Throne Room.

[Xerxes_XIII 2 200]

An elf walks into the throne room, his rigid posture and raised chin seeming to speak of nobility. He wears all manner of finery, a velvet jacket lined with gold silk trim, and a circlet of what appears to be white gold, studded with amethyst. The elf seems to be carrying large package, wrapped in a silken cloth. He steps forward, and bends down in a deep bow, then straightens.

"Your Imperial Majesty, it is my honor to speak with you." he begins in a respectful, faintly accented tone, "I come to you with a proposal."

 

After a short moment of pause, he continues, "I, Namiir Lavada, the once rightful heir to the Island Nation of Holm, would be honored to offer you on behalf of my family..." he uncovers the wrapped item, revealing a beautifully carved ebony box, slightly larger than one that may be used for jewelry, but smaller than a chest. "Three things, my liége. First, I offer you the crown and jewels of Holm." he opens the box to reveal a beautiful gold circlet, studded with shimmering sapphires, blue topaz and moonstones. It sits nestled amongst a bed of gleaming gems and minas. A pair of jeweled bracers sits atop the riches as well.

 

"Secondly," he closes the box, "I offer you my inheritance, which by your standards may be quite meager... Four thousand Mina." he nods to the box in his hands to show that the mina is included within.

 

"And lastly," he says with a smile, "I offer you the prestigious title of 'True King of The Island Nation of Holm'."

 

Namiir pauses allowing a moment for his offer to be heard and perhaps discussed, "And, in return, I humbly request that my family be honored as a Royal or Greater house within your grand nation, and that we be given a modest estate on your lands."

"We are all prepared to swear our loyalty to your Imperial Majesty, to his law, and of course, to the magnificent Creator."

[Scipp3r 451]

Senenshal Patrick sits on the second highest throne in court by the right of the Emperor. He folds his hands and perks up to the title "King of Holm". Patrick inclines his head to Godfrey whispering to him.

[Scipp3r 451]

(Double Post, Deal with it)

 

Patrick nods to Godfrey as he responds in another whisper. He stands up and gestures with open hands.

"His Imperial Majesty Accepts your humble offer, but as only a noble House. Not Royal or Greater. Do you agree to the new conditions?"

[Xerxes_XIII 2 200]

Namiir beams at him, giving another deep bow, "I gratefully accept these terms. I thank your Imperial Majesty, and the Privvy council for their generosity." 

 

Namiir approaches slowly, kneeling before Godfrey and setting the ebony box at his feet, "Thank you, my Liege."

 

He stands, taking a step back and once again giving a respectful bow, and waiting to be dismissed.

[Scipp3r 451]

Patrick picks the box up, stashing it under the Emperor's Throne before sitting down once more. 

 

Godfrey waves his hand to dismiss him off.

[Xerxes_XIII 2 200]

Namiir bows one last time to the King and High Treasurer, turning and walking briskly from the room.

[Gathius di Silvari 73]

Gathius Valletta arrives at the Emperor's palace with a small smile sniffing the fresh air. It had been a long journey and he streched his legs wiping dust from the traveling clothes he suddenly realized were dirty and filled with hole, he had spent some time in the wilderness. He scratched his head wondering what to do with the laws of court running through his mind. He sighed as he reached into his pocket looking towards a market stall. He clutches nothing as the leather sling firmly attached to his back begins to cry. He quickly moves it revealing the small baby girl wrapped tight within. He works quickly calming her, reassuring her before she begins to drift back off to sleep. Swinging the sling back on his back he takes a deep breath gazing at the place with his pale blue eyes. He makes a silent prayer wiping more dust off his clothes. He takes another deep breath and enters.

The crowd and line is long and he takes his position among it. It is sometime before he is beckoned forward.

He bows low, his long beard touching the floor. "Your Imperial Majesty. It is a true honor to be before you. I regret not coming to you sooner and being incapable of coming to you sooner. I will attempt to make this as brief as possible. I believe my cousin spoke to you some time ago before the ships left for this land. In your boundless grace and wisdom you saw fit to rid me of the wrongful crimes of treason I was accused of due to the actions of another. My lands and my titles were restored to me. For this I thank you. My cousin mentioned you have promised I would have lands in this land. I come to you now to request such lands so I may re mend that which was broken. I also come to ask for a firmer decree that my family is in fact noble. As there are some that still refuse to believe it and as such my people are often assaulted with both words and arms.”

((Pending the writing of the citizenship papers and official nobility of the Holy Oren Empire form of course. I just need something finite to put.))

[ski_king3 0]

Rose arrives at the Emperor's Palace, following the fairly short walk from Auvergne, with her father Balian and brother Marcel. They enter the palace together, escorted by a slough of Dragon Guard to the Emperor's Throne Room. The three enter, Rose carrying a small wooden box, as well as a folded note on top of it. The other two are seemingly unladen.

 

Rose steps forward from the three, all of whom approach the Emperor. They stop at what would be deemed a normal distance from the Emperor, Rose slightly ahead of the two. The two males beside her bow, and she curtsies before addressing the Emperor.

 

"Your Imperial Majesty, before I state what I've come to discuss, my family would like to offer you these gifts." She opens the small box, revealing four bottles of wine. "Wine production has begun in the vineyard in Auvergne, and we would like to offer you some of the first bottles we've corked. Within here are two bottles of our Auvergnat Blanc Naturel, a fine white wine of natural taste which seems to excite the heart and mind when it is drank. There is also a bottle of the Auvergnat Rouge d'Herbes, a red wine with a bit of an herbal after-taste. The last is a bottle of our newest creation, the Doux Vodka Vin. It is odd in that while it is a wine made with grapes, it tastes more like vodka. I don't personally know your tastes in alcohol, yet I believed it would be fitting that you be granted such a unique wine. All of these are gifts from House Valois."

 

Rose pauses, allowing a servant to come and take the box, bringing it to the Emperor to inspect. "Now, I come to you today to speak on the behalf of my kind sister, the Countess Chrestienne Valois. I come, unfortunately, to express my sister's desire for the abdication of her titles. While it may seem somewhat premature for my sister to give up her position as the Head of House Valois, she feels she has no other option. It is my sister's intention to wed the Count Hadrien de Sarkozy in the coming Elven weeks, and as such, she would like to keep a member of our family and of Auvergnian blood at the head of House Valois. As such, she feels it would be best for our brother, Marcel, to take her place, as he is already heir to our House. As a House, we feel that besides my sister's upcoming marriage, having a male at the head of the House is for the best, regardless."

 

"Whilst you may be unfamiliar with my brother Marcel, and therefore unsure of his ability to lead, my sister would like to assure you he is more than up to the job. Both Chrestienne and I will be assisting him and advising him as best we can, along with the rest of our family. This includes the advice of our father, Balian, who has recently returned to us, blessing us with the realization that he is alive. He spent much of his life as the Duke of Auvergne, as I'm sure you know, although he wishes for his title no longer. Nonetheless, he is more than capable in aiding us."

 

"With this, I will leave you to question any of the three of us here before you, either myself, my father, or my brother, to your satisfaction. Thank you for listening, sire. No matter your response, your audience is most appreciated."

 

With this closing remark, she steps backwards, standing on level with her brother and father.

[Sultan 3953]

Looks towards the lad that spoke to him.. ''Ah thank you very much for the wines, and on the matter of abdicating that can happen without my approvel to a family member of yours. As that is a noble right.''

[ski_king3 0]

Rose's expression shifts to one of uncertainty for a fraction of a second, before returning to her composed, confident demeanor. "Thank you for clarifying that, Sire. That was my belief as well, yet if I remember correctly, Chrestienne insisted otherwise. In retrospect, though, she may have meant that she merely wished for us to go to you out of respect, rather than necessity. She has been ill lately, and was not entirely clear in her instructions. Her illness is also the reason I am presenting this information, rather than Chrestienne. Otherwise, she would be here sharing this information herself."

 

"Anyways, unless either my brother or father or Your Imperial Majesty has something to say, we will take our leave. There is no reason to take time away from your other responsibilities in managing the grandest and most expansive Empire that ever has existed."

 

Rose waits, seeing if any of the others speak. If none do ((if nobody makes another post)), Rose, Balian and Marcel give the usual polite and formal goodbyes and pleasantries to the Emperor before departing.

[lugarthecougar 57]

Balian takes a step forward, his cane making a clack of wood on stone as he bows to the Emperor. Balian begins speaking in a lilting accent "Bonjour, Mon seigneur." he rises back up and smiles through his beard towards the Emperor. "As my daughter so kindly phrased it, I have returned to my family after a long.." Balian pauses for a moment searching for the word "Fête, or holiday if you will." He straightens his jacket and stifles a cough before beginning again "I simply wish to state how honored I am to once again be in your service, and should you need anything from the Gui.." visibly stops himself and clenches the fist holding his cane before starting once more "From the Valois, please do not hesitate to send for me or my very capable son Marcel." after finishing his sentence he bows politely once more and stands awaiting a response.

[Roderick Greymane / Vegas 219]

Charles Greymane rides up to the front gates of the Palace and dismounts his horse, he sends his page away to tie it up as he ascends the stairs to enter into the Throne Room. He waits patiently as the line shortens until it is his turn to speak, he kneels before the Emperor and kisses his ring, makes a cross over his heart and speaks when told to.

 

"Your Imperial Majesty, I come to you today to settle the dispute of who claims ownership over the County of the Greymarsh and all that is held within its claim. I recently sold the rights to the lands under the assumption that I had the authority to do so and found out later that the Duke of Corpathia made a mistake in telling me that I was allowed to continue on with the Sale. I beg for your help upon the matter and wish to have you remove all my claims upon the land and settle this issue between the Greymanes, the Duchy of Corpathia, and the Chapter of the Lion."

 

Charles finishes giving his speech and looks up to the Emperor, awaiting his response.

[TheBareSheet 194]

Catriona hurries towards the Black Keep with a adrenaline coursing down her veins. Her cheeks was flushed of walking so far, she didn't have a horse. Neither had she'd been taught to ride it ladylike, so to prevent any impolite and uncourteous moments, she has to walk by foot. Very often Catriona pulled out her handkerchief to dab away the drops of sweat. 

 

This very day was important. Thus must be properly prepared for it. Her black hair was braided and tied in a bun. And the dress once dusted with flour was properly ironed and washed. Catriona - a strong willed woman, once had a matter and goal focussed in her mind, nothing could possibly distract her.

 

So, indeed did she determinely twist through the crowds of people, rambling stalls. And eventually reach the Black Keep in early time despite her growing age.

 

As she hitched her dress as she entered, she quickly and expectedly found the knight and the scribe. Smiling at the scribe, Catriona tries to find her confidence. With a slightly stuttering start "Cat-.. Catriona Bronte. I seek the King of course and I have matters about the City State of Malinor which I wish to inquire about." As the knight nods her to pass, she smiles warmly once again and continues her way.

 

As Catriona pauses before stepping into the throne room, which was much crowded as she expected. Hoping to catch the King's attention, she walked up, still keeping distance and curtsied. 

 

"My Great and Divine Emperor, your Imperial Majesty. I come forth today in greatest intent to ask you who shall be the ambassador/representative which shall be sent to the City-State of Malinor? I, myself as a plain housewife and scribe is certainly hardly one that could fit such position. However it is also in me, a patriotic heart. It is my greatest and upmost intent to serve as the ambassador's personal secretary. This job, I think, shall suit me very well as well as will provide great assistance to the ambassador. And this idea simple came up because we simply are a grand and illustrious nation. And as mentioned in the decree, I know it is our nation's intention to keep steady and firm line of communication between the High Council and our nation. I believe, even though my support in that minimal, it shall help. And your permission would only satisfy this only wish I have. I, spent a few years in my life in research of our elven brothers and sisters. Even though so much time of my youth I spent. However, my curiosity is insatiable. I wish to know more. So if you give your permission, it would gratify me greatly. Perhaps I might not be able to serve the ambassador sent to the City-State of Malinor. Perhaps if that is not possible, I might be able to serve Prince Avern'len? All I want is to understand the daily lives of our brothers and sisters and understand their cultural practices."

 

Catriona pauses, realising how long her words were. Curtsying to the King again she apologises. "Your Imperial Majesty, forgive me. I have taken much of your precious time. My desires have overcome me so. I will step aside and await your decision as long as it takes. Still if you wish to decline, my Emperor, you shall always be our Great and Divine King, respected and admired by your people."

[{Charles Redwing} -Pmck6- 2]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Charles slowly makes his way up the tall hill towards the Black Keep, nervously running through the small speech he is about to give, occasionally nudging the hired horse beneath him to keep it going. He rides past the blockades, showing himself to the soldiers guarding them that he is not armed and that he is perfectly healthy, then continues up the hill. His knees push at the flanks of the horse seemingly of their own will, while his hands release the reins and are clasped tightly together as he thinks and rethinks what words to use.

 

Finally he reaches the Black Keep, and he quickly dismounts. Leaving it to be tied up by one of the numerous servants around the area, he puts on a confident persona and expression and makes his way towards the gates. Smiling in a friendly manner, he greets the scribe as he sees him.

 

"Ah, greetings."

 

He nods in understanding as he listens to the scribes' request, and then grins again, growing a bit more nervous under the gaze of the knights on either side of him, but refusing to allow it to show on his face.

 

"I am Charles Redwing, from Solace. I am here to speak with the King."

 

Smiling, he heaves a barely perceptible sigh of relief as the scribe and his burly knights allow him to pass. Quickly he makes his way into the Keep, and begins to traverse the long corridors toward the throne room. Once he finally gets there, he waits in line until it is his turn to speak to the King. He grins and bows deeply to the King, and then kneels before him, speaking loudly and clearly, as confidently as possible.

 

"Your Royal Highness, a pleasure to finally see you in all your glory. I am Charles Redwing, a simple historian from the city of Solace.  I have recently embarked on a large set of travels, venturing around our world and seeing what there is to see. However, now that I have come back to oren, I must find a proper job . As a loyal citizen of yours, i thought that I might be able to help serve you with my various skills. As an educated scholar, I would serve as a good scribe to you, or as your personal historian perhaps? I would be happy to help advise you on the history, culture and politics of our world, whatever you see fit really."

 

Charles finishes quickly, smiling as he does so. He bends his head down and awaits the verdict of the King.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[Aptrotta 162]

     An old rickety carriage drawn by two white horses bounces down the road heading toward the Black Keep on one rainy night. The light from the candle lit lanters dances on the ground. Inside the carriage sits a short man with fair skin and light brown hair, slightly tussled. His eyes are a deep emerald green. A journal lays open on his lap, a feather quill moving swiftly over the paper in his right hand. Every so often the hand moves the quill away from the paper and dips the nib in a small jar of ink. Seconds later it returns to the page in the journal and continues to write. 

     As the carriage begins to slow the man drops the quill. He lifts the journal closes to his face and blows lightly on the pages to make the ink dry. The man shuts the book slowly and places besides him on the seat. Not even one minute later he slides over to the small window pane. The man presses his face against the cold glass window pane and looks out. 

    He smiles and pulls his face away. 

    The carriage stops directly in front of the keeps entrance, the rain pittering and pattering as it hits the ground. A loud creaking knows rings through the air as the carriage down swings open. A man wearing a long brown coat and brown cloth pants gets out of the carriage. Under the coat is a green vest with white threads. His right arm raises to unhook one of the lanterns from the back of the carriage. Gripping the lanterns handle as tight as he can with his gloved right hand, he tells the coachman "Keep yourself and the horses warm. I do not know how long it will be till I return." An almost silent puff of air emits from the mans lips as he turns to face the path. His boots make slight thudding noises as they trek the up the wet stone path to the keeps entrance.

   

     Finally the man reaches the entrance to the keep at the top of the path. All that stops him from entering are two gaurds with long silver polearms making an "X" over the entrance. The guard on the left, a tall man wearing a black coat with brass buttons speaks up first. "State your name and business." The man carrying the lantern answers. "My name is Harrison. Harrison Geminine of House Geminine. I come here to speak with the Emperor about land." Both of the guards look at each other and give a quick nod in unison. Uncrossing their polearms they say "You may enter mister Geminine". With their free hands they push the doors open revealing the large throne room and the Emperor sitting on top his throne. Harrison smile and strides into the room. 

     Guards stand straight on either side of the carpet leading to the throne, their polearms tips facing the ceiling. Harrison walks briskly along the carpet, his boots making slight thudding noises as they hit the ground. He stops walking when he is about fifteen feet away from the throne. Harrison clears his throat and begins to speak.

     "Your imperial majesty, I come to you tonight to speak about coming in ownership of a small area of land. A few weeks ago I took a small boat off the coast of Furnestock and sailed for a few hours. It started out as a way to simply take some time to relax, but not even three hours into my small voyage I found something. It was a small land mass in the middle of the sea. It seemed to have no wildlife what so ever, not an animal in sight. On the Northern side of the island stood one tree. The only vegetation around. I anchored the boat not to far away from the island and watched it over the course of that night and the next day. I left thinking that this island was uninhabited. As soon as docked in Furnestock I took my carriage back to Greymarsh. Luckily, I had a copy of Orens map back at home so I took some time to study it. I found Furnestock on it and looked at the sea off its coast. The island was not on the map. The reason I come to you today is to ask for one simple thing. I wish to come in ownership of this island and build the town of Gallmore on it. If you allow me to do this in the name of our great nation , Oren, it would greatly increase Orens power in Anthos. As you know, land is power. More land for Oren means more power for Oren." Harrison clears his throat. "I thank you for listening your Imperial Majesty." 

    Harrison looks up at the Emperor, a look of hope in his eyes as he awaits his response.