A Tevinter merchant and his son stop at a local tavern for a rest from a week of busy travel and business. His son asks his father what the people of this land were like. The proprietor and barkeep of the tavern approached the man and his son and said, "Let me tell you the story of Fabula the Gate Captain. Only then will you understand the temperament of the people's of this land."
The barkeep began,
"Many years ago, Starkhaven played host to a Grand Market. A great many merchants came to sell and a great many more wealthy nobleman and land holders came to buy. It was not just a day for buying and selling, but a day of pomp and ceremony! Every great house, noble family and wealthy man brought his entourage. Each party thinking itself grander than the other. All showing with pride and dignity the flags and crests of their respective assemblage."
"As the many great and minor assemblies finished their own processions and lined up on the streets, the final parade began with the recognized representatives of the official royal houses of Thedas. As is tradition for respect for such a spectacle, it was tradition tip your flag and lower your crest for the recognized royalty. All this was done by the visiting entourage's. Save one: the host Starkhaven, the representative of the Free Marches."
"The Emperor of Orlais's Emissary and his congregation were a marvel to see. Their chevalier detachment in pristine armor and polished you could barely look upon it because of the sun's reflection. Their market representatives had some of the rarest and finest clothing, goods and wares that would be provided; a jealous spectacle for all. All flags and crests lowered down the street, almost as if the rest of the city and its visitor's knew they were looking upon their betters."
"Then the emissary of Orlais, at the head of the cavalcade, approached the end of the procession. Smiling and haughty was he, knowing the minds of those around filled with jealousy and awe. He then saw a standard and flag not lowered and tipped, as was tradition. He stepped down and approached the man. Loudly and arrogantly he demanded the flag and crest be placed in their position of respect."
"Silence filled the grounds. Fabula, the Gate Captain of Starkhaven approached the grounds and the emissary. The emissary again shouted and demanded the flag and crest of Starkhaven be lowered."
"Fabula then relieved the current standard holder of Starkhaven. Fabula took off his helm. The emissary approached and began to repeat his demands. Fabula stood at attention. His gze fixed on a position in front of him, his posture at attention."
The barkeep smiled with pride and continued,
"He responded calmly and stated, 'My lord emissary, I can not do what you ask or continue with what tradition expects. We are a free people, subservient to none. My lord, with respect,
'This standard will not dip to any worldy king.'"
With that the emissary scoffed and continued on his way."
Modifié par QuentaSilmarillion, 15 janvier 2011 - 02:53 .
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