Thread: Rags, Riches, and Rumors [ Bear & LordBesar ]

The spread of the plague had been the catalyst. Infection, disease and death had struck fear in the hearts of all in Europe. No nation or kingdom seemed safe from the death that claimed so many. Even noble families. Except in the Kingdom of Layconia. Situated in northern Europe, the mountainous kingdom was ruled for centuries by an aristocracy that had seemingly developed an immunity to the plague. A shocking occurance, as so often royalty lack the health and fortitude of the commoners they reign over. And yet, nothing seemed to touch the King and his court. No matter how great the infection became. Despite his apparent lack of weakness and risk, King Theolious the third, the young monarch of the realm, still felt the cries of his people. Fears and lamentations that had become increasingly restless and discontented. His court spoke often at length, burning candles deep into the night as they pondered how best to both fight this plague. As well as quell the disquiet voices of uprising and dissatisfaction that the peasants had become whispering in the inns and taverns throughout the width and breath of the Kingdom. My Lord, the Viscount of Erewhla, the second city of the Kingdom, spoke as they had gathered for court. My agents amongst the commoners of the Kingdom have become more and more restless. The deaths of friends and family have caused many to believe we have spelled out a curse upon them. Culling the populous for our own wickedness and to seize their lands forthwith. I fear that unless we are to steady their nerves, we may soon have undue blood spilt across the Kingdom. King Theolious sat upon his gilded throne with a weary face. This years had taken time off his young life. Even at the young age of thirty seven, an age of youth among monarchy of the world Theolious had seen his dark brown hair begun to grey around the edges. A hair here and there. But far from the vibrant dark hair of his youth. What's more , his once cheerful and sparkling sky blue eyes. Of late they had become dark and haggard. Worn down by the stresses of his stature. Resting a hand under his bearded chin, he sighed. Lately he hadn't even begun to dress in the silk and gold of his rank. Often wearing the rough cloth of hunting clothing with nothing more than a small silver cornet on his head. Pondering the situation, he was at a lose. If I may.. His mother, the former Queen spoke. I have a suggestion that may help make the people feel as if we do not look down on them. Out with it already mother. My patience was exhausted some time ago. Theolious growled at her, already irritated despite court having only just convened. Irmlia, his mother sighed. He was so much like his father, Herkious. They were carbon copies. Down to brown hair and blue eyes. Though she had passed on some physical features of her own. Sighing as she spoke, Irmlia approached his throne and reached for his large and calloused hand. My Lord, you are of yet unmarried and with no betrothed on the horizon. She spoke, softly as to not upset him. It is my suggestion then that you take a bride from amongst the commoners. Someone not of stature, but from a working and able family. Who can be made your Queen and a statement go the whole of the Kingdom that you care for their plight. At first he said nothing. Being irritated that his mother was bringing up the subject he'd so successfully dodged years earlier when she had intended to arrange his marriage to a noblewoman. But overtime, the truth of her statement was more and more clear. It was a gesture beyond compare, and likely as anything to sway the patience and adoration of the once stable Kingdom once more. It has come to this. He replied with a vexed chuckle. Very well then. I shall seek out a common bride. From that day forward, a bride was sought from amongst the subjects. When at the home of the humble blacksmith to procure a set of tools for the King's stables, his servant Juleror witnessed the beauty of the young woman of the house. He quickly informed his King both of her beauty as well as her father's plight and the virginal status of her body. Theolious quickly arranged a settlement with her father where in exchange for her hand, he would have his debts cleansed and a contract made to supply the palace with goods. Forever keeping the aging man in work and posterity. It came that she was to be presented before court and to her future husband. Irmlia arranged a grand ceremony and every Lord and Lady within traveling distance was in attendance. Beautiful faces eyed the soft blonde as she was brought by her parents and presented to her Lord, master, and soon to be husband. Theolious himself had spent the morning dressing in his best robes. Dark blue silk with gilded stitching, a robe of the finest skins and a helm of gold with inlaid jewels. His eyes steady as he was paid homage by the humble man and his wife. Arise my good man. He commanded with a surprisingly easy smile. It pleases me today, and your family will be known with honor from this moment forth. When his eyes touched the visage of his future bride, the King was taken aback. The whispers of her beauty were no where near accurate, given the pure semblance of beauty and youthful fertility that stood before him. With an extension of his hand, he beckoned her forth, to the foot of his throne. An act of honor and respect given her future standing in the Kingdom. My dear... He said with a deep tone as his words failed. Alas at that my tongue has failed me as an instrument to lavish praise upon your beauty. For my servants have lied and called you less than the eternal flame of bright sunshine that my eyes have come to relate to me. Please, I wish to know you more. Let us speak as betrothed and that I may further gaze upon your face. Standing, he held his right hand for her. A hand that only the most prestigious would ever touch. A banquet had been planned in honor of their engagement, and Theolious was desperate to sit on the dias with her.