The Temple is a cheerier place than some might imagine. Sprawling, too, with auxiliaries of the order manning tables and fiddling with abaci up and down the principle hall. The templar knight leaves you in the capable hands of a yopic auxiliary, who looks up at the both of you with an exaggerated squint.

"How can the Order be of help to you gentlemen?" he asks in a distinctly Angoumois accent.

"Please, sir, I shall let you go first. I have a letter to address-" He turned from the Lord of Norfolk to the man at the bank.
"Perchance can one borrow some ink? I have a quill and parchment, but..."

If given the ink, he would move to a nearby surface and begin writing.

The ink was arranged post-haste, free of charge. The Earl, meanwhile, asks to see the Preceptor about a loan, mentioning an interesting opportunity, and is conducted into a back room.

Meanwhile Simon begins writing, before counting out 65 pounds from his satchel. Once done, he approaches the desk.

"I wish to send these to Amaury de Montfort - can you convert these pounds to Francs?"

(Letter is in PF)

"We certainly can, sir." And indeed they do, with an efficiency you had not thought to expect. Before you know it, the letter has been franked and set aside for the voyage home, the coins tucked where they need to be.

The young man behind the counter nods at the work done. "So, here for the coronation, then, sir?"

Simon nodded in reply.

"Indeed - it has certainly been a lively one, no?"

"I did not see it myself, but my brothers tell me a great bat disrupted the ceremony. Is this true? It seems a frightful omen."

"I did hear rumours, but saw nothing from where I was. It was further in the Abbey than I, but I know who to ask to verify. I agree it is a dark omen, though..."

"Makes you concerned, it does. But life is long, and omens have been overcome before. The Wheel turns, as they say." The auxiliary smiles good-naturedly, but there is a worried look in his eyes.