location: cultural exchange pavilion
open starter to anyone! closed.
esra had been weaving her way through the edge of the crowd of the pavilion, attention pulled in several directions at once. there was a harp melody drifting from one corner, a cluster of nobles laughing nearby, and the occasional flash of bright fabric from the performers. perhaps that was why she didn’t see them.
rounding one of the pavilion’s cloth-draped corners a little too quickly, she walked straight into someone. “seven hells---!” the words escaped before she could stop them as her forehead knocked lightly against something far less forgiving than air. she stumbled back a step, one hand immediately rising to rub at the spot she’d just bumped, eyes squeezed shut in reflex. then, slowly, the realization caught up with her. esra’s shoulders straightened just a touch.
“oh---” she started quickly, voice suddenly far more careful. her hand still pressed to her forehead, not yet looking up. “i mean--- i’m terribly sorry. i should truly watch where i’m going.”
The tourney grounds had begun to stir long before the first horns would sound. Knights passed between pavilions with pieces of armor slung beneath their arms, attendants hurried along with banners and cups of watered wine, and the distant clatter of steel carried easily through the morning air. Rosalyn had chosen the quietest corner she could find, claiming a small table that had since disappeared beneath flowers, silk ribbon, and a length of pale linen stretched neatly between her hands. Her needle moved with careful precision through the cloth, a small golden rose slowly taking shape in one corner of the handkerchief. Every so often she glanced toward the wreath of woven stems and blossoms resting beside her. Comparing the two favors as if the decision required very serious thought.
“Tell me,” without looking up from her work, she addressed the figure standing nearby, assuming it to be one of the attendants passing through."If you were a knight, would you rather receive a handkerchief or a wreath as a favor?” She paused, studying her work from another angle before continuing. “Pardon the presumption, of course. I do not know if I will be asked for a favor at all,” A faint smile touched her lips. “But I would rather be prepared than embarrassed.”
some time in the aftermath of the royal hunt, somewhere in the red keep | open starter
Find who did this. words that now seem to be causing him stress that he had not anticipated for. any contingence he had seemed to walk out the door the moment other cogs started to turn and get involved. no fucking shit he was going to do whatever he can to get to the bottom of this. the king always commanded things to him and the others. always demanded and yet, he complied. like always. like the dutiful noble he pretended to be. he had to deal with managing the Dornish, nobles who were growing restless, and other factors.
and so he stood in a corridor staring out a window as if to try and catch a breath before he heard footsteps. "if you are here to ask if you can leave the premises, I would advice against. I would hate to have the guards throw people into the dungeons this late into the festivities. if you want updates, that will have to wait." Lucifer said not even bothering to look up.
When: the first night- Illumination of the Red Keep, during the fireworks display
Where: the outside courtyard
Capping at 5 ( 5/5 )
One minute, she had been clapping and laughing enthusiastically as she watched in delighted awe over the magnificent fireworks that were illuminating the night sky in a myriad of dazzling colours. The next a terrible wave of dizziness hit her and Maris found herself stumbling to the nearest wall to steady herself from fainting. What was wrong? Shouldn't the early month symptoms be over by now? She was already more than halfway through the fourth month and was about to break the news soon to the Tullys, her beloved husband included. Had she over-exerted herself today? The latter was a strong possibility. She should have taken a longer nap but she didn't want to miss the torch-lighting ceremony in support of her beloved mothers-in-law nor did she want to miss the dazzling firework show. Pressing a palm over her face as she leaned against the cool stone wall, Maris then tried to calm herself down.
Location: King's Landing, on the last week of the 5th month of 20 AC, Event 02, Chapter 2
The bells of King’s Landing rang clear beneath a cloudless sky as the great gates of the newly constructed Red Keep stood open in deliberate welcome. Banners of crimson and black stirred in the sea breeze, and the Grand Hall had been transformed into a vision of royal splendor. Long tables draped in silk, long windows crowned with garlands, and braziers burning low in the midday light. Lords and ladies from across the realm were ushered within while musicians played bright, lilting melodies as if to soften the late summer heat.
When all had finally gathered, the King rose from his place upon the Iron Throne. Sunlight caught in the dark metal of the crown upon his brow as he surveyed the assembled nobility. His voice carried easily across the vast hall.
“Lords, ladies, lieges of the realm, as well as our esteemed Dornish allies. You honor us with your presence. Today we gather not merely to celebrate the completion of our majestic Red Keep, but to mark a new chapter in the life of this kingdom. These walls, raised from stone and sacrifice, stand as testament to our shared future. Let this day be one of fellowship, of renewed and new bonds, and of prosperity yet to come. To further share the joy of alliances and peaceful unity birthed through marriage, I would like to also announce the following betrothals that have come to my recent attention. Lord Vaelor Celtigar is to be wed to my beautiful step-niece Lady Alyssia Lannister whilst Lady Rhaena Velaryon will be tying a union with tba. Lady Alyssia’s cousin, Lady Eliana, seems to be not to far behind on becoming a bride soon as well, for she is now betrothed to Lord Edwin Stark. Please raise your glasses in a congratulatory toast to these new betrotheds as well as to the double royal betrothal between House Targaryen and House Martell!”
With a measured gesture, he then invited the realm to sit and dine as one. Servants moved swiftly, bearing platters of roasted meats glazed in honey and spice, fresh river trout, citrus-dressed greens, Dornish dates, Arbor vintages, and sweet cream pastries dusted with sugar. Laughter rose hesitantly at first — then warmer and fuller, as cups were lifted in salute. Above them all, the Red Keep loomed proud and newly finished, its red stone gleaming in the sun as if the fortress itself listened to the promises made within its shadow.
Below are the official activities open to attending characters during the second event:
1. The Illumination of Aegon’s Hill
Between dusk to twilight on the first day, a massive torch-lighting ceremony is conducted.
Braziers line the path from the main gates up toward the Keep. The heads of each noble house take turns to light up a brazier as a symbolic oath of fealty towards the Iron Throne.
The walk becomes a corridor of fire.
A huge brazier is placed right at the center of the Main Gate and everyone watches as the four royal betrotheds light up the brazier together in a symbolism of their unity.
Once the sun has fully set, a spectacular firework display is showcased, illuminating the new Royal Residence in all its glory.
2. Cultural Exchange Pavilion
The outer courtyard is draped in silks and banners from each kingdom.
A large and temporary wooden pavilion is erected in the center of the courtyard. Each evening showcases a performance from different regions such as Dornish dancers with flowing silks and rhythmic percussion, Reach harpists and courtly ballads, Stormlands battle-chant choir, dramatic Northern story-telling, Westerland plays. Wooden benches are strategically arranged for nobles to enjoy the shows.
Performances are not limited to be performed by staff only as talented nobles can join or do a solo performance as well.
This will last throughout the whole event as each region takes one evening.
3. The Royal Hunt
In the very early morning of the 9th day, the first grand Royal Hunt is set to occur in the Kingswood.
Every interested noble are invited to participate regardless of their gender.
Animals that are available to be hunted in the Kingswood are varied. Examples are red deers, stags, bucks, rabbits, hares, wolves.
However the main target of the event is a White Hart which was sighted a week ago. White harts are known be a very, suspected magical form of stags that are considered the “King of the Kingswood”. Truly a prestigious and symbolic prize for the best hunter of them all.
4. The Unveiling of the Hall of Histories
A newly commissioned gallery inside the Keep is now open for public viewing on the second day onwards. Before the official opening however, the king would assemble all nobles in the Royal Sept for a long, solemn prayer early in the morning, honoring the kings who fell during the Conquest.
Inside the gallery, one would find massive tapestries or masterpieces of artwork depicting notable events during the Conquest.
Also included is a Dornish panel portraying “peace through wisdom.” It showcases the signing of the Peace Treaty and a couple of ceremonies attended by the Ruling Princess of Dorne with her small delegation throughout the past few years.
5. Viewing of Nyessara’s Garden
Nobles are invited to stroll through the Royal Gardens which are also called Nyessara’s Garden in a tribute towards the Queen
Nobles can find Dornish citrus trees planted beside Crownlands pine trees, along with several unique Pentoshi plants and flowers.
In the middle of the gardens, one can find a striking fountain shaped like three dragon heads.
6. The First Court Held in the New Throne Room
On the 3rd day of the event, King Aegon holds the first public court in his new throne room.
He will hear petitions publicly, grant pardons, elevate smaller minor houses to greater esteem or create a new noble house and settle disputes fairly.
7. The Red Keep’s Royal Tourney
During the afternoons of the 4th day till the 9th, the Red Keep will bear witness to the first Royal Tourney being held in its home.
Archery, melee and jousting competitions will take place according to a schedule and every single noble is invited to enter if they so wish.
Winners will be awarded on the last day and as usual at the end of the main jousting event, the champion can crown a Queen of Love and Beauty.
OOC info:
The festivities would last for 9 days in-character whilst threads can take place for 16 days, ending on 31st of March with a plot drop!
It has been about 11 weeks since the last event. The Royal family & the current wards moved into the Red Keep a month ago.
Your threads may take place anywhere and at any one of the mentioned festivities at any time. You don't need to follow day by day.
If you still have old threads/ pre-event threads which you feel are important to your character and/or relationship development, you are free to write them alongside your event threads. We highly encourage you to do your best to wrap up your old threads by mid-next week though!
Please tag all starters with the tags of tc.event02 & tc.starter
Most importantly have fun & be inclusive! If you have any questions, at all please do not hesitate to ask the main!
at the Kingswood, during the Royal Hunt in the early morning | open starter
dominic was in his element despite being on land instead of the sea. he could easily fish a creature from a ship on rocky waves but in the woods, it is something else. it required a different set of skills that he had yet to fully hone in his twenty-something years. he though about setting his sights on the elusive white hare but there was other creatures he could hunt for, others that maybe while some were distracted he would take the time to converse to some needed people. he been tracking a red deer and was set to throw his dagger, when he heard a twig snapped behind him causing the creature to run away. "you owe me a deer." he said standing up to face the other person. "is this your first time hunting or are you just oblivious to your surroundings to notice?"
Location: Nyessara's Garden, the afternoon before the Illumination of Aegon's Hill
As much as Alyssia despised having to celebrate a new monument of the Targaryen ego in architectural form, being among a wide variety of nobility from houses all across Westeros rather than being cooped up with her wretched step-mother and vexing betrothed was a relief akin to water after weeks in the Dornish deserts. She had managed to break away from them both shortly after they and other attendees were settled into guest chambers by immediately beginning to explore the grounds. If the Lannister woman could say anything positive about this monstrosity of a keep the dragons had designed, it was at least vast enough to properly avoid those one wished to. As the afternoon wore on and the sun reached its peak, more travelers began to arrive.
Mercifully it wasn't long until the golden-haired lady caught sight of the Manderly cohort. Rushing over, she excused herself and Myriame from the larger crowd as soon as was socially acceptable after greeting their hosts and a few perfunctory flatteries. Although they had exchanged several correspondences since Dragonstone, Alyssia had kept her messages careful and vague knowing what a shrewd eye might be overlooking any letters. It was only now that they could properly conspire, both on behalf of themselves and the greater good. Adopting a seat on one of the stone benches dotting the queen's namesake gardens, the lady gave a quick glance around to ensure they were alone before finally speaking. "
Have you anything of great import to share or shall I begin?"
