The Duchy of Aquitaine

[Ramses II CP]

Prince Louis enters the chamber and gives each man present a short, brusque nod before speaking,

Gentlemen I accept each of your oaths in the spirit in which they are given. May God and King see them endure to the profit of Aquitaine, France, and our own good selves!

As to these weapons, there is no such thing as a ceremonial weapon in my mind. There are only toys and tools. If the device was not made for fighting I will not bear it's presence in my halls.

It is interesting that this particular weapon drew your attention. That is noble French blood on the haft. An Englishman, a common villain caught robbing in our countryside, tumbled one of my compatriots from his saddle with that spear. Sir de l'Yonne had his shield arm pierced and broken open, and his ankle broken in the fall. He has recovered the ability to ride, but he cannot properly grip a shield any longer.

The man who struck him down, we discovered afterward while taking sport with him, was a farrier by trade whom the English Prince had armed and sent out to harry our peasantry. Not even a soldier.

The nobility of France are the greatest fighting men in all of Christendom, of this I have no doubt, but a weapon cares not for your lineage or your skill, it cares only for the softness of your flesh. If you are careless even for an instant in battle some half trained boy will bury a spear like that one in you.

Take note of it. This I vow, the men of my House embark on hard days soon. Fighting like you've not seen. War. Profit, land, adventure, women, and treasure too, but you'll see none of it if you can't keep those hungry spears at bay.

The Prince holds his face in a grim position for a moment longer before breaking into a wide smile.

For now, though, let us have some wine and a bit of food!

Louis claps his hands and six serving girls enter the chamber in pairs. Each pair carries a wide silver tray, one with spiced wine and glasses, one with honeyed fruit, and the last with hunks of dark bread and cheese.

The Prince eyes the tallest of the girls as he takes the first glass and then gestures for her to fill it.

Now, chaps, have you an appetite?

[TinCow]

It seems I was correct to seek out your service, Prince Louis. I am pleased to find a Lord who knows the proper use of a weapon... *Christophe eyes one of the serving girls.* ...and how to maintain it.

[Vladimir]

*Gontran de Linars walks into the room with his squire in tow. He stops and surveys the gathering, thumb in belt.*

(This room could fit many more people. Why is the food over there and not over here? Why is the...never mind. A prince can throw a party however he likes)

"Ah; wonderful weapons. What is this? Some clumsy fool spilled wine on one of the spears."

*pulls out a fine linen cloth and removes the 'wine'*

"There. Much better."

*turns to his squire*

"A spearman must take good care of his shaft."

*as he turns back, the squire rolls his eyes*

"I imagine you can impale a few things with this!"

*squire...*

*Surveying the room again he catches the Prince's eye*

[Cultured Drizzt fan]

Yvon Lacaze enters the Office and bows before the duke
Prince Louis, I hearby swear an oath of Loyalty to the House of Aquitaine. I shall use anything I am able to further my lords interests.

[Ramses II CP]

I accept your oath Sir Lacaze, and welcome you to the Duchy of Aquitaine!

[Cultured Drizzt fan]

I thank you my lord. And I also thank Gontran de Linars for the invitation, his Missive helped me make up my mind on which of the great Duchies to join

[Vladimir]

*De Limar storms in the room, looking around.*

Sir Lacaze! Please accept this gift of wine and food I acquired while, erm, attending mass with the Lombards. *wispers* There is a reason there is a snake on their banner, you know.

My apologies that I was not here sooner to greet you in person.