675-10-06 - Ningo Visitors
| Ningo Visitors | |||||||
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| Summary: Some guests arrive at Mergorand Castle and are greeted by Agostino and King Barret Brais. | |||||||
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It had been over two weeks since the alliance between the Ningo and the Two Rivers was announced and nearly a week since the prisoners had been returned from the Dark Forest. On the 6th of October a new sight arrives at the castle of House Brais. Three individuals, a man and two women. The women wear dresses made of cloth, the dresses appear to be tied off over each shoulder, there is also a leather belt or twine-like cord wrapped around the waist. The man wears some form of tunic, over which is a generous piece of cloth wrapped about his body. Along with the personal guards wearing armor similar to those worn by the guards Agostino brought with him, also the descriptions of the armor provided by the former prisoners of the Ningo suggests the three individuals are wearing Ningo styles of clothing. The guards of the three remain outside the castle as the trio are greeted by Patrician Agostino himself as he comes out of the castle upon hearing about the visitors.
Anyone who witnesses the exchange will notice some degree of affection between the four individuals. The women are greeted with a kiss on the cheek and a hug, while the man is greeted by a hug and the slapping of the back. Once he had heard about the guests from his own guards Agostino sent word to inform everyone which mattered that honored guests had come from the lands of the Ningo. Until those people arrive however Agostino simply talks with the trio in a friendly tone as he clearly knows them well in his own language. Of course his primary focus was to ensure that Barbeta at least was informed of the trio’s arrival, as he had warned her previously that his family would eventually show up to question her. He may not have informed her who the ‘honored guests’ were, but as only she and Esther knows about the reason for his family coming, also how he is treating the trio it wouldn’t be hard for Barbeta or Esther to figure out who the three are.
The King would have been informed as well, of course, after all, word had reached him of a group headed for the castle. It is no surprise then, that Barret Brais appears in the courtyard as well, attired in clothes that mark him as the ruler of Two Rivers, although less flashy than would probably expected. Black and red of House Brais are present in the doublet and breeches her wears, and a plain crown, devoid of any unnecessary adornments is worn on his head. He will stand there for a moment, allowing the arrivals time to greet the Ningo leader, observing the familiarity and drawing his conclusions.
His mien is friendly as he waits for Agostino to make some sort of introductions. After all the king had been informed the Patrician was already quite far in his studies of the Common Tongue, this of course due to Esther's competent tutelage.
Barbeta had been sent for of course, and Esther as well. As she may be needed to translate King Barret's words of greeting.
When the word was send for Barbeta, that her future husband's family is here and met by the King Barrett Brais, the man who was send will come back alone. He will say in the language of Two Rivers, "The Princess is not feeling well. She is very sorry and hopes that she willbe able to meet her new family in the evening."
Esther will translate everything.
Agostino looks to the messenger as they arrive and say their peace. He is silent and calm in his reaction, though as the message is translated for the trio by Esther they each nods in an understanding way as Agostino looks to them and says in his native language, which Esther can choose to translate or not, “Do not be too concerned, from what I’ve learned their illnesses aren’t as serious as our own aside from a recent plague which has ran its course.”
He then looks to Barret and says in the common language of Felaguria, “As your daughter is feeling a bit under the weather I will handle introductions.” He then gestures to the man who looks to be around his mid-forties and says, “This is Patrizio Egnatius.” Then to one of the two women, who looks to be around her early thirties with her dress cinched up around her leaving her arms fully bear, a slight amount of cleavage, and a dress that descends to ankle-length. “This is Patrizia Faustina.” Finally he gestures to the older woman who appears to be around her mid-thirties and says, “And this is Primadonna Ambra.”
Patrizio and Patrizia Barret may or may not be familiar with, but after the discussion about Ningo marriage traditions the king would likely remember the title Primadonna. Even if no one else in the Two Rivers knows what it means. Each individual offers a respectful bow of the head as they are introduced, then gives Agostino a bit of an odd look. He then says something short and simple to them in their own language and they simply nod in understanding.
Patrizia Ambra then walks over, if allowed she gives Barret a soft peck on the cheek, if not allowed she simply stops the movement and doesn’t appear offended. Either way she then says something to the foreign king, Egnatius and Faustina merely roll their eyes as Agostino simply smiles softly with obvious amusement and says, “Ambra expresses her respect for a man who has survived long enough to reach such an advanced age. For the Ningo such is a compliment as most Ningo die after forty winters or so. To live beyond fifty winters is a rarity.”
Contrary to Faustina, Ambra’s attire is slightly more revealing. Her dress is also tied over each shoulder, and shows a little more cleavage, though still within the realm of modesty. Where Fautina’s dress is pulled close at the sides, which reveales less skin but shows off her figure more, Ambra’s dress has slits down the sides shows off the flesh of her sides. Despite the more revealing sides, it doesn’t cling to her figure as closely, and there is still a degree of modesty as there is no side-boob visible thanks to the cord wrapped around her waist. Her dress descends to just below her knees, where the only skin visible on her legs is what is visible below her hemline. Aside from the attempted kiss on the cheek, whether it was permitted or not, Ambra remains a few feet away from the king.
A light frown appears on the king's features at the news of Barbeta being unwell. A curt nod is given to the servant, before he will be sent off again to get a healer to check on his daughter. Esther is greeted with a friendly nod of the head. "Good you are here. Now..." His gaze shifts to Agostino and the members of his family. "I am sorry that my daughter misses the opportunity to greet you properly. I bid you welcome in this castle, and want to express my gratitude for you travelling all the way here." He steps closer when the Ningo leader takes care of introductions. "Patrizio Egnatius. Patrizia Faustina. I believe you are siblings to Patrician Agostino?" This more of a guess, as he has not been introduced so far into the family relations of the Ningo, and Barbeta, while most probably aware of them, has been reluctant to pass them on.
Barret's gaze shifts to Ambra, and he studies the woman with a curiosity that remains within the boundaries of propriety. "Primadonna Ambra. I am honoured to make your acquaintance," he says politely. Not lingering on her possibly revealing attire he will focus on the face alone, his bushy brows lifting as he notices her approaching. The peck on his cheek will take him by surprise though, but he will not pull back from it, instead shooting a glance towards Agostino as if to reassure himself such an action is proper due to Ningo traditions. When the translation comes, a low hearty chuckle will rumble in his chest and he will nod. "A rare thing this is even in our lands, I must admit."
Agostino nods to barret and says, “A kiss on the cheek is the traditional greeting for family and those friends who you consider to be family among my people.” As he seems to understand Barret’s uncertainty. He then continues, “Yes, Patrizio Egnatius of Family Cornelia. My eldest brother and the head of the noble branch of Family Cornelia. When I became Patrician it created the Patrician branch of the Family which I am the head of. The spouse and direct descendants of a Patrician are members of the Patrician Branch of a Family. Any siblings or more distant relations remain part of the noble branch to ensure the Family line doesn’t die off completely. At least that is the typical way of things.”
Taking a breath he adds, “Family Valeria, my predecessors, and the Family of my late wife for a time only had the Patrician branch. This was due to the fact my late wife’s great grandfather's siblings died before he became the head of the Family. Later he convinced the people he was the superior choice for Patrician after the death of his predecessor. Such is typically how power passes among the Ningo, though typically the loss of so many family members is avoided by our focus on having as many children as possible. For this reason, any in Family Valeria born after I became Patrician are the new noble branch of the family. Those born before I became Patrician like my late wife are part of the Patrician branch.”
As he speaks Ambra remains close to the king, though no longer touching him, but still with a constant grin on her face as though she is pleased. She allows her husband, at least Barret should be aware she is Agostino’s second wife, the only one still alive after their talk on the matter. Though if what he says is true about Ningo not living long past forty, then based on appearance Egnatius isn’t long for this world. Finally Agostino continues, “Forgive me moving from the subject at hand, but you have expressed an interest in how our culture works, also how power passes hands. Back to the matter at hand, Patrizia Faustina of Family Cornelia. She is my only surviving sister, my older sister died young before I was born so I have no memory of her, Faustina is my younger sister. As you may not be familiar as of yet I will say. Patrizio and Patrizia are the titles used for the head of a Family or the spouse of the head of a Family. As I said my brother is the head of the family where my sister is married to one. Nobiluomo or Nobildonna are used for members of a noble Family who are not the head of the family. As you have no doubt guessed by now with how I speak to your daughter and my children Principe would roughly translate to prince and Principessa would translate to princess. Do you have any other questions for now?"
A nod comes to Agostino's explanation, and a reply, offered with a friendly smile. "I feel honoured indeed then." Extending that smile to Ambra as well. King Barret Brais listens to the following explanations about Ningo families and their branches attentively. "So a family creates its own Patrician branch once it has a member elevated to that position?", Barret inquires, his bushy eyebrows lifting. "So there will be a noble branch and a patrician branch then? How interesting. I am indeed eager to know more about your culture and customs, especially since we are to interact much more with you in the future. Your customs do indeed differ from ours, so be patient with us if we may commit any slips of proper address here and there in the beginning. For now I have no further questions, apart from the one whether our guests would like to be shown to their respective quarters?"
Agostino states, “You are correct concerning the creation of Patrician branches. It is our way of increasing the chances that a Family line will continue even if the Patrician branch should fall. It is also possible, though rare, a Patrician can choose one from their Family’s noble branch as their heir if their own descendants aren’t viewed as being worthy, or if they simply never had any. That said if an heir is not declared before the death of a patrician then their dynasty ends with them, the same can be said if one from another Family proves they are more deserving of the title. I believe I am the only case to date where a patrician chose one from another Family to be their heir, though admittedly I was his son-in-law.”
Ambra then says something to Agostino in their language with a bit of a pouty face, which some might find adorable. Agostino simply chuckles softly and says, “It would seem Ambra finds all might talk outside to be boring. I will add that the use of one’s given name only is reserved for those one is close to or related to. Perhaps you have this same tradition? They can be shown their chambers later, though if you wish to continue speaking we may do so inside somewhere."
"Our customs must appear rather simplistic in comparison," Barret states with a half-smile - certainly jesting there. "Houses may have a major branch and some minor branches, yet do not have the same dynamic as in your society." He inclines his head politely to Agostino's explanation, when Ambra interjects her remark. The translation of which elicits another good-natured chuckle from the Two Rivers King. "The Primadonna is absolutely right. we should go inside. maybe you would like to enjoy some refreshments with them in the Solar? Mayhaps Barbeta may join you there once she is feeling better. I know she must be sad to be kept from greeting you. After all she is certainly eager to meet her new family." The latter part is added with a pensive smile.
Agostino nods to Barret and says something in Ningo to his relations as they all move to follow the king inside, leaving their respective guards outside for the time being. Once inside Agostino says, “More likely our’s is the more simplistic one as for the Ningo you are either noble or you aren’t. There aren’t really degrees. We have fewer titles then you seem to have as well. Patrician for the ruler regardless of man or woman. Patrizio for the man who is the head of a Family or married to the head of a Family. Patrizia for the woman version of Patrizio. My brother would be an example of the head of a family and my sister being married to one. once married Barbeta would also hold the title of Patrizia. Primadonna we have discussed before, Primauomo is the man version of Primadonna. For all other nobility one is either a Nobiluomo or Nobildonna.”
As they make their way towards the solar Ago adds, “If Barbeta feels better soon we’ll meet her in the solar, if not then I’ll let her know where to meet with my family. Officially thanks to the alliance you would be considered a Socius, meaning one with whom we are on good terms. You would still be addressed according to the customs of your lands however. Equite is the title for the rich who are not nobles, to use your terms as I understand them. Plebian is a commoner, and an Augur is a member of the priesthood. The only other title we have is Nexum for those who are bound to a period of service as a punishment for an offense. I do not know what you would call them, if you even have a word for it. Of course Principe and Principessa for prince and princess in your language. Those are really the only titles we have.”
As Agostino finishes his explanation of titles Ambra speaks up once again. Agostino then looks over to Barret and says, “Ambra asks how long you were married for.” he then looks back to her and says something else in their language, which she only nods in response to with a sympathetic look on her face.
King Barret seems overall very intrigued by the explanations given to him. He remains at Agostino's side when the Ningo leader goes into the various forms of addresses. "Ah... I believe we do not really have anything that would compare to your Nexum. Those who break the law will face a more direct punishment, depending on the severity of the crime. Imprisonment, banishment or death being the most common punishments..."
When Ambra speaks once again, the King's brown eyes will shift to Agostino for the translation. The question of the Primadonna brings a smile to his face at first, the fondness there soon tempered with the pain of loss. "Almost... 27 years," he replies then, his voice a touch raspy. "My late Queen passed away about a month before the wedding's anniversary." A moment of silence follows, when the king's thoughts are engaged elsewhere, mayhaps pondering the memory of Queen Livia Brais. it is a brief moment, however, as soon his duty as a host reclaim the king's attention and he inclines his head as they have reached the Solar.
"Pray, get settled. At this hour you will have the Solar to yourself, if you so wish. I am sure you have lots of things to talk about with your relatives, Patrician. I will have someone bring some food and drink if you like. For now, I am glad your relatives have safely arrived." The King himself seems content to leave now, as he moves to the door. "A pleasure it has been talking to you. Now some other duties claim my attention, but if you like I could join you later again. I will see you at the Great Hall for dinner, at the latest." Esther is left with the group to make sure they are comfortable and any needs they might have are seen to. The king however, inclines his head in a friendly goodbye and leaves the Ningo to themselves.
Agostino nods and says, “We employ the use of banishment and death as well for more extreme crimes.” As Barret mentions the time married Agostino nods with a sympathetic look and says, “Nine years with her and thirteen without her.” in a soft voice. As they reach the solar he simply nods and says, “We may talk for a bit here and eat and drink a bit, though we will likely speak in more detail in my chambers. It will also give your people a bit of extra time to prepare rooms for my family as they will be staying for the wedding and you were given so little warning of when they’d arrive.”
