"Announcing the arrival of Duke Samuel Ross, Second of his name and Rightful Ruler of the Realm!" The Guard announced, with the doors opening to Samuel Ross, donned in his decorated Robes and Cloak while his Long brown hair, reaching the front of his Chest was let down freely, with his crown put perfectly on his head.
His Amber eyes looked around him, eyeing the attendants of the ball hosted by him, Dignitaries of foreign Realms, Lords, Merchants, and prominent Adventurers were invited, filling the Keep with guests.
As he appeared, he eyed the seat he was to take. The Room was set to have the main table for the Ducal family and prominent Guests, while the lower tables for vassals and the latter guests.
Behind his seat, a set of Household Guards held lances holding the Flag of his Duchy, decorated with neatly lines white Stars on a Dark Blue Background, fitting of the Duchy and his house.
As the servants pulled his chair for him, he seated himself, looking down to the room, before his cup bearer poured wine onto his Silver Cup. Samuel Stood up, his face breaking into a smile."My esteemed Dignitaries, Vassals, friends, I welcome you all to our Abode, our own Seat in the Duchy of Tidewater, the Ancient City of Venisica. It is a honor to receive you all, as I am honored to be also. For now, enjoy yourselves, enjoy the feast, and enjoy our hospitality." He raised his cup, before drinking the wine. Perhaps he did not like wine in the first place, but it was not to his tastes, yet for the sake of tradition, emptied the cup before taking a seat.
As the Music begun, the dishes coming forward, chatter begun to fill the room as every man spoke with one another. The Main table however, remained dull, with smiles and a peaceful quietness between them."My Lord." A Voice called to the Duke, to turned to the boy beside him.
"Little Brother." Samuel said with a smile. His little Brother, Caleb Ross, was younger than him by two years, born alongside his twin sister, Eleanor Ross. Both were regarded with high praises, being born healthy and strong, with looks far better than the Current Duke."How are your studies in the Royal Academy, you have yet to tell me alongside Eleanor." He said looking at his sister beside Caleb, with his long, brown hair falling on her Silken Dress, with a Necklace of gold on her neck and Clear, Amber Eyes on her spotless face.
The Flower of the Duchy, she was known as."Our Studies are well, my Lord Brother, our lessons proceed well, it is simply well enough for us. What about you Brother?"
"I took my time studying the situation of our Duchy before the Coronation. Simply said it is not favorable, however I have some solutions to problems, for now, rest in Venisica, the Academy has given you time to rest, am I right?"
"Yes your right Brother, we will remain here for two weeks before setting sail once more, we will land in Jer stadt in the North before heading to the Morna River to the Royal Capital of Plymouth of the Laverian Kingdom." Caleb spoke, taking a sip of the wine laid before him."Until then we shall remain home, perhaps aid in some aspects and.. Bring forth some ideas I have learned in the Capital, of course if you allow me Brother."
Donning a smile, Samuel spoke."I have no qualms then." He said before taking another sip of the wine the cupbearer poured in."It has been 3 Years since I last was in the Capital before.. My sickness took me over. Perhaps the Gods had a plan, but they did not plan for me to finish my studies at the Royal Academy. Perhaps it was for my own good, but I have been faring better since the death of our Lord Father." He drank the whole cup, before looking around."Where is the food?" He asked the Servant stationed behind him, who spoke quickly.
"I shall check with them M'lord, please excuse me." He said before turning away, heading to the hallways.
As he turned back to his siblings, the master at Arms and his personal guard, Ser Roger Banders, quickly approached him."My Lord, do you wish to start accepting the Gifts of the attendees?"
Turning to his guard, he quickly spotted the line behind him, a long one formed by guests bringing forth gifts to the New Duke."Ah," He exclaimed."I forgot about that part, bring them forth Ser Roger."
As the Knight bowed his head, he stepped away, standing at the side while the herald, whom has taken notice, quickly begun introducing the attendees with gifts."In honor of our lord the Duke, the Mercantile Company of Ludendorf, it's Chairman Gerald Monsel presents himself before Duke Samuel of house Ross, third of his name."
As the herald finished, a group of four begun walking to him, kneeling infront of Samuel before he called out."Stand up, Chairman Gerald Monsel. I welcome you to my abode."
Staring at the overweight man before him, he had a clear look at the chairman's face, graying hair with a thick grey mustache, and Silken Clothing."My Lord the Duke, I present myself to you, and our humble company. In honor of your Coronation and rise to a Duke, we present these." He pointed to the chests, a Suit of armor, and a Group of brightly colored Silks before him."The Riches of the Far Sultanate of Yaz and the Republic of Develi. Silks of high quality and the Historical riches of the Qaramiran Empire."
As he opened a long small chest, a clear decorated sabre was taken out carefully by Gerald, coming forward to present it to the Duke."The Qaramiran Imperial Family ruled for many generations, their swords were a testament to their rule alongside the Magicians who served alongside them, my Lord, I present to you the sword of Emir Nusr son of Aqar of the Qaramiran Dynasty."
Before the duke, he would unsheathe the sword. A Proper sword, one well taken care of, with inscriptions laid on it. It's handle, made of pure Gold, served as a clear testament to it's craftsmanship."By the Mother, incredible, Gerald, the craftsmanship on this sword is incredibly well done!" Ross said as he received the sword from him, holding it up."True to historians, the Qaramiran Dynasty may have bent the knee to Mundia, but it's History remains amongst the magnificent of Realms in our History." Before sheathing it, he asked."And how did you gain such a gift, Gerald?"
"The Dungeons of Doul' mas, west of the Aqaraqani Capital, they were found nigh 23 years ago, however till 2 months ago, it was never finished nor explored to it's full capacity." He spoke of it fervently, exhibiting proudness."Our own Company has explored the depths of the dungeon, my Lord. These riches, the ones I present to you, mean to last Generations, as I wish your house a great and stable future." Gerald bowed once more in respect to the Duke, who in turn looked at him with a smile.
"Gerald Monsel, your gifts mean alot." He gave the sword to a servant, before turning to the man."Empires of the past speak to us, they leave behind history to inspire, mistakes to learn from, and a path to pave with the lessons we have from them." He unsheathes his own sword, the heirloom of House Ross, a two edged Bastard with a Star emblem on it's Pommel."For your gift, you are from this day on, hence named Baron for your expensive gifts."
As he pointed the sword to the man, he quickly raised it."However! The gifts alone do not speak for your Lordship alone. I have heard of the Trading Company of Ludendorf, it's exploits in many realms, and house Monsel, the name given to it's founder, Ser Xavier Monsel of Quisburg." He said called his name, his tone commanding."Gerald of house Monsel, kneel."
Gerald, knocked out of his shocked stupor, quickly knelt, shock present on his eyes as the Duke approached him, before pointing his sword over Gerald's shoulders."In the name of Aminsica, and by the Power vested in me as Duke and Protector of the Realm of Tidewater, I grant you the title of Baron, for you and your children to inherit to the end of time, a loyal vassal of Tidewater. I grant you Quisburg, south of Venisica and North of Ludendorf, and for that, I shall grant you your first task: Find capable men. The Realm has no shortage of people, but we require men who can read, who can fight. And with that, let Quisburg flourish with your expertise as a Chairman of your trade Company."
As he sheathed his sword, he spoke."Rise, Baron Gerald." As the Baron stood up, he had a smile on his face, his pleased smile as if he had achieved something he had wanted.
"My Lord the Duke, I shall serve wisely in your stead in Quisburg, which you have granted me." Pausing between words, the newly appointed Baron quickly smoke, his grey Mustache covering his mouth, covering his smile.
"Good, now go rest, and await further instructions in your Territory soon." Samuel smiled, pointing to the table of his vassals."A seat has opened up perhaps only there, you may want to make your acquaintances."
As the Baron left, the Herald quickly called the next name."From the house of Clearwater, Count Bill of House Clearwater, and his son Nigel Clearwater, rightful lords of Star Harbor to the Oaken Ridge."
A Elderly man stepped forward with a stern look on his face, bowing to the Duke as his son Nigel quickly followed in his father's footsteps."My Lord the Duke, my condolences to you and your siblings for your father, and Congratulations on your Coronation."
The Young duke looked at the man with a smile."Count Clearwater, it has sure been a long while since we have met, no?"
"It sure has, my Lord." He said with a light smile as he raised his head."May I introduce my son, Ser Nigel Clearwater, my second son and a Knight, knighted by me for his victory over the skirmishes near Star Harbor."