Roleplay from Nicholas Archival
The crown was a heavy thing. The weight of its storied history; the weight of the great men and women who had come before him; the weight of expectation and the pressures that accompanied them. It was enough to turn even the noblest mind queer, if one was not careful. Is this what changed Aldrakar so quickly?
He could almost understand the changes in his predecessor now, as he crossed the Imperial Throne Room and approached the throne that Aldrakar sat upon, while wearing the crown that Aldrakar bore. Observant eyes watched him from all corners of the room, as various members of the court and visitors parted aside to allow him an unfettered path.
With some finality, he reached the dais. A servant diligently moved forward to accept his cloak, before Nicholas took his seat. He shifted uneasily, before an enforced relaxation brought him still. He then looked ahead, to behold the palace that was now his. Hopefully it would not all come crashing down upon him.
Who would be the first to approach, he wondered.
Askileon, Luria Nova, DwilightAfternoon"Stop fidgeting Veronica"Veronica dropped her hands from where she was fidgeting with the necklace the King had given her. Usually such a comment would illicit quite a fierce response from her, but she felt that if she would open her mouth she might just throw up.
Tess leaned closer to her
"You do look very pale, maybe we should skip this court day?" she murmured.Veronica sat upright at that comment
"No .. no i'm fine just a bit hot, nothing serious i will be alright"Sitting back Tess nodded,
"Well seems its too late now, we are here."The Carriage, bearing the heraldry of House Gardarr came to a stop in front of the Imperial Palace. The footman climbing down placed the steps and slowly opened the carriage door.
​
The Lady Veronica Gardarr has come to the Imperial court. Lifting her dress she slowly stepped out of the carriage.
Roleplay from Alessio de Medici
Alessio rode up to the Imperial Palace upon a pale horse, calling to the guards on watch. He was wearing yellow gambeson, below a dark, dirtier cloak, which he tore off as he spoke.
"Take me to our Emperor, good men. I have business with him."
Roleplay from Nicholas Archival
Upon the confirmation of Alessio's identity and purpose, an imperial guardsmen in impeccably wrought steel beckoned the nobleman into the Imperial Palace. He offered few words as they moved through the grand corridors of the complex, which were clearly currently amidst several renovations and adjustments. The banners of House Renodin had already been replaced, however, by the White Chevalier of House Archival, one of the first steps in making his appointment official.
At the end of the travels through the palace was a magnificent, gilded doorway. The huge, oak doors had already been spread open for the day's courts and many aristocrats and attendees already filtered in and around the court. It seemed that no one had yet decided to place themselves upon the pedestal of being the first to approach the new emperor, however, and a figure sat ahead upon the Imperial Throne, attended only by another set of imperial guardsmen upon the dais, while a number of servants flitted nearby.
Despite the ornate, resplendent wealth of the crown he bore, otherwise Nicholas' attire was left in relative simplicity. The craft of the clothing was of an artisan quality, but he made no effort for ostentatious colours; instead, his attire was coloured a warm cream. His relative youth, too, was also clear even from afar; though he was a man grown, he was yet to reach his thirtieth year.
A courtier tentatively moved forward and whispered in his ear, while gesturing toward Alessio. The imperial monarch nodded slowly, before his gaze found the knight and with a subtle motion, waved him forward.
Roleplay from Alessio de Medici
Alessio struts past the numerous aristocrats, his chainmail boots clanking as he alone walks down the hall. He positions himself in front of the throne, bowing, before getting upon a lone knee.
"First and foremost, I pledge myself to your service," he states, before immediately getting back up and clasping his hands behind his back, carrying on speaking. "That aside, I have several matters to bring to your attention, your Imperial Majesty."
"Next on the list, as perhaps you are well aware, I am fond of the power of the quill. It is the aim of any loyal author to have the imperial seal upon any of their works, or to best yet, have the opportunity to write the biography of their ruler. As such, I offer myself to write the royal biography, or any such other text you deem necessary. It would be an honor to write such alongside my current works. What say you, my Emperor?"
Roleplay from Nicholas Archival
As Alessio's words concluded, Nicholas quietly regarded him for a few, long moments, before he nodded once in solemn assent.
"I accept your pledge, Sir Alessio de Medici," he began. "For as long as you serve me honorably and truly, you shall reap all the benefits of that which you earn."
With that, he affixed the man with a firm gaze.
"Luria's greatness comes from the meritocracy of its rule; those who are ambitious and driven, and those who prove themselves worthy, receive the rewards that they are due. As such, I will not accept or refuse your request - yet. Show to me and show to the Hegemony your ability to wield that quill, and you will have what you seek. Perhaps a worthy addition to the University of Dwilight may showcase what talent you have to offer."
Roleplay from Alessio de Medici
Alessio responds with a nod. "Then I shall have a collection of my works on your desk in five days time? Or would three or seven be more agreeable to you? Any variety you have in demand - military, philosophy? My greatest work is of morality, specifically in religion and politics and the relationship of the three. For this, I would ask that you reach out to our allied nations of my behalf and send them my contact details. I am unable to do so, and I would see it improper to go behind your back for such. I also do intend to join the University of Dwilight in the immediate future. As soon as I have the opportunity to return to Askileon with my unit, I shall sign up."
Alessio ponders a moment, pressing his thumb and index finger to his face. "Literature is the living memory of a realm. I ask that to be kept in mind with your decision. After such, I have just one more matter to raise." he bows his head, awaiting a response.
Imperial CourtVeronica's heart was pounding a mile a minute. She was at awe of the beauty of the palace, but the closer she came to the great hall and the gilded doors the more she was starting to panic.
As she passed the threshold of the doors she noticed the Emperor on his Imperial Throne, he was having a conversation with a Knight.
Keeping her head down she moved to the side and placed herself behind some Nobles.
Roleplay from Nicholas Archival
Nicholas shook his head as Alessio began to delve into the specifics of the task.
"Sir Alessio, this is not an official assignment or task. There is no deadline or specificity required, except for that which you assign to yourself. Prove your skill in the manner of your choosing, at the speed of your choosing... and, as for your contact details, I will see it done in the next few days."
As he took a pause to await the man's next request, his attention was caught, briefly, by the arrival of another aristocrat, though she was more well-attired than Alessio. Most who strode into the throne room did so with pride and vigour, eager to capture the attention of the imperial monarch. It had taken Nicholas precisely twenty minutes of his first court to realise this particular fact. Those that hid themselves or shied away from sight were somewhat of an anomaly. He endeavoured to revisit the matter for his own curiosity soon enough, but for the time being, he returned his focus to the knight before him.
"You have my ear," he announced to the man, a prompt for him to raise the next topic.
Roleplay from Alessio de Medici
Alessio perks an ear. "I see, my Emperor. I bid you my thanks regarding such - if I can be aware prior to you contacting, which nations can I expect contact from? You need not answer now if your diplomatic missions are in the works, as I shall accept letter at a later date." He dusts off a shoulder, looking around the room before continuing. "The last topic concerns my aspiration to become a diplomat, or ambassador, of our great realm. By which means can I, or should I, prepare? I have already familiarized myself with our current relations to other realms and our treaties, from the Articles of Restitution for the Third Lurian War to the likes of The Empires' Accord."
Roleplay from Goriad Gabanus
Goriad had been in the palace for weeks and as such he was learning his way around the halls.
An announcement had been carried that the Emperor was receiving guests and petitions and Goriad had been present at enough courts to know what would follow. The minor nobility would flock to gain the favor of the new emperor and his administration. While many would not get to speak with the Emperor, merchants would enter and seek the new ministers for trade, or the new harbor master.
When Goriad arrived the room was already filled with many guests, but the day was still early. His attire was appropriate for the occasion, fine silk, but not as impressive of many of the merchants and minor nobility around him. He sought to mingle and blend in without being noticed.
He spoke with a group of minor merchants as a noble knight entered the palace and pledged his loyalty. Many in the room stopped to behold it, so did Goriad.
Roleplay from Nicholas Archival
Alessio received a stare, before - abruptly - the emperor began to laugh. Though it was not boisterous or mocking, the warm mirth of the imperial monarch rang throughout the throne room, causing many to pause and listen. For a man usually so formal and reticent, it was a surprising moment of simple comfort and amusement.
"You certainly do not lack for ambition, Sir Alessio," he replied, still grinning broadly. "The rights to the imperial biography, contact information for foreign rulers and now publicly formalizing your interest in taking upon ambassadorial work. You ask a great deal for your first visit to the palace..."
At that, he canted his head, regarding the knight again, before continuing.
"But I appreciate the candor of it. Speak to Earl Benedict, Lady Kaguya and King Matthew. All three have experienced diplomatic excursions and I would have you learn from them and what they have to say."
Roleplay from Marjorie de Chevalier
Dame Marjorie had been pleased to finally be off the ship from Giask. The sea had never been her friend, and she was eager to return to the north. She had thought that she would leave immediately, but she could tell that this would not have been a popular decision amongst her retinue. They had already defended Giask, and surely they could be allowed one night's rest before continuing their journey north, she thought.
Said and done, she allowed the fine men in her service an early pay and watched as they made for the nearest tavern. She, however, had other plans.
She waded through the unwashed masses of Askileon by horse until the imperial palace was in plain sight. There, she continued by foot to be greeted by the imperial guard.
"You live?"
The guard recognised Dame Marjorie from her visits to the former Emperor Aldrakar, though he had not seen her now for many months.
"Aye," Marjorie replied, "I am here to pledge my allegiance to the Emperor."
After exchanging a few words, the guard escorted her through the grandiose halls and walkways of the palace until they had reached the throne room with its gilded, oaken doors. There, she could not help but to marvel at the finely cut dresses, the shining armours and the glimmering jewels priding every neck, finger and wrist of the aristocrats. She, herself, wore a metal armour of simple design and impeccable craftsmanship, with no other jewels or points of pride other than the golden sigil of her house, fashioned into a clasp for her royal blue cape. Her hair, black as night, still had that windswept quality that comes from traveling by sea.
She saw that the Emperor was already occupied with attending to a nobleman she was not familiar with, and so she was content to join the sea of patricians for the time being. Fate, it would seem, had brought her close to the one she did not yet know to be Veronica Gardarr.
Roleplay from Leif Wilkins
Leif walked up to the entrance of the Imperial Palace. He wore a dark green gambeson bearing the crest of his family, his left index finger was heavy with the signet ring of the Imperial Magistrate. His face bore a vertical scar stretching from his temple to his ear, a wound he earned during his legendary stand in Ciaran Tut, a battle in which he stood alone against a horde quadruple the size of his own.
Next to him stood his trusted captain Xavier, and his new Lieutenant Rueben. They both wore black chainmail interwoven with leather, a recent innovation and armor given to the Moonhall Sniper platoon.
Leif approached the gate guard with a smile "Good men, I am here to share the company of our new Emperor. Long may he reign!"
"Long may he reign", replied both guards simultaneously.
"I will send word, Imperial Magistrate" nodded the guard on the right. "Please, do come in and take a seat in the meanwhile"
Roleplay from Alessio de Medici
Alessio beams a smile to the Emperor.
"Perhaps it shall be a shame that such is the limits of my ambition, at least for the near future. For all I ask are additional ways to serve the crown upon your head, and you yourself, my good Emperor. I shall write them upon my departure, I am in gratitude. Long may you live." he says, before giving a quick salute, the sound of chainmail clanking on the hall returning as he leaves. Outside the hall itself stood a man in dark clothes, most notably of all a hat with a large overhanging rim.
Alessio looks to him, motioning his hand towards him. "Prepare the birds, Raskolnikov, I have letters to write." as he left the palace.
Roleplay from Nicholas Archival
As Sir Alessio departed, one of the palace stewards stepped up to deliver another hushed message to the emperor. After listening, Nicholas deftly motioned for the steward to return with a message of his own.
"Inform the Magistrate that the hospitality of the palace is for him to enjoy. If he wishes to attend court, he is welcome to do so... if not, he is to be invited to my study afterwards. And make sure there is a chess board prepared."
Thereafter, Nicholas returned to surveying the emperor's court - his court - with a renewed interest. Alessio's approach had proven worthwhile; would the next?
Imperial CourtRoleplay from Veronica Gardarr
Alessio? Did the Emperor say Alessio? Veronica moved behind what she assumed to be a Knight dressed in metal Armour, with royal blue cape, with a golden sigil on the clasp.
Hiding behind the Knight she peered around him to see the Knight Alessio start to make his exit from the Imperial Hall.
Murmuring to herself she says
"So that's what he looks like, the oaf"Roleplay from Leif Wilkins
Leif was sitting in a lobby laughing with his men, recalling the recent courtship attempt of a local knight by sending a head of a young goblin to a newly arrived dame. Being legendary for his ability to please and seduce women, Leif held his palm to his forehead as he held back tears of laughter. He found the folly of chivalrous courtship equally humorous and entertaining.
After wiping a tear out of his left eye, Leif saw the Imperial Stewart making his way. Leif straightened out, and welcomed the Stewart with a smile and a bow.
"Imperial Magistrate, the Emperor is keen to see you." He leaned closer to Leif, bending down at the knee to reach the dwarf's ear "The Emperor offers you to meet him at his study in case you would prefer it over a public greeting".
"It would please me to see him in public. Once I have greeted our Emperor in the court, take me to the study. I trust you may have a chess board handy?" Leif whispered back.
"As you wish Magistrate" responded the Stewart, motioning his hand inviting Leif and his men into the hall.
As Leif made his way through the great hall leading to the throne, some court ladies bit their knuckles, others whispered to each other not taking their eyes off of his, and some blushed red. He smiled as he walked, pleased that he still held the same element, but knew that his days of experiencing new beds would be much slower while he held his new title.
As Leif made it to the foot of the stairs that led up to the throne he saw Nicholas.
This man looks exactly as he should, and is sitting in the right seat. Nicholas is looking damn fine, Leif thought.
Without a word, Leif bowed deeply.
Roleplay from Marjorie de Chevalier
Dame Marjorie watched as Sir Alessio departed the throne room and noted that some critter of a girl hid behind her. Gently, she reached out to place a plated finger-tip on Veronica Gardarr's chin, to lift it up. "Stand with pride," she said, with some motherly undertone, "you are in the presence of the Emperor."
The Dame noted that no one moved to steal the Emperor's attention, and so she decided it must be her turn. Without further ado, she released the girl from her grasp and moved to take the scene, eyes steadily on the cream-coloured Nicholas Archival, fresh on his throne.
Roleplay from Nicholas Archival
"Sir Leif Wilkins, Imperial Magistrate of Luria Nova," announced the steward to the court, upon his return to the throne room.
In response, Nicholas set his eyes forward to await the approach of the nobleman. Well, there's no mistaking him, he noted to himself with a smile. Leif could hardly be recognized as any other. The rumors about him appeared true, too; while many of the court's women and maidens had tittered and blushed at the sight of the emperor, it was not quite in the same manner. Nicholas was becoming known for his chastity... while Leif was certainly not.
At the Magistrate's bow, he dipped his head into a small inclination. "I bid you welcome, Imperial Magistrate," he declared. "The hospitality of the Imperial Court is yours."
With that, he reclined back against the throne, and observed intently Leif's reply... just as another aristocrat stepped forward to have themselves seen. He acknowledged her with a look, and seemed content to permit her to remain where she was; at the very least, she had jumped the queue to just behind the Magistrate himself.
