IC Tavern Thread

**Ramses II CP** · 12-17-2007, 22:12

Fritz returns to the bar, slamming aside the doors in haste as usual. As he enters he notes the men by the bar and gives them a quick nod, then moves purposefully to the table of Duke Steffen.

Word has just reached me, Duke Lothar, of your statements regarding violence towards the locals who frequent this bar. I cannot help but feel they are directed at the scuffle I was involved in the other evening. With that in mind I would have you know that no permanant damage was done to those drunkards despite their disrespectful attitude towards their betters.

Raising his hand Fritz briefly forestalls Lothar's attempt to answer.

This being said, I am a soldier and I have a soldier's sensibilities. My frustration at having to deal with my enemies in the Diet with only the sword and fist of my voice and wit may well have boiled over into taking umbrage too easily when I meant only to attend here peacefully. I tend to talk with my hands when words seem insufficient or overused. I recognize, however, that I am a guest in your lands and I come now to offer my apology if I have offended your noble self.

Bowing deeply, Fritz's face remains unreadable.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read:

**gibsonsg91921** · 12-17-2007, 23:24

Péter walks into the Tavern.

Ah, Fritz, the nerve of Duke Lothar! Who is he to say I don't support you enough?

Péter notices Lothar sitting right next to Fritz.

Oh. Good afternoon, friend. I'm sorry to hear your little plans for Swabia failed. If you need any money, I'm sure you can assassinate the head of the Merchant's Guild for it.

Péter turns to talk to Fritz.

I have decided to give you our brother's old County of Thorn when it is reclaimed. What happened in Stettin is in the past now. Thorn is a mighty abode and a great bulwark to defend against the Poles. Tancred can be governor of Stettin.

Péter sits down at the table with Fritz and Lothar.

Barkeep! A pint for Fritz and I and your finest, purest absinthe for Lothar. It's all on me.

**TinCow** · 12-18-2007, 00:57

*Lothar laughs heartily.*

Oh my, Peter, such brave statements. Did those words come from your own brain, or is your head so far up Elberhard's ass that his thoughts are coming out of your mouth?

Perhaps I should publicize a private letter you wrote to me just after being released from prison. I doubt your benevolent patron will enjoy reading it, but perhaps the rest of the Electors will find it educational.

**gibsonsg91921** · 12-18-2007, 01:31

OOC: I thought an argument with you would be funny.

Ha! You would be a fool to publish that letter. I know not how it incriminates me, or Elberhard. The rest of the Electors would know your scheme and the jig would be up. Your publishing it would prove its truth. It's no secret that I politically despised Hans and Elberhard, but you have secrets, dark and numbered, that would be interesting if they came to light.

Feel free to publish that letter. In fact, I dare you to. As if you haven't made enough of a fool of yourself as it is.

I haven't forgotten my brother's murder, you pig.

**TinCow** · 12-18-2007, 01:51

Secrets, yes, I have many secrets Peter, but none that someone as thick-headed as you would be capable of figuring out. What secret is it that you think I will expose myself of? I assume you are refering to your statements in that letter about this mysterious 'Order' that you thought I was a part of. Need I remind you that my reply to you was that I was not aware that any such Order existed? Please explain, my old friend, how that disclosure could possibly injure me.

If you truly want to determine who is harmed greater by the statements you made in that letter, perhaps I should show it to everyone in this Tavern. Would you like me to do that, Peter? If there is nothing that incriminates you, then surely you would have no problem with it, would you?

**gibsonsg91921** · 12-18-2007, 01:57

Whatever you say, Headmaster. I have letters that incriminate you more than you'd like to believe. I can read the letter myself, if you'd give me time to fetch it. I keep it nearby, as I am always on the lookout for evidence that would prove you and your Order killed my brother.

Péter leaves the Tavern, comes back about a half hour later after conversing with Lars and Ulrich.

All members of the Tavern, here is this mystery letter that incriminates me so.

"Duke Lothar Steffen, hail!

I have recently been released from prison. While in Rome, I heard whispers of a secret Order that maintains the Reich, and that you were one of the members. I desire to join, if you trust me. I will do anything to get back at Hans and Elberhard.

Peter von Kastilien"

What incriminates me? I would like to get back at Hans and Elberhard? Would you like to press that matter? As I can produce more letters if you like that were prior to our correspondence.

**TinCow** · 12-18-2007, 02:40

So, Peter, you admit that you desired revenge on the Kaiser and on Hans, yet now you proclaim to be an ally of the former Duke of Swabia and you kiss Elberhard's shiny arse daily. I have more letters along the same lines that you sent to my dear friend Dietrich von Dassel. In those letters you proclaim similar things, going so far as to support Dassel in his efforts to overthrow Hans. Would you like to disclose those same letters as you have done with your little scribble to me?

It seems you only lost your will for such bold moves when Kaiser Elberhard bribed you with the title of Prinz. You once held such high standards that you marched on Constantinople itself in order to prevent Unification. After you were imprisoned by Hans and Elberhard, you swore vengence against them. Like me, you then supported the rebel Dietrich in his plans to overthrown the Kaiser's own brother. All that bluster and bravado went out of you like a candle being snuffed as soon as another title was dangled in front of your face. I am glad that Ansehelm is not alive to see what you have become. He would be embarassed that anyone so two-faced could hold the noble von Kastilien name, let alone the Duchy of Franconia.