Re: Chester Medal Awards

[Admin]

Hello Fugue .. Boleslaw - Is there room for one more Trixiebelle smiled at her friends. All these grand people ... it is a bit overwhelming. I'm happy to find friendly faces. I'm feeling a bit underdress. Looking down at her serviceable, if clean and tidy, dress.[/i]

[Admin]

Welcome, Trixie! I was just thinking that most of those glittery clothes are on people who are soldiers and politicians and civil servants just like us, though a few have titles like our friends.

Fugue smiles.

No matter our Sunday dress is not sewn with diamonds. We're here to recognize those who fought for Chester. And you two are among those heroes! Let's just enjoy the evening for its purpose.

[Admin]

After receiving a welcome hug from Trixie here, Elmix was glad to see her in this ceremony.
Lots of People ,knights and bowmen started to arrive here at the ceremony, but there were still some missing.
Elmix was realy rushing here to Chester when he heard he was invited cuz he wanted to see the changes here with his own eyes and the changes realy were great here.

[Admin]

Seing Trixie, Boleslaw cannot resist grappling her in a hug.

'I am glad you are hear, my friend. It is fitting that you are. Few have done more for the county than you, and therefore there are few here who deserve recognition more.'

Boleslaw regarded the three of them gathered at the rim of the hall, and smiled. There was much more to this evening than baubels and rhetoric, he thought - seeing his friends gathered here, and others scattered around the hall, he felt a sense of pride for the Palatinate.

But he did wish that someone would get on with it - his small talk had run dry, and so had his glass. He wasn't quite sure which was the more worrying.

'Perhaps I should cough loudly, and indiscreetly, in the general direction of Lord Bloodstone and the others? Perhaps they'll take the hint - or else put it down to bad manners of that uncouth baker again!'

[Admin]

Seeing his sister and a group of people standing together close by, Stone turns to the Regent.

"Your Highness, It gives me great pleasure to introduce to you some very important people here in Chester County. All have been integral to the any success that Chester has, or will have.

May I present to you,

Goodman Boleslaw of Holywell, a good man and rearer of fowl, homing pigeons. His pigeons are without fail, some of the most well trained and reliable in all of England.

Madame Trixie_Belle, late of Holywell but soon of Chester - she is moving to the Capitol to help with its growth and development.

Elmix, late of Beeston, recently moved to Cumbria to help prepare secure the Northern Border. Elmix fought with distinction in the Chester and Birmingham battles.

and finally, Fugue, my most charming, talented,and beautiful sister... She has recently found me and we are in the process of determining the disposition of our kith and kin. She is most adept at many things, and sings like an angel. I hope she will bless us all with a song later, maybe accompanied by her minstrel friend Boleslaw ?

My friends, I present to you HRH Prince Algernon Uain O'Rourke de Hanley."

Looking about the room, he sees the Spokesperson for the County moving towards the dais.

"I think we are soon to begin...."

[Admin]

His Royal Highness turns with a smile to greet all whom Stone introduced him to. 'Dear friends, it is a pleasure to meet all of you. We wish thee well, and pray good fortune always yours. This should prove a truly beautiful day.'

[Admin]

Fugue slants a glance at her brother before curtseying deeply to the Regent.

I am honored to be allowed to greet you, Your Highness. Please don't take my brother entirely seriously. He does exaggerate at times.

She smiles,

Chester is honored that you are here to help acknowledge these heroes.



[edited to fix awkward wording.]

[Admin]

Trixiebelle mirrors Fugues curtsey, we are honoured by your presence, Your Highness

[Admin]

Boleslaw bows deeply and, stammering somewhat, states that he is more than honoured to welcome such an esteemed personage to the County and to this occasion.

'Your Highness adds lustre to what is already a fine ceremony. I am honoured to be your servant, my Lord.'

Bowing again, and withdrawing a few paces, Boleslaw glows with pride.

[Admin]

The carriage sped quietly through the towns to take the General and his wife to the ceremony in Chester. Tasite looks out the carriage window to see the beauty of the forest as the sun is setting low behind the trees and she admires the colors of the beautiful leaves of fall.

Hher hands gently move across her lap to rest upon her husband hand. Looking at him tugging at her uniform, she giggles. Leaning forward slightly, she can see the building, and everyone entering. Looking back at Elson, she gives him a loving smile because she is very happy that they decided to come.

As the carriage stops Elson opens the door, exits and extended his hand. She gently clasps it as she feels him take her elbow and carefully guide her down. Looking up into is loving eyes she smiles at him once again, then places a gently kiss on him as he leads her to the ceremony.

[Admin]

Certainly, M'lady,the male voice sounded cooperative and upbeat as he lifted himself off the bed.
Maybe a slight note of sarcasm could be detected? She wasn't sure.
He extends an arm in front of her face.
Lydia's first, instinctive, reaction was, of course, to ward off the presumed attack.
When somebody, in a situation like this, makes a sudden move, she...reacts.
Her right hand flew up between his arm and her face while she turned her head sideways to avoid the worst.
Squinting and waiting, she grimaces anticipation.
She can't claim she was scared but, without weapons, one is helpless when one is already on the bottom.
When nothing happened she peeks at him from beneath her hand and becomes aware of his smile.
That smile arouses speculation in her.
As more of the room's dim light illuminates his form, she notices the way he is looking down the length of her entire body.
He shifts his weight a little waiting for her to grab his arm.
His gaze comes back up.
Past her chin.
Her lips...
She is waiting there, higher, with her counter gaze, until he falls into her onyx pools and they lock eyes for the briefest of times.
She realizes who it is. Lt. Ggourounisios?
She can barely whisper his name, for he is off berating her now, which makes her nostrils flare, her eye twitch and her jaw clench slightly.
But nothing else will give the burning fire of defiance deep down inside of her away.
Do this, do that. You did this wrong, watch for that. She mockes him silently.
By Jah, if she didn't know any better, she'd say he was her father or some kind of unbearable uncle.
He is sooo lucky he is a superior officer.
Wasn't too long ago tho the odds weren't so steeply marked.
As a matter of fact, during the events right here in Chester, he was waiting for her to relay orders to him.
But that's fine.
She goes to fetch her oak comb and tries to gently rake thru her mane.
To no avail without Mary here.
So the water basin is next.
She pours a bit and, eyeing the glistening liquid, turns toward Lt. Gourounisios for a second and looking back, imagines him pouring water all over her face, had she not woke up in time. Lyds scoops the refreshing water with both hands and wets her face, her eyes, her mouth, her temples, cheeks...
It's just something she could imagine him doing to her.
She dries herself, blows a strand of hair out of her face and stands at the ready. Saluting him, in her fab lille red dress.
At your Command, Sir!
She speaks professionally. Looking straight ahead.
He is correct about everything, of course.
She just can't, for the hell of her, give him any due credit.
She doesn't know why.
That makes her nostrils flare and her jaw clench again.

[MackenzieGael]

This should precede Bloodstone's post.

Glancing around Mackenzie realizes that the Hall has filled up quickly as people mill about chatting and drinking. The sun is setting through the high windows indicating that the hour is getting late and she seeks out Stone and Cecily who both nod at her to start the ceremony. Turning she hands her drink to Aida.

"Will you hold... err" He chuckles with a puckish grin taking her glass, "drink this for me."

Laughing herself she turns and heads toward the makeshift stage and podium, nodding at the band to quiet as she steps up. When only a few curious souls turn toward her she brings her fingers to her lips and releases an ear piercing whistle. Now all eyes and heads rivot toward her.

With a sweet smile she begins. "Good Evening everyone! My name is Mackenzie Gael Fraser and I am spokesperson for the Chester Council as well as committee member for the Chester Awards Ceremony. I want to thank all of you for taking the time to come to our ceremony and I truly hope you enjoy the event as well as the food and drinks." Lowering her voice briefly, "I've been tasting the drink and can vouch for it's deliciousness."

"As you know a lot of brave souls fought to defend our wonderful county and we want to show them our appreciation and patronage, for not only fighting to defend the county but for liberating and defeating the NNGO and preserving the safety of not just Chester, but of the other surrounding counties as well. Presenting these awards and continuing the ceremony, I would like to present His Grace, Bloodstone, Earl of Peterborough and the Duke of Chester during the battles in Chester."

As Bloodstone walks up to the podium she steps back, curtsying grandly and stepping down into the crowd.

[Admin]

Elson hold his wife hand and see her walk down slowly from the Carriage and walk to the ceremony hall. Along the passage way, they greet the peoples that they meet which most of them were fighting together to free Chester.

[Admin]

Elmix was standing near Stone when he presented him to HRH Algernon.
I'm honoured that you joined us today your highness!
After that Elmix see Gen Elson and Lady Tasite alo made ithere just before Mac started to speak, so after she finished the speech, Elmix awaited what will happen next. There were still some knights who needed to be here.

[Admin]

Seated next to her husband and take a sip for the drink he hands her. Listen to the beautiful young woman that starts the ceremony.

[Admin]

Kulles was late. But Chester is long way from Somerset. Hopefully nobody notices.

[Admin]

He waited patiently for her to finish washing up and brushing her hair.

When she was finally ready he offered his hand to escort her to the carriage. "I've ordered a carriage M'lady , its is rather windy outside and I doubt whether your dress could keep you warm if we had to ride"

As they walked off th room he asked her for her key. "We need to lock the room in case you have left anything valuable inside."

[Admin]

Bowing to the Mayor of Beeston, the former Duke of Chester takes his place on the dais. Instead of using the provided lectern, he moves it to the side and addresses the assembled.

"Thank You all for taking the time to join us for this most special, and important occasion.

We take time today to mark one of the most important events in not only the history of Chester but, in the whole of England.

In this very place, men and women, loyal not only to England but also to the belief that Freedom is the Right of All Men and Women stood in defiance of a Tyrant.

They stood and fought, knowing that their cause was Just and Right

They stood and fought, knowing that in doing so, they would show all that took notice that the Men and Women of England were willing to give all to ensure that Freedom from Tyranny and Oppression remained the Right of all England.

They stood and fought, knowing that they would not prevail that day in Chester but, that their sacrifices would not be in vain. Their stand, their opposition to all that is Wrong with man, would not be for naught.

They stood and fought, and many died, because that was their Duty to their Fellow Man and Woman.

From the cowardly attack on the Regent in Beeston, to the final Battle in Birmingham, the men and women of Chester stood.

We stood and we fought for that in which we believed.

When I met with the leader of the NNGO Army, Anto_capone before the Battle of Chester, he asked me what Chester had to offer the NNGO Army to make it go away.

My response, "Armed Resistance!"

Today, we honor the sacrifice of the many, for the masses.

We honor the loss of life, fortune and fame, sacrificed to the greater good of England.

Most of all, we honor the Victors !!!

For in the end, today Chester stands a place governed by freely elected men and women, not a Dictator.

Chester is Free, and England is Free, because when the clarion call rang out, the men and women of Chester left home and hearth, field and workshop and answered.

In the Years to Come, when asked what you did to make England the Great, Blessed Nation that she be, hold your head high and let all that would hear know of your deeds on these fields, on those days.

Well Done Chester !"

after waiting a second,

"And now, it is my pleasure to welcome our Regent, HRH Prince Algernon Uain O'Rourke de Hanley, who has traveled these distances to be with us today."

[Admin]

His words remind her of the fact that it's very cold out and she is clad in virtually nothing.
She rushes back into the room (to get the key and) to grab the old fur coat she had made, back in Oxford, from some little animals called mink.
After people started to feed it there were more and more of them suddenly, and they had over run the county, at one point and something needed to be done. Might as well put the leftovers to good use.
She should probably wear her newly made winter boots too.
At least until they got to the coat room of the castle.
If she hadn't slept those hours, to get some well needed rest, she would have been ready now.
And yes, she was dilly dallying.
She leaves the room and throws on her hood. Ready, Sir!

She is about to hand him the key when she remembers she hadn't locked the room yet and hurries to do so.

The carriage is cold and drafty but things are bearable inside her warm wrap along side the blanket the 2nd Lt had provided for her.
Shyly and most unobtrusively she sneaks a peek his way.
He seems to think of everything.
She would have froze to death if he hadn't made it a point to mention the weather.

She directs her gaze back out the carriage window.
It takes not too long and Chester Castle is coming into view.
A flood of memories washes over her as they pass the now famous stronghold.
That first night.
She cranes her neck as they pass by...
The WoS...Elmix and Lydia were the only ones awake and alert enough to defend.
The next day, her leading a small little Regiment in town.
Inexperienced, but with great communications support. She was a Pvt.
Elmix here, all alone, with only a few of the Bowmen...
She plops back into her seat as the castle swiftly passes out of sight.
Her eyes, for no reason, absentmindedly, come to rest on Sir Bruce's hands, who is sitting across from her. She's caught up in thought and gazes back out the window.
Her life had not been the same since.
And maybe, just maybe, she has not really slept since then...

The horse drawn vehicle pulls into the courtyard now.
There are still a few others arriving. So, it's not too bad, time wise, she guesses.
Someone tears open the door to the cabin and is asking for her hand to descend the wooden steps the footmen had hurried to provide.
She rises, gathers her coat about herself, adjusts her hood and grabs the small travel bag, and the extended hand.
In a moments flash she is being swept away by eager servants and attendants and doesn't even have time to see what is happening to Sir Bruce.
Following the directions given to her, she ascends the stairs. The wind whips around her protected body and face as if trying to test for breaks and tears in the material.
Someone is pointing her to the Grand Hall now. She requests the cloak room first. They help her find her way. She deposits her coat and changes her shoes. Ready for her entrance. She chuckles qietly. Not at all like it used to be. Timid and afraid or whincing when your name was announce by the MCs. Upon her word, she is ushered into the Grand Hall now and able to hear the end of Duke BloodStone's speech.

".....In the Years to Come, when asked what you did to make England the Great, Blessed Nation that she be, hold your head high and let all that would hear know of your deeds on these fields, on those days.

Well Done Chester !

And now, it is my pleasure to welcome our Regent, HRH Prince Algernon Uain O'Rourke de Hanley, who has traveled these distances to be with us today."

Duke BloodStone. Oh, she hadn't seen him in such a long time!
Just in time to hear her good friend the Regent speak. She makes her way to the forefront and spies Fa shi shu. She must stop and say hello.
SgtM Fa shi shu, she greets as she approaches. Good to see you, Sir. You left so sudden, last time we met, I had no chance to say good bye. Did I hear correctly? You are trying to get a treaty with Wiltshire going?
Looks around for possibly some water.

[Admin]

Being assisted now to the dais by the teamster who guided him to this venue, the lame and disabled Prince Regent of England now gripped the podium while setting upon its top the shillelagh he brought with him from Erin.

He momentarily shuddered as he drew in a deep breath, and he then exhaled a throaty growl of an exclamation that could not help but be heard above all and any din. He yelled, His Royal Highness did. He hollered as a trumpet.

'Peoples of Chester, the County Palantine. People of England. Heroes and heroines assembled. All here today deserve honors. For ye have all, each and every one, braved the hurricane. Ye stared down the storm. You stood!

'As a tree bending in the most violent of cyclones, you stood. Stood ye strong and tall, and proud for thy nation, for thy county, for thy brothers and sisters. Stood ye yet against steel, against blades, against horror. You stood!

'You stood as Lions!

'Let the lions of the nation Roar. You raged against damnation. You roared against swords. You resisted the whirlwind, and ran forward against it. You dared thy destruction. You dared erasure. You squarely stared death in the face.

'You stood as Lions!

'Rise as lions and Roar. Ye braved the rains of our darkest nights of despair. You walked through fires and swam red rivers of blood. This blood was your blood, and you screamed at the horror that shed thy blood. You stood!

'You stood as Lions!

'From the storm, we have emerged as survivors of conflagrations marching towards the healing stream of redemption. Tonight we rise with our souls on fire! We stand in the light, and with our sight, to rise as a nation forged in War!

'You stood as Lions!

'You stood as Lions and roared your will to remain a nation. You stood as Lions and charged against surrender. You reached for the Light of the Sun against the machinations of the Nameless One. We say to thee, Rise in the Light and holler!

'You stood as Lions!

'You stood as Lions, and fought as Lions, and we remember who was the first to fall. We treasure he who was the first to fall. For His Royal Highness thy Prince faced being laced by swords for thy defence. He stood as Lion as well for you.

'We must honor the Prince Degas!

'His Royal Highness, the Prince Degas, shall now be made by the Hand of His Royal Highness, thy Prince Regent, the Lord of Rose Castle in Cumbria. To Prince Richard Morgan Degas, we do bequeath this gift that we might honor forthwith -

He who first faced the sword to save us all.

Peoples of England and Everywhere,

By the Hand of His Royal Highness, the Prince Regent Algernon Uain O'Rourke de Hanley, do we mark and memorialize for His Royal Highness, the Prince Richard Morgan Degas, Earl of Macclesfield, Viscount of Reading, his rights of full ownership to rose Castle and its entire historical estate. May His Royal Highness exercise his stewardship of the realm in all of the Most High's great Grace. We name him Lord of Rose Castle.

Sincerely Yours,

HRH Prince Algernon Uain O'Rourke de Hanley

edit: One too many 'Royals' in the decree

[Admin]

He stalled a bit longer as he had to take care of the carriage. He entered the room the moment the Regent was finishing his speech.

He could not see Lydia but the many familiar faces he saw made him smile. Almost all of his brothers and sisters in arms had already arrived, the place was almost full.

He stood silent for a brief moment as memories of those days were rushing into his mind.

[Admin]

Having sobered up, Razinoth slips into the room and leans up against the wall as the announcements begin. I feel out of place, He thinks to himself. All these important people!

[Admin]

After hearing Algernons speech he is stunned to learn he has just been given the Rose Castle. The words of the Prince Regent keep echoing over and over in his head…

'You stood as Lions!
'You stood as Lions, and fought as Lions, and we remember who was the first to fall. We treasure he who was the first to fall. For His Royal Highness thy Prince faced being laced by swords for thy defence. He stood as Lion as well for you.
'We must honor the Prince Degas!
'His Royal Highness, the Prince Degas, shall now be made by the Hand of His Royal Highness, thy Prince Regent, the Lord of Rose Castle in Cumbria. To Prince Richard Morgan Degas, we do bequeath this gift that we might honor forthwith -
He who first faced the sword to save us all.

Peoples of England and Everywhere,
By the Hand of His Royal Highness, the Prince Regent Algernon Uain O'Rourke de Hanley, do we mark and memorialize for His Royal Highness, the Prince Richard Morgan Degas, Earl of Macclesfield, Viscount of Reading, his rights of full ownership to rose Castle and its entire historical estate. May His Royal Royal Highness exercise his stewardship of the realm in all of the Most High's great Grace. We name him Lord of Rose Castle.
Sincerely Yours,
HRH Prince Algernon Uain O'Rourke de Hanley

His emotions are welling up in him thinking about his beloved England and how he tried to defend his country. Knowing he must say something he searches for the right words to thank HRH but nothing comes except a very heart felt and emotional 'Thank you'.

As always you have my continued support, I will protect my Country and County with my sword, mind, and heart. May Jah protect each and everyone of us. May he keep us from war, but if we are forced to fight again, may he give us the resolve to defeat our enemies.

[Admin]

Prior the HRH's speech...

Of course you may call me Lydia, S...(she catches herself b4 saying the word Sir).
I would be honored, indeed...and...maybe I could be allowed to address you as Fa?
Perhaps for tonight only, if you wish?she smiles a timid, genteel little smile.
Then looks around for a glass of water but the only thing being passed is champagne.
She has had neither food nor drink since early yesterday and really needs some liquid to refresh and replenish her body.
She excuses herself for a second to stop the waiter and ask for water.
He agrees to have some send her way. Turning back to Fa she remembers, from past encounters, that he is not much on formalities and is glad, because tonight, she once again, is out of uniform. She chuckles a bit and hooks into his treaty remark.
I had addressed two former Wiltshire Councils myself on the same matter and not gotten any results either. Who is Duchess now?
She smiles gratefully turning to the man as he now brings her a very tall and heavy tankard of sparkling, refreshing water.
As he leaves the scene and parts the crowd just slightly, her gaze happens upon 2nd Lt. Gourounisios who is standing quite solemnly by the entrance.
She wonders if he may be looking for her?
She wonders if she should go and gather him up?
He always seems so spiky and rough is right underneath his skin.
She often thinks that her old drill sergeant at Marlborough Castle has more personality...
She doesn't really dare come near him.
He seems reserved and distant even when he is close.
Unreachable...totally unattainable.
She was once told that he had lost his love.
Then again, so had she.
Maybe they were both still in mourning.
Hard to figure him out.
If he wanted her he would probably know where to find her.
She remembers the jaunty little boast speech he had once given her about how observant he is and all...how he can scan a room inmere seconds,etc.
So must be, he doesn't want to find her.
She nods acceptingly and turns back to SgtM Fa.

“I’ve have been quite weary lately…

Her head tilts with total attention and her brow wrinkles.
With all due respect, it IS the time!
It is always the time when a fellow comrade is apparently distraught. What ails you?
Why would you even think that you may not deserve this?
I remember, yes, granted movement was slow at that time.
But I believe you were with Kulles, correct?
Let's go find a table and talk to me, if you will.
I have two good ears and a tight lip.
She stares at him...one comrade to another.

[Admin]

Hearing the Prince Regents speech she is stunned to hear him grant the Rose Castle to her husband. Although she feels he is well deserving of it, it still comes as a surprise to her.

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