap of salute from his kneeling position toward Holy Honor Zarif ab
Vaughan, but promptly after returns his attention wholly to Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab
Harmons. He takes a breath, before finally making to speak. "If I may, Your Majesty?"
For his part, as Holy Honor Zarif ab Vaughan enters he bows deeply in the direction of Queen
Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons formally. After that, the two knights, an unfriendly-
looking knight with freckled scarring and An imposing knight with tempered gray eyes do the same.
They then salute Ser Mathieu first and then Valora in unison. [Holy Honor Zarif ab Vaughan]
Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons gives a nod of understanding. "Then I suppose others
might bring their wishes and present themselves," she allows. She cuts off, turning to look to Ser
Mathieu and dips her head in a nod, gesturing permissively forwards.
[Action: Holy Honor Zarif ab Vaughan is waiting in the crowd, observing the proceedings. ]
Ser Mathieu handily succeeds his charisma check! [El376]
Valora returns the salute to her fellow knights, as quick as she can before returning her attention
to Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons and Ser Mathieu.
Faith Larke and a frail girl with pale skin, round eyes, and mousey brown hair both curtsey low and
formally and in tandem towards Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons. But Faith Larke keeps
her head bowed, while a frail girl with pale skin, round eyes, and mousey brown hair does peak
upwards to look at all the wonderful sights. Royalty, Knights, Inquisitors, Nobles. Unlike, An
imposing knight with tempered gray eyes, she can't help but grin from ear to ear the whole while.
Aurele coughs violently for several moments.
Kah starts to move towards the south.
Kah slinks over to Aurele then finally and hushes them over to a corner briefly. "Now, now...", they
mutter. "We are all very excited, but have you imbalanced your humours by exposing your ears to
rain?"
Ser Mathieu moves to rise, and step forward, before once more dropping to a knee before Queen
Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons. "I will keep my request to the point, Your Majesty. As the
Castellan of Samralier, one of my tasks to secure gentrification. All I would ask for is the crown's
approval in my rise in personal status, my tenure as the Earl Marshall not withstanding. Whatever
your decision, I am grateful that my voice can be heard."
"Is there any more that I should know of this?" Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons
queries over to Eloxotzi, a single glance aside as she takes in Ser Mathieu's appearance in
considerations.
A frail girl with pale skin, round eyes, and mousey brown hair whispers towards Faith Larke, "She's
even prettier than in the portrait you showed us" Faith Larke responds with a very quick but quiet
"Shush!" before blushing intensely behind a chalice-shaped brand, displaying highly on the left
cheek
Elisabetta smiles warmly at a frail girl with pale skin, round eyes, and mousey brown hair and
finger waves to the small girl.
Aurele looks to Kah. "I.. it was probably the rain, but I already took some cough syrup, yes? Lets
talk after this, yes?"
Kah nods quietly, before they tap their own throat for a brief moment. "You done the right thing,
though. Vinesmellow, yes? It should pass. Just try to be a bit quieter.", they gently admonish the
man, before turning back to Ser Mathieu and Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons, idly
observing.
A frail girl with pale skin, round eyes, and mousey brown hair grins back to Elisabetta but obeys
Faith Larke and remains quiet now. But she does return the wave, or rather she deftly uses Crowned
sock puppets mimickng King Amir and Queen Cristiana to wave back. She looks up at Holy Honor Zarif
ab Vaughan and nods, and mimes buttoning her mouth shut.
Eloxotzi takes a deep breath in but does not seem to give any emotional indication, looking to Ser
Mathieu he takes a moment of silence before speaking. "He does not lie about that being one of his
tasks if that is your question my Queen. He has served honorably and even been a prisoner of war of
our enemies and come back to take up arms as our Earl Marshall." Pausing he then leans in to whisper
quietly to the Queen.
Aurele returns to Elisabetta with a small sigh, watching the proceedings and suppressing his
coughing.
Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons gives an appreciative nod, considering Ser Mathieu
and waiting while Eloxotzi finishing providing her with more private information.
Eloxotzi straightens after relaying the information waiting on hand for the Queen's decision.
Rhad continues to stand by a wall wide eyed and awestruck, as he watches the proceedings.
Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons offers another slow nod, considering. "Thank you,
m'lord Seneschal. Lord Castellan," she turns again to address Ser Mathieu, "It sounds as though you
have accounted yourself well and presented yourself as an upstanding citizen. I see no reason why
the Lord Seneschal might not be able to proceed with your paperwork when you have it prepared. We
are supportive of this."
[Action: Aurele is standing with Elisabetta and watching the proceedings. ]
Aurele succumbs to a coughing fit.
"I shall make it a point to take note of this for my records," Eloxotzi states as he folds his
hands behind his back once more looking over the room. [Eloxotzi]
Holy Honor Zarif ab Vaughan face is impassive as he watches the proceedings. He otherwise
occasionally glances at a frail girl with pale skin, round eyes, and mousey brown hair, presumably
to ensure the child is behaving herself.
"We trust all is proceeding apace with the securing of Samralier?" Queen Cristiana Micheline dul
Acris ab Harmons queries of Ser Mathieu with a light lift of her brow, hands folded in her lap.
A frail girl with pale skin, round eyes, and mousey brown hair IS being very quiet, still, and well
behaved. Although at one point she did remove Crowned sock puppets mimickng King Amir and Queen
Cristiana to dig for nose treasure. Hopefully everyone was paying attention to Queen Cristiana
Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons and the important events instead so her bounty will never be found.
Ser Mathieu dips his head in a bow toward Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons, before
speaking up in response. "Samralier is, in no uncertain terms, going to struggle in its infancy Your
Majesty. But the initial census and first-hand reports from the now Grand Magnate and Bard op
Beaumont has provided the groundwork for further efforts in improving the territory as a whole. If
you desire a report at length Your Majesty, I can provide one in writing at your behest."
"Thank you. I don't believe that will be necessary," Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons
allows, lifting up a hand to lightly forestall anything further. "And I should expect that much
will be required, yes." She offers a small smile and then addresses over to Eloxotzi, "Did we have
anyone else who has presented themself with need of a petition being heard?"
Aurele steps forward and moves to kneel in front of Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons
and Eloxotzi. "I would like to make a request."
Eloxotzi looks about the room for a moment before he hears Aurele, pausing he nods and presents the
floor before the Queen. "Apparently Master op Beaumont would like to petition you your Royal
Highness."
Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons lifts up a hand to gesture Aurele forwards.
Ser Mathieu carefully moves back toward the crowd, giving one last bow and nod of thanks to Queen
Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons.
A frail girl with pale skin, round eyes, and mousey brown hair rolls on her heels, getting a little
antsy. But she bites her lip and remains quiet. Faith Larke notices, offers the girl a gentle smile
and places a hand on her shoulder for a moment. There seems to be enough communication in the
gesture for a frail girl with pale skin, round eyes, and mousey brown hair to nod and return to
stillness
Aurele waits for permission to carry on speaking. "I am Bard Aurele op Beaumont and I would like to
request the opportunity for a member of the Troubadours guild to paint a family portrait of the
royal family for the sake of history keeping. May we, Your Royal Highness?"
Aurele coughs violently for several moments.
Aurele hides his coughing fit by bowing his head down respectfully and muffling it with his arm.
Aurele appears to be champion at acting.
"I believe that we could make allowances for such, provided that your artist would not require His
Majesty for a sitting. Unfortunately, I do not believe that he would see his time as allowing for
such for a reference sketch," Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons comments, looking none-
too-impressed, though it's quickly hidden with a thin smile.
Holy Honor Zarif ab Vaughan watches the exchange between Aurele and Queen Cristiana Micheline dul
Acris ab Harmons, a thoughtful expression on his face.
Kah quirks a brow, but is quiet otherwise. They just bobble their head softly.
Rhad smiles and starts to clap at the portrait idea but quickly looks around to judge if others
would clap. He rests his hands on his hips instead, and then tucks them under his armpits.
Aurele looks to Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons and nods respectfully. "Of course. We
could arrange for His Royal Majesty to be painted into the painting as his time allows. We will need
reference of His Royal Majesties likeness to paint His Royal Majesty accurately of course. But we
can make it as unobtrusive as can be, yes? Would Your Royal Highness be available for a sitting?"
"You can reach out to arrange with our secretaries, depending on other time commitments, of course.
I cannot say what might be feasible at this point," Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons
allows with a small dip of her head and a nod over to one of the staff to make note. "Was there
anyone else? I imagine we should receive anyone who wishes to bring wishes or offerings, but I
should also wish for those who would appreciate refreshments to feel free to begin partaking."
Rhad leaves east.
Holy Honor Zarif ab Vaughan Recognizing his queue, he beckons a lanky woman with black hair and sea
-green eyes and holds out his hand to a frail girl with pale skin, round eyes, and mousey brown hair
as he raises the other to be recognized by Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons.
A lanky woman with black hair and sea-green eyes refocuses away from the treats and back on Holy
Honor Zarif ab Vaughan with his motion, nodding before stepping toward him, shifting a Larraco
stylized painting of a tree just a bit in her hands, facing outward so people can at least see a
glimpse.
"If you will allow me to take lead of precedence Your Royal Majesty," Eloxotzi states stepping from
her side forward, "I bring three separate gifts today if you will allow me to deliver them at once.
The Lady of Dousillini sent hers along with me, my wives, and my own. Then I shall be out of the way
for others to approach and make their offerings." [Eloxotzi]
Holy Honor Zarif ab Vaughan lowers his hand as he waits patiently for Eloxotzi with a slight nod.
His other hand still held out for a frail girl with pale skin, round eyes, and mousey brown hair.
Aurele backs away as he was dismissed and rejoins Elisabetta.
A frail girl with pale skin, round eyes, and mousey brown hair practically jumps before stepping
forwards, reaching out, and squeezing Holy Honor Zarif ab Vaughan's hand eagerly with her hand in
the King Amir puppet.
"I do believe that is your right, given we've no royal guests to accommodate," Queen Cristiana
Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons allows, gesturing to Eloxotzi permissively.
Eloxotzi comes forward and offers a golden roasted pheasant bedecked like a feathered peacock, "This
is the Baroness' gift she wanted to make a not that it can be divvied up further if you wished to
serve it and not just have it as a center piece." Getting a small piece of rock sugar, shaped like a
fluffy baby duck out he offers the bundle to Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons, "These
were made by my wife thinking you might enjoy a cute and delicious treat to enjoy with all going on.
Then my own is something of whimsy I thought would be fun," He finally states pulling out a rose
gold dancer figurine mid pirouette on a petite stand, "This is a puppet I created that if you hold
it and press the bottom shall loosen the tension and allow for her to pirouette."
Eloxotzi gives a golden roasted pheasant bedecked like a feathered peacock to Queen Cristiana
Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons.
Eloxotzi gives Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons the following:
( 20)a small piece of rock sugar, shaped like a fluffy baby duck
Eloxotzi gives a rose gold dancer figurine mid pirouette on a petite stand to Queen Cristiana
Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons.
Aurele coughs violently for several moments.
A frail girl with pale skin, round eyes, and mousey brown hair furrows her brows and put a great
converted effort in attempting to make Crowned sock puppets mimickng King Amir and Queen Cristiana
pirouette as well
"How very delightful!" Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons proclaims, considering first
the pheasant with a commented, "What magnificent plumage. I do think we shall have to share that
with everyone. And the ducklings, how very adorable. I believe I shall need to see this dancer."
She examines each piece and directs servants towards putting them out on the table.
Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons puts the following into a large silver tray overlaid
with designs in fine gold leaf:
( 20)a small piece of rock sugar, shaped like a fluffy baby duck
Valora looks at each item with a look of complete awe and wonder as each leaves her in wonder before
she recovers her expression of dutiful watch.
Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons drops a golden roasted pheasant bedecked like a
feathered peacock.
Elisabetta looks utterly delighted by the various gifts given over.
[Action: Elisabetta is standing with Aurele. ]
Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons holds a rose gold dancer figurine mid pirouette on a
petite stand in her hand.
Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons presses something under the bottom of the stand and
the tension of the doll seems to be released as the ballerina spins and collapses ending posed
pirouette in splits. When Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons releases the bottom the
dancer pulls itself back together capturing the moment at the height of her performance.
Holy Honor Zarif ab Vaughan seems impressed with the ballerina as he watches it avidly in her hands.
"Delightful," her murmurs quietly with a nod of appreciation.
Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons accepts the dancer personally and presses on the
button as directed. She allows an amused smile as it pirouettes. "How very darling," she comments,
passing it off to the side to be placed among the non-food presents. "Thank you, my lord Seneschal,
and please pass those thanks along to the others. It is very kind."
A frail girl with pale skin, round eyes, and mousey brown hair's jaw practically hits the floor. Her
eyes grow larger and she's suddenly lost all interest in Crowned sock puppets mimickng King Amir and
Queen Cristiana "Did you see that?!" she asks no one. "Did you shee that?!" she asks Faith Larke,
"Did you see that?!" she asks Holy Honor Zarif ab Vaughan
Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons puts a rose gold dancer figurine mid pirouette on a
petite stand in a broad side table draped in the Harmons colors.
"I did," Holy Honor Zarif ab Vaughan replies to a frail girl with pale skin, round eyes, and mousey
brown hair quietly as he makes a 'sshhhh' noise to her, attempting to re-attach to her excited hand
at the same time. [Holy Honor Zarif ab Vaughan]
Eloxotzi bows to Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons then steps to the side, "Of course
Your Majesty." Looking to Holy Honor Zarif ab Vaughan he smiles, "I apologize Your Holy Honor for
impeding your efforts." Another bow as he takes his place beside the Queen and waits watching.
Faith Larke makes a shushing gesture towards a frail girl with pale skin, round eyes, and mousey
brown hair and nods to indicate she did indeed see that.
Valora smiles brightly at the the ballerina puppet, her mask of duty yielding to the artistry of the
gifts.
Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons turns to Holy Honor Zarif ab Vaughan and his
entourage as Eloxotzi points him out, gesturing permissively forwards.
"No apology necessary, Lord Seneschal," Holy Honor Zarif ab Vaughan assures as he begins to step
forward, beckoning a lanky woman with black hair and sea-green eyes with him. He bows before Queen
Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons and says, "Your Majesty, First, may I present Miss
Margaret, an orphan. She has been dutiful in her studies and was hand chosen by her caretaker, Faith
Larke to accompany us today." He hurries along, as if to not give the child any excuse for
mischievousness, "I have painted a painting for you in the traditional Larraco style. I have made
very few of them, as I typically insert religious iconography in them," he beckons to a lanky woman
with black hair and sea-green eyes, "much to the chagrin of art critics." [Holy Honor Zarif ab
Vaughan]
A lanky woman with black hair and sea-green eyes is to the left of Holy Honor Zarif ab Vaughan, a
few steps back as she moves with him holding that painting. She dips into a low curtsy as the
painting in her hands is addressed by Holy Honor Zarif ab Vaughan, and then she extends it toward
Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons.
A lanky woman with black hair and sea-green eyes shows Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab
Harmons a Larraco stylized painting of a tree.
A frail girl with pale skin, round eyes, and mousey brown hair curtseys deeply when she's mentioned,
and just grins wide and happily, basking in Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons's radiant
glory as Holy Honor Zarif ab Vaughan continues speaking.
Elisabetta smiles with interest as she leans into Aurele, trying to see the painting better.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Margaret. I am sure you must be behaving yourself very well to
reflect well on your caretakers, yes?" Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons addresses a
frail girl with pale skin, round eyes, and mousey brown hair kindly. She turns again to Holy Honor
Zarif ab Vaughan, nodding appreciatively. "How very thoughtful, Your Holy Honor. It is a lovely
work. Please, do turn it for everyone to see? And then we might prop it up on the table." She
directs with a light lift of her hand over towards it.
A lanky woman with black hair and sea-green eyes turns as Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab
Harmons instructs her to, lifting a Larraco stylized painting of a tree so the others in the room
might get a look of it, if they are near enough.
In this Larraco stylized painting, the tree has beautiful shades of green and
brown that cause the tree to seemingly explode off the canvas. In small
cursive is a signature: Zarif ab Vaughan, Maritus 402.
Smiling, Holy Honor Zarif ab Vaughan bows once again and moves away for any other well-wishers and
gift bearers to make their way forward, holding a frail girl with pale skin, round eyes, and mousey
brown hair's hand with him in case she has any idea to linger. He smiles at a frail girl with pale
skin, round eyes, and mousey brown hair as he does so, "You did very well, Miss Margaret." [Holy
Honor Zarif ab Vaughan]
Valora looks at the painting with an almost reverent expression for a moment before settling back to
watchful.
A frail girl with pale skin, round eyes, and mousey brown hair suddenly speaks up over her shoulder,
"The pleasure is mine your Royal Majesty! Oh If you like Puppets, your Royal Majesty, you can have
these too. They don't Peer Oh ette, but you can make them march, and box, and even smooch if you
want. My Schoolmistress made 'em. She didn't need referees either. We're going to have a puppet
show. His Holy honor said a REAL bard wrote it. You're invited! I don't have an invitation to give
but you're the queen so no ones gonna keep you out any how" She takes off Crowned sock puppets
mimickng King Amir and Queen Cristiana to offer Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons
Aurele coughs violently for several moments.
Faith Larke's knees buckle and give out
Ser Mathieu looks all around.
Kah sighs softly and quickly skips over to Faith Larke as her knees give out, trying to catch the
woman before her head goes to an unfortunate collision course with the floor. The duties of an
orderly is never done.
Kah starts to move towards the north.
"That is very kind, Miss Margaret, but I would prefer that you and your friends keep your puppets.
I am sure you will put them to good use, and that your performance shall be all the better with
them. Thank you," Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons gestures the girl on gently.
Lowering the painting, a lanky woman with black hair and sea-green eyes moves along with the others
as they start to step away, her aim seeming to be a broad side table draped in the Harmons colors to
prop it up as requested. However, as a frail girl with pale skin, round eyes, and mousey brown hair
speaks to Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons, and then Faith Larke falls soon after, her
trajectory is redirected and she instead approaches the woman, murmuring as she moves to a crouch,
"Are you quite alright, Miss Larke?" [a lanky woman with black hair and sea-green eyes]
Holy Honor Zarif ab Vaughan horribly fails his charisma check! [El376]
Faith Larke is thankful for Kah's help and is able to remain standing because of it. But is very
bright red behind a chalice-shaped brand, displaying highly on the left cheek, which mimics the
gesture she hurriedly makes.
Elisabetta goes from smiling at the child's reactions and goes to being visibly concerned for Faith
Larke.
Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons looks to any others who seem inclined to approach at
this point.
Valora takes a half step forward to Faith Larke before realizing Kah seems to have it in hand and
falling back in line.
Eloxotzi looks to Ser Mathieu then Valora, "Precedence dictates you may next if you wish to present
gifts? I know you had one Grand Master?"
Valora looks away from Faith Larke and back to Eloxotzi. She bows her head in acknowledgement but
waits on Ser Mathieu.
Kah gives a cursory press into the wrist of Faith Larke, eyes half-lidded as they seem to count for
a moment, before exhaling softly. "The excitement is getting to you, mh? It is quite the ardour to
be in the presence of her illustrious royal majesty, indeed...", they mutter gently. "Let's settle
you down. Drink something and take a few breaths and you will be fine, mistress." They nod to a
lanky woman with black hair and sea-green eyes to turn Faith Larke to her custody.
Seeing that Faith Larke is taken care of, Holy Honor Zarif ab Vaughan's face reddens and he tugs on
a frail girl with pale skin, round eyes, and mousey brown hair's hand, "Do not be foolish, child.
Her Majesty does not want those ratty puppets as gifts. Come. What did we say in the beginning? A
child should be seen and not heard, yes? You were heard." Abruptly, he looks down at his hand
curiously, "What is this?" he carefully examines his hand that was previously holding hers. "Is
that..." his face turns even more red, "You wiped a booger on my hand!?" [Holy Honor Zarif ab
Vaughan]
A lanky woman with black hair and sea-green eyes offers a nod to Kah as she handles Faith Larke,
pushing up from her own crouch before moving back her original direction toward a broad side table
draped in the Harmons colors, propping up the painting reverently there. She then glances at Holy
Honor Zarif ab Vaughan and a frail girl with pale skin, round eyes, and mousey brown hair, turning
back that direction before murmuring to the man once she's weaved through the crowd to be back near,
"She is a child, Holy Honour. They come with spit and boogers and tears naturally. Would you like me
to take her while Miss Larke recovers?"
A lanky woman with black hair and sea-green eyes drops a Larraco stylized painting of a tree.
A frail girl with pale skin, round eyes, and mousey brown hair's big eyes start to well up when Holy
Honor Zarif ab Vaughan insults her puppets. The unmistakable tell-tale rhythmic sound of a big sob
being held back and building up starts to crescendo in a frail girl with pale skin, round eyes, and
mousey brown hair's throat.
Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons graciously does not pay mind to the ongoing conflict
as she looks to see who else is of a mind to present themselves.
Aurele looks to Holy Honor Zarif ab Vaughan and the child for a moment. He leans over and kisses
Elisabetta's cheek and hands her a tray of cakes, before making his way over through the crowd.
"Your Holy Honor.." And he simply offers a handkerchief to him. He looks to the child and crouches
down to smile to her. "Don't cry, Miss Margaret. Would you like me to show you something fun?"
Aurele gets a silk handkerchief with a golden crowned lyre and cherries from an exotic riversnake
leather belt with a theater mask clasp.
Valora watches on, unmoving as she assesses the scene. Without a change in expression she retains
her position as the others more qualified handle things. Pulling her gaze away she looks to Queen
Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons again.
Aurele gives a silk handkerchief with a golden crowned lyre and cherries to Holy Honor Zarif ab
Vaughan.
Ser Mathieu starts to move towards the north and west.
Firmly, but not violently, Holy Honor Zarif ab Vaughan prods a frail girl with pale skin, round
eyes, and mousey brown hair in the direction of the a lanky woman with black hair and sea-green eyes
while he looks at his snotted on gloved hand. He takes a silk handkerchief with a golden crowned
lyre and cherries and begins wiping it on his gloved hand. He glowers, but otherwise remains silent.
[Holy Honor Zarif ab Vaughan]
Faith Larke nods thankfully to Kah but she catches site of the strife occuring around her ward. She
gets a small surge of energy, enough to approach Holy Honor Zarif ab Vaughan and a frail girl with
pale skin, round eyes, and mousey brown hair, "My deepest apologies, your Holy Honor. This is my
fault, I take full responsibility." she visibly is shaking but grasps a frail girl with pale skin,
round eyes, and mousey brown hair's shoulders and kisses the top of her head, "It's Okay, Margaret.
It's okay. Don't cry." For her part, a frail girl with pale skin, round eyes, and mousey brown hair
is overwhelmed by all the sensation and activity. But Aurele does catch her attention.
A lanky woman with black hair and sea-green eyes glances to Ser Mathieu before focusing on a frail
girl with pale skin, round eyes, and mousey brown hair as Holy Honor Zarif ab Vaughan nudges the
girl off to her while Faith Larke recovers, but as the woman soon approaches to take charge of the
girl again, she steps out of the way.
Ser Mathieu takes a breath, before making to approach once more, only to pause at Holy Honor Zarif
ab Vaughan's sudden outburst. There's a brief pause in his stride, but he presses forward after a
moment, a radiant sparkling bottle of reserve 399 Arcenant Ice Wine tucked under his right arm with
great care. "My gift is hardly much, Your Majesty. A bottle of Arcenant Ice Wine, from 399." There's
a slightly forced evenness to his tone, as he extends the bottle base-first to regal.
A lanky woman with black hair and sea-green eyes glances to Aurele before focusing on a frail girl
with pale skin, round eyes, and mousey brown hair as Holy Honor Zarif ab Vaughan nudges the girl off
to her while Faith Larke recovers, but as the woman soon approaches to take charge of the girl
again, she steps out of the way.
Ser Mathieu gives a radiant sparkling bottle of reserve 399 Arcenant Ice Wine to Queen Cristiana
Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons.
Aurele gets a paper-bound fairytale book painted with mittens and socks from a spacious linen
satchel, embroidered with colorful patches.
Kah lets out a reserved, little sigh of exhaustion from them, but otherwise remains the impassive,
slightly aloofly smiling figure. They do take the time to briefly fall on their knee so close to the
Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons, but moves out of the way once more to let people
drop off their gifts and what not.
Kah starts to move towards the south.
"Dusollinian then?" Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons muses, accepting and considering
the bottle and lifting it up briefly to consider before she passes it off to be placed upon the
table. "Thank you, Lord Castellan. It is a kind gift, and hopefully shall bring to mind Vavard."
[Action: a lanky woman with black hair and sea-green eyes has stepped out of the way, hands tucked
behind her back. ]
Aurele succumbs to a coughing fit.
Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons puts a radiant sparkling bottle of reserve 399
Arcenant Ice Wine in a broad side table draped in the Harmons colors.
Aurele pulls out a paper-bound fairytale book painted with mittens and socks from his satchel and
shows it to mousy. "I have the play you have been talking about, yes? Would you like to go practice
it with your puppets and tell me what you think of it? It would be a great help." He looks to Faith
Larke and makes a motion as if to suggest to let the child rest away from the gathering.
A man in a form fitting all black greatcoat slips into the great hall, dodging around the guardsman
that attempts to detain him. He addresses Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons, pausing
long enough to sweep a bow. "I present to Your Royal Highness a gift from the realm of Haze and
Lotus." he begins, his mask of iron depicting dramatized elation not showing any markers of who it
might be. "From the Iron King, the Prince of Steel, and their court of Noblemen I offer to you as
their chosen represnetative on this auspicious day a necklace of the ab Harmon colors and a message
that they are always watching and waiting for the crown to call upon them once more." He finishes
with an overtly flourished bow depositing a necklace onto the ground and disappearing once more out
the doors, dodging the guardsman who approaches him while the others move closer in to Queen
Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons.
drops a wispy golden chain, dangling a precious teardrop sapphire.
A frail girl with pale skin, round eyes, and mousey brown hair watches Aurele, but her eyes flick
back and forth between the bard and Faith Larke as she speaks to her, "I woul.. I woul.. I woulda..
woulda t- t- t-taken h- h- hi-s oth- other h- h- hand. B-b-but he t-t-took m-m-mine." she sniffles
heavily and wipes her nose on the back of Crowned sock puppets mimickng King Amir and Queen
Cristiana but her attentinos is firmly focused on Aurele now
Valora moves to draw her blade but stops at the words. Seeing the item she stares, her hand never
leaves her hilt as she waits.
Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons intakes a bit of a breath in surprise, her back
straightening up against the chair back. "How presumptuous," she huffs, though there's a bit of a
waver to her voice at that. A dubious eye is cast down towards the item left on the ground.
Elisabetta goes from looking on at Aurele fondly with a light blush as he distracts the child, to
looking at necklace downright appalled.
Eloxotzi watches the runner with a curious glance his hand on the hilt of a double-edged damascus
steel anelace with a tapering blade before looking down to the ground, "What would you like to do
with the.. gift Your Majesty?"
Kah tilts their head slightly for a moment, before looking straight ahead again. "How nice of
them.", they say with a certain sardonic edge, although there is a certain curiosity looking at the
necklace.
Aurele simply shows a frail girl with pale skin, round eyes, and mousey brown hair a few pages of
the colorful fairytale book to distract her. He does not even glance at the commotion, simply
concentrating on calming the little girl. "It happens. Maybe Miss Larke could make you a
handkerchief, yes? For the future."
"Just, put it aside. I don't wish to see it," Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons
declares, taking in a bit of a smoother breath and schooling her face. The Iron King indeed," she
harrumphs.
The goings on are briefly enough for Holy Honor Zarif ab Vaughan to look up from his ministrations
on a pair of austerely unadorned gloves dyed deep sanguine red with a silk handkerchief with a
golden crowned lyre and cherries, he frowns with disapproval but seeing no imminent threat to the
peoples piety, goes back to rubbing his glove. [Holy Honor Zarif ab Vaughan]
Blinks and settles down a bit with Aurele's help. But the change in the room's atmosphere and the
tension carried by everyone around her isn't lost on her. She tells Aurele quietly, "M-maybe she
would." a frail girl with pale skin, round eyes, and mousey brown hair glances up to Faith Larke
then back to Aurele, "Her Royal Majesty liked my puppets more than she likes that bobble I think."
[a frail girl with pale skin, round eyes, and mousey brown hair]
A frail girl with pale skin, round eyes, and mousey brown hair blinks and settles down a bit with
Aurele's help. But the change in the room's atmosphere and the tension carried by everyone around
her isn't lost on her. She tells Aurele quietly, "M-maybe she would." a frail girl with pale skin,
round eyes, and mousey brown hair glances up to Faith Larke then back to Aurele, "Her Royal Majesty
liked my puppets more than she likes that bobble I think."
Eloxotzi takes the necklace and shoves it to the side with a soft sigh before nodding to Valora, his
hand still on his dagger before he differs back to the gathering. "Grand Master it would be your
turn if you would like."
Lady Theodora arrives from the east.
Admiral Antoine Andre dul Arcenant has arrived.
Ancil Arcenant has arrived.
Lord Aramis ab Arcenant has arrived.
[Action: Aurele is currently consoling a frail girl with pale skin, round eyes, and mousey brown
hair. ]
Valora nods once to Eloxotzi before she approaches and kneels before Queen Cristiana Micheline dul
Acris ab Harmons with her arms out stretched holding a box with a Lily of the Valley circled in
Charali knotwork labeled as 'From Valora First Daughter of Wren's Her words flow like a recited
speech "Your Royal Majesty, as Grand Master of the Knights Lithmorran, I am no skilled artisan of
any art but those of martial concern but I strive to preserve beauty and blessings wherever I find
them. This gift is the apex of my abilities to do so without requiring blade or bow. It also is
partially a gift from Grand Magnate dul Beaumont, as it was in her garden this beauty was first
cultivated. I pray it brings with it all the blessings that the beauty of Lithmore offer to the
faithful everyday." She remains kneeling at the end of her words, waiting to hear Queen Cristiana
Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons's reaction and be dismissed.
Faith Larke kneels down close by a frail girl with pale skin, round eyes, and mousey brown hair,
protectively "Yes she did, Margaret." Faith Larke tells her softly but with deep worry in her voice.
Valora gives a box with a Lily of the Valley circled in Charali knotwork to Queen Cristiana
Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons.
[Action: Faith Larke kneels by a frail girl with pale skin, round eyes, and mousey brown hair ]
Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons gives a dubious sort of look at the Charali Grand
Master as she presents herself and explains the gift, though seems a bit more perplexed as the
explanation continues, and she accepts the the box, considering it.
Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons opens a box with a Lily of the Valley circled in
Charali knotwork.
Aurele takes the book back and tucks it back into his pocket. He grins to a frail girl with pale
skin, round eyes, and mousey brown hair and softly pats her shoulder. "That is the spirit. If you
make a mistake always think of how to improve for the future. If you want to show how good and kind
you are then you apologize to His Holy Honor too, yes? It might not have been your doing, but they
were still your boogers, yes?"
Aurele puts a paper-bound fairytale book painted with mittens and socks in a spacious linen satchel,
embroidered with colorful patches.
Ser Mathieu fails his charisma check! [El376]
Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons gets a waterglobe with feathers nestling a Kirulean
Heart's Fire from a box with a Lily of the Valley circled in Charali knotwork.
Lady Theodora sweeps herself into a stylized, courtly curtsey as she arrives, all but sweeping her
skirts against the floor and then stands up straight in the midst of her flock of Vavardi.
She appears to be champion at dancing.
Kah bows briefly as Lady Theodora enters, before they fixate on Admiral Antoine Andre dul Arcenant.
For once, they grin for a brief moment.
[Action: Lady Theodora stands in the midst of a Vavardi flock. ]
Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons allows a smile as she pulls the glass egg from the
box, even if it was gifted by a Charali. "Kirulean Heart's Fire. And there is quite a lot of
detail here," she comments, reluctantly impressed.
This Beresfield glass egg is actually two nestled, one inside the other,
making it quite larger than most. A thickened crystal clear water fills the
gap between the outer glass and the inner egg proper. In this water are
platinum gold flakes, shaved delicately to thin equal sized specks smaller
than the head of a pin. At rest the flakes settle at the flat bottom into a
pale glittering pool. The inner egg is kept suspended in the core of the
sculpture by thin connectors to the outer egg. The flawless and pure
Beresfield glass and clear water filling hides these connectors making them
almost invisible when gazing into the depths of this creation. The inner egg
is far more traditional by the standards of flower eggs but no less unique.
The whole egg has been delicately filled with clear gelatin glue. Near the
base of the egg a nest formed of hawk feathers blooms out. Each feather had
been dipped in a deep and vibrant ultramarine dye. From there each was
delicately brushed with swirling patterns of lighter and darker blues, faded
to be subtle shifts of hues rather than unique colours to themselves. These
paints were mixed with a golden ink that gives them a starlight effect, blue
shifts to glittering gold and back, specks of the rich metallic colour
shimmer in seas of dark blues. Further paint made of true gold was used to
create thinly gild stripes on each feather to recreate the distinctive bands
of colour so iconic of the hawks of Lithmore. This nest of sparking gold and
rich blue nebula feathers house at its center the perfectly preserved bloom
of a delicately tended Kirulean Heart's Fire. The blossom's heart shaped
petals fade from an outer vibrant red to a rich orange to a bright yellow
core in the distinctive fire appearance for which it is named. This exotic
flower sits as the centerpiece of the layers of protective glass. The
vibrant colours of the flower are further augmented by the thinnest lines of
golden paint on the edge of each petal, creating striking outlines to an
already exotic and striking flower. At just the right angle one can see a
band of an almost imperceptible etching circling the center of the inner egg,
almost lost to the water, glass, and eye-catching contents that make the
centerpiece of this egg. A stray fleck of platinum gold or the magnifying
effect of the perfect angle allows it to catch the eye like a secret
revealed, an etched prayer connected back to itself as if to imply a
repeating mantra.
A frail girl with pale skin, round eyes, and mousey brown hair lowers her head in a guilty fashion,
and echoes back to Aurele "Yes, those were my boogers."
Valora remains kneeling with her head bowed. Her face remains a placid stone mask of duty as she
says. "Your words honour me, Your Royal Majesty... if it pleases you... it is sturdy enough to
shake."
Elisabetta smiles in gentle wonder as she looks at the globe and muses quietly, "It turned out
better than I even expected."
Aurele gives a frail girl with pale skin, round eyes, and mousey brown hair an encouraging smile and
then stands up to look to Holy Honor Zarif ab Vaughan. He extends an open hand wiht it's palm turned
upward. "My I request the return of my handkerchief, Your Holy Honor?"
Aurele succumbs to a coughing fit.
Eloxotzi nods as he appraises the item from over the Queen's shoulder, "A lot of detail indeed. If
that is all Daughter of Wren," He smiles and nods to her, "We can move onto the newly appointed
Grand Magnate yes?"
Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons holds a waterglobe with feathers nestling a Kirulean
Heart's Fire in her hand.
As Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons shakes the waterglobe the platinum gold specks
swirl around the thickened water between the inner and outer walls in a bluring frenzy of
excited metallic shimmer. Dancing, falling, swirling, spreading, and
gathering in a glittering display akin to a gentle snowfall in the fantasy of
a children's book. The water slows the descent of the sparkling metal flakes
as they slowly gather near the bottom, bouncing off the center egg and
revealing the thin supporting spokes suspending it.
Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons stops using a waterglobe with feathers nestling a
Kirulean Heart's Fire.
Holy Honor Zarif ab Vaughan gives one last wipe with a silk handkerchief with a golden crowned lyre
and cherries and then, quite reluctantly hands it over to Aurele.
Holy Honor Zarif ab Vaughan gives a silk handkerchief with a golden crowned lyre and cherries to
Aurele.
"Snow, how pleasant," Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons allows another bit of a smile
as she shakes the globe as instructed. She gives a slight nod to Valora and looks curiously as
Eloxotzi presents another person.
Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons puts a waterglobe with feathers nestling a Kirulean
Heart's Fire in a box with a Lily of the Valley circled in Charali knotwork.
Elisabetta approaches the dias and curtsies deeply to Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab
Harmons. "As you might have guessed with the matching box, Your Royal Majesty, this gift was
partially enabled by the Grand Master. I was inspired when briefly visiting Capua with my husband,
and hope you enjoy it." She offers up a box with a Lily of the Valley circled in Charali knotwork
labeled as 'From Elisabetta dul Beaumont' to Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons.
Aurele chuckles. "Maybe Your Holy Honor would like a handkerchief too? My wife could embroider one
for you, yes?"
Elisabetta gives a box with a Lily of the Valley circled in Charali knotwork to Queen Cristiana
Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons.
Valora stands with her head still bowed. She walks backwards to the edge of the crowd without
raising her head or turning. As she meets the others she finally raises her head.
Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons opens a box with a Lily of the Valley circled in
Charali knotwork.
"This was an ... unusual occurance. I am not in the habit of grasping childrens hands that have
boogers on them," Holy Honor Zarif ab Vaughan assures Aurele. [Holy Honor Zarif ab Vaughan]
After the commotion has died down some, a lanky woman with black hair and sea-green eyes returns to
her place at Holy Honor Zarif ab Vaughan's left side, a step or so back. [a lanky woman with black
hair and sea-green eyes]
Faith Larke winces fearfully at Holy Honor Zarif ab Vaughan's words
Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons offers a light smile to Elisabetta, accepting the box
and taking a look into it. "Ah, my," she enthuses, lifting out the fabric of a cloak in front of
her, the end remaining pooled in the box in her lap.
Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons gets a gold cloth cloak of Capua rose brocade and
lion mane trim from a box with a Lily of the Valley circled in Charali knotwork.
Aurele shrugs. "It is useful to have against any sort of dirt or stain and they can be quite
pretty." He unfolds it to show it fully to Holy Honor Zarif ab Vaughan and then tucks it back into
his pockets. "I have to go line up to show my offering. Your Holy Honor." He nods, trying to step
away unless stopped.
From her spot near the edge of the crowd, Valora watches Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab
Harmons and Elisabetta. Her lips turning up in smile before returning to her mask of duty as she
waits for the full verdict. [Valora]
Aurele shows Holy Honor Zarif ab Vaughan a silk handkerchief with a golden crowned lyre and
cherries.
Holy Honor Zarif ab Vaughan simply nods to Aurele, his eyes drawn to a pair of austerely unadorned
gloves dyed deep sanguine red, as if inspecting for any remaining particles.
A frail girl with pale skin, round eyes, and mousey brown hair takes a breath, and turns from Aurele
to Holy Honor Zarif ab Vaughan, "Your Holy Honor. I'm sorry I got my booger on you. I didn't mean
to. If we was outside I woulda just flicked it, but I didn't want to get it on anything nice in here
and.. I didn't know you was gonna grab my hand like that, otherwise I'da stowed it behind me ear.
I'm really sorry. Please don't be mad. I bet Saind Francis had to deal with a lot of boogers too."
"I accept your apology," Holy Honor Zarif ab Vaughan turns to a frail girl with pale skin, round
eyes, and mousey brown hair. "Now, practice being quiet so Her Majesty may enjoy her presents
without being distracted." [Holy Honor Zarif ab Vaughan]
Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons holds a gold cloth cloak of Capua rose brocade and
lion mane trim up for others to see, commenting, "Grand Magnate, thank you. This is a very lovely
piece, and so soft. It is lion?"
Aurele steps over to concentrate on Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons and the others.
Elisabetta nods an affirmative, "It is indeed, Your Majesty. The Grand Master was able to get ahold
of a pelt from one kept in cold captivity, so it is particularly lush. It was one of the most
dacadent pelts to work with."
Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons glances off after the Earl Marshall departing in a
fit of coughs. She offers a smile across to Elisabetta, assuring, "How very lovely." Aside to
Eloxotzi, she questions, "Is there concerns of sickness in the city, Lord Seneschal?"
"Your Majesty, I am afraid there some duties I must attend to at this time, may I have your leave?"
Holy Honor Zarif ab Vaughan asks in between the gift giving. [Holy Honor Zarif ab Vaughan]
"Of course, Grand Inquisitor. Please do not let me keep you from your business," Queen Cristiana
Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons bids with a gesture of her hand permissively for Holy Honor Zarif ab
Vaughan.
Elisabetta curtsies once more to Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons, and backs away
quietly to return to her husband.
Elisabetta starts to move towards the east.
Eloxotzi smiles looking at the cloak he looks to Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons and
leans over to whisper quietly, "There has been a mild concern of a mild sickness spreading through
the city but the Prime said it was benign. However we have seen a decay of the overall health in the
city, I have been deliberating opening my own bathhouse in Southside to make wellness more readily
available to all as my next project."
Valora retains her placid mask and simply nods once in agreement with Eloxotzi's words.
Bowing to Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons, Holy Honor Zarif ab Vaughan turns to a
lanky woman with black hair and sea-green eyes, "No, please see to Miss Larke and Miss Margaret."
His emphasis is on 'Miss Margaret'. [Holy Honor Zarif ab Vaughan]
Holy Honor Zarif ab Vaughan leaves east.
An unfriendly-looking knight with freckled scarring leaves east.
An imposing knight with tempered gray eyes leaves east.
Aurele succumbs to a coughing fit.
Faith Larke looks towards Aurele with some worry after his successive coughing fits
"Please, we would appreciate if you could ensure that the concerns are handled, even if it means
limiting the travel of the Southsiders," Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons expresses to
Eloxotzi with a light frown. "Are there others that I should be receiving? There are plenty of
delights that I would like to see enjoyed."
Eloxotzi nods politely then takes a deep breath, standing he looks to the room. "If there are any
gentry in the room who have any gifts to deliver you may step forward one at a time."
Admiral Antoine Andre dul Arcenant sneezes loudly.
Aurele steps up tp Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons and kneels. "I have brought
chocolate cake with marzipan roses for you, Your Royal Highness. As well as a bottle of rose wine
from the Troubadours guild."
Aurele gives Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons the following:
( 4)a slice of chocolate cake, topped with a edible Capuan rose
( 4)a slice of chocolate cake, topped with a edible Capuan rose
( 4)a slice of chocolate cake, topped with a edible Capuan rose
( 4)a slice of chocolate cake, topped with a edible Capuan rose
( 4)a slice of chocolate cake, topped with a edible Capuan rose
( 4)a slice of chocolate cake, topped with a edible Capuan rose
Aurele gives a curvaceous bottle of rose wine marked 'Springtime Kisses' to Queen Cristiana
Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons.
A person wearing an unadorned linen burial veil---that fully covers the face arrives from the east.
[Action: a person wearing an unadorned linen burial veil---that fully covers the face is arriving. ]
"Capuan marzipan roses?" Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons notes with pleased smile.
"How very colorful and delightful. This looks very choice." She passes the tray off to an
attendant as the guards near her apparently note the arrival of a person wearing an unadorned linen
burial veil---that fully covers the face before her, a couple moving in closer while the others move
forwards to stop it. "Halt there!" one cries.
Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons puts the following into a large silver tray overlaid
with designs in fine gold leaf:
( 2)a slice of chocolate cake, topped with a edible Capuan rose
( 4)a slice of chocolate cake, topped with a edible Capuan rose
( 4)a slice of chocolate cake, topped with a edible Capuan rose
Elisabetta makes the sign of the chalice.
Elisabetta drinks from a butterfly cast hip flask embossed by Lilies of the Valley.
Valora bares her sword.
Ikram wields a dark six-flanged damascus mace capping a weighty ash haft.
Ikram draws her mace and moves to protect support Valora, a mocking humor playing on her expression
at the intruder.
A charali woman with crimson hair and face full of freckles wields a steel-head battle axe with a
reinforced hickory wood haft.
Kah curls their hands behind their back as they observe a person wearing an unadorned linen burial
veil---that fully covers the face for a moment, sighing quietly as they step further against the
wall. "Of course it's magery...", they mutter quietly.
Eloxotzi rests his hand on a double-edged damascus steel anelace with a tapering blade and moves
closer to Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons watching a person wearing an unadorned
linen burial veil---that fully covers the face, taking a deep breath he narrows his eyes.
At the shout of the guards, a lanky woman with black hair and sea-green eyes turns toward the sound,
eyes landing on a person wearing an unadorned linen burial veil---that fully covers the face.
There's a blink and an upward turn of her eyebrows, taking a step farther out of the way even as she
looks over the figure's fiery colored adornments. [a lanky woman with black hair and sea-green eyes]
Faith Larke takes a frail girl with pale skin, round eyes, and mousey brown hair's hand and pulls
her closer, "Stay close Margaret." With her other hand she fiddles around in a pocket and produces
wax
Faith Larke takes a frail girl with pale skin, round eyes, and mousey brown hair's hand and pulls
her closer, "Stay close Margaret." With her other hand she fiddles around in a pocket and produces a
herb-filled ball of gold wax sculpted in elegant patterns
Faith Larke wears a herb-filled ball of gold wax sculpted in elegant patterns around her left wrist.
Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons leaps up and backwards, knocking the chair behind her
with a gasp of shock and a nearly automatic chalice traced over herself.
Valora looks at a person wearing an unadorned linen burial veil---that fully covers the face and
steps forward. "Whatever business you think you have, Mage... you do not... I will ask you to leave
now."
Aurele looks over his shoulder to the commotion. He gets up as Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris
ab Harmons jumps up and turns to face the danger, seemingly intent to serve and protect if needed.
Elisabetta moves into Aurele, pulling him closer to her as she eyes a person wearing an unadorned
linen burial veil---that fully covers the face.
Kah opens a medical bag cut from black dyed oilskin with a wide strap.
A charali woman with crimson hair and face full of freckles starts to move towards the north and
west.
A charali woman with crimson hair and face full of freckles pulls out her axe and steps between
queen as a threating snarl plays at her nose and lips as she stars at the threat. [Tech]
Kah pops the bag open and quickly checks their supplies, considering this might as well end in some
form of bloodshed.
A person wearing an unadorned linen burial veil---that fully covers the face waltzes in at a brisk
and purposeful pace, its soft, slippered feet making little noise against the floor with its passage
- that comes to an abrupt and frozen halt, mid-step, at the shouting of the guardsmen and ringing of
drawn steel.
"Very well." it acknowledges in a hoarse, rasping voice. "So I have halted. My apologies for the
surprise; the gentlemen outside were not inclined to announce me." Its gaze pans to Valora, tilting
the head slightly to the side, the only erstwhile movement. "Oh? Is it not an open invitation,
Valora of Wren? Am I to depart, without offering gifts, as I have been sent along to do?"
A lanky woman with black hair and sea-green eyes skirts around the crowd as a whole after her step
back, nearing Faith Larke and a frail girl with pale skin, round eyes, and mousey brown hair to
stand close by the pair, though she does not reach to touch them.
Valora glares at a person wearing an unadorned linen burial veil---that fully covers the face. "Open
to those in good standing... as you know known Mages can not be in good standing... leave your gift
and begone... there are too many innocents for us to do battle... but if I need to I will... let us
not cause further fear." She holds her blade out, aimed at veiled's heart.
"Only to those in good standing," a royal guardsman protests, moving to prevent a person wearing an
unadorned linen burial veil---that fully covers the face from moving forwards. "Her Majesty does
not wish your tainted gifts." "Dispatch of it!" Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons
calls a bit frantically herself.
Valora pulls her hand from her pocket and throws ash at veiled as she proclaims. "Begone, Mage."
[Apply]
Valora applies a pile of powdery gray ashes to a person wearing an unadorned linen burial veil--
-that fully covers the face!
A person wearing an unadorned linen burial veil---that fully covers the face looks to be in
excellent condition.
A person wearing an unadorned linen burial veil---that fully covers the face crumbles!
A frail girl with pale skin, round eyes, and mousey brown hair starts too look terrified.
"Mistress.. is that a real witch?", she asks Faith Larke with a quavering voice.
Valora sighs softly. "I have never had a chance to test that."
A charali woman with crimson hair and face full of freckles starts to move towards the south and
east.
Ikram hangs her mace on her belt.
A charali woman with crimson hair and face full of freckles fastens her axe on her belt.
Valora sheathes her sword.
"Shh, child. It will be alright, it will be taken," and a lanky woman with black hair and sea-green
eyes pauses her murmured words to mousy as Valora steps forward to throw ash in the creature's face,
watching then as it crumbles, "... care of. No one will let it hurt you." [a lanky woman with black
hair and sea-green eyes]
Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons lifts a hand up to hold it over her racing heart,
breathing a bit unevenly. A guardsman suggests to her, "Perhaps we should see Your Majesty to
safety." She gives a bit of a vacant nod.
Eloxotzi looks to Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons, "I will see everyone out your
Royal Majesty." He mutters quietly as he chalices himself looking to where the Vizier once was.
After inspecting the crumbled ash she Valora nods then chalices herself as she says a silent prayer.
"They seem to have been laying in wait... Dame de Amrani and Dame Varya go with the Lord Seneschal
and others... I will wait here in case another mage attempts to slip by... or take advantage."
[Valora]
Valora bares her sword.
Aurele chlaices himself and takes Elisabetta's hand to follow the instructions of Eloxotzi.
Elisabetta takes Aurele's hand, "Home my love."
"Let us get you back to the city," a lanky woman with black hair and sea-green eyes suggests quietly
to Faith Larke and a frail girl with pale skin, round eyes, and mousey brown hair, her voice still
hushed in the crowd. "I'll go with you, so you do not have to go alone." [a lanky woman with black
hair and sea-green eyes]
"There is no need of that, Seneschal," Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons determines to
Eloxotzi with a vague gesture. "Eat, drink, be merry, or take something to eat with you... I do
think I will absent myself though."
A frail girl with pale skin, round eyes, and mousey brown hair looks up towards a lanky woman with
black hair and sea-green eyes when she speaks, but though she does quiet down, she isn't much
clamed, "I want to go back Mistress. I'm scared." She nods more hurriedly at a lanky woman with
black hair and sea-green eyes's suggestion.
"Of course if that is your wish Your Royal Majesty," Eloxotzi states with a bow, "May the Lord Bless
your house and path for many years to come yes?" [Eloxotzi]
A reddish-brown-haired pale noble guardsman gets the following from a broad side table draped in the
Harmons colors:
a rose gold dancer figurine mid pirouette on a petite stand
a radiant sparkling bottle of reserve 399 Arcenant Ice Wine
Faith Larke nods to a lanky woman with black hair and sea-green eyes, herself a little more stoic
than the child, but equally terrified to those that see her shivering
Valora nods at Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons's words. "I will investigate the
premises... as the Dames remain here to protect others... I do not want another Mage... I am only
thankful that the ash worked so fully."
A reddish-brown-haired pale noble guardsman gets a Larraco stylized painting of a tree.
Lord Aramis ab Arcenant takes a step forward and gives a salute to Valora and a low bow towards
Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons, "I can escort or stand with you as you require, Your
Majesty, Grand Master," his wrist resting against an elegant steel short sword with silver and
golden details.
"It's alright," a lanky woman with black hair and sea-green eyes assures a frail girl with pale
skin, round eyes, and mousey brown hair quietly. "Would you like a piece of cake or one of those
little candy ducks before we go?" She then glances to Faith Larke, checking on her, as well. "And
then we can make our way back together. I do not know the way well, but the road seemed one
direction. I imagine we can follow the lights of the city." [a lanky woman with black hair and sea-
green eyes]
A frail girl with pale skin, round eyes, and mousey brown hair shakes her head no, but says, "O
-okay, y-yes please."
Valora bows her head to Lord Aramis ab Arcenant before halting. "Take this, Your Royal Majesty." She
then offers a herb-filled ball of gold wax sculpted in elegant patterns to Queen Cristiana Micheline
dul Acris ab Harmons.
Valora stops using a herb-filled ball of gold wax sculpted in elegant patterns.
At the mentioning of sweets, Elisabetta can't seem to help herself and moves over to the tray.....
[Elisabetta]
Valora gives a herb-filled ball of gold wax sculpted in elegant patterns to Queen Cristiana
Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons.
"As the Grand Master requires," Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons directs Lord Aramis
ab Arcenant, still seeming a bit distracted and unsettled. "I shall just be retreating within."
She nods to a guardsman and then Valora, accepting the waxen orb and clutching it a bit tightly. A
couple of guardsmen move to accompany her.
Kah closes a medical bag cut from black dyed oilskin with a wide strap.
Valora leaves east.
Faith Larke gets a slice of chocolate cake, topped with a edible Capuan rose from a large silver
tray overlaid with designs in fine gold leaf.
Faith Larke gets a slice of chocolate cake, topped with a edible Capuan rose from a large silver
tray overlaid with designs in fine gold leaf.
Faith Larke gets a small piece of rock sugar, shaped like a fluffy baby duck from a large silver
tray overlaid with designs in fine gold leaf.
Faith Larke gets a small piece of rock sugar, shaped like a fluffy baby duck from a large silver
tray overlaid with designs in fine gold leaf.
Queen Cristiana Micheline dul Acris ab Harmons leaves east.
Elisabetta gets a small piece of rock sugar, shaped like a fluffy baby duck from a large silver tray
overlaid with designs in fine gold leaf.
Elisabetta gets a slice of chocolate cake, topped with a edible Capuan rose from a large silver tray
overlaid with designs in fine gold leaf.
Kah closes their bag again, mildly saying, "I am glad I needn't to use anything inside of this bag."
They look after the departing royal, shrugging their shoulders, "Enjoy the food and drink..."
Elisabetta gets a slice of chocolate cake, topped with a edible Capuan rose from a large silver tray
overlaid with designs in fine gold leaf.
A lanky woman with black hair and sea-green eyes reaches out a hand for a frail girl with pale skin,
round eyes, and mousey brown hair, "Check for bogies first, then take my hand. Stay close." She
waits for Faith Larke to take some treats from the table and then nods, beginning toward the door
with the small group.
Elisabetta gets the following:
a golden roasted pheasant bedecked like a feathered peacock
Faith Larke says, "I'll get them", and hurries to the tray to get a few treats for a frail girl with
pale skin, round eyes, and mousey brown hair before the depart with a lanky woman with black hair
and sea-green eyes
A lanky woman with black hair and sea-green eyes leaves east.
Faith Larke leaves east.
A frail girl with pale skin, round eyes, and mousey brown hair leaves east.
Aurele gets the following from a golden roasted pheasant bedecked like a feathered peacock:
( 2)a slice of golden roasted pheasant like a feathered peacock
Kah gets a wispy golden chain, dangling a precious teardrop sapphire.
Valora arrives from the east.
Aurele gives a slice of golden roasted pheasant like a feathered peacock to Elisabetta.
Eloxotzi looks to Kah with a raised brow, "Orderly what are you doing?"
Aurele gets a slice of golden roasted pheasant like a feathered peacock from a golden roasted
pheasant bedecked like a feathered peacock.
Elisabetta eats a slice of golden roasted pheasant like a feathered peacock capuan.
Aurele gets a slice of chocolate cake, topped with a edible Capuan rose from a large silver tray
overlaid with designs in fine gold leaf.
Aurele gets a small piece of rock sugar, shaped like a fluffy baby duck from a large silver tray
overlaid with designs in fine gold leaf.
Aurele eats a small piece of rock sugar, shaped like a fluffy baby duck.
Kah looks at the necklace and inspects it idly, ignoring Eloxotzi. Then, they shrug and put it on
the table. "This should probably be returned to its original owner.", they say without real
inflection. "It's labelled 'Daphne'."
Kah starts to move towards the north and west.
Return to the hall Valora sighs in relief. "I found no threats... and Her Royal Majesty is safely
retreated in to the castle proper." [Valora]
Kah puts a wispy golden chain, dangling a precious teardrop sapphire in a broad side table draped in
the Harmons colors.
Aurele eats a slice of golden roasted pheasant like a feathered peacock.
[Action: Valora remains on guard, sword in hand. ]
Elisabetta eats a slice of chocolate cake, topped with a edible Capuan rose.
"I would likely not remove it from here and let a Reeve know that it was brought by." Eloxotzi
speaks with a nod watching Kah, moving to stand and watch the ongoings from his spot he originally
took. [Eloxotzi]
Elisabetta eats a small piece of rock sugar, shaped like a fluffy baby duck.
Ikram gets her mace from her belt.
A charali woman with crimson hair and face full of freckles unfastens her axe.
Elisabetta pours icewine from a slim, tall bottle of dessert icewine into an ornate silver goblet
with intricate overlay in gold leaf.
Elisabetta drinks from an ornate silver goblet with intricate overlay in gold leaf.
Aurele pours icewine from a slim, tall bottle of dessert icewine into an ornate silver goblet with
intricate overlay in gold leaf.
Kah rubs their palms together then, as if cleansing them from the touch of gold. "Well then.", they
say, looking around as people indulge in the finest food they have ever seen.
Elisabetta gets a slim, tall bottle of dessert icewine from an ornate, porcelain platter edged in
gilt hawks and crowns.
Aurele steps over to Elisabetta. "Would you like to go home? It will be a long walk, yes?"
Elisabetta gets a slice of an elaborately decorated vanilla cake from an ornate, porcelain platter
edged in gilt hawks and crowns.
Valora looks a bit saddened as her eyes scan the room. A soft sigh escapes her again as her
shoulders slump as if a heavy weight landed on her shoulders. Shrugging the invisible weight into
place. She gives everyone a soft smile. "I am glad everyone is safe... I apologize... I had no
record of... how mage ash reacted to spells, undead, or other magery... I didn't wish to risk any...
backlash."
Aurele gets a slice of an elaborately decorated vanilla cake from an ornate, porcelain platter edged
in gilt hawks and crowns.
Aurele pours tea from an elegant porcelain teapot with a gilt hawk upon each side into a dainty
porcelain cup decorated with a gilt-feathered hawk.
Elisabetta nods to Aurele, before smiling warmly to Valora. "I'm astonished it vanquished the
creature so swiftly and am thankful you were so quick at the Queen's command. So long as you permit
it, Grand Master, may my husband and I leave?"
Aurele drinks from an elegant porcelain teapot with a gilt hawk upon each side.
Aurele pours tea from an elegant porcelain teapot with a gilt hawk upon each side into a dainty
porcelain cup decorated with a gilt-feathered hawk.
Aurele gives a dainty porcelain cup decorated with a gilt-feathered hawk to Elisabetta.
Elisabetta drinks from a dainty porcelain cup decorated with a gilt-feathered hawk.
Valora looks around. "If it is possible... I would like all of us to return to the city together...
Strength of numbers... and it ensures I can see you all safely home."
Elisabetta nods and moves to follow Valora.
Aurele looks to Valora and bows his head to her. "I am glad you were present and ended this swiftly,
Grand Master."
Eloxotzi stands watching over the group quietly.
Elisabetta gets a slice of golden roasted pheasant like a feathered peacock from a golden roasted
pheasant bedecked like a feathered peacock.
Elisabetta gets a slice of chocolate cake, topped with a edible Capuan rose from a large silver tray
overlaid with designs in fine gold leaf.
Elisabetta gets a small piece of rock sugar, shaped like a fluffy baby duck from a large silver tray
overlaid with designs in fine gold leaf.
Kah gets a slice of chocolate cake, topped with a edible Capuan rose from a large silver tray
overlaid with designs in fine gold leaf.
Kah starts to move towards the south and east.
Elisabetta gets a slice of an elaborately decorated vanilla cake from an ornate, porcelain platter
edged in gilt hawks and crowns.
Lord Aramis ab Arcenant rolls his shoulders and gives the most agitated of expressions before
eventually settles his draw hand away from an elegant steel short sword with silver and golden
details and lets out a rather slow breath.
Elisabetta eats a slice of an elaborately decorated vanilla cake.
Kah rapidly approaches Admiral Antoine Andre dul Arcenant with a piece of cake and put the plate
right into his hands. They look expectantly.
Kah gives a slice of chocolate cake, topped with a edible Capuan rose to Admiral Antoine Andre dul
Arcenant.
Valora looks around. "Any who wish to go with me... I will take them now... do any others wish to
leave for the city?"
"I will likely take a carriage back make sure things are cleaned up." Eloxotzi states waving to the
group, "Lord Bless though." [Eloxotzi]
Valora motions for everyone to follow her as she lights and lifts her lantern.
Valora lights a bronze hand lamp painted with a chalice on crossed swords and holds it.
Valora begins to move east.
Valora leaves east.
A charali woman with crimson hair and face full of freckles leaves east.
Ikram leaves east.
Kah leaves east.
Aurele leaves east.
Elisabetta leaves east.
A large, fluffy black and white volfdog with a curling tail leaves east.
