IC Tavern Thread

[Tamur]

*Fritz enters the bar hurriedly. He rushes to the bar and whispers something to the tender*

"You want what?" bellows the barkeep.

*Fritz whispers more urgently*

"You want a...", the barkeep begins, but Fritz slaps a hand over the man's mouth just in time. He whispers again, and keeps his hand over the barkeep's mouth a moment until releasing him.

The barkeep grumbles as he walks into the back room, and returns with a rope and two towels. He roughly throws them at Fritz, who hurriedly stuffs the towels into his tunic.

*He turns and sees Arnold and Gerhard, blushes furiously, and makes for the exit.*

[Privateerkev]

Jan walks in exhausted. He plops down at the bar. The bartender knows him so well now he just puts a mug down in front of him. Jan drinks as he has some random thoughts.

Who knew being King was so tiring? Who ever thought that the King could also be a King-maker? Trying to get Crusader Counts on the same page is like herding cats. I think the Lord is punishing me for all the grief I gave Salier. And I also think the Lord sent Jens Hummel to punish me for all of the outbursts I caused in the Diet when I was younger. And why was Duke Arnold's and Duke Gerhard's table laughing so hard? Why on Earth does my cousin want a rope?!?

While these thoughts were mildly amusing, Jan was tired. He finished his beer, paid for his drink, got up and met up with Max and Gunther, and left with them taking flanking positions.

[OverKnight]

Matthias walks into the tavern looking worn.

I would much rather face the Mongol Hordes by myself than go through that again.

Perhaps one beer won't hurt.

Matthias sits and savors a rare treat.

[Privateerkev]

Jan walks in followed by Max and Gunther. Jan had gone to his quarters but he couldn't sleep. Instead he had stayed up for hours writing letters. For now, the letters were sent off. Max and Gunther took up a table by the bar while Jan walked up to Count Matthias. Jan ordered a beer.

Jan says with a grin,
Count Matthias, if you are going to drink, then I insist that you not do it alone.

[OverKnight]

You and you entourage may have a seat if you wish. I fear my own is less fearsome, a tutor I barely see, a military engineer who is supervising the construction of the Ballista Towers in Edessa, a Teuton who is looking after Adana and my mentor stays in Italy.

Perhaps a Dread Knight, like that walking Iron Mountain Arnold has, would be more imposing.

Still at least I don't have a Pagan Magician, they seem to be more trouble than they're worth.

[Privateerkev]

Well, Max and Gunther have become a whole lot more protective in the last couple of days. I'm lucky I can go to the bathroom by myself. I certainly don't do it to look intimidating. Its just that if I try to go somewhere without them, they threaten to lock me away in my room. I think their joking... All they say about it is, "We can't afford to lose another King".

*shrug*

So, Matthias, that cup looks a little big to be holding coffee. *grin*

[OverKnight]

Ah quite astute of you. I'm not a prude, I do have the occasional beer. I just don't enjoy intoxication. It leads to unseemly outbursts in the Diet and broken furniture.

You know, I think half of the objections concerning Outremer would be gone if the King's title wasn't King, no offense meant. You can blame Kaiser Henry for that one. My mentor has told me that Otto von Kassel didn't want it used. He would have preferred Viceroy, Governor-General or Defender of the Holy Sepulchre even. I mean who ever heard of an appointed King?

Still I can just see the Dukes' ears twitch when they hear the title. A Viceroy or Governor wouldn't be a worry, but with a King you have to watch your back. Because Kings outrank Dukes, even if the Duchies themselves are larger and more powerful than Outremer.

Matthias finishes his beer.

I seem to have lost my train of thought.