The Dukedom of York, York Castle, York

[Lucius Malfoy]

York Castle has been the home of three Dukes of York, from Edmund of Langley to the present Richard Plantagenet. The now mighty castle was originally built under the orders of William the Conqueror, who had the castle made to dominate the former Viking town. And since the 11th Century, the area of York has become a vibrant hub of trade and economic prosperity due to peaceful traders from Scotland and English merchants heading north.

Current Residents:
Richard Plantagenet, 3rd Duke of York, Age: 27
- Marital Status: Single

[terradon]

Roman arrives and requests an audience with the duke of York

[Lucius Malfoy]

Roman arrives and requests an audience with the duke of York

The Castilian is permitted to enter York Castle. A couple guards escorted the man to the courtyard where Richard Plantagenet was practicing his marksmanship with a longbow. He pulls back an arrow and lets it fly, hitting the target. He then looks to see Roman.

Ah welcome, you must be the guest that my guards told me about. What's your name, good sir?

He turns around, facing the target again as he draws his bow, aiming at the target.

[terradon]

Roman bows his head lightly and replies

My name is Roman Henry Rivera, my lord. I come bearing a gift for you.

Roman extends his arms and shows the Duke a beautiful coat, made of a white stag's fur.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Richard lets his arrow loose, seeing it strike its target again. He looks at the fur coat and nods to servant boy. He takes the coat and brings it over to Richard who examines it.

My my...fine pelt here. You have my attention, Roman.

He hands his bow to another servant boy as Richard removes his gloves and looks at him.

Your accent...its from Spain isn't it? I know the accent well. My great-grandmother Isabella was the daughter of Peter the Cruel of Castile and Leon.

[terradon]

Why yes, I am from Burgos. I was raised in an orphanage, where a priest taught me to read and write.
My lord i come to you today, to swear an Oath of Fealty to you and your house.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Richard looked at Roman and listened to his words. He gave the gloves to one of the servant boys. He examines the physical appearance of Roman.

Tell me Roman, what are your skills? I wish to hear them. As the Duke of York and descendant of Edward III, I choose my subjects based upon merit and skill, not connections.

[terradon]

Well my lord i am a hunter, so i am good with a bow.
I also know how to fight with a sword and shield.
I will protect you and your family with my life if i have to.

Roman looks at the Duke patiently awaiting a response.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Richard nods his head slowly while Roman speaks. He strokes his chin slightly.

Virtues, something a priest or any Knight could have easily taught. You are aware of your status as a Knight of the House of York. And will receive privileges, status and other rewards for your noble services.

He whistles as guard brings the Duke's sword over. He draws it slowly and looks at Roman.

Kneel.

[terradon]

Roman drops to his left knee in front of the duke. His heart pounding with excitement, he thinks to himself
Wait until veronica and the kids hear this.

[Lucius Malfoy]

By the power invested in me as the Duke of York, I, Richard Plantagenet, hereby make thee Sir Roman Rivera of York. A noble Knight of the White Rose, the symbol of the House of York. May your services be noble in deed and that God reward you forever more for your noble services to the Crown and His Majesty, King Henry V as a Knight of the Realm.

Richard's sword touches both shoulders of Roman before it was put away.

Rise, Sir Roman. There is much work to do in the northern lands of England. Your skills will be put to the test soon enough.

[terradon]

Roman rose to his feet

Aye my lord, let us hope

[Lucius Malfoy]

Richard looks at Roman.

I am expecting great contributions from you, Sir Roman. As you are serving a descendant of King Edward III through his second son, Lionel of Antwerp and his fourth son, Edward of Langley, the 1st Duke of York. That makes me and His Majesty cousins by blood.

The Duke of York shows his new Knight the walls of the castle and points North.

We have been receiving disturbing reports from our Scottish neighbors. Seems they been preparing themselves for war...and with the Toulousian Revolt happening in France, we must guard the North for His Majesty.

[terradon]

Aye my lord i understand, and it is with great pleasure that i shall serve you and his majesty with courage, honor and virtue.
I shall lay down my life if the time may come for that. But don't worry my lord you have my word in front of the almighty i shall obey any order given to my by you my lord.

Roman looks at the beautiful castle amazed by the sight.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Richard looks out at the city of York for some time before looking at Roman.

I shall have you and any family you have be moved to an estate not far from the castle, Sir Roman. A good patch of farming land and woods to hunt.

[terradon]

Aye my lord, i shall go and bring them to our new home. I thank you my lord you are most generous.

Roman bows his head and then leaves to gather his family.

[Dirty Chai]

A letter arrives from France, where the Norman League marches against Toulouse.
The seal of Rouen, a lamb bearing a cross and a halo, is on it.

Mon ami Richard,
My family and I would be very interested in organizing a marital union with your glorious personage.

Regards,
Charles d'Anjou
Comte de Rouen
Comte de Caen

[Lucius Malfoy]

Richard reads the letter quietly and ponders some. He then arranges for a personal venture to the holdings of Charles d'Anjou.

[tyboman]

After a short journey from his home in Montgomery, Bran arrives outside the castle of York seeking an audience with the Duke. He comes wearing a simple green tunic, wearing a similarly colored cape bearing a black raven on it, the symbol of his family.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Bran is let into York Castle and shown to where the Duke was. He was examining his hunting dogs as Bran was brought forth. Richard points to one of the dogs and a nearby seller bows, accepting a payment before leaving. Richard looks at the stranger.

Who might you be?