The Enthronement of Anandja

[Kaiseress Anandja I]

The carriage pulled up outside the Great Hall in Shirekeep. It had been a long journey from Brookshire Hamlet and Kaiseress Anandja felt stiff and somewhat tired. The grand view outside stirred her though and she found herself being wide awake. Her butler, Jeeves, opened the carriage door and presented his hand. Anandja took it and descended the few stairs down to the ground with her blue dress fluttering in the summer breeze. The view took her breath away. Lining the steps up to the grand doors of the Great Hall were the Imperial Guard, in shining uniforms. They parted the cheering crowd and gave Anandja what reminded her of a stairway to heaven. She walked up the stairs, waving at the crowd as she passed.

The sight inside the Great Hall was even more impressive. All nobles and important people in Shireroth were gathered there. In the center, she could see the Mango Throne, with its golden details. She stopped for a second, took a deep breath, and continued forward. The hall fell silent.

[Leo Fenrir]

Leo the Steward of Shireroth stood beside the throne. Anandja's arrival had hushed the crowd and she made her way down the hall until she stood before the giant golden seat.

The Steward stepped forwards and in a sweeping gesture that incorporated all the assembled people he spoke in a voice that carried through the rows upon rows of people.

"Citizens of Shireroth. Today is a joyous day for us all! This throne that has sat empty for far too long will once again be graced with a leader. Our nation once again has a bearing in these stormy seas of time." Bowing deeply he indicated the throne to Anandja. "Please sit your Nifftyness."

Anandja took the last three steps and in a fluid movement spun on the spot which sent her clothing swirling around her. With a small curtsy to the assembly she sat in the throne. A cry resounded through the halls that could be heard for miles and miles.

"Long Live Kaiseress Anandja! Long Live Kaiseress Anandja!"

[Allot]

Sir William, who had somehow managed to get back to Shirekeep from Nordland in about 10 seconds, shook his head and turned away from the ceremony.
"This is insane," he muttered. "A few pretty speeches, and everyone forgets all about the heir." He tried to slip away into the crowd but the screaming masses pressed him up against the red velvet ropes that lined the main hall. As the Steward's voice rang out, proclaiming long life for the Kaiseress, everyone in the crowd dropped to their knees. As he saw three palace guards begin to move towards him, William hastily got down on his knees.
"If it keeps Shireroth alive...I suppose this will work for now." He sighed. "Where is Allot?"

[Jacobus Loki]

The old man in a tattered fur cloak stood behind the ubitiqous convienently-located pillar. He moved his hands together as though washing them - or warming them. One word only could be heard - or more guessed - as he moved his thin lips.

"Excellent."

His naked sword - How had the guards missed someone with a drawn sword? - Slid back into it's scabbard.

He smiled.

[Andreas the Wise]

"Long may the Kaiseress think!" cried the deputation from Atterock. "All her deeds shall be recorded in the histories of Sakat. May they ever be good and noble deeds!"

[Jonas]

Problems with some lazy peasants in the Blackrock county had almost prevented the Baron of Antya to be present at the coronation. But finally he arrived at the Kaiser's Court.
"Just in time," he thought while he took place next to Baron Andreas the Wise.

"Vivat, Vivat !
Vivat in Aeternum,
Vivat in Aeternum.

Vivat, Vivat !
Vivat in Aeternum,
Vivat in Aeternum.

Vivat in Aeternum,
Vivat in Aeternum,
Vivat in Aeternum.

Vivat in Aeternum,
Vivat !"