[ The Throne Room ] Open Court [ Caerydd - Silvio Davide ]

[Milo L'Evienne]

	Deep on the second floor of the Royal Palace was the room where, strictly speaking, the heart of the Kingdom sat in a nutshell. The Royal throne upon its fitting dais dominated the wall furthest from the doors, behind which was installed a grand, two story stained glass window that stretched from floor to ceiling, depicting the Royal emblem in brilliant, faceted color. That wall, along with all three others, was constructed of finely polished light cream and pink marble, sheets of which stretched from the fine mosaic wooden flooring to the ceiling of vaulted black marble and leaded glass. A full twenty five meters long and ten meters wide the room’s only readily apparent entrances were the large double doors that were the main entryway and a small door to the left of the main entry which granted access for servants bringing food and messengers who could not afford to travel through the main part of the palace. There were naturally other entries and exits, but these were concealed behind heavy drapes, eluding the eye of the average spectator but which opened onto corridors granting access to the offices of various Ministries and the like; and the Sovereign’s own office suites. From these would officials come and go quietly under the watchful eye of both the Order of the Black Rose and members of the Palace Guard, while those seeking an audience with His Royal Highness and other available members of his Court during Open Sessions were restricted to entering and departing from the main entry. And only then, after granted formal passage and introduction by the Court Herald in colorful livery kept company there by a pair of Rosemen, ultimately unable to view the comings and goings of the Royal great behind the curtains. With fully five meters between the columns in the room there were four of the grand marble edifices per side, each of black and white veined marble like the ceiling and edged in gold; graced with a faceless, helmeted guard of the Order of the Black Rose. Near the entrance the first two sets of columns were without curtains, simply opening up to murals, but the two columns nearest the throne bore rich red drapes between each other and, half way, a curtain between the column and the wall. The effect meant that the open portion of the throne room took the form of a huge inverted T, with the throne at the furthest end and the entrance at the intersection between the two wings. The walls, for their part, bore murals, tapestries and mosaics of the finest material depicting the goddess Diana and the grand histories of Aelyria, leading the eye ever upwards to the second level, where huge windows dominated the walls and ceiling, high and vaulted with marble supports, leading ever upwards to what was arguably a rival for the great stained glass window behind the throne: a grand dome of carved marble which bore the likenesses of the Aetherian Gods, illuminated by a massive chandelier which hung from its center, down into the center of the room itself. The huge illuminating ornament was itself a feat of engineering and beauty, wrought iron and twisting shapes, bearing candles beyond number which flickered constantly to provide light. But it was no match for the throne. Artistically detailed beyond description with countless carefully carved motifs; it sat in gold and wrought bronze glory four steps above the room on a semi circular platform along with two other thrones for the close relations of the ruling Sovereign but each a step below. While on the step below them a literal bevy of chairs were located, each finely crafted oaken shapes with comfortable cushioning for the added ease of those compelled to attend court on any given brightening or darkening. Below the raised marble the wood floor of the throne room was paneled with the likenesses of the nine provincial crests and covered in a finely woven red carpet, leading up to the Royal throne and down, all the way to the carved pair of wooden doors at the far end.

[Milo L'Evienne]

Caerydd – Silvio Davide The First Cycle of Optia, Era XVI

Once introductions were made at the Sentinel Gateway, lists checked and approvals granted, weapons surrendered, smiles offered all around and gates swung wide, young William with his shock of unruly red hair, a fresh freckled face scrubbed pink under his feathered cap, and colorful palace livery of darkest blue, silver and cream draped just a tad bit loose on a tall and wiry frame; would escort His Grace, assistant Thane Silvio Davide down the long drive dappled by the shade of cherry trees in first tentative bloom towards the main entrance of the Palace.

Onto winding paths they’d travel at a leisurely pace, through carefully tended gardens even in the remaining chill of a long Winter and expansive parklands sprawled far beyond them, where off in the distance a large airship might be spied hovering mysteriously over the Great Lawn.

Up wide and graceful palace steps they’d go then where they'd be met by two neatly attired footmen who would greet them with a tilt of their heads in perfect synchronicity one with the other, and who’d swing twin doors open wide to usher them into the grand foyer. The entry was resplendent in gleaming mosaic marble tile, its floors, walls and ceilings works of sculpted art in their own right, the ceilings themselves impossibly high, deep and hung with massive crystal and gold chandeliers.

Down wide corridors lined with gold framed portraits and marble busts of historic figures and personalities they’d go, past galleries and parlors filled with blue haired, blue blooded ladies at their tea and gents in their libraries and smoking rooms, up a grand sweeping staircase dressed in scarlet and across bridges that made for architectural wonders as they spanned courtyards and hothouse gardens below. Passing by servants, Rosemen, officers of the Empress' Own and working officials alike, they’d make way through a veritable opulent maze until reaching the heavy twin doors of the Palace Throne Room.

There two Rose Knights were positioned each side of the entry and with them, a half elf dressed in similar colors to young William but with the addition of lace fripperies spilling out of his collar and cuffs, and a sash of crimson and gold draped across his shoulder and hip. Acting as Herald to this brightening’s session of Open Court, lord Bryson was a half elf aged in his middle eras, of average height but a slight build, bespectacled and with a mass of blond hair both tied neatly back and arranged in an odd sort of pompadour atop his head.

Behind him the doors to the Throne Room were swung open though Knights prevented free entry until the proper introductions and approvals were made, but Davide could see beyond that though the chamber beyond was not crowded by any means, nor was it empty. The throne was occupied, as were present a number of Forum denizens either seated or scattered throughout the room, servants here and there carried trays that provided glasses of wine or bite sized sweets or savories and a handful of others dotted the expansive chamber, those whose demeanor or dress readily identified them as titled gentry, others as merchants, and wives and daughters of the same.

Still, removed enough by far from the throne itself to allow for audiences conducted in relative privacy. And alongside the currently occupied throne, standing a stride to the rear of it along with another pair of Rose Knights, a tall armed human of Eunesian descent by the looks of his complexion in contrast to bright blue eyes, him too of middling eras and dressed in black trousers and frockcoat, his salt and pepper hair tied neatly back from sculpted and handsome features.

Of course first there were introductions to make and it was this that lord Bryson was there to facilitate and he did so with an unsmiling, though not unpleasant greeting added a tilt of his head in acknowledgment, thus asking for names and attached titles in order to play out his role in the brightenings proceedings with a full introduction, were attendees looking to request an audience or simply to mingle and be seen. ”Good brightening your Grace,” said lord Bryson said, ”Will you be seeking an audience with his Royal Highness this brightening?” If it was so, he’d give a word to William who’d waited aside, and send him off to the foot of the throne in order to make the request, and thus return shortly with a ready reply.

oocplease feel free to take hold of Bryson to make the introductions, get inside and if looking for an audience and a pathway to the big chair, approved. =o)

[Caerydd]

OOCPlease let me know if I describe him wrong, it's hard to get a real picture of him through so many scattered posts, I can't even find the colour of his hair!

Young Silvio Davide had enjoyed a somewhat meteoric, although still chequered, rise to fame in politics. A mere 'commoner', he was still an educated man of the bourgeoisie classes of Prime, a champion of the poor and containing an almost rightous fury against those born with silver spoons in their mouths. It never occured to the trim fellow that he had his own priviledges of education and birth, but even the most intelligent mean are wont to be short sighted. This evening was for business, however. Upon receiving a reply to his letter, he had resolved to come straight to the next Open Court.

While his colleague and superior, Lady Juliara, was sanguine about her future in the Provincial seat, he himself did not wish to be pushed out of office. It was in his best interests to ensure that the future Governor would be amenable to his own personal politics. Also, he did not feel equal to taking on Gubernatorial responsibilities. He had not travelled much, and his care was for the massive city, and the city alone. He understood some of his limits, though he did not perceive all of them. However if they Prince chose to place him in that situation, he would certainly not object.

"I will indeed be seeking an audience, on matters of civic important, my lord Bryson." He bowed his head politely.

So the human relayed his intentions, and was in due course propelled gently towards his monarch. He was a bundle of righteous anger about the state of Prime, tempered with the insecurity and general feelings of inferiority due to being in the presence of so much blue blood and general wealth. He heard his name announced by Lord Bryson, and heard the ripple of mutterings from the hangers on.

[Milo L'Evienne]

oochmm, you know, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a good description of him appearance wise

There were always hangers on it seemed during any given session of Open Court, and there was always muttering to some extent or another. It had proven to be somewhat more of an event, a stage than Milo had first anticipated, certainly in regards to what he’d intended. There’d been a brightening or two that he’d concluded that there was more silk, lace, wig powder and more numerous cinched up waists and pushed up bosoms than he’d spied since first coming to Prime a handful of eras ago.

Not such a large gathering this brightening but Silvio Davide did seem to distinguish himself by looks and demeanor, by reputation. Milo knew some of it certainly and of the man’s qualifications, he’d been acting as assistant thane to the city after all but meet or speak to him frequently in person, he hadn’t outside of a brief gathering held in the palace at the time he’d chosen the former lady Governor. And unconventional gathering, the man had been invited to attend along with other local personalities at the then Regent’s request…to the apparent disappointment it had seemed of a number of the nobles also come in hopes of influencing the choice of Governor. And from Milo’s recollection, the man hadn’t hesitated to speak his mind.

He’d find the pathway to the foot of the throne open, Milo seated alone with lord Tierney aside and a stride behind, a pair of Rose Knights in similar position…and the Prince Regent dressed in uncomplicated shades of gray, sapphire and black. Davide was ushered forward by lord Bryson, announced by the same and left to approach alone, and met by Milo with a nod of acknowledgment and a smile of welcome. ”Your Grace, welcome to the palace. It’s good to see you here and have an opportunity to speak with you about the capitol city.”

[Caerydd]

He coughed nervously. Last time he had seen Milo, he'd not made the best of impressions in terms of his ability to handle the nobles of the city. Indeed, many of them still regarded him as an upstart oik, nevermind that he was as well educated as any of them. He bowed deeply to his monarch, somewhat of a commoner's awe at his monarch showing through at their last meeting. There were no political rivals right here at this moment, after all.

"An excellent opportunity indeed, your Royal Highness. I felt that the matters I had written to you about could not wait, and I have the Lady Agaravovna's permission to continue." He paused, bit his lip, and nodded to the lord Tierney politely. "The city is a demanding mistress, and she is demanding more than Her Excellency Juliara is able to provide."

[Milo L'Evienne]

oocoik, what a great word! *grins*

While the last he’d seen Davide for any duration of time had been while observing a lively exchange, and again while it was true he’d made no great impressions most probably upon a few notable notables of Prime with his spirited dialogue, Milo had been somewhat more impressed by the now vice thane than the man realized. He’d held his own as the Prince Regent recalled and had seemed wholly concerned with the welfare of Prime’s citizens.

He smiled. ”Well the initiative speaks well of your concerns and dedication to the city and her citizens,” he said, and nodded to the point of lady Agaravovna’s awareness of the current exchange. ”I understand, it’s been some time since she’s taken on the role both of Governor and Provincial Justicar. Each in its own right is a demanding task, I certainly understand her desire to return the single role of Justicar. But yourself,” he added curiously.

”You’ve arrived to speak to me personally. May I assume that you wish to discuss the role of acting Thane on behalf of Aelyria Prime?”

[Caerydd]

Silvio glanced down at his shoes, and then back at Milo as he wondered how to proceed. “It is possible, Your Highness, that whoever is appointed as Governor will not think well of me. I believe I am eminently suitable for Thane, but I do not feel that my political or administration experience is equal to taking on the Principality. The nobles, the landowners and merchants need to respect the Governor, for the Governor is so often overshadowed by the business of the Kingdom”

He coughed. Yes, definitely nervous. He could easily be the architect of his own downfall in this case. Help Milo pick a great Governor, and he himself could be out of luck politically. He might even have to move to Primus Gaudeo in order to regain his spurs, what a horror to leave the capitol!

“Lady Agaravovna is keen to get back to the business of Justice. I fear the business of Thane must wait until she has returned to her old seat in the Basilica of Justice. Things that she has read in the Court Dispatches, and the Herald, have made her worried for the state of Justice in the Kingdom. However she has presided over the justice of the Empire for a long time, hard to break a habit, I think.”

[Milo L'Evienne]

”I’ll be choosing a Governor for Prime your Grace who has the very best interests of the province’s citizens in mind,” Milo assured the man with a smile once appraised of the notion that that fellow, whoever he may be, might not care for his newly inherited Thane. ”All of its citizens,” he added and inherent in the remark was that the best interest of the average citizen was in his mind equal to those of merchants or those of title and wealth.

It was too bad really that Secundus Silvanus wasn’t immediately available, he’d have made a fine choice and there’d be hardly a soul to dredge up an complaint against the man. Whoever ultimately took the seat would have to have backbone plenty.

”Surely then he’ll be able to recognize and appreciate what you have accomplished in your role under even the most difficult of circumstances. I’m inclined to keep you in your seat lord Davide and provide you a proper writ,” he added and with a glance spared for the Eunesian beside him, lord Tierney slipped out between the curtains aside of the throne. ”After all, until a new Governor is located, and ultimately appointed then its for me to personally see that these local seats are filled. Will you accept?”

[Caerydd]

"I would be delighted, your Highness. With Juliara's permission I have undertaken to send to the other cities of the province for potential candidates to present to your Royal Highness. My fellow 'acting' Thanes also long for a Gubernatorial power who is really willing to be for the province rather than for their...." He coughed, not wanting to speak ill of the former incumbent of the Governor's seat, a lady who was married to a man of even greater power within the new Kingdom. "...relatives." He finished, well aware that he had handled it badly. However, what else was one to say of a woman who had seemingly retired to take care of her family, for he was not familiar with the Sapienta's personal circumstances.

"May I suggest that you convene your interviews for the Gubernatorial Seat within the first weeks of Imperos. Some candidates may wish to come from some distance, it would be pertinent in the bad weather to allow them time to travel, for not all of your servants have arcane assistance at their disposal."

[Milo L'Evienne]

Given Davide’s previous performance in council some eras previously, his lack of courtly grace was hardly a great surprise. In fact it brought to mind a previous performance that Milo had secretly enjoyed, just a little, even while the nobility gathered there hadn’t, so much. Perhaps a few lessons in the finer points of diplomacy wouldn’t hurt the man any. Either that or he’d learn by the seat of his britches much as the Prince Regent himself had. But then again, Milo had enjoyed something Davide did not. Inviolability.

He therefore seemed to ignore the man’s comments in regards to the former lady Governor, though a mildly quirked brow indicated that it hadn’t at all passed him by. But nonetheless the man certainly seemed prepared to take the initiative in the search Gubernatorial prospects. ”Very good your Grace,” he said, ”let’s hope then that your efforts yield a suitably qualified candidate.”

”I believe that the beginning of Imperos will do nicely and allow plenty of travel time for those seeking an audience. I’ll advise Mrs. Stromb that my calendar during that time should accommodate it…” he trailed off just as Barrett reappeared at his side, a leather folio in one hand, a freshly filled fountain pen in his others. ”Ah, thank you Mr. Tierney,” Milo said and took the folio to lay it open in his lap. All that was left it seemed was his signature, the remainder of the writ had been prepared by Barrett, including the crimson seal dangling in a polished wooden disk from the closure of what would be the writ’s soft leather envelope.

He made quick work of it then and allowing the ink to dry, he folded it neatly thrice, closed a wide band of black velvet around it and slipped the thing into its envelope before handing it back to Barrett. And smiling, the Eunesian stepped down and presented it again to Davide, and Milo smiled in response. ”Congratulations, your Grace, you are now, as of this brightening and by my own hand, acting Thane of Aelyria Prime.”