Nobility's Enigmatic Dance of Words and Deeds

The next installment of Lirael Glimmereye's journal as he progresses as a Yuan-ti Cleric of the Twilight Domain and in this session the game's gods decided that his calling was more as an Echo Knight as a result of Rose armor vision and subsequent revelation of it to him at the Inverness Magic Academy. Today's installment is where he learns more about courtly manners and how to behave in the presence of his King and how powerful words can be. Yes, he came very close last time to loosing his life in the palace, so the lessons were necessary.

Past Journal Entries:

1. Lirael Glimmereye - Backstory
2. The Prophets of Minwa
3. A Journey Into the Dreamveil
4. The Silent Struggle
5. An Answer Well Received
6. The Headmaster's Assistance
7. A Surprising Revelation and Realization
8. A Princesses' Journal Found
9. Enigmatic Portals and Prophesies
10. Lesson's Learned in the King's Tower

Nobility's Enigmatic Dance of Words and Deeds

The twisting fates have reshaped my destiny, forging a new path in the crucible of unforeseen events. The ethereal whisper of gods echoed through the corridors of my soul, changing the very essence of my being. They foresaw that certain changes in the webs of the multiverse, would require a different sort of focus from the one chosen to be their pawn in the game he has been thrust into. From a rogue of shadows to the sturdy embrace of an Echo Knight, I have to trust and embraced a metamorphosis compelled by the whims of divine intervention.

King Garland's Tower and the Teleportation Circle
Image by Microsoft Bing AI Image Creator - 2023

Before departing the palace, I sought Landriss's aid in unraveling the enigma of courtly decorum. With a humble request, I beseeched him to impart the nuances of navigating royal intricacies, a terrain I found even more mysterious than the veiled corridors of the Dreamveil.

In my quest for understanding, I extended my inquiries further, ensuring to seek Landriss's counsel before two of his former comrades Jasper and Donovan. Knowing the military's affinity for whispered tales and shared stories would be a start to applying the balm to mend the inadvertent rift caused by my unknowing actions in the royal court. The air carried my sincerest intentions – an earnest admission of ignorance and a pledge to rectify my missteps in the unfolding dance of nobility.

Landriss's wisdom, a guiding light through uncharted territories, ensured that the echoes of my intentions would reverberate within the palace walls. With each word, I wove a tapestry of apology and determination, a testament to my commitment to learn and evolve in the courtly dance, where every misstep holds the weight of consequence.

In the realm of nobility, where etiquette weaves the intricate dance of power, Landriss, my noble ally, bestowed upon me my first lesson in courtly demeanor before we departed the Palace. These pearls of wisdom, like gleaming gems, will stand as pillars guiding me through the delicate art of interacting with King Garland and his esteemed court.

1. Respectful Restraint: In the regal presence of King Garland, one must tread with caution. Never dictate his actions unless faced with dire emergencies where an alternative choice poses a significant threat to his life.
2. Truth Unembellished: Report matters directly to the King, devoid of embellishments, boasting, or half-truths, stay the facts as you know them. Transparency becomes a shield, a virtue in the courtly arsenal.
3. Silent Grace: Patience is a noble virtue. While the King contemplates the shared information, silence becomes a companion. Speak only when asked, and when queried, respond with clarity and politeness.
4. Humility Over Opinion: Resist the urge to offer unsolicited advice or personal viewpoints. Eschew requests for favors, boons, or equipment. The court values humility over presumption.
5. Await the Royal Inquiry: The King's curiosity and needs will guide the conversation. Offer your opinion only when sought, understanding the delicate balance between silence and contribution.
6. Obedient Allegiance: If the King entrusts you with a task, refrain from questioning his decision. A simple, "Yes, my King," echoes with unwavering allegiance.
7. Prudent Requests: Should the King inquire about your needs for the assigned task, respond thoughtfully. Request what is necessary, not merely convenient or desirable. Do not be disappointed or surprised if he provides you something other than what you request. Be happy if he provides you with something that might save your life.
8. Embrace Trust: Trust in the King's judgment and that of his advisors. Their wealth of knowledge and experience surpasses your own in most matters. In their wisdom, find the foundation of your trust.

As Landriss wisely imparted, these principles form the tapestry of courtly conduct with King Garland. Other Kings, Queens or Nobility might have different priorities or prerogatives, but in this realm this is what this King expects. Within their threads lies the key to navigating the delicate intricacies of noble interaction, where every word and action resonates in the hallowed halls of the royal court.

Whispers in the Shadows

A desire took root within me prior to leaving when Landriss finished this first lesson. To weave the delicate threads of rumor in the tapestry of courtly intrigue. In the hidden alcoves of my thoughts, I pondered the notion of seeding whispers about my origins, a tale that spoke of a noble bloodline intertwined with the shadows of an orphanage's embrace, the obvious traits of a Yuan-ti. All verifiable if questions were to be posed to Sister Elara, who is above reproach. Which I am sure at some point they will be.

With a calculated intention, while finishing my overheard conversation with Landriss, I sowed the seeds of ambiguity and my unlikely heritage, curious to witness the tendrils of speculation unfurl within the noble circles and the circles of the King's Guards. What judgments and conjectures would sprout from the fertile ground of uncertainty? Only time, that silent observer, would reveal the subtle shifts in perception.

Amidst the shadows of this clandestine endeavor, the gods, in their cosmic wisdom, guided my steps toward a grander purpose. The courtly dance demanded more than the clashing of blades; it necessitated a mastery of the unseen currents that shaped perceptions and destinies.

As I embraced the dichotomy of my newfound role, the echoes of my intentions resonated in the corridors of the royal court. The dance of whispers, a silent overture, had begun, with me a participant in this grand tapestry of intrigue. 

My former master might even have approved of my newfound manner of viewing interactions with the nobility. The playing of words within words and attempting to think beyond the moment. I believe I am starting grasp the meaning of all those many lessons in rhetoric and debate that I hated so much. Where I am one who is used to the action oriented youth that I am, the idea that words are even more powerful indeed when used properly to advance your goals.