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]

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.
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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!

[bran_ap_cadwgan]

Bran laughed at Nicholas's speculations, not to mention his new title for the mercenary. Ah, if the knight only knew! Saracens, Saecsons, Ffreincs... Generally whoever posed a threat or annoyance made fair game. "Be it with blessings or with curses, it will be an interesting visit! I only hope you are strong enough to restrain a madman such as myself," he added with a grin and chuckle.

"Now, if you will excuse me, I must refill my plate." He nodded to the almost-empty platter in his left hand. "I look forward to our visit with the utmost pleasure, Good Sir Nicholas." With a last smile and nod, Bran turned and headed back toward the refreshment tables. He could no doubt make off with a bit for Rhys.

((OOC: Sounds like a plan!))