676-01-13 - Princely Challenges
Princely challenges | |||||||
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Summary: The young Prince Jerrick Onimus comes to ask Princess Zuhur's hand, but has to face princely challenges. | |||||||
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The Palace of Emir of the Kingdom of Golden Lion is like from a dream. It's so huge, it's full of golden decorations, that even the sun looks dark comparing with it. The main chamber of the Throne is really huge. The throne made out of gold and covered in brightly red posh fabrics stands at the end of the room, where Emir Munsif Nuru is sitting. Two guards like a real sculptures are freezed beside him and twenty guards frame the straight road across the room from the entrance to the throne itself.
The man has darkened skin, his eyes are brown, pale comparing with his black hair. A huge crown is resting upon his head and it looks pretty heavy, decorated with all these stones and diamonds. His cloth is smooth rich fabric of the blueness of the sea. He is slowly tapping with his fingers on the armrest and keeps his dark gaze on the entrance, waiting for someone.
Arriving at dawn, Jerrick has had little time to compose himself. The journey was ever bit as terrifying as he imagined it, the prince had spent the whole time it took to get here either drunk or throwing up. Though as he walked down the plank to the shore on lookers would says he looked grand if not just a little pale, his head was held high and his handsome face devoid of all emtional exspet that brooding aloath look he usual wears. Now he waits outside the great hall of the Lion King for his audiance with the great man. He is nervous but hides it well....And then, his name is annoused and its his turn to enter the hall. Straighening his cloths he picks up the small chest of gifts and walk into the hall. "May I present, Prince Jerrick Onimus of the Gold Isles, Son of Queen Abegayle Onimus." Jerrick approaches the throne and bows down to one knee, he presents the chest and waits to be told to stand. He will act the humble man here until he is given leave to do otherwise.
Emir's eyes widen in surprise and amusement, when he sees the Prince of the Isles kneeling in front of him. The man examines the young prince, before drawling, "Tell me, young man, does the Kingdom of the Isles just send you to beg something from me, or the Queen sent you to talk with me like even?"
The man grins and stands up. He walks towards the man with extanded hands for a polite formal hug, "We are friends and allies. You don't have to kneel in front of me!"
Jerrick is surprised by the gester and raises to his meet, he offers a brief smile before accepting the hug of the King. "I am grateful for your warm welcome." He tells the other man. "And yes I have come to beg something of you, but it is I whom wants it not the Queen. She merely gave me permission to ask."
"How could I welcome you differently? I respect your mother and I consider her my friend. I met your dutchess Lisabette Zorich. She is wonderful and strong woman and that... Hmmm... Samuela, right? Samuela Zorich! She is such a beauty, she is so kind and adorably shy, I would say! As I said, we are allies and friends."
The man gestures for Prince Jerrick to walk, "I believe you are starving? We can speak about your troubles while eating."
Jerrick nods his head in agreement. "My mother is not well as you know." He says in his quiet way. "She is dying and I hope she holds on long enough for me to get back to her. I hate to bring such sad news but that is not why I am here." At the mention of food Jerrick cheers. "That is kind of you, I have not had chance to brake my fast yet.
When they come to the huge wooden door, servants opens it and Jerrick is able to see a huge table overloaded with food. He will be able to find anything his heart desire on it. Six very beautiful females are dencing not so far away, while one is playing with a lute. Two others are ready to serve for all the needs of the visitors.
"I am so sorry about your mother. She is a very good person. Maybe your Gods will give her another chance and she will raise from her bed." He tells,, moving to take a seat near the table.
Jerrick walks into the room with a tired step, out of the public eyes he lets himself relax. "Thank you, but there is no hope the healer say it is just a matter of time now." His eyes go briefly to the dancers but for now he only has eyes for the huge table of food.
"Feel as if you were at home," Emir tells for the man and takes a huge slice of cheese himself. Then he reaches for the bread, "So, if not your mother's health, what did bring you here?" He peeks at the man briefly.
Jerrick settles down on a chair turning it around so he can place his large forarms on the back. He doesn't eat much, a chuck of bread and a little meet. "I have come to formally ask for your sisters hand in marriage. I want to take her make to the isles and have her be my bride. I'm rather taken with her and she will do well if I can convince my sister to allow her to be one of her council." He says.
"Hmm..." The man just drawls and takes a bite of his bread and cheese. Then the man chews on it slowly and waves for one of the servants to fill his glass with wine. Then he swallows his bite and chases it down with a drink. Emir is quiet for now.
Jerrick allows the man to ponder what he has said, Jerrick know he might not get an answer now or even today, but he has made his request and he will awaits its denial or acceptance.
"Answer me to the question, young Prince..." Emir Munsif looks at Jerrick, "Why I should give my only sister's hand for you? We already have alliance and it was strengthened by the marriage between Nawaab Arif Sefu and lady Samuela Zorich. There are many princes in other Kingdoms, you understand that?"
Jerrick leans back for a second to think and to compose himself before answer. "That is a good and fair question, Your Highness." He tells the other man. "There would be no political advantage to the marriage, but I am not asking for those reasons I find your daughter beautiful intelligent and a woman I would enjoy spending the rest of my life with. She is also fond of me and so I have come seeking permission to take her back with me. I understand Emir, if you need her politically else where and it would deeply sadden me...But I have come asking none the less. As a humble man whom has found a desirable woman."
The man inhales deeply, then exhales, "Love. What a thing! It drives some people mad, it gives wings, it drown us, it makes our heart shine..." He looks at the young prince and eyes the man, "I will tell you this, I give you permission to court her. You will have two months. I believe you understand, that you are not allowed to steal her innocence during these months?" He eyes the man a bit more and then adds, "Two months of proper courting. She is allowed to go back to your Kingdom during this period. You will have to give her three gifts during this month."
The man leans back in his seat, "The pelt of the great wolf of Athereyne, the Ring of Pirates' lord and a pet, which can't be found in Felaguria."
He takes a glass of wine into his hands, "I believe that two months are enough for the task. Then you will be betrothed with my sister and betrothal period will last just one month instead of three. Just enough time to prepare a proper wedding. However," Emir leans closer to the man, "My sister will be checked by the priests a day before her wedding. Just to be sure, that she is innocent. I want that our traditions would be followed here. That is my conditions. Do you still love her?"
Jerrick waits and waits his patience that of a saint, he's use to waiting for hard decions and The Emir has to make a hard one. "I would not call it love just yet Emir, I barely know her....But in time yes I could grow to love her." He seems to relax visably, before the next words hit him and he straigtens up once again. "That is an acceptable tasks Emir, I shall endeavour to get what you ask....And no I shall no take her virute until after we are properly wed."
"Very good," the man nods and even pats the shoulder of a young prince, "Then you can bring happy news to my sister. She will be leaving to the Isles with you. But before you leave, you should rest here. My servants will show you your room. Now, if you will excuse me, I need to deal with some other, more common matters."
The King stands up and leaves.
Jerrick seems relieved and slightly light headed, that went very well and he even has some princly challeneges to go with it. "Thank you." He tells the man before he leaves him to he pondering. "I shall need Zephen's help, by Onmi, he will not let me live this down."