The Coronation of the Emperor Louis VII

[Poach]

The year 10,146

It is a dreadfully rainy day in Terra's Capital City, not something Louis or the Coronation Organisers hoped for, but the event cannot be stopped now. The grand procession made its way from the Imperial Palace, across the great bridge that connects it to the neighbouring city, and into the heart of the garden metropolis. Within the urban landscape stood a vast plaza, usually bustling with activity, today cleared for the momentous occasion, and at the far end an Old Earth Cathedral, painstakingly preserved for occasions such as this, though theocratic religion had long since fallen by the wayside on Terra.

The procession, containing every important Lord and Lady in the Empire, snaked into the Cathedral. At the end of the column, held high on a dias and escorted by the Palace Guard, was carried Louis VII himself, held high and entering last so all could see his approach.

[Oznerol]

Lord Arparys waited on the central nave, little behind the Old Lords, symbol of his prestige as imperial councilor, he could glance other councilors and their families nearby. He always enjoyed such ceremonies with its display of power and wealth, even if was something like an anachronism, as the very building that housed it. Incredibly enough the cathedral was still imposing on its own way, magnificent and old, with its stone saints looking down those there gathered , now humanity had newer saints and prophets, Daniel or Saint James were relics of the past. He always enjoyed the Gothic style, Berenguer always promoted these influences on his system's public architecture, as the new hall in New Athens University. Lord Arparys wore robes of simple cut, stern, in deep blue hues, with a cloak fastened by a steel brooch, a ceremonial sword by his side. Lady Arparys wore the colors of her house combined with those of her husband, her blonde hair loose to the shoulders, a brooch resembling a stylized nightingale adorned her chest. The tall and skinny, but handsome, Armand wore robes in her father's style, but with a more hedonist approach, as his haistyle.

Armand leaned forward to whisper into his father's ear:

"So this is the emperor... he seems way too old..."

"He is, I think he is on his 115th year, nor even the best medicians in the Empire will make his life last any longer"

"So, why was he elected?"

"He was the right choice Armand, this is not the place to discuss such political matters"

Arparys sits at the council and such it was an uneasy feeling what filled his mind thinking in the last election, monitored and controlled by the new Prime Minister. The new emperor belonged to an incredibly old house, he was the epitome of the highest aristocracy, surely that meant that he was not truly worried by the real troubles and issues in the empire. Relics of old time they were concerned only by petty feuds and political intrigue, looking with disdain what was truly important, like the latent insectoid menace. Berenguer still remembered how the swarns had destroyed with ease the cream of Marchers' fleet. Had the technocrats didn't arrive and...

Berenguer focused his attention again on the old emperor.

[Honors Bastion]

Lord Aetius Altair could not help but feel a sense of awe as he approached the ancient relic of the past, this so called Cathedral, the home of a religion that has no long been buried beneath the sands of time. “How odd” he thought “That in an era where man rules the vast expanses of space, we still must come to this of all places to crown our new ruler. Old traditions die hard it seems. Good, very good.”

Despite the fact that he was soaking wet from the all of the rain, the Lord of House Altair was in a usually pleasant mood. Not only had Lord Aetius and his fellow Old Lords managed to place one of their own upon the elder throne but they had also ensured that the man who would sit upon it would be easily manipulated and controllable by the Imperial Council. And furthermore, there was more to celebrate for Lord Aetius. For his efforts to place Emperor Louis on the throne, he had been named the new Lord Admiral of the Empire, a title that he had highly coveted but failed to be appointed under Emperor Maximillian. Granted the appointment was more of a bribe then an award but it did not matter. Once more, the Admiralty and the might of the Empire was once again under the control of House Altair and this time he would not relinquish it so easily.

After taking a short moment to think about this momentous occasion, Lord Aetius and his family members followed the procession into the Cathedral, taking their rightful places as members of the Old Lords. A new Emperor had come and it was time to pay their respects to him, even if he was their puppet

[Lord Dread]

Lord Justicar Augustus Libra watched the scenery very careful as well. He had decided to join with his son the scenery, as it was expected from him and so far a coronation was a special political celebration event.
Nevertheless, Augustus was unsure of what to think about the sudden change, as the last emperor has deceased under not specified circumstances - and the new emperor would probably die during the next years due to his age. Even though he was a loyal man of the Empire and known for this attitude over a long time, there had been hours before the coronation, where Augustus questioned himself, if he could trust the circumstances.
If the coronation was a legal event and not based on murder.

On the other side, however, he was always paranoid. He always was from the moment, where he was 26 years old and captured by pirates. At the same day, where he lost mother and father due to their sacrifice.
No, probably this paranoia would never be healed! Unlike the other Old Lords he had faced how brutal slavery could be and how corruption spread even through the streets of Merchant planets. Without the Technocrat's help, he wouldn't stand here and his brother would lead the Mizar system, maybe not in the position of the Lord Justicar.
He shook slightly his head, as if a flie would sit on it. Why would anyone have interest to murder a glorious emperor? Why think about actions, you would rather suspect from corrupt bankers or street criminals, most of them now locked away on Argus? Has his fight against crimes already lead him on a stage, where he phantasizes?

Whatever it was, Augustus hoped that things won't get worse with Louis VII. coronation, as he was willing to support the new man and his respected House. Distrusts, just because of several odds wouldn't bring him and his system further and therefore, he already knew that he would arrange himself with the new ruler of Terra. Probably he had heard about him and his efficency in his fight against crimes - and when looking over the whole galaxy, the aid of an experienced Lord Justicar was always in favor of a new emperor, undepending what age he was. Of course, Augustus was careful, as he always was, when political discussions would come up - but so far his office was important as well, especially for the people of Mizar. Even Augustus' father was once Lord Justicar of the Imperial Council and a huge line of portraits from former Libra Lord Justicars filled already a quarter of the Protheon National Museum - among them great names.
Augustus had actually no real doubts that his legacy wouldn't be less greater when he is able to convince the council about his plans after the coronation and is able to fulfill them.

[Xion]

Lady Yakumo, walking in the procession along with the other Technocrat lords behind retainers bearing their respective standards similar to the other lords ahead and behind them remained underneath a oil-paper umbrella to shield herself from most of the rain during the march to the Cathedral, but she still ended up relatively soaked as she walked through the entrance of the Cathedral, pausing for a moment to note the artistic quality of some sections of the door depicting something to do with a saint.

After handing to one of her retainers, the Lady of Osmo made her way to the section allocated for the Technocrats, somewhat expecting to have been put further back as part of the long-held stigma against her house and the La Nausca for their role in the Titan Wars. The vassal houses of the Osmo system gathered around their liege, eagerly waiting the entrance of the Emperor on his dias with the Palace Guard ornately dressed in their ceremonial uniforms. The lady herself remains more reserved, thinking about what the future may hold. "It seems to be a natural reaction against the actions of the late Emperor, but to what degree will the Imperial Council go to restore what they deem the natural order of things?"

[Oznerol]

Lady Yakumo, walking in the procession along with the other Technocrat lords behind retainers bearing their respective standards similar to the other lords ahead and behind them remained underneath a oil-paper umbrella to shield herself from most of the rain during the march to the Cathedral, but she still ended up relatively soaked as she walked through the entrance of the Cathedral, pausing for a moment to note the artistic quality of some sections of the door depicting something to do with a saint.

After handing to one of her retainers, the Lady of Osmo made her way to the section allocated for the Technocrats, somewhat expecting to have been put further back as part of the long-held stigma against her house and the La Nausca for their role in the Titan Wars. The vassal houses of the Osmo system gathered around their liege, eagerly waiting the entrance of the Emperor on his dias with the Palace Guard ornately dressed in their ceremonial uniforms. The lady herself remains more reserved, thinking about what the future may hold. "It seems to be a natural reaction against the actions of the late Emperor, but to what degree will the Imperial Council go to restore what they deem the natural order of things?"

Little after the brief chat with his son Berenguer notices Lady Yakumo. He sends a servant to where she is, inviting her to join Lord Arparys and stand by his side.

[Xion]

Little after the brief chat with his son Berenguer notices Lady Yakumo. He sends a servant to where she is, inviting her to join Lord Arparys and stand by his side.

Lady Yakumo takes some time to think over the offer to move closer to the Emperor, meaning she may be noticed by other Council members for good or ill, or maybe even the Emperor. "Very well, I will accept your lord's offer..Lord Reiuji, Lady Izayoi, with me.." the lady of Osmo, tailed by her two most notable vassals make their way through the crowds to where the Arparys are standing, in conversation with another man and his family. She bows slightly, out of respect for the man's position, not his deeds or house. "Lord Arparys, a pleasure to see you. How fares Metropolis?" her tone seems to be partially faked happiness and politeness.

[Oznerol]

Lady Yakumo takes some time to think over the offer to move closer to the Emperor, meaning she may be noticed by other Council members for good or ill, or maybe even the Emperor. "Very well, I will accept your lord's offer..Lord Reiuji, Lady Izayoi, with me.." the lady of Osmo, tailed by her two most notable vassals make their way through the crowds to where the Arparys are standing, in conversation with another man and his family. She bows slightly, out of respect for the man's position, not his deeds or house. "Lord Arparys, a pleasure to see you. How fares Metropolis?" her tone seems to be partially faked happiness and politeness.

Lord Arparys had just sealed the marriage offer with Smithine by his last intervention and turned around to watch as Lady Yakumo approached, nodding and smiling:

"My Lady I hope it fares as well as Osmo, as it seems we have not enjoyed more bountiful years in decades, come, join us. You surely know Lord Augustus Smithine of Gateway and his offspring"

[Honors Bastion]

Lord Justicar Augustus Libra watched the scenery very careful as well. He had decided to join with his son the scenery, as it was expected from him and so far a coronation was a special political celebration event.
Nevertheless, Augustus was unsure of what to think about the sudden change, as the last emperor has deceased under not specified circumstances - and the new emperor would probably die during the next years due to his age. Even though he was a loyal man of the Empire and known for this attitude over a long time, there had been hours before the coronation, where Augustus questioned himself, if he could trust the circumstances.
If the coronation was a legal event and not based on murder.

On the other side, however, he was always paranoid. He always was from the moment, where he was 26 years old and captured by pirates. At the same day, where he lost mother and father due to their sacrifice.
No, probably this paranoia would never be healed! Unlike the other Old Lords he had faced how brutal slavery could be and how corruption spread even through the streets of Merchant planets. Without the Technocrat's help, he wouldn't stand here and his brother would lead the Mizar system, maybe not in the position of the Lord Justicar.
He shook slightly his head, as if a flie would sit on it. Why would anyone have interest to murder a glorious emperor? Why think about actions, you would rather suspect from corrupt bankers or street criminals, most of them now locked away on Argus? Has his fight against crimes already lead him on a stage, where he phantasizes?

Whatever it was, Augustus hoped that things won't get worse with Louis VII. coronation, as he was willing to support the new man and his respected House. Distrusts, just because of several odds wouldn't bring him and his system further and therefore, he already knew that he would arrange himself with the new ruler of Terra. Probably he had heard about him and his efficency in his fight against crimes - and when looking over the whole galaxy, the aid of an experienced Lord Justicar was always in favor of a new emperor, undepending what age he was. Of course, Augustus was careful, as he always was, when political discussions would come up - but so far his office was important as well, especially for the people of Mizar. Even Augustus' father was once Lord Justicar of the Imperial Council and a huge line of portraits from former Libra Lord Justicars filled already a quarter of the Protheon National Museum - among them great names.
Augustus had actually no real doubts that his legacy wouldn't be less greater when he is able to convince the council about his plans after the coronation and is able to fulfill them.

As the crowd of nobility slowly began to stream into the massive room, Lord Aetius Altair focused his attention to the men and women who might become valuable allies for himself and his House in the coming years. He quickly spotted one such, a fellow Old Lord and the Empire’s new Lord Justicar, the honorable Lord Augustus Libra of the Mizar System. Lord Aetius moved to speak with him before the ceremony started and said “Lord Libra, congratulations on your appointment as our new Lord Justicar. It seems that I will be seeing you more often here in Terra.”

[Lord Dread]

As the crowd of nobility slowly began to stream into the massive room, Lord Aetius Altair focused his attention to the men and women who might become valuable allies for himself and his House in the coming years. He quickly spotted one such, a fellow Old Lord and the Empire’s new Lord Justicar, the honorable Lord Augustus Libra of the Mizar System. Lord Aetius moved to speak with him before the ceremony started and said “Lord Libra, congratulations on your appointment as our new Lord Justicar. It seems that I will be seeing you more often here in Terra.”

Lord Augustus turned around, before greeting him as well, as friendly as possible, as the mechanical eye implant made his stern appearence always for common people more than scary. Sometimes the Lord Justicar wished, life would have arranged it in a better turn for him, but well - the pirates had decided that he was still a valuable slave with one remaining eye, after he tried to escape from them. Even though 40 years have passed since this moment, he will always remind those horrible days.
"The pleasure is at my side, Lord Admiral", he responded friendly, offering him his hand, "My experience will hopefully help the empire to get rid of the problems, we have with criminals nowadays. A strong fleet like the one you will command, will hopefully be helpful in keeping up our laws and peace in the galaxy. And to be fair... I guess it was no surprise, that I would at some day get the office. Lord Justicars from House Libra are nearly as countless as the numbers of prisoners on Argus. Though it's sadly too idealistic for hoping that there might be an era in the future, where both things are already extinct. Crimes are unfortunately timeless."

[Honors Bastion]

Lord Augustus turned around, before greeting him as well, as friendly as possible, as the mechanical eye implant made his stern appearence always for common people more than scary. Sometimes the Lord Justicar wished, life would have arranged it in a better turn for him, but well - the pirates had decided that he was still a valuable slave with one remaining eye, after he tried to escape from them. Even though 40 years have passed since this moment, he will always remind those horrible days.
"The pleasure is at my side, Lord Admiral", he responded friendly, offering him his hand, "My experience will hopefully help the empire to get rid of the problems, we have with criminals nowadays. A strong fleet like the one you will command, will hopefully be helpful in keeping up our laws and peace in the galaxy. And to be fair... I guess it was no surprise, that I would at some day get the office. Lord Justicars from House Libra are nearly as countless as the numbers of prisoners on Argus. Though it's sadly too idealistic for hoping that there might be an era in the future, where both things are already extinct. Crimes are unfortunately timeless."

“Crime may be timeless Lord Libra but at least it is not immovable.” said Lord Aetius with a slight smile and a sincere voice. “I dream of a day when at the very least, the core worlds are free from the raids and pillaging of the pirates and corsairs, a world where our fleets do not have to be constantly on the watch for an enemy. We both live in the center of human power after all. To think that even here within reach of the capital, we are still plagued by the scum.”

Lord Aetius paused for a moment to notice the Emperor’s arrival and his coughing. He then remarked “Oh, this does not bode well if we wish for a long reign. The Emperor’s illness may get the better of him before a new one takes his place and before we can finish our tasks. What a pity don’t you think?”

[Lord Dread]

“Crime may be timeless Lord Libra but at least it is not immovable.” said Lord Aetius with a slight smile and a sincere voice. “I dream of a day when at the very least, the core worlds are free from the raids and pillaging of the pirates and corsairs, a world where our fleets do not have to be constantly on the watch for an enemy. We both live in the center of human power after all. To think that even here within reach of the capital, we are still plagued by the scum.”

Lord Aetius paused for a moment to notice the Emperor’s arrival and his coughing. He then remarked “Oh, this does not bode well if we wish for a long reign. The Emperor’s illness may get the better of him before a new one takes his place and before we can finish our tasks. What a pity don’t you think?”

"Well, he's an old man, but for now I hope for the best", the Lord Justicar replied simply after he looked also for a short second in direction of the emperor, "The next emperor, who will follow might consider me and my experiences as well for a new office of the Lord Justicar, but for now I guess it is not wise to talk about someone, who will rule the galaxy some day, before the current ruler has been crowned. If he serves the realm well, we will probably do a good task, even if it would be a short time. The law is the law."
He eyed Aetius curiously, as Augustus actually didn't thought, that others among his ranks would share similiar thoughts. Of course, the high age of the emperor was obvious - but were there reasons to worry?
"We might talk later about this concern, if you wish", he then said carefully, "I will travel back to Protheon before taking my office at Terra - opinions shouldn't be discussed openly on the streets and especially not in reach of other, less trustworthier lords."
He sighed before then looking towards his son, who just heard the two men talking, but didn't said a word as if he would understand the situation and then back.
"How do your sons and daughters fair, Lord Admiral?", he then asked to change the topic, "Since this affair with my grand-daughter Aphrodite and the cleaning of my system from inner threats of corruption and assassination, I had not much contact with the other systems or only few meetings so far, so excuse if I'm not informed about every detail."

[Zectorman]

All the worlds and their leaders flocked to Terra at the news of the old Emperor's death. Alexios did mourn for a minute or so, he was not a terrible emperor. But for Alexios it only meant instability and yet opportunity. Of course then they elect one of the Elder houses to the honor of emperor, and a feeble one at that. Mourning was quickly replaced with annoyance at the news but none could tell with his face showing almost no emotion, his grey eyes hovering over the many shapes and grand structures of the home world. He was impressed by many things in Terra, and the lengths the capital has gone to keep some of its more ancient structures. He could appreciate a people that honored their past, much like his own family has.

His wife was next to him, her arm entangling his own, in a loving manner. She was he trusted adviser, partner, as well as ears while he worked. She was very adapt at keeping her ears to the ground and her keen observation skills is what earned her his own hand in marriage. Her eyes scanned the various buildings not for their beauty but for any dangers that could befall them, he always enjoyed that sense of protection. His son followed behind, dressed in military dress similar to himself. His hair was cut short and he seemed anxious in the current surroundings, for he was still young and ambitious. He still needed to learn some about patience but that energy could serve him well in the near future if all things play out how Alexios imagined them.

They came upon the sight of the Grand Cathedral, a testament to the ancient humans and our own need to preserve the past. He enjoyed the sight, and wondered how long it would be before he would be visiting the same sight in the coming years. The thought actually made him crack a small smile. But until that day, he might as well take advantage of the current emperor and his circle of false friends.

[Wheatley]

The Lord of Capella stroked his thoroughly wet beard. Despite being offered a paraply to guard him against the relentless rain that plagued the coronation, he'd decided against it when it seemed like no one else was doing it. The ensembled were entering the ridiculously massive cathedral now and Timothy had to take extra long steps to be among the Elders who entered first after the new Emperor. To the occasion he wore a simple red robe with parts of white in it, though it was not often almost every lord in the Empire would come together, he felt no need to show off the wealth that the Core Worlds possessed. If not for his well known goatee, he could have been easily mistaken for a lower born man. He sat down in the front seats together with the other Old Lords, giving the council members a nod in recognition.

[knightofhonnor]

The zealot lord of Eden walked slowly and quietly into the crowded hall and sat down, in the back and close to the door. The situation seemed strange to him, although he reasoned it to be because of the outdated religion the emperor and old lords followed. He then wondered why he had been ivited in the first place, after all he was a hated heretic. Maybe it was because he was the youngest major zealot lord in years, or the fact that the zealots now had a decent leader? He just shook his head and look forward towards the vacant throne. Even he knew that the emperor was old and feeble and this brought a smile to the young lords face. He saw an oppertunity to increase his and the zealot's power and that sounded good to Zhang Rivarood, zealot lord of Eden...

[Lucius Malfoy]

There was one figure that stood closest to the Emperor, one who seemed like a friend to some, while also being seen as a snake that has coiled itself around the feeble man's neck by others. Only those jealous of his position and proximity to the Emperor would see him as a snake however. The figure was a tall man of seventy years old, broad shoulders and torso made him seem imposing. This was all thanks to the genetics he got from his grandfather, the late Odysseus Ignatius and his father, the deceased Francis Ignatius. Balthasar was his name, the High Lord of Nu Scorpii, a system that was home to the Old House of Ignatius.

Balthasar lingered close to the Emperor throughout the procession and even as they entered the cathedral. His proximity was all thanks to a promise of being made the First Minister upon Louis Nomond's election to the ruler of the Empire. He found this emperor to be weak and easily manipulated, a double edged sword compared to Maximilian XXVI. The Emperor must be manipulated and controlled by the right people, not the wrong ones who sought the downfall of the Old Lord power bloc. His eyes scanned the growing crowd of people, ranging from the Old Lords of the Core Systems to the Lords of the Marches. His gaze first took note of his in-laws and cousins from the Castor System, House Altair. As his gaze continued to move, his eyes even noticed the presence of Zealot Lords among the crowds, such a disgusting people who dared to call the Promethean Creed a heresy when they were the heresy itself. His face remained composed however, for today was the traditional coronation of the Emperor and something that no one wanted to mess up, despite the cold and wet weather that already lessened the mood of the coronation.

[removeduser_456328]

Lord Protector Augustus hobbles into the hall, leaning heavily upon his cane and his hand upon his son for slight guidance, his eye sight was failing him in these recent years. His brother Jarvis, stood slightly to his right and behind him, back straight and his posture like a soldier going to war. His other relatives, Maria and Henrietta entered just after, snickering amongst themselves about something that was almost certainly trivial. Sighing he surveyed the scene, before catching site of Lore Arparys, and heading towards him, he had something he should ask him: now, what was it?

[Oznerol]

Lord Protector Augustus hobbles into the hall, leaning heavily upon his cane and his hand upon his son for slight guidance, his eye sight was failing him in these recent years. His brother Jarvis, stood slightly to his right and behind him, back straight and his posture like a soldier going to war. His other relatives, Maria and Henrietta entered just after, snickering amongst themselves about something that was almost certainly trivial. Sighing he surveyed the scene, before catching site of Lore Arparys, and heading towards him, he had something he should ask him: now, what was it?

Lord Arparys noticed the old Lord approaching him slowly on his cane, while Berenguer was still light-footed and energetic the Lord of Gateway seemed less so, his condition decaying every year. He nodded to the elderly lord, sober and stern, but amiable.

"My Lord Augustus, join my ranks in this joyous occasion"

And with a hand gesture indicates the old man to stand by his side. At the other side stands Armand and Alice.

[Jokern]

OOC: I'll finish my char setup later.

IC:

The soon-to-be-emperor Louis VII shuddered and sneezed in the wet, cold rain. His face had gone pale and the blood had left his boney fingers, having the same white color as his short beard. His once long blond hair had fallen off long ago and his head was now only crowned by liver spots, while his green eyes had gone grey. He could barely see anything, even his own clothes seemed to escape his gaze. He was dressed in long robes of white and silver and blue, with hundreds of small golden stars spread across the heavy, wet clothes. He had probably gotten sick riding through the weather like this. Not good, he thought. That meant more medications to keep his frail and weak body patched up and he hated it. How would he be able to rule in this sorry state? He looked to his side where his First Minister stood. Lord Balthasar was young and strong and able, and of noble and rigbteous blood as well. Hopefully he would the empire justly and keep the proper system in order.

It was a relief once they entered the cathedral. He felt much better already, but soon he started to violently cough. Oh dear, he thought. The coronation would be hell for him, he knew it.

--------

Old fool, don't die on us just yet, we haven't gotten the time yet, Charles Nomond thought when he heard and saw his father coughing while he was with the rest of the Old Lords. He was a tall man, with sharp green eyes and still with golden streaks in his white long hair tied in a knot behind his head. He wore black leather boots, slim red trousers and jacket with gold buttons, covered by a black cloak without many decorations. He carried a black cane with a golden handle and a diamond knob, which contained a sword. Around his neck hung a medallion of silver and with a black eagle clutching a world in its long claws on a red field; the sigil of House Nomond, ancient rulers of Terra Nova and the most prestigous dynasty of the Old Lords, at least if one asked them.

Charles himself was the oldest son of Emperor Louis, yet the two old men were very different. Where one was weak and feeble and easily manipulated, the other was strong, intelligent and carrying a great willpower. The whole idea of electing his father to become emperor had to a big part been his doing, but he didn't like seeing the Ignatsius up there near the emperor's ear. A necessary loss to gain the throne, but Charles had not been able to secure an office for himself. The Nomonds would not be pushed over by another, even one from the Elder Houses.

[Lucius Malfoy]

OOC: I'll finish my char setup later.

IC:

The soon-to-be-emperor Louis VII shuddered and sneezed in the wet, cold rain. His face had gone pale and the blood had left his boney fingers, having the same white color as his short beard. His once long blond hair had fallen off long ago and his head was now only crowned by liver spots, while his green eyes had gone grey. He could barely see anything, even his own clothes seemed to escape his gaze. He was dressed in long robes of white and silver and blue, with hundreds of small golden stars spread across the heavy, wet clothes. He had probably gotten sick riding through the weather like this. Not good, he thought. That meant more medications to keep his frail and weak body patched up and he hated it. How would he be able to rule in this sorry state? He looked to his side where his First Minister stood. Lord Balthasar was young and strong and able, and of noble and rigbteous blood as well. Hopefully he would the empire justly and keep the proper system in order.

It was a relief once they entered the cathedral. He felt much better already, but soon he started to violently cough. Oh dear, he thought. The coronation would be hell for him, he knew it.

--------

Old fool, don't die on us just yet, we haven't gotten the time yet, Charles Nomond thought when he heard and saw his father coughing while he was with the rest of the Old Lords. He was a tall man, with sharp green eyes and still with golden streaks in his white long hair tied in a knot behind his head. He wore black leather boots, slim red trousers and jacket with gold buttons, covered by a black cloak without many decorations. He carried a black cane with a golden handle and a diamond knob, which contained a sword. Around his neck hung a medallion of silver and with a black eagle clutching a world in its long claws on a red field; the sigil of House Nomond, ancient rulers of Terra Nova and the most prestigous dynasty of the Old Lords, at least if one asked them.

Charles himself was the oldest son of Emperor Louis, yet the two old men were very different. Where one was weak and feeble and easily manipulated, the other was strong, intelligent and carrying a great willpower. The whole idea of electing his father to become emperor had to a big part been his doing, but he didn't like seeing the Ignatsius up there near the emperor's ear. A necessary loss to gain the throne, but Charles had not been able to secure an office for himself. The Nomonds would not be pushed over by another, even one from the Elder Houses.

As the Emperor was brought in, Balthasar turns to a couple of the guards who were among the procession. The violent cough of the Emperor was the reason why he addressed the two present and near him.

Bring His Majesty his prescription for his coughs and get him a fresh dry robe, I doubt the Emperor would enjoy sitting on the throne with a soggy robe. And set a comfortable cushion for him to sit on for the duration of the coronation.

The guards bow to the High Lord and go off to perform their orders. The cushion was brought first so that the Emperor could sit while the physician was fetched to bring Louis his prescription to help hinder the coughs. Balthasar bows his head to the elderly emperor.

A fresh robe will be brought as well as your medicine, Your Imperial Majesty. I know how you would hate to speak the oath of the Empire while coughing the whole time.

The High Lord of Nu Scorpii did his best to ensure that all appearances pointed towards loyalty and devotion to the elderly emperor, while schemes molded within the head of the First Minister. For now though, schemes would wait till the Emperor was crowned and the ministers of the Imperial Council were gathered for their first official meeting. Hopefully by then, the weather will be of a lighter tone than this dismal hour.