[open to all] the coronation of a king

[Paragon]

P A R A G O N

1 Searing 123 Steel
The Ruby Palace, Kalzasi

The Age of Steel was named thus because of the steel by which the turn of the era had been won. Whether by sword or through the fires of industry, the Age of Steel had proven to be an era of change dictated by the steely resolve of mortals and their refusal to be cowed by any force that would seek to overwhelm them. The Sundering had changed Ransera irrevocably, decimating mortals and gods alike and yet still, mortals had persevered. Unbroken. Unbowed. Unbent. Unyielding like the finest of any steel every forged in any flame.

So that trend of change now flowed, as for the first time in Kalzasi’s history, the Line of Synnar the Liberator would pass the crown from House Novalys to the Line of Davak the Cultivator. The Ruby House of Kalzasi would fly its banners over the seats of government for the first time as House Senue saw its Daizoku elevated and crowned as the Fourteenth Shokaze, Sovereign and King of the Synnekar Avialae.

The Assembly of Lords, the Council of Elders, delegates from other nations, the Free Cities, and prominent members of the public and even common citizens had been invited to the Skygarden and the halls of the Ruby Palace had been prepared to enshrine its first sovereign.

The Age of Steel was an age resolute in the face of change and change had come to Kalzasi.

On this day, Karam Senue would be crowned as Shokaze of Kalzasi, King of the Synnekar, Sovereign of the Seven Great Houses.

Off Topic

This thread is open to all who wish to participate, either as a noble, common citizen, or a delegate of a foreign nation invited to attend the ceremony. Because of the importance of this event, you may post as both your main character and alternate characters if you have them.

[Talon]

T A L O N

1 Searing 123 Steel

Silvered wings kissed by rose-gold dawnlight flexed and shifted, the feathers glinting in the light of the morning sun. Sunlight that was shining fully down upon Kalzasi without his intervention for the first time in many months. Talon breathed deeply as he watched the last edges of the black moon drift out of the path of the rising sun. Snowflakes still drifted down from the skies. Winter was still clinging unnaturally to the world but if the sun could rise again, then the frozen landscapes would recede as well. He released his hold on the veil of his mortality, allowing the light of his nimbus to greet the rising dawn as both its avatar and custodian. As the light of a new day shone upon Kalzasi, Talon instilled that light with hope and a sense of just righteousness. This was a good day. A new day. The beginning of a good change that he felt confident of, even if the road to this day had been a painful one.

“Copper for your thoughts?” Talon turned to regard the immaculately dressed Karam Senue. His golden feathered wings captured the sunlight cresting over the tops of the Astralar peaks brilliantly. He exuded an aura of contentment, of pride, of happiness and joy with a mixture of disbelief. Garbed in colors of red, white and gold, Karam looked every bit the King he was about to be coronated as.

“Do you think I made the right choice?” Karam smiled, stepping forward to join Talon in watching the sunrise. He was silent for a stretch of time as they both watched the sunlight begin to illuminate the city in the distance.

“No. I do not.” That answer surprised Talon. He quirked an eyebrow at the man who was about to be crowned as the fourteenth Shokaze of Kalzasi. Karam glanced at him. “I think you should have accepted my request for marriage.”

Talon chuckled, shaking his head.

“You are a good man, Karam. A fine match. I think however, it is best that you do not rule with me as a shadow over your reign.” Karam sighed. They had both been going back and forth for weeks. Karam had made it clear that he had wanted to pursue Talon and Sahfri had given her blessing but Talon had ultimately turned him down. Part of him was not so sure of himself or Karam that this was not some well-intended but misguided attempt to placate him and his supporters. He could understand the politics of it. Certainly the idea had crossed his mind more than once. The idea of ruling jointly had also crossed his mind but after speaking with Kala, after speaking with his brother, and after doing a bit of research and reading about the various gods and demigods who had reigned as kings and queens, Talon had decided to chart a different course.

Raxen had been right; he had been thinking too much like a mortal. He was immortal. There might come a day when he would step in to reign as his people’s divine sovereign but for the time being, it was better that they rule themselves.

“In all seriousness, I truly mean that.” Again, Talon quirked an eyebrow as he regarded Karam.

“House Novalys has ruled Kalzasi for generations. You were born to be a king. You are a god. Justice Incarnate, who better to reign over us than the very embodiment of such an ideal? None doubt your strength, your honor or your courage. You could lead Kalzasi to greatness unimaginable. And yet…you give that up. To me. The runt of his father’s litter. Why?” The was genuine curiosity in Karam’s voice and in his eyes. In that moment, Talon could see some of the uncertainties that still clung to Karam. He did not see in front of him the warrior who had immediately jumped to the defense of Kalzasi during his wedding, nor the general who had been leading warriors against the voidspawn monstrosities. He saw a boy, a boy laughed at and mocked by his abusive father, a boy who had been forced to outwit and out-maneuver his elder brothers to make himself such an undeniable threat and asset that his father had no choice but to acknowledge him. He could see the rifts still lingering in Karam’s heart.

“If I were to take the throne, Karnor would go to war. First with itself and then with the world.” Karam opened his mouth to speak but Talon held up a hand. “Yes. I know that Kalzasi would stand behind me. I know that many of our allies ultimately would as well. Could I lead us to a crushing victory here in the Northlands? Yes. I could. I could sweep away all opposition here in the North. I could do it tomorrow and there are none who could stop me.”

Talon always held back. He held himself in check with an iron discipline born of his upbringing. He held himself back because if he did not, he knew that there were many who he could harm. Even with his own aura and the force of presence his divinity commanded, he held back.

He stopped holding back for just the briefest of moments. He let Karam actually feel the true weight of his presence. He stared at the soon-to-be King with the weight of not a mortal prince, but of a demigod who embodied the full scope of his domains. Karam went still, his eyes widened. The moment that expression crossed Karam’s face, Talon roped his presence back into himself. He held back. He kept himself in check.

“Justice can be a tyrannical thing, Karam. Part of me would embrace that tyranny and say it is a good thing. My Divine Father is the Dragon King. He is Order and Law itself. That need for strict Law and Order is within me. My Mortal Father was a man of great mercy and diplomacy. He taught me that to be a leader, is to be a servant of the people and understand that what they want is not always what they need.” Talon turned more fully to regard Karam. He studied the regally dressed man that would soon be the king of his people.

“Our people want me to lead them.” Talon reached out, touching a finger to Karam’s chest directly over his heart. “They need you.”

“Some would argue the opposite. Some would argue that I am the lesser choice.” Karam shook himself and Talon watched him blink away the awed and glazed look to his eyes.

“Yes.” His blunt response made Karam blink. “You will prove them wrong.”

He knew that there were fears in Karam’s circle that he was simply waiting for a moment to depose him. Talon had no such ambitions. His focus was on his own family and the rebuilding of his Dawnmartyrs for the time being. House Novalys would support its king, as it must, as it should. For to do otherwise would make an already tenuous peace that much more brittle and fragile.

“You declined Lady Ahtivin’s invitation to be the one to coronate me.” Karam spoke after another beat of silence. Talon nodded.

“And if I command it of you?” Karam smirked. Talon frowned, opening his mouth to speak. “I am King.”

Talon gave Karam a look.

“I will respect your desire to cede to me, Talon. But I must also be clear that I am not afraid to approach you as traditions would dictate. You are a god but you are also the Daizoku of arguably one of the most powerful noble houses in all of Karnor. You are also the firstborn son of the previous sovereign. It is a show of solidarity that the crown be passed from the prior house to the new one.” Karam made a good point. Talon did know the rites of coronation. He had been trained in them from an early age in preparation for the day he might succeed his father. He needed neither briefing nor practice in performing each step. He sighed with a shake of his head.

“I would be honored…” He smiled. “...my king.”

With that, the two of them set off to go to the main hall where preparations were being made.

[Arvælyn]

“Crimson regalia for a Ruby Palace…” Arvælyn narrated, as he regarded himself in the mirror that hovered before him, slowly orbiting to grant him a glance from all angles. The servi were still fussing over the finishing touches, and strapping him into boots which would give him a bit more height to suit Avialæ environs… masquerade would exude at least the sensation that he was taller still, even if he wasn’t in practice. He extended his hands for the gloves to be added and glanced to Finn, as he too was being primed for a formal function as a representative of the Umbrium.

“I’m glad we have an honour guard this time.” He mused, “Not that we aren’t perfectly formidable in our own rights, but after the last time we attended a royal function in Kalzasi, I would welcome at least some of the burden of our safety be placed in the capable hands of others.” That catastrophe had been the impetus for their leaving Kalzasi in the first place and it was a trauma etched deeply into Arvælyn’s memory… a dark cloud that loomed over this- his first visit back to the land he’d once called home in over a year.

“You look lovely as always, amatus, but I think Aværys will be very cross if you don’t append your natural beauty with His æthereal bequeathments…” When their garb was perfectly laid upon their bodies and their entourage of servi and the escort of veiled, armoured Sentinels was situated around them, the player would smile to the bard.

“Would you care to do the honours of conducting us to the venue, or would you prefer to save your æther in case Kalzasern coronations are as… eventful as their weddings?”

[Laveriel]

The ascension of Karam Senue… It was no surprise that the city spared no expense for the event. Banners displaying the noble house’s insignia flapped gently in the wind. Red and golden lanterns were hung across the roofs, a staple in any celebrations. Nobles wrapped in all sorts of colors flocked to each other, their necks and wrists weighed down by jewelry that shone under the light.

Veriel had arrived with the other warforgeds earlier, but she excused herself in order to explore. The elf had firmly refused the guards that were offered to her. While the woman was visibly unarmed, she was not vulnerable. She ignored the quick glances thrown at her as she slipped through the gathering with ease.

Her silk white dress was lovely and flowy, but it was painfully simple in comparison to what most of the nobles wearing. The only thing of note was the golden belt around her waist. If Veriel had to guess, their attention was drawn to her for the amount of flesh the dress allowed her to reveal.

The siltori usually never shy away from the displays of skin. Their markings were their pride, a physical display of their potential. But being in hiding had forced Veriel to cover herself, to hide anything that might hint at her identity. She kept to robes with sleeves that fall past her wrist. No more.

For the first time in decades, Laveriel d’Revrinti flaunted her witchmarks for the world.

Her back was bare for anyone to see the intricate reaver’s rune traveling down her spine. The silvery markings that wrapped around her pale arms and legs were intricate, twisting and curling. Her raven black hair which was usually let loose was held up by pins of gold. The rune of affliction on the back of her neck would look not unlike a mysterious flower decaying almost imperceptibly - at least to those who dared to stare for long enough. With every step she took, the slits on her dress gave glimpses of ebony encircling her left thigh with graceful tendrils slithering out, making their way down her leg.

With no real destination in mind, Veriel found herself wandering aimlessly in the crowd, not even noticing that her body slowly gravitated toward the direction of her patron demigod.

[Hikami]

龍 1st of Searing, Year 123, A.o.S 龍

---

龍 He would never be used to parties or events of this magnitude, always holding a small part of him as being inferior to others in attendance. He was fidgeting with the collar of his attire. It was an extravagant garment his aunt made by hand for him for such an occasion. He was adorned with jewels of blue, gold, and aqua and a dragon-shaped circlet on his head, only to be accented by his magical adornments, his reaving Halo hovering ever so slightly above the crown of his head.

His prismatic wings caught the sun as he hovered over the venue, the echoes of the last formal event he attended still playing in his mind, as he wasnt about to be caught off guard by another surprise assault. He would do a lap around the venue, catching the eyes of the sky guards who were also on patrol as well. He knew that he was here as a guest of Talon and as acting lord of the village given to him by the Iron Queen. The warrior in him however couldnt rest, however, that is until he was flagged down by his aunt. She was adorned in blue and silver, with accents of gold and black on her dress.

Upon landing his wings sent forth a wave of cold air, his spear coming into manifestation in his hands, its icy and frigid appearance releasing more of a cold aura around it. "There is no need for the warrior to be ever-present today." she chuckled, taking his arm as he escorted her through the crowd. He wasn't sure what to expect, but he knew he had to say something to Talon and the soon-to-be king. When he found Talon, he looked to the man in all his glory and found himself blushing at the demigod.

There were many who seemed to want the attention of Talon and Karam, but until there was a better time to speak to Talon, he would simply wait. 龍

---

"Common Speech"
"Synskrit Speech"
"Self-Thoughts"

[A S S E M B L Y]

[Finn]

Kalzasi was fucking cold.

In a year, it seemed, he had grown accustomed to the heat of the desert. Thankfully, he was dressing for the climate. A native son of Kalzasi, his clothes reflected it, as ever a foil for his amatus. A moonborn human, perhaps, with his coloring, it didn't take the ateliers much effort to make him complement the crown prince of Soluniariums subterranean throne. He was no longer wearing his pauldron, couter, and vambrace; they worked with his Sentinel uniform, but not such finery. It was no great matter. The healing was largely done; now he merely had to get his strength and fine motor control back. All the same, he had been given a ring enchanted similarly to the armor that would grant him strength if he needed it.

Hopefully, he wouldn't need it.

Hopefully, this wouldn't end up like Aoren and Talon's reception.

Thankfully, if it did, he now had the means to spirit Arvælyn back to their chambers in Ecith if need be.

Finn quirked a quizzical brow at his fiancé.

"You don't think it would be in poor taste to wear a crown to Karam Senue's coronation?" he asked. Then he considered. "I suppose if it pleases Aværys, though..."

When the servi stepped back from him, he knew he was ready, and so he stepped up to offer Arvælyn his good arm. He also opened himself to Aværys' grace, and lines of gold traced their way across his brow like a fillet. Then the gold began to shine and the servi around them fell to their knees. He just hoped that he balanced Arvælyn and the natural dread people had for dragons of his ilk.

Without word or gesture, he warped space, wove lines of the slipstream to suit his purposes, and a portal opened in thin air, resolving into the scene of the solemnities.

"Shall we, my prince?" he asked, trying his most chivalrous smile.

[Mino]

There’s a certain measure of interest that Mino does have for this all. Coronations are big deals. Things to draw crowds and stir the nobles from the humdrum of their usual vices. The lord thief was no better, though his eyes did linger on all that glittered. A byproduct of occupation and just his general affect, chasing after them with his gaze and an itch at the tips of his fingers as he breathed out. An auspicious occasion for the whole of the city to enjoy and those welcomed foreign dignitaries. It shouldn’t have produced such a…less than pleased reaction from the head of house, but that might have been out of concern for their dealings and how they might be exposed with a change of hands in the rule of their proverbial — and literal — hunting grounds. There was already the issue of needing to expand where they picked up product that had the Lady Blue on edge, but this was something that could be fixed.

Something they had to fix.

But that was not what was on the rathari’s mind for the moment, falling to the wayside in favor of showing face as he was usually made to do. The perceived inheritor of the house, given how openly he’d been shown around when he came of age. Or, well, nearly been of age, but that was just the fine details of the matter. For now, he was focused on not dipping his fingers into the pockets of those around him. They were so close, really. Easy enough to slip his hands in with ease and back away with his spoils while they were none the wiser. Might he feel a little bad? Not at all likely, given the finery of the day. It wouldn’t hurt, would it, to just take a coin or two from those he could. Not their last, oh no — he wouldn’t do that to those undeserving. But there were plenty that were. Plenty that could go without a coin or two.

They dressed so well, really. And he felt that while he might be among them, just as likely a target, he’d been rather smart in his coin carrying. Dispersing his money about his person. The large cloak that draped over his shoulders was enough of a deterrent. But — really all these layers everyone was wearing should have kept the urge at bay. He could distract himself with food, maybe. Plenty of people setting up shop to make use of the crowds. It would have been a solid distraction, if it weren’t for something familiar catching his attention. A scent he could just barely recognize scratching at one memory or another. He tipped his head to the side, sniffed. He knew this smell, most certainly.

Followed it all the way to who he thought it was. Placed a hand on the gentleman’s shoulder to catch his attention, all grins as she pushed the frames of his glasses further up his nose. But it was an unfamiliar face he saw. “Oh, apologies. Smelled like someone I knew for a moment there. Must be your cologne; might I ask where you got it?”

[Aegis]

Earlier that day...

A great, winged shadow traveled quickly over the farmlands that fed the Kalzasi populace, heading northward into the mountains. It moved far faster than any of the airships that Karnor was known for, and as people looked to the sky, they would often find themselves temporarily blinded by a glinting as sunlight was reflected into their eyes. As it passed before the new black moon, it would be seen for what it was to the few that might recognize it. Or rather, him.

A large, adult Iron Dragon was soaring towards Kalzasi, with three people riding comfortably upon its back, as well as a winged man flying alongside the dragon, keeping pace. But as they approached Kalzasi's earliest defenses, no horns were blown, no shots were fired, no spells were cast, for they were expected. And the passed harmlessly through the hidden magic protections, the Glyph of Diplomacy sent to them by the Circle of Spells performing one of its many tasks flawlessly.

The dragon and his crew entered the city, led to a large palatial estate and disappeared from the curious eye.


In the current time...

The three Ecithian Senators and their two guards moved slowly through the crowds that were forming, guided by attendants, leading them toward the area designated for the foreign delegates. At the front, a large Orkhan man in open chested robes, his entire body nearly covered in tattoos, some moving and shifting, others not. His hands were carrying a beautiful ornate box, carved from an amethyst hued wood native to the Commonwealth of Ecith. Floating above it was a security glyph, installed by the Circle of Spells. The man carried a gruff expression as he looked out over the many native peoples he towered over, as did most of his companions, keeping pace with the minders.

Behind him, a blue skinned Orkhan woman, wearing ornate armor, bangles, and jewelry. She smiled brightly at each child they passed, many of them upon the shoulders of their parents so they could see better. As she went, she handed out small candies from a bag upon her belt to each child. These candies were called Dragon Eggs, and were fairly rare in the north, but all children in the Commonwealth knew them. They came in as man colors as dragons do, and started off shaped as little eggs. A small blow upon them would cause the jelly egg to hatch and change into a tiny little dragon that would walk around on one's hand for about thirty seconds until it stiffened into the candy that it was. There was a trail of delighted squeals left in her wake.

Bringing up the last of the Senators was a cloaked Awoken man. He kept his hood up but the cloak was open, and the vast intricacies of his mechanisms were visible to all, constantly adjusting and moving as he did. He looked around the beautiful city, wander obvious in how he would pause, how his shoulders would hang. He would often point at something, his robe fluttering open to reveal he carried a thick tomb, bound in a deep green leather. He regularly looked back over his shoulder at one of the guards, the Avialae with wings like the great flying pterodactyls in the south, and asked in a tinny voice questions about the town, to which the guard answered with a bright smile. On the guard's right, a human man elbowed him smiling, cracking a joke at which all three laughed heartily.

Weaving through the crowd, they were eventually brought to the pavilion reserved for the delegation from the Commonwealth of Ecith. The two guards stood in front of the Avialae guards provided by Kalzasi, and it wasn't long before the four of them were laughing, new friends formed in duty, as the Senators and the Kalzasi attendants slipped inside. In there, they would find the Ailos delegation waiting on them, and soon began to share refreshments and conversation with them.

[Mirage]

A deep sound like drums filled the sky as five figures came over the Ruby Palace. Three pairs of black wings, and a single pair of silver shook the air with every powerful beat and it was this sound which reverberated throughout their decent.

The first to touch down in the empty space created by the crowds was a woman in silver plated armor which wrapped her chest and held back her hair in a silver half helm. A thin pane of glass acted as a visor over her eyes, and extending from her back was two metallic purple wings that hummed and vibrated with power that coursed through thin wires from their pace to tip. She began to walk as her heel touched stone, and as she did so the metal that covered her chest and head drew back like liquid, letting her black hair cascade down her back while the purple wings fluttered in the wind to become a cape which draped her shoulders.

One by one the winged men landed around her. The first on her left hand was a man who stood more than a head taller. His uniform was deep black, neat and well tailored to fit and accentuate his broad shoulders and toned arms. His hair was neatly trimmed and styled in a manner that was popular among the younger nobility in Gel'Grandal of late, and as he began to walk beside the woman he smiled a confident smile that did not quite reach his one good eye.

"The common rabble has gathered early." He said with a casual look at the people they passed on their way toward the pavilions for delegates, "Mind your wallet, Princess. Who knows where the thieves hide in this sea of degenerates."

As if to emphasis his words he spread his wings slightly so that one covered the woman's back and the other blocked her vision on the left. The two Kathar behind said nothing but walked a bit closer behind. Each wore an identical uniform of black and purple, thick leather covering their chest and arms, and around their necks was a thin chain that could easily be mistaken as a choker or other ornament. The one who spoke had a similar chain around his own neck, but it was dark black in color and had a single red stone that rested against the base of his throat.

"Watch your words Irdan." The young man on the Princess' right said, his silver wings fluttering slightly in agitation as he shot the older Kathar a leveled glare, "We are here as guests, representing the Emperor and the Imperium itself. Do not let your prejudice bring shame on Princess Evina's good name."

Irdan returned the glare with an even stare of his own accompanied by a sneer, but as he was about to reply his words were cut off.

"Enough you two." Evina sighed, casting a a stern look at Irdan who was looking forward once more, "Irdan, do not antagonize the people of this city. Remember why we are here. You are to be an example for Taryn on his first trip outside the palace, so behave in the manner that the Emperor, and I, expect of you."

"Yes, your Highness." Irdan gave a slight bow, but did not look back at the Princess of Taryn as they approached their pavilion.

They walked in silence then until they reached their destination. Once there the two Kathar took up positions on either side of the Pavilion, their wings folded close to their back as their eyes scanned the surroundings in a constant vigil, backs straight and hands clasped behind their back. Irdan sat in one of the chairs and crossed his leg on one kneel, looking idly around the gathered crowd and scanning the other pavilions with disinterest.

Evina took the seat prepared for the Imperial representative placed near the front of the pavilion with a view of the stage where the coronation would take place, while Taryn came to stand on her right once more. He shifted back and forth slightly, nervousness showing through despite the stoic expression he tried to hold in place.

"There is no need for you to be so anxious." Evina said with a smile, and she patted the chair beside her, "Sit with me."

For a moment the young man seemed inclined to refuse, but eventually relented and sat, his wings folding down over his shoulders as he sat straight backed staring forward at the stage. This made the Princess smile despite herself, but she said nothing and turned her attention to the stage as well.

.

[Paragon]

P A R A G O N

As Hikami summoned his spear, one of the royal guard overseeing the proceedings stepped forward. He was a human dressed in the vestments of a middle ranking officer of the Sky Guard.

“Honored Guest, please dismiss your weapon or you will be escorted from the grounds.” His look was stern and a cursory glance would show that there were several other guards not far off that, while seemingly scanning the attendees, were poised and ready to come forward and assist. Another observation would reveal that the only individuals in attendance who were openly armed were those wearing the armor and vestments of a Sky Guard or a Dawnmartyr that was actively on duty.

“Ever the warrior, Hikami.” The smooth voice of Rien Novalys, Second Son of House Novalys and Talon’s younger brother carried over to the iceborne warrior. He grinned as he walked up to Hikami and his aunt.

“Deep breaths, mighty Hero of Udori.” Rien clasped Hikami’s broad shoulder. He waved off the guard. “Though perhaps it is best you not invite even more tension, hm?”

He pointedly nodded to a few of the delegations that had arrived. Most notably, the delegates from both the Ecith Commonwealth and a few of the Western Free City ambassadors who had just taken their seats.

“If you ask me, the ambassador from Satesoria looks like he just might beat you to it.” Rien nodded toward an older human whose expression was that of one who recently sipped sour milk. The man was looking in the direction of the Ecithian delegation. Rien was just about to comment further when Hikami was grabbed by his other shoulder.

“Mino! What a pleasant surprise to see the House of Colors out and about! Not getting into anything sticky are we?” Rien gave Mino a playful wag of his eyebrows but his undertone was clear. It was a known factor among the upper noble circles that Rien was an accomplished Mind Mage, some even went so far as to say he was as skilled as his mother, the Iron Queen. He looked away from Mino and waved to another person.

“Lady Laveriel! My brother’s Wrath! You’re just in time! Our fair hero here was just about to save us all from the boredom of pomp and ceremony. Care to join me in placing bets on who gets into a drunken brawl first? My money is on Lord Tizan. You should have seen his face when it was clear that Karam would be chosen.” Rien gave another grin but there was a spark of mischief in his eyes. The merriment was interrupted however as a tense hush fell over those gathered. The sound of wingbeats could be heard and some might say they were the drumbeats of a battalion readying itself for a march toward war. Rien’s attention turned to the five Imperials who touched down upon the platform.

“On second thought, my money is on Ecith.”