“Aye, ‘ang them there. No, you fool, THERE, not there. Put some... flowahs, on those gallows. Pretty it up. Lock the dungeon doors. Torches everywhere. Move the last of the belongings out from the barracks. Get the tables set up... the /finest/ selection of food! An’ ale! All brews, meads, wines an’ beers, by the barrel...” The voice trailed off, drowned out by the construction and renovations being made; workers of all sorts shuffled about, converting this stone bastion on the mountain into something entirely different - a palace. A party palace. Renovations would be made for a week before it was deemed ready, and by then the keep, so renowned for its no-entry policy, was about to open its doors for the nobles of Oren. Invitations are sent out privately by courier, each adorning a simple black and yellow tabard, a black sparrow in its center describing their messages to be from House Chivay, and are sent all throughout both islands of Kalos and Elysium. With the coming of the day of the party, the hosts make last minute inspections of the party palace, barking an order at a passing servant, and nodding to the various men in red tabards along the several towers of the keep, an ever vigilant and watchful eye, even at times of celebration. The keep is decorated beautifully, a true spectacle and testament to the wealth the Empire has been able to accumulate, even when setback with the arrival of these islands. The guests soon arrive. The winding stone stairs up to the keep is lined with streamers of black and yellow, and the tunnel cutting up into the mountain glows with the dim light of redstone torches, giving a calming sense as the cold air of the mountain soon starts to touch the guests’ skin. The iron gates, so long closed and denying any large entry, are open and welcoming. A child with fair blond hair and decorated in a fine black jacket, complemented by a light blue Rose armband, holds a small cane beside him, smiling up to each arriving guest and announcing their title and name to the courtyard. At every arrival, one soldier at the main tower glances down, ensuring the safety of the guests and proving their validity. Down the stairs reveals a beautiful courtyard, clearly renovated and cut out along the mountain, flattening it and placing gardens of primarily roses flanking each side of the battlements. Streamers shoot across overhead, and a wide array of food and drink line one side of the wall; from a local Chivay’s Brew to the fine Auvergnian wine, to legs of mutton and lamb, topped off by whole turkeys, chickens and even duck; and an even greater selection lays in the feasting hall.
Off to the left lies a more private area, where the old gallows and dungeons had been converted to a secluded man-made grotto, complete with a dug in pool, cold and calming.
Back around and through the courtyard, you’d find yourself looking up a set of stairs that lead to the main keep, where the throne room and dining hall are located. It is there that the two Chivay hosts sit happily in their thrones, greeting the guests and giving calm gestures of their hands, waving and ordering servants and guards around with an air of unquestioned authority. At seemingly every corner, a Rose soldier stands at attention, his White Rose tabard cleaned and in pristine condition, each carrying a halberd and arming sword. Stoic and silent, they lower their conical helmets fixed with wreaths of flora and take careful glances about, conversing with a fellow guard, and having their own party, all while keeping their ever watchful eye on the gathering; making sure nothing goes awry. No daring knight would ever penetrate this castle... there aren’t any feminine princes to save, anyway.
The stage was properly decorated, and the curtain was unveiled. The party had started, and the play had just begun. It was sure to be a night of entertainment and enjoyment, one that was sorely needed in these times of constant travel, conflict and confusion.