Thread: Lords and Ladies (LingeringDesire & Greeneyed23)

As she surveys the room the doors open and the knights enter, as does the Archbishop of London and not long after him the man she sought. He has his helm under his arm, as do the rest, but only now can she see the many differences between the newcomer and the other knights. He is tall, which is not so rare, but he stands perhaps only a head shorter than Sir Podmore who is closer to eight feet than he is seven. His shoulders are broad and she is startled to see that he is not wearing plate armor but a strange assortment of mail and smaller plates so the breadth of his shoulders and chest are truly his body and not the expansion of padding and metal. He carried not one sword but two, both fastened on his left side though the same length, the blades look far too small to be useful. Though one of the larger men here he moves with an elegance and grace that is more like a dancer, and his steps are completely silent. She knows this because everyone had gone silent at the arrival of the archbishop. Before she can study the newcomer more the archbishop, a fat but jolly old fellow who has long doted on her like a beloved niece or granddaughter is upon her. Ahh the lovely Fenice. So good to see you my child. He kisses her forehead and brushes by to her father shaking his had so as to let the ceremony begin though he winks at them both. We shall talk at the tournament. Her father laughs at the happy old fellow always quite liking the archbishop who is a brilliant mind and just as gifted at speaking, but does not confuse the realities of the physical with the spiritual always trying to genuinely help her father rather than just praying or doing charity. he even donated a thousand ducats to the crown on her last birthday though he had done so privately allowing on Elias and Fenice to be aware of the gift. With a nod from the king the royal announcer begins introducing the knights. All of them have titles of course and some have such long winded ones that the poor fellow has to speak for a full minute or longer to get them all. Last year the man tried to memorize them all and only a wise word from his princess had convinced him to simply read the titles of the some two hundred and sixty five that had come last year. This year she has been told there are three hundred and eleven. Elias nods to each but says nothing as this is not the time for speaking just the introduction and kneeling before the royals. Still it takes some hours and finally only two are four are left. Sir Boris Thyhoft of the Northlands! A huge burly fellow with massive blond mustaches thick blonde hair and rather watery but kind blue eyes, Sir Boris is not that good a knight but he is sweet and loves his wife and four children very much, having brought them along on the trip and into the royal hall introducing them himself to the king and princess. The four children, the oldest a girl of only six, all bow and present flowers to the princess then scamper of with their mother and father to the laughter and smiles of all. Sirs Tywin and Tyrion Fleetswaddle are good strong lads but they are just barely fourteen and rally have no place here. But they are Elias's grandnephews and they do love their Great uncle very much and love to tease their elder cousin. they do the family honor by behaving and bowing together then being true to themselves by running up the throne at the King's gesture to hug their uncle and to kiss their cousin on either cheek simultaneously. Again the crowd laughs as the two come down the throne and join the others. Now only Fenice's newcomer is left. Sir Ne'ebo Fa Hargik. Knight of the lords Mtumbi and Tekono. Of Alexandria and Osaka respectively. A knight who serves two lords? One in japan the other in Africa? Impossible say the other knights but the newcomer steps forward bearing two chests. I present these as gifts to his most honorable and forthright majesty King Elias of Camelot and the British Isle, the knight of the Golden Banner. The newcomers voice is quiet and calm, but with a deep resonance that silences the room. I have come to take part of your world favorite Christmas Tournament so our two worlds may become one. The archbishop smiles. I knighted him in the English way so he may compete. The newcomer starts to open the chest then stops. forgive me your grace but I have not brought a gift for your beautiful daughter..wait a moment. The knight stands and steps forward and kneels at the ladies fee his head bowed letting her see his thick locks of hair which are scrupulously clean as are his teeth and nails. He presents the princess with two flowers, but she has never seen either before. A Japanese orchid and an African lily Majesty. Just as before this moment their beauty had never been known in England, when I return to my home your beauty will be known by all for I shall carry your face on my lips until the day I die. He bows his head awaiting her blessing or refusal to permit this. Everyone watches the princess awaiting her reaction their breathing even stilled for this moment.