[D7 EE] Wales of behalf...or Scotland?

[Llywelyn mab Iorwerth]

Llwelyn feels distinctly out of place in the grandeur of the royal apartments, knowing how sparse his own holdings are back at home.

Of course, that's why he's the king and you are not

The young knight waits to be summoned.

[King Richard Lionheart]

The guard shows you in, revealing Richard standing by his table, looking at a set of maps. He turns his head to take you in and frowns.

"Ah, the Prince. You wanted something?"

[Llywelyn mab Iorwerth]

"You honor me Your Grace, but I fear that the title of "Prince" is too generous" Llwelyn bows, speaking in what he knows to be the King's perferred tongue. "I come to you as the holder of Dolwyddelan, and cannot make claims greater than that at the moment. Perhaps future favor of the Lord will shine upon me after the pilgrimage, but I do not wish to take airs that I have not earned."

"But, I have taken up your time, which I know is precious so I will not dither. I wished to thank you for your treatment of King William. It may sound strange to say, as one who is no subject of his, but the way you have regarded him has offered more than perhaps you know. You may have heard word of the Prince of Gwynned's seizure of Cardigan, but if I may so bold: no one voice speaks for Wales. No one voice even speaks for Gwynedd, split by warring brothers. Bitter rivals hold the south, and lords claim the authority of Wales or of England as it suits them.

"But the same could be said for Scotland, not too long ago in our history. King William, has managed to hold together factions as bad or as worse as Wales together. And for his service and commitment to the cause, you released him from his oaths to stand by your side as a brother King. In doing do, outsiders could see the immediate benefit: a willingness to pay back for his lost holding rather than betray the man who so richly rewarded him, and in doing so, bound himself tighter as an Earl subordinate to you once again."

"What you have done is a beacon Your Grace. A goal to aspire to, to quiet the chaos of my home and share in that brotherhood. I simply hope that we can prove ourselves worthy to the task, first at the walls of Jerusalem, and then in our own homes."

Llywelyn bows again. "That is all your Grace. I thank you for meeting with me"

[King Richard Lionheart]

Richard absorbs the speech, though partway through his leg starts to bounce.

"Right. So...I should give it to him because he's a great guy, reminds you of what you'd like to be, and because he'd swear homage to me. Do you know how many of these old farts call themselves Earls swore fealty to my father and then stabbed him in the back because my big brother asked 'em to? Homage is nice, but it's just words. Same as "I'm your brother" and "I love you." Maybe they're true right now, and maybe they're not, but don't trust in 'em forever, kid, or you'll end up like a de Braose dinner guest."

[Llywelyn mab Iorwerth]

Llwelyn's expression does not change. "I imagine a great many of them. But, with respect Your Grace, they are not about to leave to head to the East." He pauses. "I have found that loyalty, when returned with ardor only increases, and conversely, that when some feel that loyalty is misplaced they choose their own selfish ambitions. I believe that your actions have fanned the flames of the former.
"

[King Richard Lionheart]

The King frowns. "I hear you, Welshman."

[Llywelyn mab Iorwerth]

Llwelyn can feel the danger creeping closer. "But if you have concerns, Your Grace, perhaps there is a way to keep the benefit of your good works while, shall we say, secure your interests. If there is a particular part of your realm that troubles you, perhaps you could place a trusted advisor to act in your stead while you are away, someone such as Lord Marshal. It would be a position that would end upon your return, and there would be no change to title or holdings, so no Lords who you choose to monitor would have cause to object. In that way, whatever decisions you make of estates, you have a watchful eye to maintain your authority." Lllwelyn bows. "A humble suggestion your Grace"

[King Richard Lionheart]

Richard squints. "What the hell are you talking about? Is there a part of my lands that I should be worried about?"

[Llywelyn mab Iorwerth]

"I wished to address your concerns about King William, Your Grace. From your words I took it to mean that you did not trust them. If I misunderstood, then a thousand pardons"

[King Richard Lionheart]

"Oh, Scotland. Right. I thought you were talking about a specific threat from one of my Earls. I'd have to do something about that. Pronto."

[Llywelyn mab Iorwerth]

"As you say your Grace. I would imagine ideally a trusted ally." Llwelyn bows. "Thank you for taking to time to see this humble knight"

[King Richard Lionheart]

"Well, it was 14 years ago he was raiding as far south as Alnwick. I think there might be something to having a strong watch on the North. Not that I don't trust him, you see, but it may be that I need to disappoint him temporarily. I can't be worried about his feelings when I've got my own house to put in order, right? Of course right."

He leans forward. "So tell me, strategist. I've got Ranulf de Blondeville in Chester, I have Bishop Puiset in Durham. Is there a stronger watch needed in the North? Do I need to worry about my crazy aunt in Wales? What about Ireland? I know France will be stable as long as I can keep Philip in Outremer. And then I have one or two over-mighty Earls."

[Llywelyn mab Iorwerth]

Llwelyn considers the question carefully. "I suppose that depends, your Grace, on the rumor of whether you are choosing to deny the bid of William for that of Geoffrey of Tournemine. If so, I would argue that the Baron Grahen is the your piece in the North. "Caveat Emptor" as more learned me say: to whom seeks to obtain the benefits, must take the duties. If he has swayed Your Grace, then I shall not dispute your judgement, only that he would then be the first line of defense and a target of the King of Scotland, should he take offense."

"Were you to maintain the bid of William, as Northumbria is your territory, as part of your Kingdom, my initial thought had been to place the Lord Marshall, as he is well regarded by near all, especially the Queen. "

"But if that is not required, by a similar logic, he would be a calm and composed presence in Ireland, where he could act in your stead without impugning the authority of... Your Emimable brother, Prince John."

Here's hoping he agrees with pretty much everyone that John needs watching

"As for Wales..." Llwelyn actually can't fight back a chuckle. "If I might slander my own home, I would say that right now there is no Land of Wales: English lords hold the south. The Kingdom of Gwynned is fractured by warring brothers. While my relationship with Lady Emma remains that of a cordial relation by marriage, my impression has been that her desire is to be allowed to govern their holdings in peace. The Welsh have enough problems among themselves: perhaps one Lord acts out, but I do not believe them capable of extended or concerted action any time soon. Of course, I am biased in that regard Your Grace"

[King Richard Lionheart]

"The occupation of Ceredigion would suggest that the Welsh are not incapable of concerted action, but I will be content if their struggles are limited to Wales herself. I do take your point on Ireland, the addition of the de Clares there will create its own troubles, as my little brother is quite pissed at their purchase of Leinster. The Marshal would be a better partner for de Clare, I think. Less likely to inflame the locals. John can have Gloucester or nothing."

[Llywelyn mab Iorwerth]

Llwelyn does his best to not show a sign. "I believe your Grace is wise. I believe that you would find that the press the leaders of Gwynned that the cost of not having your armies there is a lack of theirs outside of Wales, they would not press."

"And, with due respect to Your Grace's brother, I believe he would find that the loss of Irish holdings, that they would trade places with him in a heartbeat"

[King Richard Lionheart]

"Leave John in Ireland? No, that wouldn't do at all. He's made such a pig's ear of it, and anyway the de Clare's just paid a large some for the transfer. Gloucester's his through that silly marriage. I'd have to harm the legacy of Miles of Gloucester by stripping his daughter of the title. My God, this is all such a headache! No, he has to have something to screw up or he'll screw up everything, and I'd rather I didn't have to hire a bunch of ships to get to him to mess him up when he does."

"Now, this bit about Marshal keeping an eye on the de Clares in Ireland, that's interesting. I think he wanted to go on Crusade, but that's no great matter. I'll ensconce him at Wexford and Waterford."