Hanworth Manor

[Lucius Malfoy]

Located on the west side of London, Hanworth Manor was once held by the Mayor of London, Nicholas Brembre, who was attained and executed in 1387, on charges of treason. As a result, the manor came into the Crown's possession. It has recently been bought by the Duke of Clarence and now serves as his primary residence in London. Presently, the only other occupants are his wife, Jane Howard, and their infant son, Roger.

[Gandalfus]

Henry Holland, Duke of Exeter arrives not long after Clarence has entered the city. He requests to speak with his brother in law on urgent matters of state.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Henry Holland, Duke of Exeter arrives not long after Clarence has entered the city. He requests to speak with his brother in law on urgent matters of state.

A servant approaches the Lord Exeter in order to bring him into the household. He quietly cautions the Duke, hinting at a less than cheery mood for the Duke of Clarence.

The servant brings Holland into the main living space of household, which was quite small for a Duke, the brother of the previous King and the uncle of a present, yet there were no palaces to occupy and Clarence had not bought property yet to build his own residence. Perhaps that was an indication enough that Clarence did not plan to stay long in London. He was sitting in a chair, gazing at the fireplace for a long time. His eyes deep in thoughts unknown to all. It took the clearing of his servant's voice to snap him out of his trance. George glances behind him, seeing the Duke of Exeter. His eyes turn to the servant, dismissing the man with a wave of his hand.

Once the two were alone, Clarence rose to greet Lord Holland. His voice sounding rather plain and voided of emotion presently.

Your Grace, it is a pleasure to have you here. Sorry for the state of my house, but it seems everyone is hoarding the good residences in London and around the capital these days.

He grabs a spare cup, pouring some wine into it before offering it to Exeter.

What brings you to my household, my Lord Holland?

Sir Ralph Neville arrives at the gates of Clarence House. He requests to speak with the Duke of Clarence for business.

Sir Ralph is shown into the rented residence of Clarence House. He is shown to where the Duke was, finishing his lunch for the day. As he begins to rise from his seat, his eyes catch the arrival of a servant escorting Sir Neville to him. He waves the man away, before turning his attention to the Lancastrian Neville. George looks at him carefully for a moment, stroking his beard slightly.

You look like my mother... are you a Neville by chance, Sir?

He had never met any other Neville save those of the Yorkist supporters; the late Earl of Warwick, the present Marquess of Montagu and Montagu's sons.

[Mary The Quene]

Sir Ralph is shown into the rented residence of Clarence House. He is shown to where the Duke was, finishing his lunch for the day. As he begins to rise from his seat, his eyes catch the arrival of a servant escorting Sir Neville to him. He waves the man away, before turning his attention to the Lancastrian Neville. George looks at him carefully for a moment, stroking his beard slightly.

You look like my mother... are you a Neville by chance, Sir?

He had never met any other Neville save those of the Yorkist supporters; the late Earl of Warwick, the present Marquess of Montagu and Montagu's sons.

''My Lord Clarence''. Neville began with a courteous bow, he'd hoped the man would bring him what he wanted, it'd annoy him if that was not to be.

''Indeed, My Lord Clarence, i am from the senior Neville line who has suffered much, first of all my condolences.'' Clarence's mother was ofcourse Cecily Neville, who married Richard, duke of York. Cecily ofcourse was a descendant of the junior line.

[Mary The Quene]

Sir Ralph Neville arrives at the gates of Clarence House. He requests to speak with the Duke of Clarence for business.

[Gandalfus]

A servant approaches the Lord Exeter in order to bring him into the household. He quietly cautions the Duke, hinting at a less than cheery mood for the Duke of Clarence.

The servant brings Holland into the main living space of household, which was quite small for a Duke, the brother of the previous King and the uncle of a present, yet there were no palaces to occupy and Clarence had not bought property yet to build his own residence. Perhaps that was an indication enough that Clarence did not plan to stay long in London. He was sitting in a chair, gazing at the fireplace for a long time. His eyes deep in thoughts unknown to all. It took the clearing of his servant's voice to snap him out of his trance. George glances behind him, seeing the Duke of Exeter. His eyes turn to the servant, dismissing the man with a wave of his hand.

Once the two were alone, Clarence rose to greet Lord Holland. His voice sounding rather plain and voided of emotion presently.

Your Grace, it is a pleasure to have you here. Sorry for the state of my house, but it seems everyone is hoarding the good residences in London and around the capital these days.

He grabs a spare cup, pouring some wine into it before offering it to Exeter.

What brings you to my household, my Lord Holland?

Exeter took it, gladly, and then managed a heavy swig of the contents.

"Lord Clarence, my condolences. Welcome back to London, nonetheless."

Exeter drummed his fingers on the goblet.

"I didn't come for any good reason other than to discuss matters of state with you, lord Protector. You have been gone for some time, so I feel it is my duty to ensure you are not ignorant of certain developments."

[Lucius Malfoy]

Exeter took it, gladly, and then managed a heavy swig of the contents.

"Lord Clarence, my condolences. Welcome back to London, nonetheless."

Exeter drummed his fingers on the goblet.

"I didn't come for any good reason other than to discuss matters of state with you, lord Protector. You have been gone for some time, so I feel it is my duty to ensure you are not ignorant of certain developments."

Clarence glances out a window to where a small garden had been planted by the landlords.

Indeed, Your Grace... I feel like a foreigner and outcast in my ancestor's capital. I was gone for too long, I wonder if my son, John, would even recognize my face.

George was very tired, tired from the war and losses. Yet London did not seem enough to reinvigorate him.

I thank you for the offer of bringing me up to speed, my Lord Exeter. Come, take a seat and dispense your wisdom and knowledge to me.

Amazing that Exeter was the one to offer and not his co-regent and brother, the Duke of Gloucester.

Tell me all I need to know. I will need it in order to administrate the legacy of my brother.

''My Lord Clarence''. Neville began with a courteous bow, he'd hoped the man would bring him what he wanted, it'd annoy him if that was not to be.

''Indeed, My Lord Clarence, i am from the senior Neville line who has suffered much, first of all my condolences.'' Clarence's mother was ofcourse Cecily Neville, who married Richard, duke of York. Cecily ofcourse was a descendant of the junior line.

Ah yes, the senior descendants of Ralph Neville, the first Earl of Westmorland. Your family was attained due to their Lancastrian allegiance as I recall.

George leans against the dining table, crossing his arms slightly as he looks at Sir Ralph.

What brings you here then?

[Mary The Quene]

Ah yes, the senior descendants of Ralph Neville, the first Earl of Westmorland. Your family was attained due to their Lancastrian allegiance as I recall.

George leans against the dining table, crossing his arms slightly as he looks at Sir Ralph.

What brings you here then?

''As His Grace may know my uncle has recently come to pass, God rest his soul, certainly my uncle had made the wrong decisions in the past'' Neville began, his face entirely looking neutral and stoic.

''But the mistakes of the uncle are not those of the nephew, i have learned from his mistakes and have openly embraced the rising sun of York, thus i hoped His Lordship might help me with restoration, the Queen Dowager has written a letter of recommendation for the restoration, certainly my line would be grateful and forever indebted'' Neville took the letter out his satchel and handed it over to Clarence. Neville had made a copy of that letter and saved it somewhere safe.

Blah, blah, blah.

[Lucius Malfoy]

''As His Grace may know my uncle has recently come to pass, God rest his soul, certainly my uncle had made the wrong decisions in the past'' Neville began, his face entirely looking neutral and stoic.

''But the mistakes of the uncle are not those of the nephew, i have learned from his mistakes and have openly embraced the rising sun of York, thus i hoped His Lordship might help me with restoration, the Queen Dowager has written a letter of recommendation for the restoration, certainly my line would be grateful and forever indebted'' Neville took the letter out his satchel and handed it over to Clarence. Neville had made a copy of that letter and saved it somewhere safe.

Blah, blah, blah.

The man who held the titles, that were sought by Sir Ralph, belonged to the Marquess of Montagu, Clarence's in-law by his previous marriage to the niece of Montagu. They never truly spoke much beyond what had occurred at the wedding. John Neville had fallen from graces with the King to be replaced by those of Grey and Woodville. He was one of the smallest landholders for certain. But as Neville said, gratitude and a debt to be paid to the Duke of Clarence. It was worth the chance, to gain allies. At present, he had little in terms of English allies as most of his were still in Ireland.

I will examine the attainder against your family and see what can be done, Sir Neville. I do not see any reason why titles cannot be reverted back to their original holders. After all, the reason for your attainder has certainly run its course. The lines between Lancastrian and Yorkist have blurred certainly by now.

As he examines the letter, his mind began to think. With an ally that had connections with the Dowager Queen, perhaps Clarence could better assert his role as Lord Protector over his brother. He was the senior brother after all.

Rest assured, I will look into this matter once I am more settled here. I have long been away from court and must reacquaint myself with London and those that inhabit her walls daily and serve in her governance. After all, a man should not be without the lands of his forefathers to support him.

"As you may well be aware, my Lord, there was an argument that erupted over who should take control of the government..."

Exeter gave pause, and continued in a softer, quieter tone.

"Naturally, I suggested yourself, as the senior surviving brother . But once the Woodville camp swarmed in, the most we could compromise on was the will's addition of our brother Gloucester."

Holland sighed deeply, as if troubled by this predicament.

"Richard has tried to rule, but he is too brittle. Too prone to favouring the counsel of that rogue Suffolk or the obtuse Buckingham. You my lord, on the other hand, are open to compromise. I must say, I was impressed by the way you handled the Irish. What's a good hanging anyway?. There is no shame in abandoning the laws we hold so dear when those rogues don't even respect them!"

Exeter grinned. A little flattery couldn't hurt, right?

"But, it is what it is. You both rule now, though the Queen won't take this lightly, I am sure. The insufferable Stanley and Rivers poison her ears... Its truly a shame really, that our dear brother, God rest him, was so fond of women. The Lady Percy, God rest her murdered soul, did not have such a horde of relatives!

Henry Holland paused again, then chortled at some unknown joke.

"I wonder why Edward apparently forgot his marriage to Woodville. I used that trick, once, when I was younger, to get into some knight's daughter's bed. Course, I had to dispose of her, or else some pesky relative would try and disinherit my sons! Pah!"

Clarence drinks from his cup calmly, ignoring the comments about his late brother's choices of women.

It was necessary to make those farmers a lesson.

He looks over at the Duke, before further speaking.

They were not inclined to allow England to bring civilization to their lands. Did you know this? Instead of tithes and tributes of gold and silver, they send us cows and farm animals. Dublin is overflowing with all kinds of livestock now. It, at least, helped sustain the army during the rebellion, but now... its just a nuisance.

Exeter's words only confirmed a thought that had occurred in his mind, Gloucester indeed had strong ties with Suffolk and Buckingham, more so than what was said. George looks down at the cup of wine, contemplating for a moment.

Tell me, my Lord Holland, what was said in this session that you speak of? My brother did not openly speak much of it, save what was said involving the Queen's presence and her words.

His eyes look up at the Duke of Holland, curious as to what might be said.

[Mary The Quene]

The man who held the titles, that were sought by Sir Ralph, belonged to the Marquess of Montagu, Clarence's in-law by his previous marriage to the niece of Montagu. They never truly spoke much beyond what had occurred at the wedding. John Neville had fallen from graces with the King to be replaced by those of Grey and Woodville. He was one of the smallest landholders for certain. But as Neville said, gratitude and a debt to be paid to the Duke of Clarence. It was worth the chance, to gain allies. At present, he had little in terms of English allies as most of his were still in Ireland.

I will examine the attainder against your family and see what can be done, Sir Neville. I do not see any reason why titles cannot be reverted back to their original holders. After all, the reason for your attainder has certainly run its course. The lines between Lancastrian and Yorkist have blurred certainly by now.

As he examines the letter, his mind began to think. With an ally that had connections with the Dowager Queen, perhaps Clarence could better assert his role as Lord Protector over his brother. He was the senior brother after all.

Rest assured, I will look into this matter once I am more settled here. I have long been away from court and must reacquaint myself with London and those that inhabit her walls daily and serve in her governance. After all, a man should not be without the lands of his forefathers to support him.

''Thank you, My Lord Clarence, i do appreciate this, this will certainly bind the senior Nevilles to the rising house of York'' Said Neville with a rather forced smile, he'd made progress towards his desired restoration. ''In any case, your Grace, when you come to an conclusion you can summon me in Cold Harborough, i bid His Grace a good day'' Neville said with a courteous bow before retiring.

[Gandalfus]

Clarence glances out a window to where a small garden had been planted by the landlords.

Indeed, Your Grace... I feel like a foreigner and outcast in my ancestor's capital. I was gone for too long, I wonder if my son, John, would even recognize my face.

George was very tired, tired from the war and losses. Yet London did not seem enough to reinvigorate him.

I thank you for the offer of bringing me up to speed, my Lord Exeter. Come, take a seat and dispense your wisdom and knowledge to me.

Amazing that Exeter was the one to offer and not his co-regent and brother, the Duke of Gloucester.

Tell me all I need to know. I will need it in order to administrate the legacy of my brother.

"As you may well be aware, my Lord, there was an argument that erupted over who should take control of the government..."

Exeter gave pause, and continued in a softer, quieter tone.

"Naturally, I suggested yourself, as the senior surviving brother . But once the Woodville camp swarmed in, the most we could compromise on was the will's addition of our brother Gloucester."

Holland sighed deeply, as if troubled by this predicament.

"Richard has tried to rule, but he is too brittle. Too prone to favouring the counsel of that rogue Suffolk or the obtuse Buckingham. You my lord, on the other hand, are open to compromise. I must say, I was impressed by the way you handled the Irish. What's a good hanging anyway?. There is no shame in abandoning the laws we hold so dear when those rogues don't even respect them!"

Exeter grinned. A little flattery couldn't hurt, right?

"But, it is what it is. You both rule now, though the Queen won't take this lightly, I am sure. The insufferable Stanley and Rivers poison her ears... Its truly a shame really, that our dear brother, God rest him, was so fond of women. The Lady Percy, God rest her murdered soul, did not have such a horde of relatives!

Henry Holland paused again, then chortled at some unknown joke.

"I wonder why Edward apparently forgot his marriage to Woodville. I used that trick, once, when I was younger, to get into some knight's daughter's bed. Course, I had to dispose of her, or else some pesky relative would try and disinherit my sons! Pah!"

[Gandalfus]

Either Clarence was a stoic, and had chosen not to react to the 'throwaway' comments concerning Lady Percy's death and Edward's potential for having multiple wives because of this... Or he was a little dim. Exeter hoped it was the former.

"A lot of arguing, really. They said you wouldn't be able to rule very well, you see. And that you might usurp your nephew. Some such rubbish to slander your good name, anyway."

Holland watched carefully to judge Clarence's reaction, though he was currently feigning an interest in the contents of his goblet.

[Lucius Malfoy]

George was too emotionally dulled to feel or react at this point. The birth of a dwarf son and the death of his brother were hard upon him. Had God cursed him? The answer was most likely.

You don't say, Your Grace... how interesting that such details were not mentioned before to me.

Had Gloucester hid those details on purpose? Or felt they weren't important? Why had he spoken so little of what had erupted after the King's death?

Tell me, Your Grace, who supported these words? Who proposed them?

George turns to look upon Exeter with his emotionally neutral face. It was the best Clarence could do.

[Gandalfus]

"Who do you think? The Queen's ilk. They are envious of our blood, of course. The blood of kings has never graced their veins."

Holland raised an eyebrow. Clarence seemed to have nothing that made him a living man - he was just flesh and blood, lifeless. No emotion, no raw passion, hatred, love, grief. Why were the York brother such dull men?

[General Brewster]

A servant brings a letter for the Duke, it carries the seal of Lord Shrewsbury.

Letter's content

To my good friend the Duke of Clarence, Your Grace, it gladdens me to write that Ireland is still in good state, no reports of raids or skirmishes have been brought to my attention. I hope your stay in London has been fruitful. I write to you with a request, I would normally never ask you this but as I am, and have been in Ireland for years now I see no other option but to put quill to paper and ask this of you. Back in 1460 when my father John Talbot, 2 earl of Shrewsbury died during the battle of Northhampton, my ancestral home of Goodrich castle was forfeited and transferred to the Yorkist loyalist William Herbert. It is my opinion that I have never served an other king but the true King Edward IV of the house of York. Most notably at St Albans and Towton. Since then I have always done my duty towards my country and my King. It is my belief Goodrich Castle and estates should be returned to my ownership as I have prove my unwavering loyalty towards the crown and cannot be held accountable for my father's sins. I thank you in advance Your Grace, I ask no small thing I know this. I hope you can be of help in the matter. With kind regards and God's blessing, John Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury, Waterford, Ormond etc etc. <WAXED AND SEALED>

[Trot]

Rain hammered the streets of London as a small coach bearing the sigal of house Hastings pulled up outside the manner. A footmen got out helping Lord Hastings out, and he walked to the front door knocking and quickly asking to speak with Lord Clarence. He hopped it would not be a long wait even the sort walk from the coach to the manners door had seen him drenched.

[Gandalfus]

"You're too generous, brother Clarence. I would of course accept such a gift, if you were to insist."

Smiled Holland, with an inclination of the head in gratitude.

"I am happy to serve in whatever way I can. You may call upon me at Cold Harborough, should you wish for my presence."

Holland's London townhouse was vast, almost palatial, dominating the area in which it was situated.

[Lucius Malfoy]

"You're too generous, brother Clarence. I would of course accept such a gift, if you were to insist."

Smiled Holland, with an inclination of the head in gratitude.

"I am happy to serve in whatever way I can. You may call upon me at Cold Harborough, should you wish for my presence."

Holland's London townhouse was vast, almost palatial, dominating the area in which it was situated.

By all means, do what is necessary to ensure the protection of your estates.

George offers the first smile in the conversation, but it seemed only half its potential. There was still much occupying his mind at the moment.

Tell me, my lord, how are my nieces and nephews? How is my sister? I have not heard much from the extended parts of my family in some time.

Thomas Howard, Baron Howard after his father's recent passing, arrives at Hanworth Manor to meet with his brother-in-law. While London was calm enough, there was some kind of tension lying under the surface. There were talks of a tug-of-war for the regency between the Queen and the Co-Protectors. Thomas sighed, it would seem history may repeat itself.

The Baron Howard is shown into the Hanworth Manor and taken to the Duke who seemed to be contemplating by the fireplace. He turns to see Thomas, waving him over to take a seat.

Sir Thomas, or should I call you, my Lord Howard now? I must congratulate on your elevation... I am sorry your father died. It has been hard on your sister.

Maybe that was the cause of the dwarf son, Roger, that was born.

So much death these days.. the King is dead and those of his generation are disappearing before our eyes now.

[Jokern]

The Baron Howard is shown into the Hanworth Manor and taken to the Duke who seemed to be contemplating by the fireplace. He turns to see Thomas, waving him over to take a seat.

Sir Thomas, or should I call you, my Lord Howard now? I must congratulate on your elevation... I am sorry your father died. It has been hard on your sister.

Maybe that was the cause of the dwarf son, Roger, that was born.

So much death these days.. the King is dead and those of his generation are disappearing before our eyes now.

Howard nodded solemnly in response to Clarence, watching the flames dance. It was peaceful in its own way, perhaps because you knew it was dangerous to the touch.

"Thank you, your Grace. It has been hard on my family this year, first my sister Anne and then my father. I guess... it is how it must be, as it has always been. The old pass on the torch to the young. Sometimes people say that the great men of old will never be matched, but I think the new generation of heroes will not be remembered until after they've passed."

Howard turned to George Plantagenet.

"May I ask a personal question, your Grace?"

[Jokern]

Thomas Howard, Baron Howard after his father's recent passing, arrives at Hanworth Manor to meet with his brother-in-law. While London was calm enough, there was some kind of tension lying under the surface. There were talks of a tug-of-war for the regency between the Queen and the Co-Protectors. Thomas sighed, it would seem history may repeat itself.