OOC: As long as it states it- this thread is open to all! This thread is dedicated to the opening of the Hall of Mirrors: information can be found by reading the plotting thread
here.
These were trying times, and although the Grand Duke felt the weight of these years with much gravity, he kept his expression muted to any of his plight. He was known for appearing stoic, almost statuesque in the way he stood, an odd legacy to see the living version to compare to the very statue of himself which stood at a large out stretch of lawn, neatly tucked within manicured shrubbery and trees.
It was a lavish statement to be sure, to put his own image within the Hall of Mirror open gardens, but it was suggested he remind his people just who to thank for this park-like reprieve. And what noble garden, for it was fashioned from, came without a statue from it's name sake? Although one might wonder why his back was to the mirrors, which stood in tall, glimmering majesty behind him, all of them resting on sturdy stone pedestals, strong enough in fashion to keep the two story tall mirrors upright.
They were positively glowing in the evening sun; the day being as perfect as any could dream; with purple clouds resting high surrounding the distant mountains, and the sun casting long shadows and the world in a golden-orange hue. The whispers in the crowd of those not of nobility, those that could fetch a clean sight of the Grand Duke were in awe. He looked as perfect as the statue behind him, and as it was announced the specific purpose of the gardens, many murmured amongst themselves with excitement-
But of course, some with contempt.
"One has to wonder who he thinks he is? Giving us a statue of himself, bah. And to think, our taxes were raised for such a thing." said one woman, whose voice was, Kentamin thought, a bit too loud for how critical she spoke. His eyes kept sharp to her as she went on, the women around her simply nodding, but the anxiety was palpable. Even though this was something to ease that tension, for now, it was bringing to light how much it existed. All of the people, Kentamin observed, looked.. Well,
tired.How long had this war been going on? They spoke of taxes, yes- a necessity, but he had to wonder how much it really impacted them.
But then again, why should he care? He found himself glancing away, tuning out the lengthy speech from the Grand Duke to thoughts somewhere else. That's when someone caught the corner of his gaze- of which he hadn't meant to stare...