Palace Square: Cairhien, Cairhien

The streets appear to be paved with smooth stones, to make the path easier to travel for those that wish to move along it. All along the square, one can note buildings of various shapes and sizes, many of them appearing to be mini-palaces themselves, outshone by the splendour of the Sun Palace. Various shops and elegant inns appear to line the street as well, catering to the nobles who visit the city. Several lamps can be seen lining each side, used at nightfall to light the way.

The various cultivated shrubs and bushes that line this street appear to be in full bloom. High above, several birds can be heard singing a chorus or two, welcoming the season of rebirth. The streets appear lively and busy, though it's apparent that the shops are closing their doors as the evening wears on. Above, if one were to look at the sky, they would notice that an artist has once again repainted it, this time in various pastel hues and shadows as the sun sets below the horizon.

Several roads stem from the square, each leading off into a different direction. Running north, east and south, one may find ones' self walking along Palace Road, while to the west, they will find ones' self heading toward the river as they follow River Road.

Contents:

Ebbis, Kolvin, Elyse, Leah, Drem, Aravin

A small group of young men, barely older than twenty, leaves River Road to see what all the hubbub is about. Perhaps there will be some money in it, or a better job.

Upon hearing the drums beating the darkly clad form of the thin Filderryn lord appears near the gates of the palace. Taking a few minutes after they begin Kolvin steps out and looks around, one dark and thin brow raised curiously as he ponders what is happening precisely, he says nothing and only stands nearby so that he can observe and listen for now. From the palace come three women, they are all clad in dark high necked dress es with the various slashes of colour parading from neck down the front to waist or lower, some of the old silver and gray of Tiigril mingled with the usual house colours. One of the women seems bored or indifferent, impatient as to just why she is even there. Another is irritated, her mouth pinched in a disapproving line. Leah, between the other two attendants in the palace merely looks around with friendly politeness. "We heard there was something out here, but not what." the comment directed to a gate guard seems to ask permission ..if it is safe for the women to be here or perhaps just to probe him for what he knows.

The Lord Withawyn, accompanied by as many of his family and retainers he could muster, arrive from the south. Let it never be said Withawyn was idle when there were changes afoot.

Marc turns to the two men speaking towards the centre of the square, and rather abruptly questions, "Did you say an army was coming?" The man who spoke before nods gravely. "I don't know what else it could be." With the crowd growing, that's all it takes to send the news, or rumour, around the square? "An army?" shouts another. The square begins to erupt with confusion, if not quite commotion.

The words, 'army' and 'conquer' begin to work their way through the square like fire. Some run, others move to hide. Most people, though, just stay to see what will really be making its way into the square. No army could have just walked through the gates of the City, not without raising some alarm.

Gaylwin enters the elegant square from the east.

Drem Drops his pack, readjusting the bandolier on his back, and the cloak that covers it.. Placing the bag under the shopkeepers table he begins to walk into the crowd, hunched as much as possible. Even though his stature loses a few inches he still sticks out in the crowd a bit, always a head above those about him.

Leah 's eyes widen as she overhears the rumour s and she becomes a shade paler, stepping back and one hand going to either side to clasp the hands of the other attendants. Of course, logically, the words "Who, Where?" Accompany the other rumours. One of the attendants grabs the palace guard by his arm, shaking it emphatically as she demands. 'Do we need to flee, are we in danger? Why arenıt you doing something?"

Kolvin considers these rumours and lowers his brow for a moment while he thinks on them and then shakes his head ever so slightly. Rubbing his fingertips against his stubbled cheek for a moment he seems indifferent to the concept. "Intriguing." he says very simply with his slim, knowing smile returning to its usual resting place.

Drem stops behind Leah, not wanting to become trapped in the middle of a stampede of people.. "Please m'Lady.. It is not as bad as it seems. Peace.. Calm down if you please." He mutters into her ear.

Horace looks around. Armies mean little to people with as little as he has, but perhaps a conqueror will be buying some favour of the people. He can be bought...

As the confusion and apprehension continues to grow, a man suddenly rides into the square on horseback with a frantic expression. The masses of people slow his progress somewhat, but when he's near enough his aim, he shouts for all to here. "The army! They're in the city! Coming from the Harvester Gate! Marching towards the palace this very minute!" The horse seems to sense his excitement and prances skittishly. Someone shouts out. "The gates? How did they get through the gates? What's happened to the guard?" The man on horseback responds, "They just stepped aside. Almost like they were expecting him." He says something else, but it is drowned out in the commotion.

Almost on cue with the man's words, armed soldiers file in and completely seal off the exits out of the square. They are dressed in black, and look professional army. They make no aggressive move and there are just enough to dishearten even the bold from trying to leave.

Well this certainly is quite the scene that Lady Gaylwin steps into as she enters the palace square. A Rushed rider streaking past to deliver his message. Her eyes widen in surprise and she grabs at the hem of her dress and starts to run towards the palace. spotting a friend near the gates she makes her way quickly to Leah.

Drem frowns.. Having been observing the army for the past month, he didn't expect something like this from a bunch of lazy soldiers.. He moves his sword so it is more hidden.

Elyse meanders her way into the growing crowd, her small hand fingering her hidden dagger as if she were a warrior. Talk about a site. She tries to look over the shoulders of the people in front of her, but alas she is just way too short to see

Lord Withawyn looks about in panic. He makes a move to force his way out of the square, but the black solders simply move to block him. They are simply a wall, imposing as well.

Leah wheels toward the man standing behind her trying to reassure she and the other two agitated ladies with her. "you? You know something about this? An army coming and not so bad? What is happening? What do you know?" Poor Drem, now he has not just Leah but the woman who was shouting to the palace guard and the other attendant flanking him and sidling almost as if they are expecting him to do something, say something.

And with the arrival of a fourth woman, the cluster of worried women whose current residence is the palace grows.

Sounds of a skirmish echo from the Palace courtyard, as do cries of "For the Sun Throne!" It seems the Palace Guard has rallied and met the strange Black army. The din gradually quiets and the unconscious but otherwise unharmed bodies of a few of the Guard are dragged to the side of the square, dropped unceremoniously.

Drem frowns at Leah in front of him and looks up at the approaching soldiers, trying to sort out their ranks he looks back down at the three ladies.. In an almost off-handed tone he says, "If the palace guards let them buy then what do we have to fear.." To those that could discern he gifs off an air of uneasiness.

Followed by her two guards that do not look pleased that Gaylwin is running through the square any more than they are to having the entrances blocked off by these men in black...this army. Should have known that something like this would have come so quick on the heels of the saviourıs defeat and the death of the queen. Probably killed secretly. Gaylwin finally comes within earshot of Leah and slows her pace. For now better to listen than stir up trouble for yourself and others. so she reaches out her hand to place it on Leahıs shoulder.

Horace just moves to a place and stays there. Best to not get anyone else upset, it is always the poor and old who get trampled in these sorts of riots.

Far too near for comfort, and with an alarming suddenness, a high, sharp, note sounds from what must be dozens of horns. Following in suit, loud booms of drums resound throughout the city. The din is to the east, and approaching.

Drem spreads his arms encompassing the four women, urging them into the crowd, away from the soldiers. Frowning he slouches even more, but still stays high enough to see what is going on..

Decklan enters the elegant square from the east.

Lyssa arrives, walking trough the Bronze Gates then further down the broad ramp.

Leah jumps uneasily at the touch then relaxes just slightly as the touch on her shoulder is discovered to be Gaylwin instead of some foreign army come to pillage and avail themselves of the ladies charms, a not unusual fear for women in such circumstances who find they possibly may become hostage or spoils of war. One of the attendants beside Leah utterly panics at the sounds of battle behind her through the palace gates. She strips off the slashes on her dress and shakes down her tower of curls till it tumbles round her like the styles favoured by commoners , pushes away the other woman and disappears into the crowd, fleeing

Kolvin seems rather indifferent to the display, not hindering the black clad soldiers unless they make a move to bother him. Narrowing his earth tone eyes for a moment the man taps his chin ever so slightly while he considers them. Since they do nothing to the people out here and no one seems to be informing anyone of anything happening, little happens that's worth thinking twice about.

"What is going on? There were the sounds then people rushing all about and who are these men?!?" Gaylwin says to no one in particular near Leah as if they would know the invaders on a first name basis. She does however remain mostly calm. The presence of her two guardsmen right behind her. "Are we being invaded?"

The horns are the clearest indication of what must be going on, marking for anyone in the vicinity, the focal point of the commotion. After only a few minutes time (they must have marched straight from the gates) a large, organized group can be seen just beyond the barrier of black clad men which enclose the square.

Lyssa hovers near the edge of the crowd in the square, stumbling as someone shoves her from behind. She tries to see if she can find anyone she knows, but the mass of people is nearly impossible to wade through. She scrambles, regaining her balance as the horns sound.

Decklan is just among the flock of people flurrying about in the square, his heavy boots bringing him from the Sunburst Square at a quick clip. His own body servant alerted him to the commotion, and he is intent on assisting the Palace Guards in whichever way he can...too bad he is a bit too late.

Drem bumps into Gaylwin as he moves backwards and stops.. dead.. His nose flares as he recognises -something-... Slowly he begins to walk sideways and tuns around, trying to look inconspicuously at her..

Ebbis is on the very fringe of the crowd, trying to see what is going on, like a country man in the big city.

In seemingly well rehearsed form, the wall of black clad men flow to either side, opening a free passage to the street to the east. Any hopes for escape through the new opening however, might be dashed by what is revealed behind the wall. What must be several hundreds of black clad, stern looking men, if somewhat straggly, stand in formation behind a lone horsed figure. Sitting straight and high in the saddle, and surveying the scene with a determined, but somewhat satisfied look is none other than the Lord Aravin Micansa...

Some of the crowd recognises him and they gasp. Some of the people were too awed by the horns and the soldiers' appearance to do much else but just stop and stare. Still others try and get as far from Aravin and his black legions as fast as they can, knocking each other over in the process.

Leah pushes back against the wall surrounding the palace, drawing Gaylwin with her. Her back presses against the wall as if she were trying to merge with the stones, become as little noticeable as them. She spots her sister toward the side and gives her a frantic look, hoping she can make her way toward her. The last of the attendants starts to follow Drem as he edges around, pestering him with questions. "Will we be safe? Who are they? Where did they come from? Why isn't someone doing something?"

Lyssa staggers as one of those fleeing people rams into her again. She stumbles forward, going to her knees on the stones. She jerks her hand back just before someone steps on it, and then tries to get to her feet once more. "Ow! Hey!" she exclaims, trying to get out of the way.

Moving with the small crowd she is with Gaylwin looks to Drem to answer her and Leahıs questions. At least SOMETHING out of the man would be helpful. She turns her eyes back on the soldiers to look over where they are going and what they are doing. it is then that she spots a man on horse back she once had over for tea.

Decklan is /trying/ to do something, yet in the milling crowd, it is difficult to see exactly who is who, and what is what. The Lord Captain pulls his sword, intending on finding the rest of the Guard. However, the Black Army cannot have someone with a bared blade other than themselves, can they? As the Delaseur forces his way, finding the guardsman subdued and taken, he himself is beset by several of the Army's militia. While one takes his attention, engaging him in swordplay, he is quickly rapped on the back of the skull by another. The large man collapses from the blow...

Horace is quite suitably unimpressed by the man on the horse. He's seen those before, unless this one decides to throw money. He does, however, spot the young lady fall to the crowd and begins to move over there. He offers a grubby hand down to Lyssa.

Drem stands like a pillar, looking directly at Aravin.. Remembering the man.. Spotting him briefly. Frowning he ignores the women, but stands in front of then as people rush by the wall, some running into him, bouncing off, himself only briefly staggering.

Aravin simply sits there atop his horse for some time, studying the masses before him...Finally, he waves his hand, and an black-clad officer shouts a few sharp words. Soldiers begin opening a path towards the Palace gates. Aravin guides his horse slowly, confidently, behind.

Lyssa gratefully grasps that grubby hand, dragging herself to her feet with a frightened 'thank you...'

Leah's attention is caught by the black clad part the crowd and the aisle they form leads the gaze to Aravin. Eyes grow wider and wider, dilating and she grows paler. Good thing she is leaning against the wall or she likely would be falling without the support. Her lips form the mans name, first soundlessly, then with a faint whisper of sound.

Horace nods as Lyssa regains her feet, giving her a look that suggests mild annoyance. The filthy man moves back to watch the rider as he makes his entry into the palace grounds. No, no money thrown yet....

Elyse finally pushes her way to the front of the crowd looking rather angry. Pulling her dagger out, just in case she rests her hands upon her hips listening to what is being said. Her dark blue eyes glare at the man next to her as he whispers something rather fresh softly.

Drem bends over to his bag, where he removes a few shiny objects, which quickly disappear.. Kicking the bag further under the table he looks to the women a moment and then back at Aravin, deciding.. He tries to make out any conversation above the crowds shrieks, to no avail.. Looking back again he bends over and runs with the crowd a moment, cutting towards the palace, but not so near as to be picked out..

Sometimes the fringe /is/ the best place to be in a crowd. Well, for a not so curious man, at least. Ebbis is pushed and shoved, but manages to hold his ground a good bit. He sees the young man in finery get knocked down and disarmed, and sighs to himself. Youth today, always rash. But he /is/ in finery. Ebbis shoves his way against the crowd to the man, and kneels, offering his hand.

The soldiers efficiently form a path for Aravin to the Palace, which means more than one person gets unceremoniously shoved aside. Beyond that though, the soldiers don't seem especially hostile. Once he reaches the gates of the Palace, Aravin turns his horse about to face the crowd, looking them over some more. Some might even say he seems to be savouring the moment. He raises his hand above his head to signal the crowd to quiet. It appears he wishes to address them.

The group of young men start to cheer for the strange new conqueror. "Lead us! Lead us!" comes the chant, which grows slowly among a minority of the crowd.

Lyssa glares at the men in black as she's pushed yet again. "I'm getting /tired/ of this." she mutters as she staggers.

Drem mutters a few oaths to himself.. "Why did I have to come now.. New this would _____ never should have gone down ____" His voice drifts off as the crowd goes silent.. Wondering if he should do anything he frowns and hunches down, waiting for the man to say something.

Horace looks up and waits for the fellow on the horse to announce whatever it is he wants to announce. No doubt it will be a monumental waste of his time to be here, but Horace stays anyway.

Groaning softly, only the noble's voice is able to bring Decklan to his senses. Again, his heedless behaviour forced him into foolish action, he did not even accomplish anything. What, what? Someone is offering to assist him, where is his sword? Thick fingers intertwine with Ebbis's hand, hauling himself to his feet, not saying a word...yet.

Aravin opens his mouth to speak, and the first words which come forth resound throughout the square. Enough to quiet the many who still might not recognize he wishes to address them. It is a bit peculiar, though, that although the words that follow are loud enough to be heard, they do not sound with the force of the first few. Almost as if Aravin had some skill of throwing his voice. "People of Cairhien!" he begins.

Gaylwin turns a sharp eye to Drem but then leans in quickly to whisper something to Leah. She mutters to Leah, "... new leader... How... is..."

Leah speaks to Gaylwin as she cuts a sharp glance at her. "Aravin...it is Aravin...Aravin, Gaylwin" She near whispers. I...I told you that before I got hurt he and I...." She lets her voice trail off, lost in some of the louder ambient sounds.

Aravin seems to be trying to look at each and every person in the square individually as he speaks. "I need not tell you, for you all well know, that Cairhien is a strong nation. The Saviour threatened us, but we showed him what sort of nation we are..." A few people in the crowd shout their agreement to Aravin's comments thus far. The chant of "Lead us!" starts again, but dies away when they want to hear more from Aravin the Great.

Kolvin seems amused by this comment as he shakes his head a little, "The kind that has no armour save for a bunch of peasants with pitchforks and needs our stronger neighbours to save us." the dark Filderryn lord says with an amused tone to his voice, though likely no one listens to him. They never do.

Aravin continues, "We are a strong nation, but we stand now without a leader. The Queen has died. Her heir is missing. Nobles squabble among themselves for petty and personal gains and leave the nation, our fair Cairhien, to flounder. Common men and women, whether working in our fertile fields, or craftsmen here in the city, face hardships undeserved to their loyalty and honour..."

"Kill the Nobles!" comes a cry from near the front of the throng.

Lyssa gulps, hearing that cry, hastily checking to see if anyone near her seems to be interested in following through on that suggestion.

Gaylwin folds her arms under her bosom and turns to face the man on horseback named Aravin. Her face quickly setting into a deep scowl. She probably should be looking for a way out quick should the crowd get hostile towards the nobles. yet her feet donıt move.

Aravin continues with a purpose, and his determined, engaging presence may be enough to unsettle some. "Cairhien is a strong nation, but we need a strong leader...I, Lord Aravin Micansa, am that leader." He pauses a moment to let the official announcement sink in.

Kill the nobles her eye! Elyse looks for the voice of the rumble who would dare shut such things. "You make assumptions my good man by grouping a class of people together without so much as any truth. Before you put down others you best look at yourself!"

Aravin doesn't appear to pay any attention to things shouted in the crowd, whether for him or against, which is not surprising perhaps. "These brave men around you," Aravin gestures to the soldiers clad in black, "They are not your enemy. They are not invaders. They are Cairhienin. They are your brothers and cousins and uncles. This is not an attack on the city...Together...Together we, the people of Cairhien, are taking action to better the nation."

Lyssa snorts under her breath, muttering, "You mean to better your standing in the game."

A large part of the crowd has fallen deathly silent as they watch and listen to the making of a new chapter in their lives.

"And what Gives you the right to place yourself in the throne?" Obviously that is what the man intends and Gaylwin makes sure her voice is added to that of everyone elseıs.

Decklan clutches the back of his head, finding blood marring his hair and his fingers. He shouts over the crowd hoarsely, "Another tyrant! Claiming by force what he cannot take in truth!" No, he is not crazy enough to attack bare handed, but his fingers flex like he would /wish/ he could...

Leah 's eyes widen and she does not seem to be able to look away from Aravin as he speaks. Her fingers reach for Gaylwin's arm and attach themselves there, tightening enough to quell their trembling.

Aravin seems to be getting energized by his words, and speaks now with a greater force than before. "I will bring changes, you see change around you already, but changes for the better need not be feared..." As several of those in the crowd with perhaps the least to gain by this sudden event speak out, Aravin continues with what he hopes will appease the majority of the crowd, at least until he can more fully articulate himself...

Gaylwin shakes her head at the man proclaiming himself the next ruler right there in front of them. She mutters to Leah, "... worry... house... be... before... that..." Her blue eyes blaze and she raises her voice yet again, "And of our Elected officials? the Royal Chancellor? Do you mean to just be rid of them?"

Drem stays still, eyes fixed on Aravin.. He watches from behind a few elder citizens, uneasy.

"I, for one, am appalled at the manner in which common men and women in the city are forced to live. It takes only a brief foray to the Foregate to see the poverty and crime our fellow Cairhienin must face. The rule in the past has been for leaders, for those who might help, to stand behind their walls and plush manors and ignore the problem, to use their resources to squabble over subtle gains in standing. This is a true crime against Cairhien. And it will end. From this very moment, I am making efforts to feed and shelter our citizens.."

"Leave the city then!" Some brave yet well hidden noble yells from the crowd.

Gaylwin merely shakes her head and looks over to Leah, "This isn't an invasion it's a peasant uprising. I would wager my next clothing allowance that not a noble can be found in those black ranks. At least not a noble of any worth standing. Beggars and vagabonds."

Aravin continues, "I am not here to call down Cairhien's nobles. They are an important part of the Cairhien, and it accomplishes nothing to continue the petty squabbling that has been the norm for too long. Nobles /are/ important, and they will continue to play a vital role...But only if it truly is for the betterment of the nation. Wealth and standing do not come without responsibility, and I except to hold nobles to the highest standard.."

Ebbis turns to the fellow he helped up. Yes, he is a noble. "He 'can't', but it seems he will damn well try." He notes, looking at the fellow, and listening to his speech.

Horace moves through the crowd, occasionally lifting a purse or liberating a piece of jewellery. He nears that girl he helped up earlier, subtly looking her over for anything she might not need that he might... borrow.

Aravin speaks further, and after a few minutes of careful explication, he seems to draw towards a conclusion, "People of Cairhien, better days are ahead for all who have Cairhien's bests interests at heart. Cairhien is a great nation, and destined for future greatness, and I, as your king, will lead you to it."

Gaylwin says "You Bloody Hell aren't my King!" Gaylwin shouts."

"As our KING! You tell these people you want to make Cairhien a better place and you gather people so you can get their sympathy to announce you are to be King" Elyse looks out right appalled, "You are mad!

Leah says "makes a muffled sound then grabs and shakes Gaylwin's arm. "No..no..hush, be quiet." there is a thread of fear in her voice lending the word emphasis. "not now, Gaylwin, not now.""

A few people in the back start to applaud the new ruler and that applause spreads slowly through many of the poorer in attendance. The chant of "Lead us!" starts again.

Gaylwin whirls on Leah as she tugs at her arm, "You would let this man just walk in and declare himself ruler? You know what new rulers DO to families of the old?" She pauses and points at the man, "You are of royal blood. What will he do to YOU?"

Decklan groans softly, trying to make sense of his pain. One hand clutches his head still, trying to make sense of what is going on. To Ebbis, he growls out, "This man is insane. He will not keep his promises, and then there will be a revolt..."

Aravin is finished, for the moment. He doesn't expect everyone to fall in line this very moment, especially since he just marched soldiers into the city. He has every intention of quelling the fears of those most vehemently upset soon enough. And every confidence he can do so. With a good-sized escort, he heads into the palace, which has already been made ready for him.

Leah lifts both hands to bracket her temples. "Light, Gaylwin, what do you think I have been thinking about since this whole thing started?" she looks aside with fright growing. "what do you think the nobles will do to me if he does nothing?" she retorts, reminding..."He had an affection for me, Gaylwin."

Gaylwin's brow raises as she regards her 'friend' there in the square neither of them in any position to put up resistance to the man just walking into the palace and taking it. "Then I suggest you pick your friends and your allies wisely Lady Leah or you could find yourself in an even harder position than you are currently."

The crowd looks around, slightly disappointed that there is nothing more. No money being thrown out, no promise of incredible wealth, not even a beheading!

When Aravin disappears into the Palace, many of the soldiers follow him in. Those guarding the square finally relent, and allow free passage into and out once more. Likely to slow the perhaps expected rush out of the square, wagons filled with barrels of ale roll in. Several bands of musicians follow. The spectacle has been well prepared, it seems.

Someone announces, "Free music and drink, compliments of King Aravin. Rejoice, people of Cairhien, for better days are ahead."

Leah speaks in a thin hiss. "you don't understand, you never will. I do not seek this situation. You of all people know what I want." she speaks no further, just letting her voice trail off anger stiffening her back."

Drem taps his fingers, leaning back against a wall of a nearby shop.

Lyssa looks at the musicians and barrels with confusion, then toward the palace, a slight frown on her face.

The gates have been closed for the night by this time, so no one will be able to leave for any reason. Congratulations, Cairhien! You've got yourselves a conqueror. The crowd certainly doesn't seem to mind, many of them besiege the ale vats or just begin to carry on as though it were the Festival of Lights... not to the same extent, however.