Intrigue in Court [IC]

[Zelphos]

OOC

Chapter One

Long May He Reign

---

---

Emperor Brandon I Vixis
Blue Palace

The Blue Palace, though not the color of blue, is one of the most sophisticated and complex palaces in the world with the maze of chambers and corridors, twisting towers that nearly reach the clouds, and the sheer scale of it all. The palace itself was in the middle of Nab'eesh, surrounded by a ditch full of treacherous waters and hidden spikes hiding below; the higher class surrounded the palace with homes, taverns, barbers, smiths, brothels, etc,. The peasantry, however, lived on the outskirts of the city in poor conditions, mainly from neglect from the noblemen, and occasionally wandered through the 'rich folk' area when they withdraw their entire savings, or have a stolen purse of gold.

He, however, despised everything.

Brandon sat upon his comfortable throne seated at the very end of the room, and watched as the daily bunch of nobles strode into court with their cocky smiles, and deceiving appearances. He is a young Emperor, a suitable target for most nobles to place their tendrils of influence upon, but he would fall to no such influence, not as his father had in his last years. The courtroom was spacious to say the most, with enough space to fit over a thousand bodies into; various marble pillars splayed across the chamber, and remarkable tapestries placed on the far sides of the walls, hit by light streaming in from the well-placed holes in the ceiling, giving them a god-like appearance. Statues displaying the significance of his family were placed in the center of the chamber, most notably his ancestor, Xeon 'the Swift', plunging a blade into a three-headed wolf, symbolizing the seizing of the northern kingdoms.

He had only had the crown for a day, but already he felt the heavy burden that fell upon his shoulders. Running the Empire was no easy task, and the threat of rebellion on the far edges of his lands meant his legions were under constant threat. The various cultures and languages under the Empire were remarkable, but also difficult to keep in check. Though his council handled most of Vexia's affairs, the matters that required his immediate attention were far more abundant then he had expected. Of all things, however, he was more concerned about his nobles and vassals, who could pose a far greater threat to him then peasant uprisings. The court was a place where one could make alliances, plot, and deceive, a place far more dangerous than that of a battlefield.

Brandon stood from his throne, and clapped his hands to gain the attention of the courtiers. "My lords, my ladies, noblemen and noblewomen, servants and knights, I warmly welcome you all to my court. As a way to commemorate my coronation, I have ordered a grand feast to be prepared both in court, and in the city, which begin as the sun sets." He pointed his finger to the court, "Ensure you bring an appetite, even if you aren't looking to get fat, for this feast shall be the day we all become large." The attendants in court chuckled, and soon erupted into clapping as he took a seat. He rubbed his eyes with his palms, and ignored the compliments that were sent his way. He would have to summon his council soon, to deal with the various affairs occurring throughout the realm, but he would make time for it at another date.

He watched as the nobles whispered among themselves, and began to wonder. Can my guards be trusted? Can my council be trusted? Can anyone be trusted? He leaned his head on his right hand, pondering this. His father had died from age, and had managed to keep his court in line, but he could only wonder how he achieved such a feat.

He shook his head slightly as he thought, and mumbled, "Long may he reign."

[Carmonia]

OOC

Chapter One

Long May He Reign

---

---

Emperor Brandon I Vixis
Blue Palace

The Blue Palace, though not the color of blue, is one of the most sophisticated and complex palaces in the world with the maze of chambers and corridors, twisting towers that nearly reach the clouds, and the sheer scale of it all. The palace itself was in the middle of Nab'eesh, surrounded by a ditch full of treacherous waters and hidden spikes hiding below; the higher class surrounded the palace with homes, taverns, barbers, smiths, brothels, etc,. The peasantry, however, lived on the outskirts of the city in poor conditions, mainly from neglect from the noblemen, and occasionally wandered through the 'rich folk' area when they withdraw their entire savings, or have a stolen purse of gold.

He, however, despised everything.

Brandon sat upon his comfortable throne seated at the very end of the room, and watched as the daily bunch of nobles strode into court with their cocky smiles, and deceiving appearances. He is a young Emperor, a suitable target for most nobles to place their tendrils of influence upon, but he would fall to no such influence, not as his father had in his last years. The courtroom was spacious to say the most, with enough space to fit over a thousand bodies into; various marble pillars splayed across the chamber, and remarkable tapestries placed on the far sides of the walls, hit by light streaming in from the well-placed holes in the ceiling, giving them a god-like appearance. Statues displaying the significance of his family were placed in the center of the chamber, most notably his ancestor, Xeon 'the Swift', plunging a blade into a three-headed wolf, symbolizing the seizing of the northern kingdoms.

He had only had the crown for a day, but already he felt the heavy burden that fell upon his shoulders. Running the Empire was no easy task, and the threat of rebellion on the far edges of his lands meant his legions were under constant threat. The various cultures and languages under the Empire were remarkable, but also difficult to keep in check. Though his council handled most of Vexia's affairs, the matters that required his immediate attention were far more abundant then he had expected. Of all things, however, he was more concerned about his nobles and vassals, who could pose a far greater threat to him then peasant uprisings. The court was a place where one could make alliances, plot, and deceive, a place far more dangerous than that of a battlefield.

Brandon stood from his throne, and clapped his hands to gain the attention of the courtiers. "My lords, my ladies, noblemen and noblewomen, servants and knights, I warmly welcome you all to my court. As a way to commemorate my coronation, I have ordered a grand feast to be prepared both in court, and in the city, which begin as the sun sets." He pointed his finger to the court, "Ensure you bring an appetite, even if you aren't looking to get fat, for this feast shall be the day we all become large." The attendants in court chuckled, and soon erupted into clapping as he took a seat. He rubbed his eyes with his palms, and ignored the compliments that were sent his way. He would have to summon his council soon, to deal with the various affairs occurring throughout the realm, but he would make time for it at another date.

He watched as the nobles whispered among themselves, and began to wonder. Can my guards be trusted? Can my council be trusted? Can anyone be trusted? He leaned his head on his right hand, pondering this. His father had died from age, and had managed to keep his court in line, but he could only wonder how he achieved such a feat.

He shook his head slightly as he thought, and mumbled, "Long may he reign."

Arthur Nighthawk stood at attention. It was his first day at the palace and already he was being treated to a feast. Who knows, maybe I'll meet a lady in waiting who shares an affinity for warfare....but the king's safety comes first... He thought.

[Skylus]

Derek Forester
Stables
He found himself once again awakening to the sound of horses bucking in their stalls.
You two are fighting again?
Derek rolled over and brushed the straw from his blue tunic and black pants and stood, stretched, and then went over to the horses.
"At least your parents are still alive. And your family doesn't want you to take your proper title back..."
He had never forgotten the day when he had come home from lessons to find his parents dead in the parlor, eyes still open. The very next day, he had been sent to the castle by his uncle, who did not want him there at the family estate.
He had been a stable boy for the past eight years.
And he had decided to go back to his rightful home.

[Leolucia]

Rimski-Kórsakov

This was a mistake she decided as she scanned the crowded floor of the royal throne room.

Elyssa and Diana had slipped away and into the crowd almost immediately after her family had be escorted in, leaving her to navigate the sea of masked nobles alone. Her own mask, unsurprisingly an elegant falcon carving, clung tightly to his face and he scratched irritably at the knot holding it firmly in place.

The skulls of bears long since dead glittered beautifully in the torchlight, serving a a subtle reminder to all attendees of one who was very much alive and very nearby. The Emperor himself, stood near the center of the room, instantly recognizable by his hair, and the large throng of nobles seeking his word. Anna supposed that she too would need to greet the king, before her siblings did.

As she began to walk the room, disengaging herself from one dull conversation to the next, and she began to think her night would be filled with them.

As if on cue, a deep voice from behind him interrupted her thoughts. "Lady Rimski-Kórsakov, I presume?"

Anna turned to see a man and woman before her, linked arm in arm. They both wore masks of deep purple over their faces, matched by their clothes and the wine they drank. "You presume correctly, Ser. Though now I'm afraid you hold an advantage over me."

"If you had wanted to maintain your anonymousity, my lady, I would have suggested a different mask. A simple blue even. Though I can imagine the temptation to wear your sigil proudly. We might have done the same but an apple would make a terrible design on our faces."

Behind her mask, Anna's eye's narrowed and her teeth ground together. Son of a donkey. "Lord and Lady Whitlemore. A surprise, to see you roused from Peckleberry."

"And it is for yourself, as I was just saying to Sara." Lord Marvin Whitlemore, baron of Peckleberry replied. "I can't imagine thee parties to be one of your pleasure, Lady Rimski-Kórsakov. Though perhaps traveling is. Ser James has written to me of your recent visit to Hardwood Home, I'm glad someone has finally put that sniveling man in his place."

"Strange that it fell to me to clean up your servants for you, Lord Marvin." Rimski-Kórsakov returned. "As the man's liege, it should fall to you to clean his transgressions yourself. A simple letter, even."

"Curious you should mention letters, Lady Rimski-Kórsakov, for it should seem you have not been getting ours? An audience is all my poor mother desires, you know. And in her old age, she cant possibly be expected to climb up to your domains in the north. Please consider a trip to Peckleberry, my lady before it's to late."

And with that the man and woman turned on their heel and disappeared into the crowd around them.

Definitely a mistake, Anna thought as she began to search for a cup of wine.

[White Bluff]

OOC

Chapter One

Long May He Reign

---

---

Emperor Brandon I Vixis
Blue Palace

The Blue Palace, though not the color of blue, is one of the most sophisticated and complex palaces in the world with the maze of chambers and corridors, twisting towers that nearly reach the clouds, and the sheer scale of it all. The palace itself was in the middle of Nab'eesh, surrounded by a ditch full of treacherous waters and hidden spikes hiding below; the higher class surrounded the palace with homes, taverns, barbers, smiths, brothels, etc,. The peasantry, however, lived on the outskirts of the city in poor conditions, mainly from neglect from the noblemen, and occasionally wandered through the 'rich folk' area when they withdraw their entire savings, or have a stolen purse of gold.

He, however, despised everything.

Brandon sat upon his comfortable throne seated at the very end of the room, and watched as the daily bunch of nobles strode into court with their cocky smiles, and deceiving appearances. He is a young Emperor, a suitable target for most nobles to place their tendrils of influence upon, but he would fall to no such influence, not as his father had in his last years. The courtroom was spacious to say the most, with enough space to fit over a thousand bodies into; various marble pillars splayed across the chamber, and remarkable tapestries placed on the far sides of the walls, hit by light streaming in from the well-placed holes in the ceiling, giving them a god-like appearance. Statues displaying the significance of his family were placed in the center of the chamber, most notably his ancestor, Xeon 'the Swift', plunging a blade into a three-headed wolf, symbolizing the seizing of the northern kingdoms.

He had only had the crown for a day, but already he felt the heavy burden that fell upon his shoulders. Running the Empire was no easy task, and the threat of rebellion on the far edges of his lands meant his legions were under constant threat. The various cultures and languages under the Empire were remarkable, but also difficult to keep in check. Though his council handled most of Vexia's affairs, the matters that required his immediate attention were far more abundant then he had expected. Of all things, however, he was more concerned about his nobles and vassals, who could pose a far greater threat to him then peasant uprisings. The court was a place where one could make alliances, plot, and deceive, a place far more dangerous than that of a battlefield.

Brandon stood from his throne, and clapped his hands to gain the attention of the courtiers. "My lords, my ladies, noblemen and noblewomen, servants and knights, I warmly welcome you all to my court. As a way to commemorate my coronation, I have ordered a grand feast to be prepared both in court, and in the city, which begin as the sun sets." He pointed his finger to the court, "Ensure you bring an appetite, even if you aren't looking to get fat, for this feast shall be the day we all become large." The attendants in court chuckled, and soon erupted into clapping as he took a seat. He rubbed his eyes with his palms, and ignored the compliments that were sent his way. He would have to summon his council soon, to deal with the various affairs occurring throughout the realm, but he would make time for it at another date.

He watched as the nobles whispered among themselves, and began to wonder. Can my guards be trusted? Can my council be trusted? Can anyone be trusted? He leaned his head on his right hand, pondering this. His father had died from age, and had managed to keep his court in line, but he could only wonder how he achieved such a feat.

He shook his head slightly as he thought, and mumbled, "Long may he reign."

Alissa Juliana Maria

The young woman walked up to the new Emperor her raven hair in ringlets, bounced with her every move, her hood down and her black dress has cut short at her knees, she curtsied, "Long may he may he reign indeed," she smiles warmly at him, "how are you feeling Brandon? I worry about you some times." She sits next to him, "tell me what your thinking, you know I'll always be here to give you advise." Her eyes show genuine concern for him. She had been close to Brandon in their younger years until her father died and she was made spymaster, then she was at his father's side near everyday, even at the end she was, she remembered that day, she held Brandon close in a hug when his father passed like he did when hers did. She still considers Brandon as a close friend, he was the only one she told her secrets, and he told her his.

[Carmonia]

(Image)
Rimski-Kórsakov

This was a mistake she decided as she scanned the crowded floor of the royal throne room.

Elyssa and Diana had slipped away and into the crowd almost immediately after her family had be escorted in, leaving her to navigate the sea of masked nobles alone. Her own mask, unsurprisingly an elegant falcon carving, clung tightly to his face and he scratched irritably at the knot holding it firmly in place.

The skulls of bears long since dead glittered beautifully in the torchlight, serving a a subtle reminder to all attendees of one who was very much alive and very nearby. The Emperor himself, stood near the center of the room, instantly recognizable by his hair, and the large throng of nobles seeking his word. Anna supposed that she too would need to greet the king, before her siblings did.

As she began to walk the room, disengaging herself from one dull conversation to the next, and she began to think her night would be filled with them.

As if on cue, a deep voice from behind him interrupted her thoughts. "Lady Rimski-Kórsakov, I presume?"

Anna turned to see a man and woman before her, linked arm in arm. They both wore masks of deep purple over their faces, matched by their clothes and the wine they drank. "You presume correctly, Ser. Though now I'm afraid you hold an advantage over me."

"If you had wanted to maintain your anonymousity, my lady, I would have suggested a different mask. A simple blue even. Though I can imagine the temptation to wear your sigil proudly. We might have done the same but an apple would make a terrible design on our faces."

Behind her mask, Anna's eye's narrowed and her teeth ground together. Son of a donkey. "Lord and Lady Whitlemore. A surprise, to see you roused from Peckleberry."

"And it is for yourself, as I was just saying to Sara." Lord Marvin Whitlemore, baron of Peckleberry replied. "I can't imagine thee parties to be one of your pleasure, Lady Rimski-Kórsakov. Though perhaps traveling is. Ser James has written to me of your recent visit to Hardwood Home, I'm glad someone has finally put that sniveling man in his place."

"Strange that it fell to me to clean up your servants for you, Lord Marvin." Rimski-Kórsakov returned. "As the man's liege, it should fall to you to clean his transgressions yourself. A simple letter, even."

"Curious you should mention letters, Lady Rimski-Kórsakov, for it should seem you have not been getting ours? An audience is all my poor mother desires, you know. And in her old age, she cant possibly be expected to climb up to your domains in the north. Please consider a trip to Peckleberry, my lady before it's to late."

And with that the man and woman turned on their heel and disappeared into the crowd around them.

Definitely a mistake, Anna thought as she began to search for a cup of wine.

Art was bored, surrounded by unfamiliar faces. He'd been unable to spot even a single lord with whom he had some common acquaintance. The place seemed to be dominated by the Crownlords, half of whom crowded around the King constantly. Arthur had only managed a fleeting glimpse or two of the king, and he found that his mask did a far poorer job of hiding his identity than he may have liked.
He was relieved to find that Jane seemed to be enjoying herself. He found he could pick her out of the crowd near instantly, something he couldn't exactly explain. Even in that moment, he caught a glimpse of her, dancing with some elderly Lord or Knight. Judging by the smile on her face, she was quite proud to have wrangled the honor.
“Wine m’lord?” The question came from one of the serving girls, in her hands a wide tray with perhaps a dozen cups filled high.
“Please.” Arthur said, accepting the cup. Turning away, he sipped it hesitantly. Too sweet, he thought, drinking it nonetheless. Nobody could ever claim Arthur was picky about what he drank.
Before too long the cup was gone, and He felt the familiar warm buzz at the back of his head. Smiling, and not paying attention, he nearly bowled a fellow party goer over in his meanderings.
“Apologies my Lady, I didn't see you there.” Arthur said, looking down at the woman in front of him.
A falcon mask? I wonder if she lost a wager. He thought to his own amusement.

[Leolucia]

Drunked lady

Anna watched her now empty goblet of wine roll away on the floor, it's precious dark liquid spreading along the floor, and sighed.

Better and better.

She looked back up at the man, glaring behind her mask. This stranger towered over her, and most of the other party goers in the room. She couldn't place this man.

"Watch where you are going, oaf." She replied, staring into his plain blast mask. "And while you're up there, use that height of yours to find more wine. I believe you owe me a drink now?"

Anna’s voice was filled with awe as she looked at the tall man. Behind her the vibrant tapestries and fire from the sconces illuminating the place prettily. To her credit, managed to look the part of a noble lord. Her legs and armpits were clean shaven, in new clothes purchased for her by her brother, she didn't look as out of place as she felt. The simple ensemble gave no hint of her house, and she strode confidently with her brother by her side.

[Carmonia]

Drunked lady

Anna watched her now empty goblet of wine roll away on the floor, it's precious dark liquid spreading along the floor, and sighed.

Better and better.

She looked back up at the man, glaring behind her mask. This stranger towered over her, and most of the other party goers in the room. She couldn't place this man.

"Watch where you are going, oaf." She replied, staring into his plain blast mask. "And while you're up there, use that height of yours to find more wine. I believe you owe me a drink now?"

Anna’s voice was filled with awe as she looked at the tall man. Behind her the vibrant tapestries and fire from the sconces illuminating the place prettily. To her credit, managed to look the part of a noble lord. Her legs and armpits were clean shaven, in new clothes purchased for her by her brother, she didn't look as out of place as she felt. The simple ensemble gave no hint of her house, and she strode confidently with her brother by her side.

"Indeed I do." His voice sounding mesmerized. Picking up the goblet, he set it on the table. A servant quickly came over and wiped up the mess. "Wine, m'lord?" A servant offered. He took the wine and gave it to the mysterious lady. "For you." He said with kindness in his voice.

[Maddhiya]

Holstein-Gottorp

Alex was in awe of the Blue palace. She hadn't ever imagined that it could be so lovely! She'd heard stories all her life of how beautiful it was, but she nothing in her wildest dreams could have come close to describing her wonder.

Like the castle in which it was held the Ball was a gorgeous affair. The decor was amazing. Everyone looked so gallant and pretty in their dresses and doublets. And the masks! Alys felt so out of place, she had a simple purple dress with some golden trim, it was a dress her lady mother had owned. Her mask was a plain white thing, covering only her cheek bones and eyes. She felt like a child among lords and ladies.

"Is it everything you hoped?" Came a deep voice from behind her. Her cousin Hugo was dressed similarly to her, a simple black doublet and white mask. His long hair was tied back in a low pony-tail.

"I feel a little out of place." She admitted with a bashful smile, stroking her braid as she walked with her cousin. "All these high lords and ladies, the king himself for Spirit's sake. I'm only a girl from a small house in the North."

Hugo gave her a small smile and offered his hand to her, "You look twice as lovely as any of these ladies, including the Queen mother." He gave her a twirl as he spoke. Alex blushed at the compliment, Hugo had been quiet ever since his release. Even on the journey from Wayfarer's Rest to the Capital he'd not spoken too often. But now he was smiling and complimenting her, it felt like when they were children and he and Casimir would play-fight for the honor of her favor.

"Besides," Hugo said in a quieter voice, "You aren't a bastard crashing the King's ball." Alex gave him a big smile at that comment.

"But that's the fun of it! We're wearing masks, no one knows who we are. You could claim to be anyone you wanted to be for tonight. Like a game of pretend!"

"Then go pretend, Sweet cousin." Hugo placed a small kiss on her forehead, "Come find me if you grow bored of your game." Then Hugo stepped back, disappearing into the growing crowd. Alex looked around her, suddenly feeling both very excited, and very small.

[New Communist and Socialist Unions]

Kara-Knytlinga

"Mhmm," softly murmured the Marshal, "Truly will his reign be long and just.". This man was Eudon Haraldr Henrisson, the marshal of Vexia and most likely the most brilliant military mind around in the empire, or so he thought in the past. Now he knows better, and who knows, maybe even a lowly maid could be better than him, all falls within randomness he supposed. "Coronations, feasts, and the like. Snake pits all of them." He yet again murmured to himself as he looked around. He was located somewhat close to the recently crowned Emperor Brandon Vixis I, and was going to rapidly dispatch of any possible assassins, or maybe he was just neing paranoid as he usually is. But then again, one can never be too paranoid in the snake pit. "Wine please!" He shouted out to a servant girl or boy, bah whatever, it didn't matter, only thing that mattered for now was drowning out the noise by sobering up or something. "Hmm, I wonder where that spider of a spymaster could be..." He thought to himself.

[Leolucia]

Peasant knight

“Wrong line. The ball for the peasantry is being held in the small hall of the Tower of the Chancellor. That way.” The lady jerked her head in the direction of the bailey, but it seem he did not look away. “It seems you don't want to go with the ones you belong to, Nikolai, Cyrillo, Pavlos, Frederick, Adolf, Ulrich!” She said firmly. In a couple of seconds a group of tall blonde men full of muscle arrived from the group of flatterers around the king.

“Look, this handsome men are my dearest brothers, if you want a male conversation or competion then they are perfect for the moment but if not then... I don't want to say it due to my noble status but since you are so charming.... Like we said in the North were the snow is your best ally and the wolves are food... You low born orc fuck off, alright? It’s a long line, and I can’t have you lot holding up the ladies. Peasant ball is that way. Now scurry over there before I have my brother Ser Ulrich break your thumbs.”

[New Communist and Socialist Unions]

Peasant knight

“Wrong line. The ball for the peasantry is being held in the small hall of the Tower of the Chancellor. That way.” The lady jerked her head in the direction of the bailey, but it seem he did not look away. “It seems you don't want to go with the ones you belong to, Nikolai, Cyrillo, Pavlos, Frederick, Adolf, Ulrich!” She said firmly. In a couple of seconds a group of tall blonde men full of muscle arrived from the group of flatterers around the king.

“Look, this handsome men are my dearest brothers, if you want a male conversation or competion then they are perfect for the moment but if not then... I don't want to say it due to my noble status but since you are so charming.... Like we said in the North were the snow is your best ally and the wolves are food... You low born orc fuck off, alright? It’s a long line, and I can’t have you lot holding up the ladies. Peasant ball is that way. Now scurry over there before I have my brother Ser Ulrich break your thumbs.”

Kara-Knytlinga

"Oh boy... Here cometh the arguing..." Internally groaned the Marshal as he rolled his eyes. He would walk through them, pretending to look for something. "Who knows? He might just cut someone's head off or conquer himself an empire." He said as he brushed against the men and went off, probably to a chicken to eat or something. He stopped in his tracks, or maybe he should jump into the argument bandwagon?

[Carmonia]

Peasant knight

“Wrong line. The ball for the peasantry is being held in the small hall of the Tower of the Chancellor. That way.” The lady jerked her head in the direction of the bailey, but it seem he did not look away. “It seems you don't want to go with the ones you belong to, Nikolai, Cyrillo, Pavlos, Frederick, Adolf, Ulrich!” She said firmly. In a couple of seconds a group of tall blonde men full of muscle arrived from the group of flatterers around the king.

“Look, this handsome men are my dearest brothers, if you want a male conversation or competion then they are perfect for the moment but if not then... I don't want to say it due to my noble status but since you are so charming.... Like we said in the North were the snow is your best ally and the wolves are food... You low born orc fuck off, alright? It’s a long line, and I can’t have you lot holding up the ladies. Peasant ball is that way. Now scurry over there before I have my brother Ser Ulrich break your thumbs.”

Arthur was startled by the sudden change in attitude by the lady. Here he was, accidentally bumping into her, kindly offering her another drink, and now he's being asked to leave. And cursed at too!
"I shall go. My apologies for offending you and Your Lordships..." He said respectfully, hiding his indignation. Everyone was invited to the feast, not just the nobility!

Quickly walking away, he grabbed a chicken leg before heading outside to a nearby balcony. The outdoors always seemed to calm the young knight. The identity of the lady continued to prod his mind however. I must find out who she is.... he thought.

[New Communist and Socialist Unions]

“Wrong line. The ball for the peasantry is being held in the small hall of the Tower of the Chancellor. That way.” The lady jerked her head in the direction of the bailey, but it seem he did not look away. “It seems you don't want to go with the ones you belong to, Nikolai, Cyrillo, Pavlos, Frederick, Adolf, Ulrich!” She said firmly. In a couple of seconds a group of tall blonde men full of muscle arrived from the group of flatterers around the king.

“Look, this handsome men are my dearest brothers, if you want a male conversation or competion then they are perfect for the moment but if not then... I don't want to say it due to my noble status but since you are so charming.... Like we said in the North were the snow is your best ally and the wolves are food... You low born orc fuck off, alright? It’s a long line, and I can’t have you lot holding up the ladies. Peasant ball is that way. Now scurry over there before I have my brother Ser Ulrich break your thumbs.”

Arthur was startled by the sudden change in attitude by the lady. Here he was, accidentally bumping into her, kindly offering her another drink, and now he's being asked to leave. And cursed at too!
"I shall go. My apologies for offending you and Your Lordships..." He said respectfully, hiding his indignation. Everyone was invited to the feast, not just the nobility!

Quickly walking away, he grabbed a chicken leg before heading outside to a nearby balcony. The outdoors always seemed to calm the young knight. The identity of the lady continued to prod his mind however. I must find out who she is.... he thought.

Kara-Knytlinga

He followed the man to the balcony, a chicken leg in held tightly in his hand. "Ah, asshole higher ups," he began, "Perfect justification for a revolt and it works everytime, everywhere.". "I'll assume the great outdoors calms you down?" He continued, taking a bite out of his chicken.

[Carmonia]

Arthur was startled by the sudden change in attitude by the lady. Here he was, accidentally bumping into her, kindly offering her another drink, and now he's being asked to leave. And cursed at too!
"I shall go. My apologies for offending you and Your Lordships..." He said respectfully, hiding his indignation. Everyone was invited to the feast, not just the nobility!

Quickly walking away, he grabbed a chicken leg before heading outside to a nearby balcony. The outdoors always seemed to calm the young knight. The identity of the lady continued to prod his mind however. I must find out who she is.... he thought.

Kara-Knytlinga

He followed the man to the balcony, a chicken leg in held tightly in his hand. "Ah, asshole higher ups," he began, "Perfect justification for a revolt and it works everytime, everywhere.". "I'll assume the great outdoors calms you down?" He continued, taking a bite out of his chicken.

"Aye. It does....who are you?" Arthur asked the stranger. He didn't like being disturbed in this way.

[The Valyria Empire]

---

Prince Roland "The Emperor's Sword" of House Vixis-Greystark, Hand of the Emperor

---

The crowd was a bustling mirage of people. Roland stood next to the Throne, Ice at his side. The direwolf watched the many people but remained quiet. Roland quickly adjusted his small bronze and iron crown before putting his right hand on his sword pommel and his left on his small dagger. While others were enjoying himself, Roland remained diligent he would look from the base of Throne steps to the crowds. He needed to be ready to defend his Emperor.

Minutes would go by and Roland would remain where he was. For a moment his mind wandered to his childhood when he was allowed to join the court of his father and have fun. Roland remembered the lessons he had been taught, that fun was a privilege for those without a duty to serve. Roland continued to scan the crowd, he remained stoic, never moving, he was stalwart like his ancestors, like the Kings of Winter. Eventually Roland decided he should be closer to the Emperor and stepped slightly closer so that he was only three inches away from his liege. Ice moved as well, taking position to Roland's right leg. While Roland desired to speak to his liege, he recited one of the oaths in his mind.

I am the Emperor's Shadow, his Hand and His Blade. I am to speak no words, unless spoken to.

[New Communist and Socialist Unions]

(Image)

Kara-Knytlinga

He followed the man to the balcony, a chicken leg in held tightly in his hand. "Ah, asshole higher ups," he began, "Perfect justification for a revolt and it works everytime, everywhere.". "I'll assume the great outdoors calms you down?" He continued, taking a bite out of his chicken.

"Aye. It does....who are you?" Arthur asked the stranger. He didn't like being disturbed in this way.

Kara-Knytlinga

"Eudon, I'm just the marshal." He replied, looking at the breathtaking view, he took a deep breath. "The outdoors of the capital never fails to amaze me." He said, "Such is the beauty of life do you not agree good sir?", another bite off his chicken leg.

[Carmonia]

"Aye. It does....who are you?" Arthur asked the stranger. He didn't like being disturbed in this way.

Kara-Knytlinga

"Eudon, I'm just the marshal." He replied, looking at the breathtaking view, he took a deep breath. "The outdoors of the capital never fails to amaze me." He said, "Such is the beauty of life do you not agree good sir?", another bite off his chicken leg.

"Quite true. I presume you saw my kindness to the Lady trampled?"

[New Communist and Socialist Unions]

Kara-Knytlinga

"Eudon, I'm just the marshal." He replied, looking at the breathtaking view, he took a deep breath. "The outdoors of the capital never fails to amaze me." He said, "Such is the beauty of life do you not agree good sir?", another bite off his chicken leg.

"Quite true. I presume you saw my kindness to the Lady trampled?"

Kara-Knytlinga

"Yes," he had a pun up his sleeve, "One may truly say she was a cruel mistress?". From that moment, the entire universe seemed to cringe at the lousy joke he pulled off, and he thought he felt the cringing of the universe.

[Carmonia]

"Quite true. I presume you saw my kindness to the Lady trampled?"

Kara-Knytlinga

"Yes," he had a pun up his sleeve, "One may truly say she was a cruel mistress?". From that moment, the entire universe seemed to cringe at the lousy joke he pulled off, and he thought he felt the cringing of the universe.

He chuckled. "Aye. Almost like a she-wolf....."

[Maddhiya]

Holstein-Gottorp

Hugo couldn't help but feel his mouth drop slightly as he escorted Alex into the ball. He'd never been to the capital, much less stand in the throne room, and he couldn't help but feel immeasurably small. The decorations alone must cost more than my family's entire estate. As his eyes left the walls and fell to the crowd, he felt even more out of place. His clothing had been hand picked by Alex, a simple dark colored outfit, and while it was by no means of poor quality it was clearly dwarfed by the grandeur of some of the dresses and finery worn.

If only William could see this. Hugo could only hope that the boy wouldn't get into any trouble spending the night with the rest of Alex's escort.

His open mouthed wonder was not lost on everyone and he couldn't help but notice there was a rather short gentleman snickering at him. Suddenly the plain green mask covering half his face didn't seem so bad.

Thankfully Alex didn't allow him to make a fool of himself for long before leading him away, Alex's excitement for the event hadn't waned any, and she was barely able to contain herself after they'd arrived. Although Hugo had simply written that off as a side effect of her constant sampling of the wines the capital had to offer. If I'm lucky she'll spend the night drunk in a corner, won't make any trouble for herself. Or me for that matter.

[Yuzhou]

Qhe the Younger
The Blue Palace

There were some men who looked natural in their environment, so well-fitting that they were hiding in plain sight. There were others who did the opposite, stuck out to such a degree that even the most apathetic eyes landed upon them. Qhe Chal-Koon was both these men.

He certainly stuck out, in his simple robes of buff, especially compared to the more extravagant costumes of the aristocrats that flocked to the palace. When every coin is gold, the silver is made much more stark. Or in this case, the wooden.
Yet, as he strode through the halls towards the throne hall, he seemed at place. Not so much that he melded into the landscape of people and hall before him, but that he bled an aura of confidence, of belonging, about him. It raised him almost to a level higher than the richly dressed nobles he passed. That, and the curt nods he received as he went.
Thus, he both stuck out and blended in.

Little did they know that a part of that confidence was a lie.

He glided along the floor, his robes lighting with flame as he passed a sunlit window or archway. Around his feet, a small black-grey cat surprisingly kept up pace with him, and under his arm he held a leather-bound book. This was to be his first major appearance back at court since the death of the late emperor, and the first time he met Brandon as a subject and not a tutor.

He reached the broad doors to the throne hall. The guards didn't stop him, and he quickly brushed the announcer aside.
He would need no announcer.

He came quietly through the doors. The crowd closest to him grew silent at his appearance. Not enough to stop the roar of the hall completely, but enough to make an uncomfortable difference on his side. He moved gracefully, with his eyes down in humility, though the dges of his mouth pointed in a slight smirk.
The crowd moved clear as he came through. Even those who knew nothing about him were clever enough to follow their companions out of his way.
He was a simple buff shadow cutting through a sea of colors and masks towards the throne.

When he finally caught some space, he glanced up. Already he could see Alissa d'Este whispering something into the emperor's ear, with Roland Greystark standing silently to the side. That great wolf of his, Ice, looked on with those mysterious animal eyes,

Qhe finally turned his attention to the young emperor.
"Brandon...", he said with a deep bow.

[Valaran]

Prelude
Central Nab'eesh

---

"Don't give me the letter."

Kyla refused to look at the courier directly. Not that she could turn her head anyway, with servants applying make-up as sparingly as they could. She had only brought limited supplies from her estates, and it was bad to use them up now. Soon, she would have to buy more, and that was a wasteful expense if ever Kyla saw one. Still, they were needed tonight.

She glanced at the courier through her mirror. He looked nervous. "Lady, are... are you sure? Its from-"

"I know who its from," Kyla snapped. More precisely, she could guess. Some of her creditors were more persistent than others, though the speed at which this one had tracked down her residence at Nab'eesh was frankly astounding. After all, it wasn't like she was residing in opulence. Her eyes flitted over the room. Bare timber rafters lining a ceiling slow diagonal that no one could stand in half of the room. A thin carpet covered floor planks. It was largely drained of colour, though it clearly had once been a rich scarlet. Minimal golden brocade. At least this place is clean.

This townhouse would have to do. I better not plan on inviting any nobles back here. Her lips curled at the thought. No magnate would bother going to this part of town, but more importantly, no noble would accept her invitation. At least, none who mattered.

Kyla held up a hand. The ladies-in-waiting retreated from her, and the Countess-Palatine turned to face the messenger. "Yes, I know who it is from. Leave it on the sideboard there, and tell your master that he will have a reply." Though it may not be a reply he likes.

"And have a silver for your troubles." She gestured to a lady-in-waiting, who offered the coin. The man bowed deeply as he accepted it, and disappeared. It was far more than a normal tip for messengers. Kyla wasn't sure why he gave him that much. Such profligacy was not a smart idea. I better not start a reputation for generosity. If there was one thing Kyla really couldn't afford to be, it was kind.

Kyla's mind lingered on the thought, as her ladies-in-waiting resumed their task. She watched slowly as her face was transformed, her unruly strands of hair forced into line, straightened, then curled again, this time in a meticulous fashion. Slowly, a visage was born. One Kyla was going to have to live with today. Today was important for her. Today was when she met the Emperor.

The Blue Palace

---

It made no sense. Why wasn't the Palace Blue? Empires shouldn't misname things so. Kyla clapped along with the other nobles. She didn't laugh at the joke, Emperor Brandon made. He looked small this far away. Kyla thought he looked unfit for the role, too uncertain of himself up on that podium. Maybe she was projecting her own thoughts, onto this distant figure. After all, Kyla was in the same position, even it wasn't her first day. After all, its not like you know this man. Maybe this Brandon was made of steel at his core. Maybe he was playing up an image. If he was, Kyla hoped she could so the same.

Its no use imaging what he is like. The Emperor was too distant for her to gauge, too engulfed by the throng of nobles. Instead, Kyla looked at her peers. She knew almost none as it was, but masks added a whole other layer of invisibility. Kyla found herself adrift in a see of animal heads and jester rictuses. Two Ladies went past, with purple masks, one in the shape of a falcon. Kyla's own mask was black and lacy, teasing glimpses of the face beneath. Simple. Elegant. Cheap...ish (not cheap enough).

More nobles brushed past her. One caught her eye - she had a similar mask but in pure, virginal white. She appeared to dismiss her companion. Perhaps...perhaps this was someone to talk to. Kyla didn't think much of that idea. Better to observe, and be approached, then to step forwards. But she did find herself following this Lady, a dark shadow trailing the light.

[Leolucia]

Rimski-Kórsakov

"Gods, this is a large keep." Pavlos exclaimed with his mouth wide open.

"Indeed. Nothing comes close in our city." Anna replied to her brother, both in awe. She had an in depth description of the dress earlier but Ulrich forgot that as soon as the sentence finished. Ulrich had chosen to wear a dark purple great-cloak over a white tunic. He wore a black mask that covered most of his face excluding his mouth and his hair was partly braided and tied back behind his head. It took a while for Ulrich to let Anna touch his hair but she got her way.

The three walked in the room together, Anna walking in between her tall brothers but Pavlos quickly had his attention elsewhere - probably admiring all of the noble ladies in the room. "Typical." Anna said, letting out a playful grin as she looked around the room.
Ulrich felt kind of uncomfortable around all of these highborns. His homeland treats bastards differently, and he was a highborn bastard if there ever was one, which he felt justified his being here. His only problem was if some up-their-own-arse noble lady or lord took offense to his being here. Anna wasn't afraid to have an attitude around others if they were being a prick, highborn or not, so Ulrich wanted to stay close to her today --- And she was gone. Shit... Time to make some friends? He began to explore the ball.

Anna saw her bastard brother gazing around the room awkwardly. She suspected that he wasn't really into ladies, so he was probably just dumbfounded by all the people. Pavlos was somewhere probably failing to woo some girls and getting groans in response. He wasn't a skilled fighter so he relied on seduction to get him to where they were now -- he wasn't good at that either. Anna was happy to finally have other company than Pavlos when she saw Ulrich. Pavlos, though, undoubtedly has left maybe a few women with babies and an experience they wish they could forget. People in the inns they stayed at were overwhelmed by nobility. An heir to the holdings in the north is a very important person, but Pavlos was heir to to a city and some villages, it was good they couldn't tell the difference.

[Maddhiya]

Holstein-Gottorp

Alex thought this was the perfect time to spin away and disappear into a crowd. She was eavesdropping random people around her. She heard conversations she couldn't care about. There was an interesting interaction, though. A men and a woman arguing, one who was pretty damn big. She liked the look of the man and had some... thoughts... about him. She quickly jabbed her hand out towards a nearby serving woman, making her flinch, and took a glass of wine. Taking a sip she almost threw up, spitting the wine back in the cup. That took her interest off the large man and then she noticed it. The mass of people surrounding the king. She knew it was the king because who else in here would have a flock of people basking in his presence. Certainly not herself, that's for sure. She approached the crowd to get a closer look before realizing how much Alex would hate to be surrounded by this many people and she was sure the king felt the same. Instead she struck up a short conversation with a lady trying to push through the crowd.

"Hey, hey!"