In Windstorm - Parley and other niceties

[Admin]

~ Smiles at the man before me as he insults me and Siya in front of us. .but.. hidden from view of prying eyes… nestled safely in the fingers of me left hand, be a small metal filing. As each insult comes forth of this pompous arse’s mouth, my left hand presses the metal into me right hand. This sharp stab of pain into me hand, is just enough to distract me for a moment. Just enough time to stop me from removing his head from his shoulders. To even a trained eye.. the slight twich of me fingers, be unnoticeable .

“ Ah M’lord, thee have nae seen the Lady knight in action. I believe that God has made her out to weld a blade against those whom without honor and those whom travel the path of evil. Many a men, English, Scottish, Spanish and French, included, have bore witness to her skills and prowess for combat. Perhaps, a demonstration be in order? Maybe a friendly spar? Perhaps the Lord himself would care to challenge her one night in the hall for entertainment? “

“ But enough of this.. come, join me up in the castle. And we shall drink to god himself. “

With that, I step to one side, turning to allow the three visitors to step past me with their steeds. After they have passed, I nod to Robin, Siya and William to all seek their steeds, for we ride to the castle.


With all men remounted upon their steeds, the seven riders head towards the main gates of the castle. Part way up, as we slip across the bridge over the river, I stray back a bit.. slipping between Siya and Robin as they speak in hushed tones to themselves…

“ Well.. what do ye think? Personally, I see him as slippery as a sea eel… and t’would have been easier to have killed them at the ship and ended it.” *chuckles softly as I think of what was awaiting out of sight of the lone ship…. But.. diplomacy first..I think to meself.. Aye.. diplomacy and the hopes that Sinold can keep his temper in check…

Upon reaching the castle, as the riders dismount, stable hands taking away the steeds to be fed, brushed and groomed.

I turn to the visitors, “ Welcome to Windstorm Castle. Please, follow me and I shall show thee to the main hall, and then to thee chambers to retire and refresh before supper shall take place. They chambers have been readied, and stocked with food, drink. Shall we meet for dinner, in perhaps an hour? We can dine in me private dining room. Privacy shall be assured.

With that, I lead the visitors and me own people into the Hall….. ~

[Dream Loxley]

*She had joined the servants...peering through the windows...searching for a view of the visitors. She craned her neck and suddenly saw them as they arrived within the courtyard. Hushed whispers and gasps seemed to flow around the corridors as the Castle prepared to receive them.

She straightened her skirts......shushing the girls as they stood in readiness to take cloaks and other articles the guests may wish to leave. Several lads waited to carry baggage to the fourth floor rooms that had been set aside and aired.

She tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear as she stood waiting.....glad of the many guards who seemed to be placed at every given opportunity. Discreet in their mannerism and yet fullly alert to any danger.

As her King entered....the visitors behind him......she glimpsed Siya and another....as she lowered into a deep curtsy.*

"I bid ye welcome to Windstorm M'Lords..........and I hope ye do enjoy ye stay."

((She did not see her beloved, just incase he decided to slip away to the forests once more ))

[Vinzelles de Sennis]

(This incorporates some observations Vinzelles made in the room last night)


Vinzelles listened carefully to what his men had to say about the impressions they got from their Windstorm hosts, but he also listened as carefully to what king Agustin had to say. As he was praising his female warrior, the councilor had but to chuckle.

"A sparring match to test your lady's mettle? By all means, Monsigneur! I am sure Francois here would be more than delighted to show the lady the finer points of fighting, with the blade or whichever weapon you would enjoy, won't you Francois?" He looked over to the young noble riding alongside him now, the young buck could use a bit of exercise, and Vinzelles volunteering his companion for this entertainment would be taken as an honorable opportunity to show his skills, Vinzelles knew.

Towards the king Vinzelles remarks "Dinner within an hour will be most welcome. As will be a bit of rest before that. I must thank you again for your hospitality, your majesty!" Coddling that man a little by using the formal address couldn't hurt, he reasoned, looking over to Lamont. At least now his friend couldn't chide him for being brash or impolite, the trace of a smirk appeared upon his lips.

Their arrival was met by many interested stares, and by guards any which way they looked. this place was well prepared, and that in itself spoke not well for the talks Vinzelles had come here to conduct. a place and a people readied for battle rather than talk, their minds would be set on failure, on how to bargain for what would be best for their defenses. Not what would be best for both sides. it was a fact Vinzelles kept in mind, it would be a gauge upon which to measure the sincerity of his hosts responses to his demands.

A most gracious lady welcomed them. Older of age, noble of bearing, she was introduced to the Franks as the Chatelaine of the house. Even here in this rainy land Charles' councilor would not forsake his manners and took the woman's hand, sketching a bow and a kiss onto its back.

"Enchante! Pleased to meet you, Milady Dream, we are thankful for your hospitality and grace to have us stay under your roof!" His eyes lingered on the woman for a moment, but then he, Lamont and Francois proceeded into the hold of Windstorm.

*************************

Before dinner, which thankfully they were told would be delayed for another hour, Lord de Sennis was thinking on anything but taking the rest the three of them so rightfully deserved. he was too curious to see what else he could learn about these people, so he made his way to the great hall of the castle. At first he was alone, but soon a plethora of others – either residents or guests like him – had started to arrive.

The ladies, their names varied and their beauty breathtaking, were an obvious attraction. No wonder his own king had caught fire and longed to have of them near his heart and in his bed. Said one, however, was not amongst those he saw during his short first stay in the hall – their names were burned into his mind for future reference: Lady Rayven, a feisty woman who throughout his stay concealed her disdain for him well; Lady Halethala, a graceful woman who only stayed briefly, no firm opinion had Vinzelles formed upon her yet; but the last one was worth keeping in mind a bit longer than maybe even his stay here – lady Sadhbh of Kent. Extraordinarily tall, yet graceful and gentle. The Frankian realms had long and traditional trading agreements with Kent, they were on friendly terms, both securely founded within the Christian belief and their disdain for the North invaders. He would be looking forward meeting this delicate creature more often… maybe the ties between West Frankia and Kent could be forged even closer with a marriage, if Vinzelles could convince Charles to forsake the Windstorm woman he had found so attractive.

The men, on the other hand, proofed to be a mixed lot. Vinzelles already had made reservations for Lord Thanatos to meet his blade, what an arrogant and impolite twit that one had proofed to be. It seemed he had made the acquaintance of his ill-begotten nephew earlier, the councilor could only groan when trying to imagine how that meeting went. Why did he keep calling him sea gull was beyond Vinzelles comprehension. maybe a mental defect, he tried to reason. Another who found strong and quite hostile words for the Frank had been a man called Sir Joseph. He had looked meek at first, but finally his emotions broke through he voiced his open dislike for de Sennis and his men. Good, at least they knew now where that man stood. Again a resident from Kent stood out amongst those of Windstorm, the brother to King Righarde of Kent, lord Sighehelm. Polite and with manners he conversed with Vinzelles and thus much impressed him. Not that he would trust him further than the door to this hall, but the man spoke honorably, not like the other two. If he could win that man as his ally within Windstorm, much would be won. And strengthening tied between Kent and West Frankia would always be a welcome outcome.

All these impressions Vinzelles relayed to his companions before they were called to dine with the King in his private chambers.

"I have not seen much strength in the men I have seen earlier, my friends. Francois will give them a nice demonstration of our skill with the blade, won't you? Show that woman her place… as for the men, for all their strutting and openly shown disdain, we must not mistake their lack of manners with a same lack of conviction when it would come to defending their home. Each single one would be willing to die for this place … at least they wouldn't run like dogs and this will give our men something do!" he laughed, then leaned closer again. "The Kent man, lord Sighehelm, do not antagonize him. Our realms are on good terms and he was one who spoke with honor and integrity. I'd rather have him as my ally than not. …Neither Norse nor my nephew did I see, although I am certain both are within these walls. We shall have patience, I guess. But now, let's not keep the king of Windstorm waiting!"

The three arrived on time, the table was decked with many local delicacies, and king Agustin seemed to be in a jovial mood. Seats were taken quickly, wine served, two servants then started to ladle some kind of soup into earthen bowls.

"When all had been served, Vinzelles raised his giblet filled with dark red wine. "To a successful stay and that our differences be resolved amiably. To the King!" The frank drank deeply, then waited until all at the table had followed his example. He then set down his goblet and looked at the king. "I have heard that my nephew, Remard de Sennis, is within the walls of this castle. Is that so? I would wish to talk with him personally, to hear from his own mouth what grievances have brought about this unfortunate situation he and his crew are finding themselves in. You will not object I take it?"

[Admin]

* drains me own gobblet to the toast, and refills mine and the others gathered at the table. *

M'lord, thee nephew, Lord Sennis, he be upon his ship. He has been there since he decided to remain at Windstorm for the duration of his...*coughs softly* ..navigator.... Has he told thee different? Would this be the reason thee have sailed here in force? * sets me gobblet down and wonders what lies this frank has heard from his pig of a nephew.
As for bringing him here to speak.. I would indeed like to hear what he has to say... .. verra much indeed. I shall have him brought forth .

[Robin of Loxley]

((ooc..........ye did nae ask iffn ahh was back M'Leige......thought ya would have done so given the circumstances *BOL*))

He stood silently as His Leige admonished Him in front of the Franks....though the smile did nae slip from his face as The King spoke.

"Robin, they be guests, and we shall treat them with the same respect we treat all guests with. "

He Bowed to the King and then faced Vinzelles again........ (ignoring the words spoken about our language being so crude)..........and risking the ire of His Leige again he retorted to the man in no uncertain terms!

Ye talk of yer Captain as iffn he were a god M'Lord......and surely it would take nae the personal counsellor of thy king to tend to a minor matter of one of his sailors , whom by the way is nae more than a woman beater and thus is the reason he finds himself within our dungeons, surely as ye are so sophisticated and unbarbaric...............ye would have done the same thy self..................unless of course......there is another reason that ye be here!!"

What happened next however was what struck at His heart with dismay...............The King had then introduced Him to the Franks....with his Title...which was nae so bad..........but then with His station * Commander of the Rangers*.......

Now they could be alerted that there was something else they should be aware of ................and with this in mind he replied.............

"M'Leige....you flatter me amidst our guests...............Ye well know that the Rangers are a spent force within the Realm...........after the Viking attack...there is nae much left to command .....as ye well know. Yet i thank ye for trying to lift me above my status in front of these Guests..." ( putting the emphasis on the word Guest heavily)

The trip back to the Castle was uneventful and His mind was elsewhere...........yet when the King asked of both He and the Lady Siya's thoughts......He replied with nae emotion within His voice nor indeed showing on His face...........

"M'Leige .............ahh think that tha mans first words still ring true............he is here for dishonourable intentions as we both well know!!................."

When they arrived at the Castle............He stabled His steed and declined to eat with the guests.........claiming to be weary .................and headed straight for his chambers..........and solitude.

Several curses passed His lips silently as he trod the stairs.........until He reached His chambers.......then all hell broke loose within......

[Admin]

(( oocly... Robin.. I am sorry. I am messing up big time lately.. please , do not be offended if I forgot or done something to upset you... sighs.. this weeks sucks.))

[Robin of Loxley]

((OOC......Hey there... oh Kingly one.......i am in no way offended and indeed ya have done nothing to upset me........Hands ya an ale *LOL*......my post is all IC.......except the ooc bit as stated *grins*.....and agrees with ya.......this week really ....really sucks *BOL*))

[Admin]

(( I stand corrected... and one thing happened this week that did not suck.. and I am holding onto it for dear life cause it makes me smile and feel better))

[Sinold Bragasson]

(And which may that be, oh kingly one?)

[Vinzelles de Sennis]

With a deliberate slowness, Vinzelles nipped at his wine, the soup and appetizers finished by now. He watched the king over the rim of his goblet, hearing every words spoken by him, every inflection, every nuance indicating he mistrusted his guests. Also had he not forgotten the words by that Ranger leader, insulting, crude… but what else to expect from these people.

"My nephew Remard can be an impulsive man, and some of his crew come from less than savory backgrounds. They lack manners, and I will remind my nephew that as their Master it is his responsibility to see to their behavior. However, he is loyal to his men, surely one of the reasons for him having stayed with you so long. You do understand the concept of loyalty, don't you?" He smiled across the table and towards the king. "I don't believe that three months in a dungeon will better any man… quite frankly, I find such a sentence quite… excessive!" He looked over to his companions who nodded their agreement. "But laws are laws, and I would expect you to abide by our laws and customs would you ever find yourself in the realm of my King! However, another grievance Remard has brought to my attention is a threat towards his ship and crew … issued by none other than yourself, Monsigneur, if I can believe what Remard has conveyed to me. His ship and crew would be boarded and ransacked by those northern barbarians you seem to hold so dear to your heart. Is that now custom in your realm, king Agustin?"

His words had become cold, although Vinzelles never ceased to smile. The main course was being brought in now, the three Franks eager for a good meal after their time on the sea. Watching as the dishes were brought in, Vinzelles set down his goblet, dabbling his moth with a napkin. "Yes, I am more than eager to hear myself what my nephew will have to say about what happened to him and his ship. When will it please you to bring him to us?"

[Robin of Loxley]

*Please good Sir*.....if you are to mention insulting words of a Ranger...........please do not brush off so lightly but play it out..........and take the time to read carefully the post and reply accordingly........as we do you!! ( otherwise do not respond at all to the post)

Which insulting words are you referring to??....please be more specific.......

[Robin of loxley]

((oops)).............that was oocly *S*

[Vinzelles]

(OOC: No problem, will be more careful in me next post)

[Robin of Loxley]

((ooc......cool *S*))

[Dream Loxley]

(( *chuckles at all the manly hormones flying about and gets ready to sell icecream's. Read....read.....and read again. We all miss things and interpret views differently. ))