Pomp and Splendour

[legendaryextras]

This gala promises to be a gala like none that have come before. Weeks have been spent in preparation, and the kitchens have been working at full strength throughout the day to produce the most exotic foods for their guests to sample. In the great hall, the decorations have not been spared, and the pageantry lavish; great tables line its perimeter

Comments

[all_zoned_out]

Young Sir Richard is somewhat annoyed at the lack of a fanfare to announce his presence - he's been the squire to the land's greatest nights, an accomplished troubador, a man of a thousand talents - and an ego near to match.

He snaps his fingers to bring one of the servants to his side, claiming a cup of wine from the tray, and sipping it as he looks around the room.

[all_zoned_out]

He extends his hand readily, shaking Miguel's in a firm greeting.

"I am Sir Richard, known to some as the Singing Knight. I imagine you have traveled far indeed, Sir Miguel. Come to court one of the lovely princesses, or merely as an honored guest of the crown?"

[spidey2099]

"The latter," he assures, glancing to the white-haired stunner. "The king and I have a long history, and I confess that maidens not yet women hold no interest for me."

Then, a full turn to her, offering his hand to her. "And who might this exquisite beauty be?"

[blackcatstyle]

"Oh, I might be any number of people," she says airily, snapping her fan closed, and then opening it again. "For there are any number of people here eager to see if our princesses may find a husband worthy of their fair hands."

[spidey2099]

"It's become a spectator sport, has it, then? Perhaps our singing knight has an interest in expanding his own audience with those who watch the comings and goings of royalty."

[blackcatstyle]

She shrugs, tilting her head. "Ah, but it is no sport, Sir Miguel, though 'twould be fine sport indeed to see Sir Richard wend his way to the altar of Holy Mother Church with a princess." She gives Sir Richard a coy look. "For is it not said that the song is more powerful than the sword? Surely such a stalwart knight could strengthen our borders."

[all_zoned_out]

"The princesses are fair enough to draw the eye, but it takes more than fair looks to inspire a song in the heart."

Sir Richard also entertains few ambitions of marrying into royalty - still, the fact that he is present means he could be persuaded.

[spidey2099]

"A truly noble sentiment, sirrah."

Sirrah? That one semester of drama is paying off.

"Perhaps a noble enough sentiment to draw the attentions of one of these notoriously fickle young women?"

Then a glance to the beauty. "Speaking of which, I have not forgotten that you haven't offered your name, milady. While you could be any number of people, I can scarcely imagine that anyone else could be you."

[blackcatstyle]

Again the fan flutters before her eyes. "Since that is who I am, who I am is Lady Felicia, and what I am is one of Her Majesty's ladies-in-waiting."

[spidey2099]

Miguel scoops up her hand and offers a kiss to her fingers.

"It is a most exquisite pleasure to meet you, Lady Felicia. Might I ask what it is you've been waiting for?"

[blackcatstyle]

She inclines her head in recognition of his gesture. "Why, like so many at court, I wait for a wedding. Are you certain your only business with the Crown is with the king?"

[spidey2099]

"Most certainly, I am certain," he responds, not eager to release her hand.

"Although I am certainly open to business opportunity, should it arise."

Entendre, ahoy.

[blackcatstyle]

"Well...." She draws closer. "Allow me, then, to rise to the occasion and give you the opportunity to explore ... openings?"

[spidey2099]

Wow.

"Far be it from me to refuse such a generous offer. Shall we discuss these matters in a more private locale?"

[blackcatstyle]

"I would not dream of discussing them in open court." Playfully she taps his arm with her fan.

[spidey2099]

That arm is quickly offered to her.

"Then let's head to a closed-door session, if you please."