Royal Wedding

**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.

**deguerra** · 07-10-2008, 03:38

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

**TheFlax** · 07-10-2008, 03:43

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?"

**Privateerkev** · 07-10-2008, 03:44

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.

**rossahh** · 07-10-2008, 04:03

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.