Royal Wedding

Please note: This is to be a short-term thread akin to the Hippodrome. All posts are to be IC, and can include actual speeches, conversations, thoughts or whatever. Note that this is the wedding party at the ex-Mavrazomis, now Kalameteros residence in Konstantinopolis. For the actual ceremony, see theFlax's post in the Stories thread which will link to here (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showp...1&postcount=90). Once again, please keep this strictly IC. Thanks

You have been invited to the biggest social event of the year. The new Kalameteros residence is laid out like a Roman villa of old, in a rectangular pattern with a large enclosed courtyard in the centre. Having come through the front gate, you find yourlself in this courtyard, bustling with people. Its garden, well kept and brimming with colors interweaved in a multitute of bright patterns, led to an ornate fountain, behind which lays the entrance to the House itself. The doors are wide open, to display a large hall to the world, filled with tables and, of course, more people.

Placeholder for possible speech by the Basileos

Ioannis Kalameteros rises from the main table, looking around him rather nervously. He waits for silence until he begins speaking, his voice getting slightly more confident as he goes on. By the end, it is hardly shaking at all.

I am humbled to be here today. I am a young man, lacking in the experience and knowledge of many of my elders. I am a minor noble, lacking in the wealth and power of many of my betters. As such, I have been given great honour to be able to stand in this place today, and fear myself incapable of ever returning the favour I have been granted.

I hope that, in his exalted eyes, my loyalty to the Basileos and the loyalty of my House is beyond question. Rome has accomplished much these past years and the accomplished shepherd who has so skilfully led his flock towards restoring the glory of old deserves the allegiance of all his subjects.

But I wish to restate that as I am bound now to his daughter, beautiful not only of appearance and surely more gifted a wife than I ever dared dream of, as I am bound to her, House Asteri is and shall be bound to the Basileos, shall stand by his side, serve him faithfully, and support him unconditionally. I hope this conveys, in a small way, the thanks I owe him this day.

At last, I do wish to thank you all for coming to celebrate such joyous an occasion. I will keep you no longer with extensive words, and instead attempt to compensate you for your attendance with food, drink and entertainment.

Makedonios enters the residence. He stands straight and proud. His clothes are still plain, but they almost glow white. The fabric is not fancy but of high quality. His cape adorns his back and has the purple Orthodox cross on it. In one hand is a cane of silver. In the other, a silk napkin that he periodically coughs into. His blond hair almost bounces as he walks into the room.

He isn't one for dressing up but this is a special occasion. In fact, this was probably the last place on the planet that he wanted to be. But, to not come would have made a very strong statement. One that could not be easily taken back or repaired. Plus, this was supposed to be her day. And he wanted to be here for her even if it was in a very different capacity than he had hoped.

He moved through the crowd with ease. People tend to back off when a tall coughing man with a cane walks by. Finally he found a table where he could sit and rest. While he thought he was getting better, the sickness still left him exhausted most of the time. A servant came and Makedonios asked for a large pitcher of water and some mint tea. While waiting for his drinks to arrive, he simply sat back and people-watched.

Haiving waiting for a lull in the congratulations of well-wishers and polite conversations that these dreadful social events always required, Ioannis stood and made his way over to the man in white. The chair beside him was empty, and Ioannis sat, saying nothing, just sitting next to Makedonios in silence for a while.

After a few moments he spoke softly, still looking straight ahead

I want to thank you for coming. I know it was not for me. I know you do not regard me very highly, Grandmaster, and this he shrugged well it is hardly likely to endear me to you any more.

Ioannis eyed the blond man from the side and continued

I am not your enemy, Makedonios. I know you care for her, and for what it's worth you have my word that I will endeavour to make her happy. And as I know she cares for you, know that I will not stand in the way of your friendship.

Makedonios simply sat there sipping his tea. He couldn't believe the man had the gall to say these things in public. Another sip. Makedonios forced the man to wait in silence. Finally he spoke.

I'm sorry, but I'm afraid you have me mistaken for someone else.

With that, Makedonios gets up to leave.

Congratulations by the way.

Makedonios bows his head, turns, and with his cane, walks over to the food table.

Watching him leave Ioannis could not but look stunned for a brief moment. Then, shaking his head, he returns to his table.

Anna looked at her husband, perplexed.

"What was that all about?" She continued in a sanctimonious tone. "You didn't start another fight, did you?"

Makedonios stood in front of a giant table of food. Picking a large chicken leg, he plopped it onto his plate. He shook his head at the absolute lack of tact he had just witnessed. Surely a man who had run spies would know a thing or two about subtlety. He returned to his table and was pleased to see it was once again empty. The chicken was very tender and juicy. Makedonios was careful to not get the juices onto his clothes.

Zigavinos nervously plucked at the immaginary dirt on his sleeve. There were sooooooooooo many people mulling about. He hated crowds, especially ones full of people he didn't know, and tried to hide off to one side.

Surveying the scene, he couldn't help but notice how poorly organised and arranged the tables were. Whoever had organised this party had done a terrible job. The table placement was all wrong wrong wrong.

Zigavinos sighed. He had so much work to do. Hypatios was an excellent commander but didn't know how to organise a darn thing. He couldn't wait to get out of here and back to his parchment and plans.

Ioannis looked over to his new wife and shook his head, giving a wry smile

No. Apparently I simply mistook someone for Makeondios. Funny old world, isn't it.

Devouring his chicken, Makedonios downs a good part of the pitcher of water. With a fresh mint tea in hand, he gets up. Looking around, he spies the doors to the balcony. Anyone who is paying attention will see him walk outside for some air.

Anna smiled faintly at his comment.

"How... odd." Becoming more serious, she added "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll see to our guests."

No waiting for a reply, she left the tables and mingled in the crowd.

There is subdued hush as the Caesar, Ioannis Komnenos, enters with his wife, Eupraxia.

Anna makes her way to her brother and addresses him with a smile.

"I'm glad you could make it brother!" She looks over to Eupraxia. "And you brought your lovely wife! How good of you to come my dear." Turning back to her brother, she continued. "I've taken the liberty of seating you next to my husband and I. Is that satisfactory?"

Embracing Anna, Ioannis responds warmly.

It will honour me and my wife to be seated next to you. I must say I am very curious to meet your new husband. Strator Mavrozomis has told me many interesting things about him.

Anna led them both to the table.

"I'm sure he'll be as pleased to make your acquaintance. I apologize if I cannot tarry with you now, but there many guests. I promise to return before you miss me brother."

Apionnas observes proceedings from a corner of the hall, while alone he is at ease with his surroundings. He is wearing the familiar blue officers cloak of his Mansuriyyan regiment. Arabic writing embroider both it and the black bands of cloth on his upper arms. In contrast to this is the Byzantine court armour beneath. The badge of service to the Basileus clearly visible.

A few odd stares are sent his way but most in attendance are aware of who he is and keep any remarks to themselves.

Anna moves to greet Apionnas with a warm smile.

"It is good to see here, Apionnas. I hope you will enjoy yourself."

Bowing deeply Apionnas returns the smile.

Assalaam Alaikum my Lady.

My congratulations. It is truly an impressive event. It reminds me of some of the Egyptian Sultan weddings. He has had many.

Raising an eyebrow in amusement he wonders if the Princess will respond to the jest.

Kosmas enters the wedding hall. He seems to be recovering from his illness, still looking thin but stronger and more sure of himself again. He is wearing a chlamys cloak, dyed gold, over a long, dark red divetesion with a gold Chi Rho emblazoned on the chest. On his head sits a black trapezoidal hat. Nodding towards Kalameteros as he passes him by, Kosmas walks over to the banquet to pour himself a glass of wine before wandering off to a relatively empty corner of the room.

Anna chuckled lightly at Apionnas' words.

"I am glad you appreciate it."

Noticing Kosmas, she motioned him to join them.

Seeing Anna wave towards him Kosmas moves over to her and Appiona, bowing towards the former and nodding to the latter.

"Congratulations, Princess. I wish you many happy years with your new groom."

Anna also extended her warm smile to Kosmas.

"And I am glad to see you getting better Kosmas. I hope you will enjoy this evening."

Turning to Kosmas, Apionnas says:

So my lord. What are your thoughts on the progress of the Empire and the new Megas?

The Empire has expanded rapidly. Where do your see things going in the next few years?

Methodios enters the hall. For the occasion, he has dressed in his best clothes, a dark chlamys with gold filigree worn over a simple tunic of a stunning white. From his belt hangs a golden-hilted dagger. His long blond hair is tied back from his brow by a black band of cloth. But most of all it is his ice-blue eyes that get the most notice, standing out from his sun-tanned face. Mutters can be heard as he enters the room, though he either doesn't hear or care.

Seeing Mavrozomis in conversation with the Princess and the former Muslim, he discreetly bows his head to him. Then he makes his way to an empty table and sits himself, considering the people in attendance.

Glancing over his shoulder at Methodios as he enters, Apionnas remarks to Anna and Kosmas.

Interesting. The "noble most provocative" has arrived. Maybe this will create some interest in proceedings.

Savvas enters the wedding hall. The fast ride back from the Belgrade region had exhausted him. He walked towards one of the tables and took a goblet of red wine. He was wearing a blue cape and shiny silver colored boots. He seemed eager to dance.

He saw Makedonios going to the balcony. Savvas took a second goblet of wine and followed him quickly.

"Grandmaster!" Savvas said, jovial while giving Makedonios a slap on the shoulders. "You really dislike these sort of events, don't you? Man, you Order guys should leave those ascetic ways and enjoy life. Have a drink, old chap. You look like you need it!"

Savvas offered the goblet, in the meanwhile looking at Makedonios' cane.

"Is that your dancing partner for the night?", Savvas asked, a large grin on his face.

Kosmas chuckles at Appionas' comment, after nodding in return to Methodios Tagaris.

"Strator Methodios does indeed provoke a wide range of emotions from many people, but the one I found most common on my recent trip to Belgrade was admiration. His victory over the catholic rebels there was nothing short of magnificent.

As for your question, Strator Apionnas, I suspect much of the coming years will be devoted to rebuilding the Empire's infrastructure and bringing the Imperial armies back up to the level of quality they were once renowned for. Of course, there is also the matter of the war on the Turks the Senators voted for last Magnaura. After the Seljuks have been pushed from Christian lands the focus of the Empire might turn back inward for a time. Then again, the Turks are not the only ones to hold land that once belonged to the Empire. The Venetians still hold Crete as well as much of the land of the Exarchate of Italy, and only a small portion of the Levant is yet under the Order's protection.

The only thing I am absolutely sure of is that any predictions I make are as likely to be wrong as correct. What do you think the Empire's likely course is to be in the coming decades, Apionnas?"

"Indeed Kosmos, I found Methodios opportunistic tactic of selling Zagreb to the Hungarian's to be a very astute move. He certainly is an asset to the Empire. I just wonder if he could pursue his career in a less adversarial fashion.

There has certainly been more than a few 'shining lights' dimmed by issues other than skill and daring."

Pausing for some time Apionnas finally continue.

"The Empire is solidifying. The opening moves have been made with little impact to our way of life. While all is well I expect everyone to be at peace with each other. However, once the cogs of war really begin to turn and the pressure mounts, then I expect to see the separation of chaff and wheat to occur. That is what I am eagerly waiting for my Lord."