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

[nico_debeaumont]

Nicholas cocked his head, intruiged by Brian's words. "Side with him? Surely not. He hardly offers any prospect of marriage. What would she do, join his merry band of reprobates and begin living wild in the forest? The girl would be unable to walk in a straight line after one night in their company. Can you imagine Locksley siring a new line of bastard thieves, whelped in Sherwood?" He laughed. It was a diverting enough prospect to entertain, but surely impossible.

He picked at his plate, not particularly hungry but because it was there; Nico found that absent the challenges and struggles of war that comparitively little was required to sustain him. He had seen his father grow from a battle-ready knight to a fat and lazy Earl. He did not intend the same fate for himself.

"Bedding her, perhaps," Nico agreed. "Wedding her seems...rather excessive. Surely Gisborne must see something of worth in her, other than her romantic history. Do you know she punched him on their wedding day? In the church? And still he pursues her Perhaps he

[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

[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!))