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stickmakerExcerpt from a fantasy novel in progress:
"These events are, as I have said, informal, so do not be concerned about strict adherence to protocol," said Magda, calmly. "The herald will introduce us, and as the King turns his attention to each of us in turn, we bow in turn. From there on simply respond to what he does and says, as in any other exchange with a high noble. It is that simple."
"Your Grace," said Bergen, formally, "Aside from those I have had with you, I can count the number of my exchanges with high nobles on my hands, with fingers left over."
For some reason, Magda seemed to find that amusing.
Once they stepped through the doors into the moderately large room of state, Magda introduced herself and Bergen to the herald and gave him a bit of background information. Then they waited there for their turn. This brief interval gave Bergen time to observe the room and its contents and do some relaxation breathing.
The King was a grandfatherly man, a bit overweight and worn, but still alert and quite pleasantly cheerful. He had long, silver-grey hair and a nearly white beard and mustache, all neatly trimmed, as well as a somewhat strong nose. His famous smile was quite evident, and somehow made to seem personal to each individual meeting him. Then it was their turn.
As the two women walked along the red carpet, the herald proclaimed their names, his strong, clear voice carrying easily from his post at the entrance.
"Lady Magdalena Davout, Duke of Drôme," he chanted, "and her guest, Bergen of Wide Vale, Daughter of Grace and Academy Instructor."
The King's smile widened, and he actually rose from his throne and descended the three steps from his dais to greet Magda as she straightened from her bow. They hugged - though briefly - then he turned his smile on Bergen.
"Bergen of Wide Vale, welcome to my home," he told her.
"Your Majesty," said Bergen, bowing deeply. "I am honored to be here."
"I hope to speak to both of you at greater length later," he said, cheerfully. "For now, though, there are duties of state. Again, welcome!"
Magda bowed again, and Bergen quickly followed her example. Then they were politely but very effectively escorted away from the throne and out a side door.
"Trinity," said Bergen, feeling dizzy.
"Oh, he wasn't that formidable," said Magda, with a slight laugh.
"I was surprised at how... human he seemed," said Bergen, later, back in their quarters, recuperating. Before either Llewellyn or Magda could speak, she quickly continued. "I mean that he wasn't afraid to be a mere human, even before strangers. He presents such a noble and commanding presence in public situations..."
"My Father likes to say that half of ruling is acting," said Llewellyn, as the elf trailed off. "I suppose the other half could be knowing when to drop the act."
"As I have noted before, your Father is a wise man," said Magda, nodding. "I won't say his talents are wasted in Gascony, but he could be of valuable service to the King here."
"You'd have to pry him away from his farm, and I put that task beyond the strength or authority of any man," said Llewellyn, dryly.
Ah, good; it did post. LJ was being difficult earlier and wouldn't who anything in the text field.
"These events are, as I have said, informal, so do not be concerned about strict adherence to protocol," said Magda, calmly. "The herald will introduce us, and as the King turns his attention to each of us in turn, we bow in turn. From there on simply respond to what he does and says, as in any other exchange with a high noble. It is that simple."
"Your Grace," said Bergen, formally, "Aside from those I have had with you, I can count the number of my exchanges with high nobles on my hands, with fingers left over."
For some reason, Magda seemed to find that amusing.
Once they stepped through the doors into the moderately large room of state, Magda introduced herself and Bergen to the herald and gave him a bit of background information. Then they waited there for their turn. This brief interval gave Bergen time to observe the room and its contents and do some relaxation breathing.
The King was a grandfatherly man, a bit overweight and worn, but still alert and quite pleasantly cheerful. He had long, silver-grey hair and a nearly white beard and mustache, all neatly trimmed, as well as a somewhat strong nose. His famous smile was quite evident, and somehow made to seem personal to each individual meeting him. Then it was their turn.
As the two women walked along the red carpet, the herald proclaimed their names, his strong, clear voice carrying easily from his post at the entrance.
"Lady Magdalena Davout, Duke of Drôme," he chanted, "and her guest, Bergen of Wide Vale, Daughter of Grace and Academy Instructor."
The King's smile widened, and he actually rose from his throne and descended the three steps from his dais to greet Magda as she straightened from her bow. They hugged - though briefly - then he turned his smile on Bergen.
"Bergen of Wide Vale, welcome to my home," he told her.
"Your Majesty," said Bergen, bowing deeply. "I am honored to be here."
"I hope to speak to both of you at greater length later," he said, cheerfully. "For now, though, there are duties of state. Again, welcome!"
Magda bowed again, and Bergen quickly followed her example. Then they were politely but very effectively escorted away from the throne and out a side door.
"Trinity," said Bergen, feeling dizzy.
"Oh, he wasn't that formidable," said Magda, with a slight laugh.
"I was surprised at how... human he seemed," said Bergen, later, back in their quarters, recuperating. Before either Llewellyn or Magda could speak, she quickly continued. "I mean that he wasn't afraid to be a mere human, even before strangers. He presents such a noble and commanding presence in public situations..."
"My Father likes to say that half of ruling is acting," said Llewellyn, as the elf trailed off. "I suppose the other half could be knowing when to drop the act."
"As I have noted before, your Father is a wise man," said Magda, nodding. "I won't say his talents are wasted in Gascony, but he could be of valuable service to the King here."
"You'd have to pry him away from his farm, and I put that task beyond the strength or authority of any man," said Llewellyn, dryly.
Ah, good; it did post. LJ was being difficult earlier and wouldn't who anything in the text field.
