Conseil du Royaume

[Ramses II CP]

I join you in congratulating Duke de Rohan and I concur Mon Pere, that there is time yet to see the Crusade win support from the nobility of France, upholders of the code of Chivalry. Indeed, just because the Edict did not pass does not mean we can't find ourselves in position sometime within Duke de Rohan's term to begin preparations for it, especially if the Pope looks fondly on our ambition.

Now, too, we will see the worth of William's word. I pray that he shows your truce the same respect the men of France owe it!

Before I depart for the south I invite all Tournament participants to drink on my florin at the Tavern one last time. May God grant you victory and valor in the fields of battle as you showed on the field in Paris!

[AussieGiant]

Alain stands, bowing formally to the King and Dauphin, he seems a little embarassed.

He turns to Duc Raymond.

"My Lord Duc, firstly let me say it was an 'onour and a priviledge to compete against you, not only in ze tournament but also 'ere for ze position of Senechal."

He now addresses the chamber in general.

"My Lords, I zank you for your support and faith in me. I am sure we will see and experience many zings in ze next ten seasons and zat by ze end of my term we will 'ave achieved much."

[_Tristan_]

The King storms in the Conseil.

A scribe !! I need a scribe !!

A scribe hurries to the King.

Take note and send this message post-haste to the "Captain" of the Ordre de la Fleur de Lys.

The scribe quickly sets to writing, while the King dictates.

Sieur de Rethel,

Captain,

I had hoped your Order would be more respectful of my orders. Your orders were to meet me on the march to Bruges, not to lay siege to that city.

Don't you think that if I had wished to see Bruges under siege it would have been ? (OOC : Philippe had enough movement left to do it)

I have been negociating with some parties in the city and to do this, I need them to be able to come and go at will, which your current siege is preventing.

So I will ask you to break the siege at once. Or I will relieve you of your command and do it myself. I will also ask you to join me at the earliest opportunity to fill the ranks of the Royaume's army under my command.

I hope you will serve me better in years to come.

Par la Grâce de Dieu,

Philippe
Roi des Francs

The scribe stopped writing. He quickly rolled the parchment and put a seal of wax. He then presented the rolled-up parchment to Philippe, which quickly applied his seal before returning the parchment.

Send it with the fastest courier you can find and hurry.

The scribe almost ran out of the chamber, if only to be outof reach of Philippe's wrath.

[AussieGiant]

"Yes it did seem a razer ballsy move to go and seige Bruges."

With some heavy sarcasm Alain continues;

"It is good to see ze Order showing its true colours so early in ze piece."

[econ21]

Hermant stands up indignantly:

"Seneschal! The true colours of the Order are blue with the golden fleur de lys, same as His Majesty Our King! If you cleave any of us, you will find we bleed true with the same colours and die with the word "France" on our lips.

I regret that there has been a miscommunication with the King over the drive on Bruges, but such things happen in war. For our part, we will strive to coordinate better with the army commanders we support. For your part, we would ask for a little charity. We are young, Duc, and are learning. We all must start somewhere, whether it be as lowly knights in service of our King or as great Seneschals."

Hermant bows courteously at the Seneschal and sits down promptly.

[AussieGiant]

Alain smiles at the reaction.

"Excellent, defensive and beligerant as well. Zis is very appropriate for Knights of France.

I 'ope we do not 'ave any more 'uncoordinated' events Ser Hermant. It is not as if we are famous for going off 'half cocked' as zay say in English."

[Cecil XIX]

Your majesty, nobles of France, Seneschal: Forgive my lateness for saying so, but I would like to congratulate Duc Alain de Rohan for his victory in the election. I look forward to seeing a stronger France in the coming years.

[GeneralHankerchief]

Raynaud de Xaintrailles:

I have already congratulated the Prince in private, but I would like to say it publicly that I salute him on his marriage to such a proper and holy woman in the Princess Theresa, and wish them many fine children. All involved in the negotations have shown gret skill and proves that France is blessed indeed.

[Cecil XIX]

Indeed, congratulations to Prince for finding such a fine bride. And congratulations to the Princess for such smooth negotiations. Here's to the future heirs of France!

[Cultured Drizzt fan]

HERE HERE!!!! To the Prince and Princess!

[econ21]

Congratulations to the Prince on his marriage - and to our Seneschal for forging an alliance with Spain. This is most fortuitous and will facilitate our efforts to stop the Moors from making further inroads into Europe!

The Duke of Lorraine is also to be saluted on taking Metz so speedily and with almost no loss. May it be the first of many victories, although I fear we will be hard pushed to live up to his example.

[OverKnight]

Hugues speaks.

Congratulations to the Dauphin and his new bride. I wish them many fat and happy children. Our own Princess Constance is quite the matchmaker and skilled diplomat.

Hugues nods to Hermant.

A stroke of good fortune at Metz. The rebel Captain threw himself upon our lances during an ill timed sally. Bertin de Montsault and Thomas de Saint-Amand and their companies fought well in a sharp melee with him.

It seems the Germans are taking a tour of our Kingdom. I hope when they realize that the rebel pickings in the area have thinned out they will go home.

Also to the Seneschal, if you're are not too busy swimming the channel: Bertin and I are more than willing to construct watchtowers on our new borders. Just don't send us more than a season's march from Metz if you would. Of course if the Germans become more active our focus will be on them.

(OOC: You have permission to move Hugues and Bertin if we haven't moved them ourselves by the end of the turn to establish watchtowers.)

Oh and Duc Alain, you mentioned building a mustering hall at Metz in the reports, but it appears work has stopped. Perhaps a quick note to the foreman would clear the matter up? Your choice of course.

[Ramses II CP]

The Prince, in Paris solely for the wedding, enters to accept congratulations and speak briefly,

Yes, the Spanish lass will do nicely to secure our Iberian interests and reassure the rest of Europe we are not idly adventuring against the interests of our fellow Christian kingdoms. I am pleased with the match. She's been quiet and most accomodating thus far.

A grimace then crosses the Prince's face momentarily as he continues in a lower voice,

Unfortunately the girl's picking up French at an unholy pace. I suspect my worthy sister is giving her lessons.

Shaking that off, Louis goes on,

More importantly all this ceremony has left me unable to properly see to the siege at Zaragosa, which is going to drag on another season at this rate. At least the Spanish have moved into the region to offer some aid, it will be nice to see those javelins of theirs in action against men!

At any rate, thanks and such, best of luck with your campaigns up here, particularly yours Mon Pere!

With that the Prince sweeps out of the chamber once more, muttering something about Constance that is all but inaudible,

...hope we find the wench a good Greek to marry, see how she takes to his boyfriends...

[Rowan]

I second Duc Hugues' suggestion that watchtowers should be built along our borders.
They are relatively cheap to build and maintain and they allow our numerically inferior troops to concentrate against the enemy to provide local superiority!
Since I have some free time at the moment I am very much at seneschal's disposal if he wishes to send me to supervise their construction.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

(OOC: This is official permit for AG to move my avatar, I'll also update the SOT)

[Ignoramus]

Gaspard de Neufville, in Paris for the wedding, had just popped into the Conseil chambers and rose to speak.

"I congratulate la Dauphin on his nuptials! His Spanish bride will be a great addition to the royal court, not to mention the significant alliance gained because of it.

I am slightly concerned about Duc de Rohan's excursion north. I feel that it may provoke a war with the Normans which at this moment we cannot win. I hope that all goes well."

With that, Gaspard bows and prepares to return back to the siege of Bruges.

[_Tristan_]

Louis, my son, I'm glad you find the daughter of Alfonso to your taste.

I think that through that marriage we have secured an alliance that will last for ages and will serve as a rampart against further progress in Christian lands by the Moorish hordes.

See that you do not break her like you broke so many of your toys when you were a child, I'm not sure Alfonso would take kindly to that...

And please stop whoring, now

[AussieGiant]

Alain is looking a little ragged but makes his way into the Council Chamber with at least 5 "pageboys" in tow. He ushers them into their seats and makes his way partly onto the chamber floor.

"I 'ave made my congratulations by way of formal decree in the seasonal reports. So well done all on zat front.

Ze wedding was a splendid event so zanks to you all for attending.

If zose of you who would assist in ze massive task of placing watch towers across the realm please make yourself known to the Seneschal's office, I will make sure you are put to good use zis season."

Alain turns to Gaspard.

"I 'ave a cunning plan Ser Gaspard. So 'ave no fear as I am tasked by God's representative on earth to bring France glory and prosperity."

He winks at one of his "pageboys" who blushes furiously and giggles rather shrilly.

[Ramses II CP]

A messenger brings a note bearing the seal of the Prince, a scribes reads it in a bored voice,

Oy chaps, matters are a bit messy down here. The Milanese and Sicilians have landed forces in Iberia, and a company of those bloody merchant's troops are marching through my countryside near Toulouse. Wonder if someone up that way could tell 'em to **** off? You know, diplomatically and all. Send Constance. She can do some shopping and get her hair primped while she's there, maybe shake that Englishman off her tail, eh?

Dear Seneschal I hope you're working on satisfying the King's edict for Toulouse in all haste. Going to need some men recruited soon.

God's blessing on all who've gone on campaign!

Louis

[OverKnight]

Hugues stands to speak after reading the Seneschal's report.

Wales?! Good God Duc Alain, I thought you were sailing to Ireland.

You are placing your head in the Lion's mouth.

While I would love to see the expression on William's face when he finds out, this may end poorly.

[AussieGiant]

Alain leans back in his chair after being handed a note.

He blanches white and proceeds to stoke Medoc's head in a slow distracted.

"Yes it would seem the English 'ave an impressive army 'eading my way.

Take a look at zat Hugues."

Alain passes the troop composition report to him from the Royal spy.

[Cecil XIX]

My lords.

First of all, I would like to congratulate the many lords who have succefully expanded the reach of the Kingdom. His highness the King, his majesty the Prince, the Duc de Lorraine, and the members of the Order have all fought well.

However, I am very alarmed to learn of the Swabian army encamped outside Rheims, much larger than the town's garrison! Although I could easily lead the garrison of Dijon to crush the reichlanders if they become hostile, let us open the floor to debate on how we should deal the the Germans.

I would say that unless we plan to attack them quickly, it may be prudent to build one or more forts on the border. We cannot allow the Duchy of Swabia to waltz about the Kingdom of the Franks as if it was theirs to claim!

[_Tristan_]

Let us not jump to conclusions concerning the Germans.

While I do not relish having foreign soldiers on French soil, and without our prior consent, these are not matters enough to enter into a prolonged conflict with our neighbours.

But should they but show the least intent to cause mischief, they'll bring down swift retaliation. Many of their cities and castles are within a season's march of our lands and though we cannot hope to hold them from our lack of men, we could still cause great harm by raiding them.

[_Tristan_]

A herald comes into the council and after a word with the Speaker, unfurls a parchment and makes an announcement.

Moi, Philippe, Roi de France, Hereby grant the ownership of the castle of Metz to the Maison de Lorraine.

Duc Hugues de Champagne is the rightful owner of the castle, to dispose of it as he sees fit.

Par la Grâce de Dieu
Philippe

The herald then furls back the parchment and deliver sit to the scribes to check the seal and enter it in the registers.

[OverKnight]

Hugues stands and speaks to the Herald.

Please give mon Roi my deepest thanks for this honor. Metz will become a bulwark of not only Lorraine but of the realm, with a bit of work of course. With these Germans prancing about, it might be needed sooner than we thought.

Now that the King has bestowed Metz to me, it's time to pass it farther down the line. I hereby name Bertin de Montsault as the first Baron of Metz. While all my vassals are worthy of the honor, he was the first to swear fealty to me, and he fought valiantly in the assault.

Again, my thanks to the King.

[woad&fangs]

My deepest thanks to the Roi for gifting Metz unto the Duchy of Lorraine.

Turning to his Duc

Your trust in me is appreciated. I will make sure not to dissapoint you.

[Cultured Drizzt fan]

My Congratulations to Baron Bertin de Montsault, and to the Duchy of Lorraine!
Yvon raises a toast to the new Baron

[econ21]

Seneschal, I must protest at the latest attempt at "diplomatic negotiations" with the English. To demand Angers in return for our cartographic knowledge is not an attempt at negotiation, but a deliberate provocation. The arch wording of your report to Conseil makes this clear. The English had already refused the charming Constance's offer of 1500 florins for six seasons and our map - that offer was considered demanding. Why then press an offer for our mere map when our diplomats tell us in advance that it is - quelle surprise - "very demanding"?

I seconded for the edict to try to purchase Angers. The edict is satisfied. We tried and we failed. I did not second an edict to provoke the English to war, which is what I fear the Seneschal is doing. To goad England into war when we have no funds to recruit anything but priests and diplomats, and no finances to build anything but makeshift repairs, seems reckless in the extreme.

Seneschal, when you stood for office, I inquired of your platform. I cannot recall precisely what you said, as it was as benign and banal as motherhood and tarte tatin. But I do recall that you made no mention of your intent to immediately sail away and land an army in England's backyard to lay claim to Wales. You made no mention of a desire to goad England into war. Do you have the King's support for this reckless course of action? Because by God, you have no mandate from the Conseil!

[Ignoramus]

Gaspard de Neufville, visiting Paris on a brief visit from Bruges, storms into the Conseil.

"What madness is this? Is the Seneschal deliberately trying to goad the Normans into war - against the wishes of the Conseil and la roi no less?

Demanding Anjou for maps of France is downright insulting, and I warn the Seneschal that war with the Normans at this state is dangerous.

It is clear from the reports from Wales, that the Normans are less than pleased with Duc Alain's campaign there. I urge him to do nothing to further antagonise them. Only when we are ready can we afford to strike, and not before.

I call upon Roi Philippe to give his judgement on the matter. Such actions with the potential for serious consequences must have the approval of la roi before carried out."

Gaspard sits down to see what happens.

[AussieGiant]

Alain frowns at Hermant's last words and stands.

Ser Hermant, I entirely agree wiz you my good man, although I do take ze last comment more seriously.

While I did not mention taking Wales by storm, I can only say zat at ze time of running for Seneschal I had no idea either.

More importantly I believe you will find I have just as strong a mandate for taking Wales as any other noble has for taking rebel provinces. Mentioning God is a slight "overplay" don't you zink?

All I can say regarding ze English is zat yet again I had a vision from one of God's representatives on earth and he asked me to try yet again to obtain Angers from ze English. I protested zis move myself, but ze vision insisted, and who am I to deny one of God's representatives.

I will certainly ensure I antagonise ze English no more.

Alain takes a seat and then says quietly.

By ze way, Ser Hermant, please do not provoke me wiz your benign and banal words, I do not appreciate it.

[OverKnight]

Hugues looks puzzled.

Well it seems to me a man with any sense of self preservation would not antagonize a Kingdom that has a larger army sitting right next to his own.

Though I'm not sure if Wales borders France and is covered by Edict 1.2 concerning Brigandry.

I am sure the Seneschal knows his job, even if his actions are a bit. . .unexpected.