Thread: An Arrangement (Methos and Corporal Bunny)

Evening began to set upon the city of Alstrass, with streaming beams of light fading through the citys streets with its hues of deep yellow and orange. The castle was set upon a hill towering over the city below. The citys outer walls gave way to the city itself which formed a teaming mass that had grown around the base of the hill spilling up to the walls and some parts of it had grown up around the walls. For a fortress Castle Alstrass was rather luxurious, but like most things in the Aldian Kingdom it was designed for war. Towering walls lined the hilltops with narrow slits for archers and defensive towers along its walls. The Aldian Kings had long boasted that it was impregnable to assault. Within the fortress itself the Duke of Elgin and heir to the throne found himself beset with a stream of courtiers all seeking to offer their well wishes towards his impeding nuptials, not to mention offer a ream of thoughts, observations and pieces of advice. The Duke thought much of it to be well meaning but it grew rather tiresome and repetitive after the first half a dozen people. Yet the nobleman kept a smile gracing his lips as he endured the well wishes of his own vassals who had accompanied him to the city, and various magnates from other parts of the realm. As though he hadnt enough relatives, and nobles within his own country the brides countrymen had called upon him as well, as evidently there was no point at which it was too early to begin ingratiating yourself. Duke Alexander retained a rather youthful appearance at the age of twenty three. A courtly smile graced his lips as he received his guests with as much good humour as he could muster. His features were distinct, as angular features and a strong jawline created a distinctly masculine appearance. His eyes had an intelligent glimmer to them, as those brown orbs gazed out at the world about him. Jet black hair was cut short and rather immaculately groomed. He was a tall man standing six foot three in height, consequently towering over many of his peers. His shoulders were broad, and the discipline and training of the knightly caste had filled out his frame in a rather impressive manner, leaving his body trim, potent and a trained weapon of war. He was clad rather elegantly as befitted royalty. Black leggings and leather boots clad his lower body, while a black velvet doublet rested against a strong torso with silver thread working itself in the patterns of a falcon in flight at the cuff and the collar. A sword was belted to his waist, the blade itself simple and functional in its design only silvery gilt and the sparkle of a diamond on its pommel distinguished it. The city had swollen with various dignitaries from both countries and neighboring ones. A certain festival light atmosphere had developed as the concentration of the wealthy in one city had drawn every entertainer and merchant for miles. After all that much money simply represented an unparalleled opportunity for them. The Duke managed to extricate himself from the crowd of well wishers and one of his retainers approached him in the hallway and presented him with a cup of wine. Alexander raised it to his lips and downed a rather deep draught, as the grey haired servant inquired Nervous? The shake of a head followed as he noted No, but if I have to shake another bloody hand Im going to throttle someone. A soft laugh accompanied that particular observation as he noted This has been determined for a long time, its just a matter of going through the ceremony so everyone is happy, can have their party and go home. Ah had you heard that she just arrived in the city? The servant asked curiously. Good, everyone seeking to curry favour have someone else to distract their attention. The Duke replied rather glibly. About time she got here, just like a woman, they always make you wait.