Arcaea/Dining Hall/Spring Festival
Letter from Maurus Barek (3 days, 21 hours ago) Message sent to everyone in your realm (60 recipients) 01:16, 16 February 2010 (UTC)01:16, 16 February 2010 (UTC)Shwartzring 01:16, 16 February 2010 (UTC)01:16, 16 February 2010 (UTC)Shwartzring Arcaeans!
It is Spring, and we, along with the King and the Regency Council, invite you to take part in the Spring Festival!
Together, we will celebrate the end of Winter and the beginning of Spring! We will welcome a time when the nights grow shorter, and the days longer, and soon, a renewal of our campaign against Soliferum!
The festival will commence in two days' time, and will be held at the estates of Remton. We encourage all nobles of Arcaea to join us for competition and sport! There will be prizes given for best ballad and best poem. There will be contests of hunt and drink and riddle solving, and a purse to the winner for each! In light of the coming campaign against Soliferum, we will postpone games of money and chance, but in the mean time, we offer you the chance to gossip and rub elbows with your fellow nobles.
[OOC to all Arcaeans: We want everyone to be able to participate in the Spring Festival, regardless of your location. If you can join us in Remton, great. If you cannot, we encourage clever use of space-time. Even if you cannot be physically present in Remton, we hope that you will join the festivities. We especially encourage Role Playing for this festival. The objective is to involve all of the nobles of the Kingdom, and we especially encourage new nobles, or those that do not often engage in role playing, to jump in. If you're nervous about role playing, now is the time to jump right in! Submissions for best ballad or poem may be made to the realm, or if you are feeling shy, directly to the Celebration Committee. A panel of judges will decide the winner. One entry per participant. Hunting and drinking will be decided by offline dice rolls. Let the Planning Committee know if you are interested. Additional details will be released shortly!] 01:16, 16 February 2010 (UTC)01:16, 16 February 2010 (UTC)Shwartzring 01:16, 16 February 2010 (UTC)01:16, 16 February 2010 (UTC)Shwartzring
Maurus Barek Count of Isular
Roleplay from Maurus Barek (3 days, 20 hours ago) Message sent to everyone in your realm (60 recipients) "Goodman Hurley, be certain that all is in order here. If any problems should arise, I expect you to notify me immediately." Maurus spoke to his household steward, even as his horse stomped in the mud, ready to be off.
More than a few things had required his attention in recent days, amongst them, the well being of Isular, and the coming Spring Festival to be held in Remton. There was much still afoot, and much that still required supervision and preparation.
Two casks of good wine rested amidst other provisions in the back of a small wagon, and the men of the Red Stags formed up for the ride.
After conducting a quick, last minute visual inspection of the estate, as well as his Stags and their goods, the party set off on the muddy road, intent on making good time.
Maurus Barek Count of Isular
Letter from Maurus Barek (3 days, 20 hours ago) Message sent to everyone in your realm (60 recipients) We on the Planning Committee hope to have a Summer Festival to follow our campaigns in the south. It is our hope that at that time we will be able to consider swordplay and gambling as primary attractions to the festival.
As King Jenred has suggested, we felt that right before the start of the Campaign, such activities might be ill-timed.
Still, we hope to see you there to demonstrate your skill with spear and bow against the animals on the hunt, as well as your ability to mix alcohol with your noble blood. Last man or woman standing!
Maurus Barek Count of Isular
Letter from Maurus Barek (1 day, 21 hours ago) Message sent to everyone in your realm (61 recipients) Fellow Arcaeans,
At dawn, we will begin the festivities of the Spring Festival.
We will start by offering a riddle. If you can puzzle out the answer, a purse of gold will be your prize. We ask that nobles only attempt one answer per twelve hours.
Soon after, we will start the hunt, and once the hunt is completed, there will be a drinking contest. If you wish to be involved, please send a letter to the Planning Committee.
Please send your song and ballad submissions as soon as you have them prepared!
A gala will be kicking off in Remton shortly after dawn, and we welcome you to mingle with your fellows.
To our nobles marching south to bring the war to Soliferum, we salute you! We hope that you can still take part in the festivities. In truth, they are for you, bold warriors of Arcaea!
Maurus Barek Count of Isular
Roleplay from Noah Capet (1 day ago) Message sent to everyone in your realm (61 recipients) Noah was lost, somewhere between Colasan and Taop. He had foolishly sent his men ahead after meeting some particularly interesting women in a wayside tavern. Little did he know, his captain had arranged for them to 'entertain' him as a present for his 20th birthday. In his drunken stupor, Noah had ordered his troops to march ahead to Edairn, telling them he would catch up later, but at this time, that seemed rather improbable. He was heading south, but had no idea where he was. A few peasants informed him he was in Lenamaziel and that Azros was further south, but that was all the help he had received.
He scoured the horizon, looking for Arcaean or allied banners, and much to his joy, he spotted a particularly familiar one. In the distance, he spotted a good two dozen soldiers, carrying the standard of Tapaliez. He squinted and saw the longbows slung over their shoulders. Then, he spotted their commander... Desiderata! He spurred his horse and thundered in her direction, his heart filled with more excitement than he thought he would feel.
"My lady!", he shouted, but his voice was drowned out by the noise of hooves striking earth. "My lady!", he shouted again when he was closer, and this time, she turned her head towards him. "My lady, I cannot tell you how glad I am to find you here!"
"Sir Noah?", she asked, with wonder in her voice. "What brings you here, all on your own?"
Noah now rode at her side. "Ahh... it's a bit embarrassing, actually...", he said shyly. "I, uh... I lost my men."
Desiderate chuckled. "I see... well, such things happen, Sir Noah. You are most welcome to accompany me."
He smiled and nodded... it was an offer he did not have to think twice on. Her choice of words made him realize something else... something that made his heart skip a beat. He stared at the ground for a moment, working up the courage to speak his next words.
"My lady...", he said, and then hesitated. He took a deep breath, and continued, all but blurting out the rest. "My lady... the Spring Festival is soon, and I was hoping you would do me the honor of having me as your escort for the festivities!"
His heart pounded fiercely, and his throat was parched. Had he been too frivolous? After all, she was no ordinary lady... she was his liege, and a good eight years older than him. Still... the question had been uttered, and he could not take it back... he could only hope for a positive answer, or otherwise a light penalty for his frivolousness...
Noah Capet (Knight of Tapaliez)
Roleplay from Desiderata Lisieux (23 hours, 38 minutes ago) Message sent to everyone in your realm (61 recipients) Desi patted Amandine as she rode in front of her troops. Good men, they were. Not as many as she was supposed to have ... But honestly, that shouldn't matter. For a long time she had not even intended to march south for the campaign, but she had changed her mind at the last minute - as evidenced by her motley group trailing behind the main army. Her men had grumbled a bit, but overall had been good sports about leaving their families to get some glory down south. True, she was probably wasn't as well prepared for the campaign as she would like to be, but she figured she could make up for that in the refit. She didn't want to miss out on the action that was already starting.
She heard a horse whinny, and heard hoofbeats pounding toward her, followed by a "my lady!" She turned her head and saw Noah, one of her knights. She smiled as he approached. It was always nice to see someone familiar. Her forehead wrinkled with a bit of confusion as she greeted him. She was headed toward Lenamaziel, which was certainly nowhere near Tapaliez, and Noah was.. without any men.
"Sir Noah?" She asked with wonder in her voice. "What brings you here, all on your own?" As he explained his situation her smile reappeared and the wrinkle vanished. She laughed softly. "I see... Well, such things happen, Sir Noah. You are most welcome to accompany me."
Noah pulled his horse up next to hers, and Ama snorted as she turned her head to investigate the newcomers. Desi gave the Friesian another pat on the neck. They had only walked a little ways before the man at her side began to speak again. She nodded to him, letting him know she was listening as he began.
And then Desi heard the most peculiar thing. She turned in her saddle to look at him full on. Amazement showed blankly on her face. She could see him grow nervous, interpreting the look as one of offended shock. She lifted her hand in a gesture to calm him.
"No, no! Don't be ashamed of asking; I'm not upset. I'm just," she paused for a moment, searching for the right word, "surprised." She smiled, trying to emphasize that she wasn't offended or any other way negatively affected.
She saw the equal shock on his face as she spoke again. "Actually, I would love to go with you." Instantly a bright blush rose to her cheeks, and she looked down at Ama, who was giving Noah's horse a good sniff. Desi wondered if perhaps she had agreed to quickly. Should she have thought it over more? Should she have appeared to have thought it over more? She wondered at his age and snuck an imperceptible sideways glance at him. He couldn't be more than twenty or twenty-one. She was twenty-eight. Desi groaned inwardly. Stupid... age. She was no longer in her prime. She sat up straight again and looked back at him. Damned if she would act like an old worn-out lady. Twenty-eight was as good as eighteen, and she would prove it!
Desiderata Lisieux Countess of Tapaliez
Roleplay from Noah Capet (23 hours, 32 minutes ago)
Message sent to everyone in your realm (61 recipients)
Noah smiled nervously. He had sort of expected a negative response, but Desiderata had said she'd love to go with him... His stomach felt uneasy as the silence grew longer. He had to say something. Anything.
"Ah... that is... wonderful news, m'lady.", he stuttered. "It will be an honor."
Then, he realized he really knew nothing about this Spring Festival, apart from tales and rumours he had heard along the way.
"My lady,", he asked, "I'm almost embarrassed to say this, but... what exactly is this Spring Festival?"
Noah Capet (Knight of Tapaliez)
Roleplay from Desiderata Lisieux (23 hours, 13 minutes ago)
Message sent to everyone in your realm (61 recipients)
Desi smiled and laughed quietly again. Truth of the matter was she wasn't one hundred percent sure either. "Well, I believe it is simply a gathering for all Arcaeans to celebrate the coming of spring. There's dancing and drinking, songs and poetry. I heard that there is even a hunt. I believe they have tournaments as well. But you know, since we're marching south, that is rather impractical this time. I think they've been rescheduled."
They rode a little longer in silence, before Desi brought up the inevitable: horses. She let out a girlish giggle as she asked, "So, um, what's your horse's name? I'm really, well, into horses. I love the creatures. My mare is named Amadine. I just call her Ama." She was about to babble on some more before she spouted out, "Oh, and you can call me Desiderata, or Desi, if you like." Again a blush rose to her cheeks as she realized she was shedding formalities quicker than she could shed a soggy unwanted overcoat.
Desiderata Lisieux Countess of Tapaliez
Roleplay from Noah Capet (23 hours, 5 minutes ago) Message sent to everyone in your realm (61 recipients) "My lady, that would be highly inappropriate...", Noah protested. "You are my liege, I could never be so friendly with you."
Another awkward silence took place before he answered her question. "My horse's name is Primus, my lady. He was named so as he was the first son of his father... reportedly the horse of a famous general, but I'm sure that was just a sales pitch from the breeder. He's a good stallion, but still young... he can be a bit brash and disobedient at times, which is why I do not ride him in battle just yet..."
He paused for another moment, subtly taking in all of Desi. "My lady... I assume you are good with horses... perhaps you can give me a few pointers as to how to properly train Primus? I know he is full of potential... but I am not expert enough to bring it out myself..."
Noah Capet (Knight of Tapaliez)
Roleplay from Desiderata Lisieux (22 hours, 51 minutes ago) Message sent to everyone in your realm (61 recipients) She nodded to him, not arguing further about what to call her. She would talk about that later, as in private she really preferred to be called Desi. She smoothly continued on to talking about her favourite subject.
"Well, I do have men who specifically train horses, so I'm not an expert. But I do aid with the training, especially after a horse has been broken. One key thing: Always be consistent. If you are inconsistent, not only may he fail to learn what lesson you are teaching, but he may also learn to do what is incorrect. Also, do not let him get away with any stunts. Although it may be amusing once or twice, it will soon develop into an awful habit if you let it continue."
Desi paused to take a good look at handsome, midnight stallion, Primus. It was clear he was hotblooded, eager for any task set before him. The legs were long, and sturdy with strong muscle. He was lean, but not skinny. The neck was a bit thin, and it seemed that might thicken a bit as the stallion aged. "How old is he?" She asked as she continued to examine Primus. While the legs were long, the horse was not overly tall. Perhaps Amadine was still taller than the spirited, younger horse.
Desiderata Lisieux Countess of Tapaliez
Roleplay from Noah Capet (22 hours, 41 minutes ago) Message sent to everyone in your realm (61 recipients) "About two years old, my lady.", Noah replied. "My father bought him a year ago to this day, as a gift for my birthday, but he was too young for me to ride then. I'm afraid I have neglected his training a bit... I just left my stable master in charge."
Noah leaned forward and patted Primus on the neck. In response, the horse reared and almost threw Noah off his back, but the young noble managed to stay seated.
"Ah... you see what I mean, my lady...", Noah said, his cheeks blushing a bit from the embarrassment. "Primus needs a steady hand, and I'm afraid I don't have one just yet. I never did train often with horses when I was younger... my father believed more in swordfighting and archery as necessary skills for a nobleman... yet I wish I could be a true cavalry commander someday, like my cousin Amaury... He is a prodigy... only a few years older than me, but for as long as I can remember, he has been riding horses and practicing his jousting... Perhaps I can one day be as good as him... or better, if I have some skilled trainers to assist me..."
Noah then realized he'd been babbling, and quickly shut his mouth to allow Desi to get a word in as well.
Noah Capet (Knight of Tapaliez)
Roleplay from Desiderata Lisieux (22 hours, 25 minutes ago) Message sent to everyone in your realm (61 recipients) Desi nodded as Noah answered her question. "I figured he was about that old. He has a bit more filling out to do, but not much."
Primus reared when Noah went to pat him. Ama snorted unhappily and side-stepped. Desi's men halted for a moment, not wanting to run into the rearing stallion. Desi watched, mild panic entering her eyes as she hoped Noah was a good enough rider to stay on a rearing horse. The two came back down to the ground, and Desi relaxed. She laughed a bit as the young man's cheeks grew red.
She listened quietly and patiently as he spoke first of Primus, then of his cousin Amaury. Genuine interest showed on her face.
"Well, he'll calm down a bit as he gets older. Just relax and I'm sure you'll learn together as you go. As for your cousin, Amaury. I believe I know him -- well, I know of him. My sister, Danielle, has mentioned him once or twice in her letters to me. He is, I believe, lord of Ciarin Tut, in Pian en Luries? Far away on another continent, Dwilight. Have you heard of my cousin Danielle? She is Amaury's knight." Desi smiled as she realized she had babbled a bit, like Noah. But then, she was excited to find a new commonality between them.
Desiderata Lisieux Countess of Tapaliez
Letter from Maurus Barek (10 hours, 21 minutes ago) Message sent to everyone in your realm (61 recipients) I present to you a riddle.
Please submit your answers to the Celebration Committee. One submission per twelve hours, please.
~ Forged of metal am I. Your treasures I guard, Tireless, I cannot die. I will keep you out, or keep you in. Forever watching with my one eye.
What am I? ~
Please make your submissions for ballad and song. There is a 100 gold prize for the winner!
Maurus Barek Count of Isular
Letter from Maurus Barek (9 hours, 52 minutes ago) Message sent to everyone in your realm (61 recipients) After just a few guesses, it seems that we either made the riddle too easy, or the nobles of Arcaea are simply too smart.
Gabriel de Grenefeld guessed correctly, the answer is "a lock".
~ Downward I run, falling. You can thank me for life, or for taking it away. I am hard as stone, but not all the time. I gurgle but I do not talk. I smooth away any rock.
What am I? ~
Maurus Barek Count of Isular
Letter from Maurus Barek (9 hours, 36 minutes ago) Message sent to everyone in your realm (61 recipients) Indeed, our nobles are simply too clever, and make brutally short work of these riddles. I shall have to encourage my castellan to craft more difficult puzzles.
Harmony Kindon and Gabriel de Grenefeld both quickly sussed out the truth, and guessed that the answer is Water.
We shall have more riddles on the morrow!
Maurus Barek Count of Isular
Letter from Maurus Barek (3 hours, 8 minutes ago) Message sent to everyone in your realm (61 recipients) Three riddles to pass the night.
This time, I will not announce the answer and the winners until dawn, giving everyone some time to guess. Please submit only one guess, and please submit it to the Celebration Committee.
My life is measured in hours or less, I serve my time simply by being consumed. Quickest when thin, slowest when fat, The wind is the nemesis of the gift that I bring. ~
Free am I for the taking through all of your life, Though I am given but once at birth. My weight is less than nothing, But will fell the mightiest of you if held. ~
A human and a cave have me in common. ~
Maurus Barek Count of Isular
Roleplay from Arlian Bedwyr (11 minutes ago) Message sent to everyone in your realm (60 recipients) The bagpipes announced the arrival of members of House Bedwyr-Kindon as Arlian and Harmony strolled into the festival grounds, a few servants trailing while their personal guards took ceremonial position with the rest of the assembled troops near the musicians. The twins had been sleeping, rocked by their parents' smooth gait, but the blast of sound woke them with a start. After a short panic (Rowan briefly tried to crawl into her father's shirt to hide) Arlian and Harmony convinced them there was nothing to worry about, and they clambered onto their accustomed place on their father's shoulders, bright violet eyes staring around at the festival gathering eagerly.
"Note for next time, wake the children before the bagpipes..."
Harmony grinned at her husband as they made their way over to the buffet. She drew more than a few eyes, as even after the twins she was still accounted one of the most beautiful of the Far East. There were a few questioning glances among the younger folk present at Arlian, as they made an odd couple at first glance. Harmony was tall, perfectly curved, just a little dusky, had flowing, shining mahogany hair, and those striking violet eyes her children had inherited. Arlian was shorter than she, almost squat, with shoulders seeming to be as wide as he was tall, looking rather more like a mason than a noble. His eyes and hair were an unremarkable, dull brown, and his skin was lightly burned despite a lifetime in the sun.
But any parent present nodded in understanding as they saw the interplay between the four, slow smiles spreading at the scoffing of the youngsters. A good husband, good father...And the best courtier in Arcaea, quite possibly the best in the world. That meant more to some than all the victories on the battlefield.
Besides, rumour had it that his shoulders were but one example of his innate broadness...
Sir Arlian Bedwyr (Knight of Nocaneb)
