[D2, LM, Court] Between Two Lions

[Cearnach]

The throne may be empty, but the courtiers and luminaries of the realm are already gathering for the first King's court of the reign of Richard Lionheart. The hall has been decorated with tapestries featuring lions for the occasion, although the last facing pair nearest the door are leopards, strictly speaking. St. Edward's Chair has been moved to occupy the space midway up the flight of massive stone steps at the south end of the Hall.

[William Marshal]

Standing beside the throne is the Earl Marshal, looking a little weary from his late ride back from London last night.

[Eleanor of Aquitaine]

Meanwhile, Eleanor of Aquitaine sits in a smaller seat at the base of the steps, her ladies gathered around her and little Arthur on her lap

[William the Lion]

To the right side of the hall, William of Brunswick and Otto of Bavaria are locked in deep discussion with the King of Scots

[Earl William of Salisbury]

While on the left side, nearer the entrance, the Earl of Salisbury and Archbishop Baldwin stand together, observing the growing crowd.

[Geoffrey of Tournemine]

Geoffrey made his presence there early. He wanted to find ideal appropriate seating. He suspected that he was only on Eleanor's radar at all, if he even was, by virtue of his closeness to Arthur's caretakers and the kinship he shared with his cousin.

But he definitely did not go out of his way to disrespect the proper order of things. And simply observed. Though if the d'Aubigny ladies were among those present, they would certainly receive his distant attentions through court.

[Llywelyn mab Iorwerth]

Llwelyn needs to offer proper thanks to Lady Eleanor, but is careful in his approach, looking to make small talk and make his way over gradually.

[Eleanor of Aquitaine]

Llwelyn needs to offer proper thanks to Lady Eleanor, but is careful in his approach, looking to make small talk and make his way over gradually.

Prince Arthur, however, is a keen-eyed child.

"Look!" he cried out, pointing at Llywelyn's hair. "Red!"

Eleanor patted his head. "Yes, Arthur, this is a Welshman, and Celts like the Welsh often have red hair."

Arthur looked up. "Why?"

Eleanor smiled. "So we can see them coming."

Arthur chewed on that a moment. "Why?"

Eleanor laughed. "Perhaps he can better answer that."

Arthur turned his ruddy-cheeked face toward Llewelyn with a puzzled expression. "Mister?"

Eleanor tapped his shoulder once, and he blinked. "...I mean My Lord of Wales? Why do we need to see you coming?"

[Andre l'Ecrivain]

Andre finds a place from which to observe and which accommodates his bulk. Finding one such, he pulls out writing materials--in this case, wax tablets and a stylus, from which he will make proper copies later.

[Llywelyn mab Iorwerth]

Llwelyn needs to offer proper thanks to Lady Eleanor, but is careful in his approach, looking to make small talk and make his way over gradually.

Prince Arthur, however, is a keen-eyed child.

"Look!" he cried out, pointing at Llywelyn's hair. "Red!"

Eleanor patted his head. "Yes, Arthur, this is a Welshman, and Celts like the Welsh often have red hair."

Arthur looked up. "Why?"

Eleanor smiled. "So we can see them coming."

Arthur chewed on that a moment. "Why?"

Eleanor laughed. "Perhaps he can better answer that."

Arthur turned his ruddy-cheeked face toward Llewelyn with a puzzled expression. "Mister?"

Eleanor tapped his shoulder once, and he blinked. "...I mean My Lord of Wales? Why do we need to see you coming?"

"Ahh the answer is simple Your Grace, but it is twofold." Llwelyn kneels to come to the eye level of the child, doing his best to offer a smile but to remain deferential, holding his long gingery hair out for the child to see, or perhaps touch if he wishes.

"It is a beacon. To our friends, it is to let them know that we are coming to their aid. To our enemies, and to the enemies of those we are sworn to protect, it is a warning to let them know how outmatched they are. To be sporting to them. Does that answer your question Your Grace?"

[Eleanor of Aquitaine]

Arthur reaches out to touch the hair gently, and for just a moment.

"It is like Uncle Richard," he decides, and Eleanor's smile widens.

"Much like him, I hope," she says. "Thank you, young man, for the lesson." She strokes Arthur's flaxen locks. "Have you experience with children?"

[Llywelyn mab Iorwerth]

Arthur reaches out to touch the hair gently, and for just a moment.

"It is like Uncle Richard," he decides, and Eleanor's smile widens.

"Much like him, I hope," she says. "Thank you, young man, for the lesson." She strokes Arthur's flaxen locks. "Have you experience with children?"

"That is quite a heady comparison your Graces. Your honor me." Llwelyn offers the boy a grin and resists the urge to reach out and ruffle the boys hair before turning to Lady Eleanor.

"I have none of my own your Grace, but my father and most of his retinue passed when I was very young. Too young to remember him I am afraid. From that moment, I was the Lord of Dolwyddelan and responsible for the heirs who had sworn to my father. I have found it a prudent task to take time with the next generation, for who knows when they might find themselves thrust into their obligations. Rather than brothers or sisters, I find myself with countless cousins" Llwelyn looks back to Arthur. "It is good that you have so many to prepare you, your Grace."

The redhaired Welshman turns back to Eleanor. "I also find it wise to give thanks for aid, and to offer it in return. You were very gracious in helping me with the song last night Lady Eleanor, and I have not forgotten."

[Giles de Braose]

But he definitely did not go out of his way to disrespect the proper order of things. And simply observed. Though if the d'Aubigny ladies were among those present, they would certainly receive his distant attentions through court.

And present indeed was a small cluster of d'Aubigny, both ladies and de Braose allies including Giles. Spotting the occasional glance from Geoffrey in their general direction Giles only grinned, letting the girls make up their own minds how to respond to this currently innocent activity.

Giles however had a slightly different motive for being here, his eyes too scanned the hall and he clutched tighter than normal to the satchel at his side.

[Cearnach]

"That is quite a heady comparison your Graces. Your honor me." Llwelyn offers the boy a grin and resists the urge to reach out and ruffle the boys hair before turning to Lady Eleanor.

"I have none of my own your Grace, but my father and most of his retinue passed when I was very young. Too young to remember him I am afraid. From that moment, I was the Lord of Dolwyddelan and responsible for the heirs who had sworn to my father. I have found it a prudent task to take time with the next generation, for who knows when they might find themselves thrust into their obligations. Rather than brothers or sisters, I find myself with countless cousins" Llwelyn looks back to Arthur. "It is good that you have so many to prepare you, your Grace."

The redhaired Welshman turns back to Eleanor. "I also find it wise to give thanks for aid, and to offer it in return. You were very gracious in helping me with the song last night Lady Eleanor, and I have not forgotten."

Arthur struggles to understand Llywelyn's story; the Welshman can see his brow knitting as he ponders this, but although Arthur has also lost a father, he did so before he was even born. The loss itself has not registered, and his world is defined by two powerful women.
"Yes, Mémé and mother are ever so good."

Eleanor smiled. "Like all men, he thinks with his stomach. The hands that feed him are the kindest in the world. But your appreciation is appreciated, Dolle-with-elahn," her accent finding the Welsh name a challenge. "It is rare to find men of your age who recognize a good turn when it comes, and I was taught as young girl to take care of those in distress."

As a young girl, Eleanor was Duchess of a realm that spanned half of France.

[Giles de Braose]

With a wave, Giles beckoned Geoffrey - the dining companion he'd been inexcusably rude to the night before - to come and join him near the d'Aubigny sisters.

[Simon IV de Montfort]

Simon makes his way into court, much less nervous than the the man at the Coronation last night.

His first time in a court he wasn't overseeing, it was an... interesting experience.

(quote or pm if approached)

[Geoffrey of Tournemine]

Simon makes his way into court, much less nervous than the the man at the Coronation last night.

His first time in a court he wasn't overseeing, it was an... interesting experience.

(quote or pm if approached)

Geoffrey approached Simon and greeted with a bow. In his pleasant rustic accent he offered greetings. "Lord be with you, sir. Baron Geoffrey of Crahen, of the house Tournemine. A fine day for court, no?"

[Cearnach]

The trumpets sound a sennet, and the lords and ladies rise to witness the arrival of the King, who, followed by a pair of pages, strides out of side door to take up his seat. After a moment of adjustment, he waves his hands impatiently to signal that the gathered nobles can be at their ease, then points aggressively at his herald, who moves forward.

"My Lords, the King wishes it be made known that the notorious betrayer, Ranulf de Glanville, has been secured in the White Tower until such time as the King shall decide his fate. Let it be understood that all those found guilty of crimes against the Crown or the people of England will find themselves thuswise punished."

There is a weighty pause to let that sink in.

"On a much happier note, I am authorized to declare the Coronation Tournament officially opened. True Knights wishing to register for the Joust may seek the herald to whom the Register has been entrusted beginning this afternoon. The King is very much looking forward to witnessing the martial prowess of England's knights, and whether they are the equal of the French, or, more to his liking, surpass them in honor and strength."

"Lastly, the King wishes to invite his brother William, King of Scotland, to join him here."

William the Lion politely excuses himself from the company of the German Princes, and with his great beard swinging freely, mounts the steps to be embraced by Richard. The two Lions stand side by side as the herald proclaims:

"Last night, King William demonstrated his Christian devotion and his commitment to the Crusade by committing a princely sum of £6500 toward the equipage and maintenance of the Army of Christ, commanded by King Richard. King Richard recognizes the kingly virtues in his brother, KIng William, thus demonstrated by this act of charity, and thus feels contented that Scotland and her people need look no longer to other Kings for comfort, succor, or justice than this wise and good king. Thus, in recognition of his true majesty, King Richard releases King William from all oaths of fealty and vassalage, and recognizes him as his brother-King in all respects and honors. Likewise, men of Scotland need not offer homage nor commit to the defense of the KIngdom of England, save if they shall hold lands integral to that Kingdom from King Richard or his vassals. The preceding agreement signed and witnessed by both great Kings and their attendant lords last night, here at Westminster."

The two Lions embrace once more, and the Scottish King descends the steps, though he chooses not to return to the knot of Germans, but instead moves to stand alone.

The herald continues: "The King will now hear those who wish to approach the throne to conduct the business of the realm, or who wish to receive the King's Justice." He hastens to add: "in an orderly and expeditious fashion."

[Cearnach]

With a wave, Giles beckoned Geoffrey - the dining companion he'd been inexcusably rude to the night before - to come and join him near the d'Aubigny sisters.

His gesture is caught by a perceptive eye, and his elbow is soon taken by none other than Matilda d'Aubigny.

"Ah, I see you know Lord Tournemine. He's a cheeky one, isn't he?"

[Simon IV de Montfort]

Geoffrey approached Simon and greeted with a bow. In his pleasant rustic accent he offered greetings. "Lord be with you, sir. Baron Geoffrey of Crahen, of the house Tournemine. A fine day for court, no?"

Simon returned the bow, moving some of his raven hair out of his face.

"And with you, Sir Geoffrey of Crahen. This one is Simon de Montfort, Baron of Montfort-l'Amaury. It feels almost...calm compared to last night's festivities, no?"

[Geoffrey of Tournemine]

"Calm is for winter, in a warmed bed with spiced wine," he says with a chuckle. "It's not winter yet, so bring the excitement I say. Will you be participating in the jousts Sir Simon?"

[Llywelyn mab Iorwerth]

Arthur struggles to understand Llywelyn's story; the Welshman can see his brow knitting as he ponders this, but although Arthur has also lost a father, he did so before he was even born. The loss itself has not registered, and his world is defined by two powerful women.
"Yes, Mémé and mother are ever so good."

Eleanor smiled. "Like all men, he thinks with his stomach. The hands that feed him are the kindest in the world. But your appreciation is appreciated, Dolle-with-elahn," her accent finding the Welsh name a challenge. "It is rare to find men of your age who recognize a good turn when it comes, and I was taught as young girl to take care of those in distress."

As a young girl, Eleanor was Duchess of a realm that spanned half of France.

"Well, that would be a critical failing then. One who makes light of a good turn makes it more difficult to see another one in days to come, whilst repaying them brings happiness to both."

As the court opens again, Llwelyn bows. "I beg pardon your Graces, with the announcement of the tournament I find that I need to find myself a sponsor if I wish to compete"

[Eleanor of Aquitaine]

"Well, that would be a critical failing then. One who makes light of a good turn makes it more difficult to see another one in days to come, whilst repaying them brings happiness to both."

As the court opens again, Llwelyn bows. "I beg pardon your Graces, with the announcement of the tournament I find that I need to find myself a sponsor if I wish to compete"

"Interesting," she says, bouncing Arthur a bit on her knee. He isn't best pleased by this, but manages to keep a straight face. "And are you a mighty knight, skilled with horse and lance?"

[Llywelyn mab Iorwerth]

"Interesting," she says, bouncing Arthur a bit on her knee. He isn't best pleased by this, but manages to keep a straight face. "And are you a mighty knight, skilled with horse and lance?"

"I like to think I am capable, though I have few illusions of being Gawain. More than winning, there are other facets. What would be said if a knight came from Wales, but refused to rise to the challenge? Unless, your Grace's wisdom sees a better way forward?"

It was offering himself as a plaything to an immensely powerful woman who was now (quite literally) released. But for his goals, it would be something that he would still leap at to offer.

[Eleanor of Aquitaine]

"I like to think I am capable, though I have few illusions of being Gawain. More than winning, there are other facets. What would be said if a knight came from Wales, but refused to rise to the challenge? Unless, your Grace's wisdom sees a better way forward?"

It was offering himself as a plaything to an immensely powerful woman who was now (quite literally) released. But for his goals, it would be something that he would still leap at to offer.

"How...well put. I tell you what let's do. I will not sponsor you myself, but I know someone who will, if I give the word. Take my token," she hands you a glass bauble with a little golden rose inside, "and show it to Bigod, the Lord of Norfolk. He needs friends, I think, and since charity brought you to me, it is right that you should show it to him."

[Andre l'Ecrivain]

Andre continues to scribble furiously, recording events as best he can.

[Giles de Braose]

His gesture is caught by a perceptive eye, and his elbow is soon taken by none other than Matilda d'Aubigny.

"Ah, I see you know Lord Tournemine. He's a cheeky one, isn't he?"

'i met the man in passing yester eve," Giles replied to Matilda as he gently patted the hand that had gripped him. 'He seemed a fellow in search of a shelter against the storms of court a few minutes ago, but it seems he has found safe harbour with the de Montfort gentleman."

'I do find myself a little curious to why you deem him cheeky though m'dear."

[Simon IV de Montfort]

"Calm is for winter, in a warmed bed with spiced wine," he says with a chuckle. "It's not winter yet, so bring the excitement I say. Will you be participating in the jousts Sir Simon?"

"Would it be proper of me to?"

The young boy's features show an obvious excitement at the prospect.

[Geoffrey of Tournemine]

"Would it be proper of me to?"

The young boy's features show an obvious excitement at the prospect.

"If you are confident in your skills, or simply wish to help sponsor the Crusasde, yes. The entrance fee is intended to support King Richard's efforts to do Gods will on earth," he said with a nod.

[Cearnach]

His gesture is caught by a perceptive eye, and his elbow is soon taken by none other than Matilda d'Aubigny.

"Ah, I see you know Lord Tournemine. He's a cheeky one, isn't he?"

'i met the man in passing yester eve," Giles replied to Matilda as he gently patted the hand that had gripped him. 'He seemed a fellow in search of a shelter against the storms of court a few minutes ago, but it seems he has found safe harbour with the de Montfort gentleman."

'I do find myself a little curious to why you deem him cheeky though m'dear."

Matilda shook her head slowly. "The man is a flirt, and almost as incorrigible as my sister. He came upon is the Abbey gardens, and to make a long story short, he promises to take us into London."