Conseil du Royaume

[AussieGiant]

Alain stands and after rummaging around under Hugues desk, produces another wineskin. Raising an eyebrow at the Seneschal in question, he uncorks it and squirts a long stream into his mouth.

"Zere is no way on zis earth I will be tempted to call anozer session!

We will 'opefully 'ave enough words on paper to debate for anozer week or so."

Taking another squirt, Alain fills his mouth.

He then glances at Medoc who looks on in forlorn hope at getting some action. Alain consider the request for a moment then gives the big poodle a blast. Medoc seems to enjoy the experience but more ends up on the floor than in the dogs mouth.

"Can we just call ze Crusade on ze English, pound Nottingham castle to dust, take Angers and Bordeaux in the ensuing seasons, hold our positions on ze German front, which should not be 'ard because we can now go on ze offensive, zen 'and back Nottingham in a peace deal, if ze English get all pissy, take London, zen offer peace again which zey will surely 'ave to accept, zen come back 'ere in 15 seasons for another Council session?!"

One squirt for Alain, one for Medoc.

"We can zen call a Crusade on ze Moors, because...zey will still be Muslims, unless somezing dramatic 'appens and zat will always be an option no?"

[Ituralde]

Seneshal I thank you for your support and your open-mindedness about the Edict. Meeting in Bruges as soon as possible and then immedatelly setting out from there looks like the best course of action to me.

[AussieGiant]

Alain seems a bit put out by de Montpierre apparent lack of acknowledgment of what he said and proceeds to fire a squirt of wine at him. It's followed by a questioning look.

[Braden]

Alain, please...or next session I shall put forward an edict banning alcohol in the council chambers...

Henri laughs quietly

Fear not on that one...I hear your words and support you, none of us wish another vote at this critical time any more delays can be fatal to our men.

[OverKnight]

Hugues eyes widen at Henri's suggestion.

What!? You are cruel young man Highness to propose such a thing as banning wine in the Conseil. Sacre bleu! This is France, wine and good government go hand in hand.

Hugues glares at Alain.

And you good Duc, don't waste that vintage, 1066 was a good year. If you wish to spray wine at your peers, please use whatever swill you're able to produce in Bretagne.

[_Tristan_]

Philippe strides into the Conseil, his armour still fleckled with specks of blood.

Mes Seigneurs, this here (pointing at his breastplate) is English blood... Our swords have finally drunk of that most foul beverage...

War with England is declared... Strike now... Strike swiftly... I and the other Crusaders will deal Guillaume the killing blow but I want to see you bleed him... Take everything from him... EVERYTHING !!

Turning to Alain and Hugues.

Would you share some of that wine ? I rode directly from Rambouillet and I'm thirsty as hell...

Taking a sip from one of the proferred goblets, Philippe calms down.

That fool Harold thought to defy us by riding against Paris. Hopefully I was still in the vicinity. Guillaume has refused to ransom his kin, the greedy and avaricious bastard that he is...

Now, we'll cross the Channel next year and I deem it a good omen that we take the Cross once safely on the other side. It will consecrate English soil once again as being part of God's Kingdom.

Join me at Calais, Crusaders, or join me in Folkestone but there only will we take the Cross.

Philippe takes another gulp of wine and finally sits on his throne.

[OverKnight]

Hugues raises a new wineskin, the one Alain stole a lost cause, in salute to the King.

Cry 'havoc', your Majesty, and let slip the dogs of war.

[Ituralde]

Simon looks incredulous at Duc Alain then decides to ignore his squirting, grinding his teeth at the words of the King.

So neither Paris nor Bruges then. I follow my King where he leads.