Conseil du Royaume

**Ramses II CP** · 08-26-2009, 00:26

Prince Louis speaks,

Gaetan de Rethel has slunk off to a tavern and called me, the heir to the throne of France, a coward behind my back. Is there any man here who will defend him? Perhaps one with at least the courage to speak so to my face?

**ULC** · 08-26-2009, 00:36

"If you want to Louis, I'll just simply say it to you - word for word."

Gaetan enters and throws his cloak across his chair and seats himself, pulling out a tome and begins to write. Without looking up, he continues.

"But, considering my Duc is currently being attacked, the latest word from the front, and I have to Organize the Order to properly defend both Paris and Bruges, time for me is not in great supply."

**Ramses II CP** · 08-26-2009, 00:48

The Prince smiles widely at de Rethel before replying,

You will address me as Prince or not at all.

I am aware that you abandoned your Duke to face that massive German army by himself. I am further aware that a great many more skilled and competent men, men such as my father, your King, are preparing the defenses of Paris and Bruges which you foolishly claim sole responsibility for. You prove yourself a liar in every casual claim and word.

I am even further aware that you are an oathbreaker. Your word is worthless. God will see justice done to you, for you have baselessly insulted one of his chosen, heir to the throne of France.

**ULC** · 08-26-2009, 01:00

Gaetan still does not look up.

"I could not help my Duc, seeing as the Roi asked that the Order assist in taking Bruges - my saying that I could not help him was a statement of a fact, not of an opinion, not at all Louis. You would insult me without realizing that I am forming my own plans, but not all those plans being put into action are mine - do not claim completely what you do not know, not at all Louis. The soldiers are the Roi's, not mine, he will do with them as he wishes - I will do with myself as I wish."

"My words are not baseless about you being a coward and thief, not at all Louis. As a Sergeant in several armies, including those of the Empire when Rethel was taken, I have had to judge men from little, and what I have seen and heard of you does not make you out to be a bastion of chivalry at any point, and thus I do not lie. If I have lied, I ask you to prove me wrong. Show me a cause you would truly die for, show me true charity, not coins tossed out to the mob."

"Just remember, nobility is earned, not given."

However, Gaetan turns to acknowledge Yvon, a smile upon his lips that is not formed from humor.

"Then take a stand, and show you would die for not at all Louis - I am ready to die for my words and actions, are you?"

**Cultured Drizzt fan** · 08-26-2009, 01:07

I hold all faith in Christophe victory. But Know that if he fails, which he shall not, I Will be standing to take his place. You will meet a shallow grave either way.

**Vladimir** · 08-26-2009, 01:13

Squire Kip:

I speak for Gontran de Linars,

He shall queue up with all of the House to defend the honour of the House and Prince.

**ULC** · 08-26-2009, 01:14

"We will all die, one way or another. All that is left for us, Chevalier Yvon, is to decide how to die."

**Cultured Drizzt fan** · 08-26-2009, 01:25

Originally Posted by YLC

"We will all die, one way or another. All that is left for us, Chevalier Yvon, is to decide how to die."

Yvon laughs Sounds like the talk of a dead man to me.

**Ramses II CP** · 08-26-2009, 01:45

Spoiler Alert, click show to read:

The Prince's smile only widens and begins to take on a wolfish demeanor,

Nobility is given by the grace of God to those he chooses, it cannot be earned by bandying words with such as you. I note with great entertainment how you twist and turn your statements. I stand by what I said as the literal truth before God, as are all my words.

None may call me a coward, none, even if they feel sanquine about 'judging from little.' I say you judge from nothing and your words are meaningless. You make no case for my cowardice but your own claim, and no case for my thievery at all. You do so because both claims are entirely baseless and, finding yourself backed into a corner, you have discovered to your own displeasure that cruising about taverns has made a liar of you.

You may retract your claims and retain some semblance of dignity at this time. I do not say I will forgive you, but finding yourself so clearly revealed as a false witness must be a bit disturbing.

As to proving you wrong, the burden of proof lies on the accussor both by natural privelege, as I am your superior in every measurable way, and by religious mandate, as God has chosen me to be your King one day. No other man here has stood to attest the truth of your words, nor does your King find favor with them.

I doubt we will need more duels, but if they are needed I challenge de Rethel to answer them consecutively and instantly. If God, judge and jury in all things, favors the man's cause then surely he will be victorious despite any odds.

**OverKnight** · 08-26-2009, 08:06

Hugues returns to the Conseil.

Gaeten de Rethel has spoken foolishly. The Dauphin is a man of many parts, but he is most certainly not a coward. Even a casual glance at his battle reports would show this. I refute the statements my vassal has made and ask that he withdraw them. If I am alive when the Dauphin becomes King, I will swear fealty to him.

Quite simply, we are at war, we cannot afford such bickering while the enemy is at our doorstep.

**AussieGiant** · 08-26-2009, 08:45

Leaning forward the ever smiling and ironically amused young Duc says in a quiet voice.

"'aving received reliable reports over ze past few hours I 'ave to agree wiz Duc de Champagne.

de Rethel has, or should I say, 'ad a death wish. ze dueling line is long and for good reason.

Turning to de Champagne.

"By ze way Duc de Lorraine, good showing on ze bridge and well done in taking Staufen. Zat should hold ze southern border for a few seasons."

Turning to an administrator of the Seneschal Office he begins to discuss planning deployment options, he turns back to the council in general.

"If you could all please make further requests for troops that would be just splendid?

At least in this way I will have requests from all twenty nobles, the four houses, the Order plus the King and Dauphin.

Tapping his chin with exaggerated thought he continues.

"I should probably send a note to Her Highness in Rome to see if she requires a regiment to guard her. I need not descriminate."

**Cultured Drizzt fan** · 08-26-2009, 00:51

Gaetan, your continued slandering of the prince is Grating on everyone's nerves. He has done nothing to deserve it, and if you do not cease I assure you that the line of men trying to duel you will be lengthening.

Prince Louis is a valorous man, and also a member of the Royal family, as well as being a Duke. All of these titles are deserving of your respect, yet you show none.