The Faejeon Queen

[Achkaerin]

An Invitation to the Nations of Mundus

Just over three hundred cycles ago the island that my people, the Faejeon, call home the sacred land of Awhaele suffered a most unforgivable crime, our greatest city the finest of our small part of Mundus was torn down by flames and our people drowned in our most precious blood, we were powerless to prevent our blessed King and Queen being captured by our attackers and distraught when some time later we heard of their brutal execution. With that act carried out by the country known as the Kingdom of Vaguzia our world changed, our Royal line ended. At the changing of the seasons some weeks ago we on the High Council were engaged in the coming of age rites, whereby each individual of sixteen cycles of age chooses to be part of one of the five guilds that are the pillars of Faejeon life. During this process we examined a young woman by the name of Siora Qivalur and discovered, upon examining her provenance and subsequent checks, that she descends from the Royal line of our people as such we began preparations for the coronation of our new Queen.

We would like to invite any who wish to come to join us in our celebrations. We would like to make people aware that the only airports on our island are found in the state capital of Caemare and the northern port of Alnor.

From

Nimue Jowenys
High Priestess of Raoism & Head of the Theology Guild of the Faejeon

[DaveIronside]

To:- High Priestess Nimue

The Kingdom of East Moreland will be attending this ceremony. Please expect myself, Baronetess Stasya and Princess Lilian to attend.

We wish the newly discovered heir the best and hope to convey our best wishes in person.

May The Gods Watch Over You and Your Nation Know Peace.

King David III of East Moreland

[Xaeth]

To Nimue Jowenys, High Priestess of Raoism & Head of the Theology Guild of the Faejeon

The Kingdom of Oltremaria wishes to extend its most sincere of congratulations to your esteemed nation. The rediscovery of such a direct connection to Awhaele's history and tradition is surely a thing that must be celebrated, and we are most honoured to receive your invitation. The Oltremarian delegation will consist of two individuals: Her Excellency Eleonora d'Avvocati, Marchioness of Transardano, and Her Illustriousness Aloisia d'Avvocati, Archcountess of Transardano and the Marchioness's eldest daughter & heiress. They both wish you and your nation the best, and are most looking forward to visiting your fine nation and giving you their well-wishes in person.

May the Lord watch over you,
Sincerely,

His Illustriousness Alessandro di Bianco, Count of Montebianco & Chief Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Oltremaria

[Kopsje]

Your Reverence, Nimue Jowenys

It is with grand tidings I write to you that His Excellence, Hakim, Mujahid bin Baaqir el-Majid Al Ghaffari, wishes to extend his congratulations for this monumentous occasion and is confident his prayers to the Azhiran, that the reign of Her future Majesty are both fruitful and will usher in an age of prosperity, will be answered. However His Excellence also extends his apologies for not being able to attend this celebration himself. Instead a delegation lead by myself will attend this Joyous occasion on his and Abuqiya's behalf. I look forward to meeting both Your Reverence and Her Majesty in the days to come.           

On behalf of His Excellence, Hakim, Mujahid bin Baaqir el-Majid Al Ghaffari
Signed, Shaykhah, Humaina ibnat Baqqir el-Majid Al Ghaffari.

[Achkaerin]

OOC - As always anyone who hasn't responded can feel free to jump in

The City of Cyalona was what the Faejeon people called their capital, it was their city, home to the Royal Palace, home to the headquarters of the Five Guilds. For centuries the city had been a wounded animal, tainted no violated by the actions of Vaguzia back in the 18th century. Today though the city had its sparkle back, there was a buzz of excitement among the people of the city who were gathering to line the streets, most to get a look at their new Queen, and of course the international guests that were rumoured to be attending. The concentric nature of the city meant that the route would be long enough for everyone to get a chance to see. The top level of the city was dominated by the Royal Palace, the second level by the headquarters of the Guilds and homes of the High Council and Guild Leadership, the remaining levels were the usual mix of what was expected in a city.

The soon to be Queen had spent the previous night in the village of Oashys and would journey to Cyalona on the river, as such the responsibility for greeting the guests fell to the High Priestess of the Faejeon Nimue Jowenys who was standing in front of the Royal Palace, it was a day that none on the High Council had ever envisioned would come, the return of a Queen. Also standing around outside were the other four guild leaders who were all also part of the welcome committee alongside Nimue and then there were the Village Magistrates, in other nations these were probably the equivalent of chieftains or mayors.

The Achkaerinese Emperor Peter Azurewind and his wife Renee had flown into Awhaele the previous day, staying in Alnor before travelling south to Cyalona. Peter was looking forward to this, after all he'd visited the Faejeon that lived outside of Mossflower on many occasions though he'd never imagined the chain of events that had unfolded in that regard. The other thing of significance for Peter was that this marked his first major international commitment since his multiple sclerosis diagnosis, the couple had made their greetings and were now taking their surroundings in, it was certainly a most impressive place to be.

"Who else do you think is coming?" Renee asked
"I don't know." Peter said, he silently hoped that the event was well attended after all the more nations that turned up the better for the Faejeon people moving forwards.
"Just remember be careful." Renee said
"I feel fine." Peter muttered
"Remember what Maddy said don't push it." Renee said, she glanced over her shoulder at the sound of more approaching guests wondering who it was.

[DaveIronside]

Stasya was looking forward to a chance to dress up and had made sure that her flowing red dress had been well looked after on the flight over on the new Ironside One.  It had only been a short flight but it had given her chance to get to know Princess Lilian a bit better. David's cousin was the sister of the disgraced James "Dickhead" Ironside who had attempted to seize the throne some years back and was now a wanted fugitive, Lilian was a loyal to the King as her brother had been deciteful and was now firmly becoming part of the inner royal family. David had taken the chance to use the new aircraft as an oppurtunity to watch some of the Mundus Games Medieval MMA with Will Buckley and others from his security detail and the group were hastily arranging things now for the awesome Ridge Vs Blanche III match in December. The aircraft touched down gently on its maiden landing and the vastly increased size meant Lilian and Stasya had no need to have travelled ready to exit the aircraft and a few minutes after touching down they were ready. David meanwhile had only to slip on the dark blue blazer jacket. "You look great" he said as he kissed Stasya on the cheek before taking his ceremonial sword from Buckley and heading out.

The other great thing about the new aircraft was it had space for a vehicle or two and now in the luxury of a royal car the three made their way to the Palace. The King exited the vehicle first holding the door for his cousin and partner before taking hold of Stasya's hand. Lilian followed a few steps behind as they made their way to meet the Priestess. "Good Morning Your Holiness" David said. "Thank you for the invitation" he added before introducing the others. "I hope I can present this to your new Queen later in the day, unless of course their is some tradition about gift giving?" He asked.

[Achkaerin]

"Your Majesty we are pleased you were able to come." Nimue said greeting David before also going on to greet Stasya and then Lillian, she'd heard a lot about the Morelanders and had been curious to meet them in person, like all the High Council she was aware of the Kingdom's reputation and was keen to make a good impression. "There used to be a tradition whereby the five guilds would present their gifts to the monarch first, then the village magistrates of the Faejeon would present theirs before finally anyone else could. That's no longer the case because the Guilds and magistrates now present their gifts as part of the ceremony itself. I hope that answers your question and I'm sure the Queen looks forward to meeting you."

[Xaeth]

The attendees from Oltremaria were both looking forward to their visit to Awhaele, albeit for very different reasons. The Marchioness was looking forward to enjoying yet another visit abroad, and the fact that it was entirely on the Kingdom's budget made it all the sweeter. Meanwhile her daughter was exciting to be attending such an important event in a foreign nation and was proud that she was one of the people who'd be representing her nation to the Faejeon. She was so excited, in fact, that her mother Eleonora didn't have the heart to tell her how little this visit mattered to anyone back home. Awhaele was insignificant and irrelevant to Oltremaria's interests as far as the Oltremarian ruling class saw it, and King Stefano likely only arranged this visit as a concession to the many Princes who wished for Oltremaria to take a more active role in international politics.

When the delegation arrived at the palace there were three of them: two women who appeared to be in their mid-40s and a much taller woman in her 20s. One of the older women very obviously trailed behind the pair as they made their way towards the assembled Guild Member, but stepped forward when they arrived. She gestured first to the older woman, who was incredibly short and dressed in brilliant blue, "Please, allow me to introduce Her Grace Princess Eleonora d'Avvocati, Marchioness of Transardano." The Marchioness curtsied before the woman gestured to younger woman, who despite only being 'tall' absolutely towered over the Marchioness, "And allow me to introduce Her Illustriousness Archcountess Aloisia d'Avvocati, Archcountess and Heiress-Presumptive of Transardano." Aloisia also curtsied as the woman stepped back behind the mother-daughter pair without another word; she was simply the Marchioness' herald, and despite being a close & long-time personal friend of the Marchioness, she didn't warrant an introduction at an event such as this.

"It is an absolute pleasure to be visiting your island, Your Holiness," Eleonora said, a confident smile on her face, "It is a pleasure to meet you, and I cannot wait to meet the young Queen-to-be."

Aloisia nodded her head in agreement, "It is an honour to have been invited to such a prestigious and important event for you and your people."

[Achkaerin]

"We are delighted you could come your Grace." Nimue said addressing Eleonora "I don't believe you'll have that long to wait, the ceremony is almost due to begin after which I'm sure Her Majesty will be happy to talk to yourself." she turned to Aloisia "Your Illustriousness you couldn't be more right, this is an event that hasn't happened for three centuries after all. I hope to converse with you afterwards to see what you made of it."

It was at this point that Silvana Adsys, the Head of the Science Guild and member of the High Council emerged from the Palace an eye on her watch.

"Your Majesties, Lords, Ladies and Gentlemen." Silvana said addressing the crowd "The coronation ceremony will be beginning shortly if I could ask our friends from abroad to come with me I will show them to their seats."

OOC - I'm intending on moving this to the actual coronation on Wednesday 

[DaveIronside]

With the announcement of the impending ceremony David took hold of Stasya's hand and followed Silvana. Lilian followed a little behind and fell in alongside Aloisia d'Avvocati. "Hello....Archcountess isn't it" she smiled as they followed their host. "I'm Princess Lily...Lilian of East Moreland." She was keen to start to get to know the various dignitaries of Mundus especially as her cousin King David had said he wanted her to start taking on more responsibility on behalf of the Kingdom. "Do you know much about what's to come. I heard my cousin talk of attending a kind of coronation where someone lost an arm." she cringed at the thought.

David waited to be shown where they were sitting and waited for the various ladies to be seated before taking his own seat beside Stasya.

[Achkaerin]

Silvana was a little bit nervous, no one on the Faejeon High Council had spoken to such international dignitaries for a long time.

"Ladies and Gentlemen allow me to explain what will be happening in a few moments time." Silvana said "Shortly the coronation ceremony will take place, following which the newly crowned Queen will head to the ballroom where we will have refreshments and you will have the opportunity to speak with the new Queen should you wish as well as the members of the High Council."

The river passed by Cyalona a few hundred metres from the main gate, it was here at a rather improvised wooden pier that a mounted honour guard of members of the Military Guild, each decked out in their blue and silver finery waited to escort their soon to be Queen to her coronation. Leading the guard was the head of the Military Guild Lord General Nylian Aramaris, he was a man who'd seen a lot in his life but he'd never imagined he'd have this particular honour. He stood patiently smiling as the handcrafted wooden boat pulled up to the improvised pier and wearing a white gown that could in some ways be seen as a wedding dress and a midnight blue cloak Siora Qivalur stepped ashore, Nylian and the mounted guard drew their ceremonial blades and saluted.

"Your Majesty." Nylian said
"Lord General." Siora said, she was nervous her mind racing over all the things she had to say and when she had to say them, not to mention all the pointers she'd been given on how to behave. The guard sheathed their swords at this point and Nylian helped Siora into a chariot that was driven by one of his men before mounting his own horse.
"Guard advance." Nylian ordered

The journey from the shore up through the city to the Palace was a loud one, from the second the first horse trotted into the city the crowds cheered. Siora was smiling a little, she was more relaxed at the moment though she suspected she'd go right back to being a nervous wreck once she got to the Palace and actually walked in. Outside the Palace door the courtyard was now set with two lines of guards standing at ease, Siora disembarked the chariot at which point in unison the guards drew their swords and stood at attention. Nylian waited for Siora to nod and then led her through the guard to the door of the Palace. Once there Nylian paused before loudly knocking on the door three times, it was all part of the ritual element of the day. The door was opened for them and Nylian stood aside, allowing Siora to enter the Palace first and lead the way to the throne room where the coronation was to take place. A fanfare heralded her entry into the throne room and she walked slowly down the aisle between the seating with Nylian behind her, he would peel off into his own seat alongside the other members of the High Council except Nimue who stood waiting in front of the throne.

"In the name of Rao who approaches the throne?" Nimue asked
"I Siora Qivalur, last of the royal bloodline, servant of the Gods and child of the Faejeon." Siora said
"Are you willing to take the oath?" Nimue asked
"I am." Siora said
"Approach." Nimue said

Siora approached Nimue who stood aside so that Siora could in fact sit on the throne. Now came the formalities of the actual crowning, firstly a bit of queue of twenty people was formed in the aisle - these were the magistrates or leaders of the Faejeon villages, nineteen of them were on Awhaele and then there was the one just outside Mossflower in Achkaerin. Each of these twenty had brought with them a small piece of silver, they could do to it whatever they wanted there were just three conditions it had to be silver, it had to be a chain link and it had to represent their village. Each of the magistrates handed their chain link to the General Secretary of the Labour Guild Tanyl Virnan who was stood next to Nimue now who piece by piece assembled what would probably be called a charm bracelet in other circumstances, when it was assembled he approached Siora.

"Will you govern the Faejeon people according to law and exercise justice and mercy in all your judgements?" Tanyl asked
"I solemnly swear that I will." Siora said, Tanyl proceeded to place the charm bracelet around Siora's left wrist, before retreating to stand at the front facing the throne

Now the leader of the Arts Guild Aias Cairieth stood and made his way to the front where a member of the Priesthood joined him carrying a cushion on which there sat a golden necklace with a rather dazzling sapphire pendant. He approached Siora.

"Will you stay true to the traditions of the Faejeon and be a leading example of our culture?" Aias asked
"I solemnly swear that I will." Siora said, Aias stepped forwards placed the necklace around Siora's neck before going and standing next to Tanyl.

Then it was Silvana's turn, she like Aias was joined by a priest with a cushion, though this time a smaller one on which lay a ring with a single ruby surrounded by topaz and diamond petals as it were.

"Will you uphold the Guilds and do all you can to aid them in their continued work?" Silvana asked
"I solemnly swear that I will." Siora said, Silvana placed the ring on the ring finger of Siora's right hand before going and standing next to Aias.

Next it was Nimue's turn she waited for a priest to step forward bringing with them a cushion on which there was a pretty big Amethyst orb.
"Will you faithfully honour and serve the Gods staying true to our beliefs?" Nimue asked
"I solemnly swear that I will." Siora said, Nimue handed Siora the orb which was a little heavier than the soon to be Queen had expected, Nimue then went and stood next to Silvana.

Finally Nylian stepped forward, on the cushion that his accompanying priest had with him lay the sword of state and it's sheath on a simple gold coloured cord. Siora stood up at this point, it was all choreographed because of what was about to happen, this was also why Nylian was the last of the five to ask a question.

"Will you defend and serve all the people and lands over which you rule?" Nylian asked
"I solemnly swear that I will." Siora said, Nylian tied the cord around Siora's waist and then sheathed the sword for Siora before he went and stood next to Nimue, Siora now sat back down on the throne.

A junior member of the Priesthood now stepped forward

"I now ask the leaders of the five guilds to swear their fealty." the junior priest said

"On behalf of the Labour Guild I swear fealty to Siora Qivalur." Tanyl said
"On behalf of the Arts Guild I swear fealty to Siora Qivalur." Aias said
"On behalf of the Science Guild I swear fealty to Siora Qivalur." Silvana said
"On behalf of the Theology Guild I swear fealty to Siora Qivalur." Nimue said
"On behalf of the Military Guild I swear fealty to Siora Qivalur." Nylian said

Now came the moment, the crown was brought forward sitting on a cushion, Nimue stepped forwards, she picked the crown up off the cushion and approached Siora.

"By the powers granted me as High Priestess I crown you Queen Siora of the Faejeon People." Nimue said, she placed the crown on Siora's head before taking two steps back "Long live the Queen!"
"Long live the Queen!" was said back by those assembled.

Now the fanfare started up again, Siora stood and after a few seconds nodded to Nimue who turned and led the newly crowned Queen from the throne room with the other four leaders of guilds following just behind in pairs Nylian with Silvana and Aias with Tanyl. Once they reached the ballroom Siora finally allowed herself to breathe a little easier, to relax and shed the odd tear it had been a fairly emotional experience for someone so unprepared for what was happening to her.

"Your Majesty I believe the guests are on their way judging from the noise." Silvana said
"Thank you." Siora said     

[DaveIronside]

The coronation ceremony was one that was slightly more sane than the last one he'd attended and for that King David was rather grateful. He and Stasya sat quietly during the ceremony holding hands while Lilian sat next to her cousin. David was glad when the ceremony was over and he could get up and stretch his legs, his back was killing him by the time it was over and the first few steps saw him unable to stand up straight. They left the venue of the coronation and headed to ballroom a place more the natural territory of Stasya. David waited patiently with a gift tucked under his arm while they waited for Siora to arrive. As the newly crowned Queen made her entrance he waited for her to be less surrounded by her staff. "Your Majesty" David gave a small nod of greeting. "Its become somewhat of a tradition at these events that East Moreland presents a literary gift." he handed over the dark brown covered book, its front a leather casing embossed with golden letters. "Its a series of short stories written in the 17th Century, essentially based on the idea of someone having a conversation with our Gods. Its seen as an attempt by some as its author trying to embody his ideas of how to lead a successful and purposeful life. Its an interesting read." David remembered his father making him read it when he was 16, it had been part of his studies at school a year later but he never really enjoyed the study of Literature instead believing a book should be about enjoyment rather than deep analysis of every minor issue. "I hope you enjoy it and I wish you a long and happy reign."