Rhaegar Castillon[ The Falcon ] [ #B70909 ] [ Outfit ] 
Brom Castillon[ The Peacock ] [ #061B62 ] [ Outfit ] 
Gwendolynn Castillon[ Little Dove ] [ #990856 ] [ Outfit ]
The King and Queen stood patiently waiting before their thrones. Magnus, unlike his wife, kept shifting in his formal clothing. He was never one to be a fan of the royal attire, much like his children. But Guinevere always dressed like the Goddess she thought she was.
The first family to arrive was the Chaimbers of the Western Bluffs. The family was lead in by the eldest son who carried himself in a very proud and head held high type of manner. He proceeded to present each of his family members to them, "Lord Charles Chaimbers, the lord of bears. Lady Jocelyn Chaimbers, Lady of the bluffs and mother of bears." The Lord and Lady entered the great hall and bowed before the King and Queen. Magnus and Guinevere then gave them the same courtesy. Lady Jocelyn also presented their eldest son to them, although they both knew him quite well. He knelt before them as he was announced. "Ser Sebastian Chaimbers, heir to the bluffs and guard to his majesty. The future lord of bears."
King Magnus smiled warmly towards the parent Chaimber's and also his guard member Sebastian. Guinevere's gaze though never seemed to leave Sebastian's and some might say there was even a hint of a smile behind those fierce eyes of hers. But no one, not even the king would notice and she'd deny it if asked otherwise. The young man bowed once more before making his way towards his siblings and presenting the young unknown faces to their Highnesses. "Lady Brienne, the beautiful snowy bear of the bluffs." The young lady no doubt lived up to the snowy bear reputation. Magnus let a smile slip as she was presented in riding clothing, something that he could relate too due to hating formal clothing. But Guinevere had to fight every urge in her body to send the child to get bathed and changed. The Queen's taste was uptight, particular and narcissistic.
The last of the children practically kicked open the doors into the great hall, strutting his way towards the King and Queen, slipping winks to any woman in the room. "Ser Arys Chaimbers, the little cub knight of House Chaimbers and little lord of the bluffs." Sebastian gave his younger brother's title, and Arys felt the need to add another title to the list, "Don't forget the undefeated knight and god of tits and wine." Although Guinevere's cold and statue like facade didn't crack, Magnus let slip a deep and hearty chuckle. "Oh my boy. You and my son Brom will get along just fine. Do you not agree my dear?" She simply scoffed while forcing a slight smile. "Of course. Brienne felt the need to apologize for her blunt younger brother's actions. "I apologize for the behavior of my brothers, your majesty. They are simply little boys who don't know how to act properly around real men." Now this caused the Queen to stifle her own laugh. "I like this one." She nodded her head towards the fair headed beauty.
Following the Chaimbers came the Allyrions, which brought a small smile to Magnus' face. Lucien was the first of the family to enter the hall and kneel before the king. Magnus no longer felt the need to stand like an overbearing statue. He stepped down to place his hands upon Lucien's shoulders and give them a gentle pat. "Thank you for escorting your family to the Keep." Lucien then first announced his father, although he need no introduction. "Your honor, may I present to you House Allyrion of The North... A friend, family, and close ally to his grace... Lord Ramsay Allyrion. The Lord of Wolves and Roses, Warden of The North, and former commander to his king's royal army." Ramsay did not bow, but Magnus wouldn't want it as such. He simply said, "It's been too long, Magnus." Magnus pulled Ramsay into an embrace, patting his back. "Ramsay, you bastard. You must learn to come South more often. There is always a place for you in my home, and at my table old friend."
"Lord Varro Allryion. Lord of Wolves, Heir to The North, and newest commander of the king's royal army." Varro knelt as Lucien presented him. "It is an honor to be in your presence, your grace. I hope to serve you as well as my father has." Magnus smiled, "If you are even a fraction of the man your Father is I would not doubt it." Varro then stood to address the Queen, "My queen, your beauty and grace is even more alluring than the rumors have claimed. Truly unmatched." He then bowed towards her. Guinevere smiled at the charming compliment, "Aren't you a sweet young man."
The last to be presented from the Allyrion family was the young daughter. Guinevere already approved of the young lady's ability to dress modest and yet alluring in everywhere that she appreciated. The girl curtsied before them as Lucien gave her introduction. "lastly, I present to you the famous beauty of The House Allyrion... Lady Freya Allyrion. The rose of The North who's beauty is as pure as her heart." She then spoke towards the King and Queen, "It is a great honor to be before you, My Lord. My father has told many valiant stories of your heroics during the war. I thank you kindly for inviting our family to join you in this splendid festivities and I hope we bring honor to our house hold for your courtesy." Magnus nodded his head with a thankful smile. "Thank you my dear."
Freya then turned to address the Queen. "Lucien speaks far too highly of me as my beauty could never compare to yours, your highness. You are the embodiment of what all women hope to achieve and I hope I can accomplish merely a fraction of what your grace has done." Guinevere was flattered, stepping down from where she stood to take the young woman's hands in here. "My little flower, if I was half as beautiful as you are at your age I would of had the world in the palm of my hand. And your gown is darling. You must let me show you my wardrobe someday... Some of my gowns from when I was your age will fit you much better than they will me." The Queen gave the girl a friendly kiss on either cheek, before releasing her hands and preparing for the next guests to arrive.
It was then that the Lords of the South entered. "My king and queen, The noble house of the South, has arrived. It is my pleasure to introduce the Lord and Lady Thatcher." They both bowed and curtsied before William spoke, "Your highness, we are honored that you would invite our humble family to your thriving court. It has been a long time since we have seen the two of you and it lightens my heart to see you both well." The King replied with a smile and head nod. "As for you and your lovely wife. I'm glad to know the South agrees with you all so and we humbly welcome you to our home." The escort then introduced the Thatcher children. "I now introduce Avery Thatcher, valiant protector and heir to the noble house of the armadillo." Avery gave his bow like all those before him, "Your Grace, Your Majesty, it is an honor to meet you in person. I can only hope to serve to the best of my ability and hold up my family's honor and continue to protect those in need." "I'm sure you have as much honor as your Father, whom is one of the most honorable men I know." The King replied warmly.
"I now introduce Lady Ilene Thatcher, rose of the Thatcher house." The escort announced. "Good afternoon, your Grace, Your Majesty. I am humbled to be in your presence. We have all heard the tales of your valor and bravery and they are inspiring. Your Majesty, your beauty and your strength in mind and body are truly admirable and I can only hope to achieve a fraction of your determination." The Queen gently cupped the girl's face, a soft smile gracing her lips. "I hope to be a suitable role model for such a young blossoming beauty. Words cannot describe the warmth your admiration brings to my heart.""And lastly, the youngest son of the Thatcher abode, Elliot Thatcher," The escort said. "It is an honor to be introduced to you. I am but the youngest whelp of my family and cannot boast of my skill and should be beyond the notice of two so high." Elliot's comment made Magnus chuckle slightly.
Then came the Cavaliers of Eastmarsh, presented by a young boy. "Presenting James and Beatrice Cavalier, Lord and Lady of the Marshes in the East." Lord James bowed, "Your Grace, It has been too long." Magnus gave him a friendly embrace, with a pat on the shoulder. "That is has old friend. Glad you came to stay with us for the season." Lady Beatrice added, "I thank you and your family for inviting us here. May I introduce you to my daughters, my eldest, Lady Claere, and youngest, Lady Annalys." The eldest daughter then also had something to add, "My king and queen, it is an honor to meet you and your family, however I am afraid that I cannot hope to best that which has already been said." Guinevere smiled slightly. "That is quite alright my dear. We are happy to receive you all the same."
The Queen wasn't so well composed as her husband when the Davernys arrived. They never were found of the crown, and at least to Guinevere's opinion, neither was she of them. Their squire proceeded to introduce them. "Introducing Lord Hector and Lady Elena Daverny of the Misty Isles!" Magnus did not miss the curl in Hector's lips as he bowed, but he paid it no mind as Hector spoke. "We thank you for this opportunity, your grace" Then the more composed of the two, Elena, stepped forward to present her children. "These are our children, Our eldest Lady Marynn, our eldest son Lord Howell and youngest Lord Benjamin.....We are all very honored to be here." The children all bowed, the King and Queen nodding their heads in response. "Honored to have you." Magnus smiled towards them.
After what seemed like the only families that were going to arrive on time had shown up, Magnus guided his wife back up the steps to their thrones, his hand resting at the small of her back. Guinevere whispered to her husband in hushed tones so only he could hear as they made their way up the stairs, "If those... pirates... steal anything-" Magnus cut her off with a sharp order. "Hold your tongue or you will spend the rest of summer in solitude." The Queen wanted to argue and dispute the fact but there were guests all around. No matter how much she thought she ran the kingdom, Magnus had the final say in anything and everything. He hated being assertive with his wife, but she often had a forked tongue like a serpents that could get their entire family in harms way.
Magnus gave her a stern look before turning to face his guests, arms spread out wide in warm welcome, his face accompanied in a friendly smile. "Welcome my most honored guests! It warms the heart to see old friends joined at my hearth and home. It is a pleasure to have met all of your wonderful children, and I hope that by the end of this long season we shall be a closer and stronger Kingdom." Words so plain could have so many meanings. Magnus hoped feuds would be looked beyond, bonds of marriage and friendship to replace them. That, after all, was his reason for bringing so many powerful families to their home. "From now on please do not feel to walk on eggshells around us. We are no different than the rest of you. I welcome you all to simply call us... Magnus and Guinevere. There is no need to dress upon ceremony for us. Our home is your home. Guinevere, unlike her husband, did not appreciate that at all. She barely tolerated him calling her by her name let alone some of these people... or Pirates. "I would also like to apologize for the absence of my children upon your arrival. Being the stubborn children they are, of course they were not prepared for your arrival. But should be arriving any moment."
As he continued to speak, some of the lesser noble families from the Vale began to file into the hall, along with musicians and other guests. Servants placed mountains of assorted food upon the tables for feasting and even some performers patiently waited along the edges of the hall. "To celebrate your arrival we have decided to throw a feast and ball in all of your honor!" The King motioned to all of his guests.
It was at this moment that the large double doors at the end of the hall opened and one of the Keep's squires stepped forward. "Your Grace, your Majesty. My lords and Ladies, I present to you Rhaegar Castillon, eldest child and son to your King and Queen, and heir to The Blackvale." Rhaegar sighed as he stood in the shadows of the hall on the opposite sides of the door, awkwardly shifting his formal clothing. When the squire had finished announcing him, he cleared his throat, adjusted his crown and stepped into the hall, in view of the entire crowd. As he walked through the center of the room he could feel all eyes on him. After all he was the reason half of them were there, all waiting to tear at him like beasts at a chance to raise their family names higher.
Once Rhaegar had nearly reached his parents, the squire called out once again. "I also present to you Brom Castillon, the second born child to your King and Queen, twin to Rhaegar, heir of The Blackvale and head of the King's Guard." Brom was practically bursting at the seems at a chance to strut his way into the main hall. So once his name was said, he hooked his thumb on his belt and walked through the crowd like a celebrity, a constant smirk plastered upon his face. In no time he caught up to Rhaegar, patting him on the back. "I think I'm the hotter twin." Rhaegar looked over at him, cracking a smile and laughing softly. When they reached the King and Queen, the first thing out of Guinevere's mouth was, "Where in the world is your sister!?" She practically hissed. The twins looked at each other then towards their mother shrugging their shoulders.
Gwendolynn hurried around her bed chambers in a mad tizzy when her hand maiden said sheepishly, "Your Grace." She whirled past her, fastening a necklace around her neck, stumbling over the train of her dress every few steps. "One moment Francine." The women waited a second and then said it again, "Please your Grace." Gwen hurried to her armoire, grabbing her crown and placing it on her head. "YOUR GRACE!" She spun around, "What!?" The women looked down at her hands. "...You're late, my Lady." "WHAT!?" Without a seconds hesitation, she darted out of her room and down the hall. "My lady your shoes!" She called after Gwen, who turned around holding out her arms as Francine tossed her her shoes.
A blur of red hair raced through the halls, and took on the main stairs in groups of 3-5. How she did it without falling in that ridiculous dress was beyond her. As Gwendolynn came skidding towards the double doors that lead towards the main hall, she scooped up the train of her dress, hopping as she slipped on her shoes. The squire, seeing her come went to reach for the door. "No percy!" But by that moment she was too late. He had stepped through the doors and proceeded to announce her arrival. "I present to you Gwendolynn Castillon, youngest child and only daughter to your King and Queen."
Gwendolynn stepped forward adjusting her crown, and the moment she saw all the eyes on her she froze. She stood still until she realized she forgot to breath, taking in a sharp gasp. She twiddles her fingers under the large sleeves of the silk dress as she slowly walked through the sea of people. Gwen could feel her cheeks reddening with each step and judgmental gaze from her mother. She raised a hand to brush back loose curls that fell before her face from her sprint to the great hall. "Now that everyone has arrived. Perhaps my sons would delight us all by asking two fair young ladies to start the dancing." Guinevere motioned for her sons to go amongst the crowd and choose a dancing partner. No doubt it had to be one of the noble daughters.
Rhaegar knew that he had to ask a noble daughter, but he his eyes set on a certain one. The one in silk with the red hair. An easy out perhaps to dance with his sister, but she was the most beautiful one there and a safe choice, because her much like him did not like the idea of being auctioned off. Brom must have had the same idea, because he too walked straight towards their sister. When they were merely feet away, the Queen called out, "Not your sister." It took everything in her not to go smack both boys across the head. Sure they knew better, but it was her fault she didn't clarify.
Huffing to himself, Rhaegar rolled his eyes at his mother's comment. He then smiled towards his sister, stepping towards her, he cupped her face in his hands. "You are the most beautiful woman in the room dear sister." He placed a kiss upon her head, before walking away and searching the room for someone to ask to dance. He didn't like being under this sort of pressure, and no doubt everyone was waiting with baited breath to see whom he'd choose. Once his gaze set upon the snowy white haired Chaimbers daughter, he made his way towards her. No doubt his mother would be displeased with his choice, especially because she wasn't properly but Rhaegar didn't care. Upon reaching her, he flipped the right side of his cloak back over his shoulder. He then bowed before her, extending his right hand towards her. "May I have this dance my Lady?"
Brom too scoffed at their mother's demand for them not to ask their sister. Instead of telling her she's beautiful, Brom being the good older brother he is, leaned in an whispered in her ear. "You nearly look like a lady." Under any other circumstances, Gwendolynn would have tackled him right there. But instead she tried to remain as ladylike as possible, whispering back. "Not nearly as much as you." She smirked towards him as he scowled at her. Brom gave her a playful nudge before glancing around at the guests. When his gaze set on Freya, she no doubt was the most beautiful woman there in his eyes and being the gentleman he is, he walked straight to her with a direct gaze. When standing before her, he flipped the tail of his jacket back as he bowed. Brom then extended his hand towards her in silent offering to dance, "The most beautiful woman here should have all eyes on her."
Gwendolynn new a proper lady would stand there and wait until a gentleman asked her to dance. But Gwen... wasn't a proper lady. Her gaze scanned the crowd, gauging each male and the reaction her mother would give her if she approached them. She stopped searching when she saw the Davernys. She had no desire to be within 10 feet of the drunken one, but the other one... The older one. He was definitely one of the more attractive men here and being part of a pirate family would make her mother's skin crawl. So with as much confidence as she could muster, Gwen made a bee line straight for Howell. She could feel her mothers gaze drilling into the back of her head as she curtsied before him, then held out her delicate hand. "I hope you like to dance."
