West Frankish Court - Audience with the King

[Raimbault]

Raimbault was grumpy as it was, this Eurich better not give him any lip about how he longed for the sea and how this might be all nice and fun for a while but that he was getting bored by it all.

He'd soon enough be allowed to chose between being bored with all the amendities he was given, or being bored in the dungeons until they'd set sail towards the English coast. Storming into the man's room, Raimbault shut the door again with a loud bang. For a brief moment he let his eyes rest upon Eurich, then took three long steps, grabbing the man's shirt front and pressed him against the cold stone walls.

"How are ye today, my dear Eurich? Guess it's a good day for you, the King requires your presence to tell him something he about your ... experiences in Windstorm. Listen now – ye will tell him all you know about how you was treated, about the Vikings in their harbour. There is NO need to mention Captain Remarde or that idiot Darek, is that clear?...You wish for some change in scenery? Do your job well and you'll breath the salt of the sea again. But one wrong word... and you'll find yerself in the dungeons by the end of this day. Now move it... we're going to see your friend Lord de Sennis and the King!"

Pushing Eurich away from the wall and towards the door, where two additional guards stood to receive the sailor before it could get into his mind to bolt and run.

[Vinzelles de Sennis]

Soon Eurich was brought in and what a good man he was. telling the king only about the mean unfriendly people of Windstorm. About what guards had been placed around the Forell and how life on board was really made troublesome, for nothing. Just to be unfriendly to the Franks.

While Eurich spoke, Vinzelles had never left Aymer out of his eyes... there was something the man was trying to hid... what was it? He had said the woman who had refused their king had come to visit him frequently. Why would she do so, clearly de Vraineville was beyond what any woman would find attractive. And then it occurred to him, Vinzelles remembered...

"Doesn't this Lady Beren have lands or interests in the area called Lhun? Yes, I believe she stems from there... a little unprotected kingdom, not associated with either our kingdom or that of your brother. That is a bad situation, is it not? So alone and unpritected from the barabarians invasions. We really should offer our help, Sire. Send a few men... maybe 500. Offer them to come under our gracious protection. ... It would give us an even better argument for our demands towards Windstorm, Sire. We will stay in Lhun until we think Lhun has enough good men to protect itself, or until such a time we will get some monetary compensation from King Agustin for our efforts on behalf on one of his subjects. One way or the other, we will get compensation for the offence done to us and for the growing threat his realm has become to us."

One look into the king's face and Vinzelles immediately knew – that man had no idea what he was talking about. Then maybe a simpler goal and promise would sway the man. "Sire, if we act now, as I proposed, that young beautiful lass from Windstorm will be in your arms and your bed very soon! No woman can withstand the power of a man like you when he shows how much he cares for the welfare of her home and country. Send the ships now and help King Agustin against the barbarian, and also send men to Lhun to help them as well. She will see the graciousness and caring in your actions and will come to you!"

He now implored the man in front of him. "My sword is ready as are those of the men you command, Sire. give the word and we shall be victorious!"

[Dorian Hawkmoon]

OOCly prepares himself to get SERIOUSLY medieval on some Frankish backsides....

[Vinzelles de Snnis]

(*Chuckles* Oh Dorian... this conflict will need so much more to solve than just arse kicking;) Diplomacy, cunning, scheeming... battle with weapons is good; battles of the mind are even better, however! )

[King Charles III]

*the frown on me brow deepens more as the man Eurich speaks of how the men of France be treated in this Windstorm realm ... confusion settles into me ... being besieged on all sides by me councellor, this Eurich and de Vraineville, who all seem to want different things.
However, the insults suffered by me subjects must be answered , vikings or nae!

"I do nae care for the lass, nor her lands, man! ", I growl to de Sennis "but get your ships ready to sail for England ! We will teach that Stormblade our people are nae to be tampered with ! "
To emphasise me meaning, me fist slaps the table firmly . A few scrolls dance aside at the impact .

Then, I change me mind, suddenly. I turn me gaze to de Vraineville. "Ye will make sure that Lune be guarded...that nothing happens there without me knowing . " The young man bows at hearing me command and asks permission to leave to prepare for his task immediately . A wave of me hand dismisses him , and he leaves. ...*

[Vinzelles de Sennis]

This is only half a victory for Vinzelles, and he knows it. His face remains impassionate when he hears his king's words... oh Lhun will be guarded well, of that Vinzelles will make certain.

"Vraineville, it is good that you will help Lhun so selflessly. Of course we will need to be certain about it's safety, will we not? I will call upon the nobles of Burgundy to help you in your task... more men will mean better defenses, qui?"

Even if Vraineville would protest, Vinzelles would send those 280 men he knew were under the command of those nobles in Burgundy who owned him loyalty and service. It was far less than the 500 men he had hoped to be able to send and occupy Lhun, but those 280 would do as well for his purpose.

When the younger man had left, Vinzelles waved Raimbault and Eurich to him. "See, my sailor friend, you will soon see the sea again. Raimbault, make those 10 ships we spoke about ready. Get the men we need, I don't care how. I... no, the KING will count on you! Now go!"

Turning back towards the king, Vinzelles de Sennis bowed deeply and made a few steps backwards. "Your wisdom is legendary, Milord!" He wanted to spit, that twit on the throne couldn't tell a cow from a horse in his mind. "The ships will be ready, Lhun will be safe and honor shall be restored. King Agustin will not mock us any longer! Milord!"

With a last bow, Vinzelles left the hall, smiling to himself.

[Aymer de Vraineville]

*me blood really froze now .... I must keep Vainzelles hounds from Lune at all costs! But how...he'll certainly propose to call for aid of his Burgundy vassals... the only thing I can try to obtain, that all those men will be under me own command...

Deep in thought , I make me way to me chambers, where me lovely wife Blanche waits for me. One gaze upon her tells me what be me very first task. " Ye must make for home as soon as possible, ma mie " I tell her. Whispering into her ear, I give a short account of the situation. She pales, but composes herself instantly and simply nods. Before the hour be passed, she will be on her way to Lyons-la-Forêt, well guarded by four of me trusted men.
After Blanche has sent her handmaiden away to descretely pack the most necessary things, we spend the time that rests us together, sitting closely ,next to eachother ...*

[LucienMoonmist]

((OOC: *chuckles and polishes his bow, wondering exactly how fast a Frank can run with an arrow giving him a third leg*))