Ducal Court of Brittany

[Lord E]

A man enters the court. He takes a long look around, and then walks towards the throne. It had been a long time since Sir Louis d Rochford last had been in Brittany, and many things had changed since then. He walks towards the Duke and bows.

"Noble Duke of Brittany!
I am Sir Louis d Rochford, and I have come from the noble nation of France to represent my nation here in Brittany, should you accept me?

My King, Louis XI of France, was very pleased to once again get good news from your realm, and your ambassador was accepted very well in Grenoble. We hope that this is the reopening of the close relations between Brittany and France, and that our nations will continue to cooperate in the future!"

He bows and awaits and answer.

 

[AugCaesar]

As the Duke is told that an ambassador from France has arrived, he smiles. He was beginning to wonder if the lack of a french presence was on purpose. At least this was a sign of goodwill

Welcome, Sir Louis, the Duke began, It gladdens me to have a representative of the Noble Louis XI in my court. This is signs of a rebirth of brotherhood amongst the nobles of France. I shall have my chancellor see to your quarters.

Armand?

The Duke motions to the Chancellor who quickly approaches the Ambassador gesturng him down the hall

 

[unmerged(9167)]

Pharas spoke to Duke but it seemed as if he is broken man,

My Lord, Roman Army was defeated severly. We recently secured 3 perhaps 4 loans. So, I ask you for more loans. We could still win or at least stand longer. We need the money more than ever. Please help my people. I just had heard that my family who was living in the City that is beyond the oldest wall of Constantinople, wall of Constantine, was massacred and raped. Turks hold the Constantinople, all of but of the oldest part. There are reports of butchery, debauchy, massacres, and defiling of Churches, and on so.

He then fell silent, looking as if he had lost a nation and is hoping to getting it back but needed alot. He is also grieving for his dead family.

 

[AugCaesar]

The Duke look saddened upon hearing Pharas' news. This man who came to his land in such glory and so proud of his land, was but a shell of himself. Still he could not just sign off the whole treasury.

Pharas it saddens me that such an ill fate has befallen you, your noble Emperor, and all Christian men. Alas I must hold from offering the loan that you request.

I am not refusing this loan but I must consult more indepth with my treasurer and the prefects of the cities. I hope that you can have patience and assure you that whether the answer is yes or no you will have ample warning on the disposition of your loan request.

The Duke's demeanor improved a bit as he continued.

Come Pharas there are no more people to visit at court today let us retire to the chapel and pray for the souls of all of those in Constantinople...and enjoy a meal together.

 

[unmerged(9167)]

Pharas spoke,

Thank you for your honestry. I shall await your decision. Yes, let us pray for the souls of dead in Constantinople. Thank you for offering. yes, I would like to eat the meal with you, my friend.

 

[AugCaesar]

The Duke and Pharas had spent a good while in the chapel in silent prayer, Pharas obviously moved by the recent events. Eventually they retired to dine. The Duke had arranged for a small meal this evening, just himself, the Duchess, and Pharas himself. The mood was silent and somber at the table as the Duchess made attempts at small talk with Pharas and her husband, but no one seemed very talkative. Finally the Duke spoke directly to Pharas.

I know how it must feel to hear such ill tidings and to be so far from home, you must feel helpless, but I do not know if your sitation is so dire as you think. Soon the new Holy Father shall be established and I'm certain he shall rally the nobles of Europe to your defense as not only is the Empire under attack but the Knight Hospitalleers and the island of Cyprus. His holiness would never standby and let these bastions of Christianity fall to the infidels. I only wish there was more I could do here....

What have you heard about possible aid, be it militarily or economically for your lands in the east? We were not the only ones to offer funds to you for your war were we?

The Duke turned to Pharas inquisitively

 

[unmerged(10498)]

Eleonore speaks to the Duke.

Your brother my lord is very handsome nearly as handsome as you. My cousin ask me to inform you that we both accept this proposal and look forward to the marriage. With your permission we shall marry here as my cousin shall not attend as my own father has been announced a traitor and she must deal with him but my cousin know that for sure I am no way connected with my fathers plot. I have a letter for you.

Dearest John.

As I am sure my neice told you I have had her father arrested for treason. But my Sources indicate that she is in no way connected to now she has over taken her father at Heir Apparent to The Duchy of Bourbonnais. I shall unfortunatly not be able to attend the Wedding but hope that you will allow your Brother and my Cousin reside in Bourbonnais as for the Time being she is my heir.

I await your reply.

Written on this day July 9th 1436 by Geneveive Duchess of Bourbonnais in Scotland.


As you can see we both hope that this alliance will cement or royal and Noble houses together.

 

[AugCaesar]

The Duke smiles as he opens a letter before him at his desk, though quickly his smile turns wry. After a bit he motiones to a scribe nearby. The scribe gathers a quil and paper and sits at a nearby desk.

Please draft what I say as a letter for Genievive du Bourbonnais.

Her Grace, Duchess Genievie du Bourbonnais

I hope this letter finds you well. I must say I am delighted to hear that you have approved this marriage as is my brother Francois. Though I do have some concerns and reservations which I would like to clarify before I permit the marriage to commence. I assure you in the meantime I will keep your cousin in the grandest of lodging and see to all her needs.

My conditions would be that as the husband to the heir to the throne of Bourbonnais, as is right, my brother assumes the role of heir, until his or your death. I assume as well that there would be a dowry of estates so that Francois can support himself and your cousin in Bourbannais. As Francois would be a vassal to both of us I feel this would definitely strengthen our relations, and possibly we could follow this with a written pact?

I must tell you that by sending Francois to Bourbanais I will be losing not only my High Admiral, but also a competent warrior, general, and administrator, as well as close friend and strong loyal presence in my court. I hope you can entreat my requests and I can beginning planning of this wedding, though it saddens me that you can not attend.

his grace John VI Montrod, Duke and Sovereign of Brittany

 

[AugCaesar]

It was a bright clear day, warmer than usual for this time of year, though welcome after the harsh winter. Duke John and his brother Francois were strolling through the garden at Suscinio Castle, discussing his potential marriage to Eleonore du Bourbonnais.

Entrance to the Gardes at Suscinio

She is indeed a beautiful women brother, Francois says stopping for a second She seems competent as well. If I did not have to leave the fleet and Brittany I would be overjoyed, though I still think I shall be happy, perhaps the Duchess of Bourbonnais will have some use of me. [/i]

She'd be a fool to not employ you Francois, answers the Duke, breathing in deeply the light fragrant air of the garden. I think you will be happy Francois, I would not send you off to be married if I did not think it good for you, and worry not about the fleet Sir Gilles seems to be proving himself well over in Cornwall, and his father was a man of the sea, just as Gilles will prove to be.

Francois smiled half-heartedly and nodded. The sun shone brightly above them and beat down strongly on their shoulders. Sweat beaded on their foreheads as they slowly meandered their way through the trees and flowers. Eventually they come to sit at a stone slab seat near a small pond towards the middle of the garden. The Duke sighed and leaned forward.

I have decided Francois, after your wedding, if it does happen, I shall sail to Rome and pay homage to the new Holy Father, it would be my first trip to Italy as well. I shall try and see where the pope stands on these wars in the East that we have tried to support and if the Eastern Roman Empire still stands I may visit there too and offer help in the reconstruction of Constantinople.

Yes, you have been a bit out of yourself lately, I think you need a voyage or something John.

Francois smiled as he responded, he was glad of his brother's drive and motivation, and gladder to see him putting it to some better use than paperwork at his desk. They continued to chat on for quite some time when the sound of running feet was heard from behind them. Both men jumped to their feet, Francois stood in front of the Duke grabbing his sword hilt, John was unarmed. As the feet turned the corner it was one of the Duchess' attendants. She stopped before them and curtsied quickly. She had wild smile of a lunatic on her face as she began to speak.

Your Grace! Duchess Genievieve, your wife, IS PREGNANT!!!!!!!!!!Thou shalt have an heir!

 

[unmerged(10239)]

A letter arrives for the Duke.

John VI Montford,

I have no qualms at all with your proposal to include the Eastern Roman Empire and Aquitane into the Biscay Trade Pact, infact I think it would certainly be beneficial for all involved.

I must apologise for my late reply.

By his own hand in Madrid,

 

[Lord E]

The ambassador from France, Sir Louis d Rochford, enters the court.

"Noble Duke of Brittany!
King Louis of France, likes co-operations with his neighbours, and especially with in Gaul. Therefore we have wishes to sign a trade treaty with Brittany so that trade may flourish in Gaul, and if you have any interest for it we could also make the treaty affect mutual defence, and economic support.
King Louis think that it is important that the nations of French people has as good relations as possible, and that we have a lot of co operation.

We wonder if you would have any interest in any treaty like this?"

 

[AugCaesar]

Duke John listens intently to d' Rochford and affirmingly nods a few times as he speaks. When the ambassador is finished the Duke contemplates for a bit, setting back in his chair, and then finally answers.

Send word to the King of France that Brittany is open to trade, but weary of any sort of military alliance, as its military assets are not great and tying them up in a major alliance could lead to disaster for the Duchy...though if a creative pact or something could be designed...I may be able to ratify it. I urge you though that we are more than open to trade agreements. Tell his highness that if he can forward a draft of something formal for me to peruse I would be more than happy to look over it.

 

[Lord E]

Sir Louis d Rochford speaks again.

"Noble Duke!
I was not the thoughts of the King to make an alliance, he only though of a pact where our nations promise to support each other financially and diplomatically, and may be if you want to have a article saying that if one of the nation comes in war, they can ask the other to help, but the other do not have to do it.

We are glad that you find a trade treaty nice, and I wonder what you feel about the other things I have said?"

 

[AugCaesar]

John listened to the ambassador's response and spoke again with a smile.

I would be glad to sign a treaty of trade and optional military and financial aid. As I said I just do not want to tie up my forces too much, though rather a treaty of preferential treatment when it comes to requests, as you said, should be very good. Well than are there any other issues you would like to address good ambassador?

 

[Lord E]

"No, this sounds very fine. I will at once tell the King of your thoughts and I will see to that a draft for this treat is made."

 

[Lord E]

Sir Louis d Rochford enters the room with a draft for the treaty. He gives it to the duke.

Treaty of trade and mutual support between France and Brittany.

I.
The nation of France promise to let all merchants from the nation of Brittany, the right to re supply trade and rest in all cities and harbours of France.

II.
The nation of Brittany promise to let all merchants from the nation of France, the right to re supply trade and rest in all cities and harbours of Brittany.


III.
France will lower her tariffs on all goods traded with merchants from Brittany, and merchants from Brittany will pay no tax on trade in the nation of France.

IV.
Brittany will lower her tariffs on all goods traded with merchants from France, and merchants from France will pay no tax on trade in the nation of Brittany.

V.
In case of any of the nations being involved in a war, the other will see in favour upon requests for loan from the other nation.

VI.
In case of any of the nations being declared a state of war upon, they have they right to ask the other nations for support to defend them self, the other nation do can how ever fully decide for them self if they want to aid.

VII.
The nations will do their best to help the other in case of a war. Should they choose not to take part in the war, they will try to help the other diplomatically.

"Noble Duke.
This is a draft for the treaty, what do you think?"

 

[Wulfram]

A letter arrives from Aquitaine

"John VI, Duke of Brittany,

My advisors inform me that this treaty would be profitable, and most of it I am glad to accept.

The seventh clause is troublesome however. I do not feel able to commit myself to a treaty of non-aggression. Of course, I see no reason why I should come into conflict with your Grace, or his Majesty the King of Castille. I must, however, be free to serve my King, should he call me to arms. I also am concerned that, since I would have little influence on any future members, I might find myself unable to act against someone who seeks to cause harm to myself or my King.

If that could be omitted, then I would be happy to join. Alternatively, perhaps an agreement could be made between Aquitaine and the Biscay Trade Pact without us actually joining.

Henry Percy, Duke of Aquitaine and Earl of Northumberland"

 

[AugCaesar]

Originally posted by Lord E
Sir Louis d Rochford enters the room with a draft for the treaty. He gives it to the duke.

Treaty of trade and mutual support between France and Brittany.

I.
The nation of France promise to let all merchants from the nation of Brittany, the right to re supply trade and rest in all cities and harbours of France.

II.
The nation of Brittany promise to let all merchants from the nation of France, the right to re supply trade and rest in all cities and harbours of Brittany.


III.
France will lower her tariffs on all goods traded with merchants from Brittany, and merchants from Brittany will pay no tax on trade in the nation of France.

IV.
Brittany will lower her tariffs on all goods traded with merchants from France, and merchants from France will pay no tax on trade in the nation of Brittany.

V.
In case of any of the nations being involved in a war, the other will see in favour upon requests for loan from the other nation.

VI.
In case of any of the nations being declared a state of war upon, they have they right to ask the other nations for support to defend them self, the other nation do can how ever fully decide for them self if they want to aid.

VII.
The nations will do their best to help the other in case of a war. Should they choose not to take part in the war, they will try to help the other diplomatically.

"Noble Duke.
This is a draft for the treaty, what do you think?"

The Duke answers briefly

This is aggreable to the me, I shall sign if we are ready.

 

[Lord E]

Sir Louis d Rochford smiles at the DUke.

"Yes, we are ready. I have the right to sign for France, so we can sign it now at once."

He takes forward the treaty and signes it, and gives it to the duke to sign.


Treaty of trade and mutual support between France and Brittany.

I.
The nation of France promise to let all merchants from the nation of Brittany, the right to re supply trade and rest in all cities and harbours of France.

II.
The nation of Brittany promise to let all merchants from the nation of France, the right to re supply trade and rest in all cities and harbours of Brittany.


III.
France will lower her tariffs on all goods traded with merchants from Brittany, and merchants from Brittany will pay no tax on trade in the nation of France.

IV.
Brittany will lower her tariffs on all goods traded with merchants from France, and merchants from France will pay no tax on trade in the nation of Brittany.

V.
In case of any of the nations being involved in a war, the other will see in favour upon requests for loan from the other nation.

VI.
In case of any of the nations being declared a state of war upon, they have they right to ask the other nations for support to defend them self, the other nation do can how ever fully decide for them self if they want to aid.

VII.
The nations will do their best to help the other in case of a war. Should they choose not to take part in the war, they will try to help the other diplomatically.

[X]Sir Louis d Rochford, for France.
[X]

 

[AugCaesar]

Originally posted by Lord E
Sir Louis d Rochford smiles at the DUke.

"Yes, we are ready. I have the right to sign for France, so we can sign it now at once."

He takes forward the treaty and signes it, and gives it to the duke to sign.


Treaty of trade and mutual support between France and Brittany.

I.
The nation of France promise to let all merchants from the nation of Brittany, the right to re supply trade and rest in all cities and harbours of France.

II.
The nation of Brittany promise to let all merchants from the nation of France, the right to re supply trade and rest in all cities and harbours of Brittany.


III.
France will lower her tariffs on all goods traded with merchants from Brittany, and merchants from Brittany will pay no tax on trade in the nation of France.

IV.
Brittany will lower her tariffs on all goods traded with merchants from France, and merchants from France will pay no tax on trade in the nation of Brittany.

V.
In case of any of the nations being involved in a war, the other will see in favour upon requests for loan from the other nation.

VI.
In case of any of the nations being declared a state of war upon, they have they right to ask the other nations for support to defend them self, the other nation do can how ever fully decide for them self if they want to aid.

VII.
The nations will do their best to help the other in case of a war. Should they choose not to take part in the war, they will try to help the other diplomatically.

[X]Sir Louis d Rochford, for France.
[X]John VI Montford, Duke of Brittany