Royal Wedding

**deguerra** · 07-10-2008, 02:01

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.

**deguerra** · 07-10-2008, 02:02

Placeholder for possible speech by the Basileos

**deguerra** · 07-10-2008, 02:03

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.

**Privateerkev** · 07-10-2008, 03:05

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.

**deguerra** · 07-10-2008, 03:25

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.

**Privateerkev** · 07-10-2008, 03:35

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.

**Andres** · 07-10-2008, 08:43

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.

**Privateerkev** · 07-10-2008, 15:30

Makedonios resisted the urge to assault Savvas when he slapped him on the shoulders. As much fun as it might be, jamming his cane into one of Savvas's orifices would probably be frowned upon tonight. Exercising self control, Makedonios calmly turned and sipped his tea.

Greetings... Comes. Makedonios put stress on the title to make clear that they were of a different rank.

That was very kind of you but I must refrain. I'm sure you can manage both drinks yourself. And I see you have noticed my cane. My illness has left me needing it to balance myself. So, I ask that you please refrain from slapping me hard on the shoulders.

Turning to leave, Makedonios turns his head after taking another sip of his tea.

I'm going to get back to the party. I would tell you to enjoy your evening but it looks like you already got started on that front.

With a nod, Makedonios leaves the jovial Savvas and goes back to the main hall. He leans against a wall, sips his tea, and scans the room.

**_Tristan_** · 07-10-2008, 16:32

Seeing Makedonios coming back into the room, Methodios joins him.

Makedonios, good seeing you here... How's your health ? Getting better I hope...

What a lovely bride, isn't it ? But what do you make of her husband ? Strange alliance, if you ask me... Though I can see the political implications...

I always thought the Princess would stand up to her father on this matter, whatever her professed will to obey...

Kalameteros is in for a hell of a ride, I guess... His world has just been turned upside down without him knowing it yet...

**Privateerkev** · 07-10-2008, 16:40

Makedonios smiled and nodded at Methodios. Very much aware that the walls have ears, he is careful about what he discusses in here.

Methodios, congratulations on your victory at Belgrade. News of it reached all the way over to Antioch.

As to my health, I wonder when this wretched illness will end. Who ever heard of 20 year pnuemonia?

As to the new couple, I think the Emperor made a very... calculating gamble. We'll see if it pays off in the long run...

Makedonios sips more tea.

**Rowan** · 07-10-2008, 19:48

Vartholomaios Ksiros enters the banquet dressed in the white and purple of the Order. He stops briefly at the doorway, making a curt bow towards the happy couple, then looks around searching for familiar faces. Spotting Makedonios and Methodios he proceeds to join their company.

Grand Master, Sir Methodios. How nice to see some familiar faces, these social gathering are really not my cup of tea. Congratulations, Sir Methodios, for your brilliant victory in the north-west. It almost matches the one made by our host Kalameteros in conquering the heart of the princess, eh?

Seeing the strained expressions of the older men Vartholomaios realizes he has made some kind of a social gaffe and retreats quickly towards the food tables.