[D3, LM, Court] The Lion and the White Tower

[King Richard Lionheart]

Court today opens much like that of yesterday, save that the King is already present as the first nobles arrive, standing in front of his chair in stormy discussion in Occitan with the Earl Marshal and Prince John. Queen Eleanor is not in attendance, but King William enters with a pair of Scottish knights, and the German princes have taken up their position on the right side of the Hall.

[Aubrey de Vere]

Also in attendance today is the ancient husk of Aubrey de Vere, Earl of Oxford. He is quietly speaking with his son, Robert, near to the dais.

[Richard de Redvers]

Arriving just before the first of the player characters, the other end of the age spectrum, 15-year-old Richard de Redvers, steps into the hall, his slender build flanked by two men, one of which might be a knight, but the other one is certainly an administrator of some kind, judging by the writing materials he has under his arm. The Men of Devon take a position near to the exit.

[Geoffrey of Tournemine]

Geoffrey is present and unlike the day before, does not avoid the collection of those present at the head of the court. He presents himself for the king, clearly offering his support in whatever discussion he is having, in such a way that he could easily be included or dismissed as Richard wished.

[Simon IV de Montfort]

Simon de Montfort does appear in court, although somewhat subdued and lost in thought as he examines the courts.

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[Andre l'Ecrivain]

Andre, entering as if emerging from a fog, finds a place that accommodates his bulk and his writing, and he makes ready to transcribe all he can. Today, it is clear he has several books slipped up his sleeves and in his hood.

What'd you think those were for on a scholar?

~~~~~
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[King Richard Lionheart]

Geoffrey is present and unlike the day before, does not avoid the collection of those present at the head of the court. He presents himself for the king, clearly offering his support in whatever discussion he is having, in such a way that he could easily be included or dismissed as Richard wished.

The King's temper this morning is set to high, and the glower he is fixing on John is epic in its intensity.

Double-talk as you will, brother. The state of it! What defense could possibly be conducted?

[Prince John]

It's never come under attack, Your Grace. John's tone is weary, and he almost chokes on the honorific.

[King Richard Lionheart]

"That's just plain luck. You can't have an indefensible capital. I'm not having an indefensible capital, no matter if the nearest enemy is holed up in Paris. It's just not done."

[Prince John]

"Suit yourself," John mutters. He turns to Geoffrey, a look of weary forbearance crossing his face.

"The wind of change, cousin. It sweeps all aside."

[Andre l'Ecrivain]

Ah, thinks Andre. Somewhat to do already.

He scribbles furiously on his waxen tablets, making rough notes from which to take .

The King of England and his brother did have words together at the high place in the Hall of Westminster, as the King of Scotland, the Earl Marshal, and sundry others did look and listen on. Their disagreement was clear, although the brother relented in the face of the King, as was right and just. [speak with others to get the brothers' speech]

Just so long as the King does not follow Cain, he thinks. Others have before, as the stories hold that the English tell.

[Geoffrey of Tournemine]

Geoffrey observed the argument with a neutral face. Then he focuses more on Richard. "It hasn't been attacked before. But why tempt fate? Christendom is about to embark with holy purpose. It is a chance for heretical enemy and opportunist alike. We should at least minimize that risk."

[King Richard Lionheart]

Richard grunts. "Damn right. It should never have come to this."

[William Marshal]

the Marshal nods grimly in reply, and then steps aside to allow Richard to address the crowd.

[King Richard Lionheart]

"My Lords," Richard bellows, his brows knitted in fury, "the White Tower is a shambles. No army could hold it, and no army could fail to take it. Your wars against Celts and Gauls in their countries have made you blind to the defense of your own. This you will correct. I want plans submitted to me for the Tower's improvement today. Get to it."

He sits down, then winces. "Oh, and bring your business or receive My Justice...or whatever." With a final, dismissive wave of his hand, the King falls silent.

[Prince John]

John looks at Geoffrey helplessly, as though to say see what I have to work with?

[Andre l'Ecrivain]

Still upon his waxen tablets, Andre scribbles.

The King declares a desire to refit the White Tower, that William had built.

He blinks, suddenly, realizing Oh, wait, there is much that would be disrupted thereby. All those people forced away.

[Geoffrey of Tournemine]

When the king addresses the court Geoffrey takes a step back to listen with John. "Cousin, God has placed an enormous responsibility on his shoulders. He worries not only for his people but for all of God's children. That he wishes to ensure the safety of his people while he is away is only natural. I don't leave my home without ensuring that it is protected and safe first, I imagine you don't either, so why should we question if he does the same. But the stresses of ruling a kingdom, we cannot quite understand, so we need patience and understanding when he cannot afford them as the luxuries they are."

[Andre l'Ecrivain]

Galfridus Torneminesis spoke in the King's support, as was just and proper, citing the inability of those not kings to understand the duties of kings.

But is not the duty of a king to the people, as the shepherd's to the flock--rather than the pasture? Yes, fence out the wolves, but if the sheep are starved thereby, what good is it to have the fence?

Andre ponders.

Perhaps there is a middle way.

[Prince John]

When the king addresses the court Geoffrey takes a step back to listen with John. "Cousin, God has placed an enormous responsibility on his shoulders. He worries not only for his people but for all of God's children. That he wishes to ensure the safety of his people while he is away is only natural. I don't leave my home without ensuring that it is protected and safe first, I imagine you don't either, so why should we question if he does the same. But the stresses of ruling a kingdom, we cannot quite understand, so we need patience and understanding when he cannot afford them as the luxuries they are."

John nods slowly. "A good mindset to have, cousin. And a safe one. I hope that it will spread widely among the nobility."

[Simon IV de Montfort]

The Baron nods at the proclamation. It is wise to try and rebuild, but he is unsure if he would be of any use in doing so.

[Geoffrey of Tournemine]

John nods slowly. "A good mindset to have, cousin. And a safe one. I hope that it will spread widely among the nobility."

He smiled at John, "Come now. It's not a rumor so it will spread like sap if it does at all. But if a few of us hold to such reasonableness then it will make the king's job just a mite easier."

[Giles de Braose]

Giles slinks into court late, having missed the announcement and entertainmemt of the early passes, he assumes a seat near Andre, spotting a kindred spirit.

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"No Queen Mother today, or has she departed already?" He asked in a quiet voice.

[Llywelyn mab Iorwerth]

Llwelyn is there waiting, curious about what is happening.

[Andre l'Ecrivain]

"No Queen Mother today, or has she departed already?" He asked in a quiet voice.

Somewhat sotto voce, Andre says as he shakes his head "I did not see her, so if she left, it was earlier. But the King, God save him, has bidden us generate plans for the restoration and improvement of the White Tower. And so, of course, such must be made."

[Giles de Braose]

Somewhat sotto voce, Andre says as he shakes his head "I did not see her, so if she left, it was earlier. But the King, God save him, has bidden us generate plans for the restoration and improvement of the White Tower. And so, of course, such must be made."

"And what his Majesty wants, he gets obviously." Giles agrees, while searching eyes scan the room. "But I don't see many here likely to have a grasp of architecture or similar fields of study."

[Andre l'Ecrivain]

"And what his Majesty wants, he gets obviously." Giles agrees, while searching eyes scan the room. "But I don't see many here likely to have a grasp of architecture or similar fields of study."

Andre looks about, thinks about those he saw in the previous days.

"There might be more than would be thought," he says. "I know I am not alone in studying what our forebears wrote for us to read, even if what I read and what they do differ. But perhaps some have read their Caesar, or their Vegetius, and more recently than I."

[Giles de Braose]

Andre looks about, thinks about those he saw in the previous days.

"There might be more than would be thought," he says. "I know I am not alone in studying what our forebears wrote for us to read, even if what I read and what they do differ. But perhaps some have read their Caesar, or their Vegetius, and more recently than I."

"You are right of course," Giles concedes. "prejudging these great men and women based on nothing more than supposition and assumption is an exercise doomed to failure. I am sure they all have their hidden talents." He adds as he studies the room, trying to see who might be excited by the proposed redevelopment exercise.

[Andre l'Ecrivain]

"You are right of course," Giles concedes. "prejudging these great men and women based on nothing more than supposition and assumption is an exercise doomed to failure. I am sure they all have their hidden talents." He adds as he studies the room, trying to see who might be excited by the proposed redevelopment exercise.

Andre nods.

"God gives us all talents in our measure, as suits Him," he says. "My own, of course, lay aside from siegecraft--although I recognize that skill in that would help with the design of fortifications. Yet as concerns stewardship, which would provide for their upkeep and maintenance, in that, I am fortunate to have some ability."

He smiles, perhaps somewhat sadly. "I am of some use to my family, after all."

[Simon IV de Montfort]

"You are right of course," Giles concedes. "prejudging these great men and women based on nothing more than supposition and assumption is an exercise doomed to failure. I am sure they all have their hidden talents." He adds as he studies the room, trying to see who might be excited by the proposed redevelopment exercise.

Andre nods.

"God gives us all talents in our measure, as suits Him," he says. "My own, of course, lay aside from siegecraft--although I recognize that skill in that would help with the design of fortifications. Yet as concerns stewardship, which would provide for their upkeep and maintenance, in that, I am fortunate to have some ability."

He smiles, perhaps somewhat sadly. "I am of some use to my family, after all."

While unable to hear their previous conversation, the young baron approached and bowed.

"Please forgive my intrusions, sirs - may I join you?"