La Taverne (KOTF IC Thread)

**Zim** · 07-21-2009, 03:20

In downtown Paris, hidden among a maze of small streets an alleyways, sits a small tavern. From outside it seems modest, perhaps even rundown, it's brick walls in much need of repair. There is no sign outside the heavy oak doors, only a small green branch signifying that wine can be bought there.

Anyone entering the building for the first time would be shocked by how misleading its facade is. Inside everything is emaculate. Tapestries celebrating such famous French battles as that of Charles Martel at Tours-Poitiers hang from the walls. Heavy oak tables with extensive carvings of a Dionysian theme are occupied by nobles from all of France and beyond, as well as occasionally by men of a somewhat shadier aspect. In the main room there is a large oak bar at which any wine one can imagine can be had (and even some of that swill Englishmen and Germans call beer), while the kitchen serves food renowned throughout Paris for its quality. Adjacent to the main room and bar is a small library with shelves of books stacked to the ceiling and several smaller chairs, while in the back of the building sumptuous rooms can be rented.

This is La Taverne, where the leaders of France and their hangers-on plan the future of the kingdom.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read:

**Ramses II CP** · 07-21-2009, 03:52

Prince Louis enters the tavern quietly, followed by only an abbreviated retinue. With a glance he spots the best table, a wide oval set in the corner furthest from the front door but not too distant from the back door, where one could watch all who enter without being immediately obvious about it. After pointing one of his men towards the bar Louis strides confidently over to that table, which is occupied by an odd collection of Germans, Venetians, and two French merchants having a whisper laden discussion whose pace accelerates as the Prince approaches. At a single imperious gesture from Louis all discussion ends and the men at the table depart with placating bows.

A nervous looking young man from the Prince's retinue, perhaps fourteen years of age, hastily pulls out a cloth and wipes the table clean. Louis then selects a seat which leaves him facing the bar, able to see most of the tavern comfortably. The three remaining members of the party take seats around the Prince's own, as the final member of their group returns from the bar and announces, with relish,

"They have it in stock m'lord. Two bottles. I've ordered both to be sent over."

The Prince's grin is wide now, but still he does not speak, only gestures for the man to take a seat. Patiently Louis waits and thinks,

'Now, let's see who comes to work and who to play...'

**ULC** · 07-21-2009, 04:22

Gaetan de Rethel enters, wrapped in his plain brown cloak and hood, and does a quick scan of the tavern and it's unusual level of silence. Approaching the bar with measured foosteps, Gaetan motions to the bartender and begins to speak quietly to him. Although the bartender nor Gaeten actually look in Prince Louis's direction, it appears that is what was discussed - whether in good faith or not, that is only between the bartender and Gaeten.

After sliding a handful of coin to the bartender for a mere two mugs, Gaeten takes a seat were several other soldiers are, and passes one of the mugs to a soldier across from him with a smile on his face, and begins to animatedly discuss...something, for the soldiers table is to far away to be heard clearly from the otherside of the room. Within minutes, laughter echoes from the table as the soldiers and Gaetan begin to engage in song.

**OverKnight** · 07-21-2009, 05:57

Hugues enters the tavern with his servant trailing him. Nodding to Gaetan and tracing a bow to the Duaphin, he takes a table between the two. Reeves brings two glasses and a bottle from the bar. After savoring his first sip, the Duc exclaims to no one in particular:

A good bottle wine of is wonderful, but when is this tourney to begin? How complicated is it to arrange an event where a bunch of men poke sticks at each other?

Reeves coughs and interjects:

Actually Seigneur, the logistics are quite complex. Food and fodder must be arranged for the participants, their mounts and the audience. Besides the actual jousting, there will be music, a baiting or two, an archery competition. . .

Hugues interrupts:

Yes, yes, but they're people for that aren't there? I don't see why it wouldn't take just a day or two to set it all up.

Reeves shows no expression:

Quite so Seigneur.

**ULC** · 07-21-2009, 06:32

Gaeten spies Duc Hughes enter, and nods respectfully and with a smile to him. Motioning to the others at the table he would be back, Gaeten made his way over to Hughes.

"My Duc Hughes, interesting to find you here, I see you are anxious for the tourney as well - and good evening Reeves, everything well? You look a bit stressed - care to have some wine, or if you can hold it down, ale?" Motioning to the bartender, Gaeten laid some coin down for the drinks.

"Do not worry about money tonight, everything is on me. I was able to send some men back to the fields yesterday, and sold off the unneeded equipment. Should expect a good harvest this year, so long as it remains peaceful for another few months."

**OverKnight** · 07-21-2009, 06:56

Hugues responds:

Reeves!? Ha, I can assure you his humor is sanguine. He's quite the stoic.

The Duc claps him on the back, causing Reeves to spill the wine he had been about to drink.

That reminds me, be a good fellow and go polish my armor, it has to look grand for the Tourney.

Reeves dabs at his tunic and leaves without comment. Hugues turns his attention back to Gaeten.

Your money is no good here Chevalier. No vassal of mine pays for his drinks while I'm here. Particularly if you're dependent on things staying peaceful for your fortune. You don't get these many nobles in the same place without something warlike coming out of it.

**AussieGiant** · 07-21-2009, 07:41

The door bangs open, and immediately there is a peel of trumpets and a deafening noise.

From outside a voice subdues the racket.

"Sweet Jesus that's loud! Girls, get in t’ere, you lot stay out side and keep the riff raff from coming in."

Entering the tavern with a girl under each arm the Duke of Bretagne is dressed casually, however a sword does hang from his side. More young attractive girls follow the young Duke inside.

Grinning widely he scans the interior.

"Alright ladies, spread yourselves liberally about the place and don't be shy, there's a tournament soon and some of these poor fellows may lose a limb or more. Give t’em a treat and be friendly!!

"Ah, my Prince."

A fluid and practised bow is executed.

"Lorraine, good to see you." He nods towards Hugues de Champagne.

"Drinks for everyone!! It's going to be a great summer!!"