An Imperial Wedding

[Rezim]

The city begins to rouse as the sun rises over its eastern hills, shops opening and dock workers preparing for yet another day of river trade on the Claurum River. Incense and the scent of baking drift together in the breeze as the Imperial Court has gathered. The mood in the city is of calm yet jubilance, as preparations made over the last several months for the wedding itself.

Prince Cassian, the second son of the Emperor Erasmus, is present at court. He stands beneath the red canopy with his father and Crown Prince Valerian, as Senators and Nobles move freely around them. His armour set aside for ceremonial dress, yet the presence of the three persist.

Envoys murmur beside fountains, nobles exchange measured courtesies, and musicians play softly - more as a suggestion than a performance. Servants move with a practiced ease, offering wine, fruit, and guidance for those newly arrived. The banners of Astoria stir overhead while foreign colours - many which have been present since the tourney several months ago - appear at the edges of the gathering.

Princesses and their retinues begin to arrive, followed by their benefactors - Kingly fathers and brothers, and even in some cases mothers. Some linger at the margins, observing while others move confidently into conversation, meeting eyes, weighing words, letting first impressions form before any formal case can be made.

The court will remain assembled for days. Conversations begun now may echo long after. The stage is set.

Below are the players who have presented suitable princesses for marriage or otherwise wanted their presence recognized at the wedding. Other players may get involved, but please let me know if you want to be involved, and I will introduce the player. Below is also a list of NPCs who are present for the wedding and presenting suitable partners to Prince Cassian.

Queen Marguerite I of Toussaint
Princess Maria of Alania
Princess Anna of Achenreich
Princess Jelena of Zverija
Princess Illerena of Fereshe
Lady Lucilla of the City of Ventiara
@Mistral @Shadows @Hunter @C.D.Phil @Zealous

[Shadows]

The grandeur of the ceremonies was not lost on the delegation of the Empire of Siliton. They aimed to meet the expectations of the ruling family of Astoria. The delegation was headed by the Emperor himself, Tennyson Prendergast, along with the Empress, Aveline Maxwell-Prendergast. Accompanying them were the twins of the Royal Family, Castor and Odette, along with their spouses; as well as the youngest of the Royal Family, Randal Prendergast. All dressed in the finest clothes, made of purples, reds, and gold trims.

Members of the Scholae Palatine, the Emperor’s Guards, led by the Knights Caden Byrne, Hamish Maoilriain, and Casimir Vivo, accompanied the Royal family. The guards themselves were also dressed well, in ceremonial armor (and complying with the rules of the Astorians), with tunics made of the finest fabrics. Along with the guards, at least ten servants accompanied the Royal Family, including one Scholar who remained at the Emperor’s side at all times.

While the Silitonian delegation was certainly a sight to behold, they were far from the most catching sight from Siliton. That honor belonged to Caroline Prendergast, the seventh child of the Emperor. She was here to present herself to Prince Cassian, as a potential bride. The Princess spoke well, with intelligence and grace. She was also one of the most beautiful young women within the Empire, and was the obvious choice for this potential union.

The delegation did not come empty handed, and when appropriate, would present their treasures to the King of Astoria. Along with fine jewelry of gold, the delegation has brought the following: the newest tomes on history and scientific discovery from the University; barrels of the finest ciders and wines from the Empire; exotic fruits and vegetables from the oversea holdings of Siliton; as well as examples of foreign textile and artwork collected over the decades of exploration undertaken by the Empire. In total, the gifts alone are valued at 250,000 pfennings.

[C.D.Phil]

The herald’s voice carried clearly through the hall.

“His Highness, Prince Afonso de Aviz of Portucalense.”

Prince Afonso entered beneath the banners at an easy, unhurried pace. The weight of his presence drew eyes without demanding them, his rich colors and broad shoulders moving comfortably through the space as if the hall itself had been built to receive him. He looked pleased to be there.

At his side walked two young members of his house.

Princess Beatriz de Aviz advanced with careful steps, her hands folded neatly before her. She dipped into a practiced curtsy as they passed the assembled court, her expression attentive and calm.

Prince Lourenço de Aviz followed half a pace behind, newly come into his majority, standing straight and alert. He inclined his head to those he met, meeting glances without lingering, confidence held in check by good sense.

Prince Afonso approached the Imperial dais and bowed deeply to Emperor Erasmus, then offered a respectful inclination to Crown Prince Valerian and Prince Cassian. When he rose, a broad smile creased his face, warm and unmistakably genuine.

“Your Imperial Majesty, Portucalense thanks you for the welcome. Few courts could gather so many realms and still feel at ease.”

He turned slightly, one hand opening toward the young pair beside him.

“My grandchildren, Beatriz and Lourenço. I wished them to see such a day as this, and to remember how a great court receives its guests.”

His gaze returned to the Emperor, eyes bright with good humor.

“Portucalense sends its fullest good tidings. May this celebration be spoken of fondly, and may no table here lack for bread, wine, or laughter.”

He paused, letting the moment settle, then continued in an easy, conversational tone.

“Tell me, Your Majesty—has the season treated Astoria kindly, or are you still waiting on the last of your harvests?”

Prince Afonso remained where he was, hands loosely clasped, content to listen.