A Most Seeming Virtuous Queen (closed)

[DeliciousMaiden]

Age: Just approaching or in her 40s
Height: 5'6"
Eyes: Hazel
Hair: Honey Blonde

Gertrude

Gertrude being of Norwegian royal descent was offered to Hamlet by way of a political marriage. At a time when the lands of Norway were threatened with integration into Denmark, marriage between the heirs to both lands seemed to offer a way of uniting the two countries without the need for war or blood-letting. Gertrude had been raised with a keen sense of duty. She had always known that her marriage would be arranged and that marriage was the only way that stability in their threatened country could be negotiated and so, the highly educated and politically acute princess proved to be a realist and accepted the husband that fate had sent her: a man who was more than a decade her senior. For a girl of 19, his age of 33 seemed ancient at the time, but she never considered refusing him.

Yet, against all the odds, the arrangement had excelled their expectations. Gertrude had only met her fiancé three times before their wedding and each of those was chaperoned! He was in haste to marry so once terms were agreed events the wedding was quickly arranged and with it the consummation of their contract, her wedding night, her first time with a man. Before her feet seemed to touch the ground, Gertrude was removed to his Kingdom in Elsinor, learning about her new Kingdom, her new Country and her new husband. In fact so thorough was her learning that within the month she fell pregnant and bore him the son and heir he so craved. Both kingdoms Denmark and Norway equally celebrated the fruit of their union and indeed so attentive and loving a husband did Hamlet prove to be that Gertrude could not avoid falling in love with her husband and falling into a contented life at court.

As the years passed, their son, named Hamlet after his father grew and developed beneath the benevolent eye of his doting parents. He had every advantage and education that money and position could provide him with. The marriage was contented and loving. As an elder spouse her husband was caring and protective of his family and his people. He was a thoughtful ruler more prone to negotiation than to taking arms without exploring diplomatic solutions first. In his young wife he found an interested and intelligent partner and therefore not only listened to and esteemed her opinions, but shared both the trials and tribulations of Kingship and the celebrations each in equal measure.

Which is why she was so shocked when he suddenly informed her that his brother, Claudius, who Gertrude had seen but briefly in the background at their wedding was not only coming to visit, but would most likely be staying with them, for some time …

 

[brw02]

King Hamlet I
Age: 53
Height: 6'3"
Brown hair, Blue eyes

The Danes generally viewed King Hamlet as a benevolent monarch. Succeeding his charismatic father, his reign had been characterized by peace and prosperity. Jutland was well positioned to be a major trade center astride the European trade routes. Hamlet had shown his valor in battle and he was an astute military strategist. There were only a few noncontents who would grumble about his adherence to tradition, but the Danes largely discounted them.

The military code of honor guided the King's personal behavior. He was also a deeply religious man. He stood arrow straight in public with his sword at his side and medals worn proudly on his chest. Hamlet also believed in the ruling philosophy of his father: the King served the people and the people served the King. The wealth of the country was shared with his subjects.

Hamlet was also a devoted family man. He adored his wife, Queen Gertrude, and he was very generous with her. She was born into the royal family of Norway and the arranged marriage was more political than anything else. But Hamlet had proven to be a loving and caring husband and Gertrude's heart was soon won over. She had borne him a son and heir who was raised with the love of his parents. Prince Hamlet was now studying in England. A fun-loving university student, young Hamlet still managed to excel in his studies, much to the delight of his family.

King Hamlet was not lavish except when it came to his wife and son. The Queen wore some of the finest silks that were sold in the marketplaces. She had a collection of jewelry from the Middle East and she was lovingly cared for by a staff of palace maids. Queen Gertrude was a strikingly attractive woman to begin with and her husband enjoyed having a beautiful elegant lady on his arm. To the outside observer, they seemed to be the perfect family.
__________________

 

[LitShark]

Claudius
Age: 43
Height: 6'1"
Eyes: Blue
Hair: Brown
Appearance:

As the second son, Claudius inherited little from his late father. The name, Hamlet had haunted him his entire life, father and prized son. Always the bounty to the first born son. Being of noble lineage, it wasn't as though Claudius suffered a miserable existence, but lacking a suitable contrast aside from his successful and beloved brother, Claudius was always more acutely aware of the things he lacked than the things he was fortunate to have.

Lacking political relevance, Claudius indulged in personal amusements to the extremity. While Hamlet married an influential and beautiful woman, Claudius remained unmarried past his prime, much to the disgrace of his parents who died praising Hamlet and cursing the second son they wished never to have burdened themselves with.

Slowly, over time, Claudius has become ambitious and envious of his brother to the point of near madness. He's begun devising of a scheme to lay King Hamlet low, even take his place on the throne and in his young wife's bed. He'll take any opportunity to undercut his brother's respectability, while 'guising his grander purposes in smiles and fraternal oaths. He returns to the palace for the first time in many years spent in search of his next grand amusement. He's overwhelmingly eager to meet this wife of his brothers who seems to have a talent for birthing heirs. If rumors of her beauty are not overstated, she may offer Claudius the opportunity he needs to supplant his brother on the throne.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Gertrude

Gertrude read the missive one final time before folding it carefully and putting it into the ornate chest before her. She had lost count of how many times she had dissected every precious word and though she was overjoyed at the communication from her son, it was with a heavy heart that she had to accept that Prince Hamlet would not be returning home for the midsummer celebrations. Her sorrow had been tempered by the fact that her son was obviously enjoying his new found freedom. Reflection upon his studies did form a reassuring proportion of his information to her, but he had actually dared relate something of the society he enjoyed (- a fact that his status as Crown Prince and Heir to the throne seemed to facilitate Gertrude had noticed.) Sighing Gertrude lifted her eyes to the glass before her. She had been of similar years when she had first married her husband. She had thought she knew so much about the world, though book learning was no substitute for experience. She blushed as she recalled those first 'experiences' with her husband, her features softening into a smile when considered how fortunate she was in having such a kind and considerate spouse. Not that he had been un-eager to wed and bed her. His urgency for and heir had necessitated quite an educational month of so; until of course their success became evident and he had been so solicitous of her that his ‘demands’ became less and less frequent. Her only regret was that they had but one child between them. Her husband was overjoyed at her presenting him with a son and seemed contented with that one heir. As an only child she had always longed for a large family and had carefully broached the subject with her husband, but due to the circumstances of their marriage it was to remain a blessing that was denied her.

Gertrude was content though. She could ask for no more attentive a husband, or for that more adoring subjects. Life was always full of diversion and activity. Her husband was generous not only to her, but to those of the court and the wider populace. But above all else, she adored her son and he her. She took an interest in all he did; his studies, his hobbies, his friends, nothing was inconsequential to her. And it had been a greater sacrifice than anyone could imagine for her to give her blessing to young Hamlet leaving court to pursue his studies and see something of the Kingdom. It was an opportunity that she had never had, and indeed as a woman she had never expected anything beyond a political marriage, but for her son, she wanted more; no matter what the cost to her own happiness.

Rising, impatiently, Gertrude took herself to task. It was of no use to become maudlin. As it was she had to break the news to his father that despite the requests sent for their son to return, he had chosen to remain out of court for the sankthans celebrations which she knew would prove as a major disappointment. In the most recent years young Hamlet had managed to avoid the long day of devotion, though the ever dutiful wife, Gertrude had continued to accompany her devout husband throughout the Jonsok ritual of prayer and pilgrimage. She had always done so and most likely always would, but the non-stop services and vigils seemed to feel increasingly gruelling year by year. Though secretly sacrilegious, the main thought that kept her going throughout those endless hours was the knowledge that though her husband would retire early, choosing to spend the evening within the cloisters in silent meditation, he had always allowed her to take part in the more secular evening celebrations which she had always loved!

Gertrude had always thrilled at the atmosphere of those night time bonfires and the raucous celebration. After such suppression and control, it seemed that humanity burst forth creating a heady atmosphere which she had always found exciting. Even as a little boy she had let young Hamlet watch the lighting of those massive fires and later in life had taken him to revel with the courtiers and run and dance until dawn. As a young girl she had only been permitted to watch the first lighting of the fires from a distance, but had always longed to take part in the pursuit of those more heathen traditions. She heard whispered tales of mock marriages being enacted, of flowers and herbs and spells and spirits. Indeed for several years Gertrude had secretly put flowers beneath her pillow on that night of sankthans hoping that legend would prove true and that she would be visited by the spirit of her future husband in a dream. Even realisation that this was all superstition and mere tales of fiction did not deter Gertrude from her enjoyment in such frivolity and in her adult years she took part in every aspect of the festivities and remained with the celebrants until after first light began to dawn and mere embers glowed.

Only as the smoke curled upwards, so Gertrude would collapse into her bed. Such was her exhaustion at the dual activities of devotion and decadence that she rarely left her chamber for the entirety of the following day … an indulgence her husband permitted her, for even if the evenings revelries were not to his taste, he appreciated that Gertrude ensured that she always attended. Never for a moment did he realise just how much enjoyment she derived from such escapism ...

 

[brw02]

The cermonies surrounding the Summer Solstice made little sense to King Hamlet but he dutifully observed the holiday anyway. The Church honored St. John the Baptist's life on this date and he attended the sometimes somber religious ceremonies every year. The Church had great influence, perhaps even more than the monarchy. The King was well aware of the fact and he took great care to respect it's traditions.

The bonfires were part of some tradition that had been celebrated longer than anyone could remember. They were intended to ward off witches or evil spirits or something along those lines. Hamlet thought that this was close to idol worship and he had no interest in attending the massive celebrations on the streets and the beaches. Once again, the King never made his doubts public. The people intended to continue these traditions also. The Queen enjoyed the revelry and he wouldn't deny her the pleasure that she got from it. Beside that, she could represent the monarchy at these events while he was occupied with the holy rituals.

Word had been sent that his brother Claudius had returned to his native land after a quarter century of drinking and womanizing across Europe and the Middle East. He had probably squandered his wealth in the process. Hamlet couldn't think of any other reason he may have returned. As far as the King was concerned, Claudius was a coward. When Prince Hamlet had gone off to war he knew that if he was killed in battle, Claudius would have become the Crown Prince. But Claudius had never shown any interest in learning how to rule. He had no interest in university either. He spent most of his time wooing the palace maids with promises he never intended to honor. When his disgusted father had ordered him to enlist in the Royal Army, he had taken a bag of gold and fled the country. But he would welcome his brother back to the palace in the hopes that he would have matured at last.

 

[LitShark]

Claudius slid his palm over the bolt of ornate and colorful cloth which draped across his torso. It was woven with threads of gold that caught the light as his destrier canted faintly, hooves clicking over cobbles. Rose, one of his trusted attendants held the reigns as Gil pushed and shouted his way through the teaming crowds, making room for his mounted patron.

"Look up you laggers, there's royal blood riding through." Gil wasn't known for his gifts of wit, nor was that why Claudius kept him on salary. It paid to have muscle on hand, in all situations political or private.

"Milord, might I not precede you more aptly? Gil has more talent for baring reigns than moving men." Rose asked of Claudius from behind her brown doeskin glove.

"Aye, but in this arena art thou too gifted by half." Claudius smiled, sliding the squire's cap from her head to spill the damp tangles of her auburn hair that hung below her shoulders when straightened. "Better to have their feelings hurt than to be moved by thy charms. The movement which may derive from such a moving might cause us to tarry overlong. We feast with a king this evening."

"Oh, now it's vitals ye seek! Would that thee had eaten thy fill in Espana and stayed occupied in moving as we were. It was thee who fed us who serve thee on promises of titles and bags of gold so immense that Gil and I working together would scarce be able to lift them. Are we thwarted already by thine own lethargy?"

"Patience can afford all that has been promised and more."

"If only patience could be thus bartered with further promises."

It was then that Gil reached the castle gates, halted at once by the royal guard. Just as Gil seemed ready to escalate the situation, Claudius rode into view. The broad gates groaned on rusty hinges as archers atop the battlement walls walked toward the gate to make good view of the motley procession, muttering vague judgements to one another out of earshot.

Rose handed the reigns of Claudius' destrier off to the stable boy who raced over to receive the mighty horse. The horse wickered faintly as it was handed off to a stranger and its rider disembarked. Claudius made his way swiftly through the stables into the main hall of his childhood home.

"The prodigal son has returned! Where has my long lost brother the king gotten to?"

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

She had expected her husband to be disappointed, angered even by their son's stated insistence that he remain 'at his studies', but he seemed to only show mild irritation and then shrug it off stating that it was ‘for the best’… It was unlike Hamlet to be so distracted, but try as she might she could not draw from him the reason for his strange mood.

”The churches are making ready husband …”

She told him hesitantly.

”St John’s are making great preparation, so honoured are they that your choice should fall upon them for your night-long visual this tide.”

Only when this did nothing to buoy his spirits, did Gertrude wordlessly dismiss the servants and upon their quitting the chamber made her way to her spouse, gathering her skirts about her to move to her knees to capture his hands which moved unconsciously in what she could only assume was agitation.

”Good husband.. Hamlet … what is it that has you so discomfited?”

She reached out a hand affectionately stroking his face.

”It cannot be so bad, my Lord, surely? Especially at this time of year … ?”

It was then she heard the news.

”But why … why now…?”

She questioned. She knew not what to make of events. She had only every been privy to information of her long lost brother-in-law through the words with which her husband spoke, yet it was clear that this visitation, for whatever reason was not one joyously anticipated.

”Then, we must show him hospitality…?”

She asked uncertainly, not knowing just how her husband would instruct her to behave towards this man who, though close kin, was in effect a stranger.

 

[brw02]

The King was clearly distracted on this day. He had mixed feelings about the news that their son was not returning for the holiday. He missed the Prince every day and their letters often took weeks to deliver. At the same time, King Hamlet wanted him to complete his studies in order to be prepared to succeed him. The burden of monarchy was beginning to weigh on him and he found less and less time to spend with his beloved Queen. He had some private thoughts about abdicating the throne when their son returned from his studies abroad. The Kingdom could benefit from an infusion of youthful passion and the Crown Prince had plenty of it.

More troubling for him was the return of Claudius. It wasn't clear whether he had been banished from the Kingdom by his late father. The significant amount of wealth that he had run off with should have been shared with the people but his brother had never considered using it for any worthy purpose. But Hamlet was a compassionate man and he was inclined to give Claudius a chance to redeem himself.

When he answered his wife's question it was obvious that he had no enthusiasm for his reunion with Claudius. He had serious doubts about his brother's motive for returning home after an absence of two decades. Claudius had always been envious of his older brother. He had no allegiance to the Kingdom aside from his his lust for the wealth and power of the monarchy. Perhaps he had matured in his years of wandering. "We shall show him hospitality in the hope that Claudius has chosen to repent for his past, my love. I do so reluctantly but it is the right thing to do".

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

"We shall show him hospitality in the hope that Claudius has chosen to repent for his past, my love. I do so reluctantly but it is the right thing to do".

She nodded at the words.

"Then we shall receive him as a brother ... "

She confirmed.

"Surely the exuberance of his youth will be well past ... "

She soothed.

"And his mere presence here suggests that he seeks reconciliation does it not?"

It pained her to see her husband so and vowed that she would do all she could to reconcile the brothers one to the other ...

 

[brw02]

The palace staff had prepared a feast in thr royal dining room and Hamlet had instructed the guards to escort Claudius and his party to the table. Even after all this time Claudius would be thoroughly familiar with the various passages through the vast fortress. A few of the elder servants would remember Claudius from his childhood, but many others would be curious to see the man who had fled the Kingdom so long ago.

Gertrude was dressed in all of her finery as she accompanied her husband to dinner. She looked truly elegant and her long flowing hair was lustrous in the candlelight. Hamlet stopped to kiss his bride before they entered, so proud of her beauty and grace.

 

[LitShark]

Gil had found his way to where a decanter filled with imported red wine had been breathing, as he had a unique talent for such exploits. He poured equal portions into his mouth and down the front of himself as he drank, still dusty and stinking from the long day's travel. Rose was at Claudius' side, as her talents so often dictated as well, the both of them laughing as they entered the large antechamber where guests were received. Rose cast a glare over to Gil, urging him to bring the decanter and three glasses instead of drinking straight from the lip of the wide bottomed glass bottle.

Claudius took his cup of wine casually, it was something to which he'd grown accustomed. Being the son of one king and brother to another yielded certain fringe benefits when traveling abroad. One could never be too careful with foreign diplomats, particularly those of noble birth. Nations quite regularly took the field in recompense for insult, no matter how slight or even in some cases perceived.

"Milord, has thy brother sent but servants to greet us? Thou told us that our reception would pale the opulence of a Florentine Epiphany." Rose muttered softly in confidence, leaning close to Claudius, using her cup to cover her mouth but not yet drinking.

"Stand quiet awhile." Claudius grunted before emptying his cup in one swallow, leading his entourage to the table where a fest was waiting. "We will surely be greeted. Rest assured."

Gil sat in a hurry, loading the plate set at his setting with roasted hens and buttered red potatoes. His grimy hands leaving black smears over whichever serving platter he victimized with his road blackened hands. He ate so fast that his breath came in loud gasps between swallows, while Claudius and Rose waited for the basin to be passed for them to was their hands in rose scented water.

 

[brw02]

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