Another Trip North

[Lucius Malfoy]

With peace slowly being established over England, Osulf finds himself in the service of the King once more, riding North to the King of Scotland for a whole new purpose; the return of the Dowager Queen, Lady Agatha, and the royal sister, Lady Cristina. Being made aware of Malcolm's interest in Edgar's older sister, Lady Margaret, Osulf was given the necessary authority to negotiate on behalf of the King. With a party of hundred riders, he approaches the capital of Alba and seeks to first gain an audience with the Dowager Queen and Edgar's sister, Cristina, who would certainly be lodged in the royal castle of King Malcolm. There was great news to give them with his arrival, for certainly Scotland was beginning to hear word of the revival of the House of Wessex after the death of the Conqueror.

[Trot]

The man would be left to wait for close to an hour before king Malcom agreed to see him. At which point he was led into a large gathering hall where the King sat on his throne, the man looked down at Osulf and waited for him to pay his respects before beginning.

"So Earl Osulf what news do you bring of England?" The man began studying him thoughtfully. His face was impassive not revealing what he thought of this second visit.

[Lucius Malfoy]

William the Conqueror has died on the battlefield outside York. His successor has been elected as Edgar Aetheling, heir to the House of Wessex.

Osulf states after bowing before the King. Such news should be good to the King of Alba.

My King, Edgar of Wessex, has learned that you have shown interest in his sister, the Lady Margaret, and seems a degree of approval towards such a match. A union, between these two houses, would re-establish the peace that has existed between Scotland and England since the times of Edward the Confessor. I have been authorized, not only to retrieve the Dowager Queen and Margaret's sister, Cristina, but to also act as King Edgar's representative in the matter of Margaret's hand, if you so desire her as your Queen, Sire.

[Trot]

The man laughs heartily at the news. "So the conqueror is dead and the Aetheling is on the throne of England. What a strange turn. I had heard the Normans won the war in the South. No matter." He waves his hand at this, "Very well, the Queen and the lady Cristina will return to England with you. As for the lady Margret a union would be good for both our realms, but their is the matter of the Dowry to discuss."

[Lucius Malfoy]

"My good King offers a dowry of a few thousand pounds. He desires fresh ties with Scotland and an alliance that will stand strong in protecting the British Isles from outside threats," the obvious indications being the Norse and the Normans. Though plenty remained in England and worked in the court of Edgar, Osulf still viewed many of them as a threat. Perhaps over time the feeling will go away, but the Saxon nobility was still in a minority compared to the Normans. "My King hopes you will happily accept the offer, concerning the dowry. He not only anxiously awaits to see his family once more but to hear of his sister, Lady Margaret, becoming the happily married Queen of Alba."

[Trot]

"And how much is a few thousand pounds my Lord Osulf?" He asks considering the mans words.

[Lucius Malfoy]

"To be exact, three thousand and five hundred pounds."

[Trot]

"Very Well, tell King Edgar this is acceptable to me." He says nodding to the English Emissary. "I hope this will lead to a prosperous era for the British Isles."

[Lucius Malfoy]

Osulf was quite elated to hear this news. He bows to the King of the Scots.

I shall have King Edgar be told of your good wishes and regards. I will depart with the Dowager Queen and the Lady Cristina tomorrow morning, Sire. I will toast tonight to the future of Scottish-English relations!

[Lucius Malfoy]

Osulf returns to the North, for a third time, seeking to gain an audience with King Malcolm. The Northumbrian nobleman hoped he could secure the desires of Edmund concerning Cumbria. However, before going to see Malcolm, Osulf felt he should speak with Queen Margaret first. As the sister of King Edgar, gaining her support on the matter of Cumbria could help smooth things over in terms of having the land returned.

OOC: Osulf is going to speak with Margaret first, then Malcolm.

[Gandalfus]

(I'll mod this, you've waited long enough)

Osulf is escorted into Malcolm's current abode at Fife. The request to speak with Margaret and not Malcolm raised a few eyebrows, but was nonetheless granted. The Earl of Bernicia finds her in prayer within the chapel at Dunfermline, surrounded by ladies in waiting. He belly is rounded in new maternity - it seems the marriage between them is already bearing fruit.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Osulf waits till the Queen was done with her prayers before approaching to speak her. The Saxon Earl bows to the Queen of Alba and the sister of the King of England.

My Lady Margaret, your brother, the King, sends his heartfelt regards and prays that you have found happiness with the King of Alba.

He rises from his knelt position to speak with her.

I have been sent by your brother to negotiate on a delicate subject... and I had hoped to see if you can help me.

Osulf felt that if Margaret and himself, together, could convince the King of Alba to return Cumbria, then Malcolm would not feel slighted.

It concerns the English frontier to the North and Cumbria.

[Gandalfus]

"I thank you, Lord Osulf."

Margaret hesitated visibly, rising slowly to her feet with the assistance of her ladies.

"I will try and help, my lord, but I don't have much of a head for politics."

[Lucius Malfoy]

I understand, Lady Margaret, but you do have the King's ears. I only ask that you try to help.

Osulf bows his head to the Queen of Alba.

I would rather ensure that there is no issues between England and Scotland once I approach the King and speak of matter I was sent to negotiate about.

[Gandalfus]

"I obey my husband in all things, Lord. I can do little to help."

Malcolm wasn't the kind of man who went to his wife for counsel. Not many men were. She hesitated.

"But I will speak with him on your behalf."

[Lucius Malfoy]

Thank you, my Queen.

Osulf then departs after bowing to her.

=============================

The next day, the Earl of Bernicia requests an audience with the King of Alba.

[Gandalfus]

Bernicia is escorted into the King's presence. Malcolm waits in the audience chamber, surrounded by various retainers and nobles. They all are wearing dark, earthy colours, their hair long and their beards full. They didn't look so different from the English, really.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Osulf bows to the King, in the presence of his council.

My King Malcolm, your brother-in-law, the ever generous King Edgar of the English, sends his regards and best wishes. Not only to your person, but to that of your Queen and unborn child. May God bless you with a son!

The Saxon then rises when permitted to and continues to speak.

I have been tasked, by the King of England, to discuss the matter of the restoration of the English frontier and the lands of Cumbria. He desires that the lands of his ancestors be returned and that the border of England and Scotland be restored. I been sent to, hopefully, come to a compromise.

Otherwise, Osulf would resort to other tactics.

[Gandalfus]

Osulf bows to the King, in the presence of his council.

My King Malcolm, your brother-in-law, the ever generous King Edgar of the English, sends his regards and best wishes. Not only to your person, but to that of your Queen and unborn child. May God bless you with a son!

The Saxon then rises when permitted to and continues to speak.

I have been tasked, by the King of England, to discuss the matter of the restoration of the English frontier and the lands of Cumbria. He desires that the lands of his ancestors be returned and that the border of England and Scotland be restored. I been sent to, hopefully, come to a compromise.

Otherwise, Osulf would resort to other tactics.

"There will be no compromise."

Malcolm declared, after a long pause. Whatever reasoning Margaret had used hadn't worked, apparently, for the King of Scots seemed unmoving in his judgement.

"Cumbria remains in my hands. And so it shall be for the foreseeable future, lord Osulf."

He wasn't angry, though his tone was firm.

"But I thank my brother for his well wishes. I pray that his newest marriage is more fruitful than the last."

[Lucius Malfoy]

"There will be no compromise."

Malcolm declared, after a long pause. Whatever reasoning Margaret had used hadn't worked, apparently, for the King of Scots seemed unmoving in his judgement.

"Cumbria remains in my hands. And so it shall be for the foreseeable future, lord Osulf."

He wasn't angry, though his tone was firm.

"But I thank my brother for his well wishes. I pray that his newest marriage is more fruitful than the last."

My King, I know that King Edgar insists on the return of Cumbria, through any compromise. Guarantees and money earned from its return would be helpful in the conflicts against the Northmen.

Even Osulf was willing to pay for its return.

There must be some sort of compromise that can ensure its return... otherwise, I fear what my King will do in order to see the English frontier restored.

Edgar would certainly gain a taste for ambition once the Normans were defeated.

I have been told, by the King, that an offer of six thousand pounds for Cumbria's return is to set upon the table.