A Game of Masks Chapter 3
Title: A Game of Masks
Pairings: Super Junior Members + OCs
Rating: PG-13 for violence
Notes: Character death, Medieval/Fantasy AU, occasional crack
Summary: Magic, intrigue and secrets abound in and around the king's court. While everyone has something to hide, some have more than others. Who has the biggest secret and will it end up tearing the kingdom apart?
Chapter 3
After dressing quickly, Han Geng walked behind the servant boy to the banquet hall; several people from the Formosian contingency followed behind. Soon he was seated at the head table, about half way down the table on the king's right side. Several other Formosian dignitaries were seated further down the table from him. The large room was full tonight; the king had declared a feast in honor of the visiting guests. All major and minor noble houses were represented, each hoping to learn more about the Formosians and perhaps strike up an acquaintance with them.
Han Geng's POV
Once all of the guests were seated, the chatelaine called for quiet. He then proceeded to introduce everyone seated at the head table. I took note of the man seated next to King Kangin, a man introduced by the name of Siwon. He must be one of the king's closest advisers. I must make sure I introduce myself to him. He could be a great source of information. The lady next to him is his wife Amelie. Brinny-chan should have no problem getting to know her. I can always rely on my wife to make the best possible use of her contacts and to know who the most important people are to befriend. Even to this day I can't believe my fortune in marrying such a wonderful woman. Not only does she understand the nature of my work and all that it entails, she actively assists me in my jobs - not something to be taken lightly in this line of work. My greatest fear is that some day my profession will put her life in jeopardy. Every time I bring up the danger she merely kisses me tenderly, saying that she married me for better or for worse, whatever the future may bring. She would rather face an unknown and possibly unpleasant future by my side, hand in hand, than hidden away somewhere in a gilded cage. How can a man not acquiesce in the face of such love and devotion? I will protect my beloved Brinny-chan until the day I die.
Regular POV
The feast began and proceeded well. Many entertainment acts performed to the delight of the guests. As the meal drew to a close the chatelaine once again stood and said, “Our last performance this evening comes from one of the kingdom's premiere minstrels. If his sweet face doesn't touch your heart his music certainly will. Please welcome the Passionate Pink Minstrel, Sungmin.” Instantly, the ladies began sighing, squealing and preening, much to the consternation of the men present. Geng was surprised to see such a response from the crowd. From the side of the stage a young man stepped forward. His outfit was a mixture of colors in the minstrel tradition, however pink appeared to be the predominant color. So that's where the pink part of his nickname comes from Han Geng thought. He had to admit that this Sungmin certainly did have a sweet face.
After settling himself on the stool, Sungmin lightly strummed his lute and smiled. Geng was taken aback. As cute as the minstrel was, he became absolutely beautiful once he smiled. No wonder the women are all swooning over him. Even his own wife looked affected. He lightly nudged Brinny-chan with his elbow and she looked over, embarrassment coloring her cheeks. Smiling again, the minstrel said, “Your majesties, special visitors from Formosa, Lords and Ladies, thank you for the opportunity to perform for you this evening.” His voice was soft and sweet yet easily carried across the entire room. “In honor of this special occasion I would like to begin with a song that is not frequently heard. This version is different from what many of you may remember. As a nod to the Formosian delegation I have set the lyrics to a well known ballad from their kingdom. Just as this song brings two kingdoms together in music, may this visit also help to bring Cordynia and Formosa closer.” Sungmin began strumming a tune on his lute. The melody was as beautiful as it was haunting. Softly, he began to sing.
From time remembered and long ago,
Comes a tale of glory and fame.
In a period of unrest and unhappiness
Sits a king, hated and unloved.
When the loss of Power seems permanent,
A new hope for all will arise.
Come to us, our long awaited king,
Bring to us harmony and joy.
You are our hope and our future;
Peace and love, may you reign forever.
A man of humble birth, yet great in Power,
No one will gainsay his ascension.
Mystery and magic are his birthrights,
Peace and safety mark his reign.
From darkness and pain he lifts his people,
Bringing them into the light of a new day.
Come to us, our long awaited king,
Bring to us harmony and joy.
You are our hope and our future;
Peace and love, may you reign forever.
So, listen my children, to my words;
Dry your tears and do not despair.
Look to the future, our salvation is coming.
This night of darkness is coming to an end.
Lift up your hearts and prayers to the Heavens,
In anticipation of our Wizard King.
Come to us, our long awaited king,
Bring to us harmony and joy.
You are our hope and our future;
Peace and love, may you reign forever.
At the conclusion of the song, there was silence for a few moments before the hall began ringing with wild applause, cheers and even a whistle or two. An interesting choice. Han Geng thought. He looked over at the king to gauge his reaction. As usual Kangin's face showed no emotion. However, he did see something flicker through the king's eyes, though whether irritation, anger or possibly even amusement Geng was unable to discern. Very interesting, indeed. Was this minstrel trying to send a message to the king? Or did he have some other motive for this particular ballad? Sungmin the Minstrel is another person to keep an eye on. Looks like Brinny-chan has another acquaintance to make in the next few days.
After a number of other songs by the Pink Minstrel, King Kangin called the feast to an end, excusing everyone for the night. Still weary from their long journey, Han Geng and his wife retired to their room. While preparing for sleep they discussed their thoughts and observations about the evening. As always, Brinny-chan was one step ahead of her husband, promising to call upon Lady Amelie and Minstrel Sungmin in the coming week before he even asked. Kissing each other good night, they drifted off to sleep.
Pairings: Super Junior Members + OCs
Rating: PG-13 for violence
Notes: Character death, Medieval/Fantasy AU, occasional crack
Summary: Magic, intrigue and secrets abound in and around the king's court. While everyone has something to hide, some have more than others. Who has the biggest secret and will it end up tearing the kingdom apart?
Chapter 3
After dressing quickly, Han Geng walked behind the servant boy to the banquet hall; several people from the Formosian contingency followed behind. Soon he was seated at the head table, about half way down the table on the king's right side. Several other Formosian dignitaries were seated further down the table from him. The large room was full tonight; the king had declared a feast in honor of the visiting guests. All major and minor noble houses were represented, each hoping to learn more about the Formosians and perhaps strike up an acquaintance with them.
Han Geng's POV
Once all of the guests were seated, the chatelaine called for quiet. He then proceeded to introduce everyone seated at the head table. I took note of the man seated next to King Kangin, a man introduced by the name of Siwon. He must be one of the king's closest advisers. I must make sure I introduce myself to him. He could be a great source of information. The lady next to him is his wife Amelie. Brinny-chan should have no problem getting to know her. I can always rely on my wife to make the best possible use of her contacts and to know who the most important people are to befriend. Even to this day I can't believe my fortune in marrying such a wonderful woman. Not only does she understand the nature of my work and all that it entails, she actively assists me in my jobs - not something to be taken lightly in this line of work. My greatest fear is that some day my profession will put her life in jeopardy. Every time I bring up the danger she merely kisses me tenderly, saying that she married me for better or for worse, whatever the future may bring. She would rather face an unknown and possibly unpleasant future by my side, hand in hand, than hidden away somewhere in a gilded cage. How can a man not acquiesce in the face of such love and devotion? I will protect my beloved Brinny-chan until the day I die.
Regular POV
The feast began and proceeded well. Many entertainment acts performed to the delight of the guests. As the meal drew to a close the chatelaine once again stood and said, “Our last performance this evening comes from one of the kingdom's premiere minstrels. If his sweet face doesn't touch your heart his music certainly will. Please welcome the Passionate Pink Minstrel, Sungmin.” Instantly, the ladies began sighing, squealing and preening, much to the consternation of the men present. Geng was surprised to see such a response from the crowd. From the side of the stage a young man stepped forward. His outfit was a mixture of colors in the minstrel tradition, however pink appeared to be the predominant color. So that's where the pink part of his nickname comes from Han Geng thought. He had to admit that this Sungmin certainly did have a sweet face.
After settling himself on the stool, Sungmin lightly strummed his lute and smiled. Geng was taken aback. As cute as the minstrel was, he became absolutely beautiful once he smiled. No wonder the women are all swooning over him. Even his own wife looked affected. He lightly nudged Brinny-chan with his elbow and she looked over, embarrassment coloring her cheeks. Smiling again, the minstrel said, “Your majesties, special visitors from Formosa, Lords and Ladies, thank you for the opportunity to perform for you this evening.” His voice was soft and sweet yet easily carried across the entire room. “In honor of this special occasion I would like to begin with a song that is not frequently heard. This version is different from what many of you may remember. As a nod to the Formosian delegation I have set the lyrics to a well known ballad from their kingdom. Just as this song brings two kingdoms together in music, may this visit also help to bring Cordynia and Formosa closer.” Sungmin began strumming a tune on his lute. The melody was as beautiful as it was haunting. Softly, he began to sing.
From time remembered and long ago,
Comes a tale of glory and fame.
In a period of unrest and unhappiness
Sits a king, hated and unloved.
When the loss of Power seems permanent,
A new hope for all will arise.
Come to us, our long awaited king,
Bring to us harmony and joy.
You are our hope and our future;
Peace and love, may you reign forever.
A man of humble birth, yet great in Power,
No one will gainsay his ascension.
Mystery and magic are his birthrights,
Peace and safety mark his reign.
From darkness and pain he lifts his people,
Bringing them into the light of a new day.
Come to us, our long awaited king,
Bring to us harmony and joy.
You are our hope and our future;
Peace and love, may you reign forever.
So, listen my children, to my words;
Dry your tears and do not despair.
Look to the future, our salvation is coming.
This night of darkness is coming to an end.
Lift up your hearts and prayers to the Heavens,
In anticipation of our Wizard King.
Come to us, our long awaited king,
Bring to us harmony and joy.
You are our hope and our future;
Peace and love, may you reign forever.
At the conclusion of the song, there was silence for a few moments before the hall began ringing with wild applause, cheers and even a whistle or two. An interesting choice. Han Geng thought. He looked over at the king to gauge his reaction. As usual Kangin's face showed no emotion. However, he did see something flicker through the king's eyes, though whether irritation, anger or possibly even amusement Geng was unable to discern. Very interesting, indeed. Was this minstrel trying to send a message to the king? Or did he have some other motive for this particular ballad? Sungmin the Minstrel is another person to keep an eye on. Looks like Brinny-chan has another acquaintance to make in the next few days.
After a number of other songs by the Pink Minstrel, King Kangin called the feast to an end, excusing everyone for the night. Still weary from their long journey, Han Geng and his wife retired to their room. While preparing for sleep they discussed their thoughts and observations about the evening. As always, Brinny-chan was one step ahead of her husband, promising to call upon Lady Amelie and Minstrel Sungmin in the coming week before he even asked. Kissing each other good night, they drifted off to sleep.