Post by Mariette Deveraux on May 11, 2016 19:51:40 GMT -5
Once all of the families invited to participate in the discussion of Vasile's future arrived, Mariette granted them a day or two of rest, recovery and adjustment before getting down to the business at hand. Already there was snow frosting the peaks and an undeniable chill in the air. Frost burned the grass to a wintry brown and etched across the panes every day, an occasional flurry reminding the princess that winter was not far away. This meeting would take several days at the very least, she knew, so the sooner it was started, the better.
Working with Gwynevere and several of the servants to set up the meeting space, choices were thoughtfully made to provide a level of comfort, equality and open communication. Chairs were cushioned as they were placed around a large table, pitchers of water, wine and ale, along with mugs, were put on trays at both ends of the table. Each place was equally distant from the others, along with a small desk brought in for a scribe. Whatever was discussed here, what was decided, would be recorded for posterity.
Place cards bearing the names of the families involved were placed before the chairs, though Mariette was careful to ensure that her uncle sat at her right hand, Emile at her left so that no preferential treatment was given to any one of the Vasilean families in the meeting. If Pierre was able to find Elsa Romanov and return her to Vanderhall, the seat at the foot of the table would be hers; she had some voice as the last living heir to Vanderhall in the proceedings. Hoping that they would be able to conduct the discussions with civility and cooperation, she surveyed the scene she prepared with a critical eye. During the day, the shutters would be opened to fill the room with natural light, but she'd had lamps brought in for once the sun set to banish the literal shadows from the room to prevent the metaphorical shades from creeping in.
Satisfied, she gave a firm nod. All was ready for their arrival to begin...
--
Everett Price, @anneliesevann, @biancareinhart, Emile Deveraux, Jean-Luc Deveraux
[ I only tagged the primary representatives; if your character would bring someone along, please tag them. Thanks! ]