The Order of the Fleur de Lys

**Ignoramus** · 07-21-2009, 10:54

Gaspard turns coldly to the Duc d' Bretagne.

I will kindly ask you to withdraw that offensive mark. I would have expected better of one who has pledged to uphold the virtues of chivalry.

**OverKnight** · 07-21-2009, 11:28

Hugues looks confused.

Whats all this then? Sir Gaspard, you're saying carousing in a tavern is "questionable behavior"? There's nothing in the Oath or Charter that covers that. It's not like Duc Alain is building a pyramid out of the skulls of women and orphans or strutting about in obsidian armor.

Seems like you're making a mountain out of a mole hill.

**econ21** · 07-21-2009, 11:29

Hermant takes Gaspard aside and whispers earnestly to him. He then stands between the knight and the Duc of Bretagne, bowing to the latter.

"Duc, I am delighted that you come before us. It is a most welcome honour and we are in your debt. Please, avail yourself of all our hospitality."

He turns to Gaspard, beseeching:

"Brother knight, the Duc's remark was merely in jest and was not meant to impugn your honour. Please, come with me and let us drink to your joining the Company."

**AussieGiant** · 07-21-2009, 12:57

Nodding back at Hermant the young Duke seems annoyed, his normally pleasant and airy demeanour is replaced by controlled fury.

"I'm not sure what you are playing at Gaspard, but stepping in here and questioning my behaviour seems a little provocative. Perhaps you need some perspective!!?"

The words boom across the room, followed by a moments silence.

Cracking his neck in tension, his face returns to its boyish form, his manner again light, even flippant.

"Get yourself w'ore and work out some of your tension Neu'ville. The ride seems to 'ave addled your brains."

**Ituralde** · 07-21-2009, 13:24

Gentlemen, I am honoured by all of your support, but we shouldn't desolve into infighting on our first day.

The issue does raise some questions which we should solve. We have all here sworn the Oath in front of God and our comrades. It shold be our duty then to guide our comrades in standing firm in the upcoming times and hold true to the words that were spoken here today. We should agree on passing judgement, together as equal Knights towards another equal Knight should he go astray and betray the Oath he has sworn here today.

I don't imply that anything like that is about to happen here. This is merely a misunderstanding between two of our members that should be solved between them as virtuous Knights as they are without consequence. But we can not tolerate one member tarnishing the reputation of everyone here.

**Ignoramus** · 07-21-2009, 13:25

Gaspard turns to the Duc, this time with a bemused expression.

I do not know how you became Duc, but one thing is for certain, you have not learned to respect your elders or those who have proved themselves in battle.

I only questioned your behaviour, and I granted you full benefit of the doubt and the chance for you to explain. Taking me flippantly, with rather coarse language is unbecoming of your position.

I hope that some time on campaign will help you see that respect is important - even of the English.

**AussieGiant** · 07-21-2009, 13:40

A smile spreads across the young mans face.

"You open your mouth Gaspard and nothing but vile and 'atred spews forth.

The qualities of jealousy, lack of respect and of course personal insults seem to be your forte.

The delusion you are living seems to indicate that I need to explain myself to you about some unexplained be'aviour, which of course only you seem to be aware of as you have failed to explain to anyone else except yourself.

W'en you 'ave managed to make sense to someone I'll be more than 'appy to discuss your problems my friend.

Until that time may I suggest you go and provoke a small dog, it might be more enjoyable to t'ose w'o wish to listen."

**ULC** · 07-21-2009, 13:59

Gaetan raises an eyebrow in confusion and partial disdain.

"Gentlemen, Simon de Montpierre has a point - cease this pointless bickering. What goes on now between the two of you, is what has divide France for hundreds of years. For once, let us put France and her people ahead of our own concerns, and unite under the Oriflamme."

**econ21** · 07-21-2009, 14:15

Nobles, brother knights! Peace! We have two purposes here in this place, two purposes which - while linked - are distinct.

The first is to swear an Oath to Chivalry. This is open to all and its observance is between each oath-maker and God. Merely swearing such an Oath does not open a man to our investigations or accusations over his conduct in taverns or private life.

The second is to form a company of knights to fight for France. In this endeavour, all knights must swear the Oath to Chivalry but not all who swear the Oath must join. In this company - this Order - there will be more duties and obligations than mere observance of the Oath. And we will be aswerable to each other for any untoward behaviour, although we have yet to finalise the details under our Charter.

I propose that the Ducs who swear the Oath be regarded as patrons of the Order. They must put the defence of their Duchies first and will not be expected to ride with our company. The company may, of course, seek to ride with them if their Duchies find themselves hard pressed. As our patrons, they will doubtless honour their Oath to Chivalry but will not be subject to any further strictures or obligations we may decide Order members should observe.

For the knights who wish to join the Order, I propose a voluntary fellowship. They may ride together for the King and country as a company of knights - let us call this body of men the Company of the Fleur de Lys. [OOC: the Company will be a group of knights who move together as part of a stack in the campaign map.] Or they may ride separately with their Ducs. Depending on our numbers, we may be able to organise “tours of duty” to allow all to fulfil their obligations to their Houses and still to actively participate in the Company.

For my part, I do not yet have a House and will ride with the Company in the coming campaign, whatever form it takes. I would ask my brother knights for their intentions in this matter - during the period after the Council session, do they wish to ride with me as part of a Company or to they wish to take some leave from the Company to ride with their Ducs? This matter need not be decided yet - it may depend on the precise nature of any campaigns France undertakes -but it is one that merits some thought even now.