La Taverne (KOTF IC Thread)

**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!!"

**OverKnight** · 07-21-2009, 08:08

Hugues chokes on his wine as the trumpets go off.

Mon Dieu! Duc Alain, is that your retinue or are you invading Paris? Though I must say your "soldiers" are easier on the eye than the average footman. It's a small miracle you made it through English territory with all this.

Tell me, will you be riding that monstrous poodle you have in the Tourney? That thing is immense.

**ULC** · 07-21-2009, 08:11

Gaetan is about to object to Duc Hughes, but the loud blaring of trumpets and the boisterous arrival of Alain de Rohan, Gaetan's mouth slammed shut, and he resigned himself to drinking from his glass as he leaned back upon the bar with one arm.

"I thank you for your kindne-" was all he managed to whisper out before being accosted by one of the many women de Rohan had brought with him. Gaetan choked on his wine before swallowing hard and setting it down. The girl grabbed Gaetans hand and slowly pulled him away from the bar. A grin spread across his face as he turned to Duc Hughes.

"You'll forgive me my Duc, it appears a damsel is in distress, and I am never one to backdown." With a giggles from the girl, Gaetan slowly led her to the back of the tavern.

**AussieGiant** · 07-21-2009, 08:25

Beaming at everyone in the room.

"Excellent girls you certainly were worth the price."

Taking a seat next to the Duke he continues. Grabbing a girl and placing her on his knee as he sips some wine.

"Lorraine, the trick to getting throug' Englis' territory is simple. Make sure you can drink ale and make sure you 'ave plenty of young ladies with you!

As for my 'ound Madoc, 'e will be with me, but unfortunately I will not be riding 'im this time as my war 'orse would be jealous if I did not use 'im in this tournament!"

Glancing at the departing figure of Gaetan he shouts.

"Gaaeeton!! You dirtee man, make sure you don't break the bed!!"

**OverKnight** · 07-21-2009, 08:44

Hugues smiles

The women I could tolerate, but drinking ale, that is too much to ask.

Hugues leans in a bit.

It seems the Order of the Fleur de Lys is popular, particularly among us Ducs. They will never be at a loss for patrons. Still, I hope that the Order remains free of too much Ducal. . .inteference. Each of us has our own domains to run. I think the Order should be guided by the landless young Knights who make up most of its membership.

What is your view Duc Alain?