Dubhaine Family/Ciarghuala/Roleplays/1018/September
1st September
Summer Day -- Dantooine
Donald Augustus Allan
"Ah, what a fine selection of fabrics you have brought, who knew that you had such great taste." Emyhr winked slightly followed by a rather cheeky grin. "So tell me, how fares things since the split? Unfortunately, apart from the efficient and organised work of Earl Staedtler I do not hear much from the south. I hope that the transition has been not to difficult. "
“My Lord, this is no mere bundle of fabrics and cloth, it is intended to disguise the gift! As you shall soon see”
He gestured to crimson cloth in the servant’s hands, it had a vaguely rectangular shape and clearly whatever it was, the servant didn’t enjoy carrying it.
“We’ve had a few troubles with peasants here and there but that is to be expected, they don’t know what’s best for them after all”
"Look who has decided to sharpen up for the evening! And, Emyhr, flawless as always. You two didn't coordinate the outfits at all? Blue and gold is in this summer, is all I've heard on it." The man of the hour had arrived: Earl Staedtler la Stylo, who looked only a little stiff.
Donald took the Earl’s hand and shook it, “My friend, it is good to see you!” said Donald as he pulled Staedtler forward and grip his shoulder in a boisterous manner before releasing him “Ah yes, blue and gold are very much in fashion and one must look his best for such occasions!”
Emyhr le Craint
“My Lord, this is no mere bundle of fabrics and cloth, it is intended to disguise the gift! As you shall soon see”
"How devilishly clever of you, a simple mistake but none the less I look forward to seeing the gift you have brought."
Emyhr brushed his hand through his hair and adjusted his doublet once again, in an attempt to hide the embarrassment.
"Look who has decided to sharpen up for the evening! And, Emyhr, flawless as always. You two didn't coordinate the outfits at all? Blue and gold is in this summer, is all I've heard on it."
"Earl Staedtler, I thank you for the invite to your wedding." After Donald had shook his hand, Emyhr gripped the Earls hand, not as rough as Donald but rather firm enough to not be outdone by Donald. "As Sir Donald says, it is not every day you get to attend such a prestigious wedding in such good company, dressing up a bit is but a small trifle in comparison."
Emyhr watched on as Donald unveiled such a marvelous looking bow, Emyhr couldn't help but look on in jealousy. Followed by a broach of such intricate design. Once the Earl had been given time to look over and thank Donald for the gifts, Emyhr presented the small chest that he had brought with him. Unlocking the silver lock with a simple click, Emyhr reached and opened the lid.
Inside, resting on velvet cushions were too shining pieces of jewelery. Emyhr took out a from his inside pocket a small square of the same velvet that the chest was inlaid with, picking out a cloak pin.
Presenting the Earl, now resting on his palm, was a golden lapel pin, the head of the pin was molded into the shape of golden eagle with his wings outstretched. along the ridge of the wings were small deep blue sapphires with seemed to glow with such intensity one could mistake it for candle light. Each feather on the wingspan had been painstakingly molded to stand out against the wing itself. Along the front was a string of polished onyx cut to fit perfectly along the neck of the figure, accompanied with a larger cut black quartz within the chest of the eagle.
"For you, Earl Steadtler, an Eagle lapel pin that has been carefully and painstakingly inlaid with blue sapphire, polished onyx and black quartz imported from faraway shores, The eagle remains outstretched both to reduce the weight but also to represent the many freedoms that you strive to uphold. And for the bride-to-be..."
Emyhr once again takes another square of velvet from his inside pocket and pulls out golden necklace, with simple chain style such that would cause as little irritation as possible. The main body of the necklace was molded with another eagle, this time with its wings in close perching on top of branch. This time, with such emphasis put on the front of the eagle, the blue sapphires that were present on the lapel pin had been placed carefully within the eyes of the eagle, a similar back quartz stone resides within the chest, however this one gave off a deep blue glow when light was placed on it.
"I present an eagle necklace, the chain has been made in such a way that should your bride wish to wear this for long periods of time, it would cause no irritation to the skin. The black quartz itself had been something I picked out myself when I had visited Askileon, the effect it creates when sunlight is shone onto it caught my eye, from what the merchant had told me the black quartz had formed around a piece of blue quartz creating this effect. I had arrange for a similar styling of jewelry for both the pieces however this is of special design."
Emyhr pressed against the side of the necklace, with a quiet click, the body of the eagle split in two, opening up to reveal a small cavity. Not big enough to hold anything of major size, however it would be able to hold small mementos such as rings or earrings.
"This body of the eagle opens up to reveal a safe cavity that may be used to hold small mementos, items which she wishes to keep on her person and keep them safe."
With this, Emyhr places the items back into the box and offers the box to the Earl.
“But more importantly, today is a day for giving gifts” he waved the servant forward who unfurled the cloth and presented the contents to Donald.
He reached down and produced a huge bow of red wood, banded with iron in places and at the end of each limb sat a small decorative lion also made of iron, the bow string seemingly running through their mouths. He rested it on his foot, confirming that it was as tall as Donald himself.
“Behold my Lord, this mighty bow is made several different types of wood to make it one of the most powerful weapons of its kind this side of Dwilight. And despite its immense size, would not be difficult for you to wield” with some small ceremony he presented it to Earl Staedtler, placing it in his hand “You could put the eye out of a beast from 300 yards, at least! On a calm day, 400”.
With the greatbow passed on he gestured once again to the servant who passed him a small crimson box, which Donald presented once again, revealing the contents to the Earl: inside lay a small broach, barely bigger than the palm of his hand and decorated with a symmetrical pattern of pearls orbiting a large sapphire and adorned with beads and threads of gold.
“And this fine thing is for your wife, or soon-to-be-wife, a golden broach made of pearls and sapphires. Why, merely wearing such a thing will attract the envy of any Lady of court I can assure you”.
3rd September
Summer Evening -- Poryatu
Tyra Andrasta Bluelake
Grodno
It had been a tiring day. Holding just courts was always harder than coming up with creative solutions for either harsh or merciful judgements. Tyra had begun to call them "boring courts" but it seemed the populace did trust her more after those long hours. Maybe, just maybe, it was because she could undo a little the raucous impression she made when fighting monsters or condemning a culprit to live like an ox for a week.
The countess was also a little restless, her body aching for a good bout of physical training, and she knew it was bound to be a nightmare night. Alya was already asleep when she arrived, and Duncan retreated to his chambers. Not even a good chat tonight? Waldred would be awake, patrolling the Sandstone Gate, and would certainly make himself available, but she shouldn't really call for him again so soon. He was getting too... attached. Tyra sighed. It was tough getting company for the night when she wasn't leading soldiers... With the 30 men unit, she would never sleep alone, and still none would think themselves anything special. It worked well.
After a quick bath, Tyra walked into her room, with a frown. It was barren as usual, just the bed, two trunks, her fur bed on the floor, a washbasin on the side, table and a log for a chair (the last chair had been smashed). Only decorations were tapestries, portraying landscapes under daylight. They were Grodnoin landscapes and Tyra loved looking at them. They were also hard to rip during her nightly attacks.
She didn't want a nightmare tonight. With her mind made, the countess called on one of her maidservants, one she knew enjoyed her... company. The short woman in her mid twenties was usually more than happy to join her, and arrived quickly. They greeted with a single look, one that made them both tremble, a mutual smile, an extended hand, and proceeded to have a great time for the next two hours. Happily tired, the maidservant talked a little about her children, her husband - and how he appreciated the good mood his wife always returned in, from overnight duty - and both fell asleep on the furs.
4th September
Summer Day -- Poryatown
William Fitz Roberts
William’s arrival
William and his small entourage rode ahead on the road, having left his main caravan behind. Time had been wasted unloading the gifts for the groom and bride and William had decided that it would be best for him and his family to ride on and at least be fashionably late, rather than very late which would be the case if he had waited on the roads for the gifts to get moving again.
The Earl’s invitation had been quite limiting, so William had been unable to bring the usual large household that accompanied him. He had noticed, however, that any children under his care were invited and he had decided to have a bit of fun at the Dean’s expense. So, riding next to him was his wife Anne and immediately behind them were his daughters Giesla and Helga. But behind them were his niece and nephew, Lucrezia and Prospero and riding with them were his wards, Manfred and Drake. This completed the children who actually dwelt in his household. However, he was the head of the family and so all the children of the Fitz Roberts family were under his care. Few had had the opportunity to experience high society and so he had decided that it was high time that they were introduced to the world of the higher nobility. So he had brought with him all of his cousins of the Leopoldian-Theresan branch under the age of seventeen and one girl of the Theresan branch, the only one that had been available at short notice. He knew that Staedtler would not be pleased, but he also knew that the man would be too polite to refuse and watching the man’s frustration would be very amusing
At last they rode through the gates and William, sitting aside a large black mare in his full ceremonial armour removed his burgonet and looked down upon the astonished herald.
‘Margrave William Fitz Roberts, Grand Master of the Ordo Volpes here for the wedding. You’ll of course want to announce me and my guests. This is the Lady Anne, my wife and our daughters Giesla and Helga. Those two are Manfred Fitz Roberts and Drake Bluelake. As for the rest those are Prospero, Lucrezia, Cesare, Vittoria, Theresa, Pompeo… sit still Pompeo, sorry where was I? Ah yes, Girolama, Lorenzo and Stefano. I am afraid none of the Theresan branch of my family were able to make it besides…Wait a minute there is one missing, where the hell is Octavia?’ Just then a wild haired girl of sixteen or seventeen rode through the gates, her clothes stained in mud and many a twig entangled in her dirty blonde hair. She rode up to William, panting
‘Sorry cousin, I was distracted by a deer I saw on the road. I almost rode it down, but my horse slipped in the mud and well’ she said raising her hands, indicating the mud stains ‘you can see the results’ she smiled mischievously and turned to the astonished herald. ‘Hold this for me, there’s a good chap’ she said, tossing him a large boar spear
‘I told you not to bring that’ William said through gritted teeth. William, a bit annoyed that his cousin had ruined his family’s entrance, nevertheless turned and went through the doors into the reception hall
Summer Evening -- Poryatu
Alessio de Medici
Alessio and Andrea sat at their table on the sunny wedding day, watching their children labour and help set up the festivities. In his mother's arms, Michelangelo smiled contently. The pair had no such experience as this handling triplets. Before long, he drifted off.
"I cannot believe how blessed we are for you to be carrying again, my love," said Alessio, rubbing his wife's stomach just below where she held their child.
"I pray it is the last, as much as I love our little Medici runts. They're ten, soon we will have to find them budding spouses." replied she.
"And before long, the world will have even more Medici runts. Also, you should offer to stay here, or at least with Earl Staedtler and his wife. She is carrying and perhaps could use your expertise. Give our Michelangelo a playmate."
Luarin Bowker
"Run, run," said the Queen to the Captain. "We're already late for the wedding."
Luarin had decided to go alone to the party only with her unit as escort. In the bags, a gift to Irina, her beautiful Irina. In the chests, gifts for the bride and groom.
Arriving at the huge door she stopped, waiting to see if it her name would be announced. She would rather go in without great commotion. She stood there for a moment, looking around for her granddaughter but did not find her. She heard her captain tell the herald that she was the bride's grandmother.
The day was beautiful, sunny and Luarin lost herself in daydreams looking at the forest surrounding the university when he heard the announcement:
"The Queen of Sun Hall, grandmother of the bride."
Staedtler la Stylo
Staedtler ran his thumb along the bowstring from lion to lion. The greatbow was of such a cumbersome size that simply holding it was a test, yet it was undeniably elegant.
"If I didn't know you better, I'd be tempted to say that you were mocking me. I doubt I could even draw this thing if there were three of me pulling at the string! Gods above, what would you even notch it with? Spears?" Staedtler said, passing it from palm to palm like a giant's metronome stuck into the grass. Each lumbering swing threatened to knock branches from their trees and catch on the hanging ribbons. "Thank you, Donald, dearly so. It's beauty outshines it's archer. But, does this brute have a name, or do I get the pleasure of christening it? Something short enough to say between exasperated breaths as I simply try to carry it, perhaps?"
Staedtler passed his gift onto another servant, tipping it like a caber into the flat of his chest. He wiped his forehead with a handkerchief, let out a breath. The day was barely begun and already he had ran himself ragged through handshaking, chatter, and the heading of an impromptu weapon's smuggling business. His eyes crossed broach and eagle. Gold and pearl, passion and heart; the craftsmanship of both struck Staedtler somewhere deep and vulnerable in his chest. Short for words and air, Staedtler just stood and watched the art before him. Today was like all of his summers were passing at once, one after another. Each successive one was over-leaping the last, not through a climb in quality, but through sheer surprise alone. All of the generosity was crippling to behold, and Staedtler happily stood there disabled beneath the awe of it, hand over mouth, eyes wide as the gates of the afterlife.
"My friends," he stammered, the words broken as they came. They were not forethought or planned, his emotions pieced together from shrapnel of sentiment the moment they left his tongue. "Emyhr, Donald ... these are more than I could have ever asked for. More than I could have begged." He took both in a hug, one arm clutched around each. "You're both brothers to me. Come, let's celebrate like family!"
Staedtler lead Emyhr and Donald toward the side of the campus building and a pair of sturdy doors, flanked by servants.
"Gentlemen, let's open up the reception hall!" he shouted with a smile.
With a groaning of oak wood, all of the doors were unlatched and opened, revealing the University's labours to present a perfect day. Black and white tiling filled the floor from central staircase to doorways, polished to shine like a breezeless lake. Ribbons of purple, white, and cream draped from every wall and banister. A small menagerie of paired songbirds were on display by the front door, attended by an elderly woman in green, all warbling and chirruping in excitement as the hopped from perch to perch.
As Staedtler took made his way to the staircase, he grabbed the shoulder of a servant and spoke aside from his guests.
"Please do fetch Irina for me, will you, good man?" he whispered, patting him on the neck. "And if she refuses, tell her that i'm going to marry the next guest that walks through the front door instead. If she still laughs that off, tell her that her grandmother should be arriving soon. That should spur her."
Benedict Dupont
Benedict smiled with pride as Earl Staedtler gushed over his new collection. He decided not to mention the engraved ivory inkwell and quills, he'd let that surprise reveal itself later. Once Staedtler had handed the sword over, Benedict made a swift hand movement and his servants ensured the box was sealed and transported safely indoors.
"I am glad you appreciate it, my friend, we are nobles, and nobles require fine swords such as this to distinguish ourselves from the rest."
He reached out and clasped Staedtler's outstretched hand.
"It was a pleasure being greeted by you friend, I suppose I should head in and find myself a place. I shall speak to you again."
He gave Steadtler a single pat on the back as he bowed slightly and headed forwards, hoping that the casks of wine he had sent had already arrived.
