Anarchy in Anuire

[Prince Darien]

Once more the tables of the grand hall find themselves hard pressed to carry the many plates filled to the brim with fine food and delicacies, all prepared for the Grand Ball which marks the end of the Tournament.

As the dinner nears its completion, a troubadour is reciting a poem of today’s exploits during the melee, striking down on the greater moments, while taking care not to insult anyone. When his reciting nears the end, and he gives praise to the Patriarch as the greatest swordsman ever to grace the tourneys of Avanil, and Veladin Avan for almost bringing him down, Prince Darien leads the modest applause, then rises from his seat.

“Honoured guests! Tomorrow marks the last day of the Avanese Gala. Already some have left us, driven by more urgent needs at home, and on the morrow the rest of you will go, leaving me with empty halls and dreary days ahead.
I thank you all for your visit. It has been most splendid, and I invite you all to join me next fall, where once more, Avanil will try to outdo these last few days of merriment.

I do, however, have some unfinished business, if you will indulge my need to please.” He claps his hand twice, calling forth a small crowd of servants all holding small satin pillows with cloth draped above something lying on them. The servants are flanked by two guards and the Chamberlain of Avanil.
“You see, I owe thanks to much. I find myself surrounded by friends, family and close allies, and I feel I have a need to repay some of this in kind.

Parnien Anuvier Iniere, where are you? Approach me.”
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“I'm not interested in preserving the status quo; I want to overthrow it.”

[Parnien Anuvier Iniere]

As the pudgy guilder looks about him slowly, half a chicken leg still sticking out from his mouth, he seems to realize that he has been called before the prince and hastily puts the rest of the food down on his plate, wiping his hands in the napkin provided for him. He rises quickly and makes his way to the Prince’s table, standing in the middle of the gathered crowd.
“My Prince?”
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“There are toys for all ages”

[Prince Darien]

Darien smiles as he waves one of his servants forward.
“Parnien. You have been a loyal subject of Avanil and a good personal friend of the Avan’s for some time. It is time I repay that favour.”
He reaches out and removes the cloth from the pillow, revealing a small silver figurine of a raven with a small cylinder attached to one leg. Picking it up tenderly in both his hands, he holds it up to his lips and whispers something.

In front of all the people, the figurine seems to come to life, flapping with its wings and croaking. It adjusts itself in Dariens hands and cocks its head to one side glaring at the gaping merchant.

“This is Feichín. It is my gift to you Parnien – a silver raven, which will carry your messages long without tiring. Its use it limited however, so try not to tax it overly. Take it and take your seat once more, my friend.” He holds the raven close, whispering something again, which returns the raven to its inert figurine state.
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“I'm not interested in preserving the status quo; I want to overthrow it.”

[Parnien Anuvier Iniere]

“Milord… this is…. Thank you my Prince, I will treasure it greatly!”
Parnien’s face is flushed with excitement and wine, and he takes the figurine into his arms, cradling it like one would a small child. The guilder then bows deeply, retreating to his place and the waiting crowd of people, eager to see the figurine up closely.
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“There are toys for all ages”

[Prince Darien]

“Not all of my close allies could be present today, sad as it may be. But I wish it known that there are presents for them too. I have looked long and hard for these, and I believe each to represent something to me, as well as those they are meant for.”
He calls the rest of the servants forward and reveals what lies on the pillows one by one.
“For the Governor of Mieres I have this – magical pigments, which will transform the things it paints into real objects. I think it will please the young Governor.

For the Count of Taeghas, this pearl, which I have been told is the tear of a long gone mythical being. Whether that holds true or not I will let Harald Khorien decide – it holds some power, that there can be no questioning, though I believe it to be of more value to those that deal with the Arcane.” He looks to the Heir of Taeghas “I will trust this gift to you, and hope you will bring it to the Count with my gratitude.”

Turning to the gifts again, he continues.
“For the Duke of Brosengae, a man whose voice and presence I believe we all have witnessed, I have this Cloak.” He holds up a fine fashionable deepblue cloak with a silver trim. ”It may seem like any mundane garb of high fashion, but I assure you, Your Grace, it holds more than what meets the eye. Perhaps the next time you wish to sing for us, you will do me the honour of wearing this at the same time? If nothing else, then to accentuate your performance,” Darien grins.

“To my beloved daughter, who unfortunately could not be by our side this day, I have this golden necklace. I am said that it can be quite a sight under the right circumstances – I feel certain Princess Aubrae will know when to wear it and will do so with style.

And finally, to my son… well you already know your gift, and have in effect already received it, but allow me to give it to you under more official circumstances. This beautiful circlet, which will serve you in the future, as well as it has served me in the past. We have already discussed the merits of this gift, and I know you will carry it well.”

He smiles, as he places the circlet on his son’s head, then raises his cup.
“To friends, family and allies – Life is partly what we make it, and partly what it is made by the companies we choose.

And now – dance, drink and enjoy yourselves, on this, the last day of the Gala.”
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“I'm not interested in preserving the status quo; I want to overthrow it.”

[Travys Mierelen]

Surprise evident on his face, the Duke thanks Prince Darien earnestly for his gift, and spends a good part of the rest of the evening examining the garment.

[Marlae Roesone]

The Baroness applauds politely along with the rest of the crowd at the Prince's many announcements. She drinks to the toast before resuming with the party.
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For Gold and Glory!
Live by the Sword, die by the Axe
Forgive and Forget
We Dare!
-Mottos of House Roesone throughout the years.

[Suris Enlien]

Applauding politely and as well as one can while holding a glass of wine, Baroness Enlien of Medoere stands near a pillar as the crowd disperses to the food tables after the Prince's announcement. Once the initial rush disperses, she makes her way and begins examining the offerings, though curious about the empty plates that have yet to be replaced.
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To the everlasting glory of the Silver Prince.
Shines the name, shines the name of Brun Szareh...

[Sven Bjording]

[Marlae Roesone]

[Sven Bjording]

[Marlae Roesone]