JA's - The Prince's Own

[J. Alexander]

Four Months ago, King Rolin Vasa V announced that for the first time in over ten years the Royal family of Car-Ni-Micar, would be accepting retainers into their household to help augment and replace the aging and vacancies due to death, imprisonment, or job abandonment. Excitment and speculation abounded as to why this was occuring but as the population of the city stood at just over 1.5 millions souls and the kingdom itself controlled a good portion of the central plains of Rakanna people were eager to serve and become imbedded withing the Vasa Household that to date had lasted 1500 years.

The Vasa's stated they would be taking in a total of 150 new retainers and would divide them among the various members direct household. 5 were to server the King directly, and 10 to each of his five grandsons and great grandsons. The remainng would be divided among the household itself according to talent.

In heated family councils, you overheard your parents, and extended family discussing who they should put forward for this golden opportunity and how much they could afford to equip the candidates, pay the necessary application fee and bribes and insert someone into the royal houshold.

Three months after the annoucment, you and your family waited in angst and nervoness for the royal messenger to come and deliver the Kings decesion.

At the stroke of noon, a royal messenger does arrive and a family council is held to open an read the missive.

"It is our royal will that you present yourself at the Royal Palace in 30 days to take up your warrant as a member of our Household"

Rolin Vasa
King of Car-Ni-Micar
Lord of the Northern Lake
Grand Duke of Silvefall

The inital elation of the family council soon turns to dismay and weeping as the requirements are read as to what is needed to be a member of the Royal House. A visit to the family vaults and after several trips to the moneylenders, the family comes up with the necessary coin and you are set on your way.

By tradition, candidates for the royal house assembly on the night before interviewing and induction in the great park.

 

[Scotley]

An unusually tall lanky youth in cream and deep red stands somewhat stoop shouldered and restless in the great park. His long dark hair shades high cheek bones and his eyes. He shuffles in obviously new-made kidskin boots not yet properly broken in. Then tugs uncomfortably at the tight collar of an expensive doublet that fits snugly around his ample neck and broad shoulders in the current fashion. A thin volume, the eighth of ten from Abarxies' histories of the border wars protrudes from a pouch. He doesn't seem to know what to do with his hands and reaches for the book a couple of times, but changes his mind and looks at the others around him curiously. He could be handsome if he ever outgrows this gawkiness and overcomes his poor posture.

 

[Axel]

Declan

Declan would always remember the day of departure for. The whole of his family standing out in the entrance hall - Mother, trying not to cry; his sister Cristal almost hiding behind her skirts; Father, big and domineering even when he was trying to be friendly; Brian his twin brother, silent and sulking; and of course Harold, between him and Cristal in age but in many ways far ahead of the family. All but Harold stood in the formal greeting and departure line so popular in the day, which always brought the thought of soldier's on parade unbidden to Declan's mind.

Cristal was closest, and Declan stopped before her and watched her try to withdraw out of sight behind Mother. Declan smiled, and saidAre you not fond of me, dear sister? Come, I would bid you a fond farewell." and bent down on one knee with arms outstretched. Cristal returned the hug, willing enough. As he stood up again, Declan was embraced in a fierce bearhug by his mother. She shook slightly, like she was suppressing her emotions and having to fight hard, and said nothing before stepping back.

Standing in front of Brian, the tension between them was palpable. Neither wanted to make the first move and appear fonder of the other than was reciprocated. They had never been close, or even friends, and did not look a great deal alike beyond their height, hair and eyes. Brian was muscular and broad - the image of a classic warrior Declan thought to himself, while he was thin and gaunt. Cristal will probably grow to be larger than I Still, Declan had spoken with Brian long into the night. If they were not parting as friends, at least there was not the fractious rivalry so common to their childhood. Declan gave first, offering his right arm. Brian took it in the warrior's grip, wrist to wrist - which was a complete surprise. No words were exchanged, just nods.

Coming lastly to Father, Declan paused. He had never been the favourite son, or even well understood by his soldier of a Father. Father spoke gruffly, attempting to bridge the gulf between them "You are well prepared for your journey then, Declan?

I am, Father. Thank you for all you have given me. I shall not forget it in the coming years.

"Hmmmf. I would see to it that you arrive safely, first. Will you reconsider taking a platoon of guardsmen to keep you safe?

"No, Father. Two men may pass freely where a dozen armed soldiers would not. And they will travel more quickly as well. I will be safe with Harold at my side. And we are travelling good routes. Remember our discussion? The market ferry from Riverbend to Deniador. Then onwards to the capital with Merchants - you must remember I am an ordained priest of Abadar father. When I request travel with merchants it is more like a requisition as none will risk his anger."

Father sighed, and offered his hand as Declan had to Brian. "Stay safe, and send Harold back to me. I have need of his abilities in planning the summer campaigns."

Reaching the end, Declan turned to face them all again. Mother was weeping openly now, just as she had the day he left to join the priesthood. Ducking his head in an aborted bow, he strode through the front door and up onto the waiting open 2-horse carriage where Harold was waiting for him. Declan needed little in supplies - just some writing material and a spear to identify his status as a priest of the Law. As the carriage wheeled toward the gates of the estate, he risked a glance backward at his boyhood home. Everything looked as it always had. The imposing manor house, with it's turrets and flags atop the largest hill. A platoon of soldier's drilling on the flanks of the hill; and the vineyard that was Father's pride and joy on the southern slopes.

Well, Harold. I can't say I'm sad to be leaving. I do not belong in this place, though I find myself missing the people regardless" he spoke to his brother, beginning a conversation on people and places that lasted the weeks of travel together.

---

Now, as the merchant's cart rolled toward the gated capital in its slow and inevitable way, Declan found himself reflecting on that day. In particular, he wished he had shown greater affection for Brian. Literally, they had known each other all their lives. Declan resolved to seek friendship if they ever met again.

Declan stood up and spoke, more to divert his mind than anything else. "Truly, these crowds are enormous Harold. Have you ever seen so many people in one place before? How will we ever find lodging in this place?

 

[ghostcat]

A short, wirey man wonders round the park. Although dressed in courtier clothes, he looks out of place. As if someone had dressed up one of the carnival people.

Its only if someone looks closely that they see that the effect is deliberate, that his clothes are of the finest quality, his stubble is actually groomed and his hair has deliberately being styled to look unkempt.

 

[Thanee]

Kyra

Kyra has arrived in Silverfall only a few hours ago, and now she was standing in the great park, waiting for what might come next. The petite woman is dressed in court attire, maybe not quite as expensive as some other dresses that were shown here, but surely appropriate for the situation, with a few pieces of jewelry to accentuate her look.

She walks between the tents and stands that have been erected here, taking in the atmosphere of the moment and painting pictures in her mind of what the future might hold for her.

 

[Rhun]

A tall, slender woman joins the others. She is well-dressed, her gown seemingly the cutting-edge in court fashion, and very attractive. She walks with an elegant grace, and seems to fit in very well with the other courtly types.

 

[Scotley]

Henry wanders the park taking in the sights and sounds. He had little opportunity for such delights as a child. His father was always busy with more important matters and thought little of entertainments. Henry wondered where his father might be. Perhaps in council with the King or the Generals.

Henry soon became bored with the carnival atmosphere and made his way early to the Green where he was to assemble. He watched the other 149 people slowly gather about him, wondering what his duties might be and who he might work with. He straightened his clothes and stood like a soldier at parade rest trying hard to look the part of a trusted servant of the crown.

 

[Axel]

Declan

Declan hurried along the crowded streets, pushing through the masses of people where he had to. The dark green robes signifying him as a priest of Abadar helped immensely in making progress. The time since arrival in Silverfall had been most unsatisfactory. It had taken all of the day they arrived to find substandard and overpriced accommodation in one of the roughest parts of the city. I had to leave Harold behind, just to watch over the meagre belongings I brought. And the communal commode! Ugh...never again!

Trying to wash and prepare his appearance to any decent standard for the traditional interview had been an exercise in futility. The landlady just didn't seem to understand that one must have hot water for shaving and bathing in! Still, what's done is done, so I best make the best of it.

Declan paused at the edge of the park, trying to catch his breath and work out where he was supposed to go. Unable to work it out just yet, he settled for corn on a stick for dinner and a stroll through the park itself.

 

[J. Alexander]

Waiting on BSF

 

[Rhun]

Waiting on BSF

OOC: Calling [MENTION=6688787]Big Stupid Fighter[/MENTION]

Also, he hasn't logged into EN World since 02/06.