Duchy of Bretagne

[AussieGiant]

Alain shakes his head and laughs.

If zat is what you zink, zen renounce your oath to me and make yourself known to ze King. I am sure if you do as you 'ave said you will receive ze rewards and ze recognition you strongly desire.

[Andres]

An annoyed expression apppears on his face when Thierry answers.

At the moment, I have no desire to renounce my oath, Duc Alain.

You asked what I would have done and I replied.

If you wish your vasals only to answer what you want to hear, then next time you ask me a question, you should also tell me which answer you want me to give.

Or maybe you could buy yourself one of those exotic animals? What are they called? Parrots?

[AussieGiant]

Indeed de Rochefort.

If you too wish to only hear responses from me zat fit your version of what you wish to 'ear zen do not engage in conversation wiz me.

Why don't you ask ze King about zis 'frivolous' enterprise zat finds us boz cooped up in zis Welsh shiet hole?

I would like to 'ear 'is response.

[AussieGiant]

Indeed de Rochefort.

If you too wish to only hear responses from me zat fit your version of what you wish to 'ear zen do not engage in conversation wiz me.

Why don't you ask ze King about zis 'frivolous' enterprise zat finds us boz cooped up in zis Welsh shiet hole?

I would like to 'ear 'is response.

[AussieGiant]

The hall is deserted while Alain sits gazing into the fire of the great hall. Outside the weather has turned sour, the rain and lightning plays across the room.

He writes three letters, signs each and seal them with his ducal signet ring. The look on his face is forlorn and grim.

From the corner of the room his two retainers look on with an equally grim expression, even Madoc his head resting on his paws, looks on from in front of the great fire.

"I have no idea what he is writing to his nobles, but it is not good." Julien the veteran knight says quietly to his fellow retainer.

There is a pause while Amaury his mercenary captain studies his lord.

"You are right about that Julien, I've been in his service since we left Rennes and he has never behaved like this.

I'm going to go and get help, keep an eye on him."

[Marcus Agrippa]

My lord Duc Alain,

I shall not withdraw my pledge of fealty.
I shall ride with the order once again if you feel my services are not of use.
I think you have done a good job as Senechal and the critisism you get will partly be what every leader gets because he can't please everyone.

[Northnovas]

My lord, I too shall not withdraw my oath. I am a Bretagne it is in my blood and who I am!
I shall remain here in this House.

[AussieGiant]

Alain brightens at the show of support.

My Lords,

We 'ave a task and I will speak to you privately about.

Expect correspondence on ze matter very soon!

[AussieGiant]

Alain enters the chamber with some renewed vigour.

Lords of Bretagne,

it is time to discuss zings.

le Sueur, de Rochefort, Bouchart we must co-ordinate matters of ze Duchy.

As ze ex-Seneschal I can confirm zat without ze ability to provide an alliance to ze English ze chances of gaining a land exchange are slim. As our esteemed King decided to keep Caernarvon for 'imself we must decide what to do.

le Sueur, you are ze Order's number two I believe, 'owever you are wiz us 'ere in Caernarvon.

Bouchart, you are also displaced somewhat, what are your intentions.

Rochefort, where ze 'ell is Rochefort!!??

Medoc, find Rochefort and bring 'im back 'ere immediately!!

With that the massive poodle bounds from the chamber growling ominously.

[Marcus Agrippa]

If my presence isn't needed to defend Caernarvon then I shall return to France to serve the order and build relations with our Duchy.

[AussieGiant]

"You know gentlemen, 'ow about we leave zis backwater and join ze fun on ze mainland.

I simply can not sit 'ere waiting for our beloved leader to do somezing constructive wiz zis place.

What say you all? Shall we leave a skeleton garrison 'ere and do somezing good for ze Duchy and France?"

[Marcus Agrippa]

I'm with you my lord lets join in the fun.

[AussieGiant]

Excellent.

Given ze de Rochefort's inability to attend ze council he will be sent to Rennes for the moment. The rest of us will move to Bruges and add ourselves to ze fun and games.

Bouchart, once we reach ze main land I will ask you to form on me.

(OOC: NN please update your SOT so I can co-ordinate the Duchy).

[Northnovas]

My Duc I have reviewed my priorities and will return to Bretagne to form up with you and therest of the men.

[AussieGiant]

Excellent Bouchart,

I 'ave spoken to ze Seneschal and we shall be moving immediately.

[AussieGiant]

Gentlemen,

Zings seem to 'ave taken a turn for ze best and worst.

Firstly let me proclaim zat Ser Alexandre Le Sueur is now Baron of Rennes as reward for his long service and loyalty.

Please submit your papers and orders to ze Seneschal's office as soon as possible.

Secondly, we are in a bit of a bind.

Ze negotiations wiz ze English 'ave occurred at an inopportune time. Le Sueur, de Rochefort you are to make all haste towards Bruges, I will attempt to extract myself from ze situation wiz ze German fleet and send it towards you for your use.

DO NOT antagonise ze English in your travels. Especially you de Rochefort!! Your orders are to get out of ze as fast as possible.

Bouchart, you might like to move to Bruges to better assist ze coming conflict wiz ze English. It is only a matter of time in my opinion.

Questions?

[AussieGiant]

Bouchart!!

Can you get yourself to Bruges?

[Northnovas]

My Leige it is done! I move like the wind and am now awaiting further orders.

[AussieGiant]

"Lords of Bretagne,

Ze die is cast it seems. Unfortunately we are spread far and wide.

My intention is to take some men from Rennes in support of ze action against Angers when it is called. Ze will be returned immediately upon ze successful completion of zat action.

Le Sueur, I ask zat you allow me to do zis in your orders regarding Rennes.

To you all,

If you wish to join ze Crusade please do. I will not take ze cross at zis time, for a variety of personal and operational reasons. Zose of you zat wish to take ze cross 'ave my full support.

Good luck and Gods speed."

[AussieGiant]

"Lords of Bretagne.

Ser Robert Bouchart's passing 'as taken ze shine off an ozerwise positive moment.

de Rochefort, you are now assigned Bruges. It is the land bridge between England and the Continent. Guard it well."

[AussieGiant]

de Rochefort, le Sueur,

I recommend you update your orders for ze coming term.

Boz Rennes and Bruges are vital to ze realm for a variety of reasons.