Coldharbour House

[Gandalfus]

Coldharbour House is the London property of the Duke of Exeter - currently his wife and children reside here due to the family's position as relatives of the King and members of his royal court.

[Oznerol]

The Duke of Suffolk and wife visit their brothers-in-law.

[Gandalfus]

Holland had been effectively placed under house arrest - confined to within London itself. Thus he was rather surprised and relieved to be visited by de la Pole, who was escorted into the house by a chamberlain, finding Holland brooding in a rather spacious study. The children were in the nursery, and Anne was reading in the garden.

"Ah, Suffolk, welcome. What calls for this visit?" Holland rose, walking towards the couple.

[Oznerol]

"A man must always visit his peers. Besides, my wife here wished to see her sister again"

The golden-haired woman curtsied.

"Exeter, glad to see your Grace again"

She offered him a jewelled hand.

"I have heard she delivered a healthy boy little ago. I'm eager to see if he resembles my noble father Plantagenet"

[Gandalfus]

Exeter observed his courtesies, kissing the extended hand of his sister-in-law. Meanwhile, Anne was informed of her sister's arrival - she appeared with a huge smile on her face, holding the baby boy, followed closely by her young daughter, tugging at her dress.

"Elizabeth! Such a joy to see you again. It has been so long." ​Truly, she had not seen her sister for some time, since before their father died at least.

[Oznerol]

"Anne!"

They kissed each other's cheeks.

"Look at you! And what a beautiful boy!"

She curled one of the baby's locks. Elisabeth, however now realized Holland was a greater threat now than ever, she stared for few seconds at the baby. Lancaster and York, united on this boy. One finger touched his litle nose. The daughter was harmless, but the son...

"My sweet nephew, I will bring you gifts next time"

De la Pole, unconcerned, chuckled.

"Women, right?"

He looked at Exeter, smiling.

"How is that you are under arrest? A peer shouldn't be constrained by any boundaries save the laws of God and men"

[Gandalfus]

"Tell Norfolk that. He thinks I am some kind of suspected traitor. I am married to the king's sister, by God!" Holland protested, shaking his head at de la Pole as the two York sisters engaged in idle conversation.

[Oznerol]

"Outrageous! I can't make my voice be heard in the Privy Council, however; I don't even have a seat while upstarts like Herbert do"

Suffolk looked offended.

"We must change that, by our connections we should rank first among the peers, Exeter! By the virtue of our kindred we are brothers, my Lord, and thus should act in unison"

[Gandalfus]

"Norfolk's pulling all the strings... He's treating Edward like a sock-puppet. And now, Lancaster invades again. No doubt Mowbray will lead fair England to ruin." Holland lamented to Suffolk; he too was annoyed that he had been sidelined, despite his rank as the king's brother in law.

[Oznerol]

"He surely enjoys having power and wielding it. Our brother hasn't even been crowned and we face an invasion. Too soon, way too soon"

Replied Suffolk.

"Our fair isle will soon be torn apart by war; his Grace is ill-advised. He should have his brothers by his side. But alas, he has announced his marriage to a Percy! A Percy, born from Hotspur's seed! Nothing good will bring that unfortunate marriage, he should have sought a better match, like a French princess to keep Louis from supporting the She-Wolf"

[Gandalfus]

"Alas indeed, his councillors are lickspittles. We should petition His Grace to include us in his councils, in the future." Holland licked his lips. He would find a way to turn this war to his advantage, he was certain of it.

[Oznerol]

"Agreed, we should"

Said Suffolk.

"Notwithstanding your previous... allegiances, you should have a place on the council, brother. But war is looming on the horizon, we shall prove our worth there. Those upstarts cannot field as many men as we do"

[Gandalfus]

Indeed, thought Holland, I shall prove my worth to all.

"It does seem that the French back Lancaster, along with the Scots. It will be bloody, perhaps even bloodier than the last." Outlive your enemies, rather than defeat them - they get themselves killed on their own.

[Oznerol]

Indeed, thought Holland, I shall prove my worth to all.

"It does seem that the French back Lancaster, along with the Scots. It will be bloody, perhaps even bloodier than the last." Outlive your enemies, rather than defeat them - they get themselves killed on their own.

Suffolk nodded and the conversation developed into a lovely evening after which the couple left Holland's manse. Elisabeth prommised her sister to be in touch and invited her to Lombard Street.

[Blastoise Groudon]

The King of England storms in with his bodyguard. He seems to be in a hurry.

Gentlemen, to arms! I received word the enemy is attacking on both fronts. (He looks at Holland) Holland, I know you was put under house arrest due to all of these letters being put out. You may go out into the fight, I hope you will stay loyal to me. This is the time to prove yourself to me and if you do, I assure you this will NEVER happen again.

[Gandalfus]

Holland looked surprised at the sudden influx of visitors, but quickly put things into motion and left to gather his men at Huntingdon.

[Mary The Quene]

After having concluded business in Framlingham castle at some point, Queen Percy decides to visit her sister in law to gather support for her cause, the Queen was accompanied by a lavish host of servants and ladies in waiting all dressed the best they can.

[Gandalfus]

Anne receives the Queen into her home - her husband was currently in Ireland, but the eldest sister of the King was a capable woman in her own right, attending to her three children who were all present within the house.

"Ah, dear sister, what may I do for you?" Anne smiled gently, feeling some measure of pity for the Queen. Setting down the book she had been reading, the still young and fair-haired duchess approached Percy with a bright gaze, and offered a curtsy. Many ladies in waiting were in attendance, minor families associated and related to the Holland family in some distant way.

[Mary The Quene]

The Queen smiled courteously while walking to her sister to kiss her on cheeks.

Lady Anne, my dear sister, how do you fare?

The Queen liked her, she is the sister of her husband after all, her support would be most beneficial for her rivalry with Lady Grey.

I am concerned about my husband, your own brother.

She felt at ease with her, she ofcourse knew that Holland fell out of favor with the king, that could be now restored if they would hep her against her rival.

You are his sister and therefore know him best, i am concerned about the scheming of Lady Grey, my rival...

The smile went away and made place for a stern face upon mentioning these last words

[Gandalfus]

Anne sighed, knowing her brother had a wandering eye. In his youth, he had associated with many women, and Elizabeth Grey was but the longest of many flings of Edward. Eleanor Talbot sprung to mind as another brief but intense love of the King. Anne had heard of them all, and despaired of her younger brother.

"Your Grace... Elizabeth Grey has held the heart of the King for many years. You say she is scheming? I have not heard, only that she has borne him two children." Anne gestured for the Queen to take a seat alongside her, as well as ensuring the royal ladies-in-waiting were attended to. Wine was fetched, of course.