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Post by missmilkmaid on Nov 25, 2014 7:19:32 GMT
On the commencement day of the Grand Tournament, House Christallo and all of Dovwynn held a great festival, which would last throughout the days of the tournament. Songs and feasts were provided and smaller games and contests were set up in tents and booths along the streets. Decorations hung from every window and tree and vendors were selling treats and little toys to children at half a penny each.
While everyone was welcome to celebrate in the bazaars down in the city, all the nobles and heads of states had been invited to a feast up at Christallo Manner. The little fortress wasn’t grand or luxurious in any respect, but like the town, garlands of flowers and bright banners decorated the while limestone and wooden walls and it had been cleaned and furbished with careful respect. And if the manner failed to impress, the view made up for that.
Christallo Manner was built on stunning white cliffs, overlong the bright bay of the Southern Ocean. Rolling green hills and golden wheat fields could be seen rising out of the water on the far side and sea birds and even a few wild young griffins soared through the great blue sky between. On the other side, the manner overlooked Dovwynn City, from a masterful height, as well as the orchards of oranges and olives, spreading out to the south and the east. The Ryn Riven could be seen flowing through the city and on toward the city, like a shining blue ribbon tossed upon the land.
The weather, while rather warm, was fabulous, with fresh breezes coming off the sea and happy white clouds sailing across the sky, like so many joyful lambs. Most of the tables had been arranged outside, with tents for shade and an open area before a small platform stage, where gusts could mingle and talk, or, if the occasion came, dance. King Azlyn had arranged for entertainment, with bards playing harps, or a band of stringed musicians singing cheery Elonese folk songs. From time to time, Azlyn took the stage himself, leading his musicians in boisterous dance tunes, many of which he’d composed himself.
However, to open the commencement feast, he took the stage to speak rather than sing to the gathered guests.
“On behalf of the Vizier, Elon is honored to welcome noble monarchs, lords and ladies from around the north to the Grand Tournament! In years gone by, our nations may have been friends, enemies or ambivalent neighbors, but now we stand united under one church and state as fellow brothers of the North. In the spirit of companionship and good sport, we have all gathered as one people made of many glorious nations. On the tournament fields we shall have the opportunity to win glory. Glory for our individual nations, glory for our family names and glory for the women we love and the God we serve! The many contestants will seek unique victory and a blessed few shall find it, but together we are achieving something greater. We present before the Empire and the one great god, our finest mastery, our duty and our dignity as pound peoples, as northerners and vassals to the Empire. Together we raise banners from every kingdom and one glorious song of honor and sportsmanship! May Aed shine his face down upon us all and bless this tournament to his glorious purpose, Amen!”
As her husband finished his speech, Queen Chello applauded politely with the rest of the crowd, looking around with interest at the many faces gathered in her home. She could care less about who won what. This was what she was truly interested in, the chance to meet and get to know the most important personages of the north. This was a rare diplomatic opportunity and not one she was going to let pass her by.
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Players may introduce their champions as they see fit and interact with each other throughout the tournament events.
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Post by ravigen on Nov 25, 2014 16:12:57 GMT
Naozumi had smiled and nodded respectfully, applauding as politely as seemed necessary. The King was good at making speeches but Naozumi's mind was admittedly distracted, even the food in front of him couldn't keep his attention for long, he had much to think about.
Sighing softly he slowly ran a hand through his short black hair, turning to regard his family beside him. Each was dressed in traditional attire red high-collared mantle with the lower part split half way, a red obi and a belt.
Sayoko, the oldest and his heir, kept her long black hair in a ponytail, of all his children she was the tallest, even sitting she was a good head taller than him and muscled enough to match.
Yukimura, his younger son, was practically a mirror image of his father, with his mother's brown hair, he sat slightly slumped forward and talking in hushed voices with Masateru, probably about the tournament but he wasn't sure and didn't feel like intruding.
His youngest daughter, Himawari, was sitting primly beside him, she had more of her mother in her than him, long brown hair, that reserved, quiet demeanor that he had come to love and a kindness for all living things.
His introspection aside he turned back to the food, idly glancing around at the other contestants |
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Post by Vaklu on Nov 26, 2014 6:52:13 GMT
Jarl Tholarg and his wife arrived slightly later than most of the other dignitaries. They were followed into the hall by Wulfric Thunderfist, While the royal couple wore silks and fine linens fitting for the occasion, Wulfric favored his chainmail shirt and plate pauldrons. The giants spoke little but exept to those they knew. A particular imperial general was sought out and a short conversation begun. The Jotun had little contact with the outside world except through the raids they were famous for. It may have been a bit of a surprise then when they moved to speak to the Ikegami representatives.
"Daimyo, I wish to congradulate you on your successful campaign in the former dwarven lands. I understand your losses were rather close to nonexistent." The Jarl was jovial towards the elves. And why not, the Ikegami had always been too far inland to raid.
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Post by ravigen on Nov 26, 2014 15:12:20 GMT
Naozumi smiled and bowed his head in polite acknowledgment of the Giant's compliment, the Jotun had always been a relatively unknown factor, too far away to be a major threat but their raiding was sometimes worrisome and admirable to some of the Samurai under his command.
"Jarl Tholarg, a pleasure for you to join us for this tournament, and my thanks for the compliment. And to you as well for your expedition into the wastes, I hear that you gave them some good blows." It never hurt to be cordial in kind and with the Commonwealth at their border the Jotun were a little more important now than before. |
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Post by Vaklu on Nov 26, 2014 19:05:04 GMT
"My brother is quite the commander. Though the empire's support was vital to the expedition's success according to him. I understand your own troops had the chance to see imperial cannons at work as well."
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Post by ravigen on Nov 26, 2014 19:36:18 GMT
Naozumi nodded, gesturing to his own brother Masateru, "Indeed, they made incredibly short work of the defenders at Thon Origm, and now we have saltpeter of our own, hopefully cannons will be forthcoming shortly."
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Post by Vaklu on Nov 26, 2014 19:50:35 GMT
The Jarl let out a low whistle. "I can't get Gudrik to be quiet about the idea of Jotun musket companies. He thinks it would shake the world or something." He shook his head to indicate that he thought a little differently on the matter. "I understand that most of your family will be entering the single combat. Perhaps we will have the honor of meeting there."
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Post by zurajai on Nov 26, 2014 20:22:15 GMT
Cathasach strode into the hall slowly, dressed in the robes of the Saighdeoir order with his bronze armor left in his camp. His wings remained free of the heavy robes, flitting slightly to shake off the cold before laying against his back. His eyes immediately slid towards those occupying the hallway. With that he stepped towards the Queen, bowing low as he closed the distance.
"Queen Chello, it is my honor to make your acquaintance. I am Cathasach, Monk of the Saighdeoir Order."
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Post by ravigen on Nov 26, 2014 22:52:07 GMT
Naozumi nodded, and took a slow sip of the ale provided, frowning slightly at the taste, it wasn't bad but he preferred hot sake to pretty much anything else.
"Indeed, it would be a pleasure and an honor to meet you and yours in single combat, it would be a worthy match." |
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Post by missmilkmaid on Nov 27, 2014 6:20:40 GMT
Cathasach strode into the hall slowly, dressed in the robes of the Saighdeoir order with his bronze armor left in his camp. His wings remained free of the heavy robes, flitting slightly to shake off the cold before laying against his back. His eyes immediately slid towards those occupying the hallway. With that he stepped towards the Queen, bowing low as he closed the distance. "Queen Chello, it is my honor to make your acquaintance. I am Cathasach, Monk of the Saighdeoir Order." Chello was waring a long blue dress tailored to fit and made from Surveakom fabrics. It was a little heavy for the warm summer evening, but Chello wore it well. It emphasized her natural, almost Elven slenderness and drew attention to her long elegant neck and petit waist, while being pardoning to her flat chest and lack of any real curves to her hips. A neckless with small diamonds and a single sapphire star as the center piece hung on her neck and the stone complimented the blue of her eyes. An ocean breeze played with the wispy strands of her blonde hair that had escaped her updo. She returned the slyph's bow with a curtsy and lowered her hand to be lightly kissed, as she greeted him. "The honor is mine, Sir," she said, "Any representative of the Church is most welcomed here in Elon. We were most pleased, when we received permission to build a Veakirate Library here and I intend to see to expanding its collection myself. I shall have to read more carefully the histories on the Vaekirate, for I'm afraid I'm not entirely familiar with the Saighdeoir Order." --- Sir Bronsyn of Dorn had been reluctant to come to this feast. He'd known he'd never fit in with these mighty kings and great lords, but Queen Chello had said that, since he was now a landed noble, it would be important for him to start making connections and grow more accustomed to the company of high society. So he'd put on the fine clothes he'd just purchased and left the leather armor and rugged clothes, which were like a second skin to him, behind then walked up the steep hill to Christallo Mannor. So far he'd done just a splendid job making connections. - He'd stood silently and awkwardly in the corner by the food table, hoping no one would notice him starring. At this particular moment he was staring at the group of elvs and giants talking together a yards from him. While he'd spent his whole life traveling in and out of the Waists, he seldom stepped foot east of the Ryn River. He'd only seen giants a couple times in his life and he'd never met an elf before. They didn't look all that different from humans, but he found them fascinating all the same. Everything from their strange dress to the smooth shine of their dark hair and strangely slanted eyes seemed exotic. Trying not to be too obvious, Bron moved a little closer, hoping to over hear the conversation they were having and to get a better look. He suspected that the two youngest were twins, but it was the tall lady elf, with the long shining black ponytail that caught his eye the most. He was curious how old she was. He'd heard elvs lived centuries or more. She didn't look old at all, but he supposed it was possible that she was many times older than him. It was very strange to think about. |
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Post by zurajai on Nov 27, 2014 7:26:38 GMT
Cathasach nodded in response as he listened to Chello, eyes trained on hers as he took in the sound of her voice intently. With the mention of the Saighdeoir Order his thin lips pulled back and open into a slight smile, a knowing chuckle escaping his clenched teeth soon following.
"You cannot be blamed for such things, Your Majesty, for the Saighdeoir are not well known in the North. My people, the Sylphs, migrated to the Southlands not but a few generations ago and openly took on the faith of the Southlanders. The Saighdeoir were a militant order of Sylph Monks who took it upon themselves to convert and direct their burgeoning, albeit savage, brethren. After several years of great strife the Saighdeoir Order was inducted into the Vaekirate Hierarchy so that we could better complete our Duty as given unto us by Aed. I am on such Monk."
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Post by missmilkmaid on Nov 27, 2014 8:21:45 GMT
Chello smiled, "The works of both missionaries and warriors are great in the eyes of heaven and so doubtlessly the work of your order is doubly grand. It was fitting for the church to induct the Saighdeoir into the Veakirate. God willing, you will be blessed as blessed in your endeavors on the tournament's fields as your order has been blessed in its endeavors here in the north. Which events will you be competing in?"
At that moment they were interrupted, as a small child dressed in a red and gold dress came darting toward them. "Mommy! He has wings mommy! Moomy can't you see!" the child called excitedly, looking at Cathasach with wide, happy green eyes. She appeared to be around four years old, and her brown hair was a mass of ringlets around her chubby cheeks.
"Elosie dear, what have I thought you about manner?!" Chello exclaimed, though her tone was cheerful despite the reprimand, "This is Lord Cathasach a holy monk. Can you be good and give him a curtsy like I showed you?"
The little girl didn't take her curious eyes off the sylph, but she held the skirt in one hand and preformed a cute curtsy, giving the monk a smile, which she obviously knew to be winningly adorable.
"May I present my daughter," Chello said, "Eloise Christallo."
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Post by cerdigon on Nov 27, 2014 13:03:07 GMT
A Sylph, an Elf, and a Dwarf, in all other circles it might be the start of a joke. In fact, it was what represented the state of the Commonwealth. Over the past three years of expansion, it had morphed into a multi-ethnic and racial nation. It had become a blend of not only races but ideals, which its King's sought to exploit to make the nation stronger. King Aeron Sefti had risen to the throne on the duplicity and outright murder committed by his father. It would take much more in order to keep a firm grip on it. His gaze flickered to those whom were in attendance tonight. He recognized some and had only heard of others in passing or in reports from his spies.
The King, aside from the nobles and retainers that trailed him, was accompanied by his champion and shield maiden. It was well rumored that Beora Brightheart had born the King a bastard only a year ago but she had never been recognized as the King's official concubine. If he had done so, then Beora would've been confined to a life of wealth and luxury. While most women would've jumped at the chance, the King recognized that she would've much rather had cold steel in her hands and the ground as a mattresses rather than silks and jewels. The King himself allowed one hand to drop to the hilt of his sword, while the blade was ceremonial, it gave him comfort to have in the midst of so many potential foes...but there might be a few friends to find here as well.
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Post by ravigen on Nov 27, 2014 15:09:57 GMT
Sir Bronsyn of Dorn had been reluctant to come to this feast. He'd known he'd never fit in with these mighty kings and great lords, but Queen Chello had said that, since he was now a landed noble, it would be important for him to start making connections and grow more accustomed to the company of high society. So he'd put on the fine clothes he'd just purchased and left the leather armor and rugged clothes, which were like a second skin to him, behind then walked up the steep hill to Christallo Mannor. So far he'd done just a splendid job making connections. - He'd stood silently and awkwardly in the corner by the food table, hoping no one would notice him starring. At this particular moment he was staring at the group of elvs and giants talking together a yards from him. While he'd spent his whole life traveling in and out of the Waists, he seldom stepped foot east of the Ryn River. He'd only seen giants a couple times in his life and he'd never met an elf before. They didn't look all that different from humans, but he found them fascinating all the same. Everything from their strange dress to the smooth shine of their dark hair and strangely slanted eyes seemed exotic. Trying not to be too obvious, Bron moved a little closer, hoping to over hear the conversation they were having and to get a better look. He suspected that the two youngest were twins, but it was the tall lady elf, with the long shining black ponytail that caught his eye the most. He was curious how old she was. He'd heard elvs lived centuries or more. She didn't look old at all, but he supposed it was possible that she was many times older than him. It was very strange to think about. Ikegami Sayoko was only half-listening to the conversation of her father and the giant, she'd other things to focus on, the future events of the tournament for one but she was also taking the time to observe the rest of the feast participants, it was wise to know those who would soon be your enemy, which was why she hadn't had any of the alcohol offered by the Elonese, instead opting for tea to keep her energized and her spirit calm.
A quick turn of her head gave away the staring human and she glanced closer, observing the man for a moment before standing from the table and excusing herself. Naozumi had not been underestimating her size, standing at full height she was roughly six and a half feet tall, built like a woman who spent much of her time fighting or training to fight. Her strides were purposeful but steady as she pushed through the crowd towards the human, stopping just a few feet from Bronsyn, regarding him with a stern but curious look.
She offered him a polite bow of her head in acknowledgement.
"Hello and good day to you sir."
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Post by zurajai on Nov 27, 2014 17:42:47 GMT
Chello smiled, "The works of both missionaries and warriors are great in the eyes of heaven and so doubtlessly the work of your order is doubly grand. It was fitting for the church to induct the Saighdeoir into the Veakirate. God willing, you will be blessed as blessed in your endeavors on the tournament's fields as your order has been blessed in its endeavors here in the north. Which events will you be competing in?" At that moment they were interrupted, as a small child dressed in a red and gold dress came darting toward them. "Mommy! He has wings mommy! Moomy can't you see!" the child called excitedly, looking at Cathasach with wide, happy green eyes. She appeared to be around four years old, and her brown hair was a mass of ringlets around her chubby cheeks. "Elosie dear, what have I thought you about manner?!" Chello exclaimed, though her tone was cheerful despite the reprimand, "This is Lord Cathasach a holy monk. Can you be good and give him a curtsy like I showed you?" The little girl didn't take her curious eyes off the sylph, but she held the skirt in one hand and preformed a cute curtsy, giving the monk a smile, which she obviously knew to be winningly adorable. "May I present my daughter," Chello said, "Eloise Christallo." Cathasach smiled and nodded thankfully as he heard the praises bestowed on the Saighdeoir by Chello. In truth, it had been long since he had visited the realm of his order and his tenure with the North was beginning to drain on him. But, if that was Aed's design for him then he would certainly not refuse. His eyes dart down to the little voice proclaiming his wing's existent, his eyebrow raised quizically before dropping as the answer was made apparent. His thin lips parted once more in a knowing smile. He waited for the curtsy before returning with a bow then crouching to get to the girl's eye-level. "Princess Eloise Christallo; a beautiful name befitting a beautiful child. It is my honor to make your acquaintance, young Princess." With that he turned partially, letting her have a look at his winds, flitting them in the light for her enjoyment. "All my people are blessed with this gift from Aed. But none are as blessed as you when it comes to beauty." |
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