Kingsley Family/Alyssa/A Crown of Gold

Arylon

Lyanna wondered with awe in what she saw in Perdan. She had never actually been to the city, having only seen it in the distance during battles in and around Troyes and Bescanon. As she had been forced to simply imagine what the true city was like, she believed that the city was certainly splendid, but no more grand than any other city. In the far north, Sirion City -- her city -- was the greatest, most populous, most prosperous, and most influential city known. Its power and authority were unquestioned, and unrivaled. Only one place to Lyanna's experience -- the city of Oligarch, several hundred miles to the south -- surpassed Sirion in size, though it was nowhere near as elegant and beautiful as Sirion was. Oligarch was originally built by brutal clannish orcs, and while the Elves had eventually defeated them in war and rebuilt the city, it still maintained a somewhat rough, utilitarian design. Sirion was still a far grander city.

But this... was remarkable. She had heard tales of the beauty of Perdan City, of course, and intellectually she understood that one of the reasons Perdan was able to constantly fight such overwhelming odds and return to power over the centuries was because of the economic and political power of this city. She knew it was great, but she had no idea that human hands could have engineered something like this. Twice as large in both size and population to her own city, it was also meticulously crafted and designed. The streets were wide and comfortable. The buildings were made of many materials, with expert stonemasonry incorporated into most of the most important buildings. Colors were everywhere, with bricks and colorful paint littering every city block.

Perdan was not crafted by the Elves as Sirion was, and so it lacked some of her city's intricate designs. Missing were many of the curves and carvings, fountains and gardens that she had grown so fond of. But still, this was the most remarkable city she had ever seen.

It was made even more grand as the streets had recently been decorated for wintertime, and (she presumed) the Queen's Coronation. Garlands had been spread out between the buildings, there were lanterns hung from rafters and lines strung overhead which shone brightly. It reminded Lyanna of the festive atmosphere in Sirion around the annual Winter Festival. Perhaps these Perdanese were not so different from her people, after all.

Earlier that day as Lyanna was buying some exotic jewelry in bazaar at the city center, when she heard trumpets blaring from a distance, soon followed by a crush of common people rushing to the interior roadway that was the main artery. She paid her coin for a beautiful blue topaz ring, slipped it on her finger and quickly followed the masses of people. Soon thereafter, she saw the massive procession carrying Queen Alyssa through the streets. She looked tired, but was very clearly putting on a brave face for her people, trying to give them the thrill of saying that the Queen had seen them. The burden of the crown must be immense, to no longer be allowed to simply be tired -- one must be a Queen at all times.

The procession passed by relatively quickly, and was surely headed for the palace. Lyanna found her Captain and asked him to have the soldiers find themselves some accommodations in the city while she attended to the Palace, also ordering him to make sure that none of her men visited the local brothels or did anything that would reflect poorly on themselves, or on her by extension. They were visitors and trying to leave a good impression, and must act accordingly.

Lyanna allowed several hours to pass to give the Queen and her people plenty of time to settle back into the Palace, and in truth she considered perhaps delaying the announcement of her arrival to the city until the following day to give Alyssa more time to relax after her long journey before being forced to call on visitors. She decided against waiting, mostly because there was nothing about announcing her presence that mandated the Queen to see her in any event, and she at least wanted to pay her respects and ensure that it was known she had arrived. If the Queen wanted to wait to see her, that was entirely up to her and she would find no offense to that.

And so she walked to the great doors at the Royal Palace, and encountered two guards who stopped her progress. "State your business, Sirionite," barked the knight on her righthand side.

"My name is Lyanna Arylon, Lord Speaker of Sirion, Duchess of Osmeneliath, Margravine of Sirion City and Ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary for the Republic of Sirion. I am here to notify the Queen that I have arrived, and look forward to both meeting with her, and attending her Coronation."

Everlight/MacArbin

An elegant figure dressed in tailored leather trousers with a tapered leg, governors jacket and calf-high boots approaches Isana’s table.

“Lady Isana, a quick word, if I might?”

She smiles in recognition and inclines her head in invitation. “Ambassador! Of course.”

He takes a seat next to her and leans in conversationally. “As you know, I am helping a few of the dames and knights with making arrangements for the coronation. And I had an idea… I know Her Majesty very much enjoys Starlight.”

The statement seems a question. “She is quite favoured, yes.”

“And I am thinking that a gorgeous saddle from one noble, elegant silver brightwork to grace it from another, and the like would be an appreciated and cohesive set of gifts. Would you concur?”

Ambassador Kenneth was asking her opinion! And what a brilliant idea. The image of Starlight all decked in new trappings prances through her imagination and she flushes with happiness.

“I concur indeed... in fact I had already started in that way, with a recent gift of new saddle blankets for the crisp winter we're having.” Isana informs him. “Ah, I will ensure I do not arrange saddle blankets then!”

“Well…” Isana rubs the side of one digit along her smooth chin thoughtfully. “A set in the colours of Perdan may be appropriate, or a more formal saddle pad. Those I gifted were in her own heraldic colouring.”

“Ah, I quite understand. A gift for the Queen, rather than a gift for Alyssa, as it were." He pauses a moment as though making note of the idea, then continues. "Now, for my own gift, I was considering a further expansion of the Stump in Bescanon, along the lines you designed, to create a truly private retreat with a full suite, if you felt that such might be appreciated.”

Her eyes go round. “Oh! Kenneth are you certain? That would be beautiful... I am sure she would love it, the Riverlands are very dear to her... but that is an extravagant gift!”

Kenneth smiles widely and spreads his hands, palms up. “There are a few benefits to being a Duke, my lady. And if you both will enjoy it, then it will be done.”

Isana’s jaw drops open in a wide grin, her eyes shining. “I... I am speechless. You bring brilliant ideas and incredible gifts. Please, let me know if ever there is a service I can do for you, you do so much for Her Majesty.”

Sir Kenneth bows, and rises with serious eyes. “If she stays sane with the crushing weight of her responsibilities, then that will be service enough. Keep her well, my lady. Keep her well.”

Isana’s smile fades slightly, and a faraway look comes to her eyes. “She bears much. If it is the only thing I do, you can trust I will always give everything I have to keep my beloved Majesty well, and happy too as oft as I can manage it.” Glittering light gathers at the corners of Isana's eyes, as she continues softly, “We are stronger together.”

The Ambassador nods, the woven pattern of his deep blue Ducal circlet glistening as he moves. “That you are, and may it always be so. Many thanks, Lady Isana, and if there is aught else I can do, you have but to name it.”

Brightening, Isana stands to curtsey to the departing Duke. “Always a pleasure, Ambassador. Stay well yourself, and thank you again.”

Storme

Flowers were being delivered from the new Palace’s gardens, the only part of the construction that had gone well the year before had been the gardens and today the last remaining flowers from the growing houses had been clipped, gathered, bundled and delivered. Kegs of fine beer were being heaved up from the bowels of the palace to be opened, liquor was being bottled in the kitchens, confections being delivered from bakeries in the City came a day in advance, as the gates would be closed to commoners tomorrow.

At the center of it all was just one young woman.

The scene around Aila was painfully familiar to her today, and as always missing just one person to make it all feel right. Servants and attendants swarmed the kitchens, throne room, and great hall cleaning and decorating. Outside of Aila’s study a line had formed that extended long down the hallway, and inside the Duchess took just one request at a time- quickly overwhelmed by the sheer volume of work flying at her for tomorrow.

Gideon, her family retainer had cut the line and slid into the room as he was allowed and found Aila standing in front of her desk with arms folded as she is shown two different samples of rich fabric. Gideon recognizes one of them as the window hangings in the throne room- and when Aila points to the opposite design, the woman holding them deflated just slightly. Changing those hangings would take her most of the day.

He takes his place beside her and watches her in command, keeping order, answering questions in a way that made no one cry, so far. He was feeling rather proud of her. “Will you be relieved when tomorrow is over?”

Aila cracks a smile as he interrupts what she is doing, she was well in control but he could tell there was the same sadness clinging to her heart as she did the work she had become familiar with over the years with Smiddich. “Very relieved. No, blue I said blue. The Queens eyes are blue and so blue around the throne-- Do you un--”

The servant nods furiously and flees before Aila can get her words out “They’re scared to death of you” Gid notes.

“If Queen Alyssa marches up to that throne surrounded by red blooms, making her look splotchy, they will have reason to be scared” She warns as the flower arrangement woman retreats even faster.

“Splotchy?”

“You can’t understand, it’s a blonde thing. Golden Lion banners everywhere make it hard enough.”

“Gold is no good for blondes? Your uniform for tomorrow has gold” Gideon is rubbing his eyes now, she’s instantly made him feel exhausted, yet her next thinly veiled insult restores him just as quickly.

“With me it looks wonderful, but it won’t on a plain, pale blonde like Alyssa. ” Aila approaches a dress form standing in the corner of the room wearing her Golden Lion Archer uniform. Perdanese colors trimmed in real gold threadwork, a finely stitched lion. It appeared much like her old one, just far higher quality. As she lifts the sleeve and holds it beside her face Gid and the next servant looking for answers both nod at her.

"You're right. I can see it now." he lies.

Stewart

The warriors wearing Hell's Rain armor arrived in the morning mist. Their commander spoke to each one of them, saying the same words to each.

"Eyes open, swords at the ready, stand strong." He then saluted each one with his arm across his chest.

He, himself would do the same. Remaining out of sight, but vigilant as always. There was a Queen, and friend, to coronate in the days to come. He was ready to give his life to protect her if need be.

Goldwater

Horns blared as soon as the city walls came in sight on that cold, misty morning. The host entered Perdan through the Iron Gate, forcing their way through the crowded streets. At the front, a few soldiers with staffs and knobsticks pushed the locals aside, making way for the rest of them. A young captain rode just behind them, shouting:

"Make way! Make way for the Baillivus!"

After them marched the remaining soldiers, dressed in shining hauberks with heavy cloaks around their shoulders, carrying the colours and banners of house Pryde and Goldwater. Armed with spears and broad axes, silent and determined, these men were clearly soldiers from Bisciye, veterans of the Great northern war.

In their midst rode lord Benjamin, accompanied by his companions and Sir Jacelyn. The younger knight remained slightly behind his liege to display his subordination and loyalty.

Poe

Make way for Duke Lucius

The banging of drums had been the first to be heard, it's tune delightful and energetic. The horns followed next and they hung in the hair triumphantly.

The sound of hooves echoed as horse after horse entered through the gates of Perdan. Easily over one thousand of them all mounted by musicians and Duke Lucius sat amongst them as the musicians began to sing.

Make way for Duke Lucius Say Hey! It's Duke Lucius

Hey! Clear the way in the old bazaar Hey you! Let us through! It's a brand new star! Oh come, be the first on your estate to meet his eye.

Make way! Here he comes! Ring bells, bang the drums! You're gonna love this guy!

Duke Lucius, mighty is he, he's lovely! Strong as ten regular men, definitely! He faced the galloping hordes A hundred bad guys with swords Who sent those bandits to their lords? Why, Duke Lucius of course.

The song continued until well after all the horses had cleared the gates and he had hoped his low key entrance may go slightly unnoticed.

The retinue slowly advanced through the city, headed for the castle.

Daubeny

Apollyon rode out to the front of the Palace on a chariot, he wore a suit of Blackstone Legion Legate Armour, reforged and decorated to be Gold and White instead of the Black and Orange. He wore arm bracers and greaves with dark crimson leggings, he halted his chariot and handed the reins to his personal servants, knowing the Stable Boys wouldn’t know what to do with it.

He walked up the stairs, he could feel the scathing looks from minor nobility as he ascended towards the palace, he knew manner blamed him for the Legion’s threat to Perdan.

Maybe wearing their armour wasn’t a smart choice but Apollyon took pride in his past, parts of it atleast.

He heard a mumble from someone as he walked past a noble couple on the stairs, “Traitor.”

Apollyon felt like he had been punched in the stomach, he heard it all around him now on the crowded stairs, traitor, betrayer, liar, renegade.

Apollyon felt the colour drain from his face and he lowered his head as he pushed his way to top of the stairs, he knew he was here early, but that didn’t matter, maybe he could lend a hand, or if Leandra willed it there could be something he could fight, Apollyon felt angry now, his shame boiling away, he heard the distant blaring of horns and shouts of song. He sighed, well, guess Lucius has arrived, great.

Apollyon entered the palace, he pulled a servant to the side for a moment “Where is the Duchess?”

He was directed to the Duchess’s Study, Apollyon thanked the scared looking man and walked down the hall towards the throne room, he thought he caught a glimpse of a noble woman he hadn’t seen before.

He ignored the line and entered the Study, he gave a light knock on the door.

“Good Day Duchess Storme, do you have a moment?” Apollyon gave Aila a small smile, he gave a nod to her retainer “Hello, Gideon right?”

Storme

Thankfully for Aila the ruckus Duke Lucius was causes occured at the other end of the palace, leaving her in good cheer within her study as she continued to attend matters of the coronation. With her back turned to the door, poring over some plans with Gideon and another attendant she was surprised to hear the familiar sound of a man in armor approaching.

Aila only recognized him by his armor, he was a unique spectacle of a man on any day with his peculiar foreign style of armor and manner. Otherwise it had been so long she might not have known him at all. Aila herself stood wearing a simple red dress, not ready for the ceremony herself except for her hair which had already been carefully wound into an elegant twist of braids held together with a plain silver comb. Gideon her handsome attendant however wore Storme colors, a silver falcon seal on proud display on his breast.

Gideon was the first to reply as Aila was left gawking at Apollyon in a bit of surprise shock "Right, I'm Gideon. Welcome!...?" He looks to Aila who snaps into action at last.

"Daubeny, Apollyon, he's one the knights of Perdan!" As she informs Gideon they both break into friendly and sincere smiles. "He was my first jousting opponent. I was nineteen, he was one of the first to make me feel welcome among the other knights."

"Ah I recognize that name! Interesting to think about...I can't imagine you feeling unwelcome in Perdan now my Lady. How did the joust go?" Gideon had seen her full-body tackle a Duke and so he had become more reluctant to assume anything about her martial skill

"Oh total obliteration for me! At any rate of course I have a moment for you what do you need Sir Apollyon?"