675-04-23 - Welcoming Feast
Welcoming Feast | |||||||
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Summary: The delegations of three kingdoms are welcomed with a feast at the Castle of the White Dove. | |||||||
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Seats at the high table are reserved for royalty, both those from the isles and the guests from the other kingdom. All of the royal children are in attendance, but the queen is notably absent. The heir, Madalyn is flanked by her guardian Nathan at the table, while their older brother Zephan is already so drunk that can not even stand to greet guests anymore. On Zephans lap is a young exotic beauty, a slave from the kingdom of the Golden Lion most likely given her linen rags and the metal collar on her neck. Slave or not, she looks quite pleased and is frequently giggling quite obnoxiously.
There is a priestess standing on the platform that welcomes everyone with a nod and a smile. She is working to seat all of the guests, direction royals to the high table and the other lords to the nearest lower tables.
The Isles spared no expense in the feast, bringing in specialties from all of the isles for their guests; oysters and exotic fish from the Isle of the Giant Pearl, roasted tapir and exotic birds from the Isle of the Gloomy Jungle, herb seasons meats of goat and yak from the Isle of the Sleeping Volcano, and a wide assortment of fruit pastries mixed with vanilla, honey, and cinnamon from the Isle of the Crown. To add to the food is an absolutely dizzying array of juices, ales, and wines to satisfy any taste.
Madalyn is seated ridgidly in her chair, betraying her nevrousness with her tense posture, and quick glances around the hall to make to doublecheck that everything is in its place. Each new guests is greeted with the wide-eyed enthusiasm of youth.
The Royal High Oni Eleora Machuri smiles to the newly arriving people and nods her head politely, "Welcome, Welcome," she speaks loud enough for everyone to hear, but politely quiet not to get too much attention. Another angry gaze is tossed to the direction of the drunk Queen's son, but then she just dusts her clothes and continues observing the Grand Hall. She is wearing bloody red wimple and long black very simple gown, which has the symbol of Onimoria on the right shoulder.
Alajos Fennim, Duke of Woriscant, makes his entrance flanked by his cousins Ralph and Sirelle. He wears his finest ducal clothes in the colors of Woriscant and carries himself with natural grace. His face is a mask of utter composure and calm, his dark eyes drifting around the Great Hall to take it all in. He approaches the royal dais and the young heir Madalyn to offer a deep formal bow. "We thank you for your invitation, Your Highness, and we are pleased to be here with you tonight."
Nathan was being quiet..to make up for the fact Zephan was being a drunken fool with his play thing, he was more interested in making sure his sister did not ..cause issues, then trying to keep track of every last guest. The benefice of being younger; it wasn't his place to do such now was it? Oh no, leave that to the red faced Zephan, whom he suspects will awaken the next day with a throbbing headache. "Remember what mother taught us Sister." He says quietly to Madalyn. People approaching are given a polite bow of his head..now where is mother. "Foolish brother.." he says under his breath and soothes one hand down the light cuirass he has on. He has opted to remind those coming, that the Royal Family has it's own brand of protectors yet.
Sirelle Fennim stands beside her uncles, the Duke and Lord Ralph, the curtsey she offers in greeting to the Royalty of the Isles is graceful, before she moves to her place at one of the tables for nobility, her gaze curiously jumping here and there, studying the women of the Isles more attentively than their male counterparts. Her light brown hair has been pinned up at the back of her head, with only few curls having escaped so far. The dress is made of green sammit, elegant and adorned with a few embroideries depicting squirrels and birds of the woods.
Ralph Fennim takes his seat somewhere near his cousin the Duke of Woriscant, his manner polite, his attire a white shirt of fine but slightly worn quality, beneath a doublet of sombre black, matching his dark coloured breeches. The leather boots covering his feet are not new, apparently, but well kept and shining from recent polish. In his right hand a cup of wine already, from which he takes an occasional sip now and then, Ralph will lean over to Alajos. "And so it begins...", he mutters, rolling his dark eyes faintly as his lips curve into a moderate smile. His gaze all attentive, as it drifts over those present and comes to linger on some representatives of the Golden Lion. "And even more guests from abroad have found their way here."
A group of three comes in, a blonde-haired blue-eyed man in lightweight silk robes of red and white, with two ladies, one on each side. The Shaykh Nadhir Imamu, Shahzidi Zuhur Nuru, and Begum Najla Eniola make their way in together, towards the royal dias. "Your Royal Highness," he says in Leonine-accented common, "Thank you for your gracious invitations and your hospitality. May you have joy from this."
Sir Baldwin Ivounel is taciturn mostly, attired in his chainmail with the tabard in yellow and green - the colours of House Lenouvi. His demeanour is slightly nervous, however, his gaze darting here and there, as he feels a bit odd and out of place, while his left hand keeps returning to check for the reassuring presence of the sword at his side. Unsure whether to discard the martial attire in favour of something more casual, he had finally decided to choose safety over elegance - they are after all in a foreign land. One hand moves to scratch the short dark brown curls at the back of his head, as Baldwin glances towards Oskar Lenouvi, his demeanour temporarily lightening up as he notices the rather distracted state of the man.
At one of the tables further away from where the Royalty and guests of honour are seated, resides Madame Edris Alachri - known by many but openly acknowledged as acquaintance by few. Her fiery red curls have been haphazardly restrained by a few tiny braids of hair, but all in all they fall in a rather untamed manner about her shoulders. The dress she wears looks rather exquisite and expensive, a melange of orange and red that makes her an easy target for curious gazes. Rather modestly cut out at the front, it does present her comely curves in a tasteful way. Exchanging a few words with a gentleman at her table in the tongue of the Isles while a mischievous grin curls her lips, this attractive woman in her mid-thirties seems to feel most agreeably entertained, as her light giggle betrays.
Escorted by the Shaykh Imamu, Najla walks gracefully at his side, her clothing an elegant formal saree in deep purple, the color of her house. Hair is pulled back from her face, and yet left to hand down her back. Jewelry glitters upon her; amethyst and onyx paired with gold. When they pause before the Royal table, she offers a curtsey, her head to bow towards Madalyn and the others. "Young Majesty. May the days be blessed with happiness, and all here gathered find peace and joy." Her Common is accented as well, her voice soft and husky. She smiles then as she rises, to be escorted off to a table.
There are others of House Enoila who follow, including the Shaykh Bani, Najla's father, and her mother and second brother, Ajmar. Bows and well wishes are given by them as well to those at the Royal table before seeking their seats to the side. Truly, it is a sight to see, the Golden Lions quite exotic in appearance.
Barbeta Brais walks into the Grand Hall as proudly as she would be the Queen here. This petite princess keeps her chin risen, shoulders unbend back and her steps are very slow, very elegant, giving a chance for everyone to notice her presence.
She is wearing a long black gown, which perfectly weaves around her young freshly riped womanly forms. Barbeta is squashed into a corset, which just emphasises her slim waist. The young girl's pale soft shoulders are almost bared, covered with the lucid silver silken scarf, which looks like the pile of ashes. The long skirt of her raven-black gown is just a thorough creation of tiny pieces of the fabric. It creates the view, that the skirt is incredibly wide and it sways with each move of Barbeta, making her to look like a soaring dark ghost. Even more elegance gives the neckline made out of black silk and decorated with the expensive posh glinting stone in the middle.
She even does not look at the priestess and the royal family of the Kingdom of the Isles. The girl just sniffs and paces to take a seat beside the delegation of her Kingdom. More exactly, beside lady Sirelle.
The Princess of the Golden Lion amongst this trio and a few of her own personal guards flank her. She offers a low curtsy to those at the hosting Royal Table. Shahzidi Zuhur Nuru holds herself gracefully along side the Duke, the colors of her own house decorated in jewels along her neck. She addresses Madalyn as well, the only representative it would seem from Nuru its'self "I thank you for inviting our delegation" she says to Madalyn
Avaline enters in the shadows of her cousin, in most everyway. The young blonde woman wearing a finely tailored gown in the black and red colors of House Brais. Her steps are smooth and graceful as she leaves the matters of greeting to her royal cousin, and the Duke Alajos. Though before joining her cousin at the table set for them, Avaline does deliver a deep and elegant curtsy to the royal family members present upon the dias.
Lisabette soon arrives as well, escorted this evening by her knight, Moshe. The pair cut an elegant picture dressed in the colors of House Zorich this evening. The dark Duchess bids her time to approach the Royal Table, soon to offer her curtsey to Madalyn, "Your Highness." Not other words are offered, the tall dark young woman to rise upwards, soon escorted to the table assigned to her and others from the Isles. Curiously does she look about, to take in the others that have come from so far.
"Your Highness!" Shooting Barbeta a glance as she joins her at the table that was not intended for her, Sirelle will smile, her hand reaching to pat the hand of the Brais Princess, her deep blue eyes sparkling with delight as well as a certain tension. "I am not sure as to what kind of food to expect, your highness.", she remarks in the tongue of Two Rivers, rolling the syllables of the language most elegantly as if tasting a rare vintage, while her gaze drifts about, flickering slightly.
Nadhir looks to his two guests, and then speaks something in the Lions' tongue. And it is with a look of faint regret that he secorts Princess Zuhur to one of the seats at the high table, before returning to Najla, as they will be at a lower table it seems.
Madalyn bows her head politely, if a bit stiffly to Alajos. "It is an honor that you would travel so far to accept it," she responds, doing a good job of keeping her voice from wavering with nerves. Next up is the trio led by Nadhir, which earns a warm smile from the heir. "You attendance alone has already brought me joy, Your Grace." Of course there are always more people to greet, keeping Madalyn from focusing too long on anyone, though a disappointed look flashes across her face when Barbeta eschews the royal table.
Barbeta tries to smile warmly at Sirelle, but the Princess is obviously irritated too much. "I offer to expect something a little bit better than commoners would get, but almost equal." Barbeta speaks in the language of Two Rivers. "They invite us here! The first day is most important. And what we see? Some kind of a priestess and the heir" The girl sniffs and pats the hand of Sirelle, adding in a common language, "Plus, this seat is better to observe. Look! Soo many handsome men," she giggles. "I bet you will find someone for yourself. At least for the dance! I hope there will be the dance at least?"
The Royal High Oni Eleora Machuri suddenly raises her hands up, asking for attention. The quiet music fades. The woman waits until the deadly silence comes to the Grand Hall. Then she lowers her hands and speaks:
"It was an early morning of the 23rd day of April. Massive fleet of the House of Machuri left its harbor and sliced the waves, sailing straight near the Furious Channel. At the same time, sharp dagger with the golden pommel, hidden under the blue and green blooms cut the wind, leading another fleet straight to the same Furious Channel. When these two powerful fleets met, the water of Furious Channel turned red.
Then suddenly a young woman raised from the abyss of waters. Everyone, whose eyes cought the sight of her just lowered their weapons. All the captains ordered to turn their ships back.
Later, after a week, both leaders of House Zorich and House Machuri got a letter, which invited them to the Isle of the Crown. The letter was written by the Patron of the Earth and true Queen Onimoria. They were lead to the Island, which was unlived a week before. But these two leaders found the city of Deavel that day.
So, let me greet you all in the name of the Queen, who was not able to participate, gathering here to feast the week of the creation of the Kingdom of the Isles. Have a pleasant visit, good luck for participants of tournaments, and bless us Onimoria - the Patron of all humans!"
The woman raises her goblet and takes a sip, before adding, "Let the feast begin!" And woman moves to stand behind the seat of Princess Madalyn.
Content to have done what was expected of him Alajos proceeds to greet others nobles from near and far with bows and a few polite words while slowly making his way to his seat close to the others from his kingdom. "Your highness.", he greets Barbeta, then Avaline: "Mylady." Sirelle only gets a nod. She's family after all. He takes his seat and listens to the big speech of the priestess, glad to finally be silent and enjoy his wine.
Nathan is trying to gauge whom Madalyn is most likely to fall for..and thus whom he is most likely to have to deal with. It isn't likely he has any intentions of considering carrying on with any of these..at least, not at this time. "Behave." He hisses to his sister and then sits up a bit, glancing at his brother. For all intents and purposes..Nathan looks -slightly- bored.
Najla nods once to Zuhur as the Princess is left behind at the royal table, led away to one set aside for the Golden Lion delegation. Once seated, she looks about, leaning in to whisper something to Nadhir before the Priestess gains her attention. The speech is taken in, and once the feast is called to begin, she looks over what might be offered at the table.
Zuhur is sad as she is left behind but she sits where she was shown and watches Najla and Nadhir move to a table together. Her eyes sweep over them watching the interplay between the pair for a while. She studies her own kingdom just as she studies those around her, and for the most part she is quiet watching and eating..
Just as the priestess is announcing the start of the feast, there comes another group to the great hall. This one appears a little rougher around the edges, though their clothing is fancy enough. The group is led by a young man who strides forwards straight towards the Royal table where he stops to bow his head to Madalyn, "Forgive us for being late, Your Highness, but our ships ran into a storm during our crossing. My father sends his regrets for not coming himself, but hopes you and your mother, would find it in your hearts to accept me in his stead. Prince Teodor Gylkrohn, from the Kingdom of Estoria, at your service." Words offered with a flourish of a bow then before he might introduce the various other nobles with him, including his sister, Dagny.
The prince Zephan Onimus quickly forgets about the slave on his lap, when princesses of the other Kingdoms takes a seat near the same table. He glances at the princess Zuhur with his drunk gaze. Quite mischievious smile decorates his features and the man winks for the young princess of the Golden Lion.
The slave girl frowns slightly and grabs the chin of the prince, trying to turn his face back to her. She places a kiss on his lips, but the young prince keeps his gaze on Zuhur.
Madalyn glares at Nathan out of the corner of her eye. Once she's sure Nathan is aware of her annoyance at being constantly reminded to behave, she turns her attention to the new arrivals, . "I am glad that you weathered the storm safely, and would be honored to accept you in his stead," she replies, smiling. Her gaze lingers a bit on the newly arrived prince.
Nadhir nods to Najla at the table they are at, but when the Estorian prince comes in, the Shaykh looks over to watch his kinsman. He speaks quietly, then and reaches out for some of the delightful fruit on the table.
Zuhur looks to the Prince Teodor Gylkrohn as he speaks to the Isle's princess, she hardly notices Zephan's attention as she sits a little straighter in her chair as she watches the one from Estoria. She seems far off in a land of tales and songs her gaze a dreamy sort of look before she catches herself in the daydream and smiles simply .. and continues to eat her food.
Ralph's head turns as he notices the delegation of Estoria, and he lets out a low whistle. "Now, who would have suspected to meet Estorians here of all places," her mutters to Alajos and reaches for a flagon to refill his cup.
Sirelle's eyes widen a touch, as she hears Prince Teodor introduce himself, and a proud smile slowly conquers her mien. After all her mother hails from Estoria as well, and it is no secret she has wished to return to her mother's homeland, especially during the time of the Plague, and was not allowed to do so.
Lisabette reaches for a drink, though Moshe might be seen to take a quick sip of it before giving it over to her, ever careful in his duties even here. Odd, perhaps. When the party from Estoria arrives, the dark young woman's gaze follows the group to the royal table, and listens to the words of their prince. A brow is lifted, and quiet words perhaps exchanged before she takes a sip of her drink.
Najla seems taken in by the arrival of the Estorian group, her gaze to follow them to the front. Leaning in closer to Nadhir, she nods at his words, speaking quietly with him as she sips upon some juice poured for her.
Nathan will wait till he can give Madalyn a soft smile before signaling for his cup to be filled, wine is needed now, his eyes flickering from dish to dish. "Mother would be ever so amused." He decides to him self, about what? Good question!
Alajos' eyes follow the Estorians curiously, but shrugs to Ralph's remark. "I suppose they might be just as surprised to see us here than we are to see them here.", he points out quietly, "After all this was meant to bring everyone together." His eyes drift to Sirelle, knowing of her Estorian blood, but he says no more, going back to watching the new arrivals and their interaction with the royals.
"I thank you for your kindness, Your Highness." Teodor offers to Madalyn before seeking his own seat with the other royals once given indication that he should do so. The rest of his party disperses to their seats, laughing perhaps a little louder than others. Catching sight of Zuhur, he flashes the other royal a quick smile and nod of his head, "It would seem I have the distinct pleasure of being surrounded by lovely flowers of the realms..." Oh, lucky him!
The Royal High Oni Eleora Machuri leans closer to Madalyn and whispers something to the Princess, before moving to stand up behind Zephan Onimus. She leans closer to whisper something into the man's ear too. However, her words brings the anger into the man's eyes. He jumps on his feat. Poor slave girl almost flops on the ground. She was on time to grab the corner of the table.
"And what mommy will do?!!!" He shouts staggering. His tongue is acting really strangely and just some of the words can be understood. "She will take ... and beat my ass ... nice redness?! She is ... here!" The man grabs the hand of his slave, but glares at Madalyn adding, "Tell! Tell everyone how that ... not able to ... bed or dead! Tell!" The man starts staggering across the Grand Hall, dragging the slave behind himself. "She leaves ... to deal with .... barbarian princes!" The last words are blurbed, glancing at the Estorians, before man leaves the hall, shouting something more and more, but the most vivid words are "dead", "sick", "old woman". The Royal High Oni walks out after the man.
Zuhur watches as the drunk brother is being ushered out of the feast, and she can not help but smile, a little smile on her lips. She looks over the crowd, her eyes moving from pair to pair silently judging. She eats her fruits quiet at her table, though she is polite when she is spoken to with the other Royals.
Nathan tracks his brother's progress with a slow shake of his head. "The dangers of the vine." He says..and follows that with a taste of his wine, how wonderful, then he's going to sample some of the bird dishes. "So Sister, are you -ever- so excited to meet all these people?" He asks her quietly.
Madalyn shifts nervously at Teodore's remark, but her attention is quickly stolen by her brother's sudden outburst. She mumbles a few unformed syllables in confusion at his demands, before trying to comport herself. She rises from her seat and smooths her dress before speaking, "I beg your pardon, all of you, on behalf of my brother. Too much drink has a way of making fools of anyone, even a prince. I ask you not to let his antics ruin a wonderful occasion." She stands there for a few awkward seconds, trying to figure out if she's said enough or the right thing before she just abruptly sits down. She ignores Nathan, hunched down a little in embarassment.
Najla continue to takl quietly with Nadhir, but with something said, she turns her attention to the Estorians, studying them even closer. Though the Prince's drama-filled leave-taking certainly has her watching the young man head out with his slave.
Lisabette continues to partake of the feast, both food and drink, her attention divided between the Royal Table, and those other groups seated lower as she is. Estorians, Two Rivers, and Golden Lion all are studied by the dark duchess who passes the occasional comment to the Knight at her side.
The staggering departure is noted by the Two Rivers delegation as well. Ralph will rise to his feet at once, a swift glance in Alajos direction telling him the Duke is too stunned to react in any way - but to continue to politely disect the dish before him. And so the Fennim emissary will move over to the high table and offer once again a deep bow before the Royals still assembled there. "Your Royal highnesses. Princess Madalyn, Prince Nathan... High Oni." The latter added belatedly, but it seems Ralph as gotten himself a few lessons of Isles courtesy and society on the ship voyage here, from the squire Deen Zorich. "I understand Her Royal Highness the Queen is absent. But when can we expect her return? And, if you permit me the question,... where is she?" If someone already has explained it must have escaped his notice.
Madalyn looks down, now too flustered to look at the gathering. "Uhm ... that ... er ... th-the Queen is ... busy ... handling ... s-something important," she flounders badly, glancing toward Nathan in a plea for help.
Nadhir frowns at the outburst, but watches for the moment, listening, not interjecting.....yet. He rests his hand on the table, though.
Teodor frowns as the younger man's comments, almost glaring at the poor prince as he is drawn off by the High Oni. He leans forwards a little, and offers what should be a quiet word, but may be heard by others at the royal table as she grows flustered at the questions.
Zuhur raises a brow at Madalyn's grasping for words, she turns her attention also to the young Prince. She watches how he handles his sister, before her eyes travel back over the crowd. Her attention never stays afixed in one place before it moves on.
Nathan clears his throat a bit when Madalyn looks at him and glances back at the Duke's emissary, standing up to his impressive height. "Forgive me, but the Queen is at this time unable to make an appearance. I am sure as some one used to politics and the way they work, some things can not be relegated to your inferiors of status. If you would like, I can certainly pass along any words to her personally." Nathan says, waiting for the Emissary to retreat before sitting again.
A woman at the lower tables raises her head, and keen eyes observe the drunken prince departing. Tilting her head a bit to the side, Edris will let her gaze drift towards the Golden Lion delegation, studying them intently for a moment, as if she were searching for a certain face. She will be too ready to smile and wink and lower her gaze, should one of them look her way just at this moment.
The twin brother of the one, who just left all drunk smiles at his younger siblings and stands up too, adding for the Duke, "The Fourth is the second power after the Queen in our Kingdom. When our Queen is dealing with urgent business, she leaves one of her Royal High Onises as regent. That was the priestess, who just left." The man explains and takes a seat again.
Najla just stares for a moment at the front table before her gaze drops, as if giving the poor Princess there some privacy as she tries to speak. A sip is taken of her juice before the glass is placed back upon the table before her.
Nadhir is currently watching the main table, and the Estorian delegation, eyes shifting back and forth, but then he starts to eat of the food that is there before whispering to his companion.
Zuhur fiddles with her fruit, but she dose not look very hungry, she looks from her table across the room at the noblemen, quiet and poised a perfect painting of the women of the sands. Her fingers clasp a wine glass she sips through thoughtful expressions.
Ralph's gaze shifts to Nathan, and seeing the Prince rise there is a tiny twitch at the corner of his mouth. "I did not mean any disrespect, your highness," he is quick to clarify, "I only meant to express our concern, that the Queen is not feeling well, as she would have certainly attended this feast. Convey to her our best wishes, and that we hope to see her soon. We have travelled far to meet her. Princess Barbeta Brais, the daughter of our King. Duke Alajos Fennim, ruler of one region of our kingdom. And many others. She may of course pick, whom she sits fit to invite for an audience..." Is there a slight hint of sarcasm there in his voice? No certainly not! Ralph nods to the other prince's explanation, and offers a deep bow, before he returns to his place at the table, shooting Alajos a dark glance for forcing him to bring forth the concerns of the Two Rivers delegation.
As the words are given by those of the royal family in answer to Ralph's questions, Lisabette sits back, merely listening to what is said. Another sip is taken from the glass that Moshe tested himself, watching curiously as Ralph walks back to his table.
Teodor turns as Ralph mentions a princess of his Kingdom, his gaze sweeping the Two Rivers delegation, "A princess? Why is she not seated up here with the rest of us? Oh, come on, we don't bite... much." He dares to say with a quick grin as his blue eyes looks to pick out just who this princess might be amongst the lovely ladies seated at the other table.
Madalyn looks relieved as Nathan comes to her resuce in handling Ralph's questions. She is quite content to sit there quietly, still embarassed and trying her best to hide in plain sight.
Barbeta was watching all the parade, leaning closer to Sirelle and always speaking something in the lady's ear. The overconfidence and self-love spreads from this princess together with the disappointment, when she adds in a whisper, "No wonder, why the women are ruling this Kingdom!" She rolls her dark eyes and smoothes the fabric of her gown, giving a short glance to the delegation from Estoria. "Lady Sirelle, aren't these people a part of your family?"
Nathan inclines his head again to Ralph as he regains his seat. "No offense was taken, I am sure my Mother will be happy to arrange a meeting."
Moshe has been quiet, simply listening to the odd conversations here and there. He does take a drink or two and then does nod to anyone that may speak to him. Moshe leans in to whisper to Lisabette, it was quick but then goes and sits straighter, watching the proceedings for now.
Zuhur is bored quickly with no one to really talk with .. She looks to Teodor as he seems to have lost his princess, and she stiffles a little giggle from her lips. Her eyes move across the table and she dose let her gaze linger on Nathan a moment, but why shouldn't she he seemed to know how to adress the other nobles. Her eyes return to one spot within the crowd before she moves on and sips on her wine, quiet posh.. young princess trying so hard to represent her house.
Madalyn seems to recover from her embarassment enough to speak again. "I think it is time for a dance. It will be a great way to put my brother's drunken foolishness behind us and return to celebration," she announces, hoping that enough people have had their full of food.
Jerrick Onimus, who is seated near the table with the royal family, happens to be sitting quite close to the princess Zuhur. He is the twin brother of the one, who was just escorted out. The man takes pomegranate from the table and extends it to the princess, "You must try this," he smiles politely. "It is a slight mess to eat them, but the taste is worth of it." The way he looks at the girl is quite fatherly. After all, she is young and looks bored. "And it is..." However, she is interrupted by his sister. The man smiles more widely and turns back to Zuhur, "Would you like to dance, before tasting it?"
Sirelle glances over towards the Estorians as she ponders Barbeta's question. "I am not sure," she remarks, her brows furrowing a touch as she studies the people attentively. "My mother Alyssa is of House Hrossmork. There isn't anyone of those here I know, or remember. It has been many years since I've last visited there..." Her hand moves over to Barbeta as she notices Prince Teodor's curious gaze. "Maybe you should sit up with the other Royals, after all?", she suggests, an excited flicker entering her deep blue eyes. "I sense the Prince is eager to meet you, your highness."
Lisabette eats lightly of the food presented to all, drinking only a little as well. There's the occasional comment shared with her escort of the night, dark head seen to nod a few times in answer to Moshe's comments. When the Princess announces dancing, she sits straighter, though glances towards the Knight.
Nathan was really only nibbling to begin with, nor drinking to deeply, his brother clearly had the market on that. Sadly, when dancing is mentioned, he seems resigned to not enjoying it, instead, his eyes wash away merriment and become a rather hardened gaze, like he -expects- some one to step out of line with his sister. "Sister Dearest..do find some one ever so delightful to dance with that Mother will approve of."
Zuhur is provided a pomegranate. She touches it, her dark fingers smoothing over the new fruit as she examines it.. The fruit is lifted to her lips and she about tries to bite into it, but her handmaiden taps her shoulder and whispers something in Lionese. A nod and then confusion touch her eyes before she prepares to ask the Prince how to eat such a thing, but before she can get out the question dancing is announced, and she is being asked by the house providing for them as guests. She can not deny him, she stands fluidly and offers her hand to Jerrick.
Barbeta sniffs at Sirelle's words, "Who? That man with the strange haircut?" She shakes her head, "I came here to..." The young princess sighs, "I am not sure why, but obviously not to... I just... I mean, we will meet in the political negotiations, I am sure!" And Barbeta stuffs a grape inside her mouth. The mentioning of the dance forces the girl to look to the direction of the exit.
Among the people of the Two Rivers delegation is a young lad whose attire in lively reds and blacks as well as the lute he holds rather casually under his left arm mark him as a minstrel. Dark brown locks frame his face that appears a bit pale beneath the cap of green, but so far he has kept mostly to the background. It is now that the call for music can be heard, that the man steps forward and executes a fluid bow towards the people seated at the high table, removing the cap from his head and waving it gracefully towards the stone floor. "Leander of Vainhill, Your Royal Highness.", he introduces himself with a surprisingly deep voice that is pleasant to the ear. "I hail from the green fields of Perescan, in the region of Beresgond of the Two Rivers. And indeed, it is there that the rivers Gialdra and Verneas join into one, where according to legend the First Golden Leaf of the Maple once disappeared and broke her father's heart." Referencing the legend of the first of House Brais, rather casually without going into it.
Straightening, Leander will toss his cap to one of the giggling ladies who are already gawping at him, before he readies his lute. "Mayhaps you'd like to hear about this, in a song I've penned myself?" The question more like a statement as his long-fingered hand moves to brush the strings of the lute, gently showering the room with the notes of a slow and dreamy melody, not even waiting for the Royal reply.
After a few whispers Moshe had taken a drink from his wine and then the dancing is announced. He looks towards Lisabette and stands up and then bows low towards her. He extends a hand out as he now looks towards her. " Your Grace, would you do me the honors of providing me with this dance." his words polite and seeming to actualy want to dance with her.
Nadhir ahs. "It is time to dance," he says to Najla. "WOuld you care to dance with me? Or perhaps meet one of those from the Isles or Two Rivers to dane with?" He stands, offering his hand.
Teodor looks back to the group from Two Rivers, lips to soon press into a slight frown, "I see. Too good for the like of us, hmm?" And so the young Prince rises to his feet, and turns to Madalyn, bowing towards her, "Would you then, honor me with a dance, Your Highness? As rough as I might look, I promise I will not tread too much upon your feet." A charmer is he, the smile offered with his words.
Najla blushes at the offer from Nadhir, but accepts his hand, "The first to you, Your grace. Then perhaps I shall meet the others as the night goes on?" It is one way to do such things, though as Leander takes the floor with flute and the promise of the story, she looks a little confused - dance, or story? Or both? She looks to Nadhir to follow his lead.
And so Leander of Vainhill starts to intone the first verses of the ballad, in a pleasant baritone that easily fills the hall with its gentle delivery:
From far away lands the man arrived
On the shores of Beresgond.
Took himself a wife, soon she was with child
On the shores of Beresgond.
A daughter was born, so lithe and fair
She had some of the loveliest golden hair.
A treasure indeed that's what she was,
The Golden Leaf of the Maple tree...
That Golden Leaf of the Maple!
His wife she died, after giving birth.
On the shores of Beresgond.
The daughter was all the man had left,
One the shores of Beresgond.
The daughter, she grew and grew and grew
The Gods made her look like her mother, too!
A treasure indeed that's what she was,
The Golden Leaf of the Maple tree...
That Golden Leaf of the Maple!
The Golden Leaf feared her father's love
On the Shores of Beresgond
At night she vanished and ran just off
On the Shores of Beresgond.
Some saw her climb out of the window at night
Wearing a white dress, her face white with fright
A treasure indeed that's what she was,
Now drowned in River Gialneas depths.
That Golden Leaf of the Maple!
Jerrick takes the hand of the princess from the Golden Lion and leads the girl in the middleof the Grand Hall. He wrapsone of his hands around her waist and gently clenches the hand of the princess with another. The man is tall, very strong, with dark eyes and dark hair,which reaches his shoulders. Handsome, in general. "Isn't it amazing? He asks. The music of the Two Rivers, the Hal of the Isles, and the princess from the Golden Lion. All Felaguria in one place..." He whirls the girl and then adds, "You need to peel the fruit I gave to you, before eating!" A wink is given and followed by another whirl.
Madalyn grins at Nathan when Teodor asks her to dance. "Well Mother can hardly disapprove of a prince, now can she?" she remarks, rising to curtsey to Teodor. "I would be delighted to join you in a dance."
When asked, Lisabette nods once, soon to rise to her feet to accept the offer of Moshe's hand, allowing the Knight to lead her to the dance floor. Nevermind the slight hint of color upon her cheeks as she turns to him, and as the music from Two Rivers begins to spell out the story, she steps lightly with the Knight.
Teodor actually laughs, then grins to Nathan as he takes Madalyn's hand, "I promise to return her to your side, right as rain." Showing all the proper manners of a prince, he escorts the pale Princess to the dance floor as the music comes provided by Two Rivers. Once upon the floor, he bows to Madalyn before starting to lead her through what is hopefully a common enough dance that all Kingdoms might share.
Zuhur can dance well she has been dancing since she was just a child, even if Jerrick dances in a way not familiar to her she can follow. She smiles as Madalyn finds herself with a rugged prince, leaving Nathan to find his own partner, she looks to the older brother of the Isles with a dark smile "is your family always so entertaining?" she wonders of him before she adds "I so need a lesson in how all your fruit is eatten, we have no such luxeries in the sands." She speaks to him before she dances whirling and twirling, her silks dancing against her dark skin.
Moshe does guide Lisabette to the dance area and starts to dance with her. Moshe guides her well along the floor and amazingly he knows alittle of dancing, without tripping over his own feet. A nod is given as he looks to Lisabette but then he is back to normal, guiding and moving along.
Leander continues, as his fingers continue to run over the strings of his instrument:
The man he went mad and searched everywhere
On the shores of Beresgond
He wrestled the river apart while he looked
On the shores of Beresgond
So once where was one, now there were two
Two Rivers in Beresgond.
Gialdra, Verneas, Verneas and Gialdra.
Two Rivers in Beresgond.
Madalyn is all smiles now that she's dancing and not expected to handle politics. She does her best to keep up with whatever dance Teodor has chosen for them all the while saying something to him quietly.
The young princess makes Jerrick laugh, "I believe all families are entertaining in one or another way, your Highness, don't you think so?" The man continues enjoying the dance with a wonderful young woman beside, "I would be honored to teach you, if you wish. After all, a week or so should be enough for you. Somehow, I bet, that you are a quick learner?"
Barbeta leans back in her seat, watching at the food in her plate, listening the song about the Golden leaf of the Maple. That makes the girl somehow sad. After all, she is the silver leaf of the Maple. Sometimes her gaze finds the prince of Estoria between all these other people. It is easy to notice him beside the pale beauty.
Teodor is smiling, talking quietly with Madalyn as the two dance. For all the apparent roughness, there is a strong sense of honor within the young prince. The dance he leads her in is common enough without being overly flashy. No worries about messing up the dance, and it seems to suite the tale sung by the man from Two Rivers. Whatever conversation is had, seems to come with many grins, and even some laughter from Teodor.
Nathan will move to stand and drift off by him self, looking slightly more amused by the situation, observing those who do not dance, and those who do..and with whom. Mother may find such things useful, if not, perhaps he will, though he snaps his fingers at a server to bring him some thing to drink. "I'd much prefer to hear of the sea.." he says to him self and inclines his head to the server when the drink is brought to him. 'Now we're ready to head for the horn..Way Hey Roll And Go..Our boots and clothes are all in the pawn..to be Rollicking Randy Dandy-Oh..' He can be heard singing quietly to him self..allowing his sister a longer leash then one might expect..Well.. she -is- behaving..
Zuhur laughs a bit back with the older Prince and she smiles as she moves along side him, she spins and twirls coming in close a few times as she is led about. Her eyes abaze with passion and entertainment, "I would like such lessons yes". she leans in to whisper something more as she enjoys the dance with Nathan's older brother.
Lisabette moves easily with Moshe, the two equally light upon their feet. One might think they've danced together at some point. Knowing the Knight grew up in foster to her House, may account for just such a thing - dance lessons together with her siblings.
Najla and Nadhir take the dance together, the pair from Golden Lion showing the grace their people might be known for. There's the quiet comments back and forth, but it would seem that the young Lady is quite enjoying the chance to dance, and her father, Shaykh Bani, is watching the two with a smile upon his face. When the song ends the two return to their table amongst the others from Golden Lion to sip from glasses.
"Oh, I must be really lucky today!" Jerrick laughs, bringing the girl closer again, "We can start our lessons tomorrow, if you wish. But... We have a lot of time. I heard that marriage between our kingdoms will happen in the start of May? Will you be staying here for the wedding?" The man fixes his curious gaze on the younger girl.
But the song ends, interrupting all the fun. The man bows deeply to the girl and raises her hand to place a peck on the top of her hand if allowed, "You are a wonderful dancer," He says, but does not move anywhere, waiting for the answers, likely.
Moshe keeps in step with Lisabette and as they move long, he guides her like he knows her well. They flow through the dance and as the dance coems to a end he steps back and bows his head towards her. " Thank you Your Grace, you have honored me greatly." then he guides her back to the seats they have with his hand out and her hand within his.
Lisabette nods to Moshe as he takes her back to their table. She glances towards the various other delegations, perhaps seeing if another might step forwards and want a dance or no.