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]

Events proceeded well. The sun shone like a disc of the finest gold outside, and Hood remained in the dungeons. What more could Bran ask for? He couldn't even ask for a breakfast at the Sheriff's expense, for tables of free comestibles already awaited the party-goers. The whole affair put Bran in an excellent mood. However, something nagged at the back of his mind, prompting him to believe he had overlooked something. Something important, no less. But since the idea had squirmed in his brain since last evening, he'd grown used to ignoring it. He would deal with it eventually, just not at present, for at the moment he had more important matters to attend. The most important matter concerned breakfast

[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

[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

[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

[bran_ap_cadwgan]

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

[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

[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

[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

[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

[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

[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

[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

[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

[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

[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