Court Opening Week Day 1: Opening of Court

[shaharazad]

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

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[shaharazad]

From the end of seats at the King's left rose Lord Ronald Hestor, a frontiersman not known for his skills at diplomacy.

"What are you implying, sir? That Kassof or any other house would resort to hired thugs for some imagined dispute?"

"Imagined! Do you think that my family has imagined three quarters of a century of ill-use at the hands of your ally?" Now Slade was standing as well.

"Enough!" The King's roar trailed off into a fit of coughing. The Crown Prince reached to steady his father, but the king waved him off and stood up straight, seemingly at easy.

The King lowered his voice, "We did not call for discussion to have you squabbling like a band of washerwomen who've taken to bedding the same stableboy. We would like to hear anything that could lend light to the investigation of this crime."

Rian Kassof slowly raised a hand.

"I've little to add, only that House Kassof stands alongside our brother families and condemns this action for what it is: Vile treachery. I've little to add to the investigation, but of course the services of my family and my entire staff is at your disposal. I should also remind your Majesty that one of the ones responsible for the saving the life of Lord Slade, Spirits willing, is a servant girl in the service of my sister. She will be along shortly when members of household staffs are admitted into the hall, and if it pleases any of you lords to hear her account of the events she witnessed, she will speak truthfully."

[gaaneden]

When the servants of the household staffs were allowed to enter, Caerling entered with the rest of the House Kassof. She noticed a larger number of people than expected looking at the House Kassof group and whispering. Some even seemed to be gesturing at her. "Master Christos, what's happening? Why are they staring at us?"

[shaharazad]

Christos shook his head.

"I don't know, but I'm damn sure going to find out."

Christos left Caerling's side to attend to Lord Rian. Caerling was assisting Lady Rhianna, and could wait and watch while Christos and Rian had a quick whispered conversation.

Christos returned and gave a quick explanation.

"You've told the story a dozen times by now. You needn't worry if they wish you to recount it once more."

As Lady Rhianna was getting seated, Caerling felt a tug on her sleeve.

It was Freyda. She very quickly signalled for silence and whispered to Caerling, "I thought you should know... Gerald Kassof was just arrested for drunkeness at the Palace gate."

She darted away, back to her business, her whispered words to Caerling unnoticed by any around them.

It was going to be a long day.

[gaaneden]

She hoped she would not have to recount it but she could and would if necessary. As for Gerald, she sincerely hoped that he was detained and imprisoned or something of the like to keep him out of House Kassof's hair. Most importantly, she really hoped he would not remember her.