(1866-09-19) A Little Advice
A Little Advice
Summary: Directly after Court, Claire is still concerned about what transpired and offers Henric a bit of advice.
Date: 2015-09-19
Related: Picks up immediately after: The Keeper's Court
NPCs: {$npc}
Players:
Henric  Claire  Jarret  Siada  

Galenthia - Firen - Firen Palace
Firen Palace, the home of the members of House Romante, is a fine example of master craftmanship; everything from stone- and wood-work to the tapestries and paintings that hang upon the wall speak perfectly to the quality of construction and art.
The main foyer is expansive and well-lit regardless of time of day with sunlight allowed to illuminate the room during the day and many candles that are held to the walls by cleverly-designed sconces lending their glow once the sun has set for the night. From the supportive beams for the ceiling banners hang with the coat of arms predominantly on display upon them.
From here one can go straight into the great hall where the throne room is or through two archways towards the wings.
1866-09-19

With the various noble personages making their way out of the Great Hall with the Keeper's dismissal, Claire and her much smaller entourage stand before the Viscountess moves towards intercepting the Cassomir delegation. Not overtly, but rather in a manner that would make it difficult to not see her.

As court concludes, Evae makes her way for the exit as well, stepping out of the hall and seeking the entourage of guards and courtiers that accompanied her to Firen.

Keen of eye and aware of the make to intercept, Henric glances alongside toward Claire as she moves toward his delegation. "Claire…" he murmurs as he gestures for her to walk with him, should she like. Though it's likely their conversation will be had outside the Hall as he doesn't stop moving, even when the trumpets behind him sound the end of court.

Henric glances toward Siada as she whispers from the other side of him, "Which woman?" He asks with his lips tightening, clearly feeling that there was more than one woman who could fit the Hogan's description, muttering, "Not that I'm making any myself." The protest he made in court was visible to the rest of the Kingdom, that such a staunchy household would stand up to the absence of a ruler most needed and oaths being given to nothing more than wooden chairs and false kings. He exhaled loudly as he waited to see if Claire would walk with him, saying to the Hogan in the meantime, "Though at least Sokar stands with us. That is good to know."

The Viscountess Romante's entourage following Courtly Events is not quite as large as it would be on external palace visits, but there is a certain flair to them as they maintain a comfortable distance behind the dark haired and clearly expectant woman. Not as far along as to keep to her rooms, but enough to have Margret and her arm linked through her own as she listens silently to the conversation at hand. What she does hear finds her lips pressing together again, this time tightly. "In what aspect, Henric?" It's a neutral question. Followed by, "Why did you not adhere to formality in Court today?" Meaning the oaths, of course.

Siada nods her head "Later." she says softly as for her answer at that. Then he mentions the Sokar support and she smiles "that is good .. I like Brennart." she is heard saying quietly before the words of the other are heard and she blushes as she sees them.

"Did you not hear Lord Jarret?" Henric asks of Claire, "He sees it my way. They are wounded but they are still wolves with teeth. The thorns can come back for us later so why wait? Take the few months of good weather we have left and strike them quickly." Siada does get a nod for her lack of response or rather that she would inform him later, answering the secondary question of Claire's, "Because. I promised my wife to introduce her to court upon my arm and make our pledge together. That, was truth, believe it or not." He frowns, "She was in a delicate position this morning. She is better spending the day in rest than having come for this." Then he adds, "Of course, I don't believe in giving oaths to armchairs and ambitious men who took advantage of our Queen to gain an obscene amount of power. Do you realize what -that- position does? He could have her locked away for all we know and rule the kingdom in such a way. I never suspected the man to reach so high." Siada's quip about liking Brennart has him lift his eyes to peer toward the doors where the rest of court was departing from.

Claire sighs, placing her other hand along Margret's arm as she regards Henric with a look. Just one that states, he should know better. "You and I both should know that Her Majesty is well and fine. If not, then Letholdus and I would have been concerned. You, my friend, are too paranoid. Court is about formalities and giving your oath to whomever the Queen designates as her representative is of utmost importance. Whether you like it or not, this is part of your life now. It is best that you learn how to navigate."

Slowly stepping out of the hall, there's some anger in Jarret's expression as he lets out a breath. Looking around, he spots Henric and Claire, but does not move over in their direction, just looking around a bit thoughtfully.

Henric was much too accustomed to having one person above him and reporting directly to that said person, in a militaristic way. Instead, this political garble has thrown him off and Claire hits the nail on the head. He exhales a breath at her and nods, "I admit I don't know my way forward or backwards. I stood as a Royal Lancer for years Claire… I don't know how to do this. I wasn't ever raised to do this." He regards her, "But I'm trying. I could use some help though…" He glances off toward the Sokar, watching him, "Jarret-" inviting him over with that tone.

"You should have paid more attention," Claire notes, looking to Siada and then Jarret with a nod of her head in greeting. Her words, however, are still for the Viscount Cassomir. "And while not a tactician like my brother, the reason why they do not press now for a campaign is because winter is coming. I think you can appreciate that much foresight? Unless we know it will be short before the weather turns much cooler, then it seems wise that the Queen has made her decision such. As for help," she says with hints of amused smile. "Are you certain? I dislike Court quite a great deal, yet I do manage to endure it."

Grimacing a little as he hears his name, Jarret moves over towards Henric as well, shaking his head a little bit. "This place is just as bad as Four Corners…" he offers quietly, shaking his head a bit. "The next time I show up for something like this, I'd better have quite a bit to drink first." Offering a brief nod to Claire, he looks to Henric once more. "Just proves what I've always known…" he offers.

Siada moves to stand next to Henric, as he speaks, her eyes regard him quietly. Those eyes move gently to Jarret, as they pass over Claire as well. She gives Claire a nod of her head - attentively standing beside Henric .. the huntress lets her eyes move among those gathered.

"It was -not- the Queen that made the decision, need I remind you," Henric sighs with some exasperation, before he adds, "And we could very well manage a short expedition against them. Swiftly done. And if not swiftly, in the way that they took Griffon Point is how I would take Alezzo. I would still consider the risk worth while to the benefit. Men have fought in winter before. The -north- does it all the time." Apparently Southerners forget that fact. "Winter slows progression but it is -still- possible to fight. It would be /stupid/ to let them go when we know right where they are." He frowns over the matter, before he shrugs at Claire, "Look at it this way, I could do no worse."

Henric glances over at Jarret, "And what have you always known?" There's a suspicious draw of his brow as he shrugs his shoulders, knowing that Firen was no longer a good place to be for the first discharged Royal Lancer. "I'm really hoping the next session isn't as … ugh… well, it'll be what it is. I'm not here to mingle and play nice. I need people to believe that our enemy hasn't just gone away. They'll come back. If it's four years next time or ten, it doesn't matter, we need to cull the bastards…"

"Even if the Queen does not sit there and tell you of her decisions, you must respect those she puts in position. For example, do you think people would refuse Letholdus if he acts in the Queen's steed?" Yes. Her big templar husband, who should be in Firen soon. Or so Claire hopes. "But, you /do/ have to play nice, Henric. Unless you really intend to emulate my brother in personality," she notes before giving Margret's arm a gentle tap which looks more like a pat of the other's arm. "While he does not care of most opinions, even he knows the benefit of the Court dance. But I need to retire for a little while. I trust that neither of you had anything to discuss with me?"

"Hmmm?" Jarret offers to the question from Henric. "Oh, that I should never have set my foot in here. Not the last time, not this time…" He shakes his head as he listens to what's being said, but doesn't offer any other words at the moment.

"Then why does she need us here?" He tells Claire, "She can rule from behind scenes and send us missive of what she wants us to do…" He growls a bit at that, "That seems to be her -way- …" He didn't care if his voice carried, gesturing dismissively at the matter if Letholdus was in the seat, "It doesn't matter who, it matters that we're all taking our time away from our Holdings to be… to … for this-" he cannot articulate his words but he gestures toward the door they had just come from. Then he rolls his shoulder, "It's hard to rule your subjects when you don't make an effort to come see them… It's not often we're all in the same place." He frowns, shaking his head at Claire, eyes on Jarret before he remarks absently, "Hmm, well, I do appreciate your backing Jarret. It seems it is beneficial to throw you to the dirt once and a while." He claps Jarret on the shoulder, "I for one, must return to the manse and send a few missives. We are looking outside this kingdom now for aid."

Jarret nods as he hears the words, shrugging a little as he offers a grin to Henric. "The things I do to make you feel better," he remarks, before he nods. "I should get back as well. There are some things I need to take care of…"

"For the same reason that you are not always able to meet with your own people face to face sometimes," Claire replies to Henric before she and her group of lady maid and Lancers begin to move off. Meri, for once, was not in attendance. The large war hound having been told to stay and wait. "Good day, Henric. Sir Jarret."

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