An emissary to the duke of Brittany

[Noytary]

After some time of packing, arranging the necessary replacements and buying a large box of that wine norfolk mentioned, Lord edward stafford began the long journey to Brittany. Aided with an official writ of authority from the king himself and an enormous number of servants and retainers to tend to his every need, he reaches the seat of duke francis the second of his name. He grabs a servant and command him "tell duke francis that edward stafford, duke of buckingham, earl of stafford, baron of strange and many other titles, has arrived to discuss matters of state as an offical emissary of the king of England." he stops for a second, and say "and he brings an excellent wine."

[Lucius Malfoy]

Francis II, of the House Dreux-Montfort, was a man of thirty years and known for his conflicts with Louis XI, in trying to keep the independence of the Breton people and the Duchy which had had a long history of wars with the French Kingdom in ensuring its long standing independence was kept and respected. When a servant came forth, speaking to the Duke of the visitor, Francis permits the entry of the Duke of Buckingham. A herald speaks loudly for all who were present to hear.

His Highness, the Duke of Brittany, welcomes His Grace, Edward Stafford, the Duke of Buckingham.

Francis sits quietly upon his throne, having recently dismissed his generals who remained within the room for now. The arrival of Buckingham had disrupted a military meeting, but the Duke was willing to set it aside for this.

Your Grace, I welcome you to my court and my country. Let us get to business, what brings you from England?

[Noytary]

Edward stafford looks around "well, we'll save the wine for later." he shakes francis's hand and then declare "my king,Edward of march, would like to form an alliance with you in this troubling times. As you surely know, Edward is from house york, and his rivals, house lancaster, is hiding in france. It is known to me that war would be conducted in the close future, and your support, or merely your activeness, will be much appreciated." he then smiles "activeness on your interests of course. Although i assure you a...physical support would be even more valued in our friendship, if you will accept it."

[Lucius Malfoy]

The eyebrow of the Duke rises. It was true that the Yorkists were victorious and that the Lancastrians hid within the realm of his enemy, Louis XI, yet Brittany was weary of England. Just as the House of Plantagenet, which the Lancasters and Yorkists were descended, held claims over various territories throughout France, so did they have a claim over Brittany, though distant as it may be. The son of Henry II, as well as his grandson, once ruled Brittany for a time before it was reclaimed by the Bretons after the death of Arthur Plantagenet. Francis ponders quietly on the proposal.

Brittany is a small country and with limited resources to be of a help to England. We have barely managed to hold our borders against the French, yet have managed somehow. I fear that if I were to sign a treaty, hostilities would be renewed overnight and my country would be dragged in a war by proxy. What does your King offer to secure my support? For while we may have a mutual enemy, that does not convince me enough.

[Noytary]

Edward Stafford smiles "Oh, but here is the thing, as merchants like to say. There is going to be war with france, either intiated by england or by french soldiers under lancaster command. And at that point, france will have to deal with three fronts. England, Burgundy and Brittany, that their combined power will surely owhelm it. and cause a great deal of pain. It troubles me, but it will hopefully end the series of wars and give my children a bit of peace.Iin the aftermath, each kingdom will keep what she conquered, a fair share i believe. You can, of course, remain neatural, but i see no gain from that action, and surely you won't see a better offer." he widens his smile "you also get a box of an excellent wine, if i may say."

[Lucius Malfoy]

I am sorry, but these terms are relatively vague. If His Grace, the King of England, truly desires my friendship, alliance and aid, I will only consider it with definite promises of either land or a betrothal between my house and his. Perhaps a daughter of high birth of your King's realm with my son, John. If not such a link, then the promise of a union if my wife ever gives me a daughter to wed to his brother, Richard, or perhaps an heir of His Grace. If not that, then redefine borders of my Duchy of territories acquired for our services. Such promises would go far in convincing my nobles and generals to agree with this proposal.

It seemed the Duke was very firm on his decision. Francis did not feel sound with these vague words and no definite agreement with defined terms, promising certain lands or a marriage contract between the two houses.

[Noytary]

Edward stafford's eyes lit with new light "of course of course. You are a wise man, duke francis. Let's see here... I have a wonderfull daughter, if you would like that marriage. She is only ten though, so we will have to wait a couple of years. We staffords have very fretile daughters, so we should be covered. If this is not sufficient, a promise to unite your daughter with his grace Richard is an excellent idea." he smiles widely and awaits a response

[Lucius Malfoy]

I will consider the union. Go back to your country and see what your King believes is the best course to court my favor. Return to me when you have been given a firm proposal from the King of England.

[Noytary]

"Oh, no need." stafford replies "i have full authority to make decisions like that. It is what you will prefer, Francis." i will not go back empty handed when we are on the verge of war. Maybe this alliance could stop it.
"If you want my advice, a bird in your hand is worth more then two birds on a tree, but it is my opinion. Now, choose your option." i will not let him tower over me. We are equals in this matter

[Jokern]

OOC: There seems to have been a mistake on my part Noytary. The Duke of Brittany is a sovereign monarch over an independent state, while the Duke of Buckingham is a vassal under the King of England. He is above you, even if you technically have the same title. Sorry about that.

[Noytary]

Technically, but not in stafford's eyes
My daughter still qualifies as high birth right?

[Lucius Malfoy]

The Duke of Brittany's face slightly contorts before it smooths out. Even the generals began to murmur when the Duke of Buckingham called their liege by his name and not by his honorific.

No, I have chosen my options. You will return to England and speak with your King about a defined arrangement, if he desires my friendship. And Your Grace needs to know of something... you are not in England and you have no right to call me by my given name. You are a foreign dignitary who should know better than to insult me in such a way within the confines of my own court. But I am in a good mood, so I will permit you to leave with this warning.

With that said, the Duke calls for his councilors to return, showing that he was done with this meeting. A set of guards escort Stafford out of the hall, closing the door once he was outside.

[Noytary]

*were away

[Noytary]

Edward stafford frowns and exit the room. "Ignorant bastard." he murmured when the guards were. He called his servants "to england! In all possible haste. War can be on us any moment now."