The French King.

[Mary The Quene]

The Queen, Marguerite d'Anjou, her husband, King Henry VI and her son the prince left York with all haste. They took with them the most precious possessions they were able transport, for Marguerite these were expensive clothes, jewels, pearls, and for Henry it was the bible, atleast Margaret would leave as a queen. Once they fled England they sailed to France, home to Margaret's father, the duke of Anjou but more importantly the French king. Once landed they set route to Paris to arrange a meeting with the French king, Louis XI. Margaret dressed herself in black and in French fashion, her dress decorated with jewels and the most expensive pearls to show her status as Queen. They couple ride through the bosses and many roads before Margaret finally spoke to her husband.

My husband, i am related with blood to the French king, i'm a Valois after all, he will surely listen to his kinsmen, i know how to deal with a Valois. I heave heard Charles VII died, the man who took all English possessions save Calais in Europe, his son Louis succeeded him as king. He and his father could never get really along or so i heard.

The Queen rode just next to her husband. Here she was, a Queen, but a queen of what? a queen beggar, a queen much maligned by royal courts. Finally the couple entered Paris, and after arriving in the royal residence trumpeters announced their arrival. The Queen and the King entered the royal hall.

Presenting, the most Gracious Queen, Marguerite d'Anjou, Queen of England and the most noble king of England, Henry, the sixth of his name.

First Margaret bowed for the French King, kissing his ring and looking into his eye.

Mon roi

She whispered, now it was Henry's turn.

ooc: Margaret has +2 charisma

[Gandalfus]

Roi Louis was regally composed, his gaze unflinching as he looked upon both Henry and Margaret. None could be sure what his expression gave away; he was known as the prudent among his subjects, as well as the spider. His talent at spinning webs of intrigue made him an enemy of his own father, but he has since risen to the throne of a France surrounded by foes.

"Welcome to my court, King Henry, Queen Margaret." He spoke immaculate French, the language of the courts of Europe. "I feel great sorrow for the loss of your Kingdom. Noble England has been usurped from your rightful rule." It was difficult to tell what Louis was thinking, but he surely looked filled with pity at the prospect of a lost crown. "You are welcome guests here, should you wish it. I shall have my major domus prepare the finest rooms for your stay."

[The Mad Skylord]

Baron Clifford lurked in the background, one of the few remaining Lancastrian officers. As a loyal member of the King's Retinue, he was well dressed - indeed he wore his best clothes - in dark red hose, leather boots coming up to his knees and a black tunic. He wore a heavy sword belt, equipped with a good longsword and a dirk. His outfit was completed by a shoulder cloak over his left shoulder, black with a red underside, leaving his sword arm free.

[Mary The Quene]

The Queen smiled, she intended to take the lead in the conversation, she was after all a Valois. She heard many things about the King but the first impression was that of a kind man. She replied in French

You have our eternal gratitude mon roi. The kingdom of England can not thank you enough for the hospitality being bestowed upon us.

Then she spoke about the fate of England, she longed for the blood of those who opposed her.

A stain on the history of England it is. If we had not been betrayed by cowards we would sit on our throne now, while our men failed i was able to achieve victory at St Albans and secure the rightful king of England, my husband. She now stared at her silent husband

The Queen kneeled once again before the French king.

Mon roi, our loss is your loss too, i am sure the Duke of Burgundy must be happy to see a pro-Burgundian fool on the throne, that is what that usurper is, a puppet of that Burgundian duke.

[Gandalfus]

Louis sat impassively, although he made an effort to look moved. Burgundy was a menace, though he would prefer to wait and see the stance of this... Edward, before committing to one side or another. While the boy's sister was indeed married to the fool Charles, it was a strong possibility his advisers would not be so careless as to ally themselves with an enemy of France.

"Of course, of course. I do not doubt the loss has affected you harshly. Such falls from grace are tragedy." While he shed no tears, he wiped his eyes nonetheless to exemplify his point. Courtiers shuffled around him, including a particularly ancient man who bore a badge of high office. "You are welcome as guests here until I am able to assist you in retaking your Kingdom, naturally. Unfortunately, I cannot act at the moment - my eyes are on my dear cousin, Duc Phillippe, who has been particularly warlike as of late."

[Mary The Quene]

The Queen nodded, she wanted his support now, but felt that might offend him. It made sense the French king would prioritize French matter over English matters.

But ofcourse mon roi, we fully understand your concern. Please, if England can be of any use then do not hesitate to ask.

The Queen wanted a private audience, she wanted to say things that others might better not hear.

Has the king of France time for more secret talks?

[Jokern]

While Margaret and Charles spoke with each other, Henry merely stood silent and listened. He felt everyone's eyes upon him, a beggar king in the court that belonged to the man who had taken all his lands in France except for Calais, and now even that was beyond his reach. Henry felt weak and defenseless, not like the king he had bee brought up to be. He needed Somerset, the man who always knew what to do. Margaret was with him and gave him comfort, his companion through life, and his son Edward as well, but Henry had relied on his trusted lords for so long he felt exposed without one of them to give advise. Henry was nervous and it showed.

[Gandalfus]

Louis smiled delicately, drumming his fingers against the armrest of his throne. No doubt, they would ask for his aid, money, ships, men. Platitudes would have to suffice.

​"All in good time, dear Marguerite. I shall dine with you first, as befits guests of such royal station. Then, we may talk of matters of state. They are not fit for public ears, I should dare to think." Louis' hawkish gaze shifted to Henry, King of England, who had thus far remained silent. He looked lost, as if his eyes looked upon heaven rather than focusing on the world about him. It was clear that the French monarch was waiting for the silent king to speak, though he had heard rumours of Henry's apparent madness, he did not wish to believe until he had seen.

[Mary The Quene]

Louis smiled delicately, drumming his fingers against the armrest of his throne. No doubt, they would ask for his aid, money, ships, men. Platitudes would have to suffice.

​"All in good time, dear Marguerite. I shall dine with you first, as befits guests of such royal station. Then, we may talk of matters of state. They are not fit for public ears, I should dare to think." Louis' hawkish gaze shifted to Henry, King of England, who had thus far remained silent. He looked lost, as if his eyes looked upon heaven rather than focusing on the world about him. It was clear that the French monarch was waiting for the silent king to speak, though he had heard rumours of Henry's apparent madness, he did not wish to believe until he had seen.

The Queen nodded, it was clear she was taking the lead in this conversation as her husband rambled words out of his mouth. It was clear to others that Margaret completely dominated her husband, the poor Henry.

Then we shall dine, mon roi

The French king and the couple moved to a different room, the dinner room. The French king sat on the head of table while next to him sat Henry and Margaret. The doors were closed and others were send away. The Queen nipped from her cup of wine

We have many things to say but these things do not come from us if you know what i mean?

The Queen stared in the eye's of the French king

France does not stand alone with its aversion to the Yorkist menace, Scotland shares the same aversion of that very menace. If France is willingly to help us restoring the Lancastrian cause to the throne then we have better chances with a Scottish-French alliance.

The Queen nipped once more

Furthermore we have moles among the noble's that now swear allegiance to that Usurper. If it ever comes to a clash then they will not just have to deal with two armies but with a rebellion aswell.

You see, mon roi, never go to a war unplanned. But we understand you have more immediate things to prioritize, take your time to think about this.

ooc : i didn't see your earlier post in time

[Jokern]

The intense stare from the King of France bored into Henry, who knew not what to do. Where were his advisers when he needed them? Finally, after several silent minutes, the king spoke a few, hushed words.

"We... thank you for your... gracious hospitality, your Grace. England shall not forget..."

After that, Henry's voice trailed off and he became silent once more. He was not used to talk to someone of the same rank as him without the aid of his great officers of the privy chamber, so he felt lost and knew not what to do.

[Gandalfus]

Louis smiled gently, rising at the words of Henry. Unfortunately, it seemed the rumours were true. That would have to be worked with.

"Do not worry, dear Henri. Kingship is the duty bestowed upon us by God's grace, and it is tiring work - especially when dealing with rebels and traitors. Come, my Major Domus shall guide us to our dining area." Lead away by the shuffling, ancient courtier, the twice royal party were escorted into a vast, expansive wing of the palace, clearly used for entertaining guests of especially high rank. Once they were all seated, the pleasantries began, beginning with wine and bread; eventually, more exquisite dishes were prepared. The finest cuts of fowl and livestock were presented, seasoned and marinated in the most unusual of manner. Late into the evening, after a dessert, they were to retire. But first, Louis intended to discuss the matter of England in more intimate detail.

Once the meal was finished, and Henry safely escorted to a prestigious guest wing as a temporary quarter, Louis met with both the Queen and other Lancastrians in private, with only a few of Louis' trusted advisers in attendance. Gazing at Margaret attentively, he waited for her to begin.

[The Mad Skylord]

Baron Clifford sat quietly in a corner. He kept to the back of the crowd, even as one of the highest ranking of the remaining Lancastrians.

[Gandalfus]

"Alas, your brave nobles were not at all prepared for the last battle. The work of traitors, no doubt, compromising your righteous cause." Louis lamented, though his gaze did not look the least bit sympathetic. "I am afraid I am otherwise occupied at this time. Burgundy and Brittany have proven most troublesome, and openly backing Lancaster would lead to them seeking the protection of the ignoble York." Again, Louis wiped his eyes sorrowfully, though he did not touch the goblet of wine that did lie before him. "I can offer sanctuary to you, noble kinswoman. A manor house in Paris may serve as your residence, the court of England during your stay here. I shall be happy to have my servants attend to your every need." ​This promise, at least, appeared genuine.

[Mary The Quene]

"Alas, your brave nobles were not at all prepared for the last battle. The work of traitors, no doubt, compromising your righteous cause." Louis lamented, though his gaze did not look the least bit sympathetic. "I am afraid I am otherwise occupied at this time. Burgundy and Brittany have proven most troublesome, and openly backing Lancaster would lead to them seeking the protection of the ignoble York." Again, Louis wiped his eyes sorrowfully, though he did not touch the goblet of wine that did lie before him. "I can offer sanctuary to you, noble kinswoman. A manor house in Paris may serve as your residence, the court of England during your stay here. I shall be happy to have my servants attend to your every need." ​This promise, at least, appeared genuine.

The Queen took her cup of wine but did not drink from it, rather staring coldly to the opposite side of the table.

No, they were not indeed, cowards and traitors as the likes of Holland and Percy have cost us that battle, they failed at what i achieved at St Albans.

The Queen expected this answer from Louis, he would not grant them favors lightly so she must make concessions.

Mon roi, i am a Valois and through that bloodline related to you, i might be an English Queen but i am French in blood and that will never fade. I think having French influence at the court of England through me would only benefit you and your realm, whereas the Yorkist Usurper bars any influence from Fair France.

Now she stared at the eye's of Louis

I am a Valois and i know what the French want, they want aid to defeat her traditional enemies, Burgundy and Brittany. For too long has Burgundy taken lands from you, they are in possession of Flanders, a fief that rightfully belongs to France but has been seized by the enemies of France, Brittany another such fief that rightfully belongs to France but is not.

The Queen would do everything to get her throne back, she was known to be power hungry and scrupulous when it mattered about power. Some dared to call her the 'She-wolf' of England, some whispered about being her demon through a woman's body.

We understand your concern, that you might prioritize French matters over English matters, such is business, but The Lancastrian cause would be forever in your debt if she is to be restored to her rightful throne, England for example could send all possible means of aid to Fair france to defeat her rivals, Burgundy and Brittany, including military means, our armies would be unrivaled in this world if we are to work together. We will offer you unconditionally support for your endeavors against your enemies.

The Queen continued out selling England to France

If fair France restores us we are willingly to grant you the ..... pale of Calais to be returned to the French crown.

This would be a shock to the English nobility but it left the Queen cold, she wanted to rule at all cost.

We are not asking for an immediate action, such things can not go without time, we understand that ruling a realm takes its time.

Now the Queen nipped from her wine

Your Grace, if you can pardon me, i can not stay here, i have to see my father, René of Anjou, and i have to visit the tomb of my mother, i never had the opportunity to mourn her death properly and i want to do so now, i hope you understand.

[Gandalfus]

Louis gaze remained ultimately composed. Margaret was desperate, promising him the world, whatever he wanted to hear in exchange for any modicum of support he could grant. Invade England, she said, and Burgundy, Calais, Brittany would all be yours. Were he a fool, he would have bitten her hand off, like a wolfhound snatching at a cut of mutton. But the French King was a different beast, not easily won over by a beggar's promises, no matter who the beggar was.

"I shall think on it, fair Marguerite." Louis replied levelly. Perhaps he was slighted by her decision to return to Anjou, rather than stay close to him in Paris. Or perhaps not. "I would at least request that a representative of yours remain here, in Paris. I wish to keep you abreast of developments here, so you know where we shall stand on this matter. When I have made my decision, I swear by the cross you shall be the first to know."

[Mary The Quene]

The Queen walked to Louis, knelling before him and kissing his ring as a sign of utmost respect.

Your Grace, i'd like to appoint Roger Clifford, a most noble lord that would be most suitable as representative.

She pointed out the man sitting in a corner.

If you ever feel the need of spiritual comfort, Your Grace is always welcome to visit me.

What that might mean is unknown to many but the King would surely know she thought. Meanwhile all the while Henry was sitting silent, his eye's cold as always.

We thank you for everything, mon roi.

[Gandalfus]

"Thank you, dear cousin. May you find your own comfort in Anjou." Louis responded, watching the English Queen with curiosity as she departed.

[The Mad Skylord]

Roger Clifford, however, remained. Bowing to the French King, he spoke in fluent French. "Sire, I am Baron Roger Clifford, at your service."

[Gandalfus]

"Yes, Clifford. I have heard of your family, from the north of England." Louis nodded, unsure of what to make of the man. Clapping his hands, he arranged for their wine to be refilled as they were escorted to a more public medium, where many noble courtiers and servants of the palace did dwell.

[The Mad Skylord]

Clifford smiled calmly. "I am honoured, Your Majesty."

Following him quietly, the young Baron pondered the best way to broach the subject, as the new representative of the King. He took a sip of his wine - a fine Spanish red - and began to talk calmly and cautiously. "King Louis, I am a loyal servant of my King, but we both know that it is not in Lancastrian power to give you Calais. I do not mean to, eh undercut, my Queen but I have more interest in seeing victory than massaging Her Grace's ego.

Edward of March is anti-French. He has strong connections with Burgundy. The reality of the situation is that we have little to offer, but King Henry VI is a better choice as King of England for France. Support King Henry, give troops to his cause, and reap the benefits of being a close ally of the Kingdom of England. A Kingdom of England with a King and Queen who are close to the French throne, rather than the Burgundian throne."