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.
Staedtler la Stylo
The greeter stepped forward from the door and William's family toward the main hall. He stood straight-backed, arms to his side, and inflated his chest with a dizzyingly terrified look on his face.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, the Margrave of Poryatown, William Fitz Roberts, his wife, Lady Anne Fitz Roberts, his daughters Giesla and Helga of house Fitz Roberts, his niece Lucrezia of house Fitz Roberts, his nephew Prospero of house Fitz Roberts in the company by his wards-" His voice was crackling, starting to wheeze as he ran on empty. "-his cousins Cesare, Vittora, Theresa, Pompeo, Girolama, Lorenzo, Stefano, Octavia, and one rather verylargeboarspear." He gasped like a man breaking the surface.
The greeter pumped his lungs and keeled over to his knees, clutching his chest, red-faced and panting as the room broke into laughter and a dainty applause. One of the servants carrying a drinks tray passed the towel on her forearm to him, which he used to dab at his brow. He returned back to his feet and bowed to Margrave William and his family.
"I do hope ... you enjoy your day, my lord." He motioned the towel in his hand toward the mud-tracking wild girl at William's side. "Would the guest like to have her attire cleaned? We do have spare dresses in just your size, ma'am, if you are so willing, although you are more than welcome to remain as you are. Also, I will happily take care of your spear for you, if you wish. I shan't let it out of my sight. You have my word as a soldier of the realm."
Staedtler parted forth from the crowd, applauding against the side of his drink.
"William, I was wondering when your shadow would come and blot out the sun! How was the trek here?" he called out, handing the rest of his drink to the wheezing greeter as he approached for a handshake. "You can finish that if you want. It's well-deserved."
5th September
Summer Day -- Poryatu
Emyhr le Craint
"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!"
Emyhr reciprocated the embrace, smiling knowing that his gift was appreciated. Today was an important day for the man and Emyhr only wished to ensure that this day would continue to surprise and the please the man. Emyhr joined the Earl and continued into the main hall. Upon entering, Emyhr was overwhelmed by the sophistication both of the hall and the decorations that have been arranged by the couple. Continuing down hall, his eyes were darting across every feature as it continued to surprise him. Coming towards the central staircase, Emyhr was given a full view of the hall. Looking back, the black and white tiling employed merged splendidly with the walls and the temporary decorations. Within this room he could see a few more guests, one that stood out to him was Sir Alessio who had brought his wife and kids, seeing the happy family and the once again pregnant wife, Emyhr couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy once again. This was a happy jealousy of course, to be able to attain such familiar ideals was an aspiration of his but he knew that his work has kept him busy.
Emyhr was excited to see the forthcoming for he had not attended a wedding in such a long time, let alone the wedding of a close friend of his. Walking down the hall with Earl Staedtler and Sir Donald, he had become one with the peace of the wedding itself.
Summer Evening -- Poryatu
William Fitz Roberts
William smiled as he saw Staedtler approach.
‘The journey was terrible, you’ll understand why later’
As he was speaking, out of the corner of his eye William could see Octavia looking affronted at the words of the greeter
‘I’ve never worn a dress in my life and I don’t intend to start now, thank you very much. Are you suggesting that what I am wearing is unsuitable?’, she snatched her spear from his hands, ‘And I shall take that!’ Saying this, Octavia stalked off into the crowd, the other guests and servants giving her a wide berth
‘You must forgive me for my cousin’s behaviour, she has yet to learn the niceties of polite society’ William said apologetically to his host, ‘I had hoped that this event would help, but I can already tell that I am going to be proven wrong’
Staedtler la Stylo
Staedtler let the girl storm past him and away into the heart of the gathered attendees. She was brazen as a young stag, wild as thistle flower - and just as prickly. Just where she thought she was going was something that stuck in his head like a loose splinter. There were so many vulnerabilities in the campus layout he had planned for. They were the shadowed halls and rooms where only a saboteur or assassin would haunt. No place for a girl, no matter how hard she trued to shrugged off judgement. If she was found, curled up somewhere awkward with that spear in hand, things would get dire if she were even a tenth as proud as her patriarch.
"William, listen" Staedtler pleaded, stressing his whisper to its coarsest thread. "This is no playground for you, or your family." He turned to the parting peoples as they made way for the Octavia, putting a soft hand to the base of William's bouldersome shoulder. "I have made clear - unmistakably clear - that this ..." He wafted his hand about the open cavity of the ceiling above them, from pillar to pillar; velvet staircase to ribboned doorway. "... This is not your day. Nor your family's. Nor the family of your family. This is about me, as much as it may pain you. And, justly, I have made certain precautions. You were a knight of Earth's Hall; you attended the moot in Poryatown. So you understand how high-strung nerves become when paranoia starts leaking. These servants, from gate to kitchen, are soldiers. Soldiers that I have instructed to apprehend any uninvited interlopers. Soldiers I have given permission to kill if deemed necessary to protect their lord and lady."
He pointed over the crowd's turning heads to where Octavia was marching.
"This is not a hunting ground, and this is not a training match against laughing friends with wooden swords, and you know that." Staedtler peered behind to the family at the door. "Make sure they do, too. Because, if another Fitz Roberts threatens to carve up my wife, whether through actions that suggest it, or their words spat into her face, I will not hesitate to ask for their head. For now though, I think we'd both hope that i'm just being ridiculous, and that Octavia is simply finding somewhere open and quiet away from all of this. Please, do find her, for her sake."
Staedtler parted from William, taking a mint-leafed glass from a table.
"Enjoy your day, Fitz Roberts', and drink well!" he said over his shoulder, taking to the staircase in a jog.
Staedtler la Stylo
Staedtler padded down the upstairs hallway towards the Principal's office. The University was business as usual away from the reception; lonely, quiet, always smelling of dust and powder. He left the chatter and music below. It would manage itself, either that or it would burn itself out. It is why you keep all of your fuel in one place. Ahead of Staedtler at the end of the auburn hallway was the servant he sent for Irina. The shadows of his candlelit face exaggerated the lack of success he had achieved. Gloomy eyes, gaunt cheeks, and a spoiled frown.
"I presume you only told her the things I wasn't joking about?" Staedtler dusted his palms together and padded down his jacket.
"Aye, my lord," the servant said, standing aside form the doorway. "She is a little delayed, but in good enough spirits."
"Probably for the best you didn't share my little joke. Last person to arrive was William, of Poryatown no-less. Is she alone in there?"
"No. Eric and Felicia are with her."
"The cobblers?" Staedtler puzzled. He removed his gloves by the fingertips and guided the servant to reintroduce himself back into the party.
"That is all I know, my lord," the servant said, bowing an inch before going on his way. "I shall leave you to it."
Staedtler stood and watched behind him, waiting to be alone. He watched the soldier march down the carpet until all that could be seen was a silhouette turn off right and down the stairs.
Staedtler knocked against the door.
"It's me."
Behind the door was the clasping and shutting of boxes and latches, and the metallic rattle of tools and instruments being stuffed into place. Some hushed chatter was exchanged, before falling silent as bare feet patted over woodwork towards the door.
"Oh. Well, this is bad," Irina called through the door, chewing a mouthful of food. "We've hit a bit of a barricade in things, I'm afraid, and you are the last one I want to start getting worried about this right now. You've got things to be doing. Unless my grandmother's arrived, has she?"
"No. I presume it's safe to enter?"
The sound of hurried packing pauses. A moment passes before it resumes, with Irina clearing her throat.
"Yea. Come on in."
Staedtler pushed into the room, peeking through the door to avoid clattering a cobbler sideways in a rush. Irina was walking back to where the cobblers were, crouched upon the floor around a chair with their work laying around them in pieces, half organised, half not
Irina was in her wedding gown; purple and black, blooming like a feathery rose. She was eating fistfuls of raisins from a bowl, slumped back into her chair, throwing her feet up upon a stool in a huff.
"Felicia and Eric were just finished. They've done their best, bless them, but to no avail."
Staedtler nodded to the pair on the floor as he went to his desk for a chair of his own. The cobblers were an elderly couple from Shinnen. Fairly renowned, but hardly legendary. More dependable than most gods, but barely as earth-moving. All they did was fix dainty shoes, sometimes not even that, it seemed. He spied a torn-apart pair of slippers by Eric, who hurried to stuff the bits away into his coat pocket away from scrutiny.
"Done their best with what, exactly?" Staedtler sat astride his chair next to Irina.
"Wardrobe malfunction, I suppose. It's a theatre term. And judging by the performance you've put on, I feel its appropriate." Irina leaned over and planted a heavy kiss on Staedtler's cheek.
"More of a pantomime, really," Staedtler said, watching the maddened busywork of the departing cobblers. "So it's the shoes?"
Eric and Felicia stood with their half-a-dozen bags clutched under arm, in strung in hand. They bowed out of time with eachother to both Staedtler and Irina before leaving, gently closing the door as they left. Irina dropped the bowl to the floor and yawned like a dog; arm's stretched overhead, tongue curling between her teeth.
"Less-so the shoes, more-so my feet. They're just broken, it seems. Everything hurts, except walk barefoot of course." Irina wriggled her toes, sneering at them as they gleefully danced away in defiance upon the stool. "Ugly little things."
Staedtler glanced up and smiled.
"Yep," he said, smirking to himself. "So what are we going to do?"
"Panic?" Irina joked, licking her gums of raisin pieces. "Which is a shame. I was looking forward to this."
Irina ruffled the plume of her dress like a toddler casting her mess about. It bloated her movements, making it awkward to reach any lower than her knees without discomfort. She released a long and exasperated sigh, braying her lips and massaging her eye sockets with her palms.
"I'm not going downstairs barefoot," she croaked, rolling her head around to face Staedtler. "I'm sorry, but I'm not."
Staedtler stood up from his chair, hands on his hips.
"Good," he said, surveying the corners of the room. "But you will be going downstairs."
"Not anytime soon, I'd hope."
"Did he not tell you? The servant?" he said, crouching to peer beneath the desk and into the shadows of the bed frame. "I'd have sworn it would put the fear of gods in you. You know, help hurry you up a bit."
Staedtler rested upon the back on Irina's chair, who was now measuring the gloss and paint of her nail polish at arm's length.
"No. He only said about that you wanted me downstairs. Why?" Irina said, pulling her feet from the stool to face Staedtler, who was now approaching the window.
"Oh, he must have thought it a joke. I was dead serious though."
There was a call from down the corridor. The bellowing cry of a soldier's voice. It echoed down the hall, carried through the silent corridor, and faintly pushed through the closed door.
"The Queen of Sun Hall, grandmother of the bride!"
Irina grasped the rests of her seat in a cold, dry grip. She span about to Staedtler, who stood equally as frozen, struck dumb by the announcement. They looked to eachother, mouths ajar, expectantly, each desperate for direction as to how to act.
"What do we do!?" Staedtler shouted, scouring the room for something.
"What do we do?" Irina shouted back, pushing off from her chair. "It's your wedding!"
"My wedding?" Staedtler asked as he raced to the door. "It's our wedding, thank you very much. And she's your grandmother!"
He flung the door wide onto the empty corridor. The entrance hall was bustling with applause for Queen Luarin. His ears had not deceived him today. His grandmother-in-law-to-be was here, and her daughter was stuck barefoot on her wedding day with noone else in sight to blame but him. Despite all of her past kindnesses and generosities, even this was something a reasonable woman would hold her spite over for decades. And if there was one thing he knew about Bowkers, is that there was always a couple of decades left in their tank, no matter their years. They just kept going, forever, and Staedtler did not feel like bearing a grudge that would outlive him, and certainly not on this day of all to come.
Irina looked to where Staedtler was looking; beneath the window. There, rested against the desk in a small basin of water, were her riding boots. A pair of knee-high, buckle-and-strap, thick tan-leather tooth-kickers, near cannon proof, fitted with jagged heel spurs and steel toe caps. Just perfect for a sunny day like this, out on the northern moors. A bad solution, but a possible one. That was all Irina needed. She stormed over to them, plucked them from the water, and went to Staedtler as he stood motionless, scratching his head raw in the doorway.
"Our grandmother. Thank you," she said, pushing the boots firmly into his chest before falling back onto her chair, one foot slammed upon the stool. "Now, buckle me up, cowboy."
6th September
Summer Day -- Poryatu
William Fitz Roberts
William smiled as Staedtler left, though his eyes betrayed a coldness that would have cowed a dragon, then ushered over Manfred. ‘Go and find Octavia, I believe she has just gone to the privy but still our good host in no few words just threatened to murder her’
Manfred looked up at William, keeping his shock hidden, giving a fake smile. ‘What should we do, cousin?’
William was pleased that Manfred knew to keep up appearances in this situation. ‘As I say, first thing’s first, go and get Octavia. If Franz finds out his little sister was hurt on my watch he might just return to Dwilight. Then make sure all of the family stay close tonight, no wandering off, no clandestine exploring of the halls.’ William then beckoned Cesare over, a boy of thirteen, ‘you are to feign illness and return to our bravi and give them this message’ William quickly repeated what Staedtler had told him, as well as a little more. The boy nodded and hurried back out the threshold through which they had entered. At last Anne had become curious and had also come over to him. After she had been told of what had occurred, she simply said ‘It seems our host is as good at being gracious as he is at not dressing like a prat. Shall I arrange an accident? It would be a shame if his wife’s horse had a loose saddle’ William drew his wife in, whispering in her ear. ‘Not tonight, my love, let’s not stoop to his level quite yet. It is a long way down and I get enough pain in my back as it is’
Summer Evening -- Poryatu
Nicholas Archival
"His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Nicholas!" boomed the herald.
Nicholas strode forward, through the gates and into the university's grounds with firm strides. He was becoming inured to the reverence with which many regarded him upon his entry to events, but this day was not about him - no, it was about the man he considered a friend perhaps above any others and his bride-to-be.
At his side was a retainer, bearing a sizeable, finely-wrought chest upon a velvet cushion. Although it was closed, it could not quite hide the gleaming light which found escape through the slight opening. A wedding gift?
Adjusting his favoured, raven cloak, he continued onward, in search of the bride and groom - or perhaps any other acquaintances or friends who crossed his path. The Imperial Crown was lighter on his head this day; perhaps because the attention of the crowd's was largely somewhere else.
Tyra Andrasta Bluelake
Tyra had been waiting for something like that to happen, for a big figure to show up, or at least someone she knew. The heralds ennerved her, and many still focused on her Bluelake name. She had hoped to go in with Sir Gislin or maybe Sir Goriad, but this was lucky too. Following the commotion caused by the Emperor, she and Alya walked into the Halls, mingling with the nobility. Alya scurried off to where she could see all the gift giving and perhaps catch a sight of some of those very distinct knights, while Tyra, on her blue and silver tunic, one Duncan had adorned for formal occasions, looked for a familiar face.
She ran into Drake. With a playful frown, the countess addressed him. "You are everywhere, huh, kid?!"
"Cousin- I mean - Lady Tyra!" he bowed deeply, then lifted his face and smiled his bright, open smile at her. She couldn't help but smiling back. "I have been trying to find my way to you... To be your squire. Lord William picked me up, though and..." he gave a quick glance to Helga's direction. "I'm enjoying being his ward."
Tyra gave the boy a long look. Could he grow with integrity despite being under William? He was her responsibility after all. She invited him to walk with her, they talked for a while; she asked some questions, he asked thrice as many. By the end of it, she felt safe about his moral compass, and could even say she kind of liked him... For a Bluelake.
Staedtler la Stylo
Staedtler raced down the velvet steps, eyes to his feet. He was clutching Irina's hand as she navigated her own way down, guiding her around the curve of the staircase as she thudded across the floorboards like a runaway horse. In the centre of the hall was Queen Luarin, the grand dame of Luria, waltzing the University grounds amidst pleasant celebration. All eyes were upon her, and rightly so. If today was anyone's to steal, no uproar would be aroused by the royal grandmother stealing back her kin and riding away into the sunset. Staedtler looked about the base of the stairs for a servant; someone with voice, gravitas. The crowd was swelling, pushing about itself in wells and breaks that hid any one form from view. With no other option, Staedtler yanked at the lapels of his jacket, pulled a cold breath up through his nostrils, and took a step forward from Irina.
"Lords and ladies, friends and fellows, Queen Luarin," Staedtler called out, loud as he could. "The bride, and my beautiful wife-to-be ... Lady Irina Bowker!"
The guests turned to the stairs for the bride's approach. Irina raised the edge of her dress and teetered her way to Staedtler's awaiting hand. The boots were cumbersome. It felt like walking on numb flesh. Every inch forward threatened to throw her sideways, or off into the crowd below. In Staedtler's care, though, together, they made way into the parting crowd. With feet upon the tiled floor, they both stood before the doting guests as they complimented each and every aspect of her attire. Her footwear was obscured, but the mud stains left behind were not. Thankfully, all eyes were on the couple, and the floor was opened up to Staedtler and Irina to walk, all the way to Queen Luarin.
Irina kissed Staedtler and broke for her Grandmother in a clumsy half-step run. She hugged around her shoulders and gently squeezed, just enough. It had been so long.
"I've missed you so much," she said gleefully, before pulling back. "Oh, but you look so brilliant! Absolutely divine! Are you trying to outshine me?" Irina laughed, again hugging her closest relative.
Staedtler itched his nose as he approached, attempting an earnest smile at Irina's side.
"My queen, I must agree with Irina. You are looking magnificent." He put his hand to Irina's waist. "Thank you for coming. I really do appreciate it."
