[b][center]THE HIGH QUEEN[/center][/b]

Gisela smiled genuinely at the Archmage as she climbed the dais and moved toward the high seat, suppressing a snicker. She sat down, two guards standing near at hand, and spoke cheerily.

[color=0072bc]“Aye Lady Valericka, And pleased I would be to have you for a dinner companion.”[/color]

And it was true. Gisela had grown very close to Valericka, and regarded her rather like an elder sister. The Queen was then about to respond to the issue of the sconces, but Vulmar, who was rounding the table to his own chair, cut in first.

[color=ed1c24]“I had been telling King Childeric,”[/color] he said, [color=ed1c24]“may his repose be eternal, that the Hall was too dark for almost a decade. He never did-”[/color]

And the Lord Chancellor himself was interrupted, as Sir Rycherd of Vrenal announced himself. Gisela nodded at his words, but, again, before she could speak, several things seemed to happen all at once. A band of pagan magicians filed in, weaving spellcraft across the hall. She was rather amused by this, though a look of concern crossed her face when some sort of vine darted to her left. At the same time, The Queen heard an announcement of Lady Carmella's entrance, and saw her moving up toward the dais. Lord Milo of Kagrenan before before her to remake his introduction, and the Paladin Samael knelt in likewise fashion. She managed to mutter a polite greeting to each of them, urging them to take their seats at the high table. Finally, Sir Aldrich made his presence known and began to challenge the Kamic visitors.

[b][center]THE LORD CHANCELLOR[/center][/b]

Vulmar had seen quite enough. The Aborimians were barbarians, it was true, but even they must have known such a provocative display of the arcane would be considered at best impolite. Perhaps they were more ignorant of courtly decorum than he had realized. Vulmar decided that he would have to speak about it to War-Priest Kamahl before the night was through. The Chancellor did note Sir Aldrich's speech to Kamahl with approval, however. [i]At least one guard in this castle takes security seriously.[/i] However, for propriety's sake, Vulmar rose to his feet and cleared his throat.

[color=ed1c24]“Order, please.”[/color] he began, speaking with an easy authority, [color=ed1c24]“Assembled Lords and Ladies of the Council, do take your appointed places upon the dais. All others may sit with the servants and retainers, as it pleases you.”[/color]

As the Lord Chancellor spoke, servants, off-duty guards, retainers, and low courtiers of every description began filtering into the Hall. With them came serving-maids bearing trays and pots of food of great variety: roasted pork, lamb, stewed fish, large wedges of cheese, pottage, and many kinds of bread. Each place at the high table was set with fine silverware, while those below the dais would have to make do with their hands.

[b][center]THE HIGH QUEEN[/center][/b]

Gisela found to her surprise that she was quite hungry. And would have liked to begin eating immeadiately. Before she could, Vulmar hastily whispered into her ear. She turned toward Samael, the Paladin, and called out softly to him.

[color=0072bc]“Your Beatitude, though it is customary for the Lady of the Hall to say the grace, I hope you might do us the honor of leading us all in prayer.”[/color]

[i]Just as well,[/i] Gisela thought. She was unsure which prayer would be most appropriate for the occasion.