THE CORONATION OF ANTONIUS HOREN

[Old Man Boiendl 1454]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE CORONATION OF ANTONIUS HOREN

3rd of Godfrey’s Triumph, 1707

 

 

The day had started quietly, the morning sun painting the city of Helen a gentle orange; rays of light breaking over the city’s imposing walls and illuminating the empty streets in a broad, bronze hue. Such calm was deceiving however - although the city streets were still quiet, the hallowed silence broken only by the yapping of stray dogs and the gentle laughter of children playing in the street, the palace was filled with a buzz of frenetic energy. Servants shuffled back and forth urgently, motivated to greater vigour by a constant stream of curses from the stewards of the household.

 

As the hours passed and the gentle dawn gave way to bright blue skies, marred only by the occasional drifting cloud, the city shrugged off its lethargic awakening and burst alive. The streets filled with a throng of travellers and visitors: here a visiting noble of Haense, clad in furs and house colours, there a merchant adorned in silks and rings, forcing his way through the crowd. All had only a single destination in mind - that of the cathedral which towered above the homes nearby.

 

It was a momentous occasion they had come to witness - the type which only came about once in a generation. The handing down of responsibilities; the rise of a new generation, fit to surpass their fathers and build on their successes. There is something sacred to the coronation beyond even its promise of divine right and power; it represented the beginning of a new era, a promise of success and renewed, strengthened power.

 

It was this which the travellers had come to see. It was for this occasion that they crammed inwards, pews rammed with visitors from across an entire world come to pay homage to the most powerful man alive. Light streamed in through stained glasses as the masses sweated, sedentary, awaiting the great event. With every passing minute the throng of humanity increased, more and more packing themselves in, and yet it was not a riotous affair but instead respectful, devoid of raised voices and crude jests.

 

Before the congregation stood the figure of Pontian II, robed and preeminent, casting his slow gaze across the masses as if in judgement. Behind him a holy flag, slowly fluttering back and forth. Within his hands he held a crown, cradling it gently, off which the light seemed to bounce to dazzle any who looked directly at it. Waiting in the front row, just before him, were the flower of the Empire’s nobility - the kings of Haense and Curon stood proud and surrounded by their families and attendants.

 

Then, just as the crowd seemed to reach a natural lull and settle down hushed, the doors flung open, a corps of soldiers trooping in. Behind them strode Antonius Horen - the man that the crowds had come to honour. He strode down the aisle, boots muffled by the velvet carpet, chin held up and eyes facing forwards, cloak flowing out behind him.

 

All eyes turned towards the soon-to-be Emperor, a revered silence coming over the hall as he halted before the figure of the High Pontiff, slowly lowering himself to one knee. The clergyman opened his arms, looking out of the crowd, as the coronation began.

 

“Antonious Horen - do you swear in the sight of the Creator, GOD most high, to uphold the laws of the Empire? Antonius Horen - do you swear to protect your people until your dying breath? Antonius Horen  - do you swear to never falter in your fervour for the word of GOD, to uphold His word and Church?

 

The High Pontiff reeled out the oath, one after another, and to each one Antonius rose his head and offered a simple “I do,” steely eyes glancing forwards.

 

Pontian II paused for a moment before leaning forwards and placing the crown onto his scalp, offering a brief smile. After a moment’s pause - head still bent lower - he stood and turned to face the crowd, raising his arms to a massed roar, standing not as Prince but Emperor Antonius I.

 

[Publius 4098]

Timeo, though being invited to entertain, found nothing entertaining about the occasion and so abstained!

[BravoZZZ 0]

9 minutes ago, Publius said:

Timeo, though being invited to entertain, found nothing entertaining about the occasion and so abstained!

 

 

same **sadface

[Morigung-oog 5700]

Vexalia applauded from the side. “Long love Emperor Antonius.” The woman grinned up to the prince who had shown her such kindness before. The least she could do was attend his coronation.

[Sorcerio 4712]

Alfius attended the cornation, though didn’t stay for the whole event as he had other business to attend to. As he walked out the door, he muttered, “You’ll do well kid, I’m sure.”

 

Dresden laughed for a good five minutes, and after wiping a few tears, said, ”Oh boy, this oughta be good!”

 

[Vaasek 224]

”Long may he live.” Footman Siegmar proclaimed, being one of the guards that attended the Coronation!

[Inferno_Ougi 1454]

“As long as he’s receptive to trade!” Commented Hannibal, bastard son of Antonious Horen (not this one), before snuffing out his cigar on it.