The Antivan Palace

[shizukahotd]

The Antivan Palace is located in the full and bustling Antivan City. This city is located near the Rialto Bay and is full of merchants. The palace is used mostly for historical show, housing for the royals, and to entertain ambassadors and other nobles. The palace itself is located near the center of the city, and it is the center of tourism. It is placed near a market square so the royals can keep up on the rumors and status of the cities merchants.

Inside the palace there are many sights to see. The throne room is spacious but covered from wall to wall with paintings. Gold lines the trimming and everything is very symmetrical. The throne room is open to all sorts of people. Anyone who would like to come and see the history or even meet the queen may do so during certain hours of the day.

The internal palace has many exceptional areas. There are several spots made for the comfort and living of the royal family itself. These sites are changed once in a while with each rulers taste, but they are always significantly regal looking. There are also several rooms saved for entertaining nobles and other royalty in particular. There are even over adorned bedrooms for these special people to stay in and enjoy the hospitality of Antiva. Among these areas, there is a special wing saved for any meetings with the Antivan Crows. Whenever royalty has to make dealings with the Crows the group is cozily entertained in their own wing to avoid any ill feelings (added after the Steel Age to smooth over possible complications). Also this way it is kept out of civilian eyes so that most meetings are clandestine.

[Gespard de Chalons]

Words had been sent in advance to Antiva that Emperor Gaspard was now heading his way to visit the newly crowned Queen. Ever since Grand Duke Gespard de Chalons had become the new ruler of the Empire of Orlais, he had celebrated his achievements by holding lots of feasts. However now the fun was over and it was time to do business and to seek new allies, knowing that he for sure would need them in the coming future as he still had many enemies whom hated him. Perhaps most of all was his cousin Celene, who had ruled the Empire before him as Empress. He had taken what was rightfully his and he believed that Celene had killed his father and his siblings to rule as Empress, it had forever created a torn relationship between them and Gespard had through his entire youth had to endure a life in exile. Being a true royalty as he now was, an Emperor, he wanted to secure that his legacy would live through the ages that came and that he would be a greater ruler than anyone before him.

Having set sail from the capitol of Val Royeaux with a great amount of ships, guards and servants, he had traveled through the waking sea and toward the coast of Antiva. Upon his travel he had visited the cities and the people loyal to him, mostly Kirkwall and other Free Marches cities. Once the escort of ships rounded the corner and entered the waters of Rialto Bay, Gespard was in awe as he could see Antiva City far from distance, as huge and glamorous it looked. Gladly the escort of ships that had sailed with the new crowned Emperor of Orlais had so far not had the chance to fight any pirates or enemies on the open seas, and it felt good finally arriving the destination without trouble. Standing upon deck, the Emperor of Orlais watched what happened in front of him and he could see that Rialto Bay was crowded by ships, never in his life had he seen such a sight. Gespard was dressed in his typical red noble clothes, with a hat upon his head that had a feather and he wore a brown cloak that was attached to his right shoulder hanging down gracefully. This day he did not carry any weapons, as he thought he would not need it and he could not wait to see how Antiva was like, hoping that the Queen would give him a royal welcome.

Once he arrived the harbor he quickly noticed that none of the Antvan`s cared to make way for the Imperial ship that carried the Orlesian Emperor, and Gespard was more shocked when he discovered there was no royal welcome on the docks, no Queen was awaiting him, even he had sent word that he was coming. Gespard grew angry and become frustrated, this was no way to treat an Orlesian royalty he thought as he watched the chaos around him.

Finally laying anchor, a wooden plank was put down linking the ship and the docks together, which allowed the Emperor and his guards and servants to step off the ship. Already the people began staring at him as they noticed his fine clothes and quickly the women was flocking to be near him. Looking suspiciously across the people that crowded on the docks while still standing on the ship deck, Gespard hesitantly walked down the ramp, with the guards quickly surrounding him. The Antivan women who knew not who he really was, but who could see he was rich already began offering themselves to him. Gespard was outraged and thought of it unfit and disrespectful, in return he sneered silently to himself. Then as he looked around curiously to see if he could spot anyone who was there to greet him, a wealth Antivan noble suddenly came up to him, speaking in an Antivan dialect. “My sincerely apology my lord, the Queen has not shown her interest in caring about your arrival, she is new, young and naive…again we apologize. My name is Ronaldo da Lorensi, member of the trade collage of Antiva. Let me escort you.”

With that said, the wealthy Antivan guided the Emperor of Orlais toward the palace where the Queen was now presumably doing her usual business. The road from the docks was long and the streets of Antiva city were dirty compared to Val Royeaux, even some places showed some clean areas. While traveling with the wealthy Antivan, the Orlesian guards and servants, Gespard grew tired of walking and the blabbering of the male Antivan, who told him everything, even about his personal life. Although as he traveled with him, he got to know that Antiva city was ruled by different region holders that held responsibility over certain areas, and Gespard was told that the region holders would often fight each other for more control and wealth.

Arriving the royal palace of Antiva, Gespard was lead up a few steps before entering the building itself. It was a large building that stood almost in the center of the city, a perfect place and home for a royalty, although it was also used as a meeting place for the wealthiest men to discuss the future of their land. The place was heavily guarded, even it almost seemed empty from the outside. Stepping inside, Gespard could see a large hall covered by art and in front he could see the Antivan Queen, the guards and the servants Gespard had brought along still followed him and surrounded him as they stopped in the entrance.

[shizukahotd]

Lucretia was not ready for the duties she had at hand. It had been one of those mornings and she did not want to get out of bed. She knew the Duke of Orlais was coming today, and she really should get out of bed, but the sunlight hitting her bed made her warm and cozy. Just as she dozed into an almost irreversible sleep, several servants and attendings came to beg her up on her feet. She sluggishly got ready for her day. She ate a relatively small breakfast and made sure to spend more time on her appearance. She was meeting royalty for the first time as a Queen. It was a day to make a huge impression. Lucretia made sure to adorn herself with an array of gold and stunningly colorful jewelry. She wanted to make sure her throne room accented her, not the other way around. She dashed exotic smells on her body to entice anyone to revel in her presence. She had never dealt with politics before, but she was sure that asserting herself was part of the game.

She had thought about greeting the Grand Duke Gespard as he stepped off his boat, but thought the procession would take too much time. It wasn’t worth the effort and time she would have to pour into it, and it wasn’t like he was doing anything for her yet. Why would she show so much respect to someone who she didn’t know? If her father was coming home she would have set up a parade and made the whole city know of his return. Unfortunately that would never happen. The image of her father departing from his boat and grabbing her in his arms as he hit land made Lucretia depressed. She had not yet recovered from losing her father. She was alone now with no family, no friends, and not a single soul to help her or care about her.

She was a in a slightly melancholy mood now as she headed to the throne room. She had at least asked her men to set up banquet for the Duke to enjoy as he stayed in the city. There was food being passed around on platters and a good amount of important merchants standing around picking apart each other’s banter. This is where the two were to meet and enjoy each other’s company for sure. Their matters as of now were surely not private. Since the Queen had no real power she must make her intentions apparent to the real people running the show. Lucretia readied herself on the throne and awaited Gespards arrival.

As Lucretia watched the Grand Duke enter, she started to get nervous. He looked powerful to her, and she had no idea how to deal with a man from Orlais. Her father had coddled her so much that her life was limited to Antiva and her general charisma was reduced to that of whining and crying. He was an intimidating man, but Lucretia sat tall as he entered.

”Ah!! Grand Duke Gespard de Chalons!! How wonderful it is to have you in our kingdom today!”, she stood up and said with a thick rich Antivan accent. She opened her arms and had a smile on her face as to say” what’s mine is yours” and smooth over any angst she had created by not greeting him sooners. Seeing the man in front of her had made her feel that her earlier decisions had been less thought out than they should have been. Either way, she had guards and she was not afraid, just worried about her appearance.

[Gespard de Chalons]

Standing in the entrance of the Palace of Antiva, Grand Duke Gespard de Chalons was both frustrated and angered by the welcomst he had received, having to walk all the way from the shipyard in the dirt with an Antivan he very much disliked. Now as he was inside he was amazed by the large hall he had entered, which was filled with art on its walls, floor and roof. It was a magnificent sight, and he could see the wealthy noble men filling the room, making a pathway for him to greet the Queen that sat proudly upon her throne in the distance. Seeing the newly crowned queen in the far end, it was clearly to him that she was new to this, and he could see how young and naive she looked. Oh how much he would enjoy taking opportunity of this cute little thing he thought to himself, as he tried calm himself from what had happened earlier. It was his intentions to secure a better alliance between his Empire and Antiva, hoping that their friendship could aid him in the future, knowing that Celene was still alive and that Nevarra had slowly began taking the opportunity of the civilian war that still raged on in some parts of his land. Being in Antiva, Gespard hoped that he could use the new crowned Queen as an advantage, perhaps use her in ways others had not thought of yet.

Then as he stood there he noticed a banquet had been put up for his arrival and it would have pleased him, had it not been some food he was not accustomed too. Removing his hat and giving it to one of his Orlesian elven servants harshly, he took a few steps forward as he was about to be presented as the new Emperor of Orlais. An Antivan guard who stood by his side hit the floor twice with the wooden stick that he held and the sound echoed throughout the hall, then as the Antivan spoke out loud in an Antivan dialect, he said; “Emperor of Orlais, Gespard de Chalons, your Majesty."

A silence swept throughout the hall as Gespard then walked further in, heading toward the throne which the Queen now stood up from. Seeing her all delighted and happy to see him, he in return faked a smile, trying to pretend he was pleased with his arrival. Then as he heard her speak and welcome him, he said nothing in return as he stopped close to her throne, bowing his head in respect before answering her words. “A pleasure to meet you too, mademoiselle.” He said in an Orlesian dialect with a smirk on his face as he took her hand and kissed it, looking at her with a pretending teasing look which he hoped would be charming. “It was disappointing to see that you were not at the shipyard to greet me welcome, but I am sure we could make up for it somehow, oui?” He continued and hoped they would later have the moment to speak alone together.

[shizukahotd]

“A pleasure to meet you too, mademoiselle. It was disappointing to see that you were not at the shipyard to greet me welcome, but I am sure we could make up for it somehow, oui?”[/b]

As he took her hand Lucretia blushed horribly. She never had been given the chance to interact with men on such a personal level before. She had always been interested but her father constantly warned her about how a man could steal her heart and leave her soul empty. He was desperately afraid to see his little girl get her heart broken. This man was very suave, but she could not tell his true intentions. She did not know if he really wished to be her friend or if all he did was for show. She was not about to give in so easily. ”I am very sorry Sir! I was not aware a man like you would need to be paraded into town. I thought a formal meeting would be enough. I will make sure to roll out carpets next time we meet.” she said with a smirk on her face. She was teasing him, and she didn’t care if accepted it or not. Maybe next time they met she would be more inclined to give him a special treatment. For now this would have to do.

She hoped this charade of a formality would soon be over so that they could roam the royal halls. These halls were built to house out of country royalty or nobility. Lucretia preferred to entertain in private. The nobility of Antiva was not particularly fond of the young queen and she wanted to get away from prying eyes. She felt as if she was in a coffin when sitting in the throne room. Any other part of the palace would make her happier. The royal halls were a particular favorite of hers. Her father had built them to give overseas diplomats and important visitors a place to stay without them spending the money at a disreputable inn. Of course he would have to give a small amount of money to people who did own inns in Antiva, or they would have thrown a fit about this addition in the castle. But travelers where usually tired from their journeys and a good night sleep made for better negotiations. ”I would love to hear that you were staying at the castle with us. We have a beautiful wing of the castle for important guests such as you.” She said with a sweet smile that would usually crumble her father to his knees. She had got everything she had always wanted with this smile, and hoped the Duke found it just as amiable as others before him. He seemed to be easy to deal with, although very aloof and arrogant. She almost expected that from other royalty, as she was one in the same.

[Gespard de Chalons]

Seeing the sweet smile upon the face of the Antivan Queen after she had apologized for his unwelcome arrival at the docks and then inviting him to stay at the palace, pleased Emperor Gespard very much and as he looked upon her he began to feel attracted to the naive woman, even she was very young for his age. Having to walk through the dirty streets with a blabbering idiot, had made Gespard angry and frustrated, but as he noticed how calm and gentle the Queen was he pushed that aside and focused on the matter at hand. He knew that if he was to gain a stronger alliance with Antiva then what Celene had in the past, he would need to go greater lengths to get what he wanted, but Gespard who was a conniving man knew exactly how to use Lucretia, who was still a young woman whom knew little of life and how to rule.

With a teasing look he watched her, still holding her hand as he stood straight answering in an Orleisan dialect: “Next time I visit I would very much enjoy having a carpet rolled out before my feet, but I would love even more to see your sweet face awaiting me…and yes, of course I will stay in the castle with you, where else would I`ve been?...being here with you, will be magnifique.” He spoke gracefully as he believed he for sure would need to stay in the castle no matter what, because being in a tavern in the dirty streets of Antiva or having a residence elsewhere was unpractical and disrespectful for a royalty such as he, in Orlais it was common to always have the best of the best if your status was high enough to be recognized.

With a look around, Gespard could see the curious noble men watching him and the Queen, who was dressed in both red and black robes of sorts, showing of their status within the hall as their country was ruled as a Plutocracy, where the nobles discussed and where the royalty was mostly watching in the background, or often not present. Then as Gespard`s gaze turned back at the Antivan Queen with a fake smile, he snapped his fingers and ordered one of his Orlesian elven servants to come and present what he had brought along from the Empire of Orlais. The Orlesian elf was nervous and it was clearly seen as he almost jumped as Gespard snapped his fingers, making an echoing sound throughout the silent hall. Quickly and humbly the Orleisan elf stepped beside Gespard and bowed deeply in front of the Antivan Queen, holding out a wooden box in his hand. “Allow me...” Gespard said with a smile as he had thought about this a long time, wanting to give the new crowned Queen a present, which hopefully would please her. With a turn against the Orlesian elf, Gespard slowly opened the box with both his hands, knowing that the Antivan`s was very careful when it came to presents as they were always afraid of an assassination attempt. This present however was no assassination attempt, it was a sign of good will and Gespard hoped he could persuade the Queen with it.

Once the box was open, they could quickly see it was a golden necklace with lots of large diamantes, an expensive gift Gespard had afforded to buy; “To you mademoiselle, an Orlesian golden necklace from me. A gift for the new crowned Queen of Antiva.” He said with a smirk, hoping she would accept the gift, allowing the box to stay open so that she could take a closer look, while the elf still held the box up while kneeling in front of them.

[shizukahotd]

“Next time I visit I would very much enjoy having a carpet rolled out before my feet, but I would love even more to see your sweet face awaiting me…and yes, of course I will stay in the castle with you, where else would I`ve been?...being here with you, will be magnifique.”

Lucretia was elated to hear his answer and a little embarrassed at the same time. She probably should have met him when he arrived, especially if he was this charming. She found Gespard handsome even though he was older than her. Every word that came out of his mouth sounded romantic, even if it wasn’t meant to be, due to his Orlesian accent. She was only nineteen but she had longed for a companion. Even within this castle she had no one after her father died. There was nothing but whispers and resentment that surrounded her daily life. She was still treated with respect, but respect does not combat loneliness. Gespard’s ways had made her forget her loneliness, her father, and even that she was Queen, even if they had only met.

Gespard suddenly smiled and snapped his fingers. The elf servant he had with him jumped at the snap but quickly presented the Duke with a wooden box. ”Allow me…”[/i], Gespard said this he opened the wooden box. Her guards flinched, but soon saw that there was no threat. Instead the Duke presented Lucretia with a gorgeous necklace to stunning to put into words.

”To you mademoiselle, an Orlesian golden necklace from me. A gift for the new crowned Queen of Antiva.”[/i]

She put her hand over her mouth to try and hide her excitement. She moved forward and touched the golden jewelry. She ran her fingers across it sensually to take in its entire splendor. Lucretia felt the gems in all their glory, and was sure this piece was worth a large sum of money. It was stunning and she couldn’t be happier. She suddenly threw off her current jewelry and the guard next to her clumsily caught it.

She moved forward toward Gespard and delicately grabbed his hands. ”I am so grateful for this gift. It is beautiful and stunning. The idea that you would bring this for me without even knowing who I was makes my heart sing. Please, I would love to wear it at this very moment and show it everyone.” Her soft hands lightly caressed his with a smile on her face. She was so pleased and surprised with Gespard and had no idea how to show her gratitude.

[Gespard de Chalons]

As the Queen of Antiva moved closer to take a look upon the gift Gespard had presented her, he kept a teasing look on her as her expression showed the appreciation of his gift, and as he noticed how happy she got when she was given such a thing, he knew it would be easy to trick her. Not only was she young and naïve, but she sure also seemed to be a gold digger, something which Gespard would take advantage off. Seeing her sensual touch over the jewelry was just as great for her, as it was for him and as she turned to take his hand, he gladly took hers and as they connected, a spark of affection could be felt between them and Gespard smiled even more cunningly, saying in an Orlesian accent; “Ah, how happy it makes me to see you smile, your highness. Please, let me help you put it on. With it you will be the most beautiful woman in the entire world, even though I already think you are.“

With that said, Gespard turned to his elven servant who held the box with the necklace, and with an elegant move he picked it up and slowly moved to stand behind the Antivan Queen. With a nod he ordered the elf to close the empty box and move back into his position, and then Gespard turned his full attention back to the Queen, carefully and softly caressing her skin as he slowly moved the necklace over her body, placing it around her neck with a sensual touch, and as he moved closer he whispered in her ear. “Perhaps we should move to a more private place soon, oui? Somewhere where we can talk some business alone…sharing some pleasure full moments together maybe?” Gespard suggested with a teasing smile, breathing her in the neck gently as his eyes were fixed upon her, slowly moving his hands down her shoulders and arms, causing a great tension to rise between them. If they could get a private place to talk, far away from all the other wealthy nobles, Gespard would then have the advantage he needed to make a deal he whatsoever desired, and perhaps it would prove to be very beneficial, not only for him, but perhaps also for her.

[shizukahotd]

As Gespard reached over to put on the necklace the feel of the metal and his hands gave her goosebumps. She wasn’t sure which was the more deciding factor, but she was more than elated to have both. Then he moved in close to whisper to her. What he said melted her body and she was lucky to be standing on her own two feet. The breath upon her neck made her hold her own, and as she felt his fingers her face blushed what seemed to be several shades of red. She threw her head to the side and averted his gaze trying to hide a girlish smile. She wanted to melt into his arms right now but knew that would be impossible in front of the entire court. She looked around to see people contently at their business while others were trying to figure out the Queen and Dukes relationship. It was curious to them why Lucretia would adore such gifts, because she herself was a wealthy woman. But gifts were something completely different to Lucretia. Gifts were a sign of true affection and were one of the only ways anyone had ever shown love to her. She did not think Gespard loved her…well…she wasn’t sure what she thought. Her head was fuzzy and she was all too excited. This was an independed choice of hers and she felt in control. This was something Luci was not used to since people usually even dressed her in the morning. But this was it, it was her control. She felt power and hunger and an overwhelming emotion she had never felt before.

She then decided that Gespard was correct in his former idea and it was time to entertain in the guest wing. She looked at him with a sly smile and announced to those near her, ”It seems there had been enough excitement for the day. I will escort our guest to his chambers and see that he can settle in properly. Good day to all we will speak more tomorrow.” She gave a youthful nod to him to follow her as her guards walked her into an exquisite corridor that felt cozy yet wealthy.

[Gespard de Chalons]

The way Gespard managed to seduce the Antivan Queen with his gift and touch, was far too easy, but it would prove to be useful to know how in the far future as Gespard for sure would demand more of her and her country. With a smile of satisfaction, he looked upon the crowd as he noticed their expression when their Queen told they were going to enter the east wing for a more private conversation, it was exactly what he wanted and there he could use Lucretia the way he wished, without the opinion of others on how he approached. With a nod to his servants and guards he told them to stay and wait on him, but they most certainly knew it could take longer than that, knowing how much time Gespard spent with beautiful women.

As Gaspard stood behind Lucretia, breathing her with affection in the neck, he smiled teasingly at the crowd before he took her arm gently in his and started to walk to the east wing. The crowd opened up and made a path for them, and as Gespard headed to the private room with the Queen, he kept his head high and kept a smirk on his face, knowing what awaited next would determine his and the country of Orlais`s relationship to Antiva and their Queen. The doors of the east wing opened slowly and closed in the same manner, with the doors shut there was no one able to interfere with the Queen and the Emperor, except if they permitted it.

(I believe we should make another thread yes? But keep the throne room open for others. )