His Lordship Arrives...

[Hawkesbury]

In the early hours of the morning a messenger arrived at Lothbury Estate with a parchment for the Lord of the House. The letter bore the wax sigil of a man with whom Lord Guillaume had never before corresponded. Whether the Councilor would recognize it as the crest of the Lord of Hawkesbury was unknown to the young messenger, nor did he really care. In fact, as soon as the missive was handed to the footboy at the door of Lothbury, the messenger turned and left without ceremony.

[INDENT]
To the venerable Lord Giscard Guillaume of Lothbury Estate, Interim Governor, Councilor of the Myrken Wood Judiciary Council In Regard To Commerce and Trade, Etc.; Greetings.

It is at this earliest convenience that I announce my arrival in Myrkentown. I beg your pardon for the delay of my communiqué but upon my arrival and subsequent inspection of the Myrken lands granted upon me by His Majesty King Chedwry II, it was discovered that the conditions of the estates at Amesbury reside in a most paltry state. Of course, that is to insure, I am certain that His Majesty had no knowledge of the disrepair and it is taken as no slight by His Majesty upon my person, rather I am overjoyed of the second peerage bestowed by His Royal Highness.

However, until the completion of the repairs of Amesbury Estate or until superior lodgings may be obtained, I have taken up a room at a most unbeseeming establishment known as the Broken Dagger. It is most apparently an inn of questionable status; though I have been quite assured of it’s being the best in the Wood. Wherefore, should your Lordship find himself in need of correspond, all missives should be sent by the care of the innkeeper.

I would take get pleasure from an audience with your Lordship and hereto make such a request formally so that we may better acquaint. I feel that this is most important seeing as we will apparently be working together a great deal more in the future. I am most certain that you will agree. This may occur at your earliest convenience, as I wish you no burden whatever. Upon this time, mayhap you will be able to recommend a fine Master Builder to see to Amesbury as well.

I look forward to your council and am available to you upon request.

Done by my hand, this Sixth of July Anno Regalis Two Hundred and Six,

Aldwin Meriwether Gilby, 3rd Baron Hawkesbury, 1st Baron Amesbury[/indent]

It was clear that Lord Hawkesbury believed Giscard was expecting him, but what the young Lord could want was likely to escape the Lord of Lothbury. Perhaps there were some other letters, prior to this one, that should have been delivered to Lothbury but never were.

Regardless, it seemed that there was only one way to find out--the two noblemen must meet.

[Waverley]

The young messenger is ignorant as to whether Lord Guillaume will recognise that crest; similarly, he likely arrives quite unaware of the rush of business and parchment that has been flowing in and out of Lothbury this very morning. His is not the first missive received; it is far from being the last, and as it happens, this expedites the courier's progress. He will enjoy swift admittance to the Estate proper, its tall gates opened with very little hesitation; he will be escorted directly to the manor's doors, where he may deliver his burden to one of the elegantly-clad fellows who stand available there.

Free to leave, he may actually fail to notice the care with which he has been observed throughout his approach -- and with which he is regarded as he makes his exit from the Estate.

The good Lord Hawkesbury himself will also experience a little of this caution, for there is no missive left for him in the hands of that tavern's keeper. Instead, there is sent a courier to his very own door by some time past noon, bright of eye and pretty of manners, and with a scroll that she will entrust to his own hands -- or that of an adjutant, if she must. It reads as follows:
[INDENT]
I, Giscard Guillaume, Lord of Lothbury Estate, Interim Governor, Councilor of the Myrken Wood Judiciary Council In Regard To Commerce and Trade, Etc.; to the Lord Aldwin Meriwether Gilby, third Baron Hawkesbury, first Baron Amesbury:

Greetings.

I hope that you will excuse the delay of this response; Myrken Wood faces numerous challenges at this time, and they command the majority of my time. Having spent some of your own time within our borders, you have surely received word of these matters; I will waste neither ink nor your time on the further detailing of them.

Rather, it is my pleasure to welcome you to our territory, both as Lord of Lothbury Estate, and upon the Council's behalf. It is my sincere hope that your journey here has been pleasant, and that your person has remained unmolested throughout it; furthermore, that your business in our small territory will prove to be profitable. If I may provide aid in any such matter, do not hesitate to call upon me.

As regards the audience you propose: while you have come upon us in turbulent times, I am of course more than willing to set time aside for such a meeting. Indeed, to make your aquaintance would be a pleasure. If you would be so kind as to send word via my courier as to the hour and date thatwould best suit you, the appropriate arrangements shall be made.

Until that time, I remain yours in anticipation,

Giscard Guillaume.



P.S.: Hughes Brickenden is well-regarded as a master of all matters concerning masonry. He has produced a fine effect upon the left wing of our own manor, and I recommend his skills without reservation.

P.P.S: The Broken Dagger! My sympathies on your accomodations. I do hope that you have travelled here with a contingent of guardsmen; if not, I advise that you make such arrangements with haste.

- G.[/INDENT]