Raekal RP Admin Band OL King of Manetheren
Posts: 227
(11/27/06 1:09 pm) Reply
Coronation
Saker stared at his dripping reflection in the mirror. Water ran from his long locks of hair to drip into the basin sitting before him. He was tired, now. He had been up all night with Alaren, and though the experience was refreshing, wonderful, and purely exotic, it had also been wearing. And now he wanted nothign more than to climb back into bed, wrap them both in their blankets, and sleep for three days. But instead, he cupped his hands together under the warm tingling water, and splashed more into his face. It wasn't nearly as shocking as cold water, but it served it's purpose.
He straightened, grabbing his towel and burying his face in it. He was bare from the wasit up, his linen sleeping pants loose and damp from the water on his legs. He hadn't dried before pulling them on. His bath had been too short, even. Alaren was probably still in hers. He sensed only a contented happiness from her.. but with an edge. After all, she was about to become the Queen of Manetheren.. the first in many, many years. Hopefully, it would tie Manetheren back to the Tower, reaffirm that alliance. But with the way the tower had been acting recently... he sighed heavily, shoving such thoughts from his mind. He wanted to be happy today. Wanted to fear nothing, wanted to smile, and have the light of it touch his eyes, for once. As it had last night.
He walked over to his closet. An insanely huge closet it was.. though he knew Alaren's was yet larger. How he was ever expected to wear so many clothes was beyond him. Rubbing his hair dry with the towel, he began selecting a regal outfit, and dressed quickly. He stepped out, did his hair, and slipped out of the room, leaving Alaren as she got dressed. He would see her again when she was escorted down the aisle to the "throne", where he would be waiting for her.
Outside the room, as he expected, were two Asha'man. His silent sentries, more lethal than any other two men he could have put in their place. "Let's be on with it then," he said. One smiled, and raised a hand, gesturing for Saker to go first, lead the way, as a gateway sliced open before him, and through it he stepped.
***
Raekal glanced up from his desk as the knock came at the door. He looked at Alexia sitting before him. They had been running in circles in another of their rather pointless conversations, and he was rather glad for the interuption. "my apologies for the intrusion, Aes Sedai," he said, and rose to his feet, straightening his black jacket, adjusting the pins at his neck. "Come!" he barked.
The door swung open of it's own accord. Raekal sensed saidin, and saw the threads, but the effect was still unnerving nonetheless. Through the doorway stepped none other than Saker Mandell, looking the king he was, dressed in black trousers tucked into black polished boots, the tops turned down with silver buckles holding the flaps closed tightly. A wide black belt encircled his waist with silver ornamentation worked into the leather, and a silver buckle worked to look like just another ornament. His sword was hung off of his shoulder, a black and red braided cord running from his right shoulder to his left hip, where his sword hung horizontal to the ground. Raekal understood the way he wore his sword was part of his deadly lethality with it. His white shirt was tucked into his pants, but billowed loosely over his chest. The sleeves ended around his fingers in loose ruffles, but there was a split up the side, and Raekal could see powerful wrist bracers underneath. His vest hung open in the front, but was black with red embroidery, a red hand imprint upon his left breast. The tails of the jacket brushed the back of his knees. His hair was swept back and pulled into a tight ponytail. A silver crown sat upon his hair. It was the first time Raekal had seen the man with a crown.
"Lord Mandell," Raekal greeted with a slight bow of his head.
"First Stormleader," Saker answered, with the same slight bow of the head. "It is good to see you well." His eyes flickered to the Aes Sedai, still seated, and his smile never faltered. "Aes Sedai. A pleasure."
Raekal spoke before Alexia could. "May I inquire as to the nature of your visit?"
Saker's smile grew. "I have come to summon you."
Raekal's eyebrow arced coolly. "Summon me." Not a question, but a flat statement.
"Yes. You see, Manetheren has something to share with her allies. We are having a banquet today, and some other festivities. We would be honored if you and yours would come to share the day with us."
Raekal's mind raced. His Asha'man had said nothign of anythign coming from Manetheren.. they had only recently finished their war with Andor, leaving the once mighty nation in a state of confusion, without a ruler. It would be ripe for the taking.. if any other nation could muster the strength to invade. But Cairhein was busy being gutted by her own civil war, and tear and illian were both still trying to lick their wounds from the battle before the Stone. He decided in a matter of seconds, however, that nothing the Band would do would be treacherous. Especially to the Black Tower. Neither had a more powerful ally than the other.. they were bound as tightly as they could be. "Of course, we shall attend then. Are there any requests to guest numbers..?"
Saker laughed. A genuine laugh, not a laugh born from the Game. Despite himself, Raekal felt a smile tug at his own lips. Laugther was something rarely genuinely heard these days. "No, none. Bring the entire Tower, if you wish. As many, or as few, as you want. This is a time of celebration with our friends. A time of happiness. A bright spot in the night we find ourselves in."
Raekal nodded, his eyes flcikering to Alexia. She was watching Saker carefully.. he wondered what would be running through her head. "And our.. guests?"
"Welcome as well." Saker smiled, and turned. "If you would excuse me, I must be on my way. More people to have come along. You may arrive in Baerlon, towards midday. That would be about right." He smiled again, and was gone.
Raekal nodded as he sank back into his chair. It appeared he had a bit of gathering to do then.. he would take only a few Asha'man. Aran would be needed to stay at the Tower, so he would go, with Rodgin, and perhaps ten others. And, of course, an official escort of their army. A hundred men. Yes.. that sounded about right. A hundred of their soldiers with twelve Asha'man.. they would be an intimidating force, but not one that would be seen as hostile. "My apologies again, Alexia Sedai. Would you like to accompany us to Manetheren? It should be interesting to see what Lord Mandell has up his sleeve, no doubt." And Brenna. Of course. The woman would refuse to leave his side. Another small smile touched his lips. How he loved her.. how he could not understand her..
***
Saker stepped back into the woods outside of Manetheren, and gazed up at the walls before him. Men worked as a swarm over the tops, finishing the ramparts. They worked down the right side, extending the wall, bringing in more stone at the direction of the artists in command, placing stone carefully, building within the walls a series of hallways and stairways that the soldiers would be able to use to travel swiftly from place to place. Of course, the woods were being cleared away from the walls for a good distance, so that a pit could be dug around the base outside, added defense. The walls were extra thick, larger than any others to be found.. except perhaps those in Ta Valon itself.
He walked briskly through the gates, the people inside raising a cheer as he walked among them. They worked with goodwill, with longing to do as he asked. He did not have to force them to do so, did not have to make things happen. They did as he asked out of mutual respect.. and love. He had brought them a life, work, money, everything. They would lay down their lives to keep what he had brought. He would lay down his life to see that they still had it as well.
As soon as he reached the palace itself.. which was still under construction as well, but the main hall and the residential sections had been completed. The tall spires were surrounded by scaffolding, as were most of the lower sections on the right-hand side of the palace. The more militaristic side. Still.. it was beautiful, an artwork in progress. He worked alongside the men in their labor to build it when he had the time. Later today, no one would be working.. they would all be at the feasts. He could already smell the foods cooking. Not only the kitchens in the palace, but the kitchens of the city, were being run hard now, turning out food in mass quantities to feed the city and her guests this day.
He walked to the stables and had his horse brought to him, then went to Baerlon with his Asha'man to await the arrivals of his guests. He could sense Alaren's slight furstration. He had been bouncing around the country, and she wanted to see him, but understood the work still needing to be done today. She was tired as well, and was probably surrounded by servants, picking at her dress, fixing her hair, everything that servants did. He walked up onto the walls around Baerlon, watching the plains out before him. They would be coming soon... and he would take them to his city.. and then the celebration would begin. Starting of course, with the crowning of Alaren, the raising up of Manetheren's queen.
(Raekal Dunshain) -- First Stormleader Asha'man Bonded to Brenna Selanos (Saker Mandell) -- King of Manetheren (Seia Vron) -- Asha'man (Tristan Du'saa) -- Gaidin in Training (Kerin Lizaile) -- Aes Sedai of the Blue Ajah
Alaren could feel Saker through the bond. Since she had left his room that morning just half an hour before, he had bathed, dressed himself, and had Traveled halfway across the continent, a relatively efficient morning agenda, considering. He would have wasted no time in preparing himself; she could imagine him carefully choosing his own clothes, quickly buttoning his own jacket, lacing his own boots.
Alaren, on the other hand, was currently a slave to her servants. She was still in the bathtub, and had for the past half hour been primped, prodded, and scrubbed raw until she gleamed like polished silver. The water had long since grown cold and her patience had dissipated with the lavender bubbles, and the servants likely would have pressed on had she not climbed out of the tub despite their protests, dried herself, pulled her shift over her head, and declared herself to be finished.
Finished, of course, she was not. The dress still had to be pressed and pinned and laced and buttoned and tied and arranged just so, atop endless layers of undergarments and stockings, and her hair had to be twisted and curled and wrapped so that the crown would balance perfectly on top. This undertaking somehow required the attention of four individual hairdressers, all under the direction of a short, portly man with powdered wig and pinched nose. The four women pulled and prodded, and the gentleman pranced around and waved his hands in dismay, occasionally applauding with delight or barking shrill orders.
“No no!” he announced suddenly, his wig tilting to the side as he shook his head violently. “Wrong, wrong, all wrong! I must fix this. Alaren, darling, hold this please.”
Alaren glanced at the object which he thrust into her hands, a delicate silver trinket lined with sea folk pearls; the crown of Manetheren. Her crown. It was heavier than it looked, a solid weight which she balanced across her fingers. A heavy weight to bear; a heavy responsibility.
“There!” The man said, clasping his hands in glee and tapping his slippered feet against the wooden floor. “Much better. Now, where did I put that… ah, there it is!” He plucked the crown from her fingers. “Let’s take this tiara for a test trot, shall we?”
Stepping onto a stool to compensate for his vertical handicap, the man fussed with Alaren’s hair one last time, placing the crown in its resting place and making last minute adjustments. When he stepped down and glanced at her, he clapped his hands with excitement and beamed with pride.
“Oh you look fabulous, darling,” he said, ushering her away from the servants who had been in the process of straightening her train. “Gorgeous! Positively regal! A tribute to my genius, a masterpiece!” He stood her in front of a full-length mirror. “Let’s have a looksie, shall we?”
Alaren glanced at herself in the mirror. The crown sat atop her head, the pearls startlingly bright against the dark backdrop of plaits and ringlets. She was wearing the red dress that had been sewn for her just weeks before, with a pearl-adorned bodice that hugged her frame and offset the porcelain skin of her bare shoulders. The skirts were rumpled still, the maids having been interrupted in their primping and fussing, but she still looked every bit a queen. Queen she thought to herself, breathing deeply. You’re going to be Queen.
Re: Coronation
Alexia stood next to Brenna as the small Asha'man entourage was greeted by Saker Mandell. King of Manetheren. She tried very hard to keep her emotions under control. She was Aes Sedai, she could no longer count herself as Andoran. The pain of the war between Saker and Andor would be kept in the recesses of her mind. And so would the anger.
The other Aes Sedai of her group elected to stay within the Black Tower. They had their own reasons for staying and Alexia did not try to convince them to come. She almost refused herself but someone had to be here from The White Tower. She was sure that Arine and the others had very limited news of the goings on in Andor because of the war and Saveen's disappearance. Thoughts of Saveen caused unsettling feelings. The thought that and Andoran Queen would run when her country need her was too much so she again pushed them away. She would think things through as she always did on her on time.
With a slight smile on her face she nudged Brenna foward so she stood closer to Raekal. Brenna did not acknowledge the nudge at all but stood a bit straighter as she moved closer to her bonded. Alexia turned her attention from them and her smile vanished when she looked directly at the new King. The heat of her anger made her face blush but she ignored the physical response. What is done can not be undone. With another smile but one meant for royalty alone she gretted Saker. "My lord I am honored to have been included in your invite to see your coronation. May the land of Manetheran prosper under your rule."
-Yasha Murikovine Queen of Saldaea- -Brenna Selanos BT Civilian- -Aiden D'orgen BotRH- -AND Bio Checker-
Raekal RP Admin Band OL King of Manetheren
Posts: 255
(12/2/06 9:15 pm) Reply
Re: Coronation
Raekal glanced down at Brenna and wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her closer to him. In his ever increasing-rarity moments of total comprehension, he had taken to having Brenna closer than ever before. Taken to showing her the one thing he had been neglecting before.. his love for her, and how deep it really ran. Feeling her relax against him, pleased that he wasn't in one of his "moods", he kissed her brow before turning to the ones gathered. He nodded briefly to one of the men, not wanting to touch saidin at the moment and feel the vile taint coursing through him. He would get sick right then and there, he knew.
The gateway slashed open before him, and he stepped through first, Brenna walking in step with him, stepped onto the grassy plains before Baerlon. His men filed out behind him, Alexia right behind him. Raekal flashed the Aes Sedai a smile. "One day, Alexia Sedai, our Towers will be able to go to these affairs formally, together. That is my fondest dream." Absently, he wondered when he had abandoned his view of Aes Sedai as evil, and shadowspawn incarnate. Since when, really, had he wanted to be allied to the Tower? He supposed it was for the best. Less war to worry about. Perhaps the taint wasn't all bad, if a peace between the two Towers came of it.
They stood for a moment, the wind blowing their cloaks gently in the wind. Saker was riding towards them. They could see more gathered beyond him, emissaries and dignitaries, lords and ladies, from varies lands that had signed alliances with the Band, with Manetheren. Colors from Kandor, Tear, Illian, Murandy, Ghealdon, Amadicia, Tarabon, and Arad Doman were all present. Cairhein was not, even though they had a slight alliance.. after all, their ruling house had been decimated and the countryside was sick with civil war. Saldaea still had a missing queen to worry about, and Arafel had long ago closed her borders. Shienar probably had neglected to come. Raekal had seen the reports.. they had much to prepare for.
Saker reigned in before them, his horse tossing it's head. Blast it all, but the man looked like nothing but a king, respendlant in his clothes with his heron-marked sword. He smiled brightly at the Asha'man and waved a hand. "Just in time. Welcome! I had feared you might be late, and miss us."
"Miss you?" Raekal question with an arced brow.
Saker nodded. "The festivites are not here."
Raekal nodded. He had heard reports from his Asha'man that the Lord Mandell had been working on some great project in the woods in the mountains, but when asked to what it was, they gave mischevious grins like little boys and told him that he would soon see, and refused to say more. He had indulged them, for the time. He had nothing to fear from Saker, and the entire Black Tower knew that. "Ah. Glad we're in time then," Raekal said with a smile. He squeezed Brenna's waist. He ached to be alone with her. He wanted her, to feel her, and touch her.. he had an unsatiable appetite for her, and he feared it was only because his time in the world was beginning to grow short.
Saker turned and waited as the lords and ladies and their escorts caught up. Many were on foot, as were the Asha'man. Only a few were mounted, and looked nervous about being so, when everyone else was afoot. Saker turned to address them all. Out of the crowd slipped several people. Two Asha'man and five Banders, the Banders armed to the teeth and then some. Raekal nodded slightly. Even though Saker might think himself in no danger here, his people would take no chances with their leader.
Saker spoke in a loud, clear voice. "Good people, ladies and gentlemen. I have asked you all here for many reasons. The first among which is to to see what we have accomplished. I apologize for fully intending to brag about what we have done with so short a time." He smiled brightly, showing that he meant no slight by the comment. He was flawlessly playing the Game while attesting continuously that he did not, and would not play it.
"Secondly, there is a bright spot, a beacon of light, within the darkness that surrounds us. Manetheren will come together as a whole nation for the first time tonight, and you will all bear witness to this.
"And third, for a night of happiness, and worry-free fun. For one night, let your mind escape the weight of rule, the pressures of your offices, and let yourselves have fun. No harm will come to any of you here, you have my word. Nothing wrong will happen tonight, I vow it."
His horse spun and he nodded at the two Asha'man. Raekal felt saidin flood into both. Without even blinking, two large gateways sliced open behind them. They stepped to the sides as Saker and his small escort went through. Almost in a rush, the rest followed, eager to see what Lord Mandell had in store. They all knew him to be an honest man, one who worked for the Light and only the Light.
Raekal walked through the gateway, holding Brenna to him still, and looked up at the walls before him. They reminded him strongly of the walls at the Black Tower, only they were made of white marble and grey granite, red sandstone, and mahogany doors. Which were thrown wide open.
Through the entryway spilled the sounds of merrymaking, music and laughter, the clamor of a hundred thousand voices raising up all around. They walked in amidst cheering. People gathered so quickly Raekal could have sworn they traveled themselves. They pressed in on all sides, cheering not only Saker but the Asha'man, the emissaries, the lords and their ladies. All were dressed lightly, happily. No heavy drab colors, but light, cheery bright colors that lit up the streets. Girls had flowers in their hair that boys had put there, and danced in common areas to the tunes of a hundred bands.
Raekal stared around him slowly, resisting the urge to gape. The city was huge, bypassing the Tower's grounds by a large margin. There were people simply EVERYWHERE.. dancing, celebrating, eating, cooking, laughing, have fun. This merriment.. this enjoyment of life, even the simplest part of life, was what he fought for. Even though he had never experienced it, he wanted others to. He fought so these people could do this, could enjoy themselves. Saker brought them through the city to show them this, to show them what they had all had a part in so far. The sacrifices of the many were not going ignored, nor would they.
Raekal swallowed hard, holding Brenna closer. He was glad she had come. He wanted to be with her right now, while he was calm and collected, not irrational and unreasonable. Not.... insane. He smiled at her as they walked, and spared a moment for a quick kiss that promised more to come later.
***
In Saker lead them. The sights almost brought a tear to his own eye. He knew that this was needed by most. An escape from the work, the battles, the blood. His men had fought hard, fought long, fought in one bloody campaign after the other carving their home out of the ground, and finally they got to enjoy the fruits of thier labor. Saker would see to it later that none were forgotten, none ignored in the celebration. A small speech would be given after Alaren was crowned. Which would be soon! He needed to hurry. The hour was drawing near.
They made their way up to the palace to deafening cheering. Men and women pressed in around them, clapping and roaring their support. Even the guards forgot themselves to hail their leader and their allies. They showered them with rose petals from above, the air becoming so thick with them it seemed to be snowing. Saker shook hands, waved, exchanged blessings as they pressed inwards. Inside was no better. Saker turned to his guests.
"My home is yours. Please, make yourselves comfortable. There is fine wine, and good food, available, and plenty to talk with. Dance, even. Forget yourselves. Enjoy this day! When the trumpets sound, please, direction your attention to there." He pointed to the throne room directly ahead. There was a long red carpet laid down the center of the room, and men in uniforms filled the room, moving things about. "I will see you again there." He smiled, and moved off through the crowd. He wasn't sure how Curlan would be holding up with all these people around. He hoped the man was okay, dealing well. He had probably found the only place in the city without people and was happily sitting there.
He moved around quickly, catching a servant running by. He recognized her as one of Alaren's and caught her sleeve. "How is Alaren?" he asked.
"Oh, milord! You startled me!" she gushed, and then dropped a swift curtsy. He smiled indulgently. "She's.. beautiful, milord."
Saker smiled wistfully. "She always is. Is she.. ready?"
"Yes, milord. I do think so. She really is beautiful. You will see." She smiled, and dashed off.
Saker smiled, and went into the throne room the back way. It was about time. He took his seat, the men below coming into order, moved to flank the red carpet, moving in a tunnel into the room beyond, creating a lined path of muscle and steel. They held pikes that had seen service in battle, but now gleamed in perfection, angled from their shoulders to touch point to point all the way down. A show of percision unparalleled. He smiled with pride...
And then the horns blared out. From the top of the palace, from the room outside, from the walls of the cities, in unision the horns rose through the sounds of the celebration, and called all to witness. People swarmed inside the palace, moving to cram every available nook and cranny. They packed in, and still spilled down the stairs and filled the commons. They overflowed into the streets, and spread down towards the city. All of Manetheren was present to watch her Queen arrive.
(Raekal Dunshain) -- First Stormleader Asha'man Bonded to Brenna Selanos (Saker Mandell) -- King of Manetheren (Seia Vron) -- Asha'man (Tristan Du'saa) -- Gaidin in Training (Kerin Lizaile) -- Aes Sedai of the Blue Ajah
Re: Coronation
Alaren stood quietly behind her closed door, her back straight and her hands folded across her waist. She and her entourage had been waiting in silent formation for Saker to return from his journey; now that Alaren could feel him in the palace, approaching the throne room, she knew the time was growing near. She exhaled deeply. As much as she had complained of being primped and prodded, at least the process had distracted her; now she had nothing to do but wait, and her mind was racing. She has practiced what she must say over and over again, memorized where she was to walk and when she was to sit and how she was to act, but still her nerves refused to spare her. She had the momentary urge to run- to run from the pressure, the expectations, the responsibility- but she knew to run from Manetheren was to run from Saker as well, and that was at this point impossible.
The brass choir sounded from below. As though driven into motion by the sounds of the trumpets, two of Saker’s finest men opened the heavy oak doors in a solemn ceremony, and another pair stepped forward to lead the small procession to the throne room, where Manetheren awaited them. Alaren followed, flanked on either side by six of the most prominent women of the city, each dressed in plain white, each looking like a portrait from the Age of Legends and followed in turn by another pair of soldiers, dressed and decorated to their finest. The procession must surely have been a sight to behold.
Alaren had not so much as set a slippered foot into the hallway before the crowd that awaited them began to cheer. Somehow the hallway was packed with guests, visitors awaiting the arrival of the Queen. There must have been thousands of them, lined up single file along the walls as far as the eye could see, all cheering and applauding, all straining to catch a glimpse of their Queen. The procession continued at a steady pace, through winding corridors and great halls, and wherever they walked, a crowd awaited them. Alaren was not sure how to react; she tried to look forward, to nod gracefully at their recognition and continue serenely, but she could not help but gaze in awe at the thousands of people who surrounded her. This mass, the people of Manetheren, was her responsibility now, and they were accepting her with open arms.
The horns had ceased by the time Alaren and the procession reached the final set of oak doors, the towering entrance to the throne room, but sounded once again upon a cue from the doorman. Well, she thought to herself. This is it. One of Alaren’s escorts squeezed her hand.
“Are you ready, mi’lady?” she asked.
Alaren nodded in response. The woman smiled knowingly.
“You were born for this,” she whispered, and the doors opened.
***
[Faulkner] A sort of stifled enthusiasm pervaded the opulent throne room, a undulation of excitement which spared no spectators save the King who was seated before them crowned in silver and garbed in silks as he sat silent and serious upon his gilded throne, unaffected by the shimmers of impatience in the vivacious place which had for once been spared entirely of the lugubrious and vindictive and now was brimming with good will and fervent optimism at the prospect of a new sovereign. [/Faulkner] Carm Lecani was among the crowd, glancing anxiously at the clock in anticipation of the Queen’s arrival. He had never been very fond of ceremonies- he had almost fallen asleep at his own wedding, and had it not been for the party afterwards he likely would not have shown up at all. This coronation was guaranteed to be dull and tedious; Lecani hoped that it would be over and done with as soon as possible so the festivities could begin.
The trumpets sounded once again, and the crowd turned to watch as the doors opened. Lecani turned as well. A head taller than the rest, he could clearly see the entrance to the room. He saw the two guards, garbed in red and armed with ceremonial staffs; he saw them enter and face the aisle; he saw the Queen, Alaren Sedai, as she stepped forward into view.
The fanfare ceased, the room went silent. Everyone stared, immobile, at the woman who had entered. She was young, yet her face spoke of wisdom and experience; an ageless face, a beautiful face with gentle slopes and smooth planes. This was the first that Lecani had seen the woman who was to be the Queen of Manetheren, the first time for many in that room, and there could not have been a single man whose mouth had not gone dry, nor a single woman who did not look upon her visage with a hint of envy. It was as though she were some surreal creature, framed by the shimmering mantle which hung from her shoulders and the six angels who held it from trailing on the ground. Her expression was serene as she looked towards the throne, and did not look away from the King as her mantel was removed or as she stepped forward alone with the trail of her red gown floating behind her.
It was not until Alaren Sedai set foot upon the red carpets that the choir apparently realized that it should sing, and embarked upon a thunderous aria that would have made Lecani’s mother weep. All eyes were on the woman as she glided towards the thrones, gracefully floated up the stairs, and offered her hand to a tall, elderly gentleman, the symbol of the people of Manetheren. He kissed her hand and turned her to face the crowd.
"Good people,” the man said, his voice loud and clear in the chamber. “I here present unto you Queen Alaren, your undoubted Queen: Wherefore all you who are come this day to do your homage and service, are you willing to do the same?”
“All hail Queen Alaren!” The crowed asserted, from the West first, then the South, and the East. Lecani to his surprise found himself joining in.
The ceremony proceeded. The Queen took the oath of Manetheren that had been heard for the first time in hundreds of years at King Saker’s coronation and the second here today, a promise to govern in fairness, justice, and wisdom, and was led to sit beside the King in a throne identical in size and shape to his. Beside him, who in his strength of manner and power of form seemed to dominate his throne, in a chair of the same size, she should have seemed small and fragile, but instead she too seemed to command respect and power in the way she had commanded attention from the start. She was presented with a scepter, a ring, and was blessed as a leader under the Light. One of Alaren Sedai’s attendants lifted the crown upon its red satin pillow, and presented it to the old man, who lifted it for the congregation to behold.
“May you be crowned with a crown of glory and righteousness,” he declared, “this crown a symbol of your royal majesty, and live henceforth a servant of the Light and of your people.” He turned and lowered the crown onto Alaren Sedai’s head. “Stand firm, and hold fast from henceforth the seat and state of royal dignity, which is this day delivered unto you. May you henceforth lead in virtue and nobility a long and fruitful reign.”
“Long live Queen Alaren!” The crowed cheered, their voices echoing off of the chamber’s walls. “May the Queen live forever!”
(I took some direct quotes from the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II... I hope you don't mind. Oh, and sorry about the Faulkner bit.)
Re: Coronation
Curlan smiled, having taken the spot of one of the soldiers nearest the throne. He had stood quite still for several hours now and was glad he had been there.
He had to wonder if Saker had seen him yet. According to any indication, he was too preoupied with other thoughts. Curlan would have to make sure he congradulated the happy couple before they made their escape.
************************************************
Rodgin stood close to Raekal and Brenna, enjoying the festivities as much as he could. Mostly, he felt awkward and aloof. He had no one to dance with and really could care less about the festivities. He had an army to train and equip, not to mention a troubled student.
It was good to see a Queen in Manetheren though. It had been far too long. The world needed some hope in it, and this was a good tool for it.
"First Stormleader Dunshain," he said softly. "Look at this. This is why we are here. Why we do what we do. It is good to see the joy we can bring rather then the destruction we prepare for."
Glancing over at the two of them he couldn't help but smile.
"You should really go dance before I have to ask the good lady to."
Raekal RP Admin Band OL King of Manetheren
Posts: 261
(12/3/06 6:38 pm) Reply
Re: Coronation
Saker took Alaren's hand in his own. He was nearly breathless from watching her walk... no... glide up the hall of steel towards him. The men were well trained, exceptional to be able to hold themselves in positions, allowing nothing but small smiles address their Queen, their heads straight forward. Not a pike wavered as the vision of magnificence and beauty swept past them. As the ceremony began, they raised the pikes, snapped them down to their sides, and turned as one. As she sat, they all went to a knee, bowing their heads as the ceremony was completed.
Saker could not breathe for the pressure in his chest. She was beautiful, amazing, and regal. Her head held high, she was more a Queen than.. than... a queen! She was Alaren Sedai, Queen of Manetheren, Lady of the Band, bonded to Lord Saker Mandell. He clenched her hand tightly in his own, his thoughts echoing across the bond so that they rose to their feet in perfect unison, Hands clasped between them. He gave a slight twitch of his fingers to an Asha'man, who channeled briefly, and they stepped through a Gateway onto one of the only completed balconies in the palace, overlooking the commons below, overlooking the city itself. Below was a seething mass of people. They went unnoticed for a moment until Saker drew his sword and held it over his head with his free hand. The two Asha'man channeled and fire flared up around the two, bringing all eyes to the king and queen.
A roar rose from below. Massive, it swelled and swelled until the buildigns shook with it. Banners flapped madly, people danced and hugged and cheered and roared and stomped their feet. Saker spoke above the din, the Asha'man channeling to magnify his voice so it boomed across the city. "People of Manetheren, I present to you, Queen Alaren Sedai!"
The roar grew, thundered, and pounded the walls. When at last the people quieted to hear Saker's continuing words, he spoke again, his voice only a little softer than it had been. "Good people, this is by far a great day. A glorious day for all of Manetheren. The sun shines down on us in it's glory, bathing our nation in it's warm rays, the Creator's blessing raining down on us all. We have been tried, persecuted, and deemed inefficient by others.
"Let our allies now stand by me when I say, we have proved ourselves through these tests! We have damned those that would persecute the Light! And we are no longer deemed 'inefficient' by any force on this land!" The roar came back, as loud as ever. Swords raised into the air, clanging on shields as soldiers shouted and cheered.
"Men and women of Manetheren! These freedoms that we delight in, this city around us, this nation we so love, has not been free. Men have bled and died to see to it this day could come, and many more like it. Men had lost their lives so that we could live, and enjoy life to it's fullest, not live in the pallid shadow that others would cast over us. Look around you! Those men have fought and died for each and every one of us. Many still fight. More will die.
"Do NOT let their memories, their sacrifices, all they have done for us, be forgotten! Do NOT let them be cast aside, do not let others demean them or yourselves! WE ARE A FREE PEOPLE! WE WILL FIGHT TO KEEP FREEDOM FOR OURSELVES AND OUR LOVED ONES!" he shook the sword above his head, impassioned by his own words. "NO ONE CAN TAKE THAT FROM YOU! MANETHEREN WILL ALWAYS STAND, AS SHE HAS STOOD IN OUR HEARTS FOR ALL TIME! CELEBRATE, MANETHEREN, CELEBRATE! FREEDOM IS YOURS! USE IT!"
The roar that rose dwarfed those that had come before. Saker stepped backwards, out of the view of the people, pulling Alaren with him. The two Asha'man were beaming, all smiles, as he nodded at each. "You two, go have yourselves some fun. Find a girl, dance a round or two. Get some food and drink. Enjoy yourselves."
"Yes, sir!" they both said, and bowed deeply to Alaren. "My Queen, your radiance is beyond this world," one said, and with a smile, departed.
Saker shook his head after them, and realized that they were alone for a moment. He looked over Alaren from head to toe. She was beautiful, exquisite, beyond his imagination. He longed to hold her.. and so he did. Drawing her into his arms, he gave her a fierce hug before holding her back out at arms length. "You really are beautiful tonight, Aes Sedai. Maybe I be the first to dance with the new Queen?"
(Raekal Dunshain) -- First Stormleader Asha'man Bonded to Brenna Selanos (Saker Mandell) -- King of Manetheren (Seia Vron) -- Asha'man (Tristan Du'saa) -- Gaidin in Training (Kerin Lizaile) -- Aes Sedai of the Blue Ajah
Re: Coronation
((OOC: Oh goodness this is terrible, but I'm in a strange mood XD))
Alaren still felt dazed as Saker pulled her away from the edge of the balcony, the crowds cheering after his speech. The coronation ceremony had been a blur; she did not even remember reciting her lines or her oath, though she must have done them properly, because she now had the jeweled crown atop her head and the signet ring on her finger. Her hand still trembled with nerves even as Saker clutched it, his warm strong fingers wrapped about her own. Perhaps it was excitement; perhaps it was exhaustion. The whole morning felt surreal.
"You two, go have yourselves some fun. Find a girl, dance a round or two. Get some food and drink. Enjoy yourselves."
"Yes, sir!" they both said, and bowed deeply to Alaren. "My Queen, your radiance is beyond this world,” one said, and with a smile, departed.
Alaren flushed as this flattery was bestowed upon her; she had never considered herself to be a beauty of any sorts. To hear such a compliment was certainly a surprise, and a most pleasant one. Yet her pleasure at the young soldier’s compliment could not compare to the unreasonable satisfaction she felt when Saker held her out at arms length, studied her from head to toe, felt that longing to hold her that he had on so many occasions suppressed, that longing which Alaren knew to be his love for her. She moved- or was drawn, she could not tell which- into his arms, a tender embrace that spoke more than words ever could.
"You really are beautiful tonight, Aes Sedai,” he said as they separated, the first words he had addressed to her since that morning. “May I be the first to dance with the new Queen?"
“Your Highness,” Alaren said with a smile and a curtsy, “I daresay you may.”
He looked startlingly different from the man she had crashed into the previous night, the man with tousled hair and pained eyes. Of course she had always known there was something more to him- he had always been a strong warrior and a talented leader- but even she had not expected the Saker who stood before her now, this King in his quiet dignity and contentment. It had always been there, but tonight he shined.
“Look at you,” she murmured with a smile as she moved close to him. “You clean up well. Silks? Shiny boots? A crown? Oh, and look!” she cried, “trousers!”
Re: Coronation
Brenna moved closer to Raekal and gave Rodgin a grin. She did not respond too quickly since her head was filled witht he cheers from the people of Manetheran. It warmed her heart a bit to see celebration. She was so tired of withdrawn looks and dismal expressions. Hope was alive here and for a few more moments she would like to enjoy it. She wrapped her arms around Raekal's waist and smiled into his face. "Sorry Rodgin I'm afriad I have promised all my dances to him. But I am sure Mariea won't mind if you find you another partner for one or two dances." Her eyes never left Raekal's face, her love for him was so strong she wanted to weep or kick him.
A sigh escaped over her wayward emotions. For the past few weeks she had been a whirlwind of turbulent emotions and she could not seem to control them. For a while now she had thought to ask Alexia Sedai about her small problem. She could ask someone else but she had grown close to the Aes Sedai over time and respected her opinion. At that thought she kissed Raekal on the cheek. He started to grow used to Alexia, he was even a bit trusting of her although he would fiercely deny it even to himself. The fact that he allowed her to come to the coronation was a show of respect to her if not to the White Tower. She gazed over his shoulder to the Aes Sedai. Alexia looked elegant in her white dress and shawl. How she procured any sort of wardrobe surprised Brenna but Aes Sedai were known to be resourceful. It was the look on her face that surprised her though. There was a large amount of anger. Before she could finish her study however the Queen and King of Manetheran made their entrance.
Their happiness seemed to cause a wave of sighs and applause. Both looked at each other as if no one else existed and it took Brenna's breath away. Tears started to well up in her eyes and she muttered under her breath. Raekal looked down at her then and she told him to stop looking at her before she started to really cry.
-Yasha Murikovine Queen of Saldaea- -Brenna Selanos BT Civilian- -Aiden D'orgen BotRH- -AND Bio Checker-
Re: Coronation
"Perhaps she wouldn't mind Brenna," Rodgin said with a grin, "But I really am not in the mood to dance. But I figured if anything could move The Stormleader, it would be a threat to have you dance with another."
Rodgin joined in the cheering again, but started toward the front. He had business to discuss with Saker. It didn't matter if he had to stay in the newly built city untill tomorrow morning, he would discuss things with Saker.
The Legion was coming into it's own, but there is no way he could put them up against the likes of the Band. But then again, he would never know until he did. Perhaps Saker could spare a battalion for a mock battel somewhere. Rodgin hated to waste the resources to maneuver liek that, but he needed something for the men to see.
He would stay as long as it took, but he definitly had business to discuss.
**************************************************
Curlan held his post, hiding, like he always did, in the middle of the crowd. Actually, it was under cerimonial armor, which he was finding to be rather uncomfortable at this point. It would take an act of the Creator to move him from his spot though.
His new King AND Queen, standing so near him, was worth every drop a sweat that ran down the back of his legs. Worth every muscle that complained and begged to move. Proud was the word, and even though he had spent years hiding his golden eyes, his head couldn't bow, his eyes couldn't avert.
He was part of the honor guard of the most blessed nation in the world. To the blight with anyone who could make him move. Especially that blasted fly that kept buzzing around him.
Rodgin Kemph - Ex-Master Blacksmith of Saldea
Raekal RP Admin Band OL King of Manetheren
Posts: 278
(12/10/06 5:57 pm) Reply
Re: Coronation
Saker laughed. "Yes. Trousers. That stay on, properly, even." He winked at her as he turned to the side, offering her his arm. As she linked her own through his, he lead the way back down to the press of people, all intent on offering congratulations, or well wishings, or any such thing. Saker nodded and smiled and shook all the right hands, though he already ached to be alone with Alaren. They walked down to the front of the palace. Loud music was playing from the center of the square, and people were pressed in all around to dance and sway to the rythyms.
Food carts were all around the edges, surrouned by a press of people, all hungry, and intent on eating their fill. There was more than enough for everyone. Saker spun Alaren suddenly, and smiled mischeviously at her as he took her in his arms, whisking her away on some whimsical tune or another. While he had spotted familiar eyes and faces watching, he would have this moment for his own happiness. He would have this dance to remember for the rest of his life.
***
Raekal hugged Brenna tightly as the dancing and true festivities began. "There are hours left before it's too late to move, my friend," he said to Rodgin. "I'm sure that I can allow to have at least one dance, in all that time." He squeezed Brenna's hand, and then ducked down for a quick kiss before pulling her to him for their own first dance. He passed Alexia Sedai on the way to the common square and bowed slightly from the waist to her. "Alexia Sedia. I trust you're doing well here?" he asked. When she didn't answer right away, he leaned forward, lowering his voice so only she would hear him. "I wanted you to see what it is the Black Tower fights for. And this... this life around us, is it. This happiness, this pureness. This simple joy of reveling in life. That is what we fight for, Alexia Sedai. What is it precisely that your Tower fights for?" And then he was gone, into the crowd, with Brenna in tow.
(Raekal Dunshain) -- First Stormleader Asha'man Bonded to Brenna Selanos (Saker Mandell) -- King of Manetheren (Seia Vron) -- Asha'man (Tristan Du'saa) -- Gaidin in Training (Kerin Lizaile) -- Aes Sedai of the Blue Ajah
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