Post by Exemplar of Demacia on May 7, 2014 23:29:51 GMT -5
Inside the palace, there were two worlds. One was made of broad hallways were statues stood quietly beside carved stone generals and kings, waiting through their shifts as patiently as their counterparts. Those halls and grand stairways led to doors and archways of all sizes, to brightly lit rooms and extravagant suites, high offices and higher ceilings. One such room was the palace banquet hall, a massive affair of stone and glass that hung thickly with chandeliers and the well scripted dance of servers and servants preparing a meal for the palace and its guests. Behind that grand face, where no velvet carpets or fine tapestries were hung, the tight stairways and back passages of the palace staff were full of life. Lines of people hustled to and from storerooms and stables, kitchens and cloakrooms, a reversal of the public spaces. Down one such narrow passage and up several slights of steps, a messenger went. He was one of many, and while others had been sent to notify Shyvana, Poppy, Luxanna, and a to every council member in the city, he had been given the highest honor.
Parrel was careful to avoid bumping into any of the cleaning staff as he passed, as several were sooty from stocking and cleaning some of the many fireplaces. At last he arrived at his destination with hardly a smudge on his ornate white silk collar, knocking on the heavy oak door which bordered the Solari emissary's quarters. As soon as it opened he bowed low, announcing with a pleased smile, "The King is pleased to invite you to dine with him in the palace dining hall. He would be honored if you accepted his invitation."
Post by The Radiant Dawn on May 8, 2014 11:31:41 GMT -5
The three Solari visitors had been idle for some time by then. Of course, idle for them meant occupying themselves with numerous small tasks, for they never truly stayed completely idle for long. Polishing armor, checking the blade of a sword, and similar tasks. All the while, they were conversing among themselves in their native language, sharing their thoughts of the day. "Life here seems strange." said one of Leona's companions, taking a moment of silence before she continued. "Luxuries abound everywhere I look. Some of their soldiers hardly even have the look of being disciplined. I wonder if hardship is anything experienced here at all." "Life here is far more lavish than it will ever be at home. I cannot necessarily say I wholly approve of it, but it is at least refreshing to see that there are those who have not suffered." At that moment, a knock came at the door. Leona rose and opened it to see who was there. A curious man, by her standards, bearing a message for them. She paused for a moment. There was no reason to decline his proposition. "Now?" was the only question she asked.
Post by Exemplar of Demacia on May 8, 2014 21:27:18 GMT -5
"The Prince has sent this invitation early, to allow you time to prepare yourselves, Leona of the Solari" The little man looked up finally, standing straight and regarding them with a charming, if pudgy, smile. "No doubt you will want to attend in formal wear?", he spoke questioningly. "If there is anything you require do not hesitate to ask it, I would be happy to arrange for it myself, it is no trouble", he continued, loquacious as he was.
Post by The Radiant Dawn on May 8, 2014 23:14:49 GMT -5
Formal wear? Demacian standards for such a thing were surely far detached from Rakkor standards, which generally included only ceremonial armor. She had seen bits and pieces of what formal wear looked like and imagined that she would not feel comfortable in such attire. Not only, but she simply could not see herself wearing such a thing. The familiar shell of her plate armor would suffice, she imagined. "That should not be necessary. Will you come to retrieve us when the banquet is to be held?"
Post by The Grand Duelist on May 11, 2014 15:19:55 GMT -5
Fiora clenched her hands into little fists as the carriage passed into the palace's boundaries. There was a quick lurch as the carriage halted and a knock came from the other side of the door before slowly opening, giving the Laurent a chance to compose herself. It was just a guard, who greeted her politely, before casting his eyes around the interior of the carriage. Fiora bit back a remark; as if she would be hiding something! As the guard bowed and closed the carriage door, Fiora looked down at herself and sighed.
The Laurents never passed up a chance of displaying their opulence. The ladies of the family strove to follow the ever-changing fashion trends and while Fiora cared little for fashion, she was inevitably dragged into it. It hurt her, perhaps, to think of how many coins were being spent on those vile corsets and ridiculous frills. But her younger brother had put it into perspective ("We spend money because we can, sister. Why hoard money like we're worried we might run out?") and Fiora brushed the matter aside.
No matter how little interest she had in dresses and fashion, Fiora had to follow the standards nevertheless. A dinner in the palace, where the king would be present, was nothing to scoff at and the Laurent had to prepare accordingly. The second she arrived home, she ordered the maids to find her a dress from the wardrobe that would be appropriate--but not the frilly dresses that her idiot cousins thought were divine. After a few trial and errors, Fiora settled on a simple dress, displaying the wealth of its owner with its intricate design and tiny shimmering gems that peppered the folds of the dress like expensive teardrops. She took a deep breath, gasping as the corset bit into her waist.
For a second, Fiora wondered why she even bothered dressing up---surely the Solari wouldn't even care and if the Half-Dragon shows up...pah. The thought of Shyvana or Leona in a dress was preposterous. She didn't know the guest list, and it was best to be prepared. This could be a dinner with just Jarvan and the Solari, or a dinner with several notable and important members of Demacia. Fiora pursed her lips, hating the dress more and more every second. But finally, the carriage stopped and the footman opened the door, offering a hand for Fiora to grasp. Perhaps more clumsily than she had hoped, Fiora stepped out of the carriage, blinking as she took in her surroundings, waiting for someone to accommodate her arrival.
Post by Exemplar of Demacia on May 12, 2014 20:25:57 GMT -5
Priding himself in his quick wit and continental tolerance, Parrel only paused for a moment before bowing again and just as deeply. "As you wish, Leona of the Solari. I will inform you of the right time to leave." He held the pose for a moment longer, hoping they would simply return to their room and leave him there, instead of waiting awkwardly in the hall. They did, the door closing once more as Parrel waited and calculated the best timing with which to introduce the Solari to dinner. They were efficient, so was punctual best? Would it be better arrive after most, so that the room would be full and all ready? He settled for somewhere in the middle, knocking once more when the time had passed and guiding his somewhat over-armored guests to the banquet hall.
Outside the Palace steps in the courtyard where carriages came and went intermittently, the fires were lit as evening approached, great flaming braziers that threw warmth and light over the white walls and open gate of the Royal Palace.
Post by The Radiant Dawn on May 12, 2014 23:19:43 GMT -5
Wearing full plate for the banquet seemed excessive, so while waiting for Parrel they quickly removed several of the plates on their suits. The plates from the upper arms, upper legs, and several other plates from around the body were removed, resulting in the suit of plates being less bulky but losing none of its elegance. In addition to this, the three Solari each donned a golden metal circlet, similar in style to the one Leona was known to wear instead of their usual helmets. When the second knock came, they had been ready for several minutes. The three wordlessly followed the man as he guided them through the halls, the only obvious sound made by them the clinking of their armor with each of their steps, and even then they seemed abnormally quiet for ones covered in a suit of plates.
Post by The Grand Duelist on May 13, 2014 4:44:07 GMT -5
Fiora did not have to wait long. Back straight, Fiora watched silently as a guard quickly descended from the palace gates, his armor glinting off the flames from the braziers. The guard bowed eloquently, murmuring the standard pleasantries. 'If you would allow me to lead you to the banquet hall.' he offered a hand, gesturing up the palace steps. Fiora smiled demurely, accepting the gesture and allowed the guard to lead her carefully up the steps.
If the corset or the pins in her hair pained Fiora, she allowed not a soul to know. As with all nobles, she was well-versed in these occasions. As they walked by magnificent chandeliers and beautiful statues, Fiora was oblivious to the world of the servants behind the walls. Her upbringing and her father's influence did not allow her to mingle with the world of the servants, and the influence continued even to this evening. At last, the guard passed her over to the palace staff manning the door of the selected banquet hall of tonight's dinner.
'You are just on time, my lady.' one of them spoke, bowing politely to the Grand Duelist. Opening the door, Fiora was ushered into the banquet hall. The heat hit Fiora head-on and she blinked, her nose wrinkling. The fireplace was lit, and the numerous tapestries and chandeliers did not escape Fiora's keen eye. This was a room that spared no expense. She allowed herself to admire them very briefly before entering the room.
The table was only a quarter full at the time of Fiora's arrival and she took the time to greet each of the guests there, recognizing many as dignitaries. Fiora knew her status outweighed many of the guests there, and she secretly enjoyed watching them stumble over themselves to greet her eloquently. At the head of the table sat the King himself, engaged in a small conversation with the noble in the next seat. Fiora seated herself nearby down the table, knowing that he would greet her once ready.
Fiora allowed herself to engage into conversation with the guests next to her, complimenting them on their choice of wear and going along with their small talk and gossip. It wasn't terribly interesting for the Laurent, and she found her facade of polite interest slipping ever so often. The conversation suddenly lulled and Fiora turned her head, watching as the newest guests came in. The Solari guests.
The first thought that crossed Fiora's mind was absurd. Did they dress for dinner or a battle? The atmosphere in the room shifted imperceptibly. The lull stretched a little, and a noble was kind enough to cough, jolting the banquet hall back into their small conversations. Fiora kept one eye on Leona and her comrades as they were directed to their seats, not sure, like the rest of the room, what to think.
Post by The Half-Dragon on May 13, 2014 5:19:32 GMT -5
Shyvana had after the spar with Leona returned to her own residence and taken time to rest, she slept for a while until one of the servants woke her up about a message. Asking to hear it she nodded as the maid told her that she was invited to a dinner at the castle with the King, Shyvana nodded and dismissed her before looking out the window.
The sun was slowly setting and the city of Demacia slowly changed its pace from the high tempo of the citizens as the evening grew closer. Sighing Shyvana turned away from the window and walked through the large house to the bathroom. The warm water of the shower was soothing and energizing against her skin as she washed of the day whilst thinking of what to wear. Coming to a conclusion that since she had been invited to a dinner with the King, there would be a lot of nobles there, meaning she would have to dress up. Dressing up wasn't something Shyvana did a lot, it had never been something that she had been interested in. For Shyvana her armor was the finest piece of clothing she could wear, considering that for a long time in her life she had worn tattered clothes.
Nevertheless she exited the shower and took a detour past the kitchen to grab a fruit before walking back to her bedroom and closing the door behind her. She tossed the towel onto the bed and stood in front of the wardrobe whilst she scanned the different garments that she had been gifted and almost been forced to buy because of different events. A few minutes later she settled for a dress she had bought in Ionia for the Lunar Revel.
The Half-Dragon put on her underwear and then the dress, she actually liked wearing this one and didn't feel so forced to wear it. The Ionian's were good at making clothes and their culture interested Shyvana as well, maybe because they put Dragons quite high in their culture.
The dress itself was simple, being easy to walk in as well as comfortable when wearing. What took the longest for Shyvana when getting dressed was braiding her hair into the long pony tail she always had when leaving her house, even on the fields of Justice she would wear it as well, but it took time to do due to the length of her hair. When she was done she alerted one of the maids to fetch her a carriage whilst she finished the last details.
It didn't take long before a carriage arrived at her mansion and Shyvana exited the building, walking out slowly in her heels, mostly because she wasn't used to wearing them.
A couple of minutes the Carriage stopped at the Palace and Shyvana stepped out, getting greeted by a guard and then led inside to the banquet hall. Looking around the hall after entering the large room she saw the Council members conversing with each others, Shyvana saw the Solari and the Rakkor as well, wearing a different version of the armor they had been wearing before. Shyvana didn't expect them to wear dresses or suits, after all, they lived on a mountain and lived almost solely for fighting. Seeing Fiora there she frowned briefly but hid it quickly again. With a smile she walked up to the table and took her seat on the opposite of Fiora. "Evening, Duelist"
Post by The Radiant Dawn on May 13, 2014 14:48:14 GMT -5
The attitudes of those present to the Solari could not be any more blatant to them than if they outright shoved it in their faces. It was obvious that they would be the main subject of conversation among those present. It was cause for some irritation among them, for they generally aimed not to draw attention to themselves, but they had already accepted it to be inevitable beforehand. Leona took notice of how the armor of her and her two companions were in blatant contrast to the forest of suits and dresses before them. She had brought attire for herself that was not armor, but she had decided against it, considering it was a very simply made outfit for casual wear and not appropriate for an event of the type she was attending.
The Solari stood idly off to the side, waiting for what was to happen next, probably for seats to be assigned to them, and took glances across the room, occasionally meeting the glances of curious individuals, who were normally quick to look in another direction when their eyes met their steely visage. Upon meeting the gaze of Fiora and Shyvana, each of the three gave a slight bow of the head in a silent greeting to the faces they recognized. Otherwise, they stood largely motionless and made no attempt at conversation.
Post by The Lady of Luminosity on May 16, 2014 6:29:49 GMT -5
Was she late? Lux didn't think so. If she'd had her way, then she'd be on time. But no, as a Crownguard, there was a certain way she had to dress, a certain way she had to present herself, to show that she was the only daughter of such a prestigious House. Riding in the carriage, the girl huffed softly to herself. While it was true that she did love gowns and pretty things, there were dresses and there were...these things. Lux looked down at the elaborate getup that had required the assistance of a maid - honestly! Lux remembered military training - the practicality of it spoke to her in a way...but she was still a lady, and a lady had to wear...this thing, of lace and gentle ruffles and the corset laced tightly enough that it was a discomfort. It even had the stupid fan that was clipped to her side - as if she'd ever hold that, when she had her baton in hand!
For some reason, this was the height of fashion - though how it was fashionable for breathing to be uncomfortable, Lux didn't know. Perhaps she should've asked the maid to loosen it slightly. Lux missed the dresses of her childhood when they were simple and neat.
"Lady Luxanna." The voice jolted her out of her thoughts, and the mage looked up to see the carriage door open, a hand extended for her to step down. Without complaint she rose, delicately laying her hand in the servant's and allowing him to assist her from the carriage. Once on the ground, she thanked the man politely, before making her way to the entrance.
It didn't surprise her to be recognised on sight and guided to the correct room. Lux stepped inside, taking a moment to let her eyes adjust to the...well, dazzle. There was really no other way to put it - the place was ablaze with opulence. No expense had been spared for the honoured guests - and speaking of which, there they were. It seemed that Lux had arrived just after Leona and her two comrades had. The moment their eyes connected, she dropped them a respectful curtsy in greeting. There were others too, she noted: Shyvana, Fiora, Jarvan, and various nobles stationed throughout the room. Lux had some small desire to greet Leona outside of the Institute - but no, she was waylaid by this noble and that, all eager to meet the Lady Crownguard. The woman slipped into her mask of niceties and politeness with the ease of long practice, knowing when to chat, reply, and laugh lightly, before somehow manoeuvring herself into her seat. More niceties and smiling followed...but inwardly, she longed for a genuine conversation.
Post by Exemplar of Demacia on May 22, 2014 22:01:25 GMT -5
Parrel ushered his guests along the corridors of the palace that opened into wide, light filled halls and the huge wooden door of the dining hall. It was left open, the scroll work and carven images depicting two lions in profile. The room was already milling with people, dressed in fine garb and looking every bit like nobility. Several tables were arranged to run the length of the room, already laden with food and drink. At the far end, another table sat perpendicular to the rest, and at its center the King of Demacia sat amid several members of the council of nobles, and several empty seats. Fiora place was there as well, as head of house Laurent and member of the council. As their group crossed the threshold, the doorman announced them as he had been doing for the myriad host of guests arriving before them.
"Announcing, Leona of the Solari" Those few words turned heads, many of which wore looks of calm caution. To the Solari, the majority of those present might seem physically weak, but the nobility were not without there imposing figures. Many were career military, fit and possessed of a soldier's bearing but none as armored as the Solari, lightly as they were. Even the King wore no plate or chainmail, forgoing his helm for a thinner crown of gold and emerald.
Shyvana entered shortly after, her foreign garb striking against the local dress. There were only a few others in similar garb, and she garnered much attention from the other women. Luxanna was close behind, stealing looks of her own as the doorman spoke, "Announcing, The Lady Luxanna Crownguard!"
Jarvan IV stood, watching as Leona and her pair entered. Their attire was a mild surprise, but he was more concerned with their interactions with the other guests than their clothing. Despite the bad blood between their countries, there was an understanding among the guests present. If the King wants an alliance with the Solari, best not stand in the way. Few would dare be discourteous to his invited delegates. Parrel spoke quickly and respectfully, leading them to one of the tables closest to the King's own.
"Your seats, Leona of the Solari. I hope that hey are to your liking. Your countrymen are here beside you." Though they had hardly spoken, the names of both her followers were written on placards beside her own. "Please feel free to converse until the meal begins formally. Very few were seated, and before they could decide to sit or wander the King was approaching with two of the Council in tow.
Post by The Radiant Dawn on May 23, 2014 14:50:55 GMT -5
The military types among the crowd were quickly and easily spotted by the Solari, long familiar with the appearance of soldiers. The looks they received were not unexpected, after all, their appearances almost screamed Rakkor. Inwardly, the party wished that they did not garner so much attention with their dress, but the only other clothing they brought was a simple affair of cloth, not appropriate for such an event, and it was still strikingly different from what everyone present was wearing. It was, unfortunately, inevitable. Their seats were positioned close to where the king would sit, which seemed suitable, considering their status as guests in the city. They took special notice of how the Demacians managed to pick up on the names of Hector and Selen, Leona's companions, when they had only rarely mentioned them. Perhaps they were more observant than they had thought. She gave a nod to the man that lead them there. Neither she nor any of those with her were ones for small talk, so they were content to stand by their chairs until the banquet would begin. "Thank you." Leona said to Parrel.
Lux's entry brought Leona to turn her head, being one of the few names she recognized from her days as a champion. It was largely because of her ability to manipulate light which drew her interest that she remained at the front of her memory. However, as was the case with many other champions, they had never spoken at any length. She gave a polite nod of the head in reply to her as their gazes met, and her two companions did the same. Perhaps they would speak later.
In spite of their earlier intention to not particularly seek conversation, conversation found them. It was not long after they were directed to their seats that the king approached them, two companions of his own in tow. The Solari quickly looked them over as they approached. Now that none of the Solari were wearing their helmets, their faces were more clearly visible. Selen, the woman, was orange haired, it cut just above the shoulders, with a rounded, although not at all pudgy, face, seeming rather soft of disposition. However, her eyes betrayed such a conclusion, as they held a constant stern gaze. Hector, the man, was of imposing figure, with stern gaze and hard expression. There were similarities between them, indicating a blood relation between the two. However, a commonality between the two that was not in blood was in the buried, horrid expression both had deep in their eyes. The mark of one who had seen their own hand spill the blood of another.
As the king and his company approached, the Solari each gave a bow of the head, closer to a short bow. Leona's companions remained silent and expressionless, as seemed to be the norm for them. Leona, however, gave a small smile in return to Jarvan and his two companions. "Thank you for your invitation." replied Leona. She was curious to see where the conversation might go.
Post by The Grand Duelist on May 27, 2014 18:32:56 GMT -5
Fiora scowled at Shyvana as the woman across from her. Her eyes wandered to the head table as she considered taking her rightful place. But there were so many other nobles milling around there--what a pain. Wrenching her eyes back to Shyvana, the Grand Duelist let out a small scoff. What a wonderful way to show Demacian pride--showing up in an Ionian dress, Fiora thought sourly as she found herself looking over Shyvana's attire. But manners were manners, and the Laurent gritted her teeth.
"Evening," she replied curtly, making no effort to further the conversation. She took a deep breath, regretting it immediately. The corset bit into her waist. A distraction was provided as Jarvan made his way to the Solari, welcoming them. However, a delegate sitting next to Shyvana suddenly began a conversation, and Fiora was forced to turn her attention away. Resisting the urge to shove the man away, Fiora allowed him to gab on, smiling demurely but furious on the inside. Why couldn't these fools leave her be? She turned her head slightly, not able to hear Jarvan's conversation, but keeping a keen look on their actions nevertheless.
Post by The Half-Dragon on Jun 1, 2014 14:05:29 GMT -5
Shyvana looked at the other guests at the table, some of the higher ups she recognized, mostly talkers though. No one that she recognized from the battlefield, which was a shame. The Half-Dragon believed that a country should be ruled by those who fought, bled and died for it, not those who sat in the safety of giant castle walls.
As Luxanna entered the dining hall as well she caught Shyvana's attention. The young crownguard always seemed so friendly, and Shyvana appreciated that as she had helped her when all Shyvana could see was anger. The Half-Dragon looked at the Duelist, always so arrogant, thinking that she belonged to those who actually mattered in Demacia. However, Shyvana did remain quiet and would remain so until spoken to.
Shyvana glanced at Jarvan as he spoke to Leona, why he actually had taken his time in getting Leona down from the huge mountain and all the way to Demacia had escaped Shyvana's mind and she would really like to know what Jarvan had planned.
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