Oh, What a Beautiful Morning (open)

[sheriff_vaizey]

Who: Open to Michaelmas partygoers
What: An after-party brunch
Where: Nottingham Castle, Great Hall
When: 30 September, late morning

Comments

[bran_ap_cadwgan]

Hood had stolen Gisborne's land? And...good God, Guy had a sister?! At that moment, Bran was eternally grateful that he had not chosen to take a drink of wine or bite of meat when Nicholas spoke. The knight should have felt equal relief, for his face would have sported a spray of said comestibles. Or perhaps the food would have just lodged in Bran's windpipe. Either way, luck had smiled on the Cymry.

Bran coughed into his sleeve to hide his surprise, but couldn't disguise it entirely. Cach, he'd rather take a punch in he stomach than have new catch him so offguard.

A sister... And Hood had seen to it that Guy departed the Gisborne lands at the point of an arrow. Basdun! At least Gisborne had recovered his lands. Still, to suffer such disgrace and dishonor at the hands of the mongrel... Bran's eyes sought the door to the corridor that eventually led to the dungeons. He should march down to the cells that instant and gut the disgusting wolfshead. For the good of all mankind. Only a supreme act of will stopped Bran. The muscles on his jaw stood out as he clenched his teeth. Guy possessed every right to the joy of torturing Hood, alone, to within an inch of the outlaw's filthy life.

"Saints blood," Bran said after composing himself. Frowning, he shook his head in disbelief and disapproval. "It seems Sir Guy is justified in every bit of hatred he feels toward Hood. Stealing lands and driving off its true owners - that is an irreprehensible act, especially when the owners are but children." Ah yes, an act the Ffreincs performed daily. No wonder Hood loved the devil king so dearly! With behavior such as that, they got on beautifully. "He will take great joy in seeing Hood meet death, then." Bran smiled. Why bother hide his own joy at that event?

Then he sobered at the thought of...Bella? "Odd that I have not heard news of Gisborne's sister. But perhaps she has married and moved from the Isles, returned to the Gisborne's relatives or ancestral home."

Once, during the trip back from the Holy Land, Bran had mentioned his family and made a passing inquiry regarding Guy's kin. The lieutenant stated in no uncertain terms that he possessed no family. Did he not trust the Cymry? Or... Denial of that level could mean only one thing: disownment. The siblings must have squabbled and then one of them had distanced themselves. Since Gisborne remained in Nottinghamshire, the sister must have instigated the falling out. Interesting.

"I must ask Gisborne about the subject sometime," Bran murmured, almost to himself.

((OOC Yes, don't worry, Imma discuss the night's "fun" w/Nico in a minute.))

[nico_debeaumont]

Nico smiled at Sir Brian's shock. He did so love being the bearer of scandalous news. "Justified indeed," he replied softly. Perhaps as word of Locksley's past form spread around Nottinghamshire it might jolt the memories of those who had witnessed it and deified the man regardless. As Elizabeth had told it, not only did every maid swoon at his name, but every man clawed at his breast in agony that he could not join his intrepid gang of criminals. And yet Guy, dispossessed and banished from his home was treated with nothing but emnity. Of course, he did not appear eager to grant himself any favour on that matter; perhaps Guy might be better loved if he could bear to attempt cordiality with those who offered it. He had never been the most...sociable of people.

"As will we all," he agreed, smile becoming harder, fiercer. "Few have taken more and received less punishment for it." He cocked an eyebrow. "No news at all? Somewhat strange, yes, although I do not doubt that Guy is unwilling to speak much of his past."

[bran_ap_cadwgan]

Bran smiled at Nicholas's anticipation of the execution. Maybe after the outlaw's head graced a pike atop the castle, Nicholas would enjoy a bit of...hunting in Sherwood forest.

Unwilling... Perhaps. When speaking with the lieutenant, Bran had never seen the point in pursuing the topic of Gisborne's past. He hadn't suspected that Guy suffered disgrace at Hood's hands during their childhood. Why did Gisborne not speak of the injustice? Perhaps he felt ashamed that Hood had managed to leave him in such desperate straits. The lieutenant usually preferred conversation topics that focused on his strengths. Failing that, his enemies' weaknesses also made fine subjects, so long as they placed him in a positive light. Who could blame him?

The Cymry shrugged, maintaining a casual air. "Perhaps. I have had little chance to speak with him in private during my stay here thus far. After the excitement dies down, Gisborne will no doubt be amenable to a round of drinks at the Trip. He will deserve a few tankards after the capture last night." Bran grinned as he remembered the thrill of combat. Hopefully the rest of Hood's merry band of rats would put up an equal fight.

Bran winced then. "A shame he could not have played a larger role in the fight. If he and not his manservant had been present, I would have made an effort to be a part of the...endeavors in the dungeons. As it is, however, I would feel as if I were stealing his reward." A shame indeed.

[nico_debeaumont]

Nicholas laughed. "The Trip to Jerusalem? Good God, is that iniquitous hole still serving its swill to the poor bastards that darken its door? Tell me, has the ale improved at all, or does one still risk blindness with every mouthful?" He shook his head, smiling. "With Locksley already subdued, it might be the only place of entertainment left in Nottingham. Perhaps I ought not to remind myself of its negative qualities. Five years is a long time for an alehouse. I suppose by now it might be the finest establishment in Nottingham. And Guy has certainly earned his plaudits. I understand Locksley evaded capture for quite some time."

He cocked his head in response to Brian's next comment, and grinned. "I do not doubt that Guy is making up for missing the capture itself. And do not fret too hard about his absence from the fray. He practically gave me his blessing to apprehend the wolfshead on his behalf when we spoke at Locksley. I get the impression that he will appreciate better an uninterrupted session in the dungeons than the arrest itself. As you said, he has his own reward."

[bran_ap_cadwgan]

Bran snorted and smiled at Nicholas's comments regarding Guy. "True enough. A man after my own heart."

After taking a bite of meat, Bran returned to the topic of the inn. "Was the Trip to Jerusalem Inn really that rowdy?" The place hadn't seemed as disreputable as other inns the Cymry had occupied. "It must have changed; I have seen far worse inns. It does seem to be the most...entertaining in Nottingham town, however." He must remember not to set fire to this tavern. If, as Nicholas said, the shire would fall into the doldrums of law and order without the outlaws about, Bran would need a reliable place of amusement. The clientele usually proved easy marks, too.With any luck, however, the Sheriff and the Black Knights' plans to take back the nation would provide enough diversion.

"Its clientele could be a bit more interesting, however," Bran continued after a gulp of wine. "It was there that I met our good friend James of Taversall." He smirked, cocking his brows to hint at his true feelings toward the man. "Apparently he lives nearby. Unfortunately, he took a keen dislike to me the moment he laid eyes on me." His smirk grew to a grin as he added, "I can't imagine why; he sympathizes with the king and crusaded with him, so one would assume that we would get on splendidly."

[nico_debeaumont]

Nicholas gave a smile. "Not rowdy, per se. I am a little...particular when it comes to my drink. Even the finest quickly sours if it is poorly stored and carelessly served. I had little faith that the staff at the place made any effort to avoid either pitfall. With luck it has fallen into different hands." He thought for a second. "And employed an entirely new workforce."

Nico couldn't help but snigger at the face Sir Brian pulled when he spoke of Sir James. "He told me you were insane. Apparently he fought with the religious orders over there. I could certainly tell some of their piety rubbed off onto him." Nico assumed that Brian would know what he meant by 'over there'. "I sincerely doubt he feels the true thirst for combat as do we. Perhaps there is a little of the zealot in the man. You know the type; praying ferverently for the souls he has cut down in battle, instead of being glad that he bested them at all. And he does live nearby; there's a village called Teversal not far that he owns. But do not pretend that you are cut so deeply by his distaste for you. He was rather preoccupied with you and your madness, even before he could point you out to me. What on Earth did you do to the man, to unsettle him so much?"

[bran_ap_cadwgan]

Bran snorted in amusement at Nicholas's description of the inn's staff and drink. True, the ale could never hope to match that found in taverns that wealthy clientele frequented, but it did come at a far lower cost. Not that Bran worried much over price; he could usually...convince the barkeeper or serving wench to top off his tankard for free. Who wouldn't give few rounds of drink in exchange for a guarantee that their throat would stay remain where it normally resided and their inn would see the light of the morrow and not that of an inferno?

The Cymry couldn't help but laugh as Nicholas related James's impression of him. Excellent! The Ffreinc's obsession with Bran meant he feared the mercenary. Bran grinned at the thought of James tossing and turning on his cot as nightmares of spear-wielding Cymry haunted his sleep.

"Yes, he certainly seemed the type for religious life. Though he holds land, he still dresses as a commoner. He acts little better, I might add." He shook his head in disappointment. "He may call himself a knight, but, as you say, he would rather pray over corpses than make his enemies join them."

Bran let his gaze unfocus past Nicholas, a smirk of enjoyment curling the Cymry's lip. "I can only guess as to why he thinks me mad, though." His eyes slid back to meet Nicholas's. "I was sitting with a few of the locals, perfectly content with their company and that of my tankard, when he barged in," Bran said, only half attempting to appear innocent. "The moment he came within a few paces of me, he appeared ready to strike me! I made mundane conversation, speaking of hunting and the local politics, but he never lowered his guard. Why, when I proffered my hand, he refused to take it!" Bran's look of mock surprise lasted only an instant before the mocking glint returned to his eyes as he continued, "I only taunted him a bit, and he had only a sliver of a reason to suspect I would draw my blade on him." He shrugged. "I could hardly resist with such an excitable mark before me."

[nico_debeaumont]

Ready to strike, indeed. Nicholas grinned. He knew horseshit when he smelled it. "You are a very bad man," he informed Brian, without bothering to straighten his face. Even if he did, surely his companion would not be fooled; "to tease an old soldier so." Not that he gave a tinker's damn for injured feelings on the part of either man. Unless it was entertaining enough to discuss. If a knight of England had lost his nerve as far even letting himself be cowed by the (admittedly somewhat rambunctious, if memory served) sports of another, perhaps all he required was a little further prodding to stir his blood and restore his previous vigour. If there had been any. On the other hand of course, it might accelerate the collapse of his social composure altogether. Either he would capitulate entirely (and in that case, Nicholas would merely have expedited the inevitable) or he would be dragged from his doldrums into a true man once more. After all, Nico was somewhat indebted to him for the loan of a weapon last night. It did not do to fail to repay such assistance. Looking around, Nicholas pulled a face. "I do not see him now," he commented. "It seems there is precious little entertainment in here this morning. I must own, however, that I am glad that he was feeling too delicate to participate in last night's excitement. Without his disinterest, I would have been forced to fight with those abominations the castle guards seem to call swords. At least his weapon is well kept, if not his fervour for the fight."

[bran_ap_cadwgan]

Bran returned Nicholas's grin. Saints, the more he spoke with the man, the more he found he enjoyed his company. He lacked Guy's severity and somber temperament, but he shared the lieutenant's love of combat and biting sarcasm. Why had Bran not seen Guy and Nicholas together more often before the ball? Nicholas apparently held no animosity toward Gisborne, which meant either preparations for the ball had absorbed Guy's attention, or...he held a grudge against the knight. Interesting. Bran would investigate that lead later.

"Very bad? Some would say the worst," he replied. In fact, most people who remained alive long enough in battle (or...other exploits) to realize how quickly their life drained from them called him evil. "It looked to me like the old Crusader had lost a bit of his holy fire, so to speak. I was merely trying to determine how many of the coals still glowed." He smirked.

At Nicholas's mention of using James's sword, the Cymry gave a snort of amusement. "At least he proved of some use, then. He should have simply gifted the blade to you. Being used by yourself in the pursuit of outlaws would be a far better fate for such a fine weapon than would rotting in a scabbard under the cot of a retired monk."

He frowned then as his gaze wandered to the nearest soldier's chunk of iron ore. "They really are terrible," he muttered. Both the guards and their weapons. "But if I saw them outfitted with better equipment, they would only kill each other and themselves faster, incompetent, untrainable fools that they are."

[nico_debeaumont]

Nicholas gave a shrug, and picked up another piece of meat from his plate. "Mere embers, at best, he remarked bluntly, "although I suspect with ample provocation they might blaze again." Putting the food in his mouth, he chewed as Brian spoke, mumbling a laugh through closed lips as the other man complained about Nottingham's guard force. "Egregious," he agreed. "It's all that can be expected of trying to train serfs. I would expect to be informed that they accidentally cut off their own toes more regularly than they expel or repel undesirables. Think about it; last night not only did Locksley gain entry to the ball, no doubt he was planning on leaving with full pockets. Who would break into an enemy's stronghold merely to thumb his nose at him? Half the rooms in the castle were likely ransacked. Somehow he got past them, explored a fortified building unchallenged and even made an appearance at the ball itself. Who knows how long he was mingling with guests? If the guards were mine, I would have them all slaughtered by their replacements."

[bran_ap_cadwgan]

Bran smiled into his wine at Nicholas's suggestion of stirring the embers. "Perhaps I should pay old James a visit in Taversal someday. Now that I am residing in Nottingham town, I would so hate for him to think badly of me." He grinned, eyes shining with barely concealed ill intent. Mayhap Nicholas would want to join him...

Nicholas's view of the guards mirrored Bran's own. Bran would assume Nicholas knew that command of the soldiers resided in hands other than those of their drillmaster. The Cymry frowned and shook his head, jaw clenching in disgust as he swirled the remaining wine in his goblet. The liquid, dark and thick, resembled the blood he wished he could make spurt from the guards' throats. "I quite agree about the guards' fate. And knowing the Sheriff, I would have assumed he would be the first to order their execution as an example to all others against failing in their duties to him.

"Yet..." He trailed off, his gaze lifting to Nicholas's. "I cannot say it is entirely their fault. I questioned Gisborne regarding the guard patrols and stations before the ball. He seemed to think my interrogation odd, for he intimated that any servant could tell me the same information. The guards' assignments at the guest rooms were left to the guests themselves." Bran rubbed his chin in thought. "The entire arrangement of soldiers in the castle was..." Foolish. Odd. Suspicious. He left the sentence unfinished but gave Nicholas a slight smile. "It would almost seem as if the Sheriff wanted to use the ball as a trap. Considering the end result, it worked rather well, aside from the fact that the rat's companions stole the bait."

[nico_debeaumont]

Nicholas snorted. "Unless you wish to be received like the invading barbarian hordes I suggest that you bring along a companion to accompany you. Somebody he believes in full command of their faculties. I would otherwise suggest flying stricken colours, if I did not so keenly wish to avoid the same fate for my face. He does not merely think you eccentric; he imagines your appetite for his blood rampant and barely in check. Approach alone and I do not think you will be allowed close enough to count his eyes."

He listened with interest to what Brian had discovered about the haphazard security situation. "Incredible," he began, shaking his own head. Although...there was something pleasingly educational about leaving protection of personal effects up to the individual. Too many of the so-called noble class knew not the first thing about how best to safeguard their property efficiently. Perhaps this morning, a few of Nottingham's minor upper class would be incrementally better informed on the subject.

"Much was taken, then?" he enquired, more out of interest for news about the mysterious gaggle of outlaws Locksley had adopted than sympathy for the fools who'd left their knicknacks and keepsakes out for the delectation of criminals. "A fair enough price to be paid, I'd wager. From what I hear, Locksley's exploits have cost the shire enough already. Last night's thievery ought to be dismissed as a tax payable for the capture of such a vagabond." Yes, that was rather neat. "A moron tax, perhaps."

[bran_ap_cadwgan]

A bark of laughter escaped Bran at the idea of James and his stalwart peasant filth sallying forth to repel the invading Cymry. "It may be more entertaining to be...welcomed as a madman bent on slaughter," Bran returned, cocking his head and grinning. "Then again, perhaps your words have wisdom. Perhaps I should be accompanied by someone who will guard my flank, so to speak. Mayhap someone whom the worthy knight trusts even to the point of lending his blade?"

He sobered, though, as he returned to Nicholas's question. "They relieved the castle of a fair amount. But I am unaware of the true amount of wealth that the bastards made off with last night." He spoke the truth. And...Nicholas did not need to know the exact amount. "We will likely never know, considering how reluctant the nobles are to report the true number of valuables they lost." He could hardly blame them. "Either they lower the amount for fear of looking the fool, or they raise it in hopes of receiving a higher return if Hood's mongrels are captured." The fools might have saved themselves the effort of exaggerating; Vaizey would return none of the gold. Nicholas hardly needed to know this, though.

Bran wore a half smile as he continued, "A moron tax indeed! But in Nottingham I fear such a tax would necessarily drain nearly every coffer in the shire. What was stolen last night is but a pittance compared to what is owed!" he laughed.

[nico_debeaumont]

Nicholas smiled wistfully. "That it would be." Perhaps with a little careful groundwork Sir James could be prodded into participating in a rather more gentle version of proceedings. A tourney would be poor consolation for any serious conflict, but consolation nonetheless. "I would happily accompany you. It could be with a more positive acquaintance present he would take heart, and present to you a little more steel. Of course, there is equal chance he will decide me as insane as you are."

He sniffed in response to Bran's comment upon the dishonesty of men's pride. And their greed. It was true enough. Nico detested liars. Some, anyway. Deceit for the sake of entertainment, now that was harmless. For concealing true intent - well, who would share their business with all and sundry? Simply good sense. But fraudulence in the sake of reputation, or financial gain? Either was unforgivable. If a man could not earn either in the usual course, neither was deserved.

"There are too many men in England today," he stated flatly "who hold far more than they could hope to have earned. Property one does not protect is property one has consented to lose. Too many fat little mother's boys staying comfortable upon the efforts of their ancestors." Oh yes, Stephane. He must write to his brother, Nico reminded himself.

[bran_ap_cadwgan]

Nicholas's expression and words regarding James sent a thrill through Bran not unlike that which he felt before battle. Riding into Taversal and pushing the Ffreinc into combat would certainly prove excellent entertainment... But with Nicholas's help, Bran could extend the entertainment into a far more rewarding venture. The rush of adrenaline before battle of course enticed Bran, but the problem with such surges came in their departure. With Nicholas along, though, the reunion with James would more resemble a war of strategy than a flurry of blades. Besides, the look on the decrepit knight's face upon seeing the "madman" and Nicholas together would make the journey's value priceless. ...Hopefully Nicholas would not betray Bran in any way...

"Then it is decided," the mercenary replied with an amused smile as he clapped Nicholas on the shoulder. "We storm - ah, visit Sir James together. Does making the trip a few days after Hood's execution sound amenable to you, Sir Nicholas? I hate to keep the dear man waiting." He flashed his teeth in a grin at the last words. "He may not be a fat mother's boy still clinging to his parents' legs, but we shall still see how comfortable he is upon the ground of his ancestors." Ground his ancestors had stolen from its original owners. True, Saecsons held the land in the past, but Bran preferred their stench to that of the Ffreincs. And the Saecson dogs put up far less of a fight.

[nico_debeaumont]

"A time as good as any other," Nicholas answered, a sudden warmth suffusing him at the mention of Locksley's imminent and very public comeuppance. He would have to take care to find a good vantage point on that day. "I owe the man a visit of thanks anyway. I can repay my gratitude by protecting him from the fearsome Sir Brian of Brecon, Slayer of Saracens and Englishmen Alike. I think I may be named in his will for such a service, from the way he reacted the last he saw you. Or he shall swear a thousand biblical plagues upon my house for bringing the devil to his door." This, Nico decided, was going to be fun.
******
OOC - ok maybe I am boring but I am running pretty low on light conversation, so unless you are still brimming with ideas for the two lovely gentlemen to snark over, I think I'm tapped. If so, let's roll right ahead and off to Teversal!