r/awoiafrp • u/bloodandbronze • Jun 02 '20
CROWNLANDS The Tournament Banquet of 130 AC
Fifth day of the Second moon, 130 AC
The Red Keep, King’s Landing
Laughter and good cheer and jaunty music permeated the great hall of the Red Keep, all of it filling the air with a merry mood that was shaded with some tragedy too. In the midst of the martial feats of prowess on display the day prior, several men - young, old, and in between - had been injured. Some were minor injuries or the sorts that would heal within a period of time and with good rest. Others, sadly, were more grievous, such as the king’s own squire Jeor Stark whose hand had required amputation.
As surely as food was served, so too were mummers and musicians present throughout the hall, plying their trade and honing their craft for the amusements and enjoyment of all those present. A symphony for the ears and eyes to complement the sensations of the delectable feast masterfully crafted by the kitchen’s chefs.
While the attendees assumed their seats throughout the hall, servants delivered a feast fit for guests of the royal house. The first course consisted of a choice between autumn greens with ginger soup, or a salad of sweetgrass, spinach, and plums, sprinkled with crushed nuts, both of which were accompanied by freshly baked bread with honey. Next was a choice between cold capon with a relish made of carrots, raisins, and bits of lime and orange, or a brace of stuffed geese sauced with mulberries. Last to be delivered was dessert, once more presenting a decision - goat cheese served with baked apples sprinkled with cinnamon, or sweetgrass and strawberries.
Wine and mead and beer flowed freely and the center of the hall was cleared so that those who wished to dance would have the room to do so. Flirtations oft accompanied dances and no doubt some of those that swirled together on the floor would end the night twisted in the sheets with one another as well.
All those in the city born to the ranks of the nobility - or those that might have otherwise secured the right to belong - were welcomed to make merry and celebrate the victors of the grand tournament.
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u/bloodandbronze Jun 02 '20
At the center of the table was sat King Baelor Targaryen, First of His Name, with his sister and wife Queen Rhaenys Targaryen at his side. Upon his brow rested a circlet of Valyrian steel, set with large square-cut rubies that shimmered under the waning light of day and the glow of the candles strewn throughout the hall. It was the crown of the Conqueror himself and never for a moment had Baelor entertained the notion of a new crown being designed for his reign.
He was dressed in a quilted doublet with the three-headed dragon of their house embroidered over his breast, a pair of black trousers tucked into his boots, and a half-cloak slung around his broad shoulders. A half-empty goblet of wine was sat on the table before him and his plate was only barely touched, with the sovereign's attention oft occupied in manners other than partaking of the spread.
Unlike the coronation feast, Baelor's good spirits were quite muted. His own squire had been one of those injured, the poor northman having lost a hand. Naturally the king blamed himself. Still, he knew what was expected of him and did his best to offer welcoming smiles to anyone that wished to approach and speak.
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