Book 2, Act I: Songbird
- RorytheRomulan
- Level 12
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Re: Book 2, Act I: Songbird
Emilia hitches her horse and tails the party after they exit their carriage, leaving behind her lance and doffing her helmet as she goes. She hands over her arms to the servants with the rest of her baggage, helmet included, and keeps her sword strapped and sheathed on her hip. When in front of the Count, she waits her turn to speak.
- Othniel
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- User Class: Wanderer
Re: Book 2, Act I: Songbird
"Good Morning, my lord," Astraea states, observing the required formalities. "I am Astraea of House Clement, and these are my companions, Brother Bertram and Mercutio Vernisant, as well as a new acquaintance, Emelia of Hartbrook."
- ManWithDoor
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Re: Book 2, Act I: Songbird
The Count responds warmly to Astraea's observation of the proper formalities. "Lady Astraea, welcome to Meratt then, you and your companions. Are you the new heir of the Betony lands? If not, could you please introduce the fortunate person. I am aware of the reputation of Dame Emelia, you are in good hands with her around."
He gestures to the Palace. "Welcome, please make yourselves comfortable, get to know your new neighbors and the other guests. This is a time of celebration." He takes another look at Astraea and the group, as though weighing you in his mind. "I would be an ill host if I did not offer the full hospitality of my House to such personages as yourselves. If you have servants they may of course stay in the outlying guest cottages, but you are welcome to stay in the Palace apartments instead."
Further guests ride up, and he politely excuses himself to continue his duties as Host. That leaves you with the rest of the guests, as well as the monkish looking person that the Count had previously talked to.
He gestures to the Palace. "Welcome, please make yourselves comfortable, get to know your new neighbors and the other guests. This is a time of celebration." He takes another look at Astraea and the group, as though weighing you in his mind. "I would be an ill host if I did not offer the full hospitality of my House to such personages as yourselves. If you have servants they may of course stay in the outlying guest cottages, but you are welcome to stay in the Palace apartments instead."
Further guests ride up, and he politely excuses himself to continue his duties as Host. That leaves you with the rest of the guests, as well as the monkish looking person that the Count had previously talked to.
Rule Number 12: "A soft answer turneth away wrath. Once wrath is looking the other way, shoot it in the head."
- RorytheRomulan
- Level 12
- Posts: 1836
- Location: US
Re: Book 2, Act I: Songbird
Emelia dips her head to Bartelby when named, and flashes a proud grin at the compliment. When he goes, she takes note of the foreign fellow who observed their exchange with the Count. She steps closer to give the rest of the group a chance to break away, if they wish.
"I see that the jubilee has drawn visitors from afar. Well met, sir."
"I see that the jubilee has drawn visitors from afar. Well met, sir."
- Bohemond
- Level 12
- Posts: 1382
- User Class: Scout
Re: Book 2, Act I: Songbird
The stranger steps toward Emelia in response to her greeting. His attire is clean and in good condition, perhaps a little more vibrantly colored than the formal wear more familiar to Taldoran sensibilities, but this seems more a matter of its wearer being accustomed to such garb than any deliberate attempt to draw notice. Both his head and face are clean shaven, and he wears a contented expression with smiling eyes as he bows politely before the cavalrywoman.
"I must confess, I came to Taldor several months ago, to teach and learn, and was unaware that my sojourn would coincide with the Jubilee and ... other events that have occurred of late. My apologies, I am sure you have no desire to be tortured by the ramblings of a Vudrani when you haven't even had a chance to enter the palace. I am called Bala of Jalmeray," he says, giving a second bow that is both an introduction and an apology. "Unless I misheard our host, you are Dame Emelia. It is my honor to meet you."
"I must confess, I came to Taldor several months ago, to teach and learn, and was unaware that my sojourn would coincide with the Jubilee and ... other events that have occurred of late. My apologies, I am sure you have no desire to be tortured by the ramblings of a Vudrani when you haven't even had a chance to enter the palace. I am called Bala of Jalmeray," he says, giving a second bow that is both an introduction and an apology. "Unless I misheard our host, you are Dame Emelia. It is my honor to meet you."
- RorytheRomulan
- Level 12
- Posts: 1836
- Location: US
Re: Book 2, Act I: Songbird
Emelia looks puzzled by Bala's first bow as much as the second, and judging by the blank look, his origins have gone right over her head. "Likewise... It's just 'Emilia' among friends, please. And lest you misheard the greater part, then it is my pleasure to introduce the Lady Astraea, and her companions Lord Mercutio and Brother Bertram, whom I'll be attached to for coming weeks."
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- Level 12
- Posts: 1939
Re: Book 2, Act I: Songbird
"That would be most kind Lord Bartleby." Mercutio has done his best to look dashingly fashionable, but of course, out of touch with the more conservative sensibilities of his kin, his mother tried to instill into him the value of building a wardrobe that was "classic" and "timeless", she really was the last to give up on instilling any values into him, not counting the military disciplines they had enrolled him up for.
"I am Mercutio, of the House Vernisant, at your service".
Count? Was he not just the steward of the county? Food for thought.
"I am Mercutio, of the House Vernisant, at your service".
Count? Was he not just the steward of the county? Food for thought.
- Bohemond
- Level 12
- Posts: 1382
- User Class: Scout
Re: Book 2, Act I: Songbird
Bala bows politely to the guests accompanying Emelia. The man introduced as Lord Mercutio seems interested in talking more to Lord Bartleby, so he replies to Emelia. "I am grateful to be considered a friend. Attached? I hope that isn't something that prevents you from enjoying this gathering. From what I see, there are many exquisite things, but it appears there are more people here working to provide the for the festivity than actually partaking in it," he replies in a calm, relaxed voice. "Are you from this region of Taldor?"
- RorytheRomulan
- Level 12
- Posts: 1836
- Location: US
Re: Book 2, Act I: Songbird
Emelia smiles. She spares a glance toward the others, who appear to be comfortable taking a backseat. Perhaps meeting and greeting other guests, or hitting the buffet? Presently, the lancer's stomach threatens to make her appetite audible.
"Indeed, I am from these parts. I grew up a country filly on my father's horse ranch. My older brother joined the Phalanx, and later I joined the levies in a land feud in my father's stead. Took one of the pitchforks. He was very irate with me when I returned by the grace of Aroden. But I kept it up, traveled, fought, and my antics were noticed by the cavalry. And here I am, I've been 'riding' with the Taldan Horse ever since, so to speak. And you? How does Meratt compare to your homeland? This is the first I've heard of a land called 'Jalmeray'."
"Indeed, I am from these parts. I grew up a country filly on my father's horse ranch. My older brother joined the Phalanx, and later I joined the levies in a land feud in my father's stead. Took one of the pitchforks. He was very irate with me when I returned by the grace of Aroden. But I kept it up, traveled, fought, and my antics were noticed by the cavalry. And here I am, I've been 'riding' with the Taldan Horse ever since, so to speak. And you? How does Meratt compare to your homeland? This is the first I've heard of a land called 'Jalmeray'."
- ManWithDoor
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Re: Book 2, Act I: Songbird
But shortly after you get your first fill of food and conversation, the gong in the Grand Ballroom area sounds to gather attendees for an event.
Rule Number 12: "A soft answer turneth away wrath. Once wrath is looking the other way, shoot it in the head."