The Coronation

[Gunther]

[center][size="7"][b]Reino de León/ Reinu de Llión

Kingdom of León[/b][/size]

[img]http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4c/Leon_banner.svg/125px-Leon_banner.svg.png[/img] [img]http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e3/Escudo_de_Le%C3%B3n_%28ciudad%29.svg/100px-Escudo_de_Le%C3%B3n_%28ciudad%29.svg.png[/img]
[b][i]Flag of León[/i][/b] & [b][i]Coat of Arms[/i][/b][/center]




Alfonso Roberto Raimúndez de Castile de León turned 16 today. His mother, had not survived the birthing process 16 years earlier and young Alfonso was well aware of her sacrifice; its impact on his life. Alfonso looked up into the heavens and whispered a prayer, "Dear lord, I pray that you watch over my father and mother. My mother is a glorious woman and is deserving all the best rewards your kingdom has to offer. My father raised me to be brave, intelligent, confident and keen of mind. I pray that I do not disappoint. He was a good man and is equally deserving of your rewards in the Kingdom of Heaven. Domine Iesu Christe, qui Mariae et Ioseph subditus, domesticam vitam ineffabilibus virtutibus consecrasti: fac nos, utriusque auxilio, Familae sanctae tuae exemplis instrui et consortium consequi sempiternum: Qui vivis et regnas in saecula saeculorum. Amen." Alfonso blessed himself by touching his right hand to his forhead, "In nomine Patris," then his his chest (heart), "et Filii," his right shoulder, "et Spiritus" and left shoulder, "Sancti."
(Trans from Latin: Lord Jesus Christ, who, being made subject to Mary and Joseph, didst consecrate domestic life by Thine ineffable virtues; grant that we, with the assistance of both, may be taught by the example of Thy Holy Family and may attain to its everlasting fellowship. Who livest and reignest forever. Amen....In the name of the Father, the son, and the Holy Spirit.)

"Your highness," Regent Carlos Rodriguez queried the Crown Prince of León. "The coronation is tomorrow. You must get your rest."

"Yes,Carlos. You are right." Alfonso thought of his parents. His father had passed three days prior and Alfonso was about to take the throne of León. "Will the royal family from Castile be in attendance?"

Edited April 19, 2010 by Gunther

[Owned-You]

Portugal learned of the late Kings passing just prior to the Coronation ceremony. King Afonso, knowing the vital role Leon would play in future Iberian affairs dispatched his best emissary Rodrigo Santiago to attend the crowning of the young King of Leon and further diplomatic aims with the new monarch.

[Sargun II]

King Alfonse had lost his mother in childbirth as well, and had been understandably dismayed when he learned sixteen years ago of young Alfonso's mother's death. While Iberian relations from Valencia to the west had not been exactly what could be called warm, they had most definitely improved over the last two decades. King Alfonse was determined to ensure that it continued, and would send his own son Carmelo Bolivar to the coronation to represent Valencia.

[KingChris]

A carriage flying flags with castles on them, and escorted by guards, was making its way from Burgos to Leon. From the outside, the escort look very dignified. From the inside, not so much.

"No! I will not marry that 48-year old man!" Princess Ivette began to stand up an throw a tantrum, but due to the rocky road, she began to lose her balance and sat back down.

"Ivette," the Queen Jacinta replied, "Pedro Giron is a very well-respected person. It would be a great honor to be wed to him." Nudging her husband she asked, "Isn't that right, Cristobal?"

Obviously stressed, the King quickly turned his head toward his daughter. "What? Oh, yeah, sure. Ivette, he's a good man, and you are to be married to him." Turning to the Queen, he added, "Jacinta, I have to be honest with you. I'm unsure about this new King of Leon. The heir apparent is so young. I'm not sure how much faith I should put in him. The fate of the kingdom could be influenced by him."

At that moment, the carriage stopped, and a courier knocked on the door. "Enter," the King commanded. The door was opened, and a man replied to the king, "Your Majesty, we have just received word that the Honorable Pedro Giron has recently passed away. He was on his way to Leon."

Shocked, the King sat down and rested his head in his hands. After a few minutes, he finally declared, "We'll deal with that later. For now, let us ride to Leon."

[Gunther]

[center][img]http://wwwdelivery.superstock.com/WI/223/1566/200906/PreviewComp/SuperStock_1566-502799.jpg[/img][/center]

[url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cD-bYvFMLDQ&feature=related]Monarch Coronation Music[/url]

[b]Cathedral de León, León City[/b]
An assembled orchestra and choir occupied the balcony of the Cathedral de León. They presented those in attendance with the songs of the coronation.

Bishop Fernando de Valdés y Salas, Professor of Canon Law at the University of Salamanca was the leader of the Catholic Church in León. It was his responsibility to counsel the King on matters of the church. Some people believed he was the most powerful man in all the land as he had a strong voice to the crown. At age 56, Bishop Valdés respected the crown and only advised on those matters he felt most sacred.

Attendants assisted the Bishop in adorning his vestments of red and white. Bishop Valdes placed the red mitre atop his head. It made him appear a foot taller than he really was. His attendant handed him the golden crozier, the symbol of his position as the leader of the Catholic Church in León. The crozier is shaped like a shepherd's crook. A bishop/head of church bears this staff as "shepherd of the flock of God."

The Bishop stroked his gray streaked beard as he walked from the sacristy into the hall of the church. An assembly of hundreds if not thousands of dignitaries from the provinces of Leon, the royal family of Castile and ambassadors from Portugal and Valencia awaited the proceedings.

[url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iloZzkWe5TQ&feature=related]Royal Fanfare[/url]

Just outside the Cathedral de León, a carriage approached. A marching band struck up a royal fanfare to announce the presence of Crown Prince Alfonso soon to be King Alfonso VIII of León.

[center][img]http://equisearch.com/mews7.jpg[/img][/center]

The carriage was adorned in gold and jewels. Its driver dressed in red and black held the reins firmly. A footman dressed as the driver rode on a step at the rear of the carriage. Six white Andalusian mares pulled the carriage. Following the Carriage rode a troop of 100 mounted men-at-arms in full plate armor without headgear. As the Carriage slowed to a stop, the troop of cavalry trotted around the left of the carriage at present arms in respect for Prince Alfonso.

Regent Carlos Rodriguez alighted from the carriage first with the assistance of the footman. Only two occupants of the carriage arrived and Crown prince Alfonso stepped down of his own accord. A brilliant red carpet extended from the Cathedral down the steps to where the Carriage stopped. A Detachment of the 27th Infantry Regiment (King's Guard) stood at the position of Attention. They were clad in their Dress uniform of navy blue jacket with gold buttons and red epaulettes and cuffs. Their trousers were black with a high hard leather black boot. Each man wore a steel Cabasset on his head with a high polish. The soldiers of the king's guard held a 16' pike along their right side with glistening tips. The sun reflected from the pike tips and from the Cabassets. Two rows of Pikemen stood on either side of the red carpet facing one another awaiting their new king.

[center][img] http://www.raisonsbrassband.com/images/images_big/ir80608.jpg[/img][/center]

Alfonso Roberto Raimúndez de Castile de León stood 6' tall at only 16 years of age. His father was 6'3" and when he finished growing would undoubtedly be just as tall. He wore the same uniform of the soldiers of the King's Guard, but wore gold braided epaulettes instead of their red ones. He also wore a red sash from left shoulder to right waist and three badges on his left breast denoting him as royalty. He wore a black Kepi with red on top and the Coat of Arms of León on its front facing.

[url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Spcz6E7v2c&feature=player_embedded#!]Prince of Denmark's march[/url]

The regent trailed his charge by one step to the rear and right. Prince Alfonso entered the cathedral, removed his kepi, dipped his fingers into the bowl of holy water at the entrance and blessed himself with a genuflection toward the altar. The Assembled crowd were turned, facing the young Prince as he strode confidently down the aisle toward the Bishop awaiting his arrival. Assembed to the left and right of the Bishop were General Antonio Cabrera, Duke of Galicia; Lieutenant Generals Jose Felipe Calderon, Juan Diego Rios, and Alberto Carlos Machado who were Dukes of minor provinces in Leon; Viceroy Ferdinando Colon and Admiral Manuel de Camara.

Prince Alfonso approached the altar to genuflect in front of Bishop Valdés, who made the sign of the cross over the young man while uttering a prayer. The Crown Prince took a knee and locked up at the Bishop. "In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti," the Bishop stated as he looked out at the congregation. "We have gathered here this afternoon to coronate Alfonso Roberto Raimúndez de Castile de León as King of León. His mother was a duchess in Castile and a queen in León. His father was a noble warrior of Leon who helped to repel the Moorish invaders from our lands. I would like to welcome all of you here today, distinguished visitors from Castile, Portugal and Valencia." With that said, the Bishop raised his crozier placing it at an angle over Prince Alfonso's head and uttered another prayer in latin. He then looked down at Prince Alfonso and asked him questions regarding his obligations as King of León. Alfonso responded to each one affirmatively. Alfonso took his oath of office swearing on the bible that he would discharge his duties carefully and seek to help his people and abide by the laws of the Pope in Rome. Bishop Valdés lowered the crozier and handed it to one of his attendants. Then turned to his right and removed a golden spiked crown from a red a gold satin pillow. He picked the royal crown up and held it over Alfonso's head. He uttered a few more prayers in latin and lowered the crown onto Alfonso's head. "My liege, you entered the cathedral a prince," The Bishop paused, "Rise a King!" King Alfonso VIII rose and turned to the congregation who were all on their feet applauding.

[b]Reception at the Royal Palace[/b]

[Gunther]

[b]Reception at the Royal Palace[/b]

The party moved into one of the large banquet halls in the castle. This had been Alfonso's home all of this life. He greeted each of his guests individually with a smile and shake of the hand. His regent followed him introducing him to each of his guests. A few he knew and many he was meeting for the first time.

King Alfonso VIII of Leon was very pleased to meet Princess Lizette of Castille...

[KingChris]

As soon as the Princess had eyed the newly coronated King, she proceeded to greet him with the most respectful manner, beginning with an elegant curtsy; however, Alfonso would soon have his view of Yvette blocked by her father, Cristobal. Yes, the King of Castile would appear very stern to any observer, and after catching his daughter fancying with another regent, he was swift to shield her. In his own mind, Cristobal had always been more of a protective father when it came to his daughter courting others, but of course, it was out of his compassion for her, and because of this trait, many questioned his ability to rule because of rumors that he would place his family over his duty, given from God above, as the Holy Ruler of all Castile. However, despite these allegations, he, along with the Queen, proved to be effective, although quickly aging, monarchs. Without gesture, he curtly said to Alfonso, "Congratulations, Alfonso, my brother in monarchy. Many have danced in the glory of a king; however, those who bask obsessively in that light turn out to be hated rulers. Let us pray, with good hope, that you will deny such actions and accept responsibility. And speaking of responsibility, I hope I will be able to share some more time with you either later this evening or after this reception."

Meanwhile, the Queen Jacinta took her daughter by the hand and led her to a secluded room. There, she explained to her the long, countless conversations that the King and Queen had held with each other every night, pertaining retirement, duty, and Yvette's maturation. Finally, she explained that she and Cristobal planned to retire soon, so that they would be relieved of the laborious work, and so that they could see their only daughter accept God's call. In response, Yvette knelt, her hands crossed on her heart, and recited the famous Magnificat in memory of Saint Mary, the Virgin Mother of God:

"Magnificat anima mea Dominum,
et exsultavit spiritus meus in Deo salvatore meo,
quia respexit humilitatem ancillae suae.
Ecce enim ex hoc beatam me dicent omnes generationes,
quia fecit mihi magna,
qui potens est,
et sanctum nomen eius,
et misericordia eius in progenies et progenies
timentibus eum.
Fecit potentiam in brachio suo,
dispersit superbos mente cordis sui;
deposuit potentes de sede
et exaltavit humiles;
esurientes implevit bonis
et divites dimisit inanes.
Suscepit Israel puerum suum,
recordatus misericordiae,
sicut locutus est ad patres nostros,
Abraham et semini eius in saecula."

OOC: My soul glorifies the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God, my Saviour.
He looks on his servant in her lowliness;
henceforth all ages will call me blessed.
The Almighty works marvels for me.
Holy his name!
His mercy is from age to age,
on those who fear him.
He puts forth his arm in strength
and scatters the proud-hearted.
He casts the mighty from their thrones
and raises the lowly.
He fills the starving with good things,
sends the rich away empty.
He protects Israel, his servant,
remembering his mercy,
the mercy promised to our fathers,
to Abraham and his sons for ever.

[Gunther]

"King Cristobal, you are very welcome and I am very happy to see you and your family here in Leon this afternoon," the young king quickly reacted to this disturbance of his view of the lovely Lyzette. "My father has always held you in the highest regard. I am told that my mother was duchess from Castile prior to her betroth to my father. I pray for her soul nightly as I did last night before I laid down to rest. I must admit that your lands produce exceptional women. Might I be as so fortunate to acquire one of royal bread to be my queen." Alfonso may have pushed his luck with that and quickly turned to matters of state.

"The moors still hold the lands to the south in Andalusia. Now is the time for all Spaniards to reunite and continue the eviction of these !@#$%^&*. I trust I am not too hasty in requesting a private audience withst thou to negotiate a parlance of sorts for our mutual defense, but more importantly mutual persecution of this foul beast stretched along our southern borders. It may even be sound to invite the kingdoms of Portugal and Valencia in this common goal."

Edited April 19, 2010 by Gunther

[Owned-You]

Rodrigo had witnessed the crowning of the Young King and had taken apart of the festivities just after it. Rodrigo briefly spoke to the King and wished him well in his new holdings. "You will have nothing to fear from Portugal, this much I assure you. We still have the more pressing aims of driving the Moorish dogs off Iberia before Portugal would even ponder taking up arms against a fellow Catholic nation. And even should that day arrive, it would be short-lived as surely the world would be cast into the flames of damnation, for no true son of Christ can lay hand on another. Hence, I must inquire King Alfonso would it be too early to consider us signing something formal?"

[Gunther]

"Rodrigo, you appear to be a sensible man of gentry," Alfonso VIII spoke to the emissary from Portugal with an impish grin. "Would it not be wiser to enter into an agreement with Castile, Valencia, Leon and Portugal in tossing the Moorish beast from our doorstep?" Alfonso allowed a pause to let that slip in. "Strength in numbers, unity in effort? Although I would not deny a pact between our two nations while we await Valencia and Castile."

[Sargun II]

Carmelo had witnessed the crowning of the Y-- er, Carmelo had watched the coronation with intense interest. Carmelo was thirty-five and his younger brother Roderigo twenty-eight; Carmelo was unmarried but Roderigo was courting a Castilian minor noblelady whose name was Maria. Carmelo had a younger sister at the age of thirty-two, but she was more involved with the Two Faiths Theatre than matters of state and would be of no consequence to the throne. He smiled to himself as he dared to enter himself into the conversation between Cristobal, Rodrigo, and Alfonso.

"My brethren," he greeted his fellow Iberian noblemen, "Congratulations to you, King Alfonso. Valencia sends with me hopes of new relations between the nations of Iberia." While Carmelo certainly agreed with the casting out the Moors from Iberia, he suspected that his brother did not. His father was old and ready to pass, and did not want to disturb the peace of his kingdom in his twilight years. If Carmelo wanted to strike against the Moslems, he would be striking against the people who supported his brother Roderigo. It just could not happen until Carmelo was King.

Edited April 20, 2010 by Sargun

[KingChris]

Cristobal stood for a minute, thinking intently as the other three conversed. He then jumped in and proposed, "While I do agree that we need to get rid of the Muslim influence in Iberia, perhaps we should consider a different approach. As far as I can tell, you three are primarily concerned about pushing them out of the peninsula. However, without an unprovoked attack from them, I see no reason as to why we should dedicate our men to expelling them. Now, don't mistake me, I do think that we should have very strong defensive ties; however, that's just defense. Nay, instead of dispersing them from Iberia, why not assimilate them into our culture and send our strongest missionaries to convert them to Holy Catholicism? I'm sure both God and the Holy Father would be pleased to enjoy more baptized souls."

[Owned-You]

Rodrigo agreed that it was priority to deal with the Moors and ultimately a unified Iberia was a powerful one. But Rodrigo also knew that the make-up of the Iberia was steadily changing...hence he was apprehensive to create a unification pact with his brethren, although he held reservations with Cristobal's plan of converting the Muslim populace to Christianity as well. Generally, Rodrigo held a healthy skepticism of the world around him which reflected his nature and stances in diplomatic affairs. Hence, he finally voiced his thoughts on Cristobal's proposal. "Whilst the Lord would surely smile on our souls if we undertook such an action, the Moors are a stubborn and robust peoples. And what says of there standing with the Lord as people if they would so readily cast aside there own devout beliefs for our own, whats to stop them from denouncing our Lord when it becomes convenient for them to do so...I simply find it a bit odd of a solution. I'd rather them stay on there side of the world and us on our own, as it is they who have oppressed Christians in the South and hence why Portugal responds in kind in our lands...However, we will consider this suggestion if the other Kingdoms of Iberia are willing too as well. But rest assured, our Knights of Christ are ready to sweep in and liberate our oppressed brethren in any instance when called upon."

[Gunther]

"We've tried conversions in the past. That method has proved pointless," Alfonso VIII thought about the conversation. "If we can all agree on a method of removing the Moors from the peninsula, then we can have unity of effort."

"One nation of our four could certainly do damage to the moors, but could not evict them. Only through our combined efforts could we achieve such aims. I propose we form a pact, with a specific goal in mind that complies with Valencia's timeframe and achieves the goals of working together and removing the Moors from Andalusia."

"Currently, Leon has 10,744 men positioned only a few hours march from the Southern border along with 24 Artillery batteries. I have three Halbardier Regiments within a day's march; that's another 2667 men. there are four Cavalry regiments patrolling the border with Andalusia, accounting for 3200 horse and another three regiments of Cavalry over a day's march away numbering 2600 horse." Alfonso did the math in his head, "That's 13,411 Infantry, 24 Artillery batteries or 144 pieces and 5800 Cavalry, I can have on the border within a day. That's not counting militia. More if we start moving sooner. If we agree not to attack each other, then I can free up even more to focus on the Moors in Andalusia."


[spoiler][u][b]8th Tercio (Avila)[/b][/u]
8th Infantry Regiment (Swords) - 1000 men
18th Infantry Regiment (Arquebus) - 801 men
25th Infantry Regiment (Pike) - 889 men
Total: 2690 men

[u][b]9th Tercio (Bejar)[/b][/u]
9th Infantry Regiment (Swords) - 932 men
34th Infantry Regiment (Arquebus) - 821 men
26th Infantry Regiment (Pike) - 982 men
Total: 2735 men

[u][b]10th Tercio (Segovia)[/b][/u]
28th Infantry Regiment (Arquebus) - 951men
30th Infantry Regiment (Pike) - 843 men
33rd Infantry Regiment (Swords) - 1000 men
Total: 2794 men

[u][b]11th Tercio (Ciudad Rodrigo)[/b][/u]
29th Infantry Regiment (Arquebus) - 944 men
31st Infantry Regiment (Pike) - 798 men
32nd Infantry Regiment (Swords) - 813 men
Total: 2555 men
Grand Total: 10,744 Infantry

[b]Royal Guards[/b]
[u][b]Salamanca (Royal Guepardos)[/b][/u]
35th Infantry Regiment (Halberdier) - 867 men

[u][b]Segovia (Royal Panteras)[/b][/u]
36th Infantry Regiment (Halberdier) - 800 men

[u][b]Bejar (Royal Jaguars)[/b][/u]
37th Infantry Regiment (Halberdier) - 1000 men
Grand Total: 2667 men

[i][b]Along the Southern border with Andalusia[/b][/i]
Caballeros Espinosa (Light Cavalry) Regiment - 600 troopers
Caballeros Santayana (Light Cavalry) Regiment - 600 troopers
Caballeros Toledo Regiment - 1000 Men at Arms
Caballeros Cortes Regiment - 1000 Men at Arms
Total: 3200 horse

[i][b]South of Valladolid[/b][/i]
Caballeros Arrondo (Light Cavalry) Regiment - 600 troopers
Caballeros Romana Regiment - 1000 Men at Arms
Caballeros Cordova Regiment - 1000 Men at Arms
Total: 2600 horse

Grand Total: 5800 horse

Each Tertio has six batteries of Artillery x 4 = 24 batteries.
[/spoiler]

Alfonso wondered to himself if he would get a chance to meet King Cristobal's daughter Yvette. The talk of state matters is important, but he thought to himself, 'I'm young and am somehow drawn by her beauty; it is intoxicating.'

Edited April 21, 2010 by Gunther

[KingChris]

OOC: I apologize for this tremendous delay; AP tests are coming up in a week, which has caused the rate of homework to inflate drastically.

IC: Cristobal frowned, obviously disappointed at the failures of the previous talks. However, he was not willing to commit his army to a war against the Iberian Moors. Giving a sigh, he proclaimed, "I see your position on this; however, Castile is not yet ready to enter a war with the Muslims. On top of that, I don't see any legitimate reason to hold a crusade against them. Yes, I look forward to a peninsula united under Catholicism, but until I find a good casus belli to hold against them, I am afraid that I won't be willing to wage war against them with you.

"However, I do agree that we should form strong ties as soon as possible. Therefore, I invite each of you to Burgos in a week. I have a special event planned for that time. I do hope that I will be able to see you there."

Alfonso wouldn't get the chance to speak to Yvette; at least not while Cristobal was still king. With Cristobal's strict parenting style, if he found any suitor speaking to his daughter while he was still king, the consequences would be harsh.