[RP] Mercia's Trail Mix meets Aggnes

After hearing of his brother's desire to travel to the camp, Jihb stiffened a chuckle. It was rather foolish to travel into the hands of your foes. More foolish was it to be doing so out of free-will. That was the problem with the complexity of the human-mind. They had too much of a choice in the world. Choices often resulted in unintended consequences. Who knew what would result of their decision to do this or that? For all he knew, they could well be walking into a trap.

Just then, a peculiar growl came from the lower regions of his torso. Jihb looked downwards at his stomach. Again, the growl came, only this time, in a more demanding tone. He looked up at his brother and then at the camp. Well, wasn't this embarrassing? Jihb turned and began walking towards the horses. On his way, he called out behind him to Regulus.

"What are the chances that they have some nice stew down there, eh?"
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Thanks Kenna! | Former Count of Mercia | Baron of Whitchurch | Royal Treasurer of England

Aggnes did indeed recognise a fine legal mind when she saw one, and knew what she thought of the reliability of the Judge, too, at first glance. She thought through Deekay's words, carefully - he had some good points there.

"I'm afraid that, as I said, Maggie's request to me was made in the tavern, not in writing. There were no witnesses, she made sure of that. You'd have my word for it, and possibly her word for it if she felt like giving evidence, and that probablywouldn't be enough to be acceptable under the circumstances?

"If I understand you correctly, though, you see a definite legal distinction between the situation then, when she was a respected officer with multiple positions, and complying with her request was reasonable, if not technically legal, and the situation now, which is much clearer.

"Now, yes, the authority to authorise an army or not lies with the Count and the Captain, and the Captain has made his wishes clear. Does the Count agree with him? It still seems a shame to me to waste all the effort and money put into raising the army so far, when you lack one to defend your capital. At the very least, this could stay in position until you manage to raise one led by one of your own people. I wouldn't want to stay here too long: this has already turned into a longer stay than I'd anticipated: but if I can assist while you recover from whatever strange event deprived you of your previous commander, it seems only right to do so.

"But to return to my original reason for coming here: trade, naturally. I didn't expect to make much profit this trip, just to support myself by making state points for the county while I explored, but I certainly didn't want to make a loss. Effectively loaning Maggie the money to set up this army would have been a good investment, if she'd paid me back, but that doesn't look likely to happen now. I hadn't planned on getting prosecuted and fined, either.... just too helpful and trusting, that's me." She sighs regretfully.

"From what I've seen, I could make quite a bit of profit here simply by moving essential goods from one town to another. If your TM and mayors had got their act together, they could cut out me and any other private traders, but they haven't. I suppose teaching them how to do their jobs, and getting paid for that, might be another way of handling it. Though that would have to wait for the TM to recover from her injuries.... yes, that's another area we agree on. No more violence. It damages the economy too much, for one thing. Your son probably knew my daughter, but you got him back..." Her voice trails off, lost in memories for a moment.

"Fred and his team seem to be doing surprisingly well here, too. All those long roads between towns these days - setting up a branch of the Roadside Goods Emporium here might well pay off, I think." She laughs. "If nothing else, we can sell you some slightly more practical hats."
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Vice Chancellor of Foreign Affairs, Royal Embassy, Keeper of the Privy Seal. Wiki entry

Richy grunted and glared into Deekay's eyes. I am well aware of that, dear Brother. But does it make any sense to have a Chancellor if he isn't involved in such discussions? Agh, I don't care about that gentleman over there. I care about what's here. I'm not an idiot, you know, brother.

Just as he planned to address the woman, he heard the Captain speak. He rolled his eyes knowing this wouldn't end well. Diplomats and soldiers never got along. Especially Richy and this Captain in particular. Well, I would never! Richy rose his voice. He couldn't believe Alastair would say such a thing about him. His next words stabbed Richy in the heart. His eyes blazed with fury. Listen here, you big, obnoxious, stubborn troll! Richy continued poking Alastair as each word came from his mouth, I do not appreciate your insults. You're the reason this county gets into situations like this! You are in charge of the army, not my job.

He rose his hand as to sign the Captain to cease further words coming from his mouth. He was irritated as it was. He listened to Alastair's words as he addressed Aggnes. He paced back and forth, awaiting for just the right moment to butt in.
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Lord Justice: Court of Appeals | Chancellor of England | Archdeacon of Canterbury | Deacon of Derby | Baron of Brockhampton | President: Law Society

Deekay smiled sweetly at Lady Aggnes.

"Would you excuse me a moment?"

He turned and looked at his brother placing his hands on Richy's shoulders.

"Just listen! Alastair and I are involved in very delicate negotitions with that lady over there, who may hold Mercia's future in her hands. We have been here for some time. I have no idea how many of us will leave this field alive. "

He lowered his voice. "To be honest with you I'm scared. And what I won't have is you coming in unbriefed and risking all our lives. I know you're not an idiot. But to march into these negotiations and expect to take over is plain madness.

Now apologise to Alastair before he hits you. And I'll get him to apologise to you later. I promise once this is over, if we survive, I will take you to dinner at the best hotel in Worcester and have a great dinner. I will tell you just how much time I have spent on this, and I can tell you Al has spent double that."

He stopped and hugged his brother, before whispering "Remember, I love you. I don't want you to die, or anyone else. Now please trust me, and let me do my job."

He rubbed his eyes, before turning back. He made sure he was standing between Richy and Alastair, just in case.

"Families Lady Aggnes. I am truly sorry to hear about your daughter. My son was only back with me for a short while before he went to sea, and died there. It feels so wrong for a child to die first, and we have to learn how to deal with it. My faith and my friends here were a great support."
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Earl of Duffield Frith-Lord Privy Seal-Chancellor Archdiocese of Canterbury thx Fia

Richy glared at Deekay and was going to comply, until he heard the words 'apologize to Alastair'. Apologize to a soldier? Never in his life had he heard such blasphemy! As far as Richy was concerned, Al was lucky he wasn't in the lower prisons surviving on nothing but rats and chips from the concrete walls. I won't apologize to that dimwit. And you're job? Aren't you the Public Prosecutor? Last time I checked, the Public Prosecutor and the Chancellor does not cross paths. Do remember, ye are the Royal Embassy Chancellor, not Chancellor of this county.
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Lord Justice: Court of Appeals | Chancellor of England | Archdeacon of Canterbury | Deacon of Derby | Baron of Brockhampton | President: Law Society

Oria has been happy all this time, eating some more of the soup, while watching the discussion among the serious people.

She saw Deekay, Logan and Richy, too. What a grand entrance!

Suddenly, Richy seemed unwell and Oria wondered just a bit, if he could use some of this chicken soup. It certainly did her some good!

Hey there, Charlie! she whispered to the man still standing beside her, do you mind helping to carry that pot for me? I think one of my councilor friends might like it.
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Be kind. Everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle~Plato | TY to Site for the banner and Frie for the quote.in action

Aggnes had been going to respond to Deekay's words of sympathy, but left him to deal with the shouting, blustering, over-dressed idiot first. That was their Chancellor? And their Judge? Ye gods, no wonder the place had problems.

The priest's remark kept running through her head, though.

"...we have to learn how to deal with it. My faith and my friends here were a great support."

Deal with it? She'd lost her sons, earlier, and then her daughter. And you shrugged, and picked up your life, and carried on. What else was there to do? Support? She'd never got, or asked for, support, in her entire life. Sure, after her husband and sons had been killed, she'd turned to the church, but that was as a refuge, and eventually as a source of income, not for "support". Needing support meant weakness, and the moment you show weakness, the wolves close in.
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Vice Chancellor of Foreign Affairs, Royal Embassy, Keeper of the Privy Seal. Wiki entry

John arrives on horse back as if prepared for war, behind him on the hill can be seen a crew of men setting up what appears to be a pair of Ribauldequin or as they are commonly known, Volley Guns, and two small carriaged Bombards, these all brought from Kenilworth. It is most obvious that the guns are being trained upon the encampment.

In drastic contrariness to his usual public appearances he is not dressed in any fineries or in the garb of a gentleman. No he is geared for combat, leather jerkin, sword ready as his side, shield strapped upon his back. His trusty Matchlock Pistol; primed and cocked, tucked in a brace near his abdomen, and finally he is carrying his short sticked Arquebus. As he dismounts he takes from the saddle a small flag, obviously a signal flag of some sort and tucks it into his belt. Quickly after dismount, he produces from a small pouch a mushroom of all things, although no one at any distance can see as he holds it in his free hand, it is split and then remashed together and a too faint to see single; but continual, whisp of smoke eminates from it, prepped so that without any need of creating fire or lighting match he can fire the Arquebus upon a moments notice simply by allowing the mushroom to seperate and touching its smoldering insides to the ready and waiting short fuse.

He scans his eyes upon the scene taking note of all those there and appraising any obvious threats, then approaches those he deems trustworthy, that being Father Deekay and company. Although he smiles at them as he approaches it is all too obvious the fury in his eyes, those that have been to war can easily see that it is a true bloodlust and vengence that has taken hold of the man. As he looks over those gathered to see if there is any suitable targets at hand.

Once he has finished his approach, he bows to the esteemed councilmen and then stands not too idely by to observe the proceedings. Setting the stick of the Arquebus to the ground at his foot thusly having the weapon ready for firing.
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King's Hospitaler (Abayed)/ Order of Nordicorn

In the pause in the conversation, Aggnes took the opportunity to see what was going on on the hill. Someone seemed to have come up with some serious equipment. The anti-personnel gun could get very nasty, though at present the only group it could use as a target were the council, and she resolved to stay with that group, since it seemed unlikely that the artillery captain would open fire on his own side. The bombards, however, puzzled her. For the flimsy palisades she's managed to construct aorund her camp, such a weapon was so over the top as to be laughable: as well to take a sledgehammer to crack a nut. They would, however, be eminently suitable for attacking the walled town, should that be required. Not, at the moment, any use to the County.

She wondered vaguely if they were for sale.

The approach of the artillery captain in question, though, put paid to such thoughts. No prancing popinjay here, this was a competent professional, and a man to watch.
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Vice Chancellor of Foreign Affairs, Royal Embassy, Keeper of the Privy Seal. Wiki entry

"Hopefully high", Regulus replied, his stomach now also starting to complain once the topic of food was brought up. "It would be a nice change of pace from the stale old bread we usually have to make do with."

Regulus knew as well as his brother that going into an enemy's camp was pure folly, if not suicidal, but curiosity was getting the better of him. As they say, curiosity killed the cat but satisfaction brought it back. As a precaution he advised Jihb, "If anyone asks, just say that you are the brother of a diplomat of Mercia's Embassy. That should grant you safe passage in and out of their camp."

Having said that, Regulus mounted his horse, Bavieca, and galloped towards the camp. A strange yet familiar mixture of dread and excitement built up within him as he rode towards an uncertain fate.
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Arena Stats W:3 L:2 | Lord of Abergavenny |

The Viscount had aged quite some since his last encounter with strife and clashes of steel, yet he still remembered how to prepare for the uncertainty ahead. The Lord galloped along with his small squad, to where he recognized the standard of the Captain, jumping off his stead as he arrived he was reminded that his days of peak fitness were behind him, but was counselled by the fact he still had a lot of it in him. His chain-mail Armour clinked as he approached the Captain. The Lords standard bearer placed firmly the De Balboa Crest Flag next to that of the Mercian Colors . The Lord himself nodded solemnly to the rest of the council but then raised an unusual smile .. As good a day as any M'lords ?
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The distance from their vantage point of the camp and the tethered horses was not far. When they arrived, the horses were whining in complaint. The beasts were obviously bored having been tied to a tree for quite some time. Jihb walked over to his travel horse, Geromaine, and patted his neck in reassurance. He then strode over to the ropes and untied them, releasing the horses from their boring situation. As soon as they were free, the two horses - one of which was Bavieca, his brother's horse - began to trot around the dirt in excitement. Their joy was unprecedented. However, it would soon be short-lived.

Jihb took Geromaine's reins into his hands, much to the disappointment of the wandering horse. The beast snorted at him with discontent, to which he responded with a frown and glare. Geromaine looked at him for a brief moment before resigning himself to his master's needs of travel. Content with his horse’s obedience, Jihb looked over at his brother who had just taken the reins of Bavieca and was leading her over to him. When the two reached them, his brother began going on about how it would be safer if he pronounced himself a brother of a Mercian diplomat upon their arrival. Jihb frowned. What was the fun in that? Wasn't their purpose to be spying on the meeting and not just to be barging in with a wave of flair? Before he could object to his brother's plan, Regulus had already ridden off with Bavieca. Cursing to himself, Jihb mounted Geromaine and kicked him into chase.

It wasn't long before they caught up to Reg. Jihb directed Geromaine to ride up besides his brother who had not noticed of his intentions. When they were in arms length of each other, Jihb seized Bavieca's reins right out of Reg's hands, putting the horse into an immediate stop. If it weren't for his grip, his brother would have fallen right off. Jihb looked over at Reg and grumbled.

"Are you daft, brother? We're supposed to be spying, remember? Besides, I think the enemy has already had enough pompous people barge through their encampment. I say, we approach this with subtlety," Jihb threw his brother a few blankets and scarves. "We shall be hungry and weary travelers from afar. This way, we may retain a level of humbleness and can be even closer to the meeting without alerting anyone of our presence. If trouble arises, we shall spring into action. But for now, keep our identities a secret, brother. Now, let’s hope our enemies are gracious towards famished travelers..."
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Thanks Kenna! | Former Count of Mercia | Baron of Whitchurch | Royal Treasurer of England

Regulus had been riding peacefully enough for some time until Jihb had suddenly stopped his horse. Before he could protest, he heard his brother grumble and listened to what he said.

"Spying". The thought left a bitter taste. Regulus preferred to adhere to his interpretations of chivalric standards, which did not include espionage. But then he also knew that he was typically a mere man-at-arms, not a knight. Despite his chivalric preferences, he often would succumb to practicalism and occasionally, even barbarism. Besides, discretion was the better part of valour and as he was not a Councillor or mayor at present, he figured he had no authority to take part in any negotiations anyway.

Also he was hungry and could use a meal.

Regulus sighed and begrudgingly conceded, "You are, as usual, correct brother. This is why you are the brains and I am the brawn."

He put on the blankets and scarves and continued, "Let us proceed then. As hungry and weary travelers. Eurgh, I'm not used to appearing so bloody humble. Bah, go on, lead the way."
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Arena Stats W:3 L:2 | Lord of Abergavenny |

Just short of taking Richy's hand for mounting on his wall he was about to raise his own in response, but Deekay intervened, probably best. Turning to call his manservant over who was holding his horse he saw the fanfare was arriving in force, cannons, another Lord, Salter, and two miscreants in the distance probably here to thieve over whatever remains from the battle.

He nodded to Princejohn and Salter, and waved to Jimmy his manservant.

As Jimmy arrived by his side he nodded Please keep the peace if certain people commit to interrupting outside of their remit. he offered his sword , hilt first and Jimmy nodded taking a step to the side understanding the full meaning.

Turning to Aggnes again he replied "We do not need an army raised by a non-Mercian, you have been terribly duped by Maggie and will of course request you file all evidence for her prosecution. he took off his hat and wiped his forehead with the back of his hand Now, we cant allow your army to remain, one way or other. I think we all he glanced at Richy over his shoulder want a peaceful outcome here. We can offer you the chance to disband, and leave the County borders peacefully with no further repercussions. I have the Count's authority to permit such.
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End of my journey....

Jimmy took the sword offered him and side stepped next to Richy, making a pointed cough into his hand he smiled at the man. There was no warmth in the smile at all, but he would play nice as Al would like him too. Pleasant journey Lord salter? he asked making conversation as he held his sword point down between his legs flexing on the spot.