The Ascension of a King

[WoodenApples 382]

 

Redacted, “Coronation of Joseph Alexander Staunton” [7th Sun’s Smile, 1608].

 

Today would be the start of a new page in history.

 

On summer-filled morning Aleksandria awakes to the bells of the Temple of the Diarchs. To the big bells as loud as the thunder and to the little bells soft as the psalm, it’s sounds reverberating around the streets and marketplaces, announcing a procession that began to depart from the Palace of Curonburg; Gilded men wearing bands of gold, furred silks and gem-encrusted swords held aloft. Marching to the sound of a Vanguard’s drums and trumpets, down the thoroughfare, as White doves were released from the parapets of the palace.

 

The sun’s holy light beamed down upon this procession of swords held by the Courlandic Nobility, the first of which would be that of the Archduke Ostromir Ivanovich. Donning the Cap of the Hetman, the Warden of the North would look stoically forward as he was followed by Duke Abdes de Savin, himself flanked by the Barons Romanos Palaiologos, Percius Mauntel and Alexander Merentel. Their blades brightly shining alongside those of Dionysius de Savin and Rotger von Curon, flanking Lord Marshal Elias de Castro, whose armour flared flamboyant flickers along Aleksandria’s avenues. They would only be matched by the jewels of Amelia Palaiologos, obediently proceeding behind the nobility.

 

Such a spectacle had never been seen before as the retinue of the future King stepped forth. His Royal Highness, Crown Prince Joseph Alexander would be surrounded by the Royal Family: His uncles, Sven Staunton-Hearth and Frederick Staunton-Baden, the Arch-Chancellor, would march up front. To his sides, The Crown Prince would be flanked by his brothers, Princes William Augustus & Oliver Richard, whilst Prince Arthur Richard would be behind him with the ten-year old Prince Alfred Henry, both grasping at the train that followed from the shoulders of Joseph.

 

His Mother, Her Royal Highness the Queen Dowager, Lisette of Virdain, stepped solemnly on the steps of the Church, alongside her daughters: Princesses Elizabeth Maria and Sophia Alexandria. Elegantly dressed in glowing gowns of gold and green, with the fineries of twinkling tiaras that matched their Royal Pedigree.

 

The Ferula of the True Faith was held high, like the sword before it, behind his High Holiness, Callixtus I, held by the Bishop Nikolas. Beside him would silently step the holy Sisters Gertrude and Margravine, holding the Crown and Sceptre of Courland respectively on plump green, gilded cushions. Najira Borisovich, the High Priest’s Wife, followed suit with the sacred scrolls of the True Faith.

 

As the procession commenced down the nave of that most holy church of the True Faith, each man and woman would take their place. The Nobles would occupy all but the front most pews, reserved for the King’s entourage. The Queen Dowager and the Royal Princesses turned abruptly to enter the King’s box, sitting suitably in the thrones provided, as the Clergy would occupy the Altar and dias. With all in their place, Joseph Alexander knelt before the High Priest, who began the vows.

 

Callixtus I shalt say, "Will you solemnly promise and swear to govern the people of this Kingdom of Courland, and the dominions thereto belonging, according to the statute laws and customs of the land?"

 

Joseph Alexander, "I solemnly promise so to do."

 

Callixtus I, "Will you to your power cause law and justice in mercy to be executed in all your judgements?"

 

Joseph Alexander, "I will."

 

Callixtus I, "Will you to the utmost of your power maintain the laws of GOD, the true profession of the gospel and the religion of the True Faith established by law, and will you preserve unto the bishops and clergy of this Realm, and to the churches committed to their charge, all such rights and privileges as by law do or shall appertain unto them, or any of them?"

 

Joseph Alexander, "All this I promise to do."

 

After this, Joseph Alexander lays his upon the holy Gospels, and shall say,

Joseph Alexander, "The things which I have here before promised, I will perform and keep: So help me God."

 

Callixtus I places the Crown of Courland atop Joseph Alexander’s head, taking a few steps back before saying “Then before the sight of GOD, I give you King Joseph I of Courland. Long may he reign!”

 

The Crowned Heads of Courland would take off their golden bands and raise them aloft, replying “Long may he reign!”

 

[func_Soap 410]

"Ave, His Majesty Joeseph," Rotger declares, "Ave Courland!"

((http://vocaroo.com/i/s1dG9KobYOaf))

[Gavin_ 2027]

"Long live the King!" exclaims Frederick. "Long live Courland!"

[Kukiii 511]

"Long live King Joseph!" Elias would smile "May his reign be long! Ave Courland!

[HurferDurfer1 2979]

Coltaine keeps his eyes on the shadows behind the throne.

[Zezimus 1523]

Wulfgar of Clan Grandaxe, Ambassador to the Kingdom of Courland smiles as he hears news of the King's ascension.

 

"Oi look forward to dealin' with the new sovereign ov Courland. May our alloiance be as prosperous as t'e last."

[sergisala 3451]

"Ave Staunton! Long live the King! Long may he reign!" Lord Alexander of Merentel would exclaim with joy as the new king is crowned.

[Legoboy7984 3155]

A Courlander peasents mumbles

"Better not go to war like his father..."

[MunaZaldrizoti 8037]

"Long May He Reign," Queen Lisette Staunton would call out, her two daughters on either side. She held a certain distaste for how quickly this coronation was held, so soon after the death of her husband, her king. She was proud of her son, yet did not know him as well as she might, since Tobias had sent him away for his formal education. She could now only wait, in her widow's gown of black and spun-gold, for the woman that would now enter to take her former role as Queen-Consort. The future was hazy, but for all of her doubt, Lisette could only trust that her son had it well-handled.

[Britannicvs 2508]

"Long may he reign!" Dion echoes.

[Glocky18 545]

"Chere the Basileus, Chere Courland. Long live Basileus Joseph and God save the Basileus." Romanos would say.

[MissToni 3565]

Amelia would smile upon seeing the new King being crowned. "Long live the King!" She would call out, pausing for a bit before shouting out once more, "Long live Courland!"