The men of House Aquitaine file into the room one after the other and take their customary places, followed by the three members of Louis' retinue who are dressed as royal guards. The hulking Danish berserker who has been following him through his Moorish campaign looks particularly absurd in the stylish blue uniform, but the dense beard and wild look in his eyes prevents open mockery.
King Louis the VI of France then enters the chamber dressed from head to toe in somber black colors and wearing his father's sword at his side. He scans the nobles carefully as he makes his way to the front of the Council. Before speaking Louis crosses himself and lowers his eyes,
"Lords of France I am here today to attempt the impossible, to take up the mantle of King Phillipe the Lion, who restored our great Royaume to the borders of it's height and far beyond! Let us toast his memory, hail his victories, and commit his soul and his memory to the heavens!"
A steward has brought Louis a drink, which he drains entirely. In that moment he is the very picture of health, robust and full of life, his features virtually unmarred by his many campaigns. He paces the floor in a tight, controlled pattern precisely eight steps in each direction, the long hilted sword of his father swinging at his side. There is a glow of passion and desire in his eyes as he continues with his speech,
"I have been blessed by God to follow a mighty man's reign, but by God I mean to equal it if I can. I call on every man here to promise me his utmost effort to that end! Give me your trust, your lives, and your love and together we shall create such a nation, such a France, that we shake the heavens in their foundation and roll our names down the scroll of history as heroes unmatched!
I have requests to make of you all by House. Let me begin with House Aquitaine, I intend to remain with it's members until the Moorish threat has been dealth with, and then I will return to Paris. I pass the Duchal seat to Sir de Xaintrailles (OOC: This would have been de Perrone, who was my second in command, but TC's withdrawal appears to be sticking so far and GH will hopefully come back with some rage for the Moors). Aquitaine will be tasked with retaking the crossing at Gibralatar and creating fortifications there to bar any future Moorish expeditions.
For House Bretagne I will be asking that you mount a naval expedition with the intent of punishing the Danes for their raids against our English holdings. Resources will be made available to you for this purpose, including troops and sufficient ships.
For House Bourgogne I ask that you place fortifications in the passes around Bern to secure our flank against German incursions, at your discretion. Though Mon Pere secured peace with the Reich I do not trust it, not for a moment, and if we must fight we will do it in their lands rather than our own!
For the serving members of the Order I call you and your soldiers to my side, barring your Duchal commitments. Let us arrange to meet at Toulouse as soon as possible. We shall have a mighty purpose together! I look forward to our campaigns!
For House Lorraine I ask that you study the land around Frankfurt and submit to me a plan for it's defense as it currently stands isolated, but also quite important. Fortifications may prove insufficient, but there is consider defense terrain in the region. I want specific troop requests and a plan for how you would position your armies against a renewed German attack.
For the minor Houses (Charles?) and unaligned nobles (Selvo?) I will likely be requesting that you join me and the Order on our quest once I have properly prepared and announced it. I instruct that you settle your affairs at home and make ready for a journey. There is ample time, it will be several seasons before I am ready, but begin your preparations.
Now, one final matter, I announce that I am running for Seneschal to complete my father's term. I request that no one oppose me for this term so that my reign may begin with universal acclaim. There will be no proposal of new law at this time, but I will allow some time (OOC: I'm presuming the authority in Zim's absence, feel free to debate the matter OOC and IC, so let's say at least 48 hours) if there is a man here who wishes to oppose his new King.
Are there questions? Concerns? Make them known! God and your King have great plans for this realm, let us have done with debate and move along with them!
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