Entering London

[Gandalfus]

A host of banners were spotted from London's walls, news streaming in from outlying villages. They had finally arrived, a vast column that seemed to stretch back for miles, approaching the heart of England. The King would surely be informed, as would any other man of import, and the Duke himself would be spotted riding towards the western gate in full armour, surrounded by peers and knights that had taken up their cause. As customary, they requested entry to the city, something that had, if Bolingbroke's man spoke true, already been guaranteed. A surrender was widely expected, for no man had the numbers to stand against the numbers that Lancaster and his comrades had brought. Not a drop of blood had been spilt, Mortimer and all others stepping aside. It seemed as if victory was assured, complete, as they sat on horseback before the gates of London.

[General Brewster]

York sat atop his horse, in his full plated armor. The moment was finally there. London would be theirs and the king would be removed. Victory was at hand.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Upon arrival, there was a sort of stillness in the air. The ramparts were unmanned and, by the looks of things, many had fled in a hurry from the outskirts of London. Yet the city must have still been inhabited for, soon enough, the gates opened by the command of the Lord Mayor. Within the gates stood a party of London watchmen who parted to let the Lord Mayor walk between them, strolling out briskly to see the Duke of Lancaster. Once within shouting distance, he bows to Lancaster, gesturing to London and the open gate.

Sire! London is yours! Enter and claim your prize!

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To the left of the Duke of Lancaster sat atop his horse was the Earl of Buckingham and Essex, Humphrey. He had not shown his potential on the battlefield, but still showed his loyalty to this uncle who had raised him as a son and nurtured his talents to only a year ago. He had arranged a suitable marriage, ensured that he was welcomed, fed, and educated... and even managed to strike up a good relationship with his cousin, Monmouth, who he saw as a brother. His eyes gaze upward to the sky, a loud sigh exhaling.

Rest in peace, Father. Your executioner is to taste the justice you never got.

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Harry Percy was next to York as the London gates opened. Either the city was willing to surrender or someone had arranged something. Whatever the case, the conflict was seemingly over without a fight. Yet deep down, Northumberland felt he had damaged his relationship with Mortimer as a result. Perhaps speaking with him at a later time would do or perhaps never depending upon the circumstances.

[Mary The Quene]

Westmorland sat atop his black horse riding just next to Lord Lancaster keeping pace with him, finally London was in sight after leaving many years ago, finally the insult of the king would be avenged, the future as brother in law to the king to be seemed bright.

Finally London, My Lord, it is in the right hands now. Westmorland said.

[General Brewster]

York rode next to Lancaster as was promised, he would not leave his side for this. After all this was one of the concessions Henry made after one of York's outbursts. He know hoped his cousin would remember everything.

Edward said "Good job cousin. I am sure our fathers would be proud."

[Lucius Malfoy]

Harry continues to look upon London though for a moment before giving his comment to Lord Bolingbroke.

Now begins the immense task of rebuilding the realm and righting the wrongs of the past, my Lord. At least we know that they will be done by men of capable abilities and noble backgrounds.

His horse shifts a bit, making Percy pat the side of its neck to relax it.

[Poach]

The Beaumonts, Baron Richard and his sons Dominic and Riddick, sit atop their own horses at the head of of the small contingent they contribute to the army. London had apparently surrendered without a drop of blood being spilt: it would seem the King was content to refuse his people's reasonable demands but was not willing to actually fight to get his way.

An interesting lesson to keep for the future.

[Gandalfus]

Lancaster remained stony faced, giving York the most brief of nods as he spurred his horse onward into the city, towards the King's residence at Westminster. This was what he had worked towards, what he had been waiting for. But then why did it feel so hollow?

"Does the King wait at Westminster?" He asked, aloud, as if any of them there knew the answer. It didn't matter. Without London, the King is nothing, and now London did rest delicately in his palm. He had a vision, a dream, if you like, of how everything would unfold... Laying a hand upon the throne, the acclamation, the celebration. Now, all that was left was to turn that into a reality. Westminster came upon them quickly, they were at its very gates.

[General Brewster]

Lancaster remained stony faced, giving York the most brief of nods as he spurred his horse onward into the city, towards the King's residence at Westminster. This was what he had worked towards, what he had been waiting for. But then why did it feel so hollow?

"Does the King wait at Westminster?" He asked, aloud, as if any of them there knew the answer. It didn't matter. Without London, the King is nothing, and now London did rest delicately in his palm. He had a vision, a dream, if you like, of how everything would unfold... Laying a hand upon the throne, the acclamation, the celebration. Now, all that was left was to turn that into a reality. Westminster came upon them quickly, they were at its very gates.

With Lancaster shouting Richard, Earl of Cambridge came out.

"Your grace, cousin." He said while taking a knee and sneering "Brother" at York.

"The king is secure and inside, no harm has become him."

[The Mad Skylord]

Arriving fashionably late was the Baron Maltravers, with his band of cavalry in tow. Victory was barely at hand and he was already beginning to worry about debtors - being poor had its consequences - but he smiled and clapped Beaufort on the shoulder anyway. "Well, Henry, brother to the next king! You may end up a duke!"

[Lucius Malfoy]

"Well, Henry, brother to the next king! You may end up a duke!"

Beaufort turns to look at Maltravers. What was he blabbering about this time? Bolingbroke becoming King? Henry had only been aware of the desire to remove evil councilors and ensure mistakes were corrected. Yet as Sir Henry turns to look at his half-brother, Lord Lancaster, Beaufort could begin to see what the Baron was saying. Yet, in the end, he shakes his head, nodding to York and Buckingham.

They are more favored as family, Lord Maltravers. Surely they will gain more than I. I will be content if I can gain my wife's lands, something that the King kept away from me out of greed.

[Gandalfus]

"Good. I would speak with him, Lord Cambridge." Lancaster responded, slightly smiling at how York's brother had been so quick to take the knee. Perhaps his ambitions were not so well hidden after all; Mortimer had seen clearly through them. Perhaps anyone with eyes could... Was he that easy to read?

Lancaster dismounted nonetheless, walking into the palace, joined by those who had gathered around him for this roman triumph. Richard would surely be waiting within, and the Duke had the good grace to tell a servant to inform His Majesty of his wish to speak.

[General Brewster]

Richard led both the Duke of York and Lancaster towards the King. Passing several armed men of Richard's contingent.
York returned for the first time in a year or 5 within these halls. He was happy, they won, he had good terms with his cousin, he wouldn't betray him would he?

On the way Richard spoke. "I hope it is clear it was always my intention to join thee cousin. I thought I could be of more use beside the King. For this very reason M'lord."

[Gandalfus]

"Of course it was." Soothed Lancaster, with a wry smile. "A guard is not necessary, though, my lord Cambridge. His majesty knows I wish him no harm." He continued, making note of the Yorkist men-at-arms as they wandered through the halls of the royal palace.

[Mary The Quene]

Westmorland joined Lord Lancaster in his Roman triumph across London, walking into Westminster Palace, he ofcourse stood close to Lancaster as one of his great allies. Not so surprisingly he found Lord Cambridge within these halls.

Aha, Lord Cambridge. he said, another brother in law of him, ofcourse he would talk himself good now.

[General Brewster]

"It was also for his own protection M'lord, while I support your cause which you are highly doubting im sure... The King has granted me a lot of privileges. I wish not to see him harmed in any way. By anyone. I do not share my brother's sentiment in that regard." Richard looked at York grinning, he knew he would get under his skin. Truth be told Richard never wanted to back the king, he just wanted to be the hero when the city was captured.

He heard Neville's voice for a distance. Ugh he thought to himself. There's that man without honor again. Turning on a king because the king upholds the laws of marriage. What an idiot he thought. Before he could talk though, his brother interrupted.

York grew annoyed by all the talking. He replied to Westmoreland. "Not now. Fight it out later."

[Xion]

The Courtenays, as part of Lancaster's retinue for his entry into London, follow the duke and others into the city towards Westminister. Devon, with his usual stoic expression, may appear to some to be disinterested in the event occurring around him, while Phillip appears to be slightly irritated, having hoped for a battle for the capital instead of it being handed over to Lancaster on a silver platter.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Humphrey walks with York and Lancaster into Westminister, having visited this place only a year ago to swear his allegiance as Earl of Buckingham and Essex. Now today was for a whole different purpose. He knew that today was going to make a difference for the realm of England and was glad to have participated. Surely his late father and mother would have approved in supporting Lord Lancaster.

Northumberland notices the immense Yorkist presence, it was only fortunate that both Cambridge and York were of the same allegiance, or else this conflict would have turned into something harder to achieve victory in.

[The Mad Skylord]

Maltravers wandered through the halls, idly wondering what would happen next. He was close to achieving what he had set out to do nearly 10 years before hand. He had joined with Bolingbroke, and had been the first to bend the knee to him - however unseemly that was at the time. With luck, soon Bolingbroke would assume the throne and Thomas would be restored.

Maltravers was surprised to think that this man who was to be King had once been merely the Earl of Hereford, who had come knocking by his door to force upon Richard II the Provisions of Oxford. He was surprised to realise that he had come to view Lancaster as a friend.

For the first time in many years, Maltravers became a slave of court etiquette. He did not force his way forwards, simply walking with his fellow ringleaders in the place dictated by his title. This was still close to the front - Maltravers was the legendary Baron, after all - but not too far forwards. Of course he still walked in front of Neville - because he was worth more than a thousand Nevilles any day of the week. Who even were the Nevilles anyway? Pig farmers from the border? All he knew of them is that they were vassals or tenant or some such of the Percys.

Maltravers glanced at Beaufort. "I find it hard to believe you would go without substantial reward - favoured or not, you are kin." A pause. "You proved yourself capable under my command, Henry, though we did not see combat. I would be happy to speak for you - if it would help."