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Post by Queen Gorgo on Jan 2, 2008 8:09:00 GMT -5
"Come back with your shield or on it..."
This is the Throne Room of the Spartan Castle where the King and Queen can always be found if ever needed for anything related to alliances, trades or any other purpose concerning them or Sparta herself. This Palace was inherited, as told, by the Lord Menelaus himself, from Homer's Iliad. It may not be astounding concerning the brilliance of decorations, splendour or any form of crafts that could decorate walls, pillars of gardens, but still it presents the grandeur of a land as legendary as Troy herself.
**Location of the Castle -link- |
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Post by Alcander on Jan 2, 2008 21:18:56 GMT -5
In many years the Athenians and Spartans had fought against each other, but time had changed and it was up to them to decide the future if war should continue or not. However allied against the Persians they had stood, but after their disappearing everything had turned silent. Now time had come for them all, to make decisions in what to happen. Across the plain of Sparta, the messenger of Athens came upon his white horse to speak business. The horse itself was to show the people he came in peace, and not for war. As he approached the city, he sonly stopped and called out."I am the emissary, to the ruler of Athens and I bring urgent matters. With that authority I demand someone show me your commander!"
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Polynikes
New Member
The Lion
Then we will fight in the shade
Posts: 24
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Post by Polynikes on Jan 3, 2008 7:47:17 GMT -5
Polynikes was taking some young men who had been living in the Clubs for years so that now they could be taken as full citizens, have a house of their own and marry if they so pleased. Polynikes was still young to leave the Clubs and marry, but still he enjoyed living with his men at arms. This would not only make them strong in war and fight as brothers, but would also make them love each other like brothers. For the Spartans thought themselves brothers and all of them sons of Sparta herself.
To understand this, two myths would have to be known: one where it stated Spartans to have descended of Hercules himself, and such gave them much more trust on their abilities and responsibilities in War and life itself. The other concerns the name of Sparta, since they were called Spartacus because they were thought to have descended from the teeth of a dragon itself, hence all Spartans, women included in this, wear around their neck, a small figure in the shape of a dragon tooth.
“What is that in your head Thos?” inquired one of the men as they walked, never breaking formation. Two of them were already laughing out loud when Thos placed his hand on his head to feel the slime body of a lizard. Polynikes laughed silently and shook his head as he breathed in the pure breeze from Erusus. He smiled, he was always thankful for being one of them. Suddenly Thos laughed and looked at the lizard before placing it on a rock as he said “That is just what you are Diomedes, a slimy cute lizard.” They all laughed lauder this time when suddenly they saw a knight on a horse coming their way since they were about to enter the city of Sparta and to go the castle itself.
They waited for the rider to approach them; he did not look like a visitor, for he seemed to have come to Sparta with no rest. The sight of a white horse did not alarm them. The looked at the man and recognized a Greek. One of them laughed in his mind, he had thought it would be a Persian- not really…
Polynikes stood at full height, one of the best Spartan knights there would ever be, even in the whole world. His eyes looked up at the rider, as he demanded to talk to the Commander. He beckoned the man to dismount from the horse; it was not comfortable for either of them to talk properly. He then said, “You are looking at him. Does you businesses concern me, Polynikes of Sparta? Or would you prefer to be taken to the Queen…”
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Post by Alcander on Jan 4, 2008 12:27:58 GMT -5
The messenger who just had arrived from Athens, curiously scanned the area as he wished to be answered. Not long after the words he had spoken, some spartan men could be seen in distance, approaching where he stood waiting. Exhausted he was after the long travel he had taken, however glad to be in Sparta as important matters were to be told. He just hoped they would not kill him, cause respect and honor were their way of living and acting. To good an good answer he had to act properly, or it all could go in vain. As suddenly one of the men spoke out to him, he listened. Before answering he dismounted his horse, letting it be carried away by servants as he answered in return." If you are one of those that decide the fate of Sparta, then yes I would like to speak with you. If not then I would appreciate if you took me to your queen."
Curious he waited for the respond of his words, but interested he looked at the men and people around. All of them seemed like a peaceful people, thought great in battle as many wars they had won. The Athenians was mostly like them, even their training was not as hard as theirs. Still differences between the two nations was seen, although Greeks they all were. The Egyptians had made a deal with the people of Athens not long ago, now it was wise for them all to stand together against the invasion from east, that ones again could appear.
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Polynikes
New Member
The Lion
Then we will fight in the shade
Posts: 24
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Post by Polynikes on Jan 4, 2008 15:09:48 GMT -5
Diomedes sensed the man’s fear of being wounded and just for the fun of it he caressed his spear’s edge and winked at the messenger. Polynikes shook his head when some were laughing silently and then approached the messenger and placing a hand on his shoulder said in a friendly manner “Do not pay heed to Diomedes, these are simply playful young men.” He then beckoned the messenger to follow him and walk by his side as he and his men began to walk toward the castle.
He then said while they were walking “Nay, I dare not take Sparta’s future in my hands, even though I love her with every limb in my being. But I will indeed take you to our benevolent and wise Queen.” He noticed the man seemed tired; it was obvious since he had travelled from distant lands. He clapped the man’s shoulder in a friendly way and commented, “I believe you must be tired, there are many guest rooms in the Castle. It would be more than an honour to welcome you as many days as you liked among us…” he extended his hands as if he tried to show Sparta’s hospitality and then he asked, “What is your name?”
Diomedes now smiled to the man, it was more than a Spartan tradition, it was basically a Greek tradition to welcome any visitor, friend or foe, into your realm and show him kind hospitality as long as that person pleased to stay. The Spartan polis was under their feet now and soon they entered the Palace. Polynikes then stopped with his men and asked the man “If you would be so kind, walk toward that sitting-room and I shall have an guard inform the Queen. I must take these men to be considered among our citizens, but I dare say the Queen will not take long.” He then bowed, along with his men and said before leaving “Enjoy your stay, it is a pleasure to have you among us.”
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Post by Alcander on Jan 5, 2008 14:44:19 GMT -5
The behavior Spartans treated him did not make him scared, but rather shocked as they seemed to like acting in front of strangers. Seriously he looked at them, however standing calm as he listened to the answer they gave. The clothing he wore was simple as the Spartans, although a black cloak he wore instead of their red one. His armory also different then theirs, caring the symbol off Athena, their main goddess. "As long they don't do any harm, then I am not troubled."The messenger answered in return to Polynikes, as he touched his shoulder in a welcome way. After it was spoken and the spartan man offered to show the way, he accepted and followed.
"I am tired indeed, but a man like me must always take my job in front of anything else as much is still for me to do."He answered the second offer he gave, surely it would be good for him to stay, although work had to be done. Interested he scanned the area he went by, still following the spartanian who was to lead him to their queen. Curiously he watched the streets, seeing it with amazed eyes as its beauty almost spelled him."Your city is quite amazing spartanian, you must be very proud to live among its beauty. My name is Stratos, if you must know."
The stay at the Spartans pleased him, which certainly made him smile. Although he was more proud of the country he himself came from, as greater cities and defense the Athenians had. After a few moments of walking, they at last came to the palace. There he was ordered to wait, watching as Polynikes went to bring his queen."Thank you, for your hospitality great spartan."He said bowing gently, before he fully left to get her.
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Post by Queen Gorgo on Jan 7, 2008 9:25:23 GMT -5
Not long after Polynikes had showed the messenger around, one royal guard approached him and bowed his head before he told the messenger "This is a letter for your King and Queen. you are welcomed to stay here for as long as you need to recover from your long journey, for I was told you have come from Athens."
He then handed the letter to the messenger and added "This letter is to be given to your King and Queen only, do make sure you give it personally. I was also told to inform you that my Lords, that is my King and Queen will be more than glad to talk about any matters that could refer to Athens or Sparta with your Lords." He then bowed again and added "Will you stay for a couple of nights? Or shall you go back now? For I was told to grant you food supplies and water and perhaps a fresh horse for your journey back."
The guard smiled at him and waited for the reply as he ran a hand on his forehead. It was a hot day, nonetheless a beautiful day and perhaps something would happen that would take away hostilities between Sparta and Athens. Queen Gorgo hoped, in her heart, that the King and Queen of Athens would indeed come to Sparta to discuss the matters.
The letter which had been given to the messenger contain the following message:
King Alcander and Queen Daphne,
I regret to inform you that the King and Lord of Sparta, Stelios, could not attend your messenger due to ruling and personal absence. But I the Queen, would like to invite you to Sparta for you to enjoy this hospitable land and then discuss whatever you wished your messenger to inform us today.
Do come, for we do not lack interest in whatever you have to say. I hope you receive this message form the hands of that messenger you just sent and that his journey has been pleasant for I commanded that he was given food supplies and a rested horse for his journey back to Athens. I hope to see you soon in Sparta.
Yours sincerely,
Queen Gorgo of Sparta.
PS There are some things better spoken between Kings and Queens...
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Stratos
Junior Member
Messenger of Athens
Posts: 72
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Post by Stratos on Jan 7, 2008 14:02:04 GMT -5
(I`ll take over from Alcander now, as I am the real messenger.)
Silent and curious Stratos the messenger stood waiting on the queen to come, however after some time it was not she who came, but another servant that came with a letter. Interested he listened to the words he was given, it was clear that the Spartans did not want him there as they sent him away. Still they gave him a piece of paper to the king and queen of Athens, it was not as expected, although he agreed."Very well, I will give this letter to my king and queen. I thank you for your kindness, but I better should be leaving."He responded, bowing deep as he took the letter and left with respect for the decision Sparta had made.
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Post by Queen Gorgo on Jan 7, 2008 15:24:52 GMT -5
((OOC: Just a quick note Stratos, Sparta did NOT decline an alliance with Athens. I pmd the ruler and we thought it would be cool if they spoke about it personally...))
IC:
As ordered by the Spartan Queen a rested horse and provisions were reading soon enough for the Athenian messenger so that he could soon reach his destination with enough food and water so that he could be a bit more rested since he did not wish to stay for a night in Sparta.
It was understood of course, messengers always had to do great and dangerous journeys and return as soon as possible, hence the decision of not resting one single minute. Meanwhile Queen Gorgo looked out at the window as her eyes gleamed with the light of the sun. She watched the messenger leave Spartan lands and prayed to Hermes for him to be guarded on his journey home.
She only hoped that finally hostilities would fall down between Athens and Sparta and that a good alliegance can be made.
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Post by Queen Gorgo on Jan 10, 2008 11:02:32 GMT -5
******************* It had not been long since the first sun rays of the morning arrived when the Lords of Sparta got word, from nearby villages that the King and Queen of Athens had passed by, presumably toward Sparta. Queen Gorgo woke up early that morning, like most mornings. She was radiant and happy for Stelios was at her side for some days, which meant a lot to her. She had taken a relaxing bath with scented oils and rose petals in order to welcome her visitors in the best of ways. She then put on her light-pink sleeveless dress with golden edges and some delicate decorations that only hung on her right shoulder leaving the other one bare but still had an arm bracelet in shape of a snake. She had her hair loosen on her back and decorated by a beautiful small and prudent crown. She had made sure that the slaves had the royal baths ready for her and her beloved husband on time so that they would not make their guests wait. She had also made sure that the dinning hall was ready for she would take their royal visitors for a nice and relaxing breakfast whilst discussing private matters that the Athenian Lords would bring. The whole Palace had been in motion since very early, some slaves were running about making sure flowers were elegant and watered, that the breakfast would be ready and that the whole Palace was clean and tidy. Finally, as the Queen looked at the balcony word came from a guard that the Lords had arrived to Sparta and being guided by some slaves who had taken their horses and some Spartans whom they had met on their way. All Sparta was awake by now, some looking through their windows as they saw the Kings arrive, others would simply stare in awe of their beauty and magnificence, for the Queen was quite charming and the King well composed. Perhaps this day would be a change, this day would bring solidarity and union among those that were once enemies. The Queen then made sure that she and Stelios were right at the entrance door, just some stairs did the Athenian Lords had to climb in order to meet the Spartan King and Queen. Gorgo smiled at them as she could see them from afar. They were magnificent indeed, she only hoped this would make Athenians see Spartans as brothers and beautiful and admirable people rather than animals. -Link To the Queen's Dress- |
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Post by Alcander on Jan 10, 2008 16:30:56 GMT -5
Long had the king and queen of Athen ridden upon their horses, however with time they had finally arrived Sparta to meet them as offered. Alcander had accepted their wish as a letter had been signed to him by their queen, he just hoped it was not a trick for them to be brutally slaughtered. However if they turned to do so then Sparta would have a war that would last for ages, cause highly respected the king and queen of Athens was. No one else then them had achieved so much wealth and glory to the people, happy they were thought wanted peace as sick of war they had become.
As they arrived the steps of Palace, Alcander and Daphne dismounted their horses as their whole guard stood behind them as escort. 100 men they were, dressed in case of ambush though did not wish open combat without reason. Strong they also was, as the best soldiers was picked out as royal guards. Ordered they were to stay outside, as the king and queen went up the stairs to greet the Spartan royals. Curiously Alcander scanned the area as he came closer, thinking the city looked great but so did the people who lived there. With a smile he turned back looking at his wife, glad to have her beside him as it gave him comfort while thoughts of worriedness troubled within him. She were beautiful, as one of most prettiest woman in Athens she was.
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Post by Stelios on Jan 10, 2008 17:09:28 GMT -5
Stelios had woken up before his wife to have papers in order and things prepared for their arrival. Stelios and so had his anscestors set the allegiances in person with the respective rulers. Stelios trusted that bonds could be more easily created when the person met intimately, by this he meant more personally than rather with messengers. This last choice was only allowed when the ruler was sick or absent.
He wore his normal clothes, the occasion did not matter to him, he liked to be presented to his brothers and sisters as who he was, the only exception was that this time he also wore his red cape that denoted he was the King and who domain power at Sparta though he considered that the true power was created by his citizens, not by an only man.
He hoped that the allegiances with the Athenians could be held with no problems, through history they had always had some problems but it was time to change that terrible fact.
He walked through the halls and down the stairs reaching the throne room where the Queen seemed to have already ordered to decorate it with some fresh flowers, the scent was delicious and surely that would make the visitors feel quite at home. Looking at the window how the sun rose and finally welcomed the new day expected for the royal visitors to arrive anytime soon. He then felt his wife presence who remember him to await at the main entrance.
He could hear some footsteps outside and was sure that it was them. He ordered his guards to open the doors in order to welcome them properly, the sunlight illuminated both, Gorgo and Stelios, they seemed as blessed by the gods who depicted their majesty with their golden light. Stelios extended his arm and opening his fist helped the Athenians queen enter to the royal throne room, the sunlight barely left them any sight.
''Welcome may you be to this humble abode....''
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Post by Daphne on Jan 11, 2008 14:19:38 GMT -5
(I am sorry, right now I have a phase where I can not think of more to write as normally...)
At last they had arrived the royal palace, and Daphne gently moved off her steed. She went up the stairs, at the side of her husband Alcander. "We were greatly honoured to recieve your invite, King Stelios, and that we may stay here." She spoke, recognizing the King of Sparta immediately, from his noble stature and clothing. Beside him stood Queen Gorgo, she smiled at her and nodded her head a little to greet her as well.
She accepted Stelios' arm to enter the Spartian Throne Room, looking back if Alcander was following, he had not spoken yet to their very obliging host.
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Post by Alcander on Jan 12, 2008 8:28:27 GMT -5
As the doors before them opened and the king and queen stood in front, he watched and was pleased by the warm welcome they gave. It was quite interesting although understandable as them self were royals, he just hoped everything would go well with their meeting. Gracefully Alcander walked up the stairs with his queen, but as they arrived the top she linked her hands with their king instead. When she did so he listened and watched, but he himself turned looking at their queen who stood close by and spoke."Yes, we are honored as my queen says. A warm welcome you give indeed, but let us hope it ends with a warm farewell."
With that being said he waited for what else to happen, although as it seemed the king of Sparta and the Athenian queen walked on with linked arms so went he along with the Spartan queen. Gentle they walked within the palace as huge it was, great the sight were and proud the people looked. However curious in whats happening as a meeting between royals was to be held, Alcander watched and hoped for the best to come out of it.
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Post by Queen Gorgo on Jan 13, 2008 13:39:02 GMT -5
The Queen smiled back at Daphne and then nodded for the King Alcander to follow her. She walked alongside him and then said, “I hope your journey was not too tiresome. We have ordered, in the West Wing, a room for you and your charming wife, Lord of Athens. We hope you will grace us with your company for a couple of days after we have discussed what concerns both of our countries.”
The sun shone bright inside the Palace as they walked across the corridor, the floor shone as their steps marked echoes. Their charming beings left their shadows as they walked along the Palace. They were to go to some private chambers where all four of them could talk about that which the Athenian Lords whished to speak of.
The Queen smiled at her husband’s gest of helping the Queen of Athens to climb the last stair. She only hoped that it would indeed join two countries that once had been enemies. The queen looked at something wrapped by a long red-silken cloth. She smiled, that was their gift to the Athenian Kings, Gorgo was appointed to give it to them once they have come to an agreement, as a way to tie a bond in it.
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