Court Opening Week Day 1: Opening of Court
A leader or appointed representative from each noble house is present as theKing arrives in the main hall, accompanied by his chief herald, the Crown Prince, Spackle the Fool, and Lord Gavin Vasille the captain-at-arms. Lots are quickly drawn for the seating of the noble houses, with Lord Stagg and the Lord Rian Kassof drawing the choice places to the left and right of the royal party.
Normally this would be followed by the traiditional trumpet fanfare and the admission of petitioners to court. Already, out in the courtyard, the steward, Lord Ezra, is overseeing the preliminary screening of the claimants.
Today, however, the King has other business on his mind.
"Before we begin, first, I ask a moment's prayer that the Spirits favor the full recovery of a good friend to this court, Lord Lucien Slade. I am certain the First Sister could do a better job than I at prayer, and when the court is open, I shall request her blessing, but for the moment, let us silently entreet the spirits on behalf of our friend in his moment of need."
The King bowed his head for a time, then continued.
"It does not please this court to open for business in the midst of strife. We understand that the injury to Lord Slade came about through malice, and we are clear in our rejection and condemnation of this cowardly attack. We also understand that there may be disagreement among you lords as to how to proceed. I will hear those concerns voiced now, before this court turns its attention to matters of the kingdom."
The King turned to House Slade's seat, occupied by Lucien's son, Lord Stanhelm Slade, a man with a well-deserved reputation as a skilled warrior and woodsman.
"Your majesty. Fellow lords. I shall be brief. My family expects nothing less than a full investigation and the swift and immediate justice of the royal court brought to bear on the vile cowards behind this attack!"
His gaze turned toward Rian Kassof, "Some here my dwell in past ages under the mistaken impression that my family is one to be bullied and intimidated. They will discover the mistake of their ways in short order."
He sat, waiting to see who else had anything to say on the matter.
Normally this would be followed by the traiditional trumpet fanfare and the admission of petitioners to court. Already, out in the courtyard, the steward, Lord Ezra, is overseeing the preliminary screening of the claimants.
Today, however, the King has other business on his mind.
"Before we begin, first, I ask a moment's prayer that the Spirits favor the full recovery of a good friend to this court, Lord Lucien Slade. I am certain the First Sister could do a better job than I at prayer, and when the court is open, I shall request her blessing, but for the moment, let us silently entreet the spirits on behalf of our friend in his moment of need."
The King bowed his head for a time, then continued.
"It does not please this court to open for business in the midst of strife. We understand that the injury to Lord Slade came about through malice, and we are clear in our rejection and condemnation of this cowardly attack. We also understand that there may be disagreement among you lords as to how to proceed. I will hear those concerns voiced now, before this court turns its attention to matters of the kingdom."
The King turned to House Slade's seat, occupied by Lucien's son, Lord Stanhelm Slade, a man with a well-deserved reputation as a skilled warrior and woodsman.
"Your majesty. Fellow lords. I shall be brief. My family expects nothing less than a full investigation and the swift and immediate justice of the royal court brought to bear on the vile cowards behind this attack!"
His gaze turned toward Rian Kassof, "Some here my dwell in past ages under the mistaken impression that my family is one to be bullied and intimidated. They will discover the mistake of their ways in short order."
He sat, waiting to see who else had anything to say on the matter.