Originally Posted by
Lucius Malfoy
A merry and loud laugh came from Lionel as he heard his old nickname from the days among the Continental Army. Everyone knew who he was, especially Lionheart, who called upon his cannons more than often to roar across the battlefields. Those were certainly the good days. More than naught, Harrison had to load and fire a cannon himself when crewmen were injured or killed. Drawing away from the thoughts of old, Lionel strikes a good smile at Arthur.
Your Excellency, I must congratulate you on your greatest victory since Yorktown! You ensured our nation won its freedom, now you will further mold it as our country's elected leader.
Lionel was more than pleased with the outcome of the elections, the first of their kind since the country earned its independence. Lionheart was the most deserving of any man here.
I must say, its hard to enjoy peace. After all those years, I still feel the desire to fire a cannon, to command a battery, to hear the shells fly across the sky... like the screams of warring eagles. My hands still remember the thrill of loading those cannons... if only I could have served our country during Shay's Rebellion, but alas, I had my duties as Secretary of War.
Not to mention that he was not as young as he used to be. His sons, Robert and Benjamin, were better suited to do such things. Speaking of which, Harrison turns and motions for Robert to join him. His eldest was presence with his wife, Joy-Again, simply called Joy, a daughter of the noted Prynne family. He motions to his son as he looks at Arthur.
Your Excellency, I want you to meet my son, Robert. He was a Commodore within our Continental Navy and served on three ships; the Trumble, Warren, and the Dover, one of the French loaned frigates. And this is his wife, Joy, a daughter of Lemuel. You may remember him from the northern campaigns.
Robert, practically a much younger looking Lionel, offers a smile and a hand to the President.
Sir, its an honor to meet the General that my father has spoken so highly of. I was always at sea, so never got the opportunity to be under your command.
James would glance at his son, Joseph, who was with Arthur's daughter, his wife, shortly after being acknowledged by Lionheart. Certainly, it was his son who probably ensured there was no ill will due to past allegiances. Conveniently, a passing servant walks up, allowing the Irishman to take a glass before turning to the President. He bows his head slightly.
Your Excellency, I must give you my heartfelt congratulations on this momentous occasion. Your grandchildren, Henry and Elizabeth, certainly wished to see you, but Henrietta assured them another time.
During the war, Arthur's daughter, married to Joseph II, on the eve of the Revolution, had given birth to twins. A son, named Henry, and a daughter, named Elizabeth. Both of whom bore names of ancient English monarchs. Something that James learned after the war and knew then and there that his son had not disowned his father for choosing the defeated side. It ensured that the house was at peace when he returned home.
I still find Joseph hunting often when he can, especially with former comrades of his unit. I believe he misses leading the regiment of dragoons you entrusted him to command.
James sips his wine calmly before speaking further.
I must ask, Your Excellency, I am curious to know where you plan to set up our country's capital. Are you close to a decision?