Chambers of the Parliament of England

[Lucius Malfoy]

The Parliament of England is the legislative body of the Kingdom, which evolved over the various reigns. Divided by the Upper and Lower Chambers, the Parliament is gathered at the behest of the King (or that of the Lord Chancellor by royal authority) and has the power of various degrees that counters the King's possible absolute authority over England, Wales and Ireland. Although Parliament is still relatively minor in its power, it can provoke a violent response if the King attempts to go around them. Though this is usually overlooked if the King is strong and powerful, such as kings like Edward I. Parliament is where all the players can gather to discuss new laws and measures for the regions of Ireland, Wales and England. The King rules over the sessions, or, in his absence, the Lord Chancellor. As such, the Privy Council also sits with Parliament to help administrate the realm.

Royal Officers of the Realm

Lord Chancellor: Lord High Steward: Earl High Marshal: Admiral of the Fleet:

Additional Offices of the Realm

Lord Secretary of the State: Lord Privy Seal: Lord Lieutenant of Ireland: Warden of the Scottish Marches: Lord Captain of Calais: Lord Chancellor of Wales: Lord Protector of England:

[Lucius Malfoy]

Celebration filled the streets of London with the Lancastrians soundly and utterly vanquished, from what the heralds yelled through the streets. The citizens of London celebrated day and night for several days in recognition of Edward's victory over Henry VI. Despite the Lancaster Kings disappearance, there was still much to do in organizing the realm and the government of Edward Plantagenet. The noblemen that supported York and those who had officially surrendered to him gathered in Parliament for the session in which the King would reward his followers and affirm titles to the defeated. It was here, oaths of fealty would also be given to the victorious young Edward. Among those missing were the deceased Earl of Warick, Richard Neville, who was represented by his uncle, William Neville, and younger brother, Lord Montagu. Also missing was the Duke of Somerset, Henry Beaufort, whose lands had been attained by the Yorkist Crown for his treason. Rumors were abound that the successor to John de Clifford had also fled or gone into hiding as well.

Many had gathered to await the titles that would be bestowed and to see how the young King would organize his victorious government.

[Jokern]

Among the many nobles that had gathered in Parliament at this glorious occasion, two men stood at the very front near the king. The Duke of Norfolk, John de Mowbray, and his son the Earl of Surrey, John de Mowbray, were dressed in their finest livery, showing their heraldry; the royal arms of England with a white label, for Norfolk quartered with his mother's arms of House Neville, while Surrey quartered his with his mother's arms of Bourchier. The young earl still had to walk with a cane, the wound from the battle still not fully healed.

The two looked very pleased, for they had done more for this moment than any other, and they knew it. Towton had been their victory, and Edward owed his crown to them. Warwick, may the Lord bless his soul, had perished, and with him the strongest supporter of the House of York. Father and son would enjoy this day to the fullest. The king would reward those who had served him well, and pass sentence on those who had fought against him.

To the Duke of Norfolk, this was the beginning of the true war. Bureaucracy and parliament sessions were underappreciated among the young lords and knights of the realm, but to Mowbray it was the very essence of power in England. No matter how many battles you fought and men you killed, taxes and law were the cornerstones of a kingdom. Without it, you might as well be barbarians fighting over every little petty thing.

The Earl of Surrey could hardly contain his excitement. He felt the history of the realm around him, the spirits of ancient kings like William the Conqueror, Richard Lionheart, Edward Longshanks and Henry V whispering of glory, honour and conquest. After the rewards were granted by the king, whatever it may be, John would set to it and perform his duty to the best of his abilities. He was a hero now, the man who had held the Lancastrian army back after Warwick's death, saving the day. The Lord had given Surrey a vision, that from this day forward he would gather more achievements and honours and become one of the greatest earls in the history of England.

[Gandalfus]

Exeter was present, despite having fought for Lancaster, intermingling with his fellow peers who had also thrown down the cause of Lancaster to proclaim Edward of March King of England. Warily, he watched, recognising many Lords who had supported York from the offset, crawling out of the woodwork now victory was assured.

---

William Neville was also in attendance, being the most senior of the Neville clan left standing in terms of age. While only a baron, Fauconberg was wily and experienced, and commanded influence merely on that alone.

[Lucius Malfoy]

The Earl of Northumberland, Henry Percy, would arrive late to the gathering. He looks over at the northern lords that remained after Towton, with Baron de Clifford being the obvious absence. His eyes glance over, noticing he was too close to the Neville party, so he moved to situate himself near the Duke of Exeter and some other former Lancastrian lords. Henry approaches the Duke and bows his head to the nobleman.

Your Grace, I hope you have been well since Towton. How fares your estates and family?

[Gandalfus]

"Well enough." Rumbled Exeter in response, offering Northumberland a sideways glance. He wasn't aware that the man had been pardoned. Clearly, the Nevilles were none too pleased about it - offering him vicious glares. ​"And you, Percy? Not had your castle burned down by a Neville, have you?"

[Lucius Malfoy]

If Warwick were alive, he would have ensured that not only was my castle burned to the ground, but my treasury seized, my lands salted, my sons sent to the clergy and my daughters to monasteries.

Henry says as he glances once more over at the Nevilles as well. Northumberland returns his gaze forward to where Edward was to appear.

I learned of a plot that was gonna be instigated by the Archbishop of York, forewarning given to my brother by the Bishop of Lincoln, that helped save my life. I plan to show my thanks to the Bishop on my way back to Northumberland. The magnitude of this vile plot saved my head, my family and my title nonetheless.

[Gandalfus]

Exeter smirked, as if finding the whole thing heavily amusing. "All I did was surrender and plead clemency. It was given. A merciful king, praise God." It was truly providence that he had been treated with such clemency. Now, to turn the screw on that fool Beaufort.

[Lucius Malfoy]

We should meet sometime after this session of Parliament, Your Grace. Go hunting perhaps. Northumberland has a plenty of deer and other game at this time of the year.

Henry needed to make sure he kept close ties with the other Lancastrians if he were to survive. He was the slayer of Warwick after all and that earned him a terrible reputation among the Yorkists, especially Nevilles.

[Gandalfus]

We should meet sometime after this session of Parliament, Your Grace. Go hunting perhaps. Northumberland has a plenty of deer and other game at this time of the year.

Henry needed to make sure he kept close ties with the other Lancastrians if he were to survive. He was the slayer of Warwick after all and that earned him a terrible reputation among the Yorkists, especially Nevilles.

"Naturally." Exeter nodded in affirmation, already weighing up his options. Neither the Yorkists nor the hard-line Lancastrians would trust him - to the former, he was an opportunist at best, and to the latter, an outright traitor. He had been the first to dip his banners, after all. Perhaps, he could play both sides? But a man must throw his name into one of the hats, at the end of the day. "Now the winter is giving way to spring, and the snows melting, I would be glad to indulge in the hunt."

[Barry Goldwater]

Sir Edmund Kyriell stood tall among the Commons, like many of his fellow knights and the borough merchants. His father was an MP after all, and following his death at 2nd St Albans & the Yorkist victory at Towton Edmund supposed it would only be natural for him to succeed in old Thomas' Kentish seat - though his marital connections to one of the wealthy mercers of London definitely didn't hurt his political chances, either. He himself could take pride in the Kyriells' role at Towton: he and his brother may not have played a particularly large or notable part, being only two among the thousand-odd knights who guarded King Edward, but they did play a role nonetheless (how could Edward have won without his faithful followers, after all?) and succeeded in avenging their murdered old man by contributing to the final Yorkist victory in their own small way.

[Oznerol]

There is little John de la Pole loved most than a good entrance. The would-be Duke of Suffolk entered the hall fashionably late, followed by a flock of retainers with his livery. The Duke wears splendid robes of crimson brocade, embroidered with golden thread; a stunning collar of suns in splendor and enamelled white roses around his graceful neck. He is dashing and handsome, like Phoebus himself.

---------------------------------

Both Viscount Bourchier and his brother, the Archbishop of Canterbury, arrive to the gathering. As always Thomas leads the way, clad in his purple robes, offering blessings and a signal ring to kiss to those courtiers approaching him.

[Jokern]

Both Viscount Bourchier and his brother, the Archbishop of Canterbury, arrive to the gathering. As always Thomas leads the way, clad in his purple robes, offering blessings and a signal ring to kiss to those courtiers approaching him.

Norfolk and Surrey both bowed to kiss the archbishop's ring. The duke's wife, Eleanor Bourchier, being the sister of the Archbishop of Canterbury and Viscount Bourchier, made the two Surrey's uncles. Norfolk began greeting the two Bourchiers.

"Greetings, your Grace and Lord Bourchier, may the blessings of the Lord be upon you both. How do my brothers-in-law fare? I hope you have fared well after Towton, Lord Bourchier."

Surrey joined in as well, though clearly more interested in the king's arrival.

"Uncles, I am glad to see you both in good health. My mother sends her regards and blessings."

Thank you Archbishop. My respect to you. God bless you!

Gentlemen, I have some things I wish to state. I wish to hand out titles and other good things for those who gave much to the cause thus far. I will say some than pause to hear your remarks then continue with more. If I forget, I will mention it later after my pause so bear with me and take no offense if I forgot initially.

For Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter: Baron Hastings; Duke of Norfolk and Lord Fauconberg; Baron Bourchier; Earl of Surrey; Bastard of Fauconberg; Lord Herbert; R. Kyriell; E. Kyriell; the late Lord Warwick
Lord Secretary of the State: Duke of Norfolk
Lord Privy Seal: Viscount Bourchier
Warden of the Scottish Marches: Earl of Surrey

What say you all as of right now?

The Mowbrays were very pleased with the first appointments. Surrey had been made a Knight of the Garter while Norfolk kept his seat, the most honourable order in England. The young earl felt proud for being recognized for his bravery and efforts for the Yorkist cause, along with being made Warden of the Scottish Marches. To guard the northern borders of the kingdom from the barbarians, exactly the position that the young and adventurous earl had been looking for.

Norfolk, on the other hand, nodded graciously for his appointment to Lord Secretary of the State. An honorary title with no real power in and of itself, it represented the personal adviser and attendant of the king. Nothing to scoff at, though Mowbray eagerly awaited the reveals of the great offices of the privy chamber.

[Oznerol]

Norfolk and Surrey both bowed to kiss the archbishop's ring. The duke's wife, Eleanor Bourchier, being the sister of the Archbishop of Canterbury and Viscount Bourchier, made the two Surrey's uncles. Norfolk began greeting the two Bourchiers.

"Greetings, your Grace and Lord Bourchier, may the blessings of the Lord be upon you both. How do my brothers-in-law fare? I hope you have fared well after Towton, Lord Bourchier."

Surrey joined in as well, though clearly more interested in the king's arrival.

"Uncles, I am glad to see you both in good health. My mother sends her regards and blessings."

"We fared well, your Grace"

Said the viscount, bowing slightly.

"None of us were wounded at Towton. My sons fought well and nobly"

"Thanks to the Almighty"

"Yes, God was with us, certainly"

The archbishop made the sign of the cross over his chest.

"And my nephew triumphed against imposible odds"

The Archbishop smiled.

"However, we do know your Grace was instrumental in his arrival. I even heard you had to discard the artillery to arrive in time, doesn't it, my gracious Duke? God favours those daring, bold and true, Norfolk"

--------------------------

Thomas Bourchier arched an eyebrow when his inferior, the Archbishop of York, was daring enough to make such a foolish proposal publicly.

I must remind Francis his place

--------------------------

The Archbishop and the viscount whispered into each other's ear, discussing the first appointments and grants.

"Our sweet nephew has honored us twice, brother"

"Aye, my eldest son a Knight of the Garter!"

"Fool, the Privy Seal and the Admiralship are way more important"

"I know, I know. And our brother Norfolk has been properly rewarded"

"Had not been for Surrey and Norfolk would be kissing the She-Wolf's slippers"

[Jokern]

"We fared well, your Grace"

Said the viscount, bowing slightly.

"None of us were wounded at Towton. My sons fought well and nobly"

"Thanks to the Almighty"

"Yes, God was with us, certainly"

The archbishop made the sign of the cross over his chest.

"And my nephew triumphed against imposible odds"

The Archbishop smiled.

"However, we do know your Grace was instrumental in his arrival. I even heard you had to discard the artillery to arrive in time, doesn't it, my gracious Duke? God favours those daring, bold and true, Norfolk"

While Surrey smiled at the praise he was getting, his father Norfolk nodded and replied.

"Indeed, your Grace. The cannons were too cumbersome and slow, and I could hear the battlefield raging far away, so I did the only rational and left the things by the wayside. To be honest, I do not see any use for these metal tubes outside of sieges, they cannot hit anything that moves and are too slow to reload. Though I thank you for your kind words, your Grace, I am sure the Lord is with the noble and true today."

Gentlemen!

I am pleased that you are all pleased. And lets keep it moving with some more announcements. I know some of you may want certain positions, but I must make the best moves for England.

Lord Chancellor of Wales: Lord Herbert
Lord Captain of Calais: Earl of Salisbury

Earldom of Northampton: Baron Hastings
Earldom of Derbyshire: Baron Bourchier
Earldom of Lincoln: Duke of Norfolk
Duchy of Cornwall/Prince of Wales and Earldom of Chester: Will be kept for my heirs along with the Duchy of Lancaster and Duchy of Gloucester. Duchy of York will stay in my possession.
Earldom of Kent: Baron Fauconberg

While the Duke of Norfolk was satisfied with the earldom of Lincoln, an extra feather in his hat of eastern England, the Earl of Surrey was clearly not pleased, though the young man held his tongue under his father's watchful gaze. Had John not saved the Yorkist army from collapse? Had he not stepped into Warwick's shoes and filled them adequately on the battlefield? If he could not get titles, he would surely make more and conquer in his own right.

[Blastoise Groudon]

The Baron Hastings has decided to join his fellow noblemen in the celebration.

[Lucius Malfoy]

The Baron Hastings has decided to join his fellow noblemen in the celebration.

John Neville, the de facto Earl of Salisbury, approaches Baron Hastings who had joined the crowd. He stands beside the loyal errand runner of His Grace, Edward.

My Lord Hastings. Is His Grace almost ready to present himself to Parliament? I can see a lot of restless and anxious faces who are eager for land and title for their services.

[Blastoise Groudon]

John Neville, the de facto Earl of Salisbury, approaches Baron Hastings who had joined the crowd. He stands beside the loyal errand runner of His Grace, Edward.

My Lord Hastings. Is His Grace almost ready to present himself to Parliament? I can see a lot of restless and anxious faces who are eager for land and title for their services.

Friend, soon I hear. The wait is not much longer.

[Blastoise Groudon]

Finally, The King himself has entered the room. He is tired still from the battle, but alive and well and happy to be in this position.

Meanwhile, Baron Hasting quickly stands and acknowledges his presence.

[Lord William]

The Archbishop of York arrives to offer his blessings and congratulations.