Thread: Noblesse Obligé [Ghostwolf and Thaedael]

There was silence as the shuttles touched down. The gathering of nobles waited eagerly, their attentions firmly fixed on the Aquilas, their collective breath held as the ramps slowly descended with a clatter. Then from within the darkness, out they came into the light of Vorlancia, feeling the suns rays on their skin, experiencing the background ocean scent of Vandire, setting foot on their homeworld for the first time in many years. The crowd roared into life, cheering the returning Vorlancians. The band burst into action, welcoming the arrivals with a jovial fast paced and trumpeting song as they disembarked and assembled themselves before the landers. Seven Officers, labelled Heroes of the Imperium, stood before their retinues, those chosen to act as honour guard and return with their officer to teach at the Schola or to form the experienced Officer core of future regiments. The buzzing pictcasters flew in closer, zooming in on the Heroes in turn and broadcasting their image across the planet, giving the population the first look at those who had done great deeds in the Emperors name and had lived to return home. The gathered nobles hustled and bustled against each other, trying to get a better look at those assembled on the landing pads. They called out names to each other as they spotted each one, Look! Theres Captain Tarik, he fought in the Siege of Zangah! having prior knowledge of who would be arriving and some of their exploits. Some of the lesser nobles had their attentions focused on the accompanying retinues, keeping an eye out for a potential suitor and future spouse, for they would make a good match for a second or third child of the family. The playing of the band began to dwindle away as the Governors Seneschal approached and stopped in front of those assembled, the chatter on the viewing platform dying down. With a wide grin he looked at each hero and retinue in turn, before nodding approvingly to himself. Welcome, welcome! his happy booming voice made even louder due the voxamp modified into his throat so that the observers on the platform could hear, his arms outstretched in greeting. Gentlemen. Ladies. Welcome to Vorlancia. The portly man spun, the band playing a short fanfare as he did. The Seneschal had a theatrical side, and he had clearly done this several times before. Facing the assembled Veterans he nodded to himself again, pleased. My name is Iactus Cadmun, the Governors Seneschal and I shall be taking care of you very fine lucky people during your stay here. Now if you would like to follow me, we shall get you refreshed somewhere much more comfortable. In the meantime, the Governor and his chosen guests and friends indicating the viewing platform shall make their way to receive you. With a flourish of his arm, he turned and made his way back towards the huge property as the band picked up their playing. This way! After me! He led them into the Governors palace and through the winding interior to a large drawing room filled with plush furniture and extravagance, enough seating for everyone, a large trestle table of food and drink, and there were even attached restroom facilities. Once they were all gathered within the room, Iactus began to explain what would happen. You shall be waiting here for a little while until they are ready to receive you. You shall be officially welcomed by the Governor, and then you will move onto the ballroom where you shall meet and mingle with the high society of Vorlancia. There shall be food and drink, only the finest! Ah, and music should you wish to dance. Im sure youre all fabulous dancers. Of course you shall spend the night here, and several days, experiencing the Governors hospitality, each with your own room. Then you shall be moved into fine properties of your own and begin your duties, however the Heroes are most welcome to stay at the Palace for as long as they please. The Seneschal spoke every word wide smile upon his face, gesticulating enthusiastically. But for now, I must leave you in the care of my very competent aides. I shall return in due time to collect you. Socialise. Eat. Drink. But not too much, otherwise you wont want any of the fine foods on offer later. He warned, wagging his finger before breaking into a booming laugh. With that Iactus left the veterans alone together. Sometime later, more than he suggested it would be, Iactus returned. They are ready for you. He led them from the drawing room through more of the palace, pointing out things of significance here and there. That painting was of the Governors grandfather, this was said to be a relic of one of the Imperial Saints. After a somewhat short walk, he led them to before a double door. Tall and wide, finely crafted and adorned with images of waves, guarded either side by men in ceremonial but functional armour, their faces hidden behind the visors of their helms. Iactus paused in front of them, turning to smile at those lined up behind him. You all have earned this. You all deserve it. With a nod, he turned back from them and pushed open the doors, leading the party inside. A huge grand hall, filled with opulent dcor. The elite of Vorlancia looked down into the hall from tiered seating on the balconies that lined the hall. On a raised dais at the end of the hall, in a plush chair carved from an exotic wood sat the Imperial Governor, flanked either side by more guards in ceremonial armour. The Seneschal led them into the hall to stand before the Governor in their groups. Hushed conversations coming from the balconies as the nobles watched and observed, commenting. Once he had come to a stop, he bowed his head to the Governor and the chatter died down. My Lord Governor. Ladies and Gentlemen. I present to you the finest men and women Vorlancia has offered in service to His cause. The Heroes of the Imperium, and their honour guard. A roar of applause instantly took up across the balconies, only dying once the Governor raised his hand to quiet them. With a nod, he stood from his seat. The Governor was a tall man and wiry, he held himself well in the heavily adorned dress uniform he wore, medals pinned upon his chest. A pure white sash was wrapped around his torso and waist, a white cloak with gold inlay flowed from his shoulders. He spoke with a gruff voice, easily projecting it so that everyone within the hall could hear it despite the occasional wheeze that issues from his lungs, the lingering effect of a xeno chemical weapon. Gentlemen. Ladies. Vorlancia welcomes you. Vorlancia celebrates you. Vorlancia owes you. Gentlemen, Ladies, I Septin Rayna, the designated Imperial Governor of this world thank you all on behalf of Vorlancia. You have done your duty. You have served the Emperor, and in doing so you have protected His people and his worlds. You have done, so that we do not have to. Vorlancia is in your debt. The Governor spoke with practised precision, having said the words many times. Vorlancia salutes you. He snapped to attention, delivering a perfect salute. The action still embedded deep within his muscle memory. Now, tell us. Who exactly are these Heroes we give thanks to? Introduce yourself The Governor questioned, clasping his hands behind his back. He listened to each one sound off, each name bringing a ripple of applause and hushed words from the balcony. When each name had been spoken, he nodded. Good. This is your reward, each and every one of you. Enjoy it to the full. You shall want for very little here in Omon and in Vandire. Today we celebrate your return, it shall be the first of many celebrations we have in your honour. Now, thats enough formality. Let us move to the ballroom and begin enjoying ourselves, ey? The Governor nodded with a smile, as again applause broke out from the balconies. A side door in the hall opened to an even larger room. Gentlemen, Ladies. He addressed those gathered in the hall before him, gesturing towards the ballroom Would you please lead us in, we shall join you momentarily. Enjoy.