Grand Court of Aix

The Grand Court of Aix

Roleplay from Lucius Poe, Duke of the Grand Court & Margrave of Aix

The Court – Introductions Lucius stood before the assembled Lords, knights and designated equerries. “My dear friends, today the Grand Court of Aix opens its doors for the first time as we gather and discuss the past, the present and the future of our duchy” began the Duke. Lucius had instructed the Lords of the Court to place their gifted stone sigil in the cavity within one of the walls in the Great Library of Aix. Upon doing so the wall parted revealing a set of stone steps leading beneath the library. At the bottom of the stairs stood a great awe-inspiring iron door with two more spaces that fit a sigil. Lucius and Lorelai descended the stairs together hand in hand, each clutching a sigil. Lucius held one bearing the mask of a Harlequin and Lorelai the mask of the Merry Widow. As they placed them within the door it began to slowly open as the mechanism came to life. The room was lit by a number of sconces, the many secret passages for the court well used to ensure the room was perfect for the very first session. Large and Circular, the room was split into sections based on the regions that fell under the duchy. Each of the sections had a head seat to sit the Lord of the region and the knights a place behind them. Aix itself echoed this set up and Lorelai as acting steward sat at the head chair with the Duke sat facing all the Lords and Knights of the Court. Permission was granted for each of the regional Lords to decorate their section with items that are culturally significant to them so that they can be proud of the region they belong to. Banners and tapestry hung from the walls depicting all the Lords and knights heraldry. “I welcome you to our Grand Court. All in attendance please say your name and the region you represent” asked the Duke as everyone takes their seat.

Lucius Poe, Duke of the Grand Court & Margrave of Aix

Roleplay from Lorelai Chamberlain, Steward of Aix

The Court - Introductions As Steward she had cared for the city now on several occasions, when Lucius was absent or simply indisposed. The people had come to regard her figuratively at least as the Lady of the City, though in truth her purview stretched no further than the humours of her Lord and the borders of Cúirt na Baintrí. Taking her place alongside the Lords of the Court she felt rather exposed as the only woman and by far the least of those assembled. Where she did benefit though, was she had been here before. Ironically, because they were gentlemen, they all stood, waiting for her to sit, only taking their places as she did. Lucius nodded his approval at their etiquette and gave her an encouraging smile. As they settled, she took to her feet again. "My Lords, I have been fortunate enough to share the fields of battle with each of you," her eyes shot to Lord Bisciye, who she favoured with her warmest smile, "or been afforded a welcome and a dance floor when none was expected." "I am Lorelai Genevive Catherine de Wolf Chamberlain, Dame and Steward of the fair City of Aix, Princess of two fallen Kindoms heiress of the Ora'n Diadem and keeper of the coin of fate." Lucius positively beamed at her. "As with all things I have the honour to stand beside my Leige, His Grace, the Prince of Perfection, the Duke of the Grand Court and Margrave of Aix. I stand for Aix. A city known for its artistic and scholarly pursuits." She turned her attentions fully to Lucius, dipping in a deep curtsey. "In recognition of these things, I have had these commissioned for you and the court my Leige," she placed a box on the table, opening it to reveal a book and a second smaller box. "The book is a history of the ice fall and the war of the Eponite relocation, the Ice wars." She turned her attention to the small box. "And I had this commissioned by the artisans." Turning the key, she opened the box, watching as the North Tower of Castle Nylucia rendered in gold rotated as it came into view accompanied by the gentle strains of The Golden City, played in the twinkling tinniness of the music box.

Lorelai Chamberlain, Steward of Aix

Roleplay from Tsingu Orobar, Grand Custodian of the Grand Court and Earl of Clermont.

The Court – Introductions This was like a childhood dream. Personalized stone tablets as keys, secret doors, mysterious stairwells and a fabulous meeting room. Tsingu felt like a kid again, playing with his brothers, protagonist in a heroical adventure. The excitement he felt wasn't visible on his face. He kept his distance from the others as they made their way down, a cold silent figure as if a shadow decided to join the members of the Grand Court. Tsingu didn't know most of the attendees, only met a few in person, so he decided to stay reserved. So was his nature anyway, it would allow him to wait and see. Once inside the room, Tsingu quickly recognized the seat reserved for Clermont. There was a small pedestal, upon which a bouquet of the Clermont striped dewflower rested next to a sheaf of wheat. Symbols of the beauty and abundance of his lands. He sat down and listened to Lucius' welcoming words. The Duke of the Grand Court finished his speech with the request to announce themselves. Tsingu looked around, none of the others gave the impression they'd be taking the word. Well, why not go first then. It would give him time to organize his thoughts about the plans he wanted to suggest during this meeting, and to carefully study the others here. Tsingu took a step forward, bowed politely towards the Duke first, then to the others. "Here to represent Clermont, Lord Tsingu Orobar, Grand Custodian of the Grand Court, Keeper of The Armour Key Tablet."

Tsingu Orobar, Grand Custodian of the Grand Court and Earl of Clermont.

Roleplay from Ulric Hawk, Viscount of Az Zarqua.

The Court – Introductions Ulric held the stone tablet he had been sent from the Duke and Imperator. It was a stone tablet with the sigil of a spear on it. The only hint of what it meant was a note that went along with it that said The Court Protects He had thought about what it meant, and during his time south fighting in the Yssrgard war he would think to the tablet and the mysterious message that the Duke had sent him. Now he was here, in the Great Libary of Aix with his stone tablet in hand. Ulric had placed his stone sigil in the cavity within one of the walls, as instructed, and watched in amazement as the wall parted, and revealed steps leading beneath the library. Ulric watched as Lucius and Lorelai walked down the stairs, and placed their sigils in two more spots, which opened up the door. Ulric took a moment, and followed the group into the great room. It was a large room, and Ulric saw that each section was made up of each region in the duchy. “I welcome you to our Grand Court. All in attendance please say your name and the region you represent” Ulric found his seat easily in the Az Zarqua section. He smiled, it felt like home sitting in the seat for his region. He looked among the Lords of the Duchy, each one a valiant supporter of Perdan. He looked last at Christopher, Lord of Beziers. Ulric gave a nod to his former Steward, one of the men he trusted most in the realm, if not the world. When it was his turn, Ulric cleared his throat and spoke, "I am Ulric Hawk, Lord of Az Zarqua."

Ulric Hawk, Viscount of Az Zarqua.

Roleplay from Christopher Stewart, Viscount of Beziers.

The Court - Introductions Christopher entered the hall and looked about him. Sections of the great room were divided into the regions that served the duchy and he made his way to the Beziers section. Just as he took his seat, Marshal Hawk entered the room. With a nod from the Marshal, Christopher smiled and nodded in return. The Marshal not only commanded Christopher and his men, but was his mentor, educator and most of all, friend. Though recent actions were not of his liking, Christopher felt that the Grand Court was one of the few good things in his life at the moment. With the announcement made, Christopher stood and said "I am Christopher Stewart, Lord of Beziers" and took his seat with pride in his heart. He felt welcomed by the Duke and his Steward.

Christopher Stewart, Viscount of Beziers.

Roleplay from Lorelai Chamberlain, Steward of Aix

The Court - Introductions The blush of intimidation rose warmly up her neck, as the Lords far more accustomed to such company, and she in her continued sobriety found herself a little wrong-footed, especially in the formality of the Court. The quiet musings of the Lords had her playing with the fine stem of her glass. Like so many things in Lucius control and purview, the slender stem of the glass vessel was exquisite, so unlike the heavy metallic goblets used so much more regularly. She glanced at Lord Stewart, "It seems the Northern woodlands are to host Caligus for a hunt?" She mused, "was Beziers considered for this dubious honor?" She looked more widely. "Aix continues to loathe the Caligan alliance, I find myself hard pressed to sell any benefit from it when they ask... I wonder if you gentlemen experience similar responses from your people... and indeed if you plan to attend?"

Lorelai Chamberlain, Steward of Aix

Roleplay from Christopher Stewart, Viscount of Beziers

The Court - Introductions He looked at Steward Chamberlain as she spoke and when the hunt was mentioned, he almost choked out loud. "M'Lady Chamberlain, that type of hunt isn't the type I am interested in, and a short answer to your question regarding Beziers is no and I would have railed against the idea to host something like that. Actually, I find hunting my enemy is much more gratifying and heart-pounding. Unfortunately, I was unable to hunt Yssrgardians recently. That, M'Lady, would have been enthralling to say the least." He said the words aloud and wasn't sure how the others felt about his opinion, even as he spoke. The seemingly end to the war in the south had turned his stomach, but orders are orders he thought. He hoped he wasn't alone in his feelings, but hesitated to ask those here, for the respect he had for them all was without question.

Christopher Stewart, Viscount of Beziers

Roleplay from Lorelai Chamberlain, Steward of Aix

The Court - Introductions She laughed picking at some berries. "Nobody could doubt your prowess in the field Lord Stewart, but our Queen is more dove than eagle when it comes to war, the end was... rather sudden to say the least." Settling to the conversation she imagined Christopher lined with his men at the borders of Beziers to prevent the 'diplomatic hunt'. "I should dearly have liked to see your resistance to the hunt in your lands... I have to say I have little taste for it myself, on the whole I find the Caligans somewhat odious." Eating some of the berries her mind wandered back to the recent war. "I do wonder... perhaps call it undue hope... at the speed of the wars resolution. Do you think perhaps she resolved one issue, that a greater insult may now be addressed with Perleone?"

Lorelai Chamberlain, Steward of Aix

Roleplay from Christopher Stewart, Viscount of Beziers

The Court - Introductions "While I am no politician in any way, shape or form, it pains me that we hold an alliance with questionable people. We are at peace with Perleone, but forbidden to travel through their lands while at war. Five of my men are injured due to the scenic route we had to take instead of a direct route. I will not soon forget this fact. I understand that we have an alliance with Caligus, but I have not noticed any parchment from or to any of the nobles there. I am not involved with the council business, but I would hope that if there were talks between allies, some of us would be privy to that." He wondered what would happen if war would come soon to Perdan. No matter the enemy, he and his men would be at the ready, but would remember those in power and their actions of recent, which he did not agree with at all.

Christopher Stewart, Viscount of Beziers

Roleplay from Lorelai Chamberlain, Steward of Aix

The Court - Introductions She became distinctly aware that she was monopolising Lord Stewart, he was generous with his conversation, but she was after all a Dame amongst Lords with whom she imagined he would far rather be conversing. She turned her attention to Lord Clerment, her discomfiture not allowing her to remain silent too long. "Lord Orobar, it is good to see you once again, I wonder have you heard aught from the Ladu of Nascot? I had heard that you were.... close." She let the word hang, already regretting the potential immoderacy of the question.

Lorelai Chamberlain, Steward of Aix

Roleplay from Lucius Poe, Duke of the Grand Court & Margrave of Aix

The Grand Court - End of Introductions Lucius looked on fondly as the Lords and Knight of the Court spoke as kin, as Progenitor of the Court his vision was to create a cultural shift within his duchy so that those here could create a union that would echo long after all their bones where dust. Holding up his hand to ask for a moment of quiet was anathema to the Margrave, it was well known that the Duke views silence as a personal offence. "My Court, I beg all your forgiveness but I feel it my duty to move us onto our first topic of conversation" smiles Lucius. "Let us now speak plainly".

Lucius Poe, Duke of the Grand Court & Margrave of Aix

Roleplay from Tsingu Orobar, Grand Custodian of the Grand Court and Earl of Clermont.

The Grand Court - End of introductions Tsingu saw Lady Lorelai talking to Lord Stewart, but didn't pay attention to their conversation. He was here for the meeting, he didn't care much for small talk. That's why it came as a total surprise when the steward of Aix asked him a question, the subject of her curiosity adding an other layer of shock. He sat there for what felt like an eternity. His initial anger and disappointment from weeks ago had been carefully pushed away, an appropriate reaction for the average man. Now there was a dark empty hole in his chest, a place where his resentment for women festered. He stared at Lorelai with cold contemptuous eyes, about to tell her to mind her own business, when they were interrupted by the Duke. Saved by the Poe. "Perhaps an other time, Lady Chamberlain. Let us listen what the Duke has to say."

Tsingu Orobar, Grand Custodian of the Grand Court and Earl of Clermont.

Roleplay from Lorelai Chamberlain, Steward of Aix

The Grand Court - End of Introductions Her attempts to engage the Earl of Clermont had visibly met with his disapproval making her feel silly and even more out of place. She reconciled not to have that conversation later as he had tersely suggested... or perhaps any other conversation. He had always seemed so affable in her admittedly sparse previous meetings. Flushing in embarrassment she went back to picking over the plate of berries. Holding her peace as she waited for whatever Lucius had to say.

Lorelai Chamberlain, Steward of Aix