Banquet for Avaren

[Elyan Herculides]

In the luxurious Banquet Hall there was held a feast. An invitation was sent to all the Warriors that dwelled in the city of Avaren to come join the Royal Family for a wonderful banquet that marked the beginning of a new Era for their new Kingdom. The King was a great moustached man, dressed in gold with an equally radiant crown upon his head. As he did not want to mix food with war on such a wonderful day, he did not wear his mighty sword that was famously passed down from generation to generation in the Royal Family.

Seated at his right was his Queen, Rianne. To the King she was the most beautiful woman in the land, if not the world. Smiling, he placed his hand upon hers and shook it in a supportive manner. As the Castle's old Maitre'd had disappeared of late, he had a cooking boy provide the service for the tables. There were at least seven fat cooked geese, a platter of cranberry sauce and a pitcher of honey placed next to them. Salads and meat pies were other courses that lined the table, with bowls of luxurious stews, soups, and puddings adding to the scene.

And to top it all off, next to every plate, spoon, fork, and knife, was a tall glass for drinking. Barrels of mead, beer, and ale were rolled into the corners of the room, ready for opening for each of the guest's different tastes. The King felt this would be a good banquet.

He looked over to his wife as they waited for the guests to arrive, "What are you thinking about, dear?"

[Gilsworthy]

Before the kind king could respond, the doors to the Banquet Hall burst open and a loud and slightly ragged voice shouted, perhaps with traces of madness, "What's this now, a party and I wasn't invited?" A man stepped into the Hall, hunched slightly with the weariness of travel, his gait that of one who has learned how to walk, and keep on walking.

He did not appear as one for the courts, or the palaces, or anywhere that dignified people walked in their delicately slippered feet and talked their dainty conversation. From top to bottom he looked just plain worn, from his jet black hair hanging in messy strands over his eyes and ears, to the frayed and slightly torn dark overcoat he wore covering his tall, lanky frame. The overcoat would be slightly baffling to anybody present, as it was ungodly hot outside, since summer was quickly coming to a close. Weather never affected Gil's wardrobe. There was very little that affected Gil's wardrobe, although judging by the beads of sweat that gathered and trickled down his face and off his hair, his will might have been starting to crack. If the skies looked like rain, the overcoat stayed on. Blizzard? Overcoat. Heat wave? Still the overcoat. In fact, weather as hot as this almost demanded the coat staying on. The sun being brighter meant the shadows got darker.

Dust streaked his coat, evidence of having traveled long. He usually wore it unbuttoned, and for at least partial relief he had it open and swishing about his ankles as he strode to a nearby bench, eyeing up the free food with delight. Being on the road didn't offer any chances for a serious, home-cooked meal, and wasn't it just incredible luck that Gil arrived in this city at the exact time the King is holding a feast? Marvelously good luck. The benefactor was seated at the end of the long table, and Gil gave him a cursory nod before pulling the seat back with a screech, ripping the leg off a nearby roast goose, kicking his dusty heels up to rest on the table, and chowing down. Manners were one skill that Gil had never bothered to acquire, and one that a Thief found little use of. The leg was quickly made to be a picked bone, which the thief flipped onto his plate before snatching a pitcher of some kind of chilled juice and pouring himself a glass and chugging it. He relished the taste, it had to be the first cold drink he had had in months.

Deciding to delve back into more goose at a later time, Gil nabbed a spoonful of pudding onto his plate and took a stab at it with his own spoon, his feet still resting on the table. He leaned back on two legs of the chair and took a bite, it was damn good pudding. Whoever was the chef at this fine castle deserved an award. Gil licked the spoon, then deftly slipped it into a pocket almost out of reflex before grabbing some more goose. In typical Gilsworthy fashion, he would milk this feast for all it was worth then get out before anything was expected of him.

[Aleph il'Aranroth]

Aleph entered the hall in a far quieter fashion. He'd been lucky to hear of the invitation just before leaving the city that morning. Such a feast certainly demanded that he stay one more night. He'd then spent the rest of the day patching and cleaning his best clothes. They weren't anything overly impressive, but they were nicer and more ceremonial than his customary armor.

Aleph made his way calmly and quietly to the table and stood before the king and the queen. He dropped to his right knee, with the knuckles of his right hand pressed against the ground. He held his left hand where the hilt of a sword would normally be and kept his head bowed. He stayed down like this for a count of 20 out of deference for their station, and then for another count of 5 out of thanks for the feast. As he stood, he said, "May your rule know only peace, your Highness." He then chose a seat at the table and sat calmly down.

[.::Evee~Natalia::.]

Evee was estatic when she heard the news of a banquet and sure enough she went straight to it when it was time for it to start. She wore a black version of her usual attire this time, and a longer cloak she could close a little more. When she arrived, she peeked into the banquet hall coyly trying to remain out of sight momentarily. She looked mysterios as she looked around the banquet hall trying to see who was there first. When she was comfortable she walked in casually with her head held high. She went up to the king's throne and knelt with her head bowed.

"I wish you a safe night and an honorable rule..." Evee stood once again and then looked around. She saw Aleph sitting alone but she was too shy to say anything to him, he had saved her life and she owed him so much. Nonetheless that can't change how bashful she gets. Evee sat at a vacant table that was two tables away from Aleph, she resisted looking at him out of the corner of her eye. She wanted to at least greet him but she was nervous. She was fully concious now and she wouldn't know what to say to him now.

[Rianne Herculides]

Another Banquet, another day. One more chance for everyone of every class and form to come together and celebrate and eat together, drink ale and sing songs, and generally forget the ties of class and rank for a bit and sit together. Warrior and wench, nobleman and town drunks, women and children. All came to the Banquet Hall on that day to celebrate Avaren, the land to which each belonged, and also to which each owed their daily loyalty. And also a great chance for the rulers of Avaren to see their subjects, and those that they served. Both King and Queen were in attendance that day, sitting together. While the King was bedecked in gold, Rianne herself wore white, with her own small gold crown that contrasted with raven black hair. Confident grey eyes looked out before her as things were set out for a banquet and feast that would surely be remembered.

She smiled when the King put a hand on her own and went to answer his question, but not a word passed from her mouth because a rather…boisterous guest had arrived. Some would take his actions as annoying, but she just smiled at his entrance and trained careful eyes on him. His attire wasn’t well cared for it seemed, but judging by his manner he didn’t really care. There were all types here as mentioned, and so even the lower class would be there as well today. She even had to stifle a laugh as he made himself quite at home with manners worse then one of the palace dogs would have. Avaren housed both the sane…and the not quite so.

More guests arrived in the form of a rather quiet soldier and an equally if not more so quiet girl. Both payed their respects to their King before sitting down, and Rianne just nodded at them before turning her gaze towards Elyan. “If you ask what I am thinking, I would have to say its that this will be quite the banquet I believe, especially if any of the other guests are like the first over there.” She said with mirth in her voice, returning her attention to the arriving folk.

[Thurel Derufin]

Whereas every preparation was made inside of the Castle for the coming Banquet, Thurel Derufin had been making certain that the guards were posted and the various points of importance were keep under lock and key. There were 6 stout fellows guarding the entrance to the Castle, the usual compliment of guards in the Castle corridors and on the wall. One could never be too careful even in times of peace, for there are some that would take advantage of services offered and others; others whose thoughts might not dwell on piece at all. No matter what ever situation was thrown against him or the Royal family's guests today; he was confident that he'd be able to react fast enough to lessen whatever damage could be caused. Probably after this feast was over the King would have a talk with him about being overcautious, but it was in his blood to be that way; this simple reaction was part of the simple man.

Finery was key for today; no relaxed dress would be acceptable in Thurel Derufin's eyes for this occurance. Which is why he wore the armor that signified him as the Captain of the Guard. Heavy, black platemail covered his torso; for he didn't like the idea of painting the family crest on the chest armor since it would bring back those memories. Beneath the platemail was a single layer of chainmail, and that covered his torso minus his arms and went down to his knees in the manner of a surcoat. He had spent hours scrubbing of the grim on his boots and polishing his blade before he set off that morning to the Castle. And cover his head was a pembridge greathelm of a tarnished black color. The theme of black could make people think he was of evil temper, and at times he could; but a man that wore black wore only wore it to hide his identity from those he didn't want finding out of him.

With his bastard sword securely in it's scabbard that hung on his belt, the bastion of a solider entered into the feasting hall and surveyed the partiers of the feast. There was of course his and her majesty up at the head of the table, most likely looking over the guests as they entered. Such a lovely couple they made, and Thurel was honored to survive them as he had served the king before. Then there were two younger people; the one man of that group was clearly a warrior, but the lady....she didn't seem to quite fit into his mind as a warrior. And only warriors were to be in the City of Avaren; could there be a plot afoot? If that was so, then he had best bring this to the attention of the royals. And as for the last guest that his eyes caught onto; the word "street rat!" was screaming about in his head like mad, but as biased about mages and thieves as he was; the Captain had enough sense to hold back any comments that he might voice.

Walking about to where the King and Queen stood, Thurel Derufin knelt on his right knee and looked away from the King and Queen as it was proper decorom to do so until spoken to. "Hail King Elyan Herculides and Hail Queen Rianne Herculides. I've made sure that measures have been taken to ensure you're safety. I also have made the observation that the girl sitting next to the young warrior is out of place; I suspect that she is a mage. And as they are not welcome here; shall I deal with her? Or what other orders would you have your captain carry out?", said Thurel Derufin in his deep bass.

[Arianna Sherinath]

The doors to the Banquet Hall emitted a small creak as they were pushed open slightly, admitting a tall, slim young woman into the Hall. As the young woman took note of just how many, or really how few, people were in the Hall, an eyebrow arched in surprise and amusement. Surely there would have been more people taking advantage of their rulers hospitality than this. Deciding to let the number of people pass without comment, Arianna moved towards the rulers, King Elyan and Queen Rianne.

Kneeling, the cloak clasped around her neck settling around her, Ari muttered her respects as was customary. The words of the black-clad warrior also kneeling though a little way in front of her did not escape her notice. The young woman's nostrils flared, though the movement was invisible, her face angled towards the ground. She stood, avoiding the eyes of the Majesties and retreated to a seat near the back of the hall whereupon she found herself presented with the sight of a dusty, travel-worn young man. Or rather the soles of his boots.

Both eyebrows rose at this absence of manners, the man in front of her clearly lacking anything that would make for some sort of pleasant conversation. Briefly Ari considered moving further up the table but decided against it; at least she wouldn't be obliged to make meaningless and polite conversation throughout the Banquet and risk offending someone or other. Her nose wrinkling ever so slightly with distaste, the young woman blew the ever-present lock of dark hair out of her eye- only to have it return almost immediately- and turned her attention tot he food. Occasionally, she would drop a piece of goose or some other morsel for the large cat stationed beneath her chair.

[Mira Nightingale]

Having received an invitation from the Royal Family to attend a banquet held for all of Avaren, Mira felt she couldn’t not attend. Her parents told her it would be great for her to attend, to meet the royalty and the other people who had been invited. Contrary to her parents, Mira went to get away from them and meet some interesting folk like warriors and maybe even a few mages which she had heard about but never seen.

As she entered into the Banquet Hall, a little nervously, her blue-gray eyes scanned over the occupants of the room and the tables that held the already prepared feast. Although she was only mildly hungry, she knew she would have to try a bit of everything, just to be polite at the least. The people in the hall looked so different from each other Mira was surprised they were all getting along remotely well. There was a shady character wearing a long overcoat with his feet propped up on the table, a warrior who was wearing nice, ceremonial clothing, two young women wearing all black, and who she assumed was the Captain of the Guard.

Licking her lips out of a nervous habit, she proceeded up to the thrones where the King and Queen sat, gliding across the floor in her not quite simple, not quite elaborate, sky blue gown. Finally when she reached the rules of her homeland she curtsied to both of them. “Your Highnesses,” she started, addressing both the King and the Queen at the same time, “I thank you for your invitation to this feast.”

[Elyan Herculides]

OOC: I'm sorry everyone for not posting in this thread for a while. I promise to be more stable from now on.

IC:

Before his beautiful wife could say anything more, a new subject came in to join his banquet. He was obviously some kind of beggar who's only sustenance was to live off of the stolen goods of others. The King could hardly respond. Even with his generosity extended, the subject did little more than nod his head and continue stuffing his face with all the treats that the Royal Family had provided.

Elyan was not too pleased with the way this thief acted, and would've gladly thrown the man out of the Castle and his Kingdom if it weren't for his wife's obvious amusement. Perhaps he was a bit too uptight - this was a feast for everyone, and everyone included the less well off.

The more moral subjects began to file in one after another once the beggar had his first come first serve meal. One came forward, a young warrior, perhaps one day to be a Knight in his court, and bowed before himself and the Queen, blessing their rule and showing his devotion. "And may God always cherish and protect you." He said in return to the warrior.

Other, strange people came into the hall, but the one which most excited him was the arrival of Thurel, Captain of the Guard. The man was like the brother he never had, and while Elyan and Rianne were still childless, the heir presumptive to the throne. He had grown up with Thurel, both Knights in his Father's court, and it troubled him that after he recieved the Crown and Thurel was promoted to leader of the Knights the man who was like his brother began to refer to him only as a Superior, as if he were his Father.

"Don't worry about it Thurel," he said with a wave of his hand, "Everyone knows mages are just a silly old wives' tale. If you start believing in Devil Summoners, they'll start popping up left and right in pretty young ladies like these two." He motioned to the two ladies who had just joined them. "Then we'll have a very paranoid Captain, wouldn't we? Thurel, come, sit next to us."

He cleared his throat and stood up, waving his hands to signal silence from the subjects. "Welcome, welcome to the Banquet for the new age of Avaren. As you all know, we only hold this Banquet when a new King is chosen. So everyone enjoy the meals the cooks have prepared, and chat amongst yourselves."

[Shadow]

((is it still open?))

Shadow walked into the banquet hall cautiously, hood raised and covering the better part of his face. you never know, the men who put the bounty on his head might be here. Shadow shuddered inwardly, hoping against that thought. As he approached the thrones, he frowned slightly,hearing that mages were only wives tales. shaking his head, he laughed inwardly. " well, It's probably better that way, especially with what happened in the past."

Approaching the king and queen, Shadow knelt in respect. He lowered his voice, and folded his pinky and ring finger in a sign of respect across his chest. "your Majesties, tis an Honor."

He stood and walked over to the table, making note of all arranged. A slight look of scorn crossed his face as he observed the actions of the thief, especially because of his blatant obviousness. Shaking his head, he sat down and lowered his hood. shaking his sleek black hair into a semi-straight appearance, he prepared himself a plate and began to eat, inwardly praising the cook.

Pausing to take a drink, he looked around, searching for someone of familiarity, to engage them in conversation if they were willing.

[Allen †]

OOC: If I am not welcome, tell me

Eragon walked with a stiff back into the hall with Saphira trailing behind him. He swallowed with nervousness as he approached the king and queen. He walked forward and went down on one knee. "I greet you, Your majesties." He said, putting two fingers on his lip. "Atra esterní ono thelduin,Mor'ranr lífa unin hjarta onr,Un du evarínya ono varda. Sé onr sverdar sitja hvass!" He said and stood up, bowing and retreating backwards.

"Hey Shadow." he murmured to Shadow. "The King and queen looked high and mighty." Eragon said admiringly."I blessed them, I am really honoured to do so." He said, still looking over at the King and Queen. Then he looked around for any other friends he might meet as he took up some mead.

OOC: erm... what I said to the King and Queen is:

May good fortune rule over you,Peace live in your heart,And the stars watch over you. May your swords stay sharp!

[Shadow]

Shadow nodded to Eragon, and to Saphira. lowering his voice to eragon, he shook his head. "remember, in this town, us mages and our magic are old wives tales. it wasnt a wise choice to bring Saphira unfortunately, seeing as it will bring unwanted questions, and if they see that mark on your hand there willl be even more trouble. Just remember, There is no such thing as magic while you are in the king's presence. Got it?"

Shadow returned his voice to a normal volume and smiled. "Ah, Eragon, How good it is to see you. The food is excellent, the drink is better. Have a seat." he indicated a place on the bench next to him. "make yourself a plate."

[Allen †]

"I understand. It forbidden for me to use magic." Eragon nodded and sat down, getting himself some mead and food. "Its good. I hope I won't get drunk!" Eragon smiled as he drank his mead. "Its good, but want to try soemthing better?" Eragon...becareful... Saphira warned him. "Its okay, saphira, " Eragon reassured her and took a flask out of his pack he brought along with him. It was flaenirv. He pour some into his mouth and closed his eyes as it made his thraot burn and his fingertips tingle. "try some." He said as he handed Shadow the flask. "Drink sparingly, its the last flask I left. Its from the elves." he whispered.

[Lessien Mithrandír]

The soft layers of material of her dress lifted in the breezes, long brown curls framed the small and slender frame. A ring of forget-me-nots circled the crown of her head. Lara spread her wings from where she was perched on Lessien’s right shoulder as they crossed the threshold. Her small kin slipped feet stepped lightly across the flagstone floor as she became part of the crowd that had gathered. Bright colours lit up the hall as dances span and turned in a circle. Faint music whispered over the crowds chatter. Looking around the walls the history of Avaren could be seen illustrated through grand frescos.

Sitting high on a plat formed level sat the king and queen of Avaren. The Queen sat high and gracefully, a small gold crown the sat upon raven black hair. Her calm gentle grey eyes looked as though they look at each and everyone present as if addressing them alone. Lessien admired the women she seemed strong although slender as her white gown flowed over her body. Smiling Lessien noticed the king place a hand on his wife’s. Lessien’s eyes followed the arm of the king she took the look of the man into her mind there was no question about it. He was indeed the king his structure and the way he held himself spoke that to her. Giggling a little she noticed how the King’s gold tunic seemed to glow giving him a glorious look of and immortal. Surprising her; the King’s hair wasn’t long like that of the men who had been in her household instead his brown hair sat on his shoulders.

A sparkle to the left of the king and queen took Lessien’s attention looking over she saw to men stood talking and drinking from a flask. From the spot where she stood she could not see them clearly. Pushing her way through the crowd so as she could get a closer look, Lara began to fuss. Moving quicker Lessien came to a less crowed area. Unsure of the reason why the crowd had faded out, she looked up to take in her surroundings. Lessien stood before the King and Queen. The heat of embarrassment rose to her cheeks; quickly she curtsied and greeted them, “Your Majesties.” Gracefully she stepped to the left of the King and Queen before she stood her full height of 160cm. Turning she saw the too she had looked at from across the room. She knew one; he had been the first to greet her once she arrived here in Avaren, Shadow. The other she had never seen.

[Allen †]

Eragon watched as a new girl came in and he frowned. "I really..." He started. then stopped. He wondered why that girl was staring at him and Shadow. "Do you know that girl?" Eragon asked. He took Shadow's silence as a yes and frowned. "She's staring at us. And she is pretty graceful too." He looked over at her again.

He poured some flaenirv into a cup and pushed it towards Shadow, then he got up and headed over to the girl.