The opening of this morning's court features the festive jingling of dozens of bells and the clattering of happy sticks. You guessed it, the Morris dancers are in town!

The Queen and her ladies look on with marked bemusement at the white-clothed, flower-bedecked, high-socked men and their cries of raucous laughter as they clack sticks and hop about to the music of pipe and sackbut!

The German Princes are more astonished than amused, while knots and gaggles of Englishmen beam with pride at their national dance.

On his throne, Richard sits like a statue, though his leg jumps at a furious rate with his excess energy.

Geoffrey moves through the court, around all the dancing, and seeks the attention of the d'Aubigny group. He had heard news of certain things and wondered if he might be able to arrange something ambitious. It was a curious risk for him as he tended on the side of caution. At least in stately matters.

The young Baron finds a seat out of the way of the main events, watching these... dancers mow-riss, as they called themselves, with a silent awe.

He had never seen anything like this in his life! What was this?

((Pm or quote if approached, please))

Giles entered the court and on scanning the room, immediately settled upon a spot where he hoped to sit and enjoy the show. He bowed to the dais and its esteemed personages out of courtesy before making his way around the room, his voice whisper-singing with the tune the dancers cavorted along to.

Nearing his preferred seat, he procured two cups of wine from one of the page boys and with a smile and an extended offering of one of the cups he looked upon Marie.

"Is this seat taken m'lady?" He asked politely and softly in his unmistakably rich, deep voice.

On this day did the King hold court, and he did summon into it morris dancers, whose capering was a delight to all true English people. Indeed, it was clear that some of those in attendance had to have strains of English blood within them, as they joyed in the displays. So might it be known that there is commonality among all peoples, even as the Scriptures promise that in the eyes of the Father, there is neither Jew nor Gentile, nor slave nor free, nor man nor woman, but all are as one in Christ.

~~~~~
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Earl de Beaumont appears in court after a couple of days attending other affairs, looking around as impressed as he usually does with other human beings. But he's as close to Richard's throne as his station warrants, eager to remind all of his fidelity to the new king.

Robert Whitehands wrote: ↑

Tue Sep 14, 2021 4:57 pm

Earl de Beaumont appears in court after a couple of days attending other affairs, looking around as impressed as he usually does with other human beings. But he's as close to Richard's throne as his station warrants, eager to remind all of his fidelity to the new king.

Grandfather?

Shaking off his fascination with... what did they call them? 'Danseurs Maurice?', He subtly moved in the direction of his grandfather. At a reasonable distance, the only polite thing to do was to wait for invitation to speak with him.

Geoffrey of Tournemine wrote: ↑

Tue Sep 14, 2021 6:59 am

Geoffrey moves through the court, around all the dancing, and seeks the attention of the d'Aubigny group. He had heard news of certain things and wondered if he might be able to arrange something ambitious. It was a curious risk for him as he tended on the side of caution. At least in stately matters.

He is able to find the Earl and his eldest son in observing the Morris dancers on the right hand side of the court. They greet him pleasantly. Apparently, the report on yesterday's excursion was well-received by the men of the house.

Perhaps made more prominent by the sudden importance of cash, a figure that had remained largely in the shadows is suddenly very obviously present. Earl de Ferrers, the man with the Midas Touch, and the personal banker of the last king--in the sense that Henry II would let him make money for a couple years and then steal it all.

de Ferrers is currently having what appears to be a disagreement with a knight wearing the livery of the Earl of Essex, though the details are fuzzy from your remove.

Earl William d'Aubigny wrote: ↑

Tue Sep 14, 2021 6:51 pm

He is able to find the Earl and his eldest son in observing the Morris dancers on the right hand side of the court. They greet him pleasantly. Apparently, the report on yesterday's excursion was well-received by the men of the house.

He was glad for it. But he also wondered if either of the girls had mentioned anything about suggested haste. "Good morning, Earl Arundel, Lord William. I am pleased to see you again." He bowed to the men respectfully.

Geoffrey of Tournemine wrote: ↑

Tue Sep 14, 2021 7:07 pm

He was glad for it. But he also wondered if either of the girls had mentioned anything about suggested haste. "Good morning, Earl Arundel, Lord William. I am pleased to see you again." He bowed to the men respectfully.

"And I, you, Lord Geoffrey," William replies. The Earl gives a friendly nod, his foot tapping along to the music.

Earl William d'Aubigny wrote: ↑

Tue Sep 14, 2021 8:33 pm

"And I, you, Lord Geoffrey," William replies. The Earl gives a friendly nod, his foot tapping along to the music.

Geoffrey patted his hip with the music. "You've got quite the group of talented folks you brought with for court. I imagine that I could have come up with such plans for the White tower myself if not for Lady Matilda and Giles assistance."

Geoffrey of Tournemine wrote: ↑

Tue Sep 14, 2021 8:37 pm

Earl William d'Aubigny wrote: ↑

Tue Sep 14, 2021 8:33 pm

"And I, you, Lord Geoffrey," William replies. The Earl gives a friendly nod, his foot tapping along to the music.

Geoffrey patted his hip with the music. "You've got quite the group of talented folks you brought with for court. I imagine that I could have come up with such plans for the White tower myself if not for Lady Matilda and Giles assistance."

"Well, our Matilda has always been one for the books. And that Giles does his father proud." The Earl nodded sagely. "I'm glad that they acquitted themselves so well."

Earl William d'Aubigny wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 15, 2021 12:27 am

"Well, our Matilda has always been one for the books. And that Giles does his father proud." The Earl nodded sagely. "I'm glad that they acquitted themselves so well."

"Lady Matilda mentioned yesterday that you were likely to take the cross," Geoffrey says with a warm smile.

"It has occurred to me, sir," the Earl of Arundel replies. "I am sure that I am not the only one of rank to have considered it. The King strikes a good example, and it is a worthy cause, after all." He nods twice. "I don't suppose that you're think of it as well?"

Margaret has attended court, hoping the Morris Dancers would do the sword dance. If they don't she won't recommend them to her father.

As though on command, out come the swords.

Simon IV de Montfort wrote: ↑

Tue Sep 14, 2021 5:06 pm

Grandfather?

Shaking off his fascination with... what did they call them? 'Danseurs Maurice?', He subtly moved in the direction of his grandfather. At a reasonable distance, the only polite thing to do was to wait for invitation to speak with him.

Whitehands notes the young man's approach and, when doing so won't cause concern or disruption, moves closer so they might speak.

"Good morning, Baron Montfort," the earl says with uncharacteristic warmth. Of course, warmth from him is akin to more general kindness from others. "I'm glad to see you," Whitehands says, genuinely happy if not especially emotive about it.

Earl William d'Aubigny wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 15, 2021 1:45 am

"It has occurred to me, sir," the Earl of Arundel replies. "I am sure that I am not the only one of rank to have considered it. The King strikes a good example, and it is a worthy cause, after all." He nods twice. "I don't suppose that you're think of it as well?"

"It is not on my mind in particular. It is certainly a cause worth fighting for, some might say the only. However, some men will need to stay back to keep homes safe while others bask in God's glory."

"I was simply more curious about whether that meant it might be better to speak and act now, before you go, about the potential to tie our houses through matrimony. I must admit to being taken with both of the Ladies d'Aubigny. I would ask your wisdom and view."

The switch to the sword dance is noticed but not acted on, still just keeping time on his hip with a patting hand.

Robert Whitehands wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 15, 2021 4:05 am

Whitehands notes the young man's approach and, when doing so won't cause concern or disruption, moves closer so they might speak.

"Good morning, Baron Montfort," the earl says with uncharacteristic warmth. Of course, warmth from him is akin to more general kindness from others. "I'm glad to see you," Whitehands says, genuinely happy if not especially emotive about it.

Providing an appropriate bow, Simon's tone is appreciative, but even. As a young lord, there was a certain respect and decorum required of him in the courts. "Honoured Earl, It is good to see you as well. How long has it been since we last had the chance to speak?"

Geoffrey of Tournemine wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 15, 2021 7:47 am

"It is not on my mind in particular. It is certainly a cause worth fighting for, some might say the only. However, some men will need to stay back to keep homes safe while others bask in God's glory."

"I was simply more curious about whether that meant it might be better to speak and act now, before you go, about the potential to tie our houses through matrimony. I must admit to being taken with both of the Ladies d'Aubigny. I would ask your wisdom and view."

The switch to the sword dance is noticed but not acted on, still just keeping time on his hip with a patting hand.

"Hm.." It doesn't seem that Arundel is convinced about people needing to stay home. His son, though, seems sympathetic. "Well, matrimony is a serious business, Sir, and usually betokens further cooperation. Let's hear a little of the greater plan, first, before we rush into questions of venue and the name of the bride."

Earl William d'Aubigny wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 15, 2021 6:27 pm

"Hm.." It doesn't seem that Arundel is convinced about people needing to stay home. His son, though, seems sympathetic. "Well, matrimony is a serious business, Sir, and usually betokens further cooperation. Let's hear a little of the greater plan, first, before we rush into questions of venue and the name of the bride."

"I would provide you support from among my few knights and fighting men, whose fervor for the crusade matches your own. I would not deny them the opportunity to serve god in the way they know how, and I would be glad for them to be watching the backs of potential family."

He pauses only a moment before continuing, with the much bolder part of his plan. Bolder than sending men he cared for to their potential deaths nearly a world away from him.

"But I would also like to, should the marriage be agreed to, make one of your daughters a countess. It is a strange, rare and odd opportunity that the King presents. But through cooperation, and a shared burden, Arundel and Brittany could build a bridge through Northumbria."

Arundel raises his eyebrows.

"That's some plan. But not an unwelcome one. I've had Puiset sniffing around for funding, too, and heaven knows the Bishop of Durham doesn't need more territory. I hear Essex is after it as well."

He pauses, focusing back on the situation. "I wish there were more time to consider. Your sister is not in the best position, and it would be well, perhaps, if someone were at hand with the power to refuse unacceptable requests from unexpected quarters. Brittany will likely become more important after the Crusade as well." A pause. "And the girls seem to like you," he adds as an afterthought.

"Alright, why not? Have you given consideration as to which daughter?"

"That would be like choosing which eye to keep," he says with a grimace. And as I have said, I was raised among strong women with opinions of their own. I would know their hearts on this. But I will pledge to you that whichever of them you and they should decide on will be loved, respected and well taken care of. On my honor." His eyes, lovely as they are, spoke to his true intentions.

Before a response can come, he thinks better of what he said. He holds up a hand. "No, that is not right. I would not leave a decision to two young women for something I am unwilling to decide."

He goes to get a bit of paper and ink from one of the scribes so he can quickly pen a letter, then returns and hands it to the Earl Arundel. "Give them the opportunity to help you choose. If they are insistent on knowing my own heart on the matter, it is written here for you. If you wish to read it, then do, if it is not necessary, burn it. I have given you my thoughts on the matter and made my decision. It is the least important opinion of all of those involved because I would care for either dearly."

"Right. Well, I shall give it some consideration and get back to you soon on that one." He paused, tucking the letter into his belt. "But I do appreciate your assurances. One wants to see his daughters happy."

Your future brother-in-law has an eyebrow raised. What a curious display. He must be a Romantic after all.

Simon IV de Montfort wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 15, 2021 1:57 pm

Robert Whitehands wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 15, 2021 4:05 am

Whitehands notes the young man's approach and, when doing so won't cause concern or disruption, moves closer so they might speak.

"Good morning, Baron Montfort," the earl says with uncharacteristic warmth. Of course, warmth from him is akin to more general kindness from others. "I'm glad to see you," Whitehands says, genuinely happy if not especially emotive about it.

Providing an appropriate bow, Simon's tone is appreciative, but even. As a young lord, there was a certain respect and decorum required of him in the courts. "Honoured Earl, It is good to see you as well. How long has it been since we last had the chance to speak?"

"Let us simply call it too long delayed," the earl says, looking a little unhappy to recall the reality, but he pushes ahead. "How are you finding the court? It no doubt feels far from home, hm?"