The Great Hall

Posts : 455 Join date : 2009-01-06

Welcome at the Great Hal of Whitehall Palace. It is here that the Queen normally holds audiences and receives her guests. Remember! The guards are still here! Bow before the throne and wait until the Queen gives permission to speak, she will hear and answer your concerns and questions...

Posts : 101 Join date : 2009-01-08

Rhiannon had been led here by the Queen's Guard, a young gentleman who had kindly given her some tips for dealing with the Queen while he directed her to the Great Hall.

Entering the Great Hall, she curtsied before the Queen, bowing her head.

Posts : 455 Join date : 2009-01-06

Marie-Thérèse was sitting in the Great Hall, listening to complains and propositions of Peers and dignitaries. She rolled her eyes. Some of those problems were just so easy, it seemed like they had nothing else to do than disturb and irritate her with those little tiny things. Suddenly there was some distraction. A new person had arrived in the Great Halla and was kneeling before her and her throne. She already had an idea of who this was, probably Baroness Grey, her new First Lady-in-waiting. With a sign of her hand she silenced the people around her. At least, that was her intention. Some of them still went on and just ignored her command. Irritated she hushed them and then she stood up.

Baroness Grey I suppose? Welcome at the Court.
Please don't let those grumpy and troubled old men make your impression worse, they don't stay here forever.

Some of the men behind her made some grumpy sounds, showing that they weren't pleased at all. Marie laughed and smiled towards her new First Lady-in-waiting.

Have you had a good trip?

Posts : 101 Join date : 2009-01-08

"Yes, Your Royal Majesty... Rhiannon Grey, Baroness Grey at your service." She was still getting used to the title... it felt unfamiliar coming out of her mouth, but in the Great Hall it would be best to be formal.

"Thank you for your kind welcome, my trip was very pleasant." She lifted her head slightly as the Queen had addressed her, her blue eyes looking up at the regal woman before her. Rhi let her lips curve in a soft smile in response to the Queen's.

Posts : 455 Join date : 2009-01-06

The Queen looked carefully at her First Lady-in-waiting. It was quite like she had expected. The dress she wore was not bad, red was her colour clearly. She didn't saw any jewels, but she would get all those things later. She turned around to the group of men that still stood in the Great Hall.

Mylords, we shall continue later.

Then she laid her hand on the shoulder of Rhiannon, walking outside the Great Hall and ignoring the commentary of the old men.

Tell me some more of yourself, Rhiannon.

Posts : 101 Join date : 2009-01-08

Rhiannon was nervous, but the Queen seemed nice, so she took a deep breath and tried to tell the Queen about herself. "I was born in Trawsgoed, Wales and am of the Vaughan family, descended from the fifth noble tribe of Wales. and I am the youngest daughter of four children. Last year, I met and fell in love with Henry Grey, the son of the former Earl of Kent. Though Henry was without a title when we married, my own family felt it advantageous to be connected to another Royalist family, and blessed our union, so I was allowed to marry for love."

She smiled softly, realizing she'd mentioned Henry a bit. "My husband Henry, and service to God and country are the most important things in my life. Oh, and now of course, Your Majesty will be my chief concern."

Posts : 455 Join date : 2009-01-06

Rhiannon had just stopped speaking when they came at a large, double wooden door. Next to it, there were two Royal Guards with their halberd. Behind them a servant approached, holding two warm mantels. He bowed before the Queen and offered one of the mantels. Marie took it and did it on, while the servant gave the other one to Rhiannon.

I always go to the Privy Garden around this time. It gives me the chance to think, without all those busy and intrusive men. You’ll like it there I think, it’s quiet.

She made a sign to the guards, who opened the doors for her. You felt the cold immediately. Marie walked out of the door and they came at a large place, the court. She crossed it and stopped for a moment, pointing to a white large building at the opposite side of the Court.

That’s the Banqueting House, where most balls and banquets are held. It’s really a beautiful building, maybe the most beautiful of whole Whitehall.

She continued and after a while they arrived at the Privy Gardens.

The Privy Gardens

Posts : 56 Join date : 2009-01-05

Leaving the palace gates, Eleanor makes her way down a very long passage until she eventually arrives at the Great Hall. Looking around, she notices many nobles gathered around, waiting for her majesty. Looking around, she does not recognise any faces; she has been away for so long, and she had only begun to learn the names and faces of Charles' court before she was sent away. She wonders who they all are. For the most part, they ignore her and she stands near the centre of the hall and waits for the Queen to arrive.

Posts : 455 Join date : 2009-01-06

The Queen, who came from the Privy Gardens, walked trough the Palace to the Great Hall, followed by three valets and a personal Herald to announce her. Her dresses whispered at the solid ground of the Palace, as well as the people that they passed when the saw Marie-Thérèse. When the large doors of the Great Hall came in sight, they walked on and the Herald entered, while the Queen stayed outside. With a clear and loud voice, he announced:

HER ROYAL MAJESTY THE QUEEN!!!

The Queen entered and walked straight to the throne, looking at the people who were present. They were all bowing when she passed them. When she took place at the throne, she made a sign with her head and every one stood normally again. Some of them, who had Heralds with them, let their Heralds announce them before she gave word to them. Again, a boring afternoon of discussing began...

Posts : 56 Join date : 2009-01-05

Eleanor turns to the doors of the throne room as they are thrown open. A Herald announces Her Majesty's presence and Eleanor watches closely as the Queen of England walks directly up the room to the throne. She hides her surprise at noticing the Queen to be so young. She did not know what to expect, as she had only heard of Marie-Therese Howard before; they have never met, even before she was named Queen.

As Her Majesty passes Eleanor down the aisle, Eleanor bows her head and curtsies low. She watches Her Majesty lower herself on her throne before moving forward to a Herald. Knowing that if she were to hang back now, she would never be able to speak to Her Majesty as there were so many people vying for her attention. She steps forward and hands her card to a Herald. As the Herald announces her, she stands before the Queen, bowing her head once again and curtsying low; the skirts of her elegant yellow dress fanning out.

Your Majesty, presenting Lady Eleanor Rose Cecil, daughter of the Earl of Salisbury.

Posts : 455 Join date : 2009-01-06

One of the Heralds presented the Lady in who's service he was? After this announcement, the Lady, Eleanor Rose, came closer. She had never seen her yet, but she knew her, as she had appointed her Earl Marshall of England. She bowed to the Queen.

Welcome at Whitehall, Lady Eleanor, how can I help you?

Posts : 56 Join date : 2009-01-05

Eleanor relaxes her posture and steps forward as the Queen acknowledges her presence. Your Majesty, I have been away from England these past few years and I have just returned today. My father promptly informed me that you have graciously bestowed upon me the honour of being Your Majesty's Earl Marshal, and I have come to introduce myself and pay my respects.

Posts : 455 Join date : 2009-01-06

The Queen looked at the Lady in front of her and fold her hands. A smile appeared on her face while she answered.

Then at last I can meet you, my earl Marshall. Once again, welcome Whitehall. I hope that you had a good trip?

Posts : 56 Join date : 2009-01-05

It was quite uneventful, Your Majesty. I must confess I was thinking too much about returning home to my Father to notice what was going on outside. Behind her, Eleanor can hear some of the nobles muttering about how she was taking up all the Queen's time. She Turns her head to the side for a moment and blushes a little before looking back towards the Queen. It appears I am taking up too much of Your Majesty's time. However, I do want you to know that when you're ready to plan your Coronation, as Earl Marshal I will be very much prepared and will be more than happy to make all the arrangements Your Majesty wishes.

Eleanor smiles and curtsies the Queen. In the back of her mind, she wonders whether she should mention her betrothal to Sir Piero, however she dismisses the idea as it is something that they should do together.

Posts : 455 Join date : 2009-01-06

Te Queen smiled and bent over towards Eleanor.

The more time you talk with me, the less I have to talk with those men over there. Their matters are mostly unimportant and boring, so I do not mind you to talk to me a little more.

She sat back normally again, aware of the fact that some of the men in the Hall where looking to try to know what she just whispered in the ear of the lady.

About my coronation, that will have to wait a little longer. An Archbishop of Canterbury has to be appointed before that is possible. I shall inform you when that time comes.

Posts : 34 Join date : 2009-01-08 Age : 47

Henry nodded to the young guardsman, pleased to see that despite the troubles that had beset the land, there were still those amongst the young who saw duty to the monarch as an honour. He followed the directions given to him and was presented with the doors to the Great Hall.

The doors were opened and Henry entered, his chest puffed out…how proud his father would have been to see Henry here at the Palace…how sad that he would not have known of the monarchs survival. Henry took a moment to admire the Hall, how much of England's history had these wall seen...how could this nation ever have thought it wise to abandon such a link with its past. As he waited Henry held his hands behind his back, clasped at the wrist so that he would not betray an element of nervousness in meeting his Monarch for the first time.

Posts : 455 Join date : 2009-01-06

The Queen was in her lodgings when a servant knocked at the door. One of her personal servants opened it and let the man in. He knelt and after a sign of her Majesty he stood up again.

Your Majesty, Sir Henry Grey has arrived.

The Queen nodded.

Go and get Lady Rhiannon please, tell her her husband has arrived and let her come here. Well go to the Great Hall together.

Marie-Thérèse looked at the mirror to see if she was presentable. She was, so she awaited the arrival of her First Lady-in-waiting. She arrived quickly, probably glad to see her husband again. Her Majesty nodded and smiled.

Let's go!

She walked trough the halls of the Palace, until she came to the open doors of the Great Hall. Before showing herself, a herald entered to announce her.

ALL HAIL HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN!

She started walking now, and entered the Hall, followed by her Ladies-in-waiting. She didn't stopped walking until she got to the Throne. When she was seated, she looked at the present people and spoke.

Sir Henry Grey?

Posts : 101 Join date : 2009-01-08

Rhi was called to go to the Great Hall. Henry had arrived! She rushed to the Queen's side and the two of them headed down to the Hall.

As the Queen sat, Rhi moved to the side with a soft smile towards Henry. Waiting quietly, watching Henry's audience with the Queen, her heart swelling with pride for her husband.

Posts : 34 Join date : 2009-01-08 Age : 47

A door opened and the herald announced the arrival of the Queen. Standing slightly off the centre of the great hall Henry stiffened. As the Queen passed by he lowered his eyes respectfully and waited until he was called. Stepping forward toward the throne, his eyes cast down, he bowed a crisp bow.

“Your Majesty, I am Sir Henry Grey, at your service.”

Posts : 455 Join date : 2009-01-06

The Queen looked at the man, the Baron and the husband of her First Lady-in-waiting. He looked friendly and also quite wise, she thought, although she didn't thought he was very old.

Welcome at my Court, Sir Grey. Have you had a good trip?

Posts : 34 Join date : 2009-01-08 Age : 47

“My trip was perfectly fine, thank you your Majesty” He lifted his head a little, the Queen certainly seemed to show the strength of purpose required to repair the nation.

“I do hope your Majesty is well and settling into the Palace?” Henry could see his wife standing behind the Queen "I know my wife is excited by the chance to serve you"

Posts : 455 Join date : 2009-01-06

The Queen fold her hands and laid them on her knees.

I like the Palace, but I still need to get used to it. It's a little bigger than where I used to live before.

She saw him looking to a place next to her, where the First Lady-in-waiting, Rhiannon, was standing. She smiled when she heard what he said.

I'm glad to hear that. It's hard to find people that are still dedicated to the Crown like you and your wife. I could not be happier with her, she is a good person.

Posts : 34 Join date : 2009-01-08 Age : 47

Henry beamed with pride at the words of the Queen. “Your Majesty is too kind, this nation has suffered too much at the hands of those who would put the Kingdoms glorious history to the flame, Rhiannon and I are proud to serve you in any way you deem fit…” Henry paused… “…indeed, Lady Grey mentioned that you may require something of me?”

Posts : 455 Join date : 2009-01-06

The Queen could see the proud look in the eyes of the man when she talked about Rhiannon. It was clear that he loved her very much, and that she loved him at least as much in return.

Yes, indeed, I have an offer for you, but maybe it would be better to discuss this in private.

She clapped her hands and rised from her throne.

All leave the Hall for a second, only my Ladies-in-waiting, the Guards and Baron Grey will stay.

She waited till the few people were gone and then she sat back on her throne.

Well, after some thinking I have decided that it would be better for you and Rhiannon to live closer. It would be excellent if you'd live in Whitehall Palace too, don't you agree? By consequence I have decided you a function that would make that possible and that could fit for you.
The last Captain of the Royal Guard died a few months ago, in all that time the Royal Guard didn't have a leader. In my opinion this should be some one that is loyal to the Crown, very loyal... Well, to keep this short; would you like to be the Captain of the Royal Guard?

Posts : 34 Join date : 2009-01-08 Age : 47

"Your Majesty..." Henry was startled, that the Queen would ask him to be responsible for her personal safety...it was a great honour indeed. "...I'll gladly take the role of Captain of the Royal Guard!"

Henry stood straighter, his head held high in pride at the trust shown in him by Her Majesty. "If we have learnt anything from the recent troubles, it is that your Majesty, your family and your household must have adequate guard against those who would see harm to the same."

He could see from the corner of his eye, the beaming smile of his wife.

He lowered his head in a sharp bow and thanked the Queen once more. "Your Majesty, thank you for trusting this humble servant with such a position."

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