The Order of the Fleur de Lys

[Marcus Agrippa]

I shall join you on this crusade may we have a swift victory.

[Ituralde]

Brother Knights I hope you have all read the Seneshals report carefully. Once you have done so please join me in our private quarters.

[econ21]

Brothers, we mourn the sad loss of Robert Bouchard - proud son of France, dutiful servant of Bretagne and good friend to us all.

I understand that a Conseil session will soon be called. By our Charter, I believe the Captain should now appoint a new Steward for the Order. Any man wishing to run for Seneschal may wish to inform the Captain of that desire, as Stewardship of the Order provides one means to satisfy the landed requirement for candidates for that august post.

[Ituralde]

Brother Hermant is right. Please step forward and make yourself known to me. I know that Brother Gaspard wanted this opportunity to run for Seneshal. His ambitions have been somewhat lacking of late though so I don't know if he is available. We should find a solution to this quickly.

[econ21]

A word in private, brothers. (OOC: check social group)

[Ituralde]

The Council Session is about to begin and we need an official Steward. Since none of you came forward and asked to run for Seneshal I hereby make Gaspard de Neufville Steward. Since last I heard he intended to run and I don't want to deprive him of the chance, when nobody else shows an interest for it.

[econ21]

Brothers, a new Conseil session has started and so we too must attend to our own affairs. I thank our Captain, Simon de Montpierre, for his leadership and congratulate Gaspard on his re-appointment as Steward. I await to hear from Gaetan de Rethel about his offer to rejoin the Order.

Who will be on active duty in the coming term? I personally plan to start rotating duty with the Company with service with my Duchy and so will probably not be on active duty in the coming ten seasons. However, I would wish to join a crusade on the Moors if one is called.

I wonder who of those who will be on active duty wish to stand for the post of Captain? Perhaps Alexandre le Sueur is interested?

If there are any issues of Order policy that we wish to discuss, we can either do it here - in public - or retire to discuss them in private, if they are sensitive. [ooc: social group]

[Braden]

I am a new member and still unclear of the etiquette for such.

For my immediate future I will have to address the Realms Eastern front against the Germans and ensure, should they still refuse official peace, that such defences are maintained.

This may preclude me from a Crusade depending upon when it is called.

However, for the sake of the Order, I hope the Crusade is called soon. In three seasons the majority of the Order can be in or near our Iberian border ready to take the call officially, I would also suggest that Marselle is a good point of gathering as a seaborn contingent can come from there against the Moors.

How my duties meld with those of the Order I do not know at this time. I truely wish to rejoin you but duty is where duty lies as we all know. Certainly I would welcome the company of such fine men as yourselves in the East with me should it be possible, but I pledge to rejoin the Order and fight alongside you as soon as is possible.

[Ituralde]

The Counsil Session is nearly over and so far no one has stepped forward to take up the post of Captain. I honestly don't know how to proceed from this point as our Charter does not provide for such a case. What are we to do about this?

[Braden]

Brothers,

This is unacceptable indeed. Now, more than ever is such a vocal conscience needed in the Council and in the Kings ears.

DO YOU NOT HEAR what is being proclaimed there!?!

Had I been in the order for more than a few seasons I would put myself forward for Captain, ok, perhaps if none others feel they are worthy then so be it!

I ask you all to consider me for such a post. I am not worthy, I am not ready for such but I know my duty to France in all its forms.

If this tirade shames any of you to come forward then it has worked and I will withdraw myself from the post of Captain, but until then…here I am, you know me and know I will do all I can in private or public to see that right is done.

[Ituralde]

Your forthcoming is most honourable and while you cite your lack of age and experience don't forget that this Order was founded by young men and has been led by young men ever since. You would make a formidable Captain of that I'm sure.

[Braden]

I thank you and so, I stand to be approved for this position.

[econ21]

Brother Henri, I am glad that you will stand for the position of Captain. If there is another contender, we will vote on it when the Conseil votes; otherwise you will be appointed nem con.

I am also pleased to welcome Brother Gaetan back into our ranks. Now that he has reconciled with Prince Louis, and indeed joined the Prince's Duchy, I believe that the cause of his earlier departure is now behind us.

[Braden]

I thank you for your support Brothers. Should I become Captain I will do all I can and ensure there is a voice of conscience in the Kings ear, especially now he is Seneschal.

I urge the Order to vote now on the proposed Legislation, I find my self in a curious position for this session, I find that I must vote “yay” to all proposed Edicts. Although I do not like the final wording of Edict 3.6, it includes my dear wish for the long awaited Crusaded against the Moors so I must vote in favour.

Brothers, you are free to vote as your own conscience dictates but ensure you vote. We have a great power in our hands which we must use for the betterment of our nation.

[Braden]

Brothers,

I ask us to adjourn to more private chambers. The most recent developments require our full attention.

[Braden]

Brothers,

Look to our private chambers for current instruction.

[Braden]

Brothers,

I ask you to defend England against the Norsemen at this time. Full details are issued in our private chambers.

[econ21]

Brothers - a quick word in private, if you would.

[Vladimir]

You wish to speak to my privates? Hah!

*Gontran makes a sharp turn spilling wine as he departs*

[econ21]

Hermant mutters to an attendant:

"I must be getting soft in my middle age - I was half inclined to invite that strange chap into the Order to give him something to do and stop him going stir crazy in Marseilles. Probably a case of too little, too late, I fear though."

[Northnovas]

The young man confidently walks into the Order meeting area carrying a scroll.

My Brothers,

I accept your invitation to join your noble Order.

I Gauthier de Beauvis vow:

To fear God and maintain His Church
To serve my liege in valor and faith
To protect the weak and defenseless
To never attack an unarmed foe
To speak truthfully at all times
To never abandon a comrade
To never refuse a challenge from an equal

[econ21]

Well met, Chevalier de Beauvis! It is an honour to receive you into the Order!

[Ituralde]

I welcome you to the Order Brother Gauthier! We are in need of capable men and confident that you are one of them!

[Braden]

Well said Brother Gauthier, well said indeed. Most welcome to the order, these are trying times for us and it seems our Realm is beset by powerful enemies at many sides.

I ask all Brothers to make haste to the East to defend our lands. I will hope to have the Germans beaten by your arrival but I cannot be sure…so ride for Glory, ride for Honour…ride for FRANCE!

[Ituralde]

My Captain, I am on my way. I hope to reach you within the next season.

[Northnovas]

I am on my way to the Eastern Front my Captain and will join you next season!

[Braden]

I'll be sure to leave some Germans for you.

[Braden]

Brothers,

Please assemble at Frankfurt if you can. I honestly need your grace about me now.

[Braden]

Brothers,

I require a volunteer to return to Antwerp, it appears it is threatened again. The Duchy of Lorraine would ride to intercept the German army but we do not have sufficient companies of men at this time...and another two large German forces already threaten from the East.

Any who does not volunteer is free to continue the journey to Frankfurt.

Henri

[Northnovas]

Captain, I volunteer. I will make my way to Antwerp.