The crowds began to gather within the cathedral of the Sepulcher of Anastasias. Great sweeping arches and pointed arches, with decorative columns and a painted ceiling greeted dignitaries and nobles alike. A panorama of angels and mighty warriors stretched from corner to corner of the vaulted ceiling. Gargoyles stared down from buttress and arch, ornate and gothic beasts set in stone to ward away evil. And yet it's size was the greatest feature of the cathedral. Able to hold six thousand people, the open space loomed, and all entering could feel the weight of the building and its towering spires; its flying buttresses.
Organ music echoed from the stones, celebratory tunes played to rouse the soul, patriotic and moving songs to inspire the people. Lined against the wall and at every column were troops in the
Kragen Wadjia, the Royal Guard of Arrandal, stood posed and at the ready in green and black uniforms. They wore swords at their waste and held a long spear in their hands.
The altar had been removed from the dais and in its place a single wooden throne had been set up. The steps of the altar had been decorated with white and blue flowers, red velvet bows, and a red carpet leading from the foot of the throne to the foot of the altar dais.
As the midday sun approached its zenith the hall filled. Near the front were the members of the upper nobility, men and women dressed in silver and gold and scarlet. Directly behind were the foreign leaders and dignitaries who had come to witness the coronation. They were the most diverse group, dressed in ways that were alien to the people of Arrandal. Behind were those of the lesser nobility, the gentry, and the
Markiter (the wealthy merchants).
The bells of the cathedral rang out twelve times, signaling the midday and the music stopped. A quiet hush fell over the crowd as they waited. Seven minutes passed and then a single bell rang out loud and deep. The doors of the cathedral opened and in rode a tall armored man on horseback. He galloped down the isle, the hooves of his steed echoing loudly even as an excited murmur rose in the crowd. He stopped at the foot of the raised altar, reigned in his steed and turned to face the door. He raised the visor of his helmet and cried aloud 'Where are the Lords Paramount? Where are the twelve peers? Your Queen comes to claim her crown. Do you stand beside her?' He then lowered his visor and with a great cry galloped back up the isle and out the door.
The shutters on the great windows were then closed, casting gloom within the cathedral. Trumpets blared and the the doors opened again and marching in dressed in magnificent armor of silver and gold, with crimson and azure capes came twelve men and women carrying torches. These were the twelve peers, chosen Knights from the Orders of the Azure Dawn and the Crimson Shroud. They marched to the altar and then ascending the steps raised the torches above their heads and called out in unison 'Illuminate!' Their torches went out and the windows were unshuttered, and light returned to the cathedral hall.
The trumpets rose again and from the doors to either side of the altar emerged the Lords Paramount. Five men from the left of the altar wearing the colors of Kranznikot, Brackenburg, Aberfaun, Granzludmark, and Estenmark. Three women from the right wearing the colors of Mysthaven, Mardova, and Sastenwald, followed by a young boy wearing the colors of Ritterhold They came around the foot of the altar, met at the center and then ascended the dais.
Next came the archbishop, appearing from out of an alcove behind the altar. He was a small bent man dressed in a white robe and a seven pointed hat atop his head. He carried a large book and was followed by two young boys dressed in white as well, one carrying a golden orb atop a silk pillow, the other an ornate golden crown. Two girls came from out of the same alcove carrying a great fur stole between them. They draped it across the arms of the throne then stood to either side.
Again the trumpets sounded, this time blaring out a new note and continuing for longer then the previous. As they played the doors opened and the lords and citizens of Arrandal, as well as those visiting, rose to their feet to face the door.
The young queen entered, stern and proud. She wore a gown of white with blue and gold lace, and a train that trailed behind her. Her hair was down up in a series of braids that wrapped about atop her head before falling in a single ponytail at the back. She kept her hands folded before her, tucked into the long arms of her gown. She was flanked on both sides by an armoured Arrandalian.
One was a tall man with a gray beard and bald head. He wore the armor of the Azure Dawn (Arrandals oldest chivalric order), with a twelve pointed sun emblazoned on the chest piece signifying him as the Grand Master of the Order. He carried a fine sword in front of him, sheathed in black leather with a handle in the shape of an eagle with spread wings. Yet it was the other companion of the Queen that drew more attention.
She was a tall women of nine feet, (two hundred seventy-five centimeters), with hair that looked like matted leaves and armor that was made from polished wood. Upon her back she carried a weapon that looked like a sword carved from a tree itself. Her cape was made of moss and lichen.
They progressed down the aisle and at the foot of the altar the two escorts took up positions at the foot of the dais while the queen ascended to the throne and took up a position in front, standing and facing the crowd. The archbishop came forward and opening the book he read a number of passages in Old Arrandalian. His voice was high and crisp, and while few understood his words, it was clear that what he read were holy words. He finished and motioned for the queen to kneel. She did so and the archbishop took the crown and held it over her head. He then spoke and his words carried.
'Will you solemnly promise and swear to govern the people of this Kingdom of Arrandal, and the dominions thereto belonging, according to the ancient statutes, and the laws and customs of the same?'
The Queen answered,
'I solemnly promise so to do.'
Again the archbishop spoke.
'Will you to your power cause law and justice in mercy to be executed in all your judgements?'
'I Will.'
Again the archbishop spoke.
'Will you to the utmost of your power maintain the Laws of Azulnais and the true profession of the Gospel? Will you maintain and preserve inviolably the settlement of the Church of Arrandal, and the doctrine, worship, discipline, and government thereof, as by law established in Arrandal? And will you preserve unto the Bishops and Clergy, and to the Churches there committed to their charge, all such rights and privileges, as by law do or shall appertain to them or any of them?'
'I swear it.'
Satisfied the archbishop then placed the crown upon her head and raised her up to stand and face the crowd. A cry of 'The Queen has come! Peace to Arrandal! Praise Azulnais!' rose up to greet her. Then the stole was placed on her shoulders and she sat upon the throne. The lords paramount then cried out 'Long Live the Queen.'
Next she was given the orb to hold in her left hand. Then the young boy dressed in the garb of the Lord Paramount of Ritterhold received the sword with the eagle handle from the Grand Master and carried it to the throne placing it across the Queen's lap. He then removed his cloak with the emblem of Ritterhold and likewise laid it in her lap.
The trumpets sounded once again, with the final tune of the Arrandalian national anthem. Cheers and applause erupted from the crowd. The orb was given to the archbishop who replaced it on its pillow. The sword and cloak were picked up by the two girls next to the throne and the queen stood up and the cheers grew louder. The cloak was then fastened around her neck over the royal stole. Afterwards the sword was presented to her and drawing it from the sheath she raised the blade and cried
'I jeg bregalet stromru!' (I bring the storm!).
Then she exited the hall to thundering applause and deafening cheers. Her departure was followed by the Lords Paramount, then the twelve peers.
(OOC: If anyone would like to post their reactions to the ceremony, they can do so. I'll be moving the RP forward to the celebration afterwards and everyone will have a chance to meet the queen.)