The YoungWorld

scrivneria · Posted: Sun Oct 09, 2011 7:45 pm Post subject:

"Ghosts. Hmm, not as such, although we do have suits of armor that stand guard and patrol at various intervals. It's an enchantment the mages worked out to give the Dastinians a break. If you don't see the suits of armor, there's probably an actual knight somewhere nearby keeping the watch. Shall we tuck in?"

As Matthias begins to savor his lime sorbet he mentions his father's silence. "Father has been most quiet today. He's usually more chipper at state occasions. There's a certain melancholy that comes from living so long, and sometimes that weariness catches up even with me. I've checked with our party planner Mr. Ravel, and he's promised to send some entertainers to raise his spirits. I'm looking forward to what is in store! In the meanwhile, feel free to chat with him if you'd like. I imagine he's only not been speaking to you to avoid boring you to tears. He's very worried that his age creates a gulf between himself and anyone else."

Matthias stops his catter to eat some more sorbet and Aldor steps in to announce the next course. "Ladies and gentlemen, honored guests. Our next course is a particular favorite of our prince with a slight twist to honor the Lady Esmeralda. A shepherd's pie with lamb meat and fresh vegetables, topped with cheese and served with pan-fried chips in place of the traditional mashed potatoes. I hope you enjoy this course which will be served shortly."
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With my seal and blessing -Scrivneria, Grand Master

Fort Europe · Posted: Sun Oct 09, 2011 8:46 pm Post subject:

Content to eat her sorbet, Esme said very little for some time, smiling occasionally or restricting her comments to her food. It was not that she was being intentionally disagreeable, but that she had nothing of consequence to say. The dishes were cleared away and the shepherds pie, served with chips and mixed vegetables arrived.

"I think Sebastian has been silly." She said as it arrived. "Pan fried chips are his favourite." Esme liked them of course, but she was certain Sebastian had told the chef just so he could have them. Sebastian rarely ate pan fried chips at home as his own chef refused to serve them, claiming them to be unhealthy.

She dug into the pie with interest. The combination of lamb and potato, vegetables and gravy worked well, and she had always enjoyed the dish in the past. This one was cooked to perfection, and she savored the flavours for some time. When she was done, she put down her cutlery, took a sip of wine and looked up at the Prince.

"I hear you have dragons here." She said. "We have dragons in the Commonwealth, three different species to be exact, but I was told that yours were Singing Dragons. I would love to see one. Do they really sing or is it just a name?"
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scrivneria · Posted: Sun Oct 09, 2011 9:54 pm Post subject:

"Officially the people of Scrivneria believe them to be a legend, like many of the exploits of my ancestor the first Matthias. Those who bother to do their research, realize that the dragons simply retreated from public view after some unpleasantness where people believed them dangerous approximately 450 years ago. They rarely reveal themselves openly apart from meetings with the Royal Family. It's sad really, they're quite wonderful creatures, and their voices are not to be missed. Singing Dragon is more than a name, it's the closest we can come to an accurate description."

Matthias was tearing into the shepherd's pie and wondering just what sort of entertainer Kyle would be able to find on such short notice. "Tell me more about the Dragons in your land. Are they fighters or scholars? Do they still exist to the public eye? I've not met many people familiar with them before!"
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With my seal and blessing -Scrivneria, Grand Master

Fort Europe · Posted: Mon Oct 10, 2011 7:37 am Post subject:

"Oh, I see." Esme said, finishing her shepherds pie. "That is a shame, I would have liked to have seen one. There used to be great huge dragons in the Commonwealth thousands of years ago, said to have been able to breath fire and turn invisible, if you believe such things. Our scientists can't prove it. There are plenty of Dragon skeletons in museums I have been to though. Some stand as tall as the celling." She paused to have a sip of her wine.

"Our modern dragons are much smaller, at least in the Commonwealth. They are said to be distant relations, but they grow only about as big as a cat. They make really good pets. There is a famous painting in the museum in Stape of my grandmother when she was young holding one. There are only three species now, the biggest is the Red Dwarf, then there is the Long Tail, and the Green dragon. I like the red ones the best, they're really cute."

Esme stifled a yawn, crossed her legs and wondered how much longer the meal would go on for, she was already full and would soon be in need of another visit to the rest room. She didn't want to appear rude though, so she said nothing and touched the wood of the table in the hope it might speed things up a little.
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scrivneria · Posted: Tue Oct 11, 2011 3:43 am Post subject:

"Our next course, and the last before dessert" Aldor abruptly announces "is a duck roast in the style of distant Canton. It has been simmering in a mixture of 23 spices for the last 4 days. I truly hope you enjoy. The duck is paired with steamed rice from the farthest reaches of Svaron and crisp steamed broccoli."

Matthias could tell that he had begun to bore Esme, fortunately, to his rescue entered a trio of women with incredibly...silver hair, and they were carrying a long wooden box with a crank on one end. Matthias felt his heart rate pick up, the organistrum surely meant that medieval music was in store, and he dearly hoped it was the rare Czech form that indulged in harmonics not used in the rest of the ancient world for several hundred more years.

As the duck is served, the crank is wound, and a strange, reedy sound comes out of the box as the three women begin to sing, first in unison and then in harmony. Matthias recognizes it as one of the incarnations of the Ulster cycle, but is too enthralled by the sound to explain it to Esme.
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With my seal and blessing -Scrivneria, Grand Master

Fort Europe · Posted: Tue Oct 11, 2011 8:34 am Post subject:

If Esme was drifting off before, the next helping certainly saw to that. As she placed the first fork full of duck and rice into her mouth a grating mechanical sound began behind her. It was the entertainers with their musical box. By contrast the singing sounded quite pleasant and the rice was cooked well. There was something strange about the duck though. The first few bites tasted quite nice, the meat was tender and the marinade had a strong after taste, but otherwise she was quite satisfied. The music continued with an improving three part harmony, and she considered that the grating may only be the effect of extreme age on the instrument. There was definitely something weird about the duck though. There was a slight burning in the back of her throat, something like when drinking something far too hot. Perhaps it was to do with the spices. Esme had no idea what spices were, but she wasn't sure. She took another mouth full, and choked. The burning was suddenly very intense, she reached for her wine and took a large mouthful. It worked, her throat cooled a little, but it was still stinging.

"What is this?" She croaked.
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scrivneria · Posted: Tue Oct 11, 2011 2:23 pm Post subject:

"Oh dear" the Kaiser responded, quickly realizing that exotic foreign spices were likely not the best thing to serve a youthful visitor. He quickly signals the nearest server and asks them to bring the Lady a glass of milk.

"It's a combination of peppers and different flavorings from the Orient regions. I'm afraid we should have warned you that these spices generate a fair amount of heat in the mouth. It's an acquired taste, and I apologize for serving such an inappropriate dish." The solicitousness in the Kaiser's voice is audible even though he is speaking in a quite hushed fashion.

The musicians change their configuration slightly, and continue their storytelling without an instrument, though one of the ladies has a silvery harp with 6 strings held loosely in one arm.
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With my seal and blessing -Scrivneria, Grand Master

Fort Europe · Posted: Wed Oct 12, 2011 10:01 am Post subject:

Ambassador Hurde gave Esme a gentle pat on the back as she coughed. He noticed also that several others from the Commonwealth delegation were also feeling the effects of the spices.

"I am afraid your Majesty, my people are not used to spiced foods of any kind. These exotic spices are not common products in my nation and are only imported for the trade of foreign restaurants."

Further down the table Amy Sanders had at first thought she was being poisoned, but quickly released that the Scrivneri were eating the same thing. The General was more vocal though.

"How can you eat this?" He asked the person opposite. "It's like some sadistic form of self harm."

Esme recovered as she drank the offered glass of cows milk. Her voice cleared and although there was still a slight soreness in her throat, it wasn't anywhere near as bad as it had been moments earlier. She pushed her plate to one side.

"Thank you," she said to the Kaiser. "I am quite well now. I don't believe I could manage another bite at any rate. It has been a most enjoyable meal. I dare say if our talks tomorrow go well, we should be delighted to invite you for a visit to the Commonwealth in return."
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scrivneria · Posted: Thu Oct 13, 2011 1:57 pm Post subject:

"That sounds lovely" the music has come to a natural cadence and the performers are waiting patiently for things to be a bit less turbulent. The Kaiser notices this and says, "Let me call Aldor out to serve the dessert, we have a variety of selections that he can announce better than I, but all should serve to soothe the quite unintentional burning of your throats." Matthias throws a quick signal to the servers, and the waiter dressed slightly more smartly than the others slips through the doors to fetch the Chef.

Prince Matthias looks quite concerned and addresses Esme. "I'm afraid the Cantonese duck was a suggestion of mine. I didn't think at all about the danger of exotic spices! I do hope you'll forgive the mistake, and my mental absence just now. I'm afraid music takes the whole of my attention, and now I'm aware that could be a problem."
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With my seal and blessing -Scrivneria, Grand Master

Fort Europe · Posted: Thu Oct 13, 2011 3:31 pm Post subject:

"Worry not youngster," Ambassador Hurde replied, Esme still sipping at her milk. "No harm done, we are just not used to some of your more elaborate dishes. I believe everything has gone well enough so far. After all, no one has yet had any greater reaction to the food than this. Food allergies can be far more troublesome when trying something for the first time."

Esme's quietness was not so much out of embarrassment at having been so effected by the duck dish, she liked duck normally, but because she was suddenly feeling nervous about the speech she would soon have to make. This was not helped in the slightest by the burning feeling that lingered in the back of her throat and the roof of her mouth. She hoped something cold and easily swallowed would be on the desert menu. The rest of the delegation had been calmed by the Kaiser's words, but they too were hoping his promise of a soothing desert was forthcoming, and soon.
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scrivneria · Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2011 11:32 pm Post subject:

Enjoying certain privileges as Chief of Hospitality, Kyle instructs Aldor to dispense with formality and rush all available desserts to the dining room.

The gleaming metal trays are laden with cups of gelato and various types of cake as they circulate the room the chef announces "honored guests. My deepest apologies for your adverse reaction to our exotic offering. For your pleasure we have several flavors of gelato: chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, stracciatella, nocciola, and baccio. We also have a cheesecake, a key lime pie, or a gluten free chocolate cake with a strawberry glace."

The prince quickly selects a stracciatella gelato and the key lime pie to encourage guests to begin eating.
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With my seal and blessing -Scrivneria, Grand Master

Fort Europe · Posted: Sun Oct 16, 2011 4:04 pm Post subject:

Esme requested a bowl of the vanilla gelato on offer. Pleased to find the ice cream quite soft, she sliced a chunk from one of the balled portions with her spoon, stirred it into an icy paste then scooped it into her mouth. The cold soothing cream slid down her throat and she smiled. She did the same with the rest of the bowl and sipped a little more from her wine glass.

When everyone was finished the entertainment finished and the musicians departed. Sebastian stood up.

"Your Imperial Majesty Kaiser Matthias, Ladies and Gentlemen. Lady Esmerelda Rigolo."

Esme stood nervously, looked down the table at all the expectant faces, at Sebastian who sat back down, and then at the Kaiser and his son.

"Many of you know that the name Rigolo descends back over many generations to the earliest parts of The YoungWorld's history." She began, her nerves showing a little in her voice. "The name originated in the great lost nation of Tryanny, and you may also know that it was the daughter of Tryanny's last Empress who married the saviour of the Commonwealth. That marriage was intended to seal a lasting peace between the two nations, and led to a legacy of Rigolo descendent taking their place at the head of the Commonwealth for the last four generations. I am a direct descendent of that family, and now I am its last. My parents, the leaders of the Commonwealth, and my uncle passed away three days ago." She said, with some gravity, pausing to take a deep breath.

"Tomorrow the news will be released to the people of the Commonwealth, and then the YoungWorld, but I have chosen to tell you now, for it is hoped that tomorrow will also bring a new era of mutual prosperity between our great nations. Tomorrow we will start a chain of events that I hope will change the YoungWorld for the better. I am the last Rigolo, and I want us here today to create a brighter tomorrow." She raised her glass. "Tomorrow"
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scrivneria · Posted: Tue Oct 18, 2011 3:37 am Post subject:

Prince Matthias was completely startled by the Lady's announcement. Stifling the urge to drop his jaw, he turns to his father who blinks precisely once. He knew, and didn't have time to tell me...curious.

As the lady finishes the Kaiser stands. "It is with sadness that I learn of your parents passing. I too, was once pushed onto the seat of rule early in life. If there be any guidance you would have of me, it is yours for the asking Esmeralda." Turning his gaze to the entire room, seeming to sweep everyone present within his piercing green eyes. "Rooms have been prepared for all of you. I hope you will find them adequate to your needs. While this castle is my home, it is newly built, and if you should happen to find any inadequacies I hope you will not hesitate to ask us to find you something better. The most beautiful wing of our palace, that fifth dedicated to the goddess of music and art has been set aside for the use of your delegation."

Taking a slight pause, the Emperor seems to relax into his speech.

"Should you require anything, or wish to look around, you will be completely safe in roaming the castle grounds. If you should like to see any more of our fair city this evening, Kyle would happily arrange a car or carriage for your leisure. You are all of course welcome to join me in three hours time for a nightcap in the library. Any member of our staff will be able to tell you the way, for now though, let us repair to our chambers and take a few moments. I bid you a pleasant evening."

Making the formal head-tilt bow of the ruling Emperor in his castle, Matthias turns and begins to walk from the room in order to allow others to do the same.

Still slightly shell-shocked, the Prince remains seated a few moments - a mixture of surprise and compassion heavy on his features.
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With my seal and blessing -Scrivneria, Grand Master

Fort Europe · Posted: Tue Oct 18, 2011 2:08 pm Post subject:

Esme stood shortly after the Kaiser had left the room. She was a little touched by the compassion shown on the face of the prince, once his initial surprise had faded. She gave him as neat a curtesy as she could manage after so much wine, then headed for the exit.

"You will forgive us Sire," Ambassador Hurde said to the Prince one she had gone, "The time difference between our part of the world and ours has a strong effect on tiredness. I doubt many of us will last until your Father's night cap, though I expect I shall be there."

Sebastian followed Esme out of the door and walked with her through the castle in silence until they reached her room. She thanked him politely and smiled wearily as he kissed her hand. On the other side of the door she found a lavishly decorated room in a modern Scrivnerian style. Ria was sat on a chair on the far side of the room beyond a huge bed, but she was up and running the moment she saw Esme. She took Esme by the hand and guided her to the foot of the bed.

"Tell me everything." Ria said as she unlaced Esme's dress. The complex garment always required the assistance of a servant to release her from it, and Ria was always most careful with it. When she was finally out of the dress and it's undergarments Esme sat on the side of the bed, yawned and took Ria's hand in hers.

"Stay with me." Esme said quietly and stiffled a second yawn. Ria nodded and helped Esme into the bed. She loosened her own clothing and climbed in as well, wrapped her arms around Esme and together they drifted off to sleep.

Elsewhere, Captain Sanders was still wide awake. She had headed back to the servants areas in search of the four guards. She would check in with them before heading to her room so as to receive any important details they might have gathered before she sent her report back home. Amy intended to make the most of this quiet period, before attending the library later for the night cap.
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scrivneria · Posted: Fri Oct 21, 2011 1:11 am Post subject:

Saddened greatly for the young Lady Rigolo, Prince Matthias finds himself in Kyle's office.

"So my prince, how were your adventures in dining?"

"Not so bad, although, I think 12 must be older to Commonwealth people than it is in Scrivneria. She is quite versed in some very adult humor!"

"I see. Did you happen to pick up anything...interesting?"

"Nothing that you don't already know I believe" the prince says with a bitter tone.

"Pray tell me anyway."

"Oh fine. The Lady has lost her parents. It becomes public knowledge tomorrow."

"Oh, that." Kyle's cheery smile and general unflappable demeanor vanishes. Replaced with a careworn look that seems to have a furrow for every one of his 37 years. "Matthias, I didn't tell you because as of this morning it was a rumor. A piece of information that the two were missing was let slip by mistake to one our messengers before Sebastian took over the correspondence. I honestly thought Michelle and her husband were off on a lark."

Seeing the genuine hurt envelop his friend was something the prince had witnessed very often. While emotions ran powerfully through all Scrivnerians, it was quite rare for the negative side of things to show on Kyle. His original appointment as Master of the Revels and Chief of Hospitality had in fact been made because of his nearly effervescent cheerfulness. While the prince was aware of Kyle's other post, and his more serious side, it was rare for him to think of Kyle other than as his old drinking and wenching partner.

"I'm sorry Kyle. I should have known better than to think you would keep anything important from me. I've just been having trouble with the deep silence surrounding the castle. It almost feels like we're doomed to never really have a home again after that last attack."

"I truly understand what you mean. Hopefully, the Laskonians will keep their demon problems inside their own damn borders for a change..." Kyle's face takes on a slight flush as he says this.

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Aldor was overseeing a flurry of activity in the kitchens. After some consultation with the staff of the Commonwealth envoy, he had ascertained some of the particular things to avoid in future meals to serve them. While the formal dinner party was over, there was an entire day of meetings tomorrow. All those people would need breakfast, a mid-morning snack, dinner, afternoon tea - which may or may not involve a fully high tea sitting depending on how involved the meetings would become.

He looks to the left and spots the royal cellar-keeper and waves him over. "James, there was a slight problem with my last course. I didn't know what the people of the Commonwealth were accustomed to in terms of spice and made quite a mistake. What is the best thing we can offer in terms of a nightcap for people of sophisticated but not exotic taste?"

"We have several casks of mature Ambrosia, and of course, some stock of the 100 year old single-malt. Both fit the bill, though of course, depending on the people involved, the single-malt may go unappreciated."

"Let's be safe, the Ambrosia may be overconsumed, but I'm sure the Kaiser will forgive a late start if people actually enjoy themselves at the nightcap. If we offend their palates twice because we pander to the scotch preferences of our emperor, we may ruin his changes of making meaningful strides in relations."

"As always Aldor, you show great wisdom. Do let yourself off the hook about the Cantonese dish, I quite loved it." James turns and departs to head to the cellars and find a cask or two of appropriate size.
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With my seal and blessing -Scrivneria, Grand Master