Edmund Godwinson's Estates

[The Mad Skylord]

"We cannot, in good conscience, allow the men who so nobly defended us in out time of need to be attacked and slain by Normans without helping ourselves. I cannot allow it." Edmund could probably guess what Godwin meant to do, but the Earl of Wessex said it anyway. "I will send a messenger to the Welsh, and when the Normans have advanced I intend to cross the short stretch of sea and link with the Wyslic - you must come and help me, Edmund, we cannot allow this to stand. These men are our allies."

[Barry Goldwater]

"Slow down, brother." Edmund said, holding his hands out in front of him. "Unlike we Englisc, the Wylisc aren't one people, and they've been our enemies until Father's generation. Most of them probably still are. Do we even know who it is the Normans are attacking? Unless they happen to be the subjects of the last living son of Cynfyn, who was our father's ally and who was the one who marched to aid us alongside his late brother, we owe them less than nothing."

[The Mad Skylord]

Godwin glowered slightly, a tad grumpy. "But this is the perfect chance to batter the Normans while their backs are turned." Wessex was clearly still out for Norman blood.

[Barry Goldwater]

"Have you already forgotten that there's a whole other bunch of far worse Normans lurking across the sea, looking to complete the Bastard's work?" Edmund asked, his expression quizzical. "As I recall, their chieftain said he'd invade in two years...and that was exactly two years ago. You can batter Normans all right, Godwin, but make sure they're the right Normans, the ones we should be saving our strength for. They don't seem like a particularly nice bunch, but if nothing else, those western Normans are at least reliable allies of our Saxon king right now, and we all have a common enemy in the Normans-over-the-sea." Presenting a united front with the Anglo-Normans faithful to Edgar in the face of a second Norman invasion was of paramount importance of Edmund, now that the Leofricsons were gone and there were only four Saxon great lords left in all the land; they'd need all the help they could get to preserve the status quo, and at the moment he had no reason to believe the vengeful 'other' Normans wouldn't want to further reduce that number from four to zero if they were to triumph over the last descendant of Cerdic, anyway.

[Trot]

Several men from Normandy arrive escorting Wulfnoth Godwinson to rejoin his kin.

[Barry Goldwater]

"Uncle Wulfnoth?" Edmund stated in amazement upon first sighting his uncle, whom he had long thought would die in Norman captivity - the last time Harold Godwinson's eldest sons had seen Wulfnoth, the man was a lad of 11, and the twins were but toddlers. Stepping forth to manfully embrace his long-lost uncle, he declared, "I must tell Godwin, Magnus, everyone of this! We'll throw a feast in your honor, uncle. It's good to have you back."

After breaking his embrace and stepping back, he nodded to the Bageard retainers who had brought Wulfnoth to him. "Take my gratitude to your master. I assure you, we Godwinings will not forget this."

[Pericles of Athens]

A message arrives from Godwin Haroldson, informing his twin of his return from Normandy. The family meeting can proceed when Edmund is prepare to move forward. It also mentions that Godwin has invited Perceval, Osulf, and their sister Gunhild in the hopes of arranging a new match for her.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Osulf arrives at Edmund's main estate at Castle Rising. The older Saxon looks at Gunhild, who had been requested to join. The female had been awfully quiet the whole journey, despite the happy occasion that was to occur here. It sounded like another of her family had been returned and all were gathering for a reunion. Yet, she still seemed occupied in thought, the loss of her husband still strong within her heart... a son who would grow up without knowing his father.

I miss him too, Gunhild.

Osulf speaks suddenly as the two of them dismount. He looks at the female.

But try to smile. Your family has been reunited with your uncle after all.

When she finally does smile, Osulf would then proceed into the keep in search of Edmund. He had not yet told Gunhild of another purpose for what was to happen just yet.

[Barry Goldwater]

While Godwin had been busy in Normandy, Edmund had busied himself with setting up the celebration at his own hall. The Burh at Rising was still made of wood, feeling as stout and homely as old Saxon fortresses of yore in contrast to the newfangled stone castles some Normans were building, and its main hall would be decorated with the most luxurious furs the Earl of Norfolk could afford - no overly expensive, soft velvets and silks that the soft continentals favored here. While guards flanked the doors on the outside as expected, inside each door was flanked by two fully stuffed brown bears, rearing up on their hind legs and mutely striking a fearsome posture for all observers. Harold Godwinson's old battle-banner, the 'Fighting Man' that once flew at Hastings, hung at the back of the hall in a place of prominence, so that none could miss it as soon as they stepped inside.

Edmund had further spared no expense as far as food and drink went, so as to set a meal worthy of a King's son or brother: the long tables around which the entirety of the Godwining clan, Osulf's own brood, the Percevals and all their faithful huscarls or knights would be seated were lined with trenchers filled with steaming vegetable soup and stewed beef, roasted eggplant and stuffed chicken, frumenty sweetened with milk and hearty meat pies that threatened to leak with gravy, seared salmon and honeycakes with blackberries alike, among other dishes. As Norfolk couldn't quite afford salt and sugar from the Orient, most of these dishes were flavored instead with local herbs, chopped or made into sauce or what have you; chives, mint, sage and others. Fruits abounded and there was plenty of mead, ale, beer and boiled water alike on offer, though little wine - Norfolk was fully indulging his Saxon tastes in drinks for this reunion. The centerpiece of both tables was a great roast boar, doused with honey and their backs covered in strips of bacon while similarly roasted apples surrounded them atop their wooden planks. Wulfnoth, as the last of Godwin's sons to return from Normandy one way or another, would naturally have the first choice of cuts from the boar. Guards and servants alike had worked tirelessly, and would continue to work, to ensure the host and his guests would enjoy a wholly fly-free experience this day.

It was this feast, in this setting, that awaited Godwin Haroldson, Osulf of the Uthredings, Gunhild Haroldsdohter and Richard Perceval when they arrived in midsummer. Edmund Haroldson himself awaited the arrivals from west and north at the door, dressed in fur-lined blues and dark reds, a heavy gold necklace hanging from his neck. The Saxons who could afford it had long used fine jewelry as their primary status symbols, and the Earl of Norfolk was no different.

[Pericles of Athens]

Godwin Haroldson arrived, fresh from surveying his new lands, the King had been kind to him after Normandy. The eldest of King Harold’s many sons had brought with him his Uthreding wife, as well as their brother Magnus, and their two younger half brothers the twins Harold and Ulf. Edmund has set himself up nicely here. Godwin thought, when there father had died at Hastings many thought their line would be bereft of power and if not after Hastings surly after York, but King Edgar had seen fit to change their fate. As he stepped through the hall with his party Godwin looked for his brother Edmund, and their uncle for whom the event had been thrown.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Osulf notices the presence of Richard Perceval, who had been mentioned in the letter. He sighs deeply, glancing at Gunhild who stood with him, before leaving his side to greet her brothers, half-brothers, cousin and uncle. The newly appointed Earl of Northumbria sighs inwardly, unsure of how he could have broached the subject of remarrying to his late son's wife, a fresh widower. Perhaps this reunion could gauge how both Richard and Gunhild interacted before deciding to talk about it with her.

First though, he approaches Godwin and Edmund.

My Lords, it is good to see you both again. I heard that, shortly before Mortain's ill-attempted invasion, that my daughter gave you a daughter, Godwin. I am glad to see her become a woman and a mother.

The Lord Northumbria then sighs outwardly, looking directly at Godwin.

How... is my daughter? How has she been since learning of her brother's demise at Ellesmere?

[Barry Goldwater]

Godwin Haroldson arrived, fresh from surveying his new lands, the King had been kind to him after Normandy. The eldest of King Harold’s many sons had brought with him his Uthreding wife, as well as their brother Magnus, and their two younger half brothers the twins Harold and Ulf. Edmund has set himself up nicely here. Godwin thought, when there father had died at Hastings many thought their line would be bereft of power and if not after Hastings surly after York, but King Edgar had seen fit to change their fate. As he stepped through the hall with his party Godwin looked for his brother Edmund, and their uncle for whom the event had been thrown.

Osulf notices the presence of Richard Perceval, who had been mentioned in the letter. He sighs deeply, glancing at Gunhild who stood with him, before leaving his side to greet her brothers, half-brothers, cousin and uncle. The newly appointed Earl of Northumbria sighs inwardly, unsure of how he could have broached the subject of remarrying to his late son's wife, a fresh widower. Perhaps this reunion could gauge how both Richard and Gunhild interacted before deciding to talk about it with her.

First though, he approaches Godwin and Edmund.

My Lords, it is good to see you both again. I heard that, shortly before Mortain's ill-attempted invasion, that my daughter gave you a daughter, Godwin. I am glad to see her become a woman and a mother.

The Lord Northumbria then sighs outwardly, looking directly at Godwin.

How... is my daughter? How has she been since learning of her brother's demise at Ellesmere?

"Hail, brothers, sisters, everyone!" Edmund greeted the new arrivals cheerfully, quickly moving forward to embrace each of his siblings (even the half-brothers) in turn. The first was of course Godwin, his elder twin by a few minutes, and it was then that Osulf approached them, necessitating a pause in his exchange of embraces. He had no answer for Osulf's query, which was aimed at his brother anyhow, but to look solemnly first at Gunhild and then at his shoes. If only he and the reserve had been a bit faster...but alas, it was not the Saxon way to fight on horseback, and even at full sprint on foot they couldn't cover enough ground to intervene. "You have my condolences, my lord of Northumbria, for what it may be worth. Maldred's loss was a loss for all of us, but none more gravely than for you and Gunhild." Was all he could manage, in the end. Though it was true - Maldred was the Haroldsons' good-brother twice over, through not only his marriage to Gunhild but also Osulf's daughter's marriage to Godwin.

[Pericles of Athens]

“Brother.” Godwin replied with an uncharateristic glimmer of excitement, allowing his twin to embrace him. “We missed you in Normandy, but I see you’ve kept yourself busy in the interim.” The scar from the battle at Ellesmere had healed nicely, though a thin line still marred the cheek from cheekbone to jawline. Magnus was a man grown now, a full beard covering his cheeks, tall and broad as their father had once been. The twins Ulf and Harold however were still merely children, after greeting their older brother they ran off to cause some kind of trouble in their kin’s hall. Unlike the older boys they had not known King Harold in life, nor witnessed the bloodshed of Stamford or Hastings.. and thus they remained blissfully unaware of their situation. “You have heard correctly, Earl Osulf. Your daughter has birthed me a daughter of my own, Gytha is her name.” He replied to the newly made Earl of Northumbria. “My condolences on the death of Maldred, I had not spent enough time with him, but my lady wife spoke highly of her brother always.” He gulped, the thouht of his brother in law’s death made him uneasy. “She has been unwell.. though I do believe she is getting better, and will continue to do so over time.” He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck in a cathartic ritual. “It is most unfortunate that I had to sail across the sea with the King during her mourning period.” Godwin had a duty to his King and his friend, and fulfilling that duty proved itself fruitful.. but, his wife could have used his support in those early weeks of grief.

[Lucius Malfoy]

The King has ensured an abbey will be built at Ellesmere in his honor. An action that will certainly please God, the Heavens, my son and my noble ancestors.

The Kings of Northumbria... many saints came from their ranks and many who fell at the hands of Norse and other invaders. Yet, despite setbacks here and there, their rule was remembered in the North and their legacy continued to exist. With the Earldom of Northumbria in his hands, Osulf hoped that his grandson, Harold, would love long and prosper as Osulf did and their ancestors. Maldred would have been a model successor, the 2nd Earl of Northumbria.

A new abbey is being constructed in dedication to Saint Oswald and my son will be laid to rest beneath its foundations.

Osulf then decides to change the subject, not allowing the matter of his heir's death to taint such an event. His eyes glance over at Perceval then over at Gunhild.

I have not broached the matter of remarrying to your sister. She is still a grieving widow. Yet I would still like to see how Perceval and her interact before approaching her about it.

[Pericles of Athens]

“A fine sentiment, my Earl Osulf. My brother Edmund and I constructed a church for our own father a few years passed, may God test King Harold’s soul.” He made the sign of the cross instinctively, but without great fervor. “It does much to know your loved one is put to rest in a place fitting their worth.” Knowing that their father had been rotting somewhere in a heap had put exceeding pressure on Godwin’s heart and mind, that was before Edmund discovered the body and together the twins had returned it to Harold’s home. “Worry not, Osulf.” Godwin replies with a wave of his hand. “The primary goal of this meeting is to reunite our family, and take joy in the return of our dear uncle. Any secondary purpose is just that, secondary.” Godwin had yet to speak with his uncle, and it dawned on him that his uncle and him had never spoken, it seemed odd that they should be so closely related yet completely unconnected. “I have brought Perceval here solely with the purpose that he may speak with my sister, get to know her and the other way around.. if she does not wish to be married to the boy, she won’t be.. if she needs time to grieve, she will have it.” Godwin was very matter of fact about the situation, as head of the household the responsibility of marriage arrangement fell to him. He had already lagged in regards to finding a match for Magnus, but he would see that his sisters were secure and provided for, as Harold would have.

[Barry Goldwater]

"Ah. I was wondering why that stranger came with you all." Edmund said when Godwin revealed the purpose of the lone Norman's presence among them. "Well, as you say, I'm content to leave the decision of remarriage up to our sister." He folded his arms and nodded faintly at Gunhild. After what she'd been through, she deserved a choice in this matter, at least. "But, let us talk further inside - Uncle Wulfnoth is waiting. Truth be told, I'm amazed he's still alive after all this time."

And indeed, once Edmund had moved on to embrace his other siblings (and give Perceval a small nod of acknowledgement) and everyone followed Harold Godwinson's youngest twins into the hall, Wulfnoth Godwinson was there to greet them. Having spent more of his life in Normandy than in England as a hostage, he had grown accustomed to the Norman way of life, with his hair cut short and the closest thing to a beard he had being the golden fuzz that had grown around his chin in the past few weeks. When he spoke, it was in English almost as accented, broken and slow as Perceval's. "Hello, everyone! So nice to meet all of you!" He greeted, trailing forward to embrace all the nephews and nieces he hadn't ever met before. "Like I told your brother, Godwin, you two have grown so much - last I saw you, you could barely walk and talk, haha!" Edmund had told him of the other Haroldson siblings' names, so at least he wasn't totally lost, but it was clear as he hugged and chatted with each of them that he had never seen anyone other than the twins before, the emotional and familial consequence of having been stuck as a glorified prisoner in Normandy for 21 years - though the captivity didn't seem to have sapped his boundless energy and cheer.

When time came for everyone to take their seats, Richard Perceval was conveniently given the seat directly facing Gunhild's, Edmund having remembered what his brother had said about the purpose of the Norman knight's visit. "Greetings, my lady," He had said upon taking his seat while Wulfnoth, Edmund and some of the other Haroldson siblings were still too busy chatting amongst themselves for the Godwining clan to say Grace. "Richard Perceval, at your service." He paused there, uncertain how to carry on the conversation beyond introductions. Alright Perceval, you've gotten as far as 'hello' and your name, it could be worse. Now, how to approach the extremely sensitive subject of trying to comfort a widow whose late husband isn't even a year-dead yet...

[Pericles of Athens]

”Of course, this is for his benefit after all.” Godwin was shocked by the uncle’s appearance, they’d made a Norman of him, of their own. He seemed to have trouble forming his sentences in English, and the fuzz on his cheeks looked as convincing as that of Ulf of Harold. All the same Godwin embraces him. “It has been too many years, uncle.. so much has changed and changed again in your absence.” He looked almost sad thinking of it. “But we’ll fill you in on everything, and make new changes going forward.” Godwin and Wulfnoth chatted for a time from there, their family had taken many twists and turns since his imprisonment in Normandy. Some for good and others for ill, but they were still alive now and that was something, as were their new lands and titles despite their father’s death.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Osulf glances over at Gunhild as Wulfnoth speaks with his nephews, who had long been separated from him. He watched as Perceval approached the widow cautiously and tried to strike up a conversation with her. She seemed receptive, possibly because she hadn't talked much before. Back in his home, up North, there were few others to talk to, save himself, his wife, and his grandson, Harold, who was still a child learning of the world. It seemed that was able to talk with little sentences here and there, but Gunhild began to open up more and speak with the Norman. She did not smile entirely though, the shadow of her late husband's death still hung over her.

The Lord of Northumbria then turns back after awhile to watch the Godwinsons gather and converse. How small his own family was; two daughters, a deceased son and a grandson. Osulf hoped that his wife and him could have another son before the time of her fertility dried up and she became barren due to age. He quietly prayed to Saint Oswald and Cuthbert that he could have another son. His family was small after all. The Northumbrian then looks at Wulfnoth. "You look like your brother, Tostig. I met him a few times before his office as Lord of Northumbria was passed onto Morcar."

[Barry Goldwater]

"Oh, by all means, please do," Wulfnoth replied to Godwin with a hearty laugh. "All I know is that the Bastard of Normandy's dead and you, apparently, trod his soil along with Edgar, that last branch of Cerdic's family tree - no Ætheling now, if all of the Earl of Morten's grousing back at Caen was anything to go by, but Cyning. Well I'll bet Harold, Gyrth and Leofwine are having a laugh about that above us, the first part at least. But besides that, as you might guess, I've been completely in the dark."

-----

Richard Perceval was feeling a bit more comfortable and a little less stuffy as the conversation with Gunhild wore on. She didn't seem entirely comfortable either, but at least she was not overtly rejecting him. Still, there was an elephant in the room they could not ignore. When the topic approached the late Maldred, he steeled himself before speaking. "Though we did not know each other well before that fateful day at the Meres, I still grieve for the loss of your husband, my lady. It was a most egregious end to a fine man, a brave man, and I feel sorrow on your behalf." He would say, slowly and mournfully. There was no talk of how honorable and valiant Maldred's death had been - Richard surmised that, like other grieving war-widows he'd encountered while he and his father were making their rounds throughout their estates and trying to connect with the locals, Lady Gunhild would have far preferred her husband to live no matter how glorious his death was, and he could not hold that against her even if Maldred's continued survival would've meant that he obviously could not try to court her.

Meanwhile, Wulfnoth nodded and held his hand out to Osulf. "Ah, brother Tostig. Shame what he did to our family, in the end." Tostig and Wulfnoth had not been especially close - the brash and fun-loving Leofwine, the second-youngest of Godwin's sons, was the brother closest to Wulfnoth in age, and thus the one he was closest to before having to leave for Normandy - and the youngest Godwinson's recalling of the man was further marred by memories of him been a bully to his younger siblings, a terror kept in line only by the words and occasional smack to the head delivered by their father or the eldest Godwinsons, Swegen and Harold. "You've met him, Lord Osulf? I can't imagine it was very pleasant, hah." Considering that Tostig's loss of the Earldom of Northumbria drove him to betray his kin and join with the Norse, Wulfnoth couldn't think of any way his dead older brother would've reacted to this man before him being named to the earldom short of trying to claw his eyes out.

[chesser2538]

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