Captain Amalure @BlackBasque201616h
// With a closed hand, I rap with my knuckles three times on the door to Aimee’s office, the nerve centre of the “chatelaine” from where she issues commands in all aspects of the domestic service of the palace. Not waiting for her to invite my entry I curl my gloved hand around the door handle and open the door, popping my head in first with a sparkling grin. // Aimee my good lady how do you fair today?
Aimee Maid@aimeemaid 16 *Oh, dear lord does that man make the colour rise to my cheeks………pulling out the lace handkerchief tucked in the sleeve of my blouse and proceeding to dab my warm brow. * I am in good health Amalure, please sit makes yourself comfortable……..a small brandy maybe the night has gone chilly and you just finishing your duty!
// Sitting down in the well-padded chair indicated next to the fire the smell of burning logs mixed with a faint aroma of lavender a scent favoured by Aimee. Swinging leather-clad thighs up onto a small padded stool in front of the chair I cross my legs at the ankles. Leaning back pulling the broad-brimmed hat from my head and tossing it over onto the table. // Brandy! Excellent and naturally you will join me in a Tincher. We have a problem to discuss.
* A faint blush colours my normally pale cheeks as I stand up from my desk………. accounts and paperwork in mountains to finish at the end of each long day. Reaching for the chatelaine jingling from my belt to find the key to unlock the cabinet……everything must be locked away with so many staff these days……especially Babette whom I am sure would sell her own grandmother on the black market for the price of a bottle of wine! Unlocking the cabinet, I lift gently from the middle self a decanter of brandy, pouring two glasses, placing one glass down next to Amalure. I take my glass and sit down in the chair opposite my guest. * A problem your say my dear man……..could the problem be that of the brazen redhead I have the misfortune of calling a cook.
One in the same, she does make it her mission to cause chaos wherever she goes! I will cut to the chase Aimee. The confounded woman accosted me on the castle pathway. // I grimace and shudder at the thought. // Her lude suggestions moved me to recoil from her unwanted advances, I am sure some of the men would find her company entertaining. // Uncrossing the well-worn boots and lifting them from the stool, muscular legs in one move push the stool away with my boots, then placing my feet on the floor. Casually bringing leather-clad legs bent at the knee towards the chair so I can rest my elbows on my knees to lean forward gazing into Aimee’s eyes. // If only the woman had your qualities, Aimee, we would not have the problem we have now!
// A flash of white teeth as I grin at Aimee’s discomfort, we really must find her a good man. Sipping a little more brandy from the generous serving I nod scratching my beard while I think. // Motives that lady has only one motive, what she can gain from any situation. Putting it in walnut size she wants to be the palace guard cook!
Captain Amalure @BlackBasque201615h
BabettedaRosa @Babettedarosa214// Whacks the fat grotesque and filthy hand of “Pico” with a wooden spoon! The swine smells like an overripe cheese! Snorting like a stuck pig with one of my jubblies squeezed in his chubby fingers, chancing his luck at a free feel! As if trying a ripe melon at the market!
Glaring at his audacity he turns sharply grunting in pain tensing his buttocks a loud pop vibrates his cheeks, and a revolting odour snakes its way up from his trousers fowling the very air I breathe! // You filthy swine, your face should be pushed in the pig trough!
// Growling at him tossing back the red locks to fly freely ready to deliver another verbal barrage! Glancing sideways through a mass of tangles tendrils I see Aimee is watching from a distance her thin lips pulled into a crooked smile, I swear to god this is her sick idea of punishment. C’est la vie, I shrug fluffing up bountiful jubblies, putting the tantalizing jewels on display, and in the evening delivery of food to the barracks will pay dividends, the once empty purse is bursting at the seams, life is good when you know how to turn a trick or two. //
Babette daRosa @Babettedarosa214h
Aurore Braganza👑 @auroretrav201415h15 hours ago
*Watches as the full procession trundles down the central aisle of the Cathedral, all bare-headed in accordance with the rules, two by two, with men and women walking separately. A silly rule, some might say, but so it is written and so we must obey. The cross is carried at the head of the procession, with banners embroidered with sacred pictures, and behind them are John, with Miguel at his side, with Joao and Tiago right behind them, and then Aurore with Adriana.
Shifts my shoulder slightly to adjust the violet cope hanging on my shoulders. Not an item I am familiar with, and I would have preferred a simple surplice, but John insisted this be done with all due ceremony. Besides, I know it’s annoying the visiting bishops that I am even allowed to wear such a thing, so in truth, I took little persuading. Greets John with a nod, as Miguel, Joao and Tiago step to the sides to act as protectors, makes the sign of the cross, and takes a deep breath. Let’s hope I remember all the words. It’s been a long time since I had to be so formal.*
Confíteor Deo omnipoténti, beátæ Maríæ semper Vírgini, beáto Michaéli Archángelo, beáto Ioánni Baptístæ, sanctis Apóstolis Petro et Páulo, ómnibus Sanctis, et vobis, fratres: quia peccávi nimis cogitatióne, verbo, et ópere: mea culpa, mea culpa, mea máxima culpa. Ideo precor beátam Maríam semper Virginem, beátum Michaélem Archángelum, beátum Ioánnem Baptístam, sanctos Apóstolos Petrum et Páulum, omnes Sanctos, et vos, fratres, oráre pro me ad Dóminum Deum nostrum. loria in excelsis Deo (Gregorian latin)
Glory be to God on high John, the eighth Duke of Braganza, whose father was Teodosio, the seventh Duke of Braganza, and whose mother was Ana de Valasco y Tlellez-Giron, claims legitimate succession to the throne of Portugal though his grandmother, Catherine of Guimaraes, Duchess of Braganza. Let anyone who disputes these facts and the legitimacy of this claim speak now, or remain forever silent.
*Glances around, surreptitiously, my fingers hovering over the hilt of my sword, wishing it was a proper sword and not one of those silly ceremonial ones. Still, at least since they’re gilt rather than pure gold, so they’re a decent weight and Miguel and I have managed to put a decent edge on them all. I’m also pleased that we don’t have to worry about young Alexander. He’s with Catina, behind the scenes, safe and secure. I hand picked the guards myself.*
*Not able to breathe, I pray no one has any objection or that odious cousin of John’s, Duarte, a cruel capricious tyrant will not lay claim to the throne, bursting through the doors of the cathedral! sighing with relief when Ryan continues to ordain John as the lawful king. *
It is rightful conduct in a king newly ordained to make these three behests to his people. First, that the Church of God and all Christian folk should keep true peace at all times. Amen. The second is that he should forbid all robbery and all unrighteous things to all orders. Amen. The third is that he should enjoin in all dooms justice and mercy, that the gracious and merciful God, of His everlasting mercy, may show pardon to us all. Amen.
In the name of Christ, I, John, promise, undertake and protest in the presence of God and Blessed Peter the Apostle, that I will be the protector and defender of the Holy Roman Church in all ways that I can be of help so far as I shall he supported by the Divine aid, according to my knowledge and ability.
By the Grace of God, I present John the Fourth, King of Portugal and the Algarves before and beyond the sea in Africa, Lord of Guinea and of Conquest, Navigation and Commerce or Ethiopia, Arabia, Persia, and India, etc etc. *Good grief, how many titles does one man need.*
O God, who providest for Thy people by Thy power and rulest over them in love; grant unto this Thy servant John our King, the spirit of wisdom and government, that being devoted unto Thee with all his heart, he may so wisely govern this kingdom, that in his time Thy Church and people may continue in safety and prosperity, and that, persevering in good works unto the end, he may through Thy mercy come to Thine everlasting Kingdom; through Jesus Christ Thy Son our Lord. Amen.
*I makes the sign of the cross and walk over to take my place on the larger of the two thrones, with Miguel, Joao and Tiago taking their positions behind me, keeping an eye out for any trouble. However, from the smattering of spontaneous applause from the people watching, I have every hope that trouble will not bother us today. I smile and watch with pride as Aurore moves from her chair to the side of the altar to kneel in front of Ryan.*
*Stands behind the throne, and slightly to one side, with Joao at the opposite side and Tiago between us. I’m pleased to see Tiago is alert and watchful, and not pining after Catina.*
* Rising from the chair I wait while the ladies of the robe arrange the train lifting it carefully, Adriana bows her head graciously and I walk from the side of the alter with uninterrupted steps to join Father Ryan, lowering my head with reference to Christ and the blessed virgin Mary. Adriana ensuring the trailing cape is arranged by the attendants in folds down the steps leading up to the altar, undaunted I kneel on the top step before Christ preparing to take the oath. *
<<Formally bowing my head I take the opportunity to glance at Aurore and sigh with relief backing away from the alter making the sign of the cross, ensuring the ladies do show their respect. >>
Will you to the utmost of your power maintain the Laws of God and the true profession of the Gospel? Will you to the utmost of your power maintain in the Catholic religion in Portugal established by law?
Will, you maintain and preserve inviolably the settlement of the Church doctrine, worship, discipline, and enable the King’s government thereof, as by law established in Portugal?
All this I promise to do. The things which I have here before promised, I will perform and keep. I solemnly swear on the site of God. * Lowering my chin to my chest enabling Father Ryan to smear the holy oil on the crown of my head, giving a blessing.
Rising from the kneeling position to receive the symbolic ring of the Queen, Ryan slipping the ring onto the fourth finger of my right hand, nodding, he allowed my passage to John. Bowing graciously to my king and sovereign, before taking my place on the smaller throne beside him. Leaning sideways against him and as our shoulders brush whispering. * Meu Amor. A glorious day for our glorious victory.
Don’t even think about it. They’ve been in John’s family for generations. Besides, they’re pretty enough, engraved gold with a nice amethyst, but not worth a lot in the melt. Aurores is surrounded by tiny seed pearls. Ah, here you go. The crowns. Aurores is silver, John’s is silver gilt with semi-precious stones. The value is nothing to do with the metal or the stones, but rather what they represent.
*Places the ceremonial crowns on first John, and then Aurore,. Turns to the congregation and holds my hands aloft.* Greet your new King and serve him well. *Just be careful how you address any correspondence.*
*I stand and offer my hand to Aurore, smiling broadly at Ryan with a nod of the head, which I know will annoy the watching bishops, but that’s their bad luck. Smiles at the people, who are now rising to their feet and applauding once again, louder this time, with a few cheers for good measure, and leads the procession outside, this time with Aurore firmly at my side, as the Cathedral bells peal loudly. And my people sing!*
I have a fado in my singing I sing at night until the dawn From my people,
I have the tears And in my singing,
the Mouraria I have nostalgias for what I was,
For the love that I loved most
And I sing a borderless country I sing the sea, the earth,
my fado My fado, my fado, my fado, my fado,
my fado In my being, there’s everything but me,
The owner of my life My dream,
I call it mine and I presume my being,
reborn in me I have a fado in my singing In my soul,
it has been kept.
The quest for my fado lives in my astonishment
My fado, my fado, my fado, my fado, my fado
The Coronation Bells
Good morning Monsieur. *My goodness I am impressed……and that does not happen often, Monsieur Daquin has the staff scurrying in every direction with one look or a wave of the hand!…..the kitchen is a hive of activity. Having already acknowledged him when I entered the kitchen ….. with a no-nonsense expression, head inclined to the side accompanied with a characteristically sharp nod. I intend to start as I mean to go on! *
Monsieur, we have much to discuss regarding the arrangements for the “Royal Gala Banquette” Miguel will be here shortly to discuss the overall logistics of the affair.
//Smiles politely, while trying to work out if we have sufficient flour and eggs.// Indeed, Madame. Zis banquette must be spectacular and talked about for years to come. Zis must be ze best banquette ever.
But I cannot produce such a thing until I know who it is I am cooking for. Ze dishes must be exactly so. I have ze quarter of stag which has been a night in salt, and ze civet of hare, naturellement. For ze second course, we have ze pies. Ze third course we have goat, sturgeon, or chicken, but ze sauces … //waves hands aimlessly// I am not sure. And then there are capons, bread, malardis, spice wines, cheeses, and fruits. And for ze deserts, I have made croquembouche, chocolates, and cherry hearts. I think there is something for everyone, but I must know ze details.
Miguel! My dear. *Offers a small smile…..this is a man of substance and substantial credentials. * Do come in please, Monsieur Daquin has planned a menu fitting a royal occasion. Now we cannot progress with any arrangements until we have heard what plans you have made.
*Rubs my forehead.* My first official banquet, and apparently I cannot seat the French ambassador next to the German ambassador, in case they both drink too much and start a fight. Oh, and the Dutch ambassador has been waylaid by some storm at sea, so Bart’s cousin, Jacob, is stepping in. *Rolls eyes.* Naturally, Bart has to come along as well, and John promised Billy that he could join them. That can’t possibly go wrong. Luckily, I’ve managed to persuade everyone that perhaps it would be best if Albain was given a jug of rum and persuaded to stay on board ship, with the parrot and monkey. Oh, and my brother will be there, with Don Pau, representing Catalan. At least I can seat them with the French. I’ve got the meats you wanted, and Bart has thoughtfully provided some more exotic fruits. Honestly, whatever menu you can come up with, will be absolutely perfect. If it’s any help at all, we would particularly like to impress the French, especially since Aurore’s uncle will be present.
//Nods thoughtfully.// Parfait. Ze desserts are Francais, I can make ze sauces ze same. Loaves of bread, I must bake some more bread. Excuse moi, s’il vous plait, I leave ze seating to others.
So! We have made a start! * Tuts dans ma barbe……these men have no idea……Oh mon dier * And the guest Miguel! * Raises a brow folding my arms across a well starch apron* ….they need to be assigned chambers the foreign ones at least.
I assume you are expecting my girls to clean the chamber…and the beds made up and aired, I will assure that fresh flowers are placed in each guest’s quarters. Monsieur Daquin, may I suggest you furbish Miguel with a list of stores you will require ensuring no panic when you
start your preparation. Miguel! * A small smile graces my lips…..Oh the thought of Joao and Amalure….those well-toned torsos* have Joao and Amalure lists of guest attending…..some of them will need watching. *Narrowing my eyes with head tilted to the side*
*Smiles broadly.* Don’t worry, Don Pau is providing the wines, Mano is in charge of brandy, and we already have a good stock of champagne, thanks to some of Barts previous trips. Alcohol need not concern either of you. Just let me know if you need any other provisions, preferably before it’s too late, and I’ll do what I can. *Or Bart can earn his keep. Decides that maybe saying that out loud might be a bad plan. The less people know about that scoundrel, the better.* Oh, and I’ll get the guest list to you, Aimee, so you can make whatever preparations are necessary. *Bad enough I have to sort the seating out, I’m certainly not going to get involved in the sleeping arrangements.*
*Stares down the line of dignitaries jostling for position in the line up to shake hands with John and Aurore. I honestly did not think these many people would actually turn up. Oh well, here goes nothing. Clears my throat.*
Ladies, gentlemen, please, take your place in the line. Our new King and Queen will greet all of you in turn. While you are waiting, please feel free to sample the treats being circulated by our servers.
*Hopes Aimee and our new Chef didn’t underestimate the number of mouths we would be feeding. Then again, I did warn them that Bart and Porthos would both be here, so they should have made extra, just in case.*
*I take a deep breath and try not to pull at the neck of this overly starched shirt. So many people, so many names to remember. I hope I get them all right, or that Miguel has a chance to whisper loudly in my ear. I squeeze Aurore’s hand and start down the line,
smiling and shaking hands with people and exchanging completely pointless small talk, trying to make everyone feel special.*
“Meu Amor my King! *My smile lifts from the corner of my lips, hazelnut eye’s crease at the edges, not yet accustomed to calling John, My king. Among the throng of people jostling for our attention a few familiar faces, courtier and dignitaries, some of whom,
will meet with my scrutiny! We continue our parade, each step I take with perfect posture supported from within by dogged determination, to make my King proud. My arms relaxed gentle at my side. John subtly reaches for my hand closing his fingers firmly around mine in a show
of solidarity. Pausing from time to time, smiling politely and engaging in trivial conversation with members of the royal court. *
Aurore Braganza👑 @auroretrav201423
*Slightly bemused as Charles is far more effeminate than I had remembered him, now I wonder what is his purpose here.*
*Oh dear gods, I wasn’t sure it was capable for one person to overact quite so much, and I do not believe the act for one second. I have met his kind before, the kind for whom lies are second nature. In fact, no, the kind for whom lies are first nature. After all, I am no novice at this art. That is how I first met Aurore. I raise an eyebrow to Miguel and smile as he rolls his eyes and nods back. This English ambassador needs careful watching, but for now, I’ll humour him. After all, this is not the time or place to make a scene. Besides, it would seem that Aurore is already well acquainted with him. We can discuss him in detail later.* Lord Fitzwilliam. A pleasure to make your acquaintance, I’m sure. I am so pleased you were able to travel all the way from England for our little gathering. Such a long way. I am truly honoured.
Lord Charles Fitzwilliam @charlesfitzwil23.
{Twiddles my hand to the side—held between fingers tips a lace kerchief waved limply—-formally bowing! Raises my hand hiding a yawn —don’t you know—at the lack of culture presented in the ensemble intolerable boring —-peering over the hand shielding such rudeness—my eye’s fix on those of Aurore’s—inclined head nods in recognition.}
Miguel Pedrosa @miguelpedrosa9123h23 hours ago
Abilio @_Abilio_PereiraFeb 27
Aurore Braganza👑 @auroretrav201415h15 hours ago
Tiago! Papa is watching! {Quivers as his breath tickles the back of my neck. And pouts! My fingers gripping the edge of the banquet table, Papa has watched us all evening, if he was not watching now while talking to Miguel, I would stamp my foot!!!} Tiago it’s unfair, we have had no time together! {Ruby lips quiver, a small tear forms in the corner of my eye, the longing for Tiago’s sweet lips on mine is too much to bear.} Can we slip away, the new maid is very good, but I really should check on Alexander. He is my responsibility.
Captain Amalure 
