- ARCHIVE - Royal Court of England

[LUDWIG]

A letter arrives from Austria.

"Master of England,
we recieved word that you require an apology for our declaration of war. We freely grant you such an apology however we desire to explain our reasons. Austria declared war upon England in accordance with the Grande Alliance, Austria joined with France.
Naturally the rules of honour demanded we support our ally and Austria did so through the declaration of war.
As I am sure you are aware none of our forces met on the battlefield. For this fact alone I am most thankful as their meeting would certainly have complicated the discussions.

Austria hereby offers a complete apology to the King of England, arising from the Austrian declaration of war against England.

To conclude it is hoped that this will end the hostilities between our nations and allow Austria to return to peace after so many trials.

Signed by my hand
Georg von Hapsburg
Regent of Austria"

 

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A message arrives for the King via the merchants.

"Good King John of England,

As the plague has disintegrated both of our armies, the clear victory slowly dwindles. Because of this, I would like to propose a more reasonable peace, if you see fit.

_____________________________

The Treaty of Paris

France shall cede Ile de France to England

Orleans shall be annexed by Normandy

France and her allies shall sign a 5 yr non-aggression pact with England and her allies.

The King of England shall become a guest to any and all tournaments within the borders of France, including all-French tournaments. English Knights may enter a tournament free of charge.

The ruling houses of England and France shall enter into a royal marriage.

_____________________________

We ask that you accept this terms, as they are more than generous enough. Both of our countries have warred for long enough, and need to end this war. Let us put down the swords and raise the flags of friendship. After the peace, I shall invite you to the city of Tours, where we shall hold a grand tournament, with knights from all over western Europe.

Written by his own hand,

King Charles I of Orleans,
King of France."

 

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A letter from the Queen of Scotland

A letter arrives to King John bearing the seal of the Queen of Scotland.



Your Majesty, my beloved uncle:


My husband King James and myself have only recently read your last letter and we thank you for your concern. From the moment that plague first struck Scotland has been under lock and key. The borders are closed except for those of the royal mail route, and the ports are closed as well. I am no longer in my new home of Linlithgow, but now working my way up to Inverness and isolation near the shores of Loch Ness. The highlanders of this region are a proud people and they tell the tale of a great creature living in this Loch, yet i am sure it is just a rumour.
There are several issues that my husband is dealing with in the new Scotland. His brother the regent who's head you recently recieved brought this nation to the brink of hell. I've never seen a prouder people Uncle, or a more loyal one. Loyal to family and to the crown. I am sure that if England was to make some sort of concession to these people they will be your allies forever. I know you won the war, but I feel an act of kindness will help heal the rift of the Island and break down barriers from north and south. The one issue of the Highlanders is a great one to my husband because he has a special feeling for these people in his heart. They are fierce and will be great to add to the culture of the Isle, and to the armies as well. We have adopted the bagpipe as our national insturment, and have been dressing in tartans. I have recently sent for one to be made for the Royal house of England and it will be sent to you shortly.
About the issue of Brittany i am conflicted, for i feel my brother has no business ruling the Duchy of Brittany. I feel as though i should be the one ruling the nation of Brittany as Duchess. For not only am I a Beaufort, yet I through the marriage to my husband have two connections to the Ducal throne of Brittany. The Stuarts of Scotland came form Brittany before the times of the Conquerer, and have a connection to the past house of Brittany. I hope that you will support myself as Duchess of Brittany in place of my brother, for Uncle is it I who am not a favorite to you. I hope you do support me. My husband and I will be in Canterbury to talk more of this and other issues.
I have also heard tales of your ally the King of Eire. He does not talk much and i have even heard that he is a Scot himself. Should not a person of Scottish heretage regardless of his sature or title show some respect to the King of his birthland. How is my aunt i long to hear from her, and you. These are important issues i feel that we must discuss i await your next letter.

By her own hand in Inverness,
Queen Joan Beaufort-Stuart
Queen of Scotland, Duchess of Brittany

 

[Fireblade]

A letter from Savoy arrives.

 

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A letter comes again from the Queen of Scotland:


Great Uncle,
I hope you recieved the last letter that i sent, for there were many important issues which i feel need to be discussed. I await your repsonse and pray that you have not fallen victim to the plauge.

Your loving niece,
Queen Joan of Scotland

 

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The English court is temporarily moved to the Palace at Windsor where St George's Chapel is to be found

Heart of English honour and the order of the Garter. Which was founded in 1348 by Edward III and its ceremonies are held in the chapel. A holy place of great chivalry.

 

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Richard De Vere arrives in Windsor to take control of the organisation of the settling of the Royal court.

All are welcome to pressent themselves to him before King John returns.

 

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Duke Martinho de Coimbra arrives in London at Windsor Castle. He presents himself before Richard De Vere and bows lightly. Asks for permission to speak and is granted so:

Your grace, my name is Duke Martinho de Coimbra. I persent myself here before you today, to estabish a diplomatic link between out good allies. The King cannot make it to Roma personally to sign the treaty as he is too fragile, however, our Crowned Prince shall make the trip. I hope you will accept me here as representative of the reino real de Portugal.

He bows slightly and waits a response.

 

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Richard De Vere acknowledges the bow of the Duke with a bow of his own

"Duke Martinho de Coimbra. You are welcome here."

"We hope our resident diplomat to your land, Sir John Jose' Rodregess count of Little wantage is still serving his king well"

"Your crown prince will suit well in Rome."

"Please make yourself at home in your apartments and hunt at your leisure until good king John returns."

 

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Prince Henrique finishes his rally and sends his copies to his fastest messengers to rally it all across Europe.

For God!
I Prince Henrique the son of King D. João of Portugal, am calling all persons interested in fame, fortune, piety, adventure, and education to come to my school here in Sagres, Portugal. For we shall learn the God given skills of navigation, trade, and cartography and embark on a journey for Prestor John. To spread the word of God, and to seek the riches of Africa and Asia. For God and glory. For fame and fortune. All newcommers gain a chicken and some cow beef upon they're arrival. Please, come and embark on this fabulous journey for God and Christ and forever gain the Pope's favor!

 

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A man approaches in Italian clothes. He is from Genoa, and hands a letter to be delivered to the King of England.

 

[BusterBunny]

Burgundy

A letter arrives from Burgundy.


"Noble King John,

It is with great happiness that I have heard the peace agreement with France, and hope we will enjoy God-given peace in our lands for many centuries. This peace is already fruitfull, as you generosity has allowed you to repay your friends in these times.

I would like to remind you that Burgundy had given you 3,000 Francs to your cause, and that, in front of His Holiness, and in an attempt to re-establish peace we have not asked you to fulfill your end of the bargain, i.e. giving us the land of Champagne. Even if this concession didn't allow England to break peace with France, we are confident that the second round of negotiations toward peace wouldn't have worked without this small contribution from us.

After all, those last 3,000 Francs are in the hands of other lands now, of your friends who had payed much money for your success.

And let's remember that, in the current economic situation, this is 6,000 Francs that England would have to reimburse today.

I hope England will succeed well and that its economy will be back to shape in no time. After all, having Champagne is surely helping.

Sincerly yours, in God,
Marie de Berry, duchesse de Bourgogne."

 

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Good King John arrives at Windsor and greets the court. He immediatly calls for a hunt and as all is prepared in the still afternoon he calls for De Cryer.

Letters are sent to Scotland to encourage the king to come early so he might speak with him and noticing the new arrival, in Duke Martinho de Coimbra he askes him to ride close in the chase, so he could gauge the man. He rode well enough.

Richard De Vere helps to gather the loose ends of the organisation of the honours event to come, with gusto.

 

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A large royal wagon train with the colors of Scotland upon it arrive at Windsor. Trumpets and bagpipes blare as King James I of Scotland and Queen Joan exit. Most noticable about the monarch and his queen is that Queen Joan is very large with child, and that both monarchs are wearing the colors of England in order to show respect to King John. As he walks towards the King, James hugs him deeply for this was the man who he had known to be a great friend during his time in England. King James speaks:


"Good King and Friend. You shall soon have a Great Grandnephew or Niece as you can see Joan is with child. There are much celebrations, and of course you wil have to be the new childs Godfather. I have come early as your letter stated, what business do you have on your mind Cousin?"

 

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Duke Martinho de Coimbra speaks with the great King as he watches the two good Kings make good words. He bows and asks for forgiveness for the rude interuption he steps back and allows the King to read the message from Portugal.

My ally and friend,
It is a pleasure, and blessing of Christ that we have won the war together. I must kindly request of you to allow me to withdraw my troops now from France to recover in Lisboa. Also I ask of your forgiveness, as I await the Pontiff's permission to send an ambassador to sign the treaty for Portugal still. Also, my wife, due to my age, busy schedule, and fragile body, she will be arriving to recieve the medals that you grace your ally with. She also has gifts for you, as she personally wishes to see her Lord one last time. She also wishes to visit her family in Lanchasire for a last time. Please, accept my love in my absence.

I also like to sincerly thank you for sending a good man of God to my son, Henrique, for his ambitions in Africa and the Faith. May God be with you for many years to come my friend.

Your aging friend,
King Joao of Portugal

 

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John hugs James nack and gives him the reigns to a fine mount, ready to hunt already.

Handing him a styrup cup of port he replies.

"My dear James. It is about this idea of yours to bring our countries close in love rather than allow the ages of war to tarnish our peace. Come let us speak in private as we ride."


"It gives me pleasure to hear of Joans condition, but i fear it means we will have to leave here in the care of the women at the keep."

He brings forth a great sword with gold chased hilt.

"In honour of your visit i thought you might enjoy this small gift. It is a Claymore and of the finest steel from Aragon."

He turns to Duke Martinho de Coimbra as they leave to hunt.

"Dear duke. We look forward to seing one so long lost to us and will ensure her comfort."

"Portugese troops have done your lord proud on the feild and may now go home. If you were able to sign the treaty, they would allready be on thier way. Old fruit."

"You may also tell him that Prince Henrique holds our favour and it is hoped that he may be the heir for he seems gallant and true."

"Now my dear Duke. Are you weary from the last hunt or would you care to join us again?"

 

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Duke Martinho de Coimbra looks at his majesty and nods.

Your majesty, I think I shall remain here, as I am a bit tired. I wish you a good hunt your majesty.

Duke Martinho then bows and walks into the castle.

 

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A message arrives for the King of England.

"Good King John, King of England,

As I am sure you now know, I have decided to keep Louis in France until he is in his later teenage years. I desire for him to learn the French traditions at an early age, and to learn how to rule France. Then, when he is old enough to go to your universities, I shall send him to France.

I hope that you shall see that this is not breaking the Armistice, and that you shall not make aggressive moves against France. I must apologize for playing these 'word games' with you, but you must understand my position. You would not like it if the future King of your country was to stay in France his whole life. He would be taught by the French peoples, most of whom have no love for England. When he would finally be returned to England, he would most likely harbour dislikes for England, and he would rule your country with far less than he is capable. I know that is what would happen should I send Louis to England right now. Although I doubt that you hate France, many of your people do, and I don't want a King who hates France sitting on this throne.

To make things short, I shall abide by the armistice, but I must keep Louis in France until he is at least fifteen years of age. He can then spend the next few years in England and then return to France as King. However, if you deem it necessary, I shall allow you to send some advisors to France to teach him in coalition with my own advisors. I shall smile upon that action, so to harbor new relations between our realms.

On the last note, the trial that you seem to disaprove of. I shall have to speak with you in private, but I am not sure if it shall work out. Albert is already in Austria, and Constable Richemont is in charge of the courts of France. I respect his decision and agree with it, despite what others may say. Charles VII only sided with her because he had hoped that she would get him legally crowned King, and would allow him to gain the support of the people. However, your idea of a court is most wise, and I shall send a delegate the moment I find a worthy candidate.

Written by his own hand at Grenoble,

King Charles I
King of France."

 

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Livonian ambassador, Jakob von Yxkull, enters the royal Palace..

You wanted to see me Sire..

 

[Txini]

A Great navy of five warships, and 10 transports reaches the English ports that navy is commanded by 'La Magnanima' the personal ship of King Alfons of Aragon, in it cames King Alfons and Joan, King of Navarra and Prince of Girona. As quickly as they get their feet on land are received by their sister Queen Elionor and send to the Royal Palace