Palace: The Great Hall [Entrance thread]

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Maeve
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Palace: The Great Hall [Entrance thread]

Post by Maeve »

The Citadel is the most breath-taking sight in all the city. The design is a marvel of mystical engineering, created to be both aesthetically delightful and nearly impregnable to attack. Its shape is more or less that of a huge tower with a stretched out base, but such words cannot begin to convey the majesty of the structure.

It is called home by Caesar Anochrim, several nobles, a great many servants, and the members of the Purple Guard.


The Great Hall
The Great Hall stands as testimony to the might of the Empire. Larger than even the Throne Room in surface area, if not height, the Halls purpose is simple: It is a dining room fit for a Ceasar.

In addition to that it serves as the Entrance hall to the rest of the palace when there is no diner being served.

Not only has the hall been a dining room for such enormous balls, but have been historic to treaties that have provided The Citadel its grandeur and supremacy.

The Great Hall ceiling is covered with murals by famous artists of the Citadel. These paintings serve as a constant reminder to the Citadel's Imperials of what this majestic city is to the people.

Great Hall proper
The walls are completely hidden behind huge tapestries depicting scenes from the Great Battle and statues of the Empire's heroes. In the center of the room is a massive oaken dining table, with enough chairs to sit two hundred diners.

At any given time of the day the Hall is occupied by servants working or passing through to other areas of the Citadel, visitors admiring the numerous works of art, and petitioners seeking an audience with the Ceaser. At meal times, however, this activity stops, and the Caesar, members of the nobility, and a few select guests dine, discussing matters. During this, minstrels perform on a stage at the foot of the Hall, and servants bring in fine foods or takeaway empty platters.

The Imperial Throne Room
At the furthest end of the room from the great oaken doors is the Imperial Throne of the Seven Isles. This magnificent edifice is the true seat of power in the Empire, and it is clear from the sheer size and the wealth that must have been required to build it. The throne itself is solid marble, engraved with images of the glorious past, with gilded armrests and silken cushions that are replaced every year to prevent wear.

This is the Throne Room of the Caesar, the ruler of The Empire of Seven Isles in its entirety. The chamber's dimensions are staggering. The ceiling soars above, higher than the roof of any other building in the city, while the walls stand further away from their opposites than an arrow can fly.

This is where the Ceasar deliberates over the most important of matters concerning the Empire and issues proclamations to the Heralds who announce them to the populace. Each evening the Imperial council gathers here to discuss matters concerning the Empire and assist the Ceasar in his deliberations.
Last edited by Maeve on Tue Mar 02, 2004 6:05 pm, edited 6 times in total.
Gedriwyn Sylvar

Post by Gedriwyn Sylvar »

OOC: Please do excuse me if this is the wrong place for this post.

IC:
A tug back on the reigns saw the young fellow and his wagon come to a stop before the grand Palace of Citadel. Emerald orbs scanned the building and just as he had paused before the city gates so he did once more before the Palace of the Ceasar. Never in his life had he ever thought he might see the Ceasar, or even be able to work in the Palace. The gate guard's words had then been received with shock and hope from the aspiring merchant, he may be able to get a good job and his dreams may come to fruition.

Letting the reigns drop from his hand to rest upon the seat he stood and jumped down from the wagon. Quickly glancing down at himself and correcting any wrinkles or imperfections in his clothing before he began to lead his wagon and horse toward some of the guards. "Greetings, I was wondering if you would be so kind as to watch my horse and cart whilst I attend to business within the Palace this day. I would be most appreciative if you could."

Whether the guard agreed or not, Gedriwyn left the cart and horse there, tying it to any available post before moving into the Great Hall. One could see quite clearly how successful the Empire truly was when they entered the Great Hall. Gedriwyn certainly did. The merchant moved slowly around the Hall, closely looking at the murals by a variety of famous artists. Once he had completed his rounds he turned and looked for someone who would be able to help him. He was here to hopefully get a job as a merchant for the Citadel, a job that Gedriwyn knew would be hard, but he was prepared to do anything to get what he wished.
Guest

Post by Guest »

OOC: Sorry Gedriwyn, my apologies for keeping you waiting.

There was always a hustle and bustle of people going through the Great Hall, and eventually one of the palace courtiers saw Gedriwyns searching look and stopped to speak.

"Sir, are you looking for anyone in particular, or going somewhere in the palace. I may be able to help you"?
Last edited by Guest on Sat Jul 10, 2004 6:28 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Twilight
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Post by Twilight »

Samheen 16th, late tradetide

Farathorn

The usually busy chamber was a veritable hive of activity as Palace staff prepared to greet the guests for the betrothal dinner, some of whom were entering through the massive public entry even now. There were Guards stationed unobtrusively about the vast Hall, but a most definitely an increased presence for this special occasion.

Farathorn's entry from the Gardens was noted by at least two of the Guards, but no-one moved to challenge him; at least not yet. Clearly he was out of place here, however, as those who moved through the room, whether Guards, servants or guests, were dressed in their very best, in honour of the occasion. Farathorn's attire, simple and plain by comparison, caused him to stand out as a notable exception to the general finery on display.
Last edited by Twilight on Sat Jul 17, 2004 1:22 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Caelin

Post by Caelin »

Farathorn pondered on the course of action, when he remembered that Manyana should be here too. The Captain of the Scouts guild would certainly not be anywhere else at this time. With a short glance and a nod he acknowledged the presence of the guards and went about his business. He looked around for members of the Scouts guild, or their Captain herself.

As he wasn't able to see anyone familiar, he boldly walked over to one of the guards and started to speak. "Don't just stand there as a sack of beans. I need to find my Captain, Manyana of the Scoutsguild. Either take me to see her, or have a message brought to her that I am here. Farathorn is my name. I suggest you hurry, as our Captain doesn't like to be kept waiting. Or would you rather have to answer for it, if one of my requests isn't met promptly?" A confidant half smile curled around his lips, plainly acting as if he was supposed to be here.

He only hoped that this new method of trying to persuade someone to do his bidding, would work in a room as crowded as this, especially with his attire sticking out as a sore thumb. Yet none of this reflected within his eyes, nor his posture. He recalled the way he calmed himself during his adventure with the dryads and took in his breath deep and calmly.
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Post by Twilight »

The Guard was clearly taken aback by Farathorn's sudden demand, but recovered himself enough to recognise a tone of authority when he heard it.

"Sir!" the man replied. "Farathorn," he repeated. "Yes, Sir! Please..., wait... here, Sir," he stammered, apparently stumbling over the appropriate course of action. With a quick nod to one of his comrades, the Guard hurried across the hall and disappeared hastily up one of the many corridors leading from the chamber.

At the Guard's departure, Farathorn became the focus of attention for at least a couple of the remainder of which there were plenty. None of them approached the Achadhiel, but he was clearly a person of some interest to them, despite the growing number of finely dressed guests flowing through the massive portals that formed the public entry to the Palace on the far side of the Great Hall.
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Caelin

Post by Caelin »

Inwardly the achadhiel grinned to himself, while outwardly keeping up the pose he had taken towards the guardsmen. ~It is as I expected, soldiers everywhere around this world act the same way, if you just take charge. These are no different then those in Kings Court.~ He calmly stood and awaited the return of the guardsman, his arms crossed in front of his chest.

As time passed before the guardsman returned, Farathorn pondered on the upcoming conversation with Manyana, the details of what happened after he was ordered to go to the dryads, to find out what had happened to the elf that disappeared. Slowly the details came back to him and with a smile he thought of the dryads. ~In essence, they have taught me more then I realised. I never felt this close to the earth and mother earth before in my life.~

Approaching footsteps pointed his mind back to reality, a shift he made easily.
Twilight
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Post by Twilight »

The footfalls approaching Farathorn were those of a woman, but not of the one he was expecting. This woman was obviously a servant of the Palace; tall and slim, with dark hair and eyes, and a brooding and hassled expression. She was plain at best, and in her current mood, she was rapidly approaching unattractive.

"Master Farathorn, if I'm not mistaken," she declared by way of a greeting, as she looked him up and down. Barely waiting for his acknowledgement, she continued. "The Captain of the Scouts is at the Guildhall. She is far to busy to be dabbling in politics, and I'm sure you must know how she detests such displays as an occasion like this requires. If you must speak with her, then you shall have to go to her," the woman concluded, with an exaggerated sigh of exasperation.

Without further ado, the servant turned on her heal and returned back the way she had come. The Guard that Farathorn had first spoken to was forced to dart quickly out of her way to avoid a collision as he returned to his post. The woman did not even slow in her progress.
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Caelin

Post by Caelin »

Farathorn though quickly and then reacted upon his first instincts, which are usually the best ones. With a tone of voice loud enough to be heard he spoke up: "Mylady, a moment of your time please, before you dash off. Please enlighten me as to why all these people are looking to enter the Great Hall?""

With a patient look he awaited her response, while he took a glance at the guard that had scurried out of her way.
Twilight
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Post by Twilight »

The flow of traffic was increasing, and the Great Hall was now a veritable fashion display of the latest in court trends. The officious woman, muttering something about delusional Achadhiel, did not even slow her pace at Farathorn's enquiry, prompting a roll of the eyes from the Guard that she had nearly bowled over. Even as the woman disappeared, however, another Guard approached the abandoned man, offering some hope that his questions would be answered.
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Caelin

Post by Caelin »

Farathorn looked around and saw the approaching guard, whom he had heard coming closer to him. With a smile he went over to the man and gave him a short salute. "Good day to you. Can I ask what the bustle is about? I don't think i've ever seen this much people here."

He looked down at his attire and grinned to the guardsman. "I also feel slightly underdressed, with all these folks in their finest outfit. I tried to ask these questions to one of the ladies of the palace, but she merely walked away from me."

The smile stayed on his face, as he awaited the man's answer, who he kept in his focus. The guardsman he had approached before just stood and watched him.
Ulder
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Post by Ulder »

After finishing his initial sweep inside the great hall where the guests were awaiting the arrival of the Caesar and his betrothed. He thought it best to take another pass at the the exterior vestibule and watch the guest's arrival to confiscate any weapons or other questionable items.

As he watched the line and continued to glance about the vast chamber, he noticed an Achadhiel not dressed for the occasion, and well armed.

Better to cut the man off before he's gets much closer. He thought.

He approached the man and when the Half-elf saluted, Ulder returned it with a quick snap of his arm. Perhaps the man was some sort of scout returning and was unaware of the recent events of the city.

"Good day to you as well sir. Tonight is the betrothal dinner of the Caesar. These people are his guests, and here by invitation. May I inquire what your name is sir, and what your business here is?"


OOC: Been a long time since the Caravan LC, good to see you again!
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Caelin

Post by Caelin »

The achadhiel grinned at the man's question and pointed towards the Great Hall. Yet before moving anywhere, he started to introduce himself. "My name is Farathorn, currently attached to the Scouts Guild under Captain Manyana, armorer and weaponsmith hailing from Kings Court, where my smithy is currently still running. And you might be?"

He gave the soldier a short frown and let his face slip back into his usual smile. "In that case I would be seriously underdressed, despite the fact that I would officially be in the Ceasar's service. Where can I get a change of clothes?" He made no attempt to persuade the man to allow him access in his casual attire.

OOC: Ulder :) Long time indeed. Why don't we start making up for that, shall we? ;)
Ulder
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Post by Ulder »

"I am Lieutenant Ulder. Welcome. I confess I know little of the Scout's Guild, but perhaps we talk more about it later.

Now King's Court you say? Then you and I are neighbors friend. I hail from King's Court as well. I used to work out in the coach house of the Laughing King's Tavern. That was a few yahren ago, but I still remember it as yesterday."

Ulder pointed behind Farathorn in the direction of the Purple Guard barracks.

"Perhaps a change of clothes can be found for you back at the barracks. I would escort you if I could, but I am on security detail and I'm unable to leave my post. I would certainly appreciate it very much if you could return later. We could always use another good sword arm at events such as this. I was just speaking to the Master of Protocol and he suggested increasing security as well. Do you think you may be able to help?"
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Caelin

Post by Caelin »

Farathorn smiled at the words of the young lieutenant and nodded. Then he set his mind to making the lieutenant listen to his story and told in brief details of the attack by the orcs and his part in the entire story. As a closure to his tale, he told of the happenings after the attack. "The laughing kings tavern was burned to the ground in the orc attack, but after the raid was over, the old owner returned and I even invested 30 crowns in the rebuilding of it. The old smithy of Douglas Everglow suffered the same faith, but I rebuilt that myself. In the aftermath of it, I even carried the same rank you hold now, among the newly formed City Vanguard. My smithy supplies the arms and armor for the crown there." Aided by the interest of the young man and his skill in conversation and persuasion, he had told what transpired in kings court, but stuck to the bare facts.

With the small grin on his face, Farathorn padded on his two short swords and said to Ulder: "I can safely say that I know how to use these, as well as the bow on my back. Can you spare someone to guide me to the barracks, for that change of clothes? I must admit something however, I never wore purple in my entire life." With that said the achadhiel winked. "Or can I just head over there and state that you sent me?"
Ulder
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Post by Ulder »

Ulder was a bit surprised that not only that had Farathorn heard of the Laughing Kings, but was an investor in it's rebuilding.

He listened to the sad tale of the siege and the destruction of King's Court, greatly saddened by the death and war that had touched his home. Naturally he wondered about the safety and wellbeing of his family, and solemnly wished he knew if they were alright. Unfortunately, he could spend little time to worry about it right now. There were urgent matters that demanded his focus and concentration at the moment.

He waved a fellow Guardsman over.

"Take this man over to the barracks and help him find a uniform that will fit him tonight. This man is Farathorn of the Scout's Guild, and will be assisting us with security for the event tonight."

He returned his attention back to Farathorn.

"Hurry back, the Caesar is scheduled to arrive shortly. Oh... and one more thing. Thanks!"

Ulder smiled and returned to his patrol as the men left.
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Caelin

Post by Caelin »

Farathorn let the man lead him to the barracks, where he rummaged around until he had found a uniform that fitted him. The guardsman helped him get into the uniform and the achadhiel strapped his swordbelt around his waist again, then hung the quiver on his back and grabbed the longbow. When the man gave him an odd look, he merely pointed at his weapons and stated: "I feel rather naked to walk around without these."

After about a twelfth of a tide, they reported back at the entrance of the great hall, where Farathorn looked around for the lieutenant again, while taking in some details of the arriving guests and noting some reference points to find his way around. He glanced at his attire and shook his head a little, for his boots were still the same he had worn as he came in the first time. He simply hadn't found any others to fit his feet, while the uniform was quite a lot easier to find. His size was not that different of that of the average man with a strong build, though that man no doubt lacked the refined features, which his adhiel heritage had bestowed upon him.

For an achadhiel, he had always been of a strong build, leaning more towards his human ancestry in that matter. Something that came in handy as he picked up his trade. After all, a weaponsmith or armorer with a slender build is highly unusual.
Barrett
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Post by Barrett »

Samheen 18th, MMT

The tall Dortman's progress slowed gradually as he neared the Citadel. The size of the building alone was cause to have his mind spinning with the complexities of engineering involved in its construction. The proportions were large, but managed with such skill as to make it seem more than just a big tower. Some quick calculations led to a staggering estimate of how many people might be able to dwell within an edifice of such magnitude.

Barrett whistled aloud before entering the Hall, where he was instantly silenced by the sense of history and heroism conveyed by the many tapestries and murals. Here were true masterworks. Many of which might require marks - no days - of study to piece together the intricacies hidden even in the smallest details.

Pull yourself together, lad. You're here with a higher purpose than to stand and gawk at the decorations. However worthy those decorations may be...

He looked about in an attempt to locate a servant who might not seem either too busy or in too much of a hurry.
"Pardon me."

((edited only to add the timestamp))
Last edited by Barrett on Fri Dec 10, 2004 5:37 am, edited 1 time in total.
Twilight
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Post by Twilight »

Within the hall were several members of the Purple Guard, standing at attention and keeping a close eye on everyone who passed through the Great Hall. As usual, this was no small number of people.

A pair of servants talked quietly at the top of one of several corridors leading from the Great Hall. If he had not been looking for them, their presence was so discrete that he likely would not have noticed them at all. At the sound of the young man’s address, they parted, with the male servant nodding to the female servant and departing up the hallway, and the woman turning to Barrett.

“How may I be of service, sir?” the Maid responded, dipping a polite curtsy. She was petite, not more than 5’ tall, very slim. The shape of her eyes and ears indicated that she was Achadhiel. Her hair and eye colour though took after her human parent, both being a rich, deep brown, with her hair falling in a cascade of curls down her back.
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Barrett
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Post by Barrett »

Barrett ignored the strong presence of Purple Guard. True, they reminded him of his ambivalent feelings toward the followers of Illuminatus, but they were only doing their jobs and had no reason to be concerned with him - nor he with them for the moment.

Of more interest was the subtle presence of the servants. It reminded him that much of what he might do with the magick granted him by the Thinker might also be accomplished - or at least greatly augmented - by merely learning the proper way of making oneself part of the background. It reinforced his theory that getting an actual job on merit would prove more valuable than trying to trick anyone or attempting to use his status as priest to open doors for him.

Barrett responded to the maid's polite greeting with a courteous bow of his own.
"Ah, yes. Good day to you. I was wondering if you might be able to help me. You see I've come to inquire about a job. Is there an office I should seek out or a person that you can tell me of who would be in charge of hiring scribes and archivists here at the Citadel?"
Twilight
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Post by Twilight »

“Hiring scribes and archivists,” she repeated thoughtfully, tapping her lower lip with an index finger. “Well, I think you’d best see Bevan,” the young woman concluded. “He is something of marvel, our Bevan, and he knows of all the areas of the Palace that need staff.”

It was not much of an explanation, and the young woman did not offer a title for his position, but she spoke with certainty that this was the person for Barrett to see.

“If you would come with me, I shall be happy to show you to him,” she offered with a pleasant and yet not quite friendly smile. “He has a small office below stairs.”
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Barrett
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Post by Barrett »

Bevam certainly sounded like an important person - title or no - so Barrett was quite satisfied with the maid’s decision.

“I thank you, miss, for taking the time out of your routine to help me. But where are my manners? My name is Barrett, Barrett Threespan. I should have at least introduced myself before begging your assistance. As I said, I am most grateful for your aid. I do hope that I am not too much of an inconvenience.”

The maid’s facial expression suggested that there was something disturbing her perhaps. Barrett hoped it wasn’t him.
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Post by Twilight »

((OOC: Please continue here.))
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Jayzen Du'Quild

Post by Jayzen Du'Quild »

Samheen 19th - MorningTide

A well dressed gentleman strolled up to the Great Hall with a broad smile across his face.

His dark clothes contrasted with longish blonde hair that he stroked every so often, as he stoped to look more deeply at a painting or statue in the Hall. He had a black leather bag across his shoulder, the type of bag that would store a number of the priceless items of the Hall if not for the constant vigilence of the guards.

He seemed much amused by the display of wealth in the Great Hall, as if it all was a vast joke meant just for him. Whistling a jolly ditty, he stroked his chin and took his time wandering around the room.

After a goodly while he approached a guard and extended his hand to shake, "Greetings sir, I'm Jayzen Du'Quild. I was wondering if you knew the whereabouts of the Lady Manyatta?".
Last edited by Jayzen Du'Quild on Tue Mar 01, 2005 8:14 am, edited 1 time in total.
Iorn Thalas

Post by Iorn Thalas »

Samheen 19th, late Morningtide

After the lovely first night in their new mansion, Ashari and Iorn both used the next day to look around in the Citadel individually. after all, women and men had some different interests. Ashari was headed off to shop first, something Iorn needed to do as well today, but that was of a later concern. Business always comes first. Fortunately he had been able to take one decent pair of clothes with him, which would suffice for today.

He stepped into the great hall as if it was something he did every day and this hall wasn't the best he had seen. Although that weird two-faced guy had offered them power and wealth in the Citadel, Iorn didn't like being dependent on someone else. He wanted to get into the government by himself. And what better excuse was there then using the assignment that he got in Kings Court. Although he was now probably thought to be dead there, they did not know this here.

Quickly looking around he searched for the highest ranking official he could find. He needed to speak to someone about Kings Court needing more trade to be able to supply their inhabitants.
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